Meet your Visitor Center Staff

Patty Rupprecht — Information Specialist

visitorcenter@slochamber.org | 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.

Tyler Fellbaum—Information Specialist

visitorcenter@slochamber.org | 805-781-2777

Years in SLO: Born & Raised

What brought you to SLO?

I was born and raised in Arroyo Grande. I love this area because of the friendly people and the outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hiking and biking.

When did you join the Chamber team?

April 2019

Favorite SLO fun fact:

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was built in 1772-the oldest building in SLO!

What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?

Hike Cerro San Luis. It has a wonderful view of San Luis Obispo and is one of SLO’s many awesome open spaces.

Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:

Enjoy a stroll through Farmers Market on Thursdays, where you can find everything from farm fresh produce to live music to a bounce house for the kids.

Bella Zahra — Information Specialist

visitorcenter@slochamber.org | 805-781-2777

Years in SLO: 3

What brought you to SLO?

I originally came to San Luis Obispo for school. I’m currently a student at Cal Poly here.

When did you join the Chamber team?

March 2022

Favorite SLO fun fact:

SLO used have a lawless, bad reputation in the 1800s, originally being called “Tiger Town” because of the activity that went on in town. In fact, Cuesta Grade used to be a hotspot for unexplained murders and stagecoach bandit robberies.

What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?

Check out the Montaña De Oro State Park area out of Los Osos. There are many beautiful trails leading through the hills and onto the dunes where you can find tidepools (with neat sea life and many small, colorful rocks), the shoreline (seven miles—great for walking down!), lots of different wildlife/plants through the changing plant communities, beaches, and more. Lots to explore and see if you look closely.

Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:

Whether you’re exploring outside or checking out downtown, take a minute to just sit and be there. Listen to the sounds and see all the things. Existing in SLO is a nice thing to do. You can see the sights and do the popular things here but it’s not quite the same as just stopping to take it all in for a second.

Jacqueline Martin — Information Specialist

visitorcenter@slochamber.org | 805-781-2777

Years in SLO: 23

What brought you to SLO?

I was born and raised in the area, and I’ve stayed in SLO to attend community college.

When did you join the Chamber team?

June 2023

Favorite SLO fun fact:

San Luis Obispo used to have one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations outside of Louisiana, until the holiday was specifically outlawed after the 2004 celebration turned into a multi-day long riot.

What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?

Go on a hike at Bishops Peak mountain! The view is unbeatable!

Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:

Bike into downtown for Farmer’s Market or Concerts in the Plaza. It’s easy, fun, and bike valet will make parking a breeze.

Liana Harlan — Information Specialist

visitorcenter@slochamber.org | 805-781-2777

Years in SLO: 13

What brought you to SLO?

I went to Cal Poly and moved back in 2011 when my husband found a job up here. 

When did you join the Chamber team?

Winter 2023

Favorite SLO fun fact:

We have a moon tree here near Mission Plaza. In 1971, Stuart Roosa, a former U.S. Forest Service smoke jumper, packed hundreds of tree seeds on his trip to the moon on Apollo 14. The seeds were later germinated by the Forest Service and the Redwood tree in Mission Plaza was planted on July 30, 1976.

What is the number one thing you recommend people do on their first trip to SLO?

Go for a stroll in downtown SLO to check out the Mission, the creek and definitely stop by the Thursday night Farmer’s Market. 

Tip for experiencing SLO like a local:

One of my favorite things to do is to check out local art at the SLO Museum of Art and Art After Dark (the first Friday of the month).