Student Guide 2010 by New Times Media Group, San Luis Obispo

The essential guide to your home away from home

Fall 2010

Satisfy your hunger

with local eats and coffee shops, learn money-making secrets, ﬁnd the right outﬁt, and discover more about Cal Poly, Cuesta, and this amazing community …

Meet successful alumni who stuck around Avoid ﬁnes that catch unaware freshmen See San Luis Obispo from two wheels

Find romantic spots to share with someone Raise your voice with fellow student activists A NEW TIMES SPECIAL PUBLICATION

2 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 3

4 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

Welcome to College 101 A

These former students stuck around 6 Fill your belly without draining your wallet 16

fter four years of AP classes, community service, afterschool clubs, and SAT study sessions, high school is

Don’t break the law—seriously

You, too, can make good money

finally over and your reward is finally here.

Ditch the car; ride a bike around town 26

Of course, you could be transferring to this area from

some other school, in which case you’ve already seen some

of your reward. To you I say, the rest of your reward is finally here.

You’re attending college on the Central Coast, away from your par-

Throw down some major caffeine

Kill time if you’ve got it at Cuesta

Stock your own medicine cabinet

ents (hopefully), in one of the prettiest places on Earth. Get ready for years of intensive lectures, study groups, and research papers. Hooray! It’s not all work and no play, of course. College is your opportunity to exercise your newfound freedom as a full-fledged adult. But what do you do with it? Living in a strange new place with a heap of new responsibilities can be overwhelming. There’s so much you can do and so little time between classes.

Make a fashion splash in downtown SLO 38

That’s why New Times compiled this handy-dandy guide to student life in San Luis Obispo and its environs. The infor-

Pssst: Want to know secrets to success? 43

mation found in these pages will put you ahead of the pack, ensuring that you and your friends make the most of

Break out of the four walls around you 45

your time here. Whether you’re looking for a place to take a date, ways to keep

Get active and make a difference

your parties cop-free, or some simple

study tips, this guide is tailor made for you—as in you, the student, not you, Mark

Save your best moves for these locales 51

Roberts from Fresno, who’s declared architectural engineering as a major. Some of these articles will help right off the bat;

Hit the bottle with help from this list 52

others you might not need until you’re broke and riddled with swine flu. So give this guide a once over, and stash it under your bed with your “private” reading materials. You’ll be glad you did.

Don’t say “cougar” like it’s a bad thing 55 Nick Powell

Student Guide editor and Cuesta student

PUBLISHERS Bob Rucker Alex Zuniga

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Ryan Miller

CONTRIBUTORS

Alicia Kiley Ariel P. Khan Matt Fountain James Woodward Lauren Rose Marin Kautz

STUDENT GUIDE EDITOR Nick Powell

PHOTOGRAPHER Steve E. Miller

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

EDITORIAL DESIGN Heather Walter Jeff Cannon Alex Zuniga

PROOFREADING Susan Stewart

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING Charles Neale Gerencser

ADVERTISING

Topher Cajas Katy Gray Anica Julian Rhonda O’Dell Laura Reese Rene Rodriguez Tracey Joyner Scuri Georgia Shore Colleen Garcia Jamie Zlotky

PRODUCTION

Christy Serpa Brendan Rowe Dora Mountain Jason Cope

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 5

! T U O T I K C CHE BUY THESE:

by the author of:

The Memoirs of JOE PATANE from the Miami Cast OF MTV’s THE REAL WORLD. Several cast members of the Learn To Hip Hop series can be seen in: 90210, Will & Grace, Donnie Darko, Ghost Whisperer, Dancing with the Stars, “So You Think You Can Dance”, The Incredibles, MANY music videos & much, much more !

THEN TELL HIM HOW TO DO IT BETTER!

www.JoesWorld.org The Patane Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 corporation funded by Joe Patane, family, and friends interested in providing support for youth leadership, counseling, media literacy, education, and technology initiatives worldwide. We seek to empower participating youth to find their strengths through exposure to the arts, sciences, wellness, and more.

facebook.com/joesfund twitter.com/joepatane

ew n r o f g n i Cast e health & uniqu deos for vi s s e n l l e w & t: c a t n o C . s d kids by ki @me.com JoesFund

6 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

The whole point BY NICK POWELL PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

ith the excitement and newly found freedom inherent in college life, it’s often easy to forget the real reason we’re here: the diploma. And the dollars that come with it, right? Sure, finding yourself and all that jazz is important, but we’re here for the American Dream, baby, and in case you ever feel discouraged or defeated—like you’ll never make it through all this homework and it can’t possibly be worth the effort—here are a few success stories to keep you chugging along. After all, you could be the next … . Δ

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 7

2 convenient locations! 2140 santa barbara st. and 181 suburban rd. art’s is a proud sponsor of the cal poly triathalon team, and has been voted best bike shop in slo for 25 years!

road • mountain • cruisers • town bikes • fixies & more Always 10% off Bikes, 15% off Clothing, Parts and accessories with your student I.D. Tune up special : $39.99 for a full tune up!

8 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

age: 60 occupation: residential designer/contractor/ co-owner of Dos Osos Timberworks degree: BS in city and regional planning from Cal Poly, MS from University of Oregon how school helped: “College exposed me to the wider world of architecture, the influences of Europe and Asia.” favorite thing about the job: “A house is a big expenditure, and people have to take a leap of faith with us. When they believe in you and they get what they wanted, they really appreciate it. You end up being friends for a long time.” why he stayed in San Luis Obispo: “I didn’t. I worked in Southern California for a long time, but I came back here for the surfing.”

Bill Hurley

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 9

10 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

209 Madonna Road, San Luis Obispo

805-544-GEMS

SLOGlitters.com

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 11

age: 33 occupation: winemaker/ general manager of Derby Wine Estates degree: BS in food science from Cal Poly how school helped: “I use what I learned in school every day, but it’s extremely important to have that balance between going to class and getting work experience. You can have five degrees and still be lacking in fundamentals.” favorite thing about the job: “The job’s always changing. Last week, I was pouring at an event in Santa Barbara. Soon, we’ll be harvesting and bottling. It never gets dull.” why she stayed in San Luis Obispo: “I was lucky to get to stay. The Central Coast is one of the most beautiful places to live.”

Tiffanie Vierra STUDENT GUIDE ’10

12 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 13

Kyle Wiens

age: 26 occupation: entrepreneur/ owner of ifixit.com degree: BS in computer science from Cal Poly how school helped: “Being a broke student in the dorms is what prompted me to start a business, and the communication skills I learned in college are tremendously useful— especially the technical writing skills.” favorite thing about the job: “Changing the world.” why he stayed in San Luis Obispo: “It’s a marvelous place to be, and we have so many students working for us. It would be impossible to leave.”

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

14 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010 age: 29 occupation: artist degree: AA in studio arts from Cuesta how school helped: “Cuesta opened up new fields for me. I made connections with students and found mentors in Jason Myer and David Prochaska.” favorite thing about the job: “It helps me find myself. I just love to paint, especially people. I always drew, even in Dubai where it wasn’t respected. I was so limited there, and now I can do whatever I want.” why she came to San Luis Obispo: “I grew up in Dubai amidst religious and gender persecution. I was against my arranged marriage and fled to Toronto as a refugee. That’s where I met my husband, who introduced me to the idea of Cuesta and San Luis Obispo. It’s beautiful here, with wonderful hiking.”

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

Majida Fazal

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 15

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16 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

Sea for yourself

Feed

Shin’s Sushi on PHOtO BY steVe e. mIlleR Monterey Street in SLO serves up delicious dishes at a good price. tacos for a dollar

yourself, not their wallets

Cheap eats for budget-conscious students

imes can be financially tight for students, so it’s good to know where you and your friends can grab an affordable bite. With a wide variety of local eateries to choose from, you won’t be disappointed in restaurants that are easy on your wallet.

G. Brothers

885 Foothill Blvd., SLO (544-6465) Barbecue is notorious for its huge portions, and G. Broth-

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

ers is no exception. With a wide variety of food to choose from— like their classic pulled pork or tri-tip steak sandwiches, to meals with a Mexican flair, like their $1 tacos served from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday—G. Brothers will satisfy the appetite of most starving students. Most of their barbecue plates and sandwiches come with a choice of sides—fries, coleslaw, or beans. Many dishes range from $7 to $9, so you likely can’t beat the price with as much food as you get.

BY JAMES WOODWARD Cuesta alumnus

Chilie Peppers

2121 Broad St., SLO (541-9154) 791 East Foothill Blvd., SLO (541-8591) Chilie Peppers has become a staple of the college “go-to” cuisine. It offers a wide menu of grande burritos, and students come to grab tasty Mexican dishes offered at a great price. Both locations offer Taco Tuesdays, when you can get your choice of beef, pork, or chicken

each. The Chilie Peppers on Broad offers $1 tacos on Taco Thursdays as well, while the Chilie Peppers on Foothill offers “The Deal” from 4 to 7 p.m.: Get a burrito, side of chips, and a drink for $5.49.

Shin’s Sushi

1023 Monterey St., SLO (543-2348) Sushi and hand-made rolls for half price—need I say more? If you’re a student looking for exotic food encounters, you and your friends will sooner or later travel to Shin’s Sushi. Shin’s has been consistently slashing prices when it comes to delicious seafood, and locals and college students alike show up in droves to enjoy the plethora of sushi available. Sushi that starts as low as $4 simply can’t be beat and continues to snag people’s attention so they can try Shin’s Sushi for themselves. EATS continued on page 18

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 17

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18 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010 EATS from page 16 PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

Fatte’s Pizza

2161 Broad St., SLO (543-2457) Fatte’s offers something amazing for San Luis Obispo County: two pizzas for the price of one. Facing more than 20 toppings to choose from and three different sauces to top your pizza (classic red, white garlic, or BBQ), you’ll have no choice but to put Fatte’s on speed dial so you can try all the combinations. Head toward All of their pizzas, the light small to extra large, can be had two for The Neon Carrot one (print the coupon presents great food from fattespizza.net) that’s good for your and range from $10 to health and wallet. $25, depending on size and amount of toppings.

Taco Roco

281 Santa Rosa St., SLO (784-0502) 3230 Broad St., SLO (543-2810) 11560 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO (545-9558) It’s easy to see how the demand for Taco Roco has been growing—they’ve got three locations in San Luis Obispo.

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

EATS continued on page 20

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 19

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20 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010 EATS from page 18

That’s because Taco Roco delivers on great Mexican food at an affordable price. Be sure to try one of their combination plates, such as the slow-roasted pork (carnitas style) or grilled steak fajitas. Both are priced around $8 to $9 and are served with sides of rice and beans. Also, take advantage of the free chips and salsa while eating there, as well as some of the specials, like the two-forone breakfast burritos on Wednesdays at the Santa Rosa location.

High Street Deli

350 High St., SLO (541-4738) High Street Deli makes sure everyone goes home full with its stacked sandwiches filled with delicious toppings and an abundance of meats. Most of their tasty sandwiches can be served hot or cold, and they’re typically priced around $6 to $8. What sets High Street Deli apart, however, is the “420 special.” At 4:20 p.m., all of High Street Deli’s sandwiches can be purchased for $4.20—but make sure you get there early, because the lines for this notorious special can be long, and the special only lasts until 5 p.m.

Franks Famous Hot Dogs

950 California Blvd., SLO (541-3488)

Bali’s Self Serve Frozen Yogurt

890 Foothill Blvd., SLO (542-0328) 949 Higuera St., SLO (594-1172) If you’re craving a sweet treat any time of the day (or some of the night), Bali’s is the first place you should try. The shops provide a variety of different frozen yogurts to mix and match with a wide selection of toppings, including M&Ms, Oreo cookies, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, and Snickers. If you’re looking to keep your frozen yogurt experience on the healthier side, Bali’s offers fat-free and sugarfree frozen yogurt, as well as fruit to top of your delicious treat. Bali’s charges by the ounce, so your creation probably won’t cost you more than $3—unless you’re satisfying a huge “fro-yo” craving.

Conveniently located near the Cal Poly campus, Franks offers mouthwatering burgers and delicious hot dogs at a great price. Specials at Franks include mini-burgers for 99 cents on Mondays, Hot Dog Happy Hour on Tuesdays (when most of their hot dogs cost less than $3), and Monster Burger Wednesdays, featuring a jumbo burger patty that will fill you up for less than $5. Don’t forget to stop by in the morning, since Franks offers great breakfast plates, sandwiches, and burritos ranging from $4 to $6—a perfect cure for that nasty hangover.

Neon Carrot

3536 South Higuera St., SLO (545-0000) Here’s a place where you can get a great bite to eat and not feel guilty about hurting your wallet or your health. The Neon Carrot buys much of its menu from local and organic farms to produce some of the freshest, most delicious dishes in SLO. Many of the dishes available won’t run you more

than $8, and because of its diligence to provide fresh ingredients, the Neon Carrot offers plenty of specials based on what’s in season. It also boasts a great half-sandwich and soup deal for $8.25, which features—you could probably figure this out—the soup of the day and half of a sandwich. Try the Carrot Club, served with turkey, avocado, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and a lemon caper mayo.

Gus’s Grocery

1638 Osos St., SLO (543-8165) Sandwiches, sides, and drinks come together at Gus’s—especially on the spacious patio, where locals gather to eat, talk, and enjoy the open air. There’s a grassy area nearby, so you could even grab something to satisfy your lunch hunger (a recent special involved chicken, jack cheese, mayo, and leaf lettuce on sourdough for $7.85—or $6.35 for a half) and cross the street for a picnic. Don’t forget to nab a batch of hot mojo potatoes. They’re not fries; they’re not chips; but they’re tasty. ∆ James Woodward is a Cuesta alumnus. Send comments to rmiller@newtimes slo.com.

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 21

22 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

START OUT ON TOP.

START ONE STEP AHEAD.

START LEADING FROM DAY ONE.

START STRONG. SM

There’s strong. Then there’s Army Strong. If you want to be a leader in life, joining Army ROTC at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is the strongest way to start. It provides hands-on leadership development. Plus you can earn a full-tuition, merit-based scholarship up to $60,000. After graduation, you’ll begin your career as an Officer. With a start like that, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. To enroll in MSL 101, contact Captain Hill or visit: http://rotc.calpoly.edu

Welcome toCal all Cal Incoming Freshmen and TransferStudents! Students! Welcome to all PolyPoly Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Enroll MSL 101, Foundations of Officership! Enroll in in MSL 101, Foundation of Officership! ©2008. 805-756-7690 email:jhill06@calpoly.edu jhill06@calpoly.edu Call Call 805-756-7690 or or email:

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 23

Crime makes you pay How to stay out of trouble and avoid becoming another statistic in SLO County BY MATT FOUNTAIN CAL POLY JOURNALISM ALUMNUS

small and limited to familiar people to avoid that midnight how-do-you-do by law enforcement. “I know I sometimes speak to my television during sporting events; I get it,” he said. “It’s just that when you add alcohol into the mix, it’s very easy for the volume to get out of hand, and you really have to think about your neighbors. It’s really a community issue, not just a student issue.” Parkinson suggested getting to know neighbors when you move in so they’ll feel comfortable enough to call you directly instead of going straight to the police. That, he said, could save the officers a lot of time and you and your landlord a lot of money in fines. Last year, he said, SLOPD responded to more than 3,000 calls for service because of loud parties. In a small college town where people regularly walk from house to house on weekend nights, drunk-in-public arrests and citations soar, and there seems to be confusion about the law, the captain said. First of all, SLO doesn’t have a sober clinic—or drunk tank, as they’re often known—like other such college cities as Santa Barbara. Those who’ve had too much to drink and can’t take care of themselves end up in the county jail until they sober up, and that’s not a fun place to be. Parkinson added that finding the least drunk person to drive home is another bad idea he often sees in practice. The driver gets a DUI and goes to jail, and the drunk passengers—who now have no way to get themselves home and thus can’t care for themselves—get a drunk in public. It’s as easy as that. Obviously, DUIs—“dooies”—suck. They look bad on your record, they require jail time, they eat up months for completing the tedious court-ordered diversion programs, they cost an arm and a leg and the big toe on the foot from the other leg, and they threaten health and life. And guess what? You now reside in the only county in the state that has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the

ew to town? If you’re going to live here for the next four years—or more—there are a few things you should know about the pretty little city you’ll be calling home. Guaranteed, there are tips the ASI rep who babysat you at orientation didn’t bother to mention, but are nonetheless crucial to ensuring you make it through to graduation quickly (state budget cuts and reduced class availability aside). First off, according to Cal Poly University Police Chief Bill Watton, parking is a major issue, and most of the tickets he sees are vehicle- or traffic-related. Parking without a permit or leaving a vehicle in front of an expired meter is a particularly bad idea at Poly, which employs a full-time parking enforcement staff that’s pretty much on top of it. Citations start in the $30 range and can go up from there if you’re a repeat offender. Illegally parked in a handicap spot? $300! The good news: The money you shell out for parking fines goes directly toward subsidizing the city buses, allowing them to keep Be safe services free for students. Yes, driver checkpoints Skateboarding is completely happen in San Luis Obispo, prohibited on campus, Watton said. Safety concerns. In the so stay sober if you plan to get first few weeks of the 2010 behind the wheel. Even if you’re spring quarter, he said, six under the limit, you could still skateboarding-related injuries get a “wet reckless.” which happened on campus, sending those involved to the hospital. isn’t as fun as it sounds. Get caught skateboarding, and you get a warning; get caught again, and you get cited—but with the option of taking a diversion class informing you of why it’s not a good idea. Beyond that, freebies fall away and fines can run up to more than $100 apiece. Most other problems on campus center on alcohol, Watton said. Drunk in public violations, open container violations, sexual assaults—they all seem to involve alcohol, he said. He recommends traveling in groups, not leaving anybody behind. The same applies off campus, said San Luis Police Department captain and current sheriff candidate Ian Parkinson. Most violations in town involving student-aged individuals revolve around alcohol consumption. “Drunk in public. Urinating in public. These two things generate a tremendous amount of police activity,” Parkinson said. “Combine those with noise violations and large parties, and those are really our biggest issues.” Parkinson suggests trying to keep any parties

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

influence. That means if you get pulled over and blow a .06 BAC, you’re still screwed. Under the legal limit of .08, you likely won’t get a full deuce, but face something called a “wet reckless,” which costs less than an actual DUI, but counts as a first offense should you get caught a second time. This has been a busy year for the city administration, which has cranked out no less than four new ordinances since April. Most notable is the public smoking ban. Though the law is supposed to be “selfregulating”—and officers typically offer a warning— repeat violations could hypothetically fetch up to $500. Lucky for SLO smokers, however, tobacco retailers and smoking patios common at a number of downtown venues are exempt from the sidewalk and park ban. A law probably most relevant to students is the “Unruly Gathering Ordinance,” which serves up hefty fines for gatherings of 20 or more people on private property that generate excessive noise or disturb the peace. People liable for such violations include the folks at the gathering, as well as property owners and landlords. And who can forget the duck-feeding ban? Officially titled the “Stormwater Ordinance,” it outlaws feeding those favored waterfowl, which the city claims pollute the groundwater with their crap. Finally, the city also expanded the “safety enhancement” ordinance implemented after the infamous 2004 Mardi Gras riot. Expect doubled fines for alcohol-related violations and other rowdy behavior up to $1,000 on Saint Patrick’s Day and Halloween, in addition to Mardi Gras. Legally speaking, SLO is an odd town, and it requires some getting used to. But you’ll adjust, hopefully without too many fines along the way. ∆ Matt Fountain is a New Times staff writer and Cal Poly journalism alumnus. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com. PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

24 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

Make

money, legitimately

Land a job with help from these career-launching tips

orget Disneyland; College is the happiest place on Earth. It’s filled with wild parties, awesome concerts, trendy clothes, and all sorts of knowledge. Unfortunately, all those things cost a pretty penny (especially the knowledge), and sooner or later the parental cash flow will run dry, the scholarships will fade, and the banks will wisely refuse to loan out any more dough. That’s when it’s time to grow up and get a job. It’s not fun, and with the recession still dragging along, it’s not easy. Luckily, you picked up a copy of New Times and happened upon this article, which is filled with all sorts of tips that’ll keep you rolling in the fat stacks.

The Internet

Be confident, friendly, and persistent, and you’ll probably get the job.

Campus resources

Cal Poly and Cuesta both have offices that help connect students to employers looking to hire people in your age range with your skill set. Call Cal Poly’s Career Services Center at 756-2501, Ext. 1, or Cuesta’s Career Connections at 546-3204 to make an appointment with a counselor. They offer other services as well, like helping you write and print résumés and playing host to occasional on-campus job fairs. If you’ve got an idea and the drive to implement it, Cuesta has a special office that’s open to all residents and helps people start their own small businesses. The Business and Entrepreneurship Center, run by Israel Dominguez, can help you get a loan, manage financial spreadsheets, and focus your business plan. “The single biggest growth opportunity is enterprise,” Dominguez said. “Why wait for someone to offer you a job when you can create your own?” Call him up at 546-3188. Classes can also help you score a job, even if they don’t directly apply to your major. Most service-sector jobs give extra points to bilingual applicants. Even one Spanish class can put you ahead

As one of those 21st century digital types, you’ll probably turn to the Internet first. This is a mistake. Sure, there are a ton of jobs offered through craigslist and the like, but there are also hundreds of people replying to those ads. I’m guessing your résumé with the part-time gig at some fast food joint during high school isn’t the most impressive one in the stack. The same applies to the big box stores that make you take a special computer quiz in the building. They’re simply overwhelmed with qualified candidates. You might be one of them—but you’re probMan with ably not. It’s not a bad idea to try, but don’t focus all a plan your effort on these kinds Israel Dominguez runs of gigs. The work for Cuesta’s Business and corporate chains is soulEntrepreneurship Center, crushing anyway. Internet ads and which helps locals start newspaper classifieds small businesses. can point you in the right direction, but meeting your potential employer face to face is essential. Don’t reply with an e-mail, and don’t call in. You have to go to the business in person. Wear something nice, bring a résumé, and ask for the manager. Getting an application from the lower-level employees and walking away won’t cut it. It’s a good idea to make actual conversation with the manager, even straying from business. The key is to make a connection that puts you ahead of the other applicants. Take the initiative to call back in a few days to try to schedule an interview. In customer-service jobs, communication and personality are more important than experience.

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

BY NICK POWELL Cuesta student

of the pack if you can fit it into your schedule early on. Marketing, sales, and computer classes are all pretty universally appreciated by employers. Besides technical training and general education, the best thing a student can get from a college experience is a list of contacts. Teachers know important people in the community, and those people sometimes need temporary interns or full-fledged workers. Take advantage of your teachers’ office hours, especially the ones involved in your major. Talk to them outside of class about stuff that has nothing to do with school. Make a real connection so they think of you when an employment opportunity pops up. You might get labeled a teacher’s pet, but you might also find the job that launches your career. (For instance, see these words you’re reading? I’m getting paid to write them, all because I befriended my journalism teacher who used to be an editor for New Times).

The interview

I’ve had the chance on several occasions to listen to managers discussing applicants post-interview, and I’m amazed at some of the seemingly obvious mistakes the applicants made. I shouldn’t have to write this, but it’s clear that I do. First, you’ve got to dress appropri-

ately. Conducting an interview in a T-shirt and sandals sends a clear message that you don’t care, but overdressing can make you seem out of touch. No manager is going to hire the kook who shows up to a burger-flipping interview wearing a suit and tie. The best bet all around is business casual: Blouses and skirt suits for the ladies, black pants and button-up shirts for the guys. Shower and shave before you go, and check your teeth for embarrassing leftovers. Conversation is obviously the key element of an interview. Be confident and friendly. Have some anecdotes prepared that connect your past experience with what you expect the job to be. They’re going to ask, and examples work best. But don’t get stuck in answer mode. Employers appreciate it when applicants ask questions about the job culture, the pay, the benefits, and the hours. It shows that you’re considering making a full-time commitment and that you’re confident enough of your own worth to expect legitimate compensation. If you follow these steps and don’t give up, you’ll land a job eventually. Even in this economy. ∆ Nick Powell is the Student Guide editor, a Cuesta student, and former editor of the Cuestonian. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com. PHOtO BY steVe e. MILLeR

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 25

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26 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

Bike

Avila Beach. This “city to the sea” scenic trail takes you away from the buzzing highway and among the hills. If you don’t already have a bike, where do you get one? Closest to campus is Foothill Cyclery at 767 Foothill Blvd. Downtown boasts a number of excellent bicycle shops staffed with knowledgeable cyclist fanatics: Arts Cyclery, Cambria Bicycle Outfitter, Wally’s Bike Shop, and San Luis Rides. Known for being biker friendly, SLO Town’s roads include separate bike lanes, allowing you to zip by slow traffic. And it’s one of the only towns in the country that has lights just for bicyclists. Check this out: Where Islay intersects Santa Barbara in front of the train station, a separate light with a bicycle symbol alBY ALYCIA KILEY SKIDMORE COLLEGE DANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES ALUMNA lows you to cross diagonally. A true triumph for the SLO biking Most important, though, is the freedom community is the Bike Coalition’s new ith campus and downtown two spacious spot on the corner of Morro (Bill minutes apart, Cal Poly students that comes with biking. Not dependent on a bus schedule, a parking space, or Roalman Bike Boulevard) and Pacific. don’t really need a car. A mini ample money in the bank, you are truly Aiming to promote cycling as a safe form community, campus has everything you free to move around. You are free to feel of transportation, the coalition encourneed, from food and school supplies to a the morning mist, be warmed by the sun, ages people to drop by 860 Pacific, suite gym and organic farm. and be encouraged along by spring winds. 105, to chat and pick up a map. Become If you’re trying to save money or pay With only a handful of “rainy” days a a member and receive discounts at bike off loans—as are a lot of students these year, San Luis’s dreamy weather makes shops and businesses, including Louisa’s days—biking is the perfect solution. It it the perfect place to bike. If you hail Place and FunRide. eliminates gas costs entirely. Plus, parkLocated in the heart of downtown, from just about any other state in this ing permits on campus cost hundreds the space is shared with Bike Kitchen. country, you’ll be delighted to find that of dollars a year, and metered parking If you ever need to replace a tire spoke, downtown requires handfuls of quarters. every day offers cycling weather. For the slightly more ambitious, biking pump your tires, grease your chain, or Biking this town is fast, easy, and do any kind of work on your ride, this cheap. Rather than parking blocks away, to the ocean makes for a fun Sunday acyou can glide right up to a building. You’ll tivity. The Bob Jones biking and walking is the place to go! A $5 day-use fee ($4 for coalition members) goes a long way. trail spits you out by the promenade in finally make it to class on time!

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Practicing what she preaches Alycia Kiley pedals around town and encourages others to do the same.

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

Expert bikers take the time to teach you the skills to fix your bike and provide the parts. Donation based, the kitchen offers an overwhelming wealth of materials, from the tiniest bolts to tires, handlebars, and pumps. A free Bike Education workshop (Sept. 25) provides skills to transform you into an empowered commuter cyclist. The kitchen is open and bustling Wednesday and Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. On the first Thursday of every month, the community comes together for Bike Happening, a lively celebration of two-wheeled transportation. Leaving from Mission Plaza at 9:30 p.m., this is a truly extraordinary and amusing gathering. People of all ages show up in unique costume—their interpretation of the month’s theme. It’s an opportunity to see young men in diapers, tall bikes (two or three rides welded together), vintage tricycles, and the infamous panda posse. Finally, yes, it’s true: You can receive a CUI (Cycling Under the Influence). If you’re caught weaving the streets after a few too many beers, you can get pulled over by a cop and slapped with a $250 fine. So be smart: Wear a helmet, stop at stop signs and lights, and illuminate the front and back of your bike for night riding. ∆ Alycia Kiley is a Skidmore College dance and environmental studies alumna. Send her comments via rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 27

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28 2 • • STUDENT GUIDE 2010 STUDENT GUIDE 2010 FILe PHOtO

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he defining choice you make in college won’t be which major to study, or with which roommate to live. No, these arbitrary decisions pale in comparison to choosing which coffee shop to call home. It’s a declaration of who you are and what matters most. There’s no right spot for everyone, but with so many places in SLO to get your caffeine fix, one of them will be right for you.

Black Horse Espresso and Café

1065 Higuera St., unit 101 • 783-1300 3590 Broad St., suite 150 • 439-1300 Black Horse is the place to be, always. From its early morning

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

Sweet, sweet caffeine Pick any of the shops on this list and make it your own.

opening till its 11 p.m. closing time, people from all walks of life looking to get some of that famous Black Horse foam (it’s just so creamy) filter through. The outdoor patio with its warm fireplace is a great spot to chill with friends and catch the occasional poem or acoustic ballad. If you’re looking to study, bring an iPod to drown out the noise. If you’re looking for good coffee and conversation, look no further.

Linnaea’s Café

1110 Garden St. • 541-5888 This place is heaven for hippies. Their coffee is all organic, fair trade, and shade grown. The expansive breakfast and lunch menu is entirely COFFEE continued on page 29

2010 STUDENTGUIDE GUIDE •3 2010 STUDENT • 29 COFFEE from page 29

vegetarian. They bake everything in house, and the carrot cake is so good, I can’t even make similes for it. Nothing compares. They have live music and outdoor movies in their serene garden patio, where vines and flowers cover the walls and little koi fish swim in a gurgling pond.

Steynberg Gallery 1531 Monterey St. • 547-0278

If culture is your thing, Steynberg Gallery is your new home. There’s awesome modern art on every wall, exotic baskets and pottery, poetry readings, small plays, lectures—basically anything you might need to put you in touch with the elusive muse. Every Tuesday is singer/songwriter night, so bring the axe and try out some of your material. Sample the chocolate Americano for a sweet kick, and be sure to drop in on the weekends when they ramp up the kitchen for sandwiches, wraps, salads, and curries. They offer different vegan dishes daily, so there’s always something for everyone.

West End Espresso and Tea 670 Higuera St. • 543-4902

Located near the mission and San Luis Obispo Creek, this quieter coffee shop is a nice spot with lots of seating where you can study alone or enjoy a conversation with a friend. Works by local artists adorn the walls, and its tea selection is one of the best in town. If you start your Farmers’ Market walk at Woodstock’s and Firestone, this shop at the opposite end is a good place to grab a drink for the return trip.

Peet’s Coffee and Tea 1075 Court St. • 597-9478 1 Grand Ave. • 756-1958

Peet’s is the coffee lover’s coffee shop. Even the small espressos have double shots for that extra kick, and the drip coffees are made with freshly roasted beans, never more than 10 days old. They’ve got more than 30 varieties each of coffee and tea, and the latte foam is like melted ice cream. With free wi-fi and plenty of COFFEE continued on page 31

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

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30 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 31 COFFEE from page 29

table space, it’s a great spot for a study group, and the outdoor seating, right in the thick of downtown, is prime for people watching during Farmers’ Market or for simply soaking up the morning sun.

Starbucks

1 Grand Ave. • 756-1275 17 Chorro St. • 547-9054 253 Madonna Road, suite 120 • 595-3482 3970 Broad St. • 542-0813 3971 Higuera St. • 787-0389 885 Higuera St. • 547-9465 771 Foothill Blvd. • 541-1285 One town can never have too many Starbucks, which is why San Luis has seven. These days, it’s hip and cool to hate on the corporate mega-giant, but if you want something familiar and dependable, go ahead and hit them up. We won’t judge you, especially if you get the apple caramel spice (so bomb).

Outspoken Cafe

1422 Monterey St. • 788-0885 Outspoken offers a large array of coffees to choose from, including

the merlot blend and coconut cream (with actual bits of delicious coconut). Their smoothies are all made with real fruit and real juice without fillers, and Chef Victoria’s food always hits the spot. They’re right next to a bike shop, which allows you to sip on a sweet smoothie while your bike gets its needed repairs.

Sally Loo’s

1804 Osos St. • 545-5895 Even though it’s named after a pit bull, Sally Loo’s is a friendly little coffee shop with a heart of gold. They serve only organic food made from locally grown produce, and all their coffee is fair trade. They’re located near the train station, which makes for a great reintroduction to the SLO life after a long trip. As of this writing, Sally Loo’s is closed for a retrofit, but they should be back in business and better than ever around the time school starts.

Monterey Street Espresso

980 Monterey St. • 541-9559 This little coffee spot is perfect for a quick hit of caffeine to start your day downtown. There aren’t too many tables, but that’s part of its intimate charm. The baristas are friendly, and the quiet environment provides a nice escape from the trendier joints. Don’t miss out on the Monterey Street Special: a hot espresso with mocha and orange Torani syrup that tastes just like a liquid version of those little chocolate oranges that break into wedges when you slam them on a table top.

Higher Groundz Coffee House and Eatery

3230 Broad St., suite 130 • 783-2264 On the southern side of SLO, Higher Groundz offers a quiet study environment that’s open late. They keep the coffee coming until 10 p.m. most nights, and push it till midnight during finals. There’s plenty of space for a large study

group indoors or out. On hot days, grab an iced coffee for just a buck and relax on their big comfy couch.

Nautical Bean Café

11560 Los Osos Valley Road, suite 150 • 543-3559 More than anything else, this place is known for its grub. They’ve got a killer pesto turkey sandwich and an assortment of gourmet salads, breakfast treats, and baked goods. For the caffeine fix, try the Rainforest, a signature soy chai matte latte with a whole lot of flavor crammed into one cup. If your laptop’s on the fritz, the Nautical Bean is one of the few places in town with actual computers you can use, instead of just the standard wi-fi connection. ∆ Nick Powell is the Student Guide editor, a Cuesta student, and former editor of the Cuestonian. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

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32 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

The

downonlow downtime Find something to do without leaving the local island known as Cuesta

BY ARIEL P. KAHN Cuesta alumna

or many Cuesta students, the perfect schedule is an impossible daydream. There’s always at least one class that sits alone, separate from the rest of the schedule. It’s isolated by just enough time to get bored waiting around for it, and since Cuesta’s in the middle of nowhere, there’s not enough time to justify going home. If you hadn’t noticed, SLO residents have to drive past a prison for violent offenders, a county jail, and a juvenile hall on their drive to campus, while Morro Bay residents have to watch out for fog and falling rocks. We won’t judge you if you sissy out and decide to stay at Cuesta all day. It’s O.K. We were exactly the same way. But you’ve got to occupy your time somehow, lest you jump off the library clock tower screaming something about “Purgatory” while clothed entirely in used Scantron sheets and eraser dust. That would be a bad thing, so stop wandering the campus! Peel your eyes off the walls! This guide is for you, student: the Cuesta College Downtime Guide.

Snack time

It’s happened before: A student is doing her homework when all of a sudden, her stomach clenches, a gurgling sound erupts from somewhere deep inside, and even the eraser that was just minutes ago used to destroy the past 10 minutes’ worth of calculus homework starts to look tasty. It’s that wretched disease that every college student suffers from at one point or another: hunger. Cuesta has an antidote for those willing to take it. Its cafeteria offers sandwiches, a salad bar, and a grill for hot dishes. Many students choose to bring a lunch from home, choosing Mom’s signature lentil bean recipe over the food provided. But there are starving hyenas living under some rock called Pride, and they ain’t got no stinkin’ entrees. They wouldn’t mind a

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

Western Bacon Cheeseburger right now (only $4.50!). Or maybe a Special Sandwich (cheaper than $6!). As much as we are fussy young students, the cafeteria food’s not really so bad. So take the sage advice of Weird Al Yankovic, and just eat it—yes, we can argue, and yes, we’ll debate, but they don’t wanna hear about the foods you hate. So eat it.

Study sesh

An unfortunate necessity of academic success is homework. Fortunately, Cuesta is well equipped to handle any issue you may have with your postclass assignments, but you still need to use your brain to succeed. Cuesta’s

library is fully stocked with books on every subject and is outfitted with private rooms students can use to “study” with friends and classmates to get the best out of their education. Cuesta also provides a dedicated force of individuals who work as nearprivate tutors. These people are not only more than willing to help you impress that class love interest of yours with newfound, extended knowledge of vector analysis and those various biological functions that looked so confusing in the lab portion of life science, but they’re also completely dedicated to helping you pass exams, too. And they’ll do it for free! It’s important to request them early, since their appointment books fill up fast.

Entertainment

For students sick of learning, Cuesta has stayed up to date with the youth of the nation and provides tons of opportunities to meet other students—just like you!—who are going to college and still like recess. The social club (conveniently situated near the cafeteria) is a major hub for gamers of all kinds to expand upon leet skills and stave off muscle atrophy in their massively overdeveloped thumbs. You body builders, you. For students who like the outdoors, Cuesta boasts many large areas of grass and open parks, inviting folks to whip out Frisbees and start impromptu games of Ultimate, to fit in some soccer practice, to launch Hacky Sack competiCUESTA continued on page 34 PHOtOs BY steVe e. mIlleR

2010 STUDENT GUIDE â&#x20AC;˘ 33

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34 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010 CUESTA from page 32

Cuesta boasts many large areas of tions, to run around on stilts, or maybe just to lie around. grass and open parks, However, if you see all these inviting folks to whip out things occurring in the same plot of grass, it’s probably Frisbees and start imprompthe drama department, and you’re advised not to make tu games of Ultimate, to fit eye contact with them. in some soccer practice, to They will make you into one of them. launch Hacky Sack competitions, to run around on Other stuff stilts, or maybe just Speaking of the drama department, anyone looking for a to lie around. more artistic scene should point him

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

or herself toward the Cultural and Performing Arts Center, where students can often be found wandering, minstrel style, singing and playing a guitar—or maybe even an accordion. In the past, student bands have performed for audiences on the grass, and it’s a practice that garnered enough interest from students and instructors that it will likely continue— should the interest remain. Cuesta supports a full student government, which is advised by Dr. Gilbert, an instructor on campus. The Associated Students of Cuesta College raises funds and puts on events for students at various times of the year—including several free

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food events, and several meet-and-greetstyle gatherings with some underlying cultural theme. Cuesta hosts a “Nacho Feed” or “Doughnut and Coffee” gettogether every semester, giving students and faculty and staffers the chance to mingle—and score some cheesy chips or sugary doughnuts in the process. ∆ Ariel P. Khan is a Cuesta alumna transferring to UC Santa Cruz to study literature. Send comments to rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

2010 STUDENT GUIDE •

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When

sickness strikes

BY NICK POWELL CUESTA STUDENT

Tackle that fever—or stomachache or stress headache or whatever—with help from locals

veryone gets sick sooner or later, and without Mommy around to wrap you in warm blankies, take your temperature, blow you kisses, and keep the soup and soda coming, being under the weather might feel miserably hopeless. But the world isn’t over. There are home remedies available and all sorts of resources on campus. And no matter how bad it gets, Mommy’s only a phone call away.

Taking care of yourself

I can never remember if you’re supposed to starve a fever and feed a cold or if it’s the other way around. Luckily, it doesn’t matter either way, because the old saying is straight BS. “If you’re hungry, you should eat,” said Sheree Brekke, the supervising nurse at Sierra Vista Regional Health Center. “The most important thing is getting plenty of liquids when you’re sick.” Brekke said it’s important to avoid caffeine, which dehydrates and stimulates, since you need the exact opposite: hydration and sleep. Stay home from class and rest if you can, but be sure to e-mail your professor as soon as possible to explain your situation and arrange make-up work. Ginger ale can help with nausea, but if your vomiting and diarrhea are so horrible you can’t keep liquids down for more than a few minutes, it’s time to see a doctor and get strapped to an I.V. Brekke said chicken soup is actually proven to help with colds, and a tea made with bay leaves can help with sore throats. Add honey for an antibacterial kick. “It stings for a second, but then it’s amazingly soothing,” she said. Keep a first aid/home remedy bag packed full of Band-aids, Neosporin, basic medicine, and a thermometer in your closet. You won’t want to have to go shopping for supplies when your nose is dripping and your farts can’t be trusted. Another home remedy is gargling with warm water, a quarter teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. The mixture creates a pH environment that bacteria hate. Your frat buddies might point out that rubbing alcohol kills germs outside the body. Surely regular alcohol, like vodka, kills germs in your throat and stomach, right? It totally adds up—except it doesn’t. Liquor taxes the liver and immune system, weakening your already weak defenses. “We call that a young college kids’

tale,” Brekke said. “Tequila doesn’t help, but I wouldn’t object to a hot toddy, since it might help you sleep.” If your sickness is alcohol induced, Brekke wants you to know that hospitals never inform the police if you bring in a friend for alcohol poisoning or a drug overdose. Their job is to keep people healthy, not to punish them. If your friends need help, don’t hesitate to save their lives.

Campus health centers

If the tea and soup aren’t working, the campus health centers at Cal Poly and Cuesta can fix you up in a jiff, and their services are free for students. Both are open Monday through Friday. Call 756-1211 to make an appointment at the Poly center, or call 546-3171 for Cuesta. Poly has four doctors, four nurse practitioners, and five physician assistants on site who are capable of performing a whole range of medical procedures, from x-rays, lab work, and immunizations to regular exams and simply answering questions. “My mantra is that there’s no such thing as a stupid question,” said Dr. David Harris, head of medical services for the Cal Poly Health and Counseling Center. “This is the first time a lot of these students are making medical decisions for their own welfare. We’re here to help them stay as healthy as possible.” Both centers offer free STD testing and give out free condoms—up to five a day if you

need that many, pervert. The Poly center offers female wellness exams and ensures that they’ll be performed by female nurses or doctors. Every Thursday, the center hosts an orthopedic clinic for injury examinations, casts, splints, and physical therapy, and it also sells over-the-counter medications at low prices.

Staying sane

Mental health is often overlooked, but it can be a serious issue, especially for college students. “It’s a huge transition,” said Elie Axelroth, head of counseling services for Cal Poly. “Everything in life will change. It’s their first time away from home. They have to be more independent, and there’s more exposure to drugs and alcohol. It can be incredibly stressful.” Axelroth advises students to pay attention to their feelings and take notice if there’s any drastic change in their moods. She said to eat healthy, exercise, and get plenty of sleep. If your mood is still abnormal, or if you have any thoughts about harming yourself, talk to someone at the health center. Both campuses offer counseling and mental health services, and Poly’s psychiatrist can even prescribe medication. Everything is free and confidential. Axelroth said topics for counseling range from dealing with break-ups and problems with roommates to overcoming abuse and feelings of inadequacy in a highly competitive environment. “This is the time when young people test and define their values,” Axelroth said. “We find that people feel better when their behavior is aligned with their values.” ∆ Nick Powell is the Student Guide editor, a Cuesta student, and former editor of the Cuestonian. Send comments to rmiller@ newtimesslo.com.

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

2010 STUDENT GUIDE â&#x20AC;˘ 37

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38 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

Dress success for

In class, at work, or on a date, a truly great outfit won’t steer you wrong BY MARIN KAUTZ CATE SCHOOL SENIOR

was recently struck by the truth of this quote by Levende Waters: “Funny that a pair of really nice shoes make us feel good in our heads—at the extreme opposite end of our bodies.” Yes, the confidence-building power of fashion is a strange phenomenon, but there’s a reason the phrase “look good, feel good” is so popular. It doesn’t have to cost the price of your tuition to get the look you want, either. In the heart of downtown SLO, a variety of establishments lends to the diverse look of this county’s residents. There’s a shop for every style and a style to every shop. Here’s a list of some select stores that

have caught my eye—local and chain—that can help students new to the area find their fashion niche. And all you SLO locals, don’t be afraid to stretch out of your creative comfort zones and check out some of these hidden gems as well; you may find something that makes you feel good in your head and on your feet.

Thrift shops

In downtown SLO alone, there are more than 10 thrift shops, each with a wealth of clothing and accessories to fit every occasion imaginable. The Family

Christian Center Thrift Store boasts one of the widest and most user-friendly selections of used clothing in the area. Its prices range from $1 to $10, and, though quality is fairly consistent with that of resale clothing, the selection is vast enough that your chance of finding what you need for an unbeatable price is very high. The store has a good balance between the men’s and women’s sections, and the entire shop is carefully organized by gender, type of clothing, and then by color. Goodwill is also a great thrift store resource, because it has several locations throughout the area, and each offers a sizable selection of clothing to choose from.

Retail stores

If you tend to avoid shopping at chain retail stores for fear of “selling out to the Man,” remember: Although the money they gain may be going to fund multiple locations, they’re important stabilizers in the local economy and shouldn’t be overlooked as fashion resources. Retail stores often offer much more variety in styles and sizes and are quick to cycle looks through to the sales rack—so even if something you love is a bit expensive at the regular price, try back a few weeks later. There’s a good chance you’ll find its price slashed by about 50 percent. Banana Republic is great for a more youthful yet sophisticated look. When searching for your new-jobinterview-power-outfit, I recommend making this your first stop. Urban Outfitters has the perfect clothes and home décor for people embracing the badass beauty attitude, the casual grunge look, or the trendy bohemian feel. Their high quality and unique pieces can modernize any wardrobe and maybe help you branch out to something new. Also, their women’s FAShION continued on page 41

PHOTO BY STEVE E. MILLER

Fashion abounds Ambiance (with outfits pictured here) is one of many boutiques and other clothing shops in downtown SLO.

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 39

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40 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 41 FaShIoN from page 38

sales wall is upstairs, so make the hike; it’s worth it. The Forever 21 store in SLO is huge! I swear, it’s the largest F21 I have ever seen, and that gives it a serious advantage. It may take you hours to try everything on, but with an entire department store completely full of clothes specifically designed for young college-age women at fantastic prices, it’s nearly impossible to leave without finding something you love. The store is divided into different style sections, from high-fashion looks to Goth to preppy to casual to sleepwear to formal to trendy, all surrounding a bounty of useful accessories in the middle. I highly suggest bringing a shopping buddy when you go, because it really is easy to get lost or overwhelmed in there, and I wouldn’t want you to miss out on something fabulous because you were too busy trying to find your way around.

Boutiques, etc.

We are lucky in many ways, because SLO is only just beginning to really hop on the big-box store bandwagon (with a Target scheduled to open in July 2011). This has allowed small businesses to establish themselves

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

and build loyal customer followings. Family-owned restaurants and oneroom boutiques are some of the most treasured and unique facets of SLO. Ambiance is one of many boutiques downtown that thrives on the fashionconscious college students and offers the styles and a price range to keep them coming back for more. When you visit, make sure to check out the collections by whichever local designer is highlighted. Le CrËme also features a fantastic local jewelry designer. Her delicate bracelets and chunky necklaces are the perfect accessories for a night out and make great gifts for girlfriends, so look it up, boys! Higuera Street in downtown SLO features stores that offer shoes and socks up to tops and hats. Guys can check out Bloke, or even Patrick James, while Lucky LuLu’s, LuLu Luxe, and Coverings attract ladies looking for something to jazz up their wardrobe.

Consignment

Consignment shops often carry higher prices than thrift shops, but in exchange, the quality of the pieces is more consistent and reliable. Staffers often hand-select each piece and know

their inventory well, so they’re often great resources if you’re seeking a specific look or piece. Finders Keepers has a unique sales system that favors customers: Every item has a colored tag, and one color goes on sale each day. This means that if you find something you love and its color isn’t that day’s selection, keep checking back, because it’s bound to happen soon. The staff is very personable, and they’re great about taking an interest in regulars and walk-ins alike to make sure customers get the most from their visit.

Surf

When you need a bikini that will really make a splash or you want to try some of the most comfortable sandals you’ll ever have the privilege of sliding onto your feet (Rainbows are my sandal of choice), I recommend a quick stop at either Moondoggies or

Central Coast Surf. Surfing gear can be found at both locations for people interested in the sport itself, but for those of us hoping to get that beach babe look (or beach bum look, as the case may be), we need the cute bags and sunglasses at Central Coast Surf and the comfy sweatshirts and hoodies from Moondoggies that last forever and are perfect for those overcast mornings when layering is so essential. In most parts of the world, Maxi dresses and board shorts would only be useful during the summer months, but heck, any afternoon here is a good afternoon for flip-flops and tank tops, so we should all take advantage and get something to really show off our tans.

Specialty shops

The local unique specialty shops feature some of the funkiest and funniest novelty items, knicknacks, and clothing in the area. Kwirkworld is a great stop if you’re looking for often crude but hilarious T-shirts and some truly out-there home decorations. ∆ Marin Kautz is a senior at Cate School in Carpenteria. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

42 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 43

secrets The

success to

Pay attention, find answers, and—yes—cheat BY ARIEL P. KHAN CUESTA ALUMNA

t’s hard to find a student who could honestly say getting good grades is in any way easy, and the truth of the matter is, even if they did say that, they probably would have forgotten what “easy” means. To be successful, students don’t necessarily have to know all the proofs in the history of math, or have flawless grammar, or boast a photographic memory. They just need an ability to learn, and even then, the skill can always be refined. Perhaps the single greatest thing a student can learn is simply how to learn. Fortunately, there are many ways to enhance speed and clarity in the learning process, but students must ultimately

motivate themselves to achieve personal success in this regard. Becoming a self-sufficient student is the key. Often times, the difference between an A and a B student is the A student’s drive to solve the problem the B student didn’t care enough about to bother with. It’s been said before, but the students who do the best are the ones who, when they have a question, seek out an answer. It’s often that simple. One of the most important rules is: Find the answer. It does exist, and you can find it if you look hard enough. It might be in a book. It might be in a diagram. It might be in your instructor’s head. It’s important to make it clear that

“self-sufficiency” is a state of mind that guides students to make good, rational choices that will lead to favorable results, and not a term to suggest students should isolate themselves to find answers. Not at all. A self-sufficient student knows where to find knowledge, and sometimes that means getting help. A good student doesn’t become a poorer student by getting help from others. Getting tutoring is one of the very best choices a student can make. Both Cal Poly and Cuesta offer services for motivated students in a large number of subjects, from class-specific assistance to help with basic skills like note taking and information retention. I will go so far as to say that any student who ignores these resources is committing a serious error in judgment. Cal Poly’s Academic Skills Center is an invaluable resource, providing nearly everything a student needs to be the best in class. Cuesta also maintains an Academic Support Center, which, among a number of other things, is completely committed to its aim of helping students attain their personal, educational, and vocational goals. These offices are the students’ most powerful defense against the plague of the unknown. Familiarize yourself with them today. Yes, today.

Inevitably, when we talk about academic success, we also have to talk about “cheating.” In my opinion, cheating has gotten a very bad rap. In fact, cheating is a very useful tool students should employ often. That’s right. Cheat. Good students cheat, and they cheat smart. I’ll be the first to admit it. I had very elaborate forms of cheating. I would work for days before tests, writing pages and pages of cheats, cutting my explanations down to their simplest, clearest, base meaning. I would read these pages while looping dorky songs from the ’80s until the tune would remind me it was all over 2a, not just the radical. If I didn’t know an answer, I would flip to the back of the book and get it. I cheated so much before the tests, in fact, that when test time came around, I didn’t actually need to bring any incriminating evidence. I could cheat with the information in my head. It was all there. So cheat! Cheat like crazy. Your brain is powerful enough to bring a massive, categorized, and perfectly legible cheat sheet—why would a tiny index card be any use? ∆ Ariel P. Khan is a Cuesta alumna transferring to UC Santa Cruz to study literature. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 45

PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

Have an

adventure Lock up your dorm, leave your apartment, get out of the house

Hit the waves Kayaking makes for a great afternoon. It’s a workout, it’s a stress reliever, and it’s a good way to see the local wildlife.

BY LAUREN ROSE CUESTA ALUMNA

ometimes, as college students, we forget what a pleasure it is to have the air moving around us. We get distracted by Spongebob marathons on T.V. or preoccupied with writing dissertations about phenomenology. It’s easy to stay safe and insane indoors, but don’t ignore your essential need to exercise and explore the outside world. Here are some suggestions to enhance your well being by connecting you to the world outdoors and your body. • The Bob Jones bike path in Avila Beach is a paved, flat, 4-mile trail round trip. Bring your bicycle, running shoes, walking shoes, unicycle, or roller blades. This trail is good for a casual stroll or run, but is especially suited to bicycle enthusiasts. Bikers who are bored with the monotony of the road will appreciate the scenery. There are many trees that shade the trail in the beginning and give way to low shrubs and rolling hills of dry, wavy grass. At the end of the trail, there’s a beautiful view of the estuary and the golf course. If you feel like continuing on a couple miles to the Avila Pier, you can turn right at the end of the trail and take in views of the bay, where boats are moored and the sea lions play. Among the animals you might meet on the trail are herons, rabbits, and

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

deer. On extremely rare occasions, there have been sightings of coyotes at dusk and snakes that come out in the sun. This trail is very safe, but it’s important to keep your eyes open and respect the wildlife. This is probably the friendliest trail on the Central Coast. Among the friendly people you may meet are locals walking their dogs, moms with all manner of baby-carrying contraptions, fellow college students, and people in golf carts. When on the trail, it’s common for passing individuals to wave at one another and say “hi.” • Johnson Ranch Trail is an intermediate-level, winding, singletrack trail and was newly excavated in 2009. It’s a 2.3-mile loop, with an extension loop that adds another 1.2 miles should you choose to go that way. Several foot bridges over gullies and creek crossings add to the variety. Most people choose to hike the route, but there are a few mountain bikes and trail runners out there. Steep hills feature switchbacks, which give the trail a roller coaster effect. Fortunately for summer hikers, parts of the trail are shaded by groves of oak trees, but don’t expect to complete the hike without breaking a sweat—there are exposed sections that bake in the sun. Keep your eye out for natural threats: Wild boar are said to have taken residence near the trail; you’re

asked to call the number for the park ranger posted on the trail if you see one. Other animals that frequent the area include occasional grazing cows and small grasshoppers. • Montaña de Oro State Park boasts a large network of trails. The paths on the left side of the road as you enter are more strenuous, but they’re worth the trek up the steep inclines; you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of coastal bluffs, gorges, and the ocean. Not only are the trails themselves enjoyable, but so is the drive to the mountain, which winds through twisted oaken forests. On occasion, explorers riding on horseback take on the trails, along with mountain bikers who frequently announce their presence with a small bell. If you’re hiking with your friends and you hear a jingle or whinny, stop and move to the side so they can go by. Sometimes cyclists pick up a lot of speed, and even though bikes are supposed to yield to hikers, they might have a hard time stopping. The trails are often foggy, mostly due to their proximity to the ocean. This makes for a mysterious place to meditate and search for a peaceful experience outside the bustle of city life. It’s a good place to enjoy a calm mind. And if you don’t like silence, it’s a great place to practice yodeling across canyons! • Kayaking in Morro Bay is a wild adventure and a great workout for your upper body. There are several kayak rental shops on Embarcadero that can provide you with sea transport if you don’t own your own. If you do rent, listen to the information they give you about the harbor, the tide, and general boat conduct. If you decide to stop at the sand bar in the harbor, drag your kayak high above the water line; waves can sweep your boat away if you don’t pay attention—it’s happened to many a kayaker before. The tides are mercurial and can fluctuate very quickly. The sheltered harbor holds many treasures for adventurous spirits. The boats anchored around the harbor creak and rock in the wind. Some are beautiful and newly made, while others are old weather-beaten mariners. Watch out for the wildlife! Sea lions OUTDOORS continued on page 46

46 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010 OUTDOORS from page 45

and brown pelicans are the most obvious of the animals. The former’s characteristic barking will cue you to their presence early—and if you’re lucky, you can paddle through a group of the latter in the bay. In the shallows, the ocean floor is visible, as are fish, small rays, and crabs swimming and scuttling around. Respect all of the creatures you see. When an animal looks at you, you’re probably too close. Remember it’s a federal offense to harass or feed a marine mammal. And it’s especially important to respect

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

the snowy plover habitat on the sand bar. These birds are endangered and protected by very heavy fines for disturbing their nesting zones. Areas marked off have been marked for a reason, and you’re strongly encouraged to not ignore the warnings. • Pismo Beach is a great place to play volleyball. Courts are located primarily to the north of the pier. There are about 10 courts set up, so there’s usually room for everyone who wants to play. This is a great way to show off your chiseled body, have fun, and/or practice for Olympic tryouts. On the other hand, if you have no clue how to play, it’s always fun to try. It’s even more fun to watch your friends eat sand. • Surfing at Pismo Beach is another way to get outside and exercise. If you can tolerate the cold water and the occasional red tide, this is the place for you. You’ll definitely need a wetsuit,

unless you’re well insulated by fur or have spent a lot of time shirtless in Antarctica. Watch out, though. Rip tides are present under and on either side of the pier. If you find yourself caught in a rip tide, experts suggest that you remain calm and swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current. Local surfers are generally nice people, but respect their territory. PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

Also, be careful around the pier—the barnacles on the pilings are sharp, and people regularly cast lines out to catch fish off the pier. You don’t want to get hooked! ∆ Lauren Rose is a Cuesta alumna transferring to UC Santa Cruz to study literature. Send comments to rmiller @newtimesslo.com.

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 47

48 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

activist

The college

Join with other students who share your cause BY NICK POWELL Cuesta student

ver since the ’60s, activism has been a staple of the college experience. Students helped end segregation and the Vietnam War. They pushed gender equality to the forefront of American discussion and continue to fight for animal rights, sustainable energy, and affordable education. Politicians and the media can’t help but notice and address an issue when there are thousands of students marching in the streets and rallying for support. San Luis Obispo isn’t exactly a hotbed for radical protests, but if you want to make a difference in the world, there’s no place better than a college campus to organize for a cause. Whatever your passion, here are a few clubs you might consider joining.

The Progressive Student Alliance

Club president David Fintel said meetings for Cal Poly’s Progressive Student Alliance are usually informal potlucks that address a broad range of issues. The overall purpose of the club is to create awareness and increase community involvement. “It’s all about good atmosphere and good people,” Fintel said. “We’re really empowered by our members.” He said the club will consider pursuing any issue or cause that members feel strongly about. Last year, the club was focused on the national health-care debate, but also organized a beach clean-up and a benefit concert to aid the Big Brother Big Sister program. Their motto is borrowed from Gandhi: Be the change you want to see in the world.

Cal Poly College Republicans

“On a public school campus, there’s always going to be a lot of people with views that are vastly different than what conservatives believe,” said last year’s club president, Eric Blank. That’s why the club brought guest speakers to the campus to lecture on the importance of free speech. They also had a conservative writer on the

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

staff of the Mustang Daily, to ensure Republican views weren’t ignored. The club’s faculty advisor, Laura Freeburg, said there’s no set agenda for the club and that students choose which issues will be addressed every year. Last year, the club sent care packages to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. This year, with the TEA Party movement going strong nationwide and Democrats running the White House and Congress, the mid-term elections promise to be an exciting time for conservative activists.

Grassrooots

guide

regardless of sexual orientation. Even in liberal California, equality and acceptance aren’t guaranteed for homosexuals. Californians passed a law last year banning same-sex marriage, but that law was recently overturned by a federal judge. The issue will likely go to the Supreme Court, so gay/lesbian issues will be prominent in the year to come. Last year, the GSA hosted awareness events on campus, ice cream socials, and film showings, said expresident Lacey McNamara. They also held presentations during National Coming Out Week that addressed the difficulties and pressures involved in being open about sexual preferences.

want to give students the opportunity to hear that message.” The club organizes bible studies in the dorms, coordinates overseas missionary work, and hosts a weekly meeting of more than 1,000 students every Tuesday night at 8 in Mountainbrook Community Church. They also do fundraising work for charities such as Haiti and Hurricane Katrina disaster relief.

Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Aztlan (MEChA) With recent national attention given to Arizona’s anti-immigration bill, Janet Florez, MEChA’s faculty advisor at Cuesta, expects this year to be an exciting year for Latino activism. “I think it’s unconstitutional,” Florez said. “They’re talking about denying citizenship to children who are born in America if their parents are illegal immigrants.” Both Poly and Cuesta have MEChA chapters that allow Latino and Chicano students to meet others with a shared background and to celebrate their cultural heritage. They also fight for the rights of farm workers and the children whose parents brought them into the country illegally, children who grew up as Americans but don’t have access to higher education. “We like to tie the cultural festivities to political happenings,” said Florez, who cited a planned celebration of El Dia de los Muertos that will honor those who died in the desert trying to cross the border.

“The purpose of Grassroots is to promote positive change in students’ lives, starting from an environmental standpoint,” said club president Miriam Gill. This Cuesta club deals with a range of This dual-school club works to creenvironmental issues. They’ve been fighting the school cafeteria’s use of Styrofoam ate on-campus communities that allow every student “to know someone who products and pushing for a campus garknows Christ,” said club president den, where any students could literally Melissa Thiede. “We recognize that reap the fruits of their labor. If they’re able to overcome the bureau- religion is a personal choice, and we cratic hurdles, the garden will be located don’t want to force it on anybody. But we are united in the belief that Christ behind the fine arts building and will Club president Will Pittman told New is the answer to all problems, and we have enough room for four or five large Times, “You don’t have to conform 100 planter boxes for organic percent to the Democratic Party platcorn, squash, and beans. PHOtO COuRtesY GRassROOts PResIdent MIRIaM GILL form, but if you believe the Dems will The club will likely be help overall, this is a good club for you.” hosting fundraisers for With the mid-term elections apsupplies throughout the proaching, the Poly Democrats will year, said Gill. be active in phone banking and voter Every Thursday, club registration drives. The club takes an members head to San annual road trip to Sacramento Luis Obispo Creek for an for the state convention ongoing clean-up project. and went to Las Vegas “We just pick up to celebrate Obama’s Water where we left off last inauguration. week and work our warriors “We’re passionate way down the creek,” Cuesta’s Grassroots club about the issues,” Gill said. Pittman said, “but holds weekly SLO Creek cleanwe have a good ups, which bring out the likes time along the of (left to right) Nicole Crowley, way.” ∆

Campus Crusade for Christ

Cal Poly Democrats

Gay Straight Alliance

Cuesta’s Gay Straight Alliance strives to create a fun, safe, social environment for all students to be themselves,

Ben Calvert, John Reed, and Nick Powell is the Cal Cantrel and (front) Student Guide ediWilliam White. tor, a Cuesta student,

and former editor of the Cuestonian. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 49

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 51

ollege is a great place to meet people. Whether it’s your anatomy partner, a teammate from practice, or someone you met through a friend, there are loads of people who are intelligent and open-minded, waiting for you to make a connection and share in their lives. Here are some ideal places in San Luis Obispo with atmospheres that can turn that tiny romantic spark into a smoking hot fire.

Farmers’ Market

San Luis Obispo’s Thursday-night Farmers’ Market is one of the best places to see and be seen. Countless young people explore Higuera Street from about 6 to 9 p.m. every week.

date! It’s a

Kindle some college romance with help from these hot spots BY LAUREN ROSE CUESTA ALUMNA Musicians and street performers add an extra element of charm to the occasion, and street vendors will gladly sell you a heap of local goods to cook up a meal together—but there are also many places to grab a bite to eat, if you think your date might make a mess out of your kitchen.

Red Hot Pottery

If you met your latest flame by complimenting a doodle in his or her notebook, the two of you might enjoy a date with an artistic flare. Making an item at Red Hot Pottery, located at 940 Chorro St. in downtown SLO, would be a good way to make that special someone feel at home. The shop boasts hundreds of pre-made items—such as blank plates and cups—that serve as a canvas for you to decorate with paint. Costs generally range from $5 to $20, depending on the item you choose. The business will fire your item in its kiln to finalize it for you, and after everything’s cooled down, you both have very special gifts to give each other and commemorate the day you spent together.

Park Picnic

Never underestimate the power of a couple hundred yards of grass interspersed with trees and a sand-

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

box. Such a simple stretch can set the scene for a romantic rendezvous. Mitchell Park is located in downtown SLO on the corner of Osos and Pismo streets, and Santa Rosa Park is off of Santa Rosa Street, between Foothill and Olive. If you’re so inclined, bring a Frisbee or something else to throw around. As you’re catching the ball, maybe you’ll also catch your date’s eye in a special way. Picnics also present a good chance to impress your special someone with your culinary prowess. Even if you make something simple, your date will appreciate that you took the time and energy to create a meal.

Movie Theaters

Going to a movie is a good idea that allows you spend time with someone while avoiding any awkward, forced conversation. There are three theaters in downtown SLO. The Palm offers independent and retro films, the Freemont has an art deco feel to it, and the Downtown Centre Cinema plays a wide variety of box-office hits. There’s always the option of going to Sunset Drive-In, but it’s best to do this only if you have a comfortable car. Don’t forget: Theaters—and cars—are places where you can get close to the one you’re with in a dimly lit space. You can smell your date without being too

Garden of Eden

PHOTOS BY STEVE E. MILLER

(near the Marigold Center), which is Feeling romantic? Get infamous for its college hump night close to nature—and on Wednesdays, is someone special—at the best place to go Cal Poly’s Leaning crazy. There’s nothPine Arboretum. ing wrong with getting a slight buzz, singing, and dancing; just know how much you can handle Cal Poly’s Leaning Pine Arboreand don’t let your drink out of sight. tum is a great place to wander and Meeting someone for the first time in converse with your special friend. A a bar is risky. It’s better to go with meandering walk among the growth someone you know well, someone you and wonder of plants is bound to bind trust, than to get picked up by an you closer together. It’s a peaceful undesirable when you’re not at the place where flowers open their petals height of mental functioning. All of to the sun and the proud conifers grow these warnings ring particularly true tall and straight. There are so many for females. Be aware of what’s going different exotic species of plants, it’s on around you, and don’t be afraid like you’re traveling around the world to say “No.” It doesn’t hurt to have a at no cost. Even if your date hasn’t ex- little canister of mace in your purse. pressed a genuine interest in botany, Remember, the power of dance is an it’s easy to plant the seeds of someancient and effective tool in getting thing beautiful in a beautiful Garden the attention of a potential mate, as of Eden setting like this. is the power of alcohol—just don’t go overboard with either, for fear of potential, unfortunate mishaps. ∆

creepy about it, and it’s a perfect place to sneak a touch and break down a barrier. And of course, there’s the ultimate test of compatibility: Can you actually share the armrest?

Arboretum

Nightlife

There are many nightlife opportunities in downtown SLO, but the Graduate on 990 Industrial Way

Lauren Rose is a Cuesta grad transferring to UC Santa Cruz. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

52 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

Watering

holes You’re 21, so party

BY NICK POWELL CUESTA STUDENT

hirsty for something more than water? Drink up in and around downtown SLO.

Black Sheep

1117 Chorro St. • 544-7433

A local’s bar through and through, Black Sheep was built for two things: drinking and eating. They’ve got an (almost) all-day happy hour every Monday, with $3 mystery shots and well drinks for $3.50. Treat yourself to the grubbest bar food around: juicy burgers, homemade mac and cheese, and a mountain of nachos.

The Library Lounge 723 Higuera St. • 542-0199

This little bar is a great place to be when your drunk level crosses a 7 on the Lohan scale. The dance floor gets packed with boozed-up Poly dollies. It’s dark, and the drinks are strong, which can be a great

combo if you’re looking to meet that special what’s-her-name.

it’s easy to see why this place draws huge crowds for good times.

Downtown Brewing Co. Koberl at Blue 1119 Garden St. • 543-1843

This two-story drink house, known for playing host to the best concerts in town, is in the process of changing ownership. The concerts continue, but hours are sporadic. They plan to upgrade the menu and return to regular hours soon, possibly with a new name: SLO Brew.

Native Lounge

1023 Chorro St. • 547-5544

Bouncers stand guard to keep the riffraff away from this ultra-modern party house for the hip and fabulous. Skillful DJs keep it moving Thursday through Saturday, while the real players party like rock stars with bottle service in the VIP lounges.

Frog and Peach 728 Higuera St. • 595-3764

Is it Tuesday, yet? With the famous pint night at The Frog, you can grab a $4 pint and refill your glass as many times as you want for only a buck. That’s six beers for $10, or 15 beers for $18, or some other amount of numbers you’ll be too wasted to calculate. Add five nights of live music per week and a creekside patio to the mix, and

Z Club

998 Monterey St. • 783-1135

This place is where the movers and shakers wind down after a long day of running the town. Fraternize with lawyers and judges because it’s always good to have friends in high places. The drinks are pricey and well made, and they’ve got a wide selection of wine for the hoity-toity types. And you can actually hold a conversation over the mellow jazz.

Mo/Tav

725 Higuera St. • 541-8733

This place is practically a different bar every night of the week. There’s karaoke on Sundays and Mondays. Then it switches to honky-tonk Tuesdays with line dancing, cowboy hats, and everything the country folk love. Wednesday through Saturday, they bring in a DJ, and the place becomes a full-blown night club.

Buffalo Pub and Grill 714 Higuera St. • 544-5515

that literally doesn’t end, because the chefs will whip up whatever the hell you want.

This bar’s got a good vibe for some casual beer swilling and shot shooting, but the real story here is the food. They’ve got a whole menu of sandwiches and burgers and French food and salads and Mexican

2010 Parker St. • 544-2582

The Z Club has made some big changes in the last year. The digital juke is still there, and the Z Ride will still drive you around free of charge on the weekends, but the place has really cleaned up its act. The pool tables have been re-felted, the bar freshly renovated, and suddenly there’s an air of classiness wafting about the place. There’s live music every weekend, and also Friday BBQ dinners, which sell for $6 a plate.

Bull’s Tavern

1032 Chorro St. • 544-2317

Looking for a good place for a guy’s night? Head to Bull’s, where the music is loud and hard and where the beer is cold and cheap. They keep their kegs a few degrees below the industry standard, and the Budweiser’s $1.50 before 7. A pint of Pabst is $2 all night. For your 21st, order the Bull Sweat.

McCarthy’s Irish Pub 600 Marsh St. • 544-0268

This whiskey bar attracts a dedicated crowd of regulars and rowdy college kids. The bloody Marys are spicy and delicious, BARS continued on page 53

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

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2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 53 BARS from page 52

570 Higuera St. • 544-7157

With an intimate front room at the bar and an enclosed back patio Spike’s offers a relaxed atmosphere in which to sample local suds or turn your tastes to something more exotic by choosing from more than 40 global beers. Counter all that liquid with some truly solid food that pairs well with the drinks.

Local

673 Higuera St. • 544-3668

Formerly Marti’s Bar & Grill—SLO’s bug lamp for cowboys—the bar changed motif and name to Local in January. But as of September, the local “ag bar” is undergoing another makeover. Get ready for Python. (Hissss!) The renovation will bring with it a selection of 10-plus beers on tap, new décor, a horseshoe bar, and an upscaled menu. Python may also be home to SLO’s first flip-cup league.

1040 Broad St. • 542-9804

There’s no ear-drum-annihilating techno at Creekside Brewing Company. You’ll generally find the drinking crowd in the basement where Creekside houses its bar and one of several beer tanks. Food is available until closing time. And try the four-beer sampler.

The Kilt

1865 Monterey St., SLO • 543-5458

F. McClintocks Saloon

Go green with this shamrockin’ establishment. You can chow on typical fare like burgers and soup, or sample tastes of the Emerald Isle, like corned beef sandwiches. Specials abound; at various times, you can find $3 margaritas, $6 select appetizers, and $2 Guinness. Braveheart would be proud. Except he was Scottish, wasn’t he? ∆

Yee-haw! What better way to get a taste of the Old West than by chasing that

Nick Powell is the Student Guide editor. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

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STUDENT GUIDE ’10

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54 • STUDENT GUIDE 2010

2010 STUDENT GUIDE • 55

cougars No second-class

A tongue-in-cheek, take-it-with-a-grain-of-salt, get-it?-it’s-funny! rant BY NICK POWELL CUESTA STUDENT

t’s time I had a heart to heart with are powerful things. They dig into my fellow Cuesta students. I’ve got the subconscious and are able to influto ask all the Cal Poly folk to flip ence emotions and even ideas. Our back a few pages, maybe check out symbol is hated and feared. Theirs is the coffee shop guide or get some tips beloved by all. But back to my actual point: If on finding a job. This is between my you’re a young adult in San Luis Cuesta brethren and me, so scram. We’ll catch up with you later. Promise. Obispo, everyone you ever meet anywhere is going to ask you the same All right, now that those jerks are question, whether it’s some gone, I can let you cougars in frat dude’s weak pickon SLO’s dirty little seup line or a sweet cret. The unadulterold lady’s small ated, ugly truth: When you’re talk: “So, do Nobody likes you go to Cal you. Everybody talking to the Poly Poly?” they’ll hates you. say. And Might as crowd at a party (if your lip well go eat you’re even allowed in), will quiver. worms. Your eyes I kid. you can retort wittily will well up Kind of. with a remark about Cal Poly with tears runs this and drop to D.H. Lawrence’s Oedipal town, and its the floor. students get all “No,” you’ll complex or something the perks, all the say. “I’m just a about numbers. respect, and all of Cuesta student.” the attention. Did Just. Like it’s a you know they’ve got a bad thing. Like you’re bowling alley over there? only a half student and There’s even a rock wall and a won’t be complete until those workshop that builds surfboards for pencil pushers in admissions realsome reason. What the crap does any ize I’m a special snowflake and their of that have to do with engineering or school needs people like me … I mean academia? Nothing. That’s what. They you. Obviously. There’s a certain, think they’re so great with their fancy unavoidable taint associated with science labs, their parents’ credit cards, community colleges, and it doesn’t and their precious bachelor degrees. smell pretty. The people assume you’re It’s not like I’m jealous, though. a moron or a slacker if you can’t get No sir. I’m glad I got to bust my ass into the big school on the hill straight at Cuesta for two years only to be out of high school. In fairness, there rejected by Poly when the budget got are plenty of students who fit that squeezed. I learned all sorts of things. stereotype. Still, it’s not a fair generFor instance, dreams are for chumps, alization, and everyone knows it’s not and the world is cold and unjust. Also, fair on the surface. But they believe it I probably shouldn’t have partied my deep down. Never mind the fact that way through high school. some of us aren’t willing to declare The general disdain for our kind our major and career path recently resulted in violence. A cougar right out of high school was shot and killed last July. O.K., it (which is was an actual cougar—you know, like mandathe animal—not a student, and it was tory at in someone’s backyard, but still. Had Poly). it been a sacred mustang, they would We relish have fed it tasty apples and ridden it the freedom through soothing meadows. Symbols to sample a

STUDENT GUIDE ’10

variety of courses (at only $26 per unit) before we commit to a lifelong endeavor. And since you brought up the subject of money, let’s not forget that the average cougar has to pay his or her own way through school. Do you know how much money a student has to shell out for that Poly education? A butt load. So really, we’re the smart ones. We know we can score our first few years of school on the cheap and end up with the same diploma. Don’t tell anybody, but I’m willing to admit among friends that I’ve got a bad case of Poly Envy. You’ll probably suffer from it at some point yourself. They just know that your education is tiny. Is it so bad to want a bigger one? Luckily, with the right support and a positive attitude, you can overcome Poly Envy. First, try to stretch and expand your mental girth. Read a bunch of literature and study algorithms in your spare time. That way, when you’re talking to the Poly crowd at a party (if you’re even allowed in), you can retort wittily with a remark about D.H. Lawrence’s Oedipal complex or something about numbers.

I find that puns involving the word “pi” work well. Whatever you do, take great lengths to let everyone know that you’re the smartest person in the room. Use words like “gratuitous” and “exacerbate” gratuitously, even if you’re not sure what they mean. Nobody else does either, and they’ll respect and fear your cogitations. Beyond that, take pride in being a cougar. Cuesta is a pretty awesome school—for a community college, at least. The teachers take the time to develop real connections with their students. We’ve got a pretty sweet pool and a fancy new theater building. There are plenty of hands-on classes to sample, and your fellow students are out there living in the real world, instead of being isolated in the halls of academia. Remember, it’s not where you are that counts, but where you’re going. And hopefully, that’s Cal Poly. ∆ Nick Powell is the Student Guide editor, a Cuesta student, and former editor of the Cuestonian. Send comments to rmiller@newtimesslo.com.

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