Stay Informed
Local News
AI-curated coverage of what matters across the Central Coast
Showing news for Santa MariaClear filter
News from Santa Maria
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.
Santa MariaFlying Goat Cellars sues county over wine district fees
You know how when you’re catching up with a neighbor, you end up talking about something that feels bigger than just one person’s problem? That’s the feeling I got reading about Flying Goat Cellars taking on Santa Barbara County over fees for the new wine business improvement district. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, co-owners Norm Yost and Kate Griffith have filed a federal lawsuit arguing the mandatory fees are unfair. Flying Goat isn’t just any winery around here—it’s a Foxen Canyon staple that’s been part of our local wine story for years, and Norm is a legend for putting Santa Maria Valley on the map with his Pinot Noir. What makes this hit close to home is how it gets at a question a lot of small businesses in the 805 face: who gets to decide what’s “for the good of the industry”? Improvement districts can help with marketing and tourism, sure, but when a family-run operation says the fees don’t fit their model, it’s a reminder that our wine country isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re sipping a tasting flight or just driving past the vineyards, this case is really about keeping our local character while trying to grow. I’ll be curious to see how the courts sort it out—and hoping the conversation stays as warm as our valley sun.
Santa MariaSanta Maria-Bonita makes steps toward new school at Blosser Ranch
You know a project is really happening when the conversation turns to dirt—and lots of it. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, the Santa Maria-Bonita School District is moving forward on that long-awaited new campus at Blosser Ranch, and the first big step is impressively down-to-earth. We’re talking about enough fill dirt to fill roughly 30 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Over the next six to 10 weeks, you might notice a steady parade of 12 to 15 dump trucks hauling that soil in, working eight to 10 hours a day. It’s not the most glamorous part of building a school, but it’s the kind of gritty groundwork that tells you this project is finally shifting from dream to driveway. For families in Santa Maria’s growing north side, this is more than a construction update—it’s a sign that relief is on the way for overcrowded classrooms. Blosser Ranch has been on the district’s radar for years, and seeing actual trucks start to roll feels like watching a promise being kept. So next time you’re stuck behind a loaded dump truck on your morning commute, take a breath. That dirt is headed somewhere good: a place where our kids will soon be learning, laughing, and growing.
Santa MariaBest of NSBC 2026
Mark your calendars, Santa Maria — the *Santa Maria Sun* just announced that our 26th Annual Best of Northern Santa Barbara County Readers Poll is officially on the horizon. Voting kicks off June 4 and runs through June 22, so we’ve got a few weeks to start thinking about our favorite local gems. Whether it’s the best breakfast burrito on Broadway, the friendliest auto shop, or that hidden hiking trail everyone swears by, this is our chance to give a little love to the businesses and people who make our corner of the 805 feel like home. What I love most about this poll is how it brings our community together. It’s not just about picking winners — it’s about celebrating the spots we visit week after week, the farmers market vendors who know your name, and the small-town charm that makes Santa Maria unique. So grab your coffee, start making your list, and head back to the *Santa Maria Sun* website when the ballot goes live. Let’s show the rest of the Central Coast what we already know: this valley’s got some of the best of everything.
Santa MariaMounting losses: Horseback ride and petting zoo operator alleges pony’s death caused by nearby construction
It’s hard to hear about a local small business being pushed to the brink—especially when it involves beloved animals. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, Bob Sweeney, who runs SYV Horseback Rides and a petting zoo in Buellton, is speaking out after a year of health problems among his horses that he says stemmed from nearby construction. Runny noses, swollen eyes, rashes, and even the death of a pony, he argues, were linked to dust and debris kicked up while the city built a new 100-space parking lot on Sycamore Drive. For those of us in the 805, this story hits close to home. Buellton is just up the 101 from Santa Maria, and many of us have enjoyed trail rides or taken kids to petting zoos in the Santa Ynez Valley. It’s a reminder that development isn’t always clean or quiet—and that small family operations often bear the cost. Whether or not the cause is definitively proven, Sweeney’s loss is real, and his story raises a fair question: how do we balance growth with protecting the local businesses and animals that make this region special?
Santa MariaLompoc Planning Commission ushers theater project forward
It’s exciting to see the Lompoc Theatre project take another big step forward. According to the *Santa Maria Sun*, the Lompoc Planning Commission just approved plans for a new outdoor event space, a building addition, and some partial demolition that will bring the historic venue closer to reviving Old Town Lompoc. While we in Santa Maria love our own downtown gems, it’s great to see our neighbors in the Valley pushing forward with a project that promises to bring quinceañeras, weddings, and festivals to the heart of Lompoc. For those of us who remember the theater’s heyday, this feels like more than just a renovation—it’s a sign that the Central Coast’s smaller communities are investing in gathering spaces again. Whether you’re a Santa Maria local who enjoys a weekend drive to Lompoc for wine tasting or someone with family ties to the Lompoc Valley, a revitalized theater means more regional events, more local jobs, and a stronger sense of connection along the 101 corridor. Here’s hoping the next time we hear updates, it’ll be about a grand opening we can all attend.
Have a News Tip?
Know about something happening in your community? We are always looking for local stories that matter to the 805.
Share a Story