Covid-19's impact on 2020 and the foreseeable future is costing college towns millions of dollars, including San Luis Obispo.
A recent report by the city shows Cal Poly's impact is worth $1.1 million.
With school out, businesses like Firestone Grill are seeing half the customers they did pre-covid.
“It affects me and it hits me because it is my livelihood and this is what I've done for the 25 years,” said Darnell Harris, Firestone Grill manager.
Cal Poly is projecting a $35 million deficit for the 2020-21 school year.
This comes after the college refunded about $21 million in student rent.
Cal Poly is spending about $245,000 a month in covid-19 testing.
The school went all-online back in March, and classes will continue being held online during the upcoming spring term.
