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. Santa Maria’s desire to make its downtown core more walkable and attractive to pedestrians, for example, graced the cover of the Sun’s premiere issue, which hit stands on March 31, 2000. Today, […]
Santa Maria
Posted inNews, News
Santa Maria high schools implement first set of AI guidelines
When ChatGPT was publicly released in 2022, students in public Santa Maria high schools weren’t allowed to use it on school-issued devices. The artificial intelligence ban created a discrepancy because students with cellphones or technology at home could still access the chatbot, but others couldn’t. Since 2023, the Santa Maria Joint Union High Schol District […]
Posted inMusic, 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 […]
Posted inFood & Drink
In 30-plus years, Klondike Pizza has hardly changed a bit
Pizza pizzaTo see Klondike’s menu, order online, and make reservations, visit klondikepizza.com. Follow along on Instagram @klondikepizza. The Santa Maria shop is located at 2059 S. Broadway and open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call (805) 348-3667 with questions. After five years of living in Anchorage, Alaska, Pamela Dennis told her husband, Mike, […]
Posted inNews
Empty seat: Board of Supervisors’ 5th District candidates race toward June’s primary election
With 2026 marking Santa Barbara County Supervisor Steve Lavagnino’s last year in the role, his chief of staff, Cory Bantilan, threw his hat into the ring to take the soon-to-be vacant 5th District seat, along with two others: Santa Maria City Councilmember Maribel Aguilera and Santa Maria-Bonita School District board member Ricardo Valencia. All three […]
Posted inSpotlight
The Cloverlane Foundation supplies Hancock’s Fire Academy with new equipment
Every morning at 6:30, cadets arrive to start training at the Allan Hancock College Fire Academy. For the next nearly 12 hours, they complete physical fitness training, classroom studies, and in-field exercises. “These are long, long days,” the program’s coordinator, Leonard Champion, said. “Then when they get home, there’s studying to do. There’s preparation for […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
A local writer hosts an encouraging book talk in Santa Maria
Paso Robles author Deborah Brasket will discuss why it’s never too late to pursue life’s creative endeavors at the Santa Maria Public Library on March 22. The catalyst for the book talk, Creativity Has No Expiration Date, was the publication of her 2025 debut novel, When Things Go Missing, which she wrote later in life. […]
Posted inFood & 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 to get a slice of cake in honor of the year ahead. Starting 10 years ago, a national nonprofit, For Goodness Cakes, set out to […]
Posted inNews
Justice delayed: Jury finds a Georgia man guilty of a Santa Maria resident’s murder 37 years later
On a trip from California to Georgia in 2024, Julia Tatarian brought a photo of a woman she knew a lot about but had never met. It was a portrait of Ofelia Sandoval, who was found dead at age 30 in her Santa Maria residence on Sept. 18, 1988. Authorities ruled her death a homicide […]
Posted inNews
Santa Maria City Council seeks applicants after Carlos Escobedo resigns
With two years left on his Santa Maria City Council term, Carlos Escobedo resigned from his role as the 1st District’s representative in early March. Eleven minutes into the council’s March 3 meeting, Escobedo announced his decision from the dais during the public comment period. “Due to my upcoming move outside District 1, I will […]
Posted inOpinion
Know before you vote: One 5th District county supervisor candidate has what it takes to lead North County
Fifth District voters face an important decision June 2 as three candidates compete to succeed the departing Steve Lavagnino on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. First, Cory Bantilan, for the past 16 years chief of staff for Supervisor Lavagnino. Quietly competent and skilled in the operations of county government, Mr. Bantilan has set […]
Posted inMusic, Arts & Culture
Everyone’s welcome to a family dance in Santa Maria
Gather the whole family for some two-stepping and disco moves at the Japanese Community Center on March 28. The theme for this year’s dance is Under the Sea. “Families are invited to dance, play, and connect at this ocean-themed, family-friendly rave,” according to the city. “Enjoy high-energy music, interactive fun, and dazzling lights in a […]