Two more frats had their permits revoked

Author

Carly Heltzel
March 18, 2026

Good morning. It’s Thursday, and I’m reading about the most common trash left behind after Burning Man. Onto the five Cal Poly, SLO and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

SLO’s planning commission revoked two more fraternity permits, this time from Alpha Epsilon Pi and Lambda Chi Alpha. The conditional use permits allow houses to function as official fraternities and host events with larger numbers of people. One city official said the revocation process, which is one of the few instances of communication between fraternities and the city, is more of a “hammer” than a “Swiss army knife” and isn’t a “carrot nor a stick.” Translation: the permits don’t actually change much.

2.

Unsheltered homelessness in SLO County has gone down by 42% since 2022, according to preliminary results from a biannual count conducted in January. And homelessness among veterans has been roughly cut in half in the same time. County officials said this might be because not too many more people are becoming homeless in the area, while efforts to house people are taking many off the streets. But SLO County’s success could actually lead to a reduction in funding as the state grapples with increasing homelessness elsewhere.

3.

F. McLintocks’ Saloon and Dining House in Pismo Beach is finally going up for auction since its closure in 2024 and its owner’s death in January. The auction will take place in person at a nearby venue and likely start at $2.6 million before bidders drive that number up. It’s only selling off the building, not the name, menu or recipes. 

4.

Five state prisons have closed since Gov. Gavin Newsom took office, and one more might be on the chopping block. California has about 8,000 more beds than prisoners, and one prison costs roughly $150 million per year to operate. Lawmakers are singling the Correctional Training Facility in Monterey County because it’s due for some pretty pricey repairs. But closing a prison means those inmates are sent to a new one which can clog rehabilitation waitlists and other programs.

5.

Ten percent of all sales from 75 SLO County businesses and wineries will go toward supporting homeless animals at the Woods Humane Society one weekend next month. Wine 4 Paws, the annual event, has raised over $700,000 since its beginning in 2009. The animal shelter cares for 3,000 cats and dogs every year with an average medical care cost of $500 per animal. One participating winery owner said “For us, this is a great way to give back and protect our little ones, our little furry guys.”