Several years ago, the City of SLO was gifted an original neon sign that once stood at Chong’s Homemade Candy Store located at 798 Palm Street. The store was operated by Richard Chong (Gin Quong) from 1950 to 1978. To commemorate and highlight the rich Chinese history of San Luis Obispo, the neon sign was restored and installed on the parking structure at 812 Palm Street in February of 2024. To enrich the storytelling experience, a display panel featuring historical photographs and contextual information will be installed beneath the neon sign, providing passersby with a glimpse into the cultural heritage of SLO’s Chinatown district.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for this historic sign and informational panels will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Palm Street Parking Garage, preceding the block party.