Santa Barbara County
Santa Maria
Where BBQ smoke meets vineyard dreams
About Santa Maria
Santa Maria's legendary tri-tip barbecue fills the air with smoky perfection while world-class Pinot Noir vineyards stretch toward rolling hills. This authentic working town serves up the Central Coast's most famous culinary tradition at places like Far Western Tavern, where cowboys and wine lovers share the same tables. Beyond the iconic red oak pits, discover the enchanting Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes and a Main Street that feels refreshingly real.
Upcoming Events
All events27th Annual Ag For Youth Golf Tournament
Festival de chilena
Outback Island Sessionz
Music at the Library - Suri Kim
Los Morros del Norte
La Coqueta De Santa Maria
Meeting DAV
The Altons, Thee Sinseers, and introverted funk
Presqu'ile Winery
The Altons, Thee Sinseers in Santa Maria
Hawaiian Dance!
Elwin Mussel Senior Center
Elvis with Jeremy “Elvis”Pearce at the Santa Maria Elks
Hancock Hello (Santa Maria)
Introduction to Remixing and Open Homework Systems Regional Meeting - South
Local Businesses
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garden_centreOld Town Garden Center
alcoholDino's Liquor & Deli
wineryWhite Hills Vineyard
8385, Graciosa Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93455
alcoholBevMo!
antiquesDeja Vu Antique Mall at the Loading Dock
department_storeKohl's
2501, South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, 93455
convenienceAJ Grocery Express
car_partsAutoZone
alcoholBroadway Liquor
1535, South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
Latest News in Santa Maria
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Santa MariaA courthouse divided: Assembly Bill 46 gives judges more discretion in mental health cases
A new state law signed this week is changing how local judges handle mental health cases in Santa Maria. Assembly Bill 46, which received bipartisan support, gives judges more discretion to offer treatment-based alternatives to jail for criminal offenders diagnosed with a mental illness. The Santa Maria Sun reports the law redefines what judges can consider when a defendant applies for mental health diversion, potentially shifting how our courts balance accountability with care. For Santa Maria residents, this could mean a more compassionate approach to justice — one that prioritizes rehabilitation over incarceration for those struggling with mental illness. The law doesn't mandate diversion, but it opens the door for judges to make case-by-case decisions. As our community continues to grow, this change reflects a broader conversation about how we support vulnerable individuals while maintaining public safety.
Santa MariaJudge rejects Solvang’s request to dismiss a developer’s lawsuit
A judge has denied Solvang’s attempt to toss out a lawsuit from local developer Ed St. George, keeping the legal battle over a stop-work order alive. Santa Barbara County Superior Court Judge James F. Rigali overruled the city’s dismissal request in mid-July, meaning Solvang’s legal team now has until Aug. 3 to respond. The lawsuit stems from a dispute that has caught the attention of many in the Santa Ynez Valley, where development decisions often stir strong feelings about balancing growth with the town’s Danish character. For Central Coast residents, this case is more than a courtroom tussle—it’s about how local governments handle development disputes. The Santa Maria Sun first reported the ruling, highlighting how Solvang’s charm and economic needs are clashing in real time. Whether you’re a business owner or a longtime resident, the outcome could shape future projects in the 805 area.
Santa MariaLompoc changes how it bills wastewater customers
Heads up, Lompoc neighbors: the way your wastewater bill is calculated is getting a refresh. At the July 21 City Council meeting, Management Services Director Bob Cross explained that while the method is changing, the basic premise remains the same—your bill will still be tied to your water usage. If you see a higher charge, Cross assured it would have happened under the old system too. This isn’t a drastic overhaul, but it’s worth keeping an eye on your next statement. The Santa Maria Sun reported the debate got a little slippery, as council members worked through the details. For Lompoc residents, it’s a reminder that even small shifts in city billing can affect household budgets—so stay tuned and check your next bill closely.