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I am a graduate of the journalism program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In my time there, I wrote for Mustang News (the student-run campus newspaper.) I worked in the newsroom for three years and enjoyed the hands-on experience I received. I loved writing about the culture of San Luis Obispo, be it the music scene, classical arts, technology, etc.
You're throwing a party and have the perfect Spotify playlist ready to go, but then someone makes a request and you can't find the song. Naturally, you turn to YouTube. You wait for an advertisement to play. You wait for the song to load.
Anne Knapke/Multimedia Journalist Tools in the workspace include smaller items such as sewing machines, a 3-D printer and vinyl cutter. Tools in the workshop, located in the next room of the space, are larger-scale and include the Computer Numerical Controlled Router, a SawStop, laser cutter and more.
Imagine you are a small-town musician trying to record your first album. You and your band members put together all your paychecks for the month, finally scraping up enough money to record professionally.
The average American spends 90 percent of their life indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and this fact was enough to inspire Cal Poly alumnus Robert Zacks to start his own company, Z Living Systems. The San Luis Obispo-based company plans, designs, builds and maintains "living walls" for businesses and residential buildings.
Article by Kelly Trom & Video by Citlaly Santos Special to Mustang News What's the difference between an apple grown in San Luis Obispo County and an orange grown in Florida? Those involved in the local food movement might completely disregard the old adage of never comparing apples and oranges.
WORDS: Kelly Trom MULTIMEDIA Follow @kttrom Follow @georgiedemattos The bench you're sitting on could have been a senior project. That sculpture you admire could have been a professor's creation. Scattered through Cal Poly's campus are dozens of artifacts built into the infrastructure and landscape that reinforce the "Learn By Doing" ideal.
Every year, thousands of Cal Poly students scramble to secure housing for the following school year. With limited options and landlords' prejudices against college students, it's usually a long and strenuous process to find a house.
When industrial engineering senior Chad Kihm pulls out his phone to play the mobile application Game of War, it's not all fun and games. Kihm gathers tips and strategies from his own experiences with the game to write blogs and create videos, helping gamers who are new to or very invested in Game of War learn how to play more effectively.
Shoppers talk loudly as bags of goods dangle from their arms. Children squeal while playing in the fountain. An ambulance wails on its way to an emergency. But amidst all of this hustle and bustle of Downtown San Luis Obispo is a peaceful oasis known as the Growing Grounds Downtown Garden Center and Gift Shop.
Yesterday, Cal Poly students had the chance to learn about the four cornerstones of hip-hop culture: DJing, emceeing, breakdancing and graffiti art. And the conversation was about more than Kanye's latest release. The Multicultural Center, along with students from ethnic studies lecturer Jenell Navarro's Hip Hop, Poetics and Politics class (ES 310), took over Chumash auditorium to educate Cal Poly about the roots of Hip Hop.
Five years ago, an a cappella group called That's the Key began as a collection of singers who didn't make the cut for the better-known Take it SLO. Now, it's an officially chartered Cal Poly club - and they can hold their own.
Live hip-hop funk. Booty-shaking. Jam Band. Dance music. When asked to describe the musical genre of their band, Wordsauce members rambled off these words, all disagreeing with each other on what the perfect explanation would be. Wordsauce's music is certainly difficult to define, as its band has seven positions ranging from DJ to saxophone player.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but art and design junior Emma Phillips, who recently illustrated the children's book "The Boy Who Couldn't Cry Wolf" by Caldric Blackwell, knows this isn't always true. Phillips met University of California, Santa Barbara alumnus and author Blackwell through her roommate, who is Blackwell's sister.
Grape grower and wine producer Rob Murray had a vision to bring together good wines, cuisines and local produce in one location. The result is Foremost Wine Co., one of the newest restaurants to hit Downtown San Luis Obispo. Murray owns approximately 1,000 acres of vineyards in both Santa Maria and Paso Robles.
It all started with a dream and a gnome. "Really cool pull-quote about APOC and stuff Really cool pull-quote about APOC and stuff." John Hall, co-owner and designer of Apoc Apparel and a graphic communication senior, was sick of going to clothing stores and not finding the look he wanted.
The art and design department suffered a loss this past fall quarter in the passing of Cal Poly Distinguished Teacher Michael Miller. On Nov. 14, 2014, Miller died after battling brain cancer for two years. Art and design professor Eric Johnson was there for the very beginning of Miller's 15 years at Cal Poly.
Jane Lehr is a jack of all trades. From her various degrees of education in diverse areas of study to the many job titles she holds at Cal Poly, the women and gender studies department chair is busy impacting the university. Lehr came to Cal Poly eight years ago, complete with a Ph.D.
Participants of all ages wove through the San Luis Obispo Mission Plaza this past Saturday at the second annual SLO Mini Maker Faire with homemade puppets, origami shapes and fix-it kits in hand. They dodged frisbee-throwing robots and learned maker techniques at interactive booths.
That's the Key, one of Cal Poly's a cappella groups, performed a delightfully cheesy holiday-themed concert Friday night. With transitions referencing favorite Thanksgiving dishes and cold weather, the performance was laced with puns and laughs. Then again, what else would you expect from a performance entitled "That's the (Tur)Key"?
Gloria Velásquez wears many hats. She is a professor of Spanish and Chicano studies at Cal Poly, an author of one of the first series to focus on a racially diverse cast of characters and a social activist involved in the Chicano civil rights movement. Writing unites these roles.
Sociology freshman Nesrine Majzoub performed this past Wednesday as part of the Associated Students, Inc. acoustic series. It was a typical Wednesday in the downstairs of the University Union (UU). Students were rushing to get to class. Some were waiting in a 50-something person Starbucks line. Others were doing homework with friends.
Photo courtesy of Drew Herrmann Now an independent artist, Cal Poly alumnus Mike Annuzzi gained experience through booking bands for Associated Students, Inc. concerts and graduated with a music degree. Though he performs in the spotlight, many other Cal Poly graduates work behind the scenes in the music industry.
Put some corn tortillas in oil. Set them at a low boil. Hear them sizzle. Spoken word artist David Romero kicked off this year's first Another Type of Groove (ATOG) on Wednesday night with a "delightfully cheesy" poem teaching the audience how to make cheese enchiladas in the name of fighting racism.
Art Central isn't your everyday arts and crafts store. Selling professional-grade materials, Art Central is a match made in heaven for any local artist, art student or simply someone who wants to dabble in the arts a bit more. Art Central covers professional art and design needs.
Motown group The Temptations performed at the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center on Valentine's Day. Love and nostalgia mixed in the air of the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Valentine's Day evening. The classic '60s R&B/soul group The Temptations took the stage in bright red suits as part of the 14th annual Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa Benefit Performance.
The first student musician to perform at the Associated Students, Inc. acoustic concert series will be sociology freshman Nesrine Majzoub. A new kind of musical entertainment will be kicking off Wednesday downstairs in the Julian A. McPhee University Union (UU). From 12 to 2 p.m., Associated Students, Inc.
Did you know that the average ejaculation speed is 28 miles per hour? Or that the average male orgasm lasts six seconds? Students who attended the Gender Equity Center's (GEC) quarterly Pen15 Club event, themed "The Manalogues," in Chumash Auditorium on Thursday night do.
Vinyl enthusiasts will be filling their Easter baskets with more than 300 special releases from a wide variety of genres and artists this year from the seventh annual Record Store Day (RSD) happening this Saturday. The now-international day began in the United States as a way to encourage music lovers to visit their local, independent stores.
Halloween came a little early this year when the Australian electronic music duo, Empire of the Sun, took over the stage with its hypnotic, dance-inducing beats that were accompanied with Vegas-style costumes and special effects. The crowd was a sea of costumes, some mimicking Luke Steele's elaborate, ornamental, fanned-out headdress.
Chef Robert Irvine is making a stop at the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center on Wednesday. Food Network's Robert Irvine brought his live cooking show to the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. We were told to expect the unexpected at this unscripted show that included culinary and physical challenges.
A night of classic songs and family ties took over the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Tuesday night with Willie Nelson and his family. A country legend, Nelson has passed down his musical talents to his children, who performed with him.
Empire of the Sun's concert Saturday night will include electronic music, special effects, dancing swordfish girls and playful costumes from audience members. Electronic duo Empire of the Sun will hit the Central Coast for the first time Saturday night at Avila Beach Resort as part of its larger tour promoting its new album Ice on the Dune.
Granada Bistro & Lounge (above) is one of the participating restaurants for San Luis Obispo Restaurant Month. Foodies, tourists and residents alike are rejoicing. January signals the start of San Luis Obispo County Restaurant Month, which combines lower prices, expert wine pairings and, of course, exceptional local food.
San Luis Obispo's style of organic, natural food was personified in Apple Farm Inn's Chef de Cuisine Steven Smeets on an episode of Food Network's "Cutthroat Kitchen" on March 30. Smeets is no stranger to food competitions; he participates in several per year when he isn't busy cooking Apple Farm's traditional comfort food.
Country music legend Willie Nelson is coming to the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center on April 8 at 7:30 p.m. The "Willie Nelson and Family" show combines the musical talent of Willie and his children for a night of songs that have helped shaped the country genre into what it is today.
SLOlio, a different kind of open mic night that focuses on personal stories, brought a varied audience. "The people that tell stories always change, so the tempo of the night changes with that," storyteller Charley L'Abri said. "I like that we have a lot of different aged people because you get all these crazy stories that are way out of my world."
Photo courtesy of Kristin Barlowe Americana singer and songwriter Will Hoge is slated to perform at SLO Brewing Co. on Dec. 7, accompanied by opening act and Cal Poly alumnus Joe Koenig. Grammy-nominated Americana singer and songwriter Will Hoge will bring Tennessee-flavored country to SLO Brewing Co. on Dec.
David Jang/Staff Photographer The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival screened running documentaries this past weekend, including "Running Blind" and "Running for Jim." San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) continued its tradition of screening poignant documentaries this past Thursday, including "Running Blind" and "Running for Jim."
The San Luis Obispo International Film Festival is set for this weekend and will feature various short films and documentaries. The beloved San Luis Obispo International Film Festival (SLOIFF) is rolling into town starting March 5. The festival includes short films, documentaries and classics from all over the world.
One beer deep, economics senior Kolby Hatch and theater senior Ben Pawlik describe their KCPR show: "A tin of sardines and a smokehouse for midgets," Hatch said. "You got a bunch of logs and you might see Cupid come out, but you ain't got no sausage," Pawlik said.
Chatter about Thanksgiving break bounced around the room as the members of Take it SLO gathered in the music building for one of the last rehearsals before winter break. Questions about holiday feasts, family and finals echoed through the choir room.
BravoSLO!, a performing arts showcase featuring performances by Cal Poly and community art groups, will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. "The great thing about BravoSLO! is not only do people get to come and see performances, but they get to actually talk to and interact with all of the clients that perform here," Performing Arts Center outreach services specialist Melody Klemin said.
SLOlio, a monthly storytelling event held at Linnaea's Cafe, focuses on real tales from the narrators' lives. If you associate the words "story time" with your mom tucking you into bed with a warm glass of milk and reading "Goodnight Moon," then Linnaea's Cafe monthly SLOlio storytelling event might blow your mind.
Cal Poly alumni Adam Wegener and Ron Sloat founded Trash Amps, a company that builds speakers in sustainable, non-traditional packaging. Imagine the power of an amplifier encased in the beer can you drank Saturday night. Two Cal Poly alumni made this fantasy into a reality with a company they started after graduating.
Imagine being able to listen to local musicians, free of charge and with no advertisements. Business administration senior Arash Namvar is trying to make that dream a reality, along with a team of college students in San Luis Obispo and other towns on the West Coast.
"There is going to be a lot of brewery reps on hand where you can really, as a beer fan, get to talk to the people who represent the beer day in and day out," said Bryan Rounds, the on-premise sales manager for Central Coast Distributing. Beer geeks, unite.
Besides unique doughnut flavors, SLO Donut Co. offers a comfortable ambiance, quality study space and friendly employees. When Jacob and Jessie Pickering set out to open a doughnut shop, they knew they wanted to do things differently. Jessie's family had been in the doughnut business for quite some time, but she didn't want to follow in her family's footsteps exactly.
Graphic by Megan Heddinger "Bacon is pretty popular as a food right now; a lot of bigger cities have bacon fests," event director Jazmyn Strickland said. "It is just a fun idea and there wasn't one in our area so I thought, 'Why not be the first one to bring it here?'" Everyone's favorite breakfast meat is sizzling up at Alex Madonna Expo Center this Saturday, Nov.
Cal Poly alumna Carolyn Mescher is making her mark in country music as a Nashville recording artist. Carolyn Mescher was just another statistic adding to the large percentage of college students who change their major. Halfway through her educational career at Cal Poly, Mescher switched her major from music to business administration.
The Ataris is headed to San Luis Obispo on its reunion tour - the first time they've played together in approximately a decade. Punk rock band The Ataris is back together for one tour and one tour only. San Luis Obispo is the fourth stop on its reunion tour, with the band's show on March 3 at SLO Brewing Co.
He sits on the bench in front of his old, chipped, bright yellow locker in the San Luis Obispo High School locker room. His name is painted on the wall for all-county recognition as a defensive back on the 2008 football team.
The Central Coast may be known for wineries, agriculture, fine dining and farmer's markets, but the burgeoning industry of food trucks takes all of these components and makes them mobile. Students may be aware of Curbside Grill, a mobile restaurant on campus, but there are also many other food truck options available in the surrounding city.
Ways to make the most out of your first year meal plan.
The SLO Bacon Fest included alcohol, appetizers and entrees featuring one main ingredient: bacon. It was a bacon lover's heaven and every pig's worst nightmare. It was the first SLO Bacon Fest held this past Saturday at the Alex Madonna Expo Center.
Joseph Pack/Staff Photographer Hopeful Hearts President and business administration junior Holly Kelly was inspired to give back to the community by helping people with heart defects. Hundreds of Post-it notes lining Robert E. Kennedy Library's halls and bathrooms announced it. Chalk art in the Julian A.
Robert E. Kennedy Library is holding a discussion about art and science in the Data Studio titled "Under the Scope: Looking at the Body through Art and Science" on Oct. 3. Rita Blaik, who will be leading the discussion, will have her "Body Identity" exhibit on display at the San Luis Obispo Museum of Art on Oct.
Orchesis' winter dance production, Vitality, will bring variety to Alex and Faye Spanos Theatre starting this weekend, exploring contemporary, jazz, ballet, modern and hip-hop dance styles. A mix of student, faculty and guest choreographers have been preparing for the concert since fall quarter.
Eye Candy, a new dance club in downtown San Luis Obispo, will open its doors Jan. 11 to the 18-and-up crowd.
“A Prairie Home Companion” host Garrison Keillor will perform a one-man rendition of his famed Lake Wobegon broadcasts at Cal Poly on Wednesday.
William Shatner will have his own one-man, multimedia experience show at the Christopher Cohan Performing Arts Center (PAC) on Saturday at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $50 to $90 and are available online and at the PAC ticket office.
English lecturer James Cushing (left), a published poet, emceed Tuesday’s Loverspeak fundraiser. The event was a unique opportunity for students and teachers to connect, he said.
The Fremont Theatre temporarily closed its doors on Thursday after more than 70 years showing movies in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Feature on one Cal Poly student who traded her cowboy boots for a crown.
Twenty years of music in two hours. Sound impossible? Not for the veteran musicians of Jimmy Eat World. Band members Jim Adkins, Tom Linton, Zach Lind and Rick Burch were up for the challenge and delivered on some of their biggest hits at SLO Brewing Co. this past Tuesday night.
A few tips to get acquainted with your new home.
Sexy, difficult, skimpy outfits, passionate dancers - these are some images that might pop into the average person's head when thinking about salsa dancing. However, the CP Salsa club shows the dance isn't too complicated and welcomes all levels of dancers.
It all started with one mutual friend, one house on Fredricks Street and Hathway Avenue, and similar music interests. Louder Space is made up of four best friends who are both current and former Cal Poly students: industrial engineering senior Chris Kaye (lead singer), Oren Ben-Joseph (bassist), Philip Tyler (drummer and background vocals) and Clayton Daly (guitarist).
A briefcase is placed haphazardly, wide open in the middle of the room. Sketches of circuits, a sea of tangled multicolor wires and sets of pliers overflow onto the floor. This briefcase serves as a toolbox for electrical engineering junior David Levi.
Learn what ways you can use your student ID to save you money around town.
Preview to Jimmy Eat World's concert.
MC Geologic and DJ Sabzi hopped over the half wall and onto the stage to face a small but excited audience, setting the casual, chill atmosphere for the whole night. The hip-hop duo wasn't afraid to interact with the crowd on a personal level.
Spoken word artist Brian Oliva, also known as SuperB, was the featured poet at this school year’s final Another Type of Groove poetry slam.
Lena Rushing was the featured artist at this year’s Evening with an Artist, an annual art show fundraiser for the Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center.
The Cal Poly Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship held a forum in October to discuss the unique players it takes to build a successful business team for a startup.
Poet Prentice Powell will take the stage in Chumash Auditorium on Feb. 5 for the Another Type of Groove: Spoken Word Poetry event. Poet and educator Prentice Powell will step onto Chumash Auditorium's stage for the fifth time on Feb. 5 for the Another Type of Groove: Spoken Word Poetry event.
The comedic pantomimers of the Blue Man Group will perform at Cal Poly on Monday and Tuesday.
“The Rocky Horror Show” is coming to San Luis Obispo this Thursday at 8 p.m. with a showing at Fremont Theatre.
Thirteen additional utility boxes were painted during 2012 as part of the Box Art program — a collaboration between the city of San Luis Obispo and the San Luis Obispo Downtown Association — that was started in 2010 with 16 painted utility boxes.
“This was one of the best ones. Sometimes you just hit on the right movie, the right special guest and the right crowd,” festival director Wendy Eidson said about Surf Nite 2013.
It’s not all flashy spins and kicks during the 43rd annual Orchesis dance concert “Suspension.”
Gender Equity Center Americorp member Nick Bilich recited a poem based on the night of his senior prom at the Gender Equity Center’s comedy event on Tuesday.
Two Cal Poly students had the opportunity to open for electro house musician Steve Aoki on Jan 31. Animal Kontrol, made up of communication studies senior Dillon Katz and alumnus Quin Donahue, took the stage hours before Aoki at the Recreation Center, after winning a Collective Efforts contest landing them the gig.