Good morning, San Luis Obispo.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office is accepting donations of new bicycles, new helmets and funds for its Christmas Bicycle Giveaway that gives refurbished bikes to children in need.

Donations must be submitted in original packaging or mailed while applications are due by Nov. 20 and the event is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 9 a.m.—repairs are completed at the Honor Farm by incarcerated persons.

This week, Woods Humane Society is featuring Gatsby, a four-year-old gray tabby cat that loves to curl up on a lap.

He arrived from the county shelter in July and is fee waived for adoption at the shelter off Oklahoma Avenue from noon to 4 p.m.

Cal Poly’s Chicano SLO Archive is using a $2,000 HSI mini-grant to digitize and catalog materials that document Chicano contributions since 1989+the project supports university programs in Theater, Dance and History and a current exhibition at Kennedy Library+which connects local cultural traditions with hands-on learning.

Cal Poly’s Educational Opportunity Program launched a UNIV 100 course for transfer students to help them adjust to campus life and build career skills— the course began on September 22 and mirrors the freshmen course but emphasizes career development.

Cal Poly’s Mustang Success Center and University Advising launched the “La Familia y Communidad” Advising Pilot in August using fall 2024 HSI grant funds to involve families in the advising process as the school works toward Hispanic-Serving Institution status — the yearlong program offers resources via orientation, newsletters, recorded videos, and a Spanish-language website.

On May 5, Cal Poly’s Department of Ethnic Studies hosted a symposium that explored Latinx and Indigenous identity—featuring talks on indigenous Mexican migration and a workshop on native languages.

The event, supported by an HSI mini grant, provided insight into cultural heritage and the experiences of indigenous communities.

A Cal Poly professor plans to use his HSI Mini-Grant funds to paint a large mural honoring Latino and Hispanic writers in the English building but has not yet received approval for a location+ he faces administrative hurdles that force him to consider an alternative art installation outside his budget.

Cal Poly hosted a welcome event at the Historic Santa Maria Inn last spring for prospective Hispanic students to learn about financial aid, campus support, and enrollment processes—supported by a $4,000 HSI mini-grant—and 22 of 32 attendees confirmed their admission.

Cal Poly used a HSI mini grant to fund programming for over 90 students in its EOP and TRIO Achievers programs living on campus; University Housing Coordinators hosted the Un Camino a tu Comunidad Series—activities that helped students learn skills for success and build a supportive community.

Cal Poly seniors Diego Ortega and Luis Cruzgarcia are in final editing on three videos that promote the Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences department—aiming to attract more Hispanic students.

They received equipment and wages from an HSI mini-grant and await approval by the Office of University Inclusion and Diversity before releasing the project.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law today that expands child care access for public university students with dependents by directing campuses to connect them with local child care providers and financial aid options.

Beginning in January, institutions such as Cal Poly will work with San Luis Obispo County agencies to ease the challenges of balancing academics and family life — a move aimed at helping student parents stay enrolled.

Nuestra Ciencia, a STEM club started by Professors Alejandra Yep and Jasmine Nation in 2021, offers Latinx youth hands-on microbiology lessons and vaccine education at local schools + the club uses HSI Mini Grant funds to support classroom visits, field trips, and community health center resources.

Paso Robles Joint Unified School District has launched Paso Proud—a monthly newsletter from Superintendent Jennifer Loftus distributed through ParentSquare—that informs families, staff, and community members about student achievements and updates such as new facilities and policy changes.

Templeton High School quarterback Colter Tannehill threw 6 of 7 passes for 200 yards and 5 touchdowns last Friday against Morro Bay, helping his team reach a 7-0 record.

He has thrown 14 touchdown passes with 1 interception this season (showing his strong work ethic) and coach Don Crow said his off-season training (which paid off on the field) boosted his performance.