What students really think about the new library

Author

Carly Heltzel
November 12, 2025

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, and I’m reading about people who camped out in line for Starbucks’ extremely limited edition “Bearista” cups. Onto the five Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and California stories you need to know for today.

1.

A lack of power outlets. Limited food options. Generally looking and feeling the same as before. Over half way through the quarter, that’s what Cal Poly students had to say about Kennedy Library’s $80 million, two-year transformation. Most people are just glad to have the library back at all, with not too much praise for the updates. Even though air conditioning was one of the main focuses, students are even complaining that it’s too hot. 

2.

The federal government shutdown is likely to end today. The U.S. Senate approved a deal Monday night in a 60-40 vote that would fund the government through Jan. 30, and the House of Representatives will vote on it today. The effort took several Democrats and one independent voting across party lines to get it through. The agreement will fund the federal food assistance program, which is distribute through CalFresh benefits here, through next September. 

3.

The principal of Paso Robles High School was arrested for allegedly driving drunk to school on Monday morning. After the district abruptly placed her on leave Monday, rumors swirled about her departure until police confirmed yesterday that the school’s officer booked her at the jail and released her. She wasn’t cited for any traffic violations while under the influence and caused no known harm on the road.

4.

Two months after Charlie Kirk’s death, his college speaking tour wrapped up with a violent spectacle at none other than U.C. Berkeley. Members of Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, finished out his tour for him, drawing a large crowd of over 100 protestors, most of which were peaceful. A brawl broke out when a protestor threw TPUSA merch on the ground and photos of the merch seller with a bloodied face have spread to commemorate the incident. 

5.

Bread Bike Bakery is giving out one free loaf of sourdough bread per week to recipients of CalFresh benefits for the month of November. Federal food assistance that funds CalFresh was cut off because of the government shutdown, with payments delayed, incomplete and leaving locals who rely on it in a tailspin. So Bread Bike decided to provide their “staple” to consumers, baking 20-40 extra loaves per day to give out. “I’ve always believed bakers are meant to feed people,” the owner said.