In letters: Neighbors call for an end to St. Fratty’s street party | Opinion

To the students of Cal Poly,

As your neighbors, we are deeply concerned about our properties and the well-being of everyone in this community — including you. The St. Fratty’s street party has repeatedly put students, residents and first responders at serious risk, and it must come to an end.

This event was effectively shut down in 2015 after a roof collapsed under the weight of partygoers, causing injuries and forcing authorities to intervene. Yet in 2022, it re-emerged, and over the past three years, it has grown exponentially, once again threatening public safety.

The overcrowding, excessive drinking and uncontrolled nature of this party have led to dangerous situations, stretching emergency services thin and putting attendees, police and innocent bystanders in harm’s way. Law enforcement isn’t increasing its presence to ruin your fun — they’re doing so to prevent another disaster.

Beyond the immediate dangers, this event has brought property damage, vandalism and a general disregard for the community that so many of us — students and long-term residents alike — call home. We should not have to fear for our safety or the integrity of our homes because of a single day’s reckless partying.

By attending Cal Poly, we know you are bright, capable and excellent students who know how to make good decisions. We ask that you apply that same judgment here. There are countless ways to celebrate responsibly, and we urge you to choose them.

We understand student frustrations with the alternative on-campus event, but the solution is not to bring chaos back to our neighborhood. Large, unpermitted street gatherings will always lead to a crackdown because they are fundamentally unsafe.

If you truly want better options for future celebrations, the way forward is not through defiance but responsibility. Demonstrating that students can celebrate without destruction or lawlessness is the only way to get support for better, sanctioned events.

Please respect our community. Make the right choice. Let’s ensure that St. Fratty’s doesn’t become another tragic headline.

Alta Vista Neighborhood Association

Neighborhoods North of Foothill

Residents for Quality Neighborhoods