Resident group resigns from Cal Poly committee

Author

Carly Heltzel
April 14, 2026

Good morning. It’s Tuesday, and I’m reading about Karol G’s historic Coachella performance. Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

A resident advocacy group resigned from a joint committee with neighbors, Cal Poly students and Cuesta students, citing an “elimination of both free speech and open discussion.” The group has advocated heavily for further St. Fratty’s restrictions in the past and tensions have risen with students as noisy parties get shut down faster and faster. These tensions “weakened the collaborative aspect” of the group, the residents group said in their resignation letter.

2.

A conservative group hand-delivered a letter to the SLO County sheriff calling for an investigation into “voting irregularities" in the November 2025 statewide election. It also demanded that the county clerk-recorder retain all of the ballots from the election. Similar letters were delivered to all 58 counties. In Riverside County, the sheriff seized 650,000 ballots with unsubstantiated claims of fraud, and now some SLO residents fear the same could happen. SLO’s election officials are adamant that it will not.

3.

SLO launched a new event series called the Belonging Project, aimed at spurring conversation and connection between local communities. The first event, held in February, focused on how language and lived experience in Mixteco communities shapes interactions with health care and public systems. On May 12, the next event will feature the Cal Poly debate team talking about inclusive public engagement.

4.

Eric Swalwell, one of the leading candidates for governor, abandoned his campaign Sunday and resigned from Congress on Monday amid allegations of sexual assault that he vehemently denies. But his exit has provided no clarity to the crowded Democratic field and, if anything, has cause more confusion. Plus, its past the deadline to formally withdraw, so his name will still appear on the ballot. “I’ve never seen something so in flux while ballots are about to drop,” one strategist said. 

5.

Ventura is becoming the newest foodie hub in California. Previously overshadowed by Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, the somewhat sleepy Central Coast city is ramping up its restaurant scene with new vigor. The areas surrounding Ventura are largely agricultural, but all of those ingredients are typically sent to LA. Now, restaurants are taking advantage of their backyard produce. With a mix of out-of-towners taking interest and home grown eateries, the scene is taking off.