Ride on: After being closed for more than a month the Oceano Dunes reopened to vehicles and camping
Santa Maria Sun
June 11, 2026
The roar of engines is back at the Oceano Dunes. After more than a month of closure to vehicles and camping, the popular off-roading destination reopened on May 21, much to the relief of local business owners like Randy Jordan of SunBuggy Fun Rentals. For families and thrill-seekers across Santa Maria and the Central Coast, the dunes are more than a playground—they're a driving force for our local economy and a cherished piece of our coastal identity.
As the Santa Maria Sun reported, the closure hit hard for outfitters who depend on the spring season. But now, with the gates open again, we can once again enjoy the unique blend of sand, surf, and adventure that makes our region special. Whether you're renting a buggy or just camping under the stars, it's a welcome sign that summer is truly here.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Santa Maria Sun.
City
Santa MariaSource
Santa Maria SunPublished
June 11, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore Santa MariaAll Santa Maria NewsMore News from Santa Maria
Santa MariaNo deal: Solvang staffers strike after rejecting City Council’s ‘last, best, and final’ pay raise offer
Solvang city workers made history this month — and not the charming Danish-village kind. About 30 unionized employees, including engineering technician Cole Phillips, walked off the job Sept. 15 after rejecting the City Council's "last, best, and final" pay offer. It's the first labor strike in Solvang's history, and it's a big deal for a small town where city staff keep the wheels turning. For those of us here in Santa Maria and across the 805, this is a reminder that the folks behind the counter at city hall, fixing our streets, and processing our permits are neighbors with bills to pay. When a city and its workers can't agree, residents feel it too — in slower services and a workforce that feels undervalued. The Santa Maria Sun has been following the standoff closely. Wherever you land on the politics, it's worth watching how this plays out up the valley. Small-town labor fights don't stay small for long.
Santa MariaTie vote blocks Lompoc from censuring Steve Bridge
Lompoc's city council spent three hours on Sept. 15 wrestling with whether to censure one of their own, Councilmember Steve Bridge — and in the end, a tie vote meant the censure failed. Bridge's own appeal to the room was simple: remember the oath everyone stands and recites before every agenda, the same words our kids learn in kindergarten. Censure is a symbolic move, but symbols matter in small-town politics. It's the council's way of saying a colleague crossed a line, even when there's no formal punishment attached. A tie means half the dais wasn't willing to go there, and that split says as much about Lompoc's leadership as any resolution could. The Santa Maria Sun has the full account of that long meeting. For those of us up and down the 805, it's a reminder to keep an eye on our own councils — the local decisions that shape our towns often get decided by a single vote.
Santa MariaSanta Maria denies movie theater alcohol sales
Santa Maria moviegoers hoping to pair a cold one with their blockbuster will have to keep waiting. On Sept. 16, city planning commissioners turned down a proposal that would have let local theaters sell alcohol, making us the holdout while 55 other Regal cinemas across California already pour drinks alongside the popcorn. Commissioner Tim and others gave it a fair look, weighing the possible boost to our local cinema scene against the concerns that come with mixing booze and a dark room full of strangers. It's a very Santa Maria debate, honestly — we tend to be cautious about change, and that's not always a bad thing. The Santa Maria Sun first reported the decision, and it's worth a read if you want the full back-and-forth. So for now, it's soda and candy at the concession stand. Whether that keeps our theaters family-friendly or just keeps them losing ground to Atascadero and SLO, only time will tell. What do you think, neighbors?