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Santa MariaSanta Maria drafts zone mandate for senior mobile home parks
Santa Maria is moving forward with a new zoning overlay aimed at protecting senior mobile home parks, a move that could bring stability to some of the city's most vulnerable residents. During the Planning Commission's first July meeting, commissioners heard from multiple tenants who live in these parks, urging them to approve the measure. Even an Orcutt resident crossed city lines to share her support, highlighting how this issue resonates across the Central Coast. The proposed mandate would create specific zoning rules for senior mobile home parks, potentially limiting rent hikes and preventing redevelopment that could displace older residents. For a community like Santa Maria, where mobile home parks provide some of the last affordable housing options for seniors, this is more than a bureaucratic update—it's about keeping neighbors in their homes. The Santa Maria Sun first reported on the draft, and locals are encouraged to stay tuned for the next public hearing.
Santa MariaCalifornia gives $5 million to CenCal for behavioral wellness services
Big news for our Central Coast community: California is putting $5 million toward behavioral health training right here in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. The funding, announced by Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Department Director Toni Navarro in the Santa Maria Sun, will help equip non-specialty health care providers with better tools to support mental health patients. That means your primary care doctor or local clinic may soon have more training to spot and address mental health needs during regular visits. This isn't just a bureaucratic line item—it's about making mental health care more accessible in our own backyard. For Santa Maria families, having local providers trained to handle behavioral wellness in everyday settings could mean shorter waits and more comfortable conversations about mental health. Kudos to CenCal Health for securing this funding and to the Santa Maria Sun for keeping us informed on how state dollars are working for our region.
Santa MariaWinning Images 2026
Calling all shutterbugs! The Santa Maria Sun is once again inviting local photographers to submit their best work for the annual Winning Images 2026 contest. From stunning Central Coast landscapes to candid street portraits, this beloved tradition showcases the unique beauty and quirky charm of our region. Whether you capture a dramatic sunset over Point Sal or a playful otter at the Santa Maria River mouth, this is your chance to see your work celebrated across the 805. Submissions are open across several categories, including Animals, Landscape/Seascape, In Motion, and People. Past winners have turned everyday moments into art—think fog rolling over the Santa Ynez Valley or a surfer carving through a wave at Jalama Beach. Entries are judged by a panel of local experts, so polish your portfolio and share your vision. It’s a wonderful way to connect with fellow photographers and show off why we love living here.
Santa MariaSolvang officials submit to new financial reporting after phone app backlash
Solvang is tightening its ethics rules after Mayor David Brown’s new phone app, Solvang Passport, caught some council members off guard. The app charges businesses a monthly fee to promote specific spots—raising questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest. City officials have now agreed to update financial reporting requirements, a move first reported by the Santa Maria Sun. For locals, this is a reminder that even in a storybook town like Solvang, how we do business matters. The new rules aim to keep council decisions above board, especially as tech ventures blur the line between public service and private gain. It’s a small but significant step toward ensuring trust stays strong in our community.
Santa MariaCounty supervisors approve $9.2 million cut to Public Health Department
Santa Barbara County supervisors voted unanimously on June 16 to approve a $9.2 million cut to the Public Health Department—a move that will ripple through our local communities. Public Health Director Mouhanad Hammami recommended the reductions to address a structural deficit, worsened by shifts in federal and state Medi-Cal policies. For Santa Maria residents, this could mean fewer resources for disease prevention, health screenings, and community clinics that many families rely on. As reported by the Santa Maria Sun, the decision came during the final round of budget hearings. While the county works to balance its books, the impact on our most vulnerable neighbors is a real concern. Local organizations and health advocates will be watching closely to see how these cuts affect services in North County. Stay informed and reach out to your supervisors if you have questions—our community's well-being depends on it.
Santa MariaRide on: After being closed for more than a month the Oceano Dunes reopened to vehicles and camping
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.
Santa MariaSanta Barbara County’s 5th District heads to a November runoff
For the first time in years, the race for Santa Barbara County’s 5th District supervisor is heading to a November runoff. According to the Santa Maria Sun, initial June primary counts put Ricardo Valencia and Maribel Aguilera on the general election ballot, with Cory Bantilan out of the running. This is a big deal for Santa Maria and the surrounding North County communities, because the 5th District seat directly shapes decisions on local infrastructure, agriculture, and public services that affect our daily lives. With two candidates now vying for the seat, expect the conversation to heat up around issues like housing affordability, water resources, and economic development that matter most to our area. This runoff gives voters a clear choice—and a crucial opportunity to make their voices heard this November. Stay tuned to the Santa Maria Sun for updates as the race unfolds.
Santa MariaLompoc voters came up short at the polls for a special road repair tax
Lompoc residents know the struggle of dodging potholes on their daily commute, and many were hoping a special sales tax would finally pave the way to smoother streets. But as the Santa Maria Sun reported, the proposed half-percent sales tax for road maintenance fell short at the polls this week, leaving the city to search for other solutions. The measure would have generated an estimated $3.75 million annually to fix our crumbling roads. For a town where every bump feels personal, this feels like a missed opportunity. The City Council had discussed putting the tax on the primary ballot back in January, but voters ultimately said no. While the desire for better roads is strong, the rejection shows just how tough it is to pass new taxes, even for something as universally hated as potholes. Lompoc will now have to get creative with its budget—or hope state and federal grants come through.
Santa MariaPride is alive: Drag queens, PCPA, dance, wine, brunch, and more celebrate the season
June is here, and the Central Coast is glowing with Pride. From drag shows in Santa Maria to PCPA's special Pride Nights in Solvang, our region is celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with music, dance, wine, and brunch. It's a joyful reminder that love and inclusion are part of our local fabric. Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood highlights these events in this year's Santa Maria Sun Pride issue, showcasing how both Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo are coming together to honor the season. Whether you're catching a performance or raising a glass at a Pride brunch, these gatherings are about belonging—and they matter deeply to our community. This isn't just a calendar of events; it's a reflection of how far we've come and how much we cherish diversity here on the Central Coast. Pride Month gives us all a chance to support local artists, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the vibrant spirit that makes 805 life so special. Mark your calendars and join the fun—because Pride is alive and thriving in Santa Maria and beyond.
Santa MariaPCPA pairs performances with pre-show Pride Night festivities
Pride Night is returning to PCPA, and this year they’re inviting audiences to dress like they’re part of the show. Event and Development Coordinator Lolly Tolan suggests cowboy hats and bolo ties for a look that might get you mistaken for a cast member. The pre-show festivities add a festive layer to performances, making for a memorable night out on the Central Coast. This kind of inclusive, community-driven event is exactly what makes Santa Maria special. The Santa Maria Sun reported that PCPA is pairing these Pride Night celebrations with select shows, giving locals a chance to celebrate both the arts and LGBTQ+ pride. It’s a reminder that our local theater scene isn’t just about watching—it’s about belonging.
Santa MariaThe stories behind the drag queens performing at drag shows for June Pride
Drag isn't just about glitter and glamour—it's about giving people permission to be their truest selves. That's the message Santa Maria performer Nova Cane brings to every show, especially during June Pride. With thigh-high boots, bold contour, and high-energy sets to Doja Cat and Kylie Minogue, Cane inspires others to find the performer inside themselves. The Santa Maria Sun recently captured her story, reminding us that our local drag scene is a vibrant, courageous space for creativity and connection. Here on the Central Coast, Pride Month is a time to celebrate how far we've come—and how much joy is still being created. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, shows like Cane's offer a chance to witness art that's both personal and powerful. It's a beautiful reminder that Santa Maria's community is richer when everyone feels free to shine.
Santa MariaSummer Guide 2026: All the fun in the sun
Well, neighbors, it looks like summer is officially on the horizon—even if our morning marine layer is still putting up a fight. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*’s freshly released Summer Guide 2026, our stretch of the Central Coast is about to burst into full swing with outdoor concerts, kids’ camps, food and wine festivals, and art classes. I don’t know about you, but after this year’s cooler-than-usual spring, I’m ready to trade my sweater for sunscreen and dig into all the fun that makes our community shine. What I love about this guide is how it celebrates the little things that make Santa Maria special—from the smells of tri-tip at a local festival to the sound of live music drifting through a summer evening at Rotary Centennial Park. It’s a reminder that we don’t need to travel far to make memories; they’re happening right here in our own backyard. So grab your calendar, a cold drink, and start planning—because summer in the 805 is always worth the wait.
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