Jewish students disagree with "C" grade for antisemitism

Author

Carly Heltzel
May 13, 2026

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, and I’m reading about the behind-the-scenes of ASI president-elect Tanner Schinderle’s campaign. Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

Some Jewish Cal Poly students disagree with the university’s “C” grade on the Anti-Defamation League’s antisemitism report card, even after it was raised from a “D” earlier this year. They say it doesn’t reflect their personal experiences of community and culture or of their working relationship with administration to improve things. More, they’re worried the low rating will deter Jewish students from attending and diminish the Jewish population. Other Jewish students said negative incidents they’ve experienced are appropriately reflected in the grade.

2.

If you’ve had to walk through a cloud of flies to get into a store downtown, you’ve encountered hoverflies. The tiny insects are seeing a banner year already. SLO never went through a freeze period this winter so the hoverflies have a nearly endless food supply of even tinier insects, speeding up their reproduction. That spells trouble for business owners who have to keep their doors closed or shoo out the flies so customers aren’t repulsed by the harmless creatures. 

3.

The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily extended access to abortion pills via mail in a ruling against Louisiana’s ban on the service. It was extended from May 4 until tomorrow, while the court takes its next steps. The court cited rural access, overwhelmed clinics in states that continue to allow abortion and the risk that people will try more dangerous methods if they are unable to access safe, proven medicine. 

4.

Plastic producers have until 2032 to make their products completely recyclable or compostable in California. And everyone is mad about it. The manufacturers say the deadline — the strictest in the country — feels impossible since they would have to essentially design new compounds and drive up consumer prices. Environmentalists say the toxic waste resulting from recycling certain plastics that will still be allowed means the law is illegal. “Everybody walked away from the table, you know, unhappy,” the author said.

5.

Two Cal Poly seniors created a coffee shop pop-up from scratch this quarter. Luna Cafe offers unique blends sourced from small businesses owned by people of color, including an Indigenous-owned coffee bean supplier and matcha from two Latino brothers who source it from Japan. The best part, one said, is being able to meet new people who enjoy their coffee and being on the other side of the counter has been “funky fresh.”