Record citations issued this Halloweekend

Author

Carly Heltzel
November 14, 2025

Good morning. It’s Friday, and I’m reading about a new world record set by 374 Australian bagpipers playing AC/DC’s “It’s a Long Way to the Top.” Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

SLO Police cited 78 partiers and arrested 24 during Halloweekend’s two safety enhancement zones. Open container was the most common, making up 52 of the citations this year, and increasing from last year’s 41 citations; the second biggest category was noise disturbances. Public urination citations (only 3!) notably decreased after two record high years in 2023 and 2024, likely due to the portable toilets the city brought downtown.

2.

The California Public Defenders Association said it was “racist” what the SLO County district attorney reposted, linking New York City Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani to 9/11. The public defenders association said that DA Dan Dow holds “enormous power” in the county and his outward racism is both “shocking” and could threaten the integrity of local justice systems. Dow’s response to being called out? “I am Charlie Kirk,” he wrote on X. “I will not be bullied. I will not be silenced. Truth matters.”

3.

Two climbers were rescued after illegally attempting to climb Morro Rock, a “treacherous” climb for those not familiar with it. Officials said the people were in their mid-20s and likely from out of town. The Rock is protected as both a bird sanctuary and historical landmark for its cultural significance to local Indigenous tribes. Without a permit, the state park agency can fine the unauthorized climbers up to $2,000.

4.

AT&T wants to stop servicing landlines in California. But over 1 million 911 calls are made each year through landlines in the state. Most of those are from rural areas with spotty cell service, providing lifelines to people who need emergency help. AT&T provides 75% of the state’s “last resort” phone service, but the business of landlines costs the company over 1 billion every year and would rather see the profit. 

5.

The U.S. minted its last penny on Wednesday, meaning no more shiny copper-plated coins will enter circulation. In the past decade, the cost to produce a penny has skyrocketed from 1.42 cents to 3.69 cents, nearly quadruple its actual worth. The last five pennies ever pressed will be worth a whole lot more than their minting, as they each got an omicron symbol on its design and will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.