While many students are upset about the “unruly gathering” ordinance, it seems the uproar came a little too late. The student population makes up close to half of the city but yet remains one of the most inactive groups even when legislation is directly aimed at them.
Only 11 students, nine of which were ASI members came to the city council meeting but more then 200 people lined up around the block and waited more then an hour at the opening of Chipotle. Sadly after seeing the turnout for the budget cut protest that was only 60 people and the 30 students who participated in the Haiti vigil, I just wonder what will make students take a stand.
Sober up and realize that you can now be fined $700 for parties up to 20 people and $350 for just being too loud even if you are alone or with several friends. Police can also enter your home if they suspect that minors are drinking and fine them.
Now judging by the four comments on the “unruly gathering” story and 175 people who said they would attend on the Facebook event page, students are upset. Yet when it comes to taking action that doesn’t revolve around sitting by a computer, they fail to mobilize.
For the past nine months, all local news organizations have been following the chain of ordinances that have been inducted to lower complaints about partying. Maybe students should spend less time checking their Facebook and instead attempt to read more pieces about their community to be more informed.
Many students complain that San Luis Obispo is a college town and that residents need to acknowledge their rights. Yet when given the chance to speak the majority remains silent.
Flyers were given at the University Union and handed out with scantrons during final’s week about the dates that both ordinances were going to voted on and how they would affect students, but still a large majority seem uninformed about the noise and unruly gathering laws.
As adults, Cal Poly students must realize their responsibility to speak up or expect just to be walked over by just another ordinance that goes too far.