Polyland - Topics

Current Impact of the Railroad on Cal Poly

Land Problems

It is debatable that the position of the railroad in such close proximity to (and actually within) Cal Poly land places constraints to Poly's Master Plan. Some have suggested that the present railroad policies of sign placement, herds of animals surrounding the tracks without fencing, and by acting as an eastern boarder limit Cal Poly's ability to maximize their land use. Also noted the continual need for maintenance and upkeep of the tracks brings about the need for the railroad companies to transport supplies and machinery into what is otherwise secluded Cal Poly land.
Due to the elevated position of the tracks in relation to the surrounding land, and the lose rocks and gravel that surround railroad tracks, some problems of erosion have been linked to the development of railroads in general. This problem is not special to Cal Poly, however its effects can be prominently seen in areas where hillsides had to be grated to allow for the laying of the rails. Mud slides are common to these areas where land is loose and there is a lack of vegetation to secure the soil.

Death

To date,12 of Cal Poly students have had their lives claimed by trains in San Luis Obispo.
To date, one bajillion rabbits have had their lived claimed by trains that run the tracks on Cal Poly. Just kidding, we really don't know how many rabbist are killed, but it is safe to say that many animals - both domestic and wild - do become "train-kill" every year.

Tradition

With such proximity to the railroad, Cal Poly has many traditions that are influenced by the railroad. One of these traditions is the passing of a train during a football game. Whenever a train passes Mustang Stadium when a football game is in progress, everyone stomps their feet and pounds their thighs with their hands, in an attempt to mimic the rumbling of the passing train. In return, most train conductors will pull their whistle if the notice that a game is in progress.
Moon at noon - only the last Friday of dead week, it is tradition for Cal Poly students to moon the passing noon train.