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The Return of Downtown? Santa Maria’s aim for a more pedestrian-friendly downtown and other stories that have been around since the Sun’s first issue
Some stories stick. They unfold slowly over time and are a constant source of news. We’ve been covering some of those in the Santa Maria Valley since this paper was founded in 2000. For 26 years, Sun reporters have watched and written about Santa Maria’s downtown—complaints about how the mall killed it, how the city wants it to become more pedestrian friendly, and recent strides toward redevelopment. And we’ve also covered things like Mayor Alice Patino’s more than 26…
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Some of the Sun’s earliest story subjects are still making headlines
Within its first year of publication, the Sun shined a light on local issues, leaders, and lore that continue to make headlines 26 years later. Before its first year was up, the Sun also reported on Santa Barbara County’s early preparations for building a Santa Maria Valley jail, which current leaders are…
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Music, Arts & Culture
A few words from the Sun’s political cartoonist
Ross Mayfield claims that his almost 24-year tenure with the Sun fell into his lap, but really, it’s because a reporter saw his sketch of a former county supervisor shooting herself in the foot. Literally. The first time Mayfield appeared in the paper was on July 4, 2002, as the subject of a story. Arts Editor Abraham Hyatt saw Mayfield’s drawing of former Supervisor Gail Marshall, sparking a story on the quiet, largely unknown cartoonist. Mayfield was working with…
Food & Drink
Central Coast bakers deliver homemade goods to underserved children
Lee Coogan feels blessed that her birthday was always celebrated when she was a kid. So was her son’s, and so are her grandkids’. But some people aren’t as fortunate…
The Culture food trailer wants to give you the best smashburger you’ve ever eaten
During the busiest shifts at his food trailer, Willie Galvan can crank out a smashburger in 10 or 11 minutes. When there’s no line, he can do it in five.…
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