Cougars and Mustangs 

College is all about growing into a more mature, ready-for-the-world you, and that includes sorting out the things you truly believe in. Just as you become better prepared for a life of productivity in your work, you also develop a social life to make that work all the more fulfilling. Therefore, though the following event isn’t strictly aimed at college-goers, I think it’s an excellent choice for them to attend. This May 10, at Pomar Junction Winery in Templeton, locally based band Truth About Seafood will be featured at a benefit concert for Spinning for Finning, a cross-country bicycle ride aimed at raising awareness and money to help end the slaughter of sharks. For all that panicked news reports and too-literal interpretations of the film Jaws might tell you, in reality, sharks are as important as they are in danger.

It’s true that, on occasion, there have been attacks, but one might argue that they’re more “shark accidents.” And this top predator of the ocean is so very, very important for keeping its ecosystem alive. An estimated 100 million sharks are killed annually for their fins, an ingredient in a popular and expensive soup, and they now find themselves at risk of extinction.

The benefit concert, which will be catered, includes, as you might expect, wine tasting, and for those of you Cal Poly-goers not from the area, this could be an excellent opportunity to try this hallmark of the Central Coast. There will also be a silent auction with exciting offerings, a raffle, and a 100-foot human shark fin—“compliments” according to one of the event’s crucial developers, “of everyone who attends.”

And then, naturally, there’s the featured band, with its thematically appropriate name. Truth About Seafood began in the Bay Area, but the members now find themselves living here. Its musical style is inspired by a variety of different groups, and you can check out its Facebook page to have a listen for yourself. Don’t forget to also see the Spinning for Finning website for more information about this important campaign.

Are you aware, for example, that though the process of finning a shark (catching the shark, cutting off its fin, then throwing it back in the ocean to die) is illegal in the United States, sales of shark fins themselves are only illegal in four states?

The event, once again, is on May 10 at Pomar Junction Winery, 5036 S. El Pomar Road, Templeton, at 4 p.m. Tickets cost $16, and all proceeds go to shark conservation efforts in Costa Rica. ∆

Intern Chris White-Sanborn compiled this week’s Cougars and Mustangs. Send your collegiate news to [email protected].