Patty Rupprecht — Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 32
What brought you to SLO?
I went to Cal Poly and met my husband in the dorms. We lived in the LA and SF areas after graduation, and we thought someday we would like to retire to SLO. We decided why wait for someday? We moved back in 1990, and we continue to live and work here very happily.
When did you join the Chamber team?
Summer 2014
Favorite SLO fun fact:
SLO was the first city in the United States to ban smoking in public buildings.
What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?
Taste the tri tip!
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
Go to Luna Red for happy hour drinks and tapas, head up the street to the Palm Theatre to see a movie and then come back down to Giuseppe’s for dessert.
Morgan Haynie — Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 2
What brought you to SLO?
Attending Cal Poly.
When did you join the Chamber team?
June 2024
Favorite SLO fun fact:
San Luis Obispo has the first ever Jamba Juice.
What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?
Get outside, enjoy the beautiful weather and try some of the many hikes!
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
When walking through downtown, stop by the local restaurants and ice cream parlors.
Susan Carlson — Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 1.5
What brought you to SLO?
Husband’s new job relocated us. He loves his job and we love SLO!
When did you join the Chamber team?
September 16, 2024 was my first day working with the Chamber but I have been involved with the Chamber since we got here. We have benefited from the SOAR program which has helped to acclimate us.
Favorite SLO fun fact:
You will only find one drive through in SLO and its a great one! Cal Poly offers fresh delicious ice cream and cheese every Friday afternoon.
What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?
We love sharing the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market and summer concerts with our family, friends and visitors!
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
Locals learn quick to order sandos at High Street Deli ahead of time.
Emmerson Spann — Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 1
What brought you to SLO?
I go to school at Cal Poly, but the rolling hills along with the welcoming and active community is what drew me to San Luis Obispo!
When did you join the Chamber team?
Fall 2025
Favorite SLO fun fact:
Poly Canyon, located just behind Cal Poly, has an architecture graveyard where students and visitors can explore the remains of previous students’ senior projects.
What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?
Take it “slo”! Walk to dinner, hike one of our famous peaks, or make a trip to the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market!
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
Try a local coffee shop! Supporting small businesses is one of my favorite things to do here and they’re all so unique. Their drink and food creations amaze me every time!
Emma Major — Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 2
What brought you to SLO?
I came to SLO to be a Cal Poly student and I have fallen in love with the town ever since!
When did you join the Chamber team?
September 2025
Favorite SLO fun fact:
My favorite fun fact about San Luis Obispo is that it was home to the first movie theater in the world to be completely powered by solar energy!
What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?
I recommend everyone go to the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market. It is one of the most well known events SLO does and its a great way to get to know the people and restaurants here! It’s even better during the winter when downtown is decorated beautifully.
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
My tips for experiencing SLO as a local are to talk to as many people as you can; everyone is so friendly!
Celina Jimenez – Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 2
What brought you to SLO?
I came to SLO to go to Cal Poly and study business.
When did you join the Chamber team?
August 2025
Favorite SLO fun fact:
Zac Efron, the actor from the movie High School Musical, grew up in SLO County.
What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?
I would recommend people do the local hikes we have. The views are breathtaking.
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
The best way to start the morning is with an iced vanilla coffee and breakfast sandwich from Scout Coffee in SLO.
Melanie Hildenbrand – Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 1
What brought you to SLO?
I am a Cal Poly Student!
When did you join the Chamber team?
December 2025
Favorite SLO fun fact:
Oprah Winfrey said SLO is the happiest town in the country!
What is the number one thing you recommend people to do on their first trip to SLO?
Find a way to get outside! SLO has such beautiful weather and amazing places to hike and enjoy the great outdoors.
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
Get a donut from SloDoCo. It’s the best way to start or end a great day!
Janson Fritzley – Information Specialist
[email protected] | 805-781-2777
Years in SLO: 25
What brought you to SLO?
Born and raised here
When did you join the Chamber team?
November 2025
Favorite SLO fun fact:
SLO is home to a chain of 9 volcanic plugs composed of mostly dacite that are ~20-25 million years old. These hills and mountains are better known as the “9 Sisters”, and provide some of the best hikes throughout all of California.
What is the number one thing you recommend people to do on their first trip to SLO?
First thing you should do in San Luis Obispo is hike Cerro San Luis (Madonna Mountain) and grab a tri tip sandwich afterwards. One of the 9 Sisters, “Madonna Mountain” provides the best 360 view that allows you to see all of SLO, wine country of Edna Valley, and even the coasts of Montana de Orro on a clear day.
Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:
Make sure to have a light jacket with you, because even though it’s known for being 72 and sunny year round, San Luis Obispo rapidly cools down when the sun sets.