Good morning. It’s Friday, and I’m reading about a two-Michelin-star restaurant’s $100 margarita. Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

Cal Poly has more acreage than any other university in California. Cal Poly’s website says its the second largest in California, but after a geography influencer posted on TikTok putting Cal Poly at the top spot, The Tribune took to fact checking. Turns out, we’re the biggest by a lot. Cal Poly has nearly 10,000 acres while No. 2 Stanford has 8,180 and No. 3 UC Davis has 5,300. But the university’s largest land parcel isn’t even in SLO — there’s a 3,200-acre ranch in Santa Cruz where agriculture students can live and research.

Hannah Poukish / The Tribune

2.

Morro Bay’s controversial battery power plant proposal is dead. The company that owns the former power plant (the three stacks) has withdrawn its application to the city with no explanation. It did specify, however, that the company will retain the property rather than gifting it back to the city. The proposal faced significant pushback from residents, who passed a ballot measure banning industrial projects next to residences, school and the estuary. The company’s other battery plant caught fire earlier this year.

Stephanie Zappelli / The Tribune

3.

Boo Boo Records will host its annual Record Store Day with loads of exclusive content. Customers will be let in 10 at a time to get a look at hundreds of exclusive vinyl releases and a peek at live bands and screen-printing. Last year’s event was Boo Boo’s biggest day of sales since it opened 50 years ago. “It’s really a celebration of the record store… and what we do and the community outreach, but it’s being celebrated through vinyl releases,” the owner said.

Staff / KSBY

4.

Pismo Beach was named the coastal small town of the year nationwide. The rankings are judged on attractions on and off the water, food options, history and scenic views, with reviewers touting the Monarch butterfly grove, Dinosaur Caves Park and the “Classic California” feel. The city has previously placed on the top ten list, earning runner-up in 2018. Morro Bay ranked fifth on the list this year. 

Olivia Harden / SFGate

5.

College is a difficult time to have a pet. But many Cal Poly students are still adopting and fostering animals, even with the immense responsibility. Over 67 cats have been adopted from the 400-person Cal Poly Cat Program, though not all went to students, students are often the ones fostering them. The biggest obstacle might be getting your roommates on board. One dog owner adopted her pooch after hitting “rock bottom” and needing emotional support. “I really owe it all to her, she changed my life,” the owner said of her portuguese water dog.

Caroline Ohlandt / Mustang News