SLO County saw 4th best voter turnout in CA

Author

Carly Heltzel
December 03, 2025

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, and I’m reading about the life and legacy of Claude, the California Academy of Sciences’ beloved albino alligator who passed away at age 30 yesterday. Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

SLO County saw the fourth highest voter turnout rate in the state for the statewide special Proposition 50 election in November with 67% of registered voters casting a ballot. Across California, the average was only 50%. The highest voter turnout was in Marin County, north of San Francisco, and the lowest turnout was in Imperial County, east of San Diego. Roughly 55% of voters in SLO County cast their ballot in favor of redrawing congressional districts through Proposition 50. 

2.

A high surf advisory warning is in place for SLO County beaches until 3 a.m. tomorrow morning, with officials saying to stay out of the water entirely. Eight- to 12-foot waves and rip currents are causing officials to warn beachgoers to stay off rocks, away from the break and near lifeguard towers. In some coastal cities, storm drains could back up into the streets due to the high tides.

3.

A potential offshore wind proposal at Avila Beach won’t move to conduct a feasibility study — for now. Port San Luis commissioners decided to hold of on a $3 million grant from the state’s energy commission that would have allowed them do the study. They paused to see what other county studies turn up and better assess public opinions. Residents had many feelings at the meeting from encouraging exploring the opportunity to saying the port is “not meant to be industrialized.”

4.

Last fall, Cal State enrolled 14,000 international students, making up 3% of the population. This fall, that number dropped by 2,000 students. While the number of international students at American universities decreased by just 1% nationwide, the same study found that there are 17% less new international students in this incoming class. And, anecdotally, less of of California’s students plan to stay in the U.S. after graduation than before. 

5.

What does a struggling newsroom do to stay afloat? Maybe lay people off, offer buyouts, reporters could even consider going on strike. Not usually on that list is collaborate with a luxury Italian streetwear brand to create a $1,078 denim shirt. That’s exactly what the Los Angeles Times just did. A new 14-piece collection is dropping and employees get first dibs at a major discounts. After mass layoffs, no profits and a $50 million deficit last year, the move comes as a shock.