Why was the location chosen for San Luis Obispo de Tolosa?

San Luís Obispo de Tolosa was founded by Spanish explorers under Gaspar de Portolá on September 1, 1772. The location for the mission was chosen because it was a sheltered area with a dependable water source. The nearby hills provided protection from the winds, and the river provided ample water for the mission and its residents. Additionally, the area was already home to a number of Native American settlements, making it a good location for the mission to establish its religious and colonial influence in the region.