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
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communityShabang Music and Arts Festival
Dairy Creek Golf Course
artsJonathan Van Ness
Fremont Theater
communityShabang Music and Arts Festival
Dairy Creek Golf Course
communityCalifornia Retina Consultants 2 Hour CE Meeting - Santa Maria
1510 E Main St suite 103
communityATSU Virtual Information Session: Central Coast Physician Assistant Program
Billy Currington
Avila Beach Golf Resort
musicKameron Marlowe
Fremont Theater
music2016 NIGHT
SLO Brew Rock
Gza
Fremont Theater
musicBingo Loco (21+)
Fremont Theater
musicPanchiko
Fremont Theater
musicSLO Brew Live + (((folkYEAH!))) present ~ The Heavy Heavy w/ special guest Lou Hazel
SLO Brew Rock
Local Businesses
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wineryWhite Hills Vineyard
8385, Graciosa Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93455
convenienceBoone Street Market
alcoholBroadway Liquor
1535, South Broadway, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
post_officeSanta Maria Post Office
alcoholWimpy's Liquor
department_storeTJ Maxx
department_storeWalmart
2220, South Bradley Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93455
alcoholDino's Liquor & Deli
farmGrowing Grounds Farm
Latest News in Santa Maria
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Santa MariaMonster Masks: A Lompoc artist leans into the creep factor with the help of a 3D pen and his love of characters
You know that friend who’s always game for a little spooky fun, even in the middle of spring? That’s Lompoc artist Joe Cerny. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, Cerny is crafting seriously creepy masks using a 3D pen and his deep love for character design—think monsters that look like they crawled straight out of a midnight movie. He’s been showing his work at the Lompoc Art Walks, and honestly, it’s the kind of local creativity that makes our corner of the 805 so special. It’s not every day you see art that’s both high-tech and delightfully eerie. What really caught my eye, though, is Cerny’s attitude. He told the *Sun* he’s “so over” being scared of trying new things that might flop. That’s a message that hits home for so many of us here in Santa Maria—whether you’re a farmer trying a new crop, a small business owner rolling the dice, or just someone thinking about picking up a hobby. If you’re heading up to Lompoc for the next Art Walk, keep an eye out for his booth. And if you see him, tell him a neighbor from down the 101 says: keep making the weird stuff. It matters.
Santa MariaFatal DUI case closes with probation sentence over District Attorney’s call for state prison time
According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, a devastating case that began on Highway 154 last May has come to a close with a sentence that’s leaving many in our community conflicted. Twenty-nine-year-old Katelyn Fultz, who crossed double yellow lines and struck 24-year-old Carly Howard’s car head-on, will serve less than 300 days in county jail followed by five years of probation—a result the District Attorney’s office argued should have been state prison time. For those of us who drive the 154 regularly, this story hits close to home. That winding stretch between Santa Maria and the coast is beautiful, but it demands our full attention. While no sentence can bring back Carly Howard, this case reminds us how quickly a morning commute can turn into tragedy. It also raises tough questions about accountability and justice in our community—questions worth sitting with over a quiet cup of coffee.
Santa MariaLompoc is auditing its rebate program after fraud allegations
You know how we’re all trying to be good stewards of our water—ripping out thirsty lawns for drought-tolerant landscaping, fixing those sneaky leaks? Well, over in Lompoc, some of those well-intentioned rebate programs are now under a microscope. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, the city is calling for a third-party audit of its water and energy conservation rebates after fraud allegations surfaced. The audit will look at applications going back at least two years, and here’s the twist: some of those rebates went to the current city manager. It’s the kind of story that makes you pause mid-sip of your morning coffee. On one hand, these rebates are exactly the kind of smart, forward-thinking programs we need on the Central Coast, especially after years of drought. On the other hand, when trust gets shaken—even by an allegation—it ripples through the whole community. Lompoc’s City Council took up the discussion on April 21, and it’s a good reminder that transparency matters just as much as conservation. For us here in Santa Maria, it’s a neighborly nudge to keep an eye on how our own local programs are run, and to appreciate the folks who make sure every drop—and every dollar—is accounted for.