Happy weekend, Santa Maria! In today’s happening-today edition: Community champions honored, a $290 million campus bond, and a car show + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Celebrating community champions: The 2026 Hancock Honors will recognize Dr. Nicolasa Sandoval, winemaker Fred Brander, and the Melsheimer family in September at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus Fine Arts Complex -- meet the honorees.
Campus upgrades on the ballot: A $290 million Allan Hancock College bond heads to the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot after trustees voted, backing repairs, trades facilities, and a university center in Santa Maria and Lompoc -- see what the bond funds.
Lease talks under pressure: Santa Maria’s Central Coast Sports Arena faces an uncertain future. The Fairpark lease will expire October 31, 2026, and talks continue amid concerns rent could jump two to three times -- see the lease deadline.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Quick unplug nearby: When you need trees, stars, and zero WiFi attitude, Horseshoe Springs Campground is that close-to-town, no-frills spot to reset this week. Pack light, keep it simple, and double-check current conditions before you roll so your spontaneous mini-campout stays stress-free.
Find your fairway zen: Tucked into the foothills, Rancho Maria Golf Course is the local move when you want 18 that feels peaceful, an all-grass range to tune up, and a post-round bite at the Rancho Grill. Sneak in nine and call it “cross-training” for your Santa Maria errands.
Red-oak pit cravings? When that Santa Maria-style itch hits, Swiss Restaurant keeps it classic with steaks, chicken, and seafood kissed by the red oak pit, plus tri tip and those prime rib sliders that disappear suspiciously fast. Perfect for a no-fuss, big-flavor weeknight that still feels like a treat.
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04 — Our recommendations
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚗 30th Annual Elks Car Show @ Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538 | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to loiter around chrome and swap carburetor stories, this is it. The 30th Annual Elks Car Show brings cool rides, DJ tunes, food, and all-ages vibes, plus a Friday pre-party to cook your dinner with Vinylistics.
🍋 Leena Bites x Killer Lemons Collab Pop Up @ Westgate Ranch | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – 1827 Rosita Ave in Santa Maria gets a sweet-tart takeover as Leena Bites joins Killer Lemons for a pop up of fresh lemonades, homemade treats, and a live doodle photo booth. Consider it summer in a cup, proof you actually left the house.
✍️ Calligraphy 6/2026 @ Grover Beach Community Center | Saturday (6/20) at 2:00 PM – Upgrade your penmanship at Grover Beach Community Center with a simple Roman Italic calligraphy class taught by a pro who used it for 30 years. Learn upper and lower case, and swashes, then make invitations, thank-you notes, and even grocery lists look suspiciously refined.
🏃 2026 Must-Dash Family Fun/Run 5k - Benefitting People for Leisure and Youth, Inc. (PLAY, Inc) event @ Hagerman Sports Complex | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Bring the family for a low-stakes 5K that actually feels fun, and it benefits PLAY, Inc., the folks who keep our rec stuff humming. Jog it, walk it, stroller it, expect Santa Maria vibes, neighborly high-fives, and a mildly heroic finish photo.
👨👧👦 Father's Day Brunch at the Santa Maria Inn @ The Historic Santa Maria Inn | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – Let Dad retire his tongs for a day this Father's Day with a Santa Maria style BBQ brunch at historic Santa Maria Inn. Tri-tip, smoked chicken, and fresh seafood, while someone else finally mans the grill. He eats like a king, you win favorite child.
🥤 Jamba’s National Smoothie day @ Jamba College Square - Santa Maria | Sunday (6/21) at 10:00 AM – Take a midday break and celebrate National Smoothie Day with a $1 16oz small at Jamba. Choose Mango-A-Go-Go or Strawberry Whirl, one per person, in-store only, then bask in the smug glow of getting your fruit, supporting your local blender, and saving a few bucks.
🃏 Sunday Funday Social Bar Poker @ Rancho Bowl | Sunday (6/21) at 2:00 PM – Shuffle into Rancho Bowl for Sunday Funday Social Poker, the low-pressure, no-gambling way to learn or flex Texas Hold’em chops with a beer, a snack, and zero rent money at risk. Finish top three, grab a token, then freeroll your way toward a Vegas seat. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Santa Maria report Weather forecastToday — High: 73°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. West northwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. West northwest wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 73°F — Low: 55°F — Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 55. This house is wildThis updated 4-bedroom, 2-bath Orcutt home blends comfort and style with a remodeled kitchen featuring wood cabinetry, quartz counters, a tile backsplash, and a new oven. Laminate flooring runs throughout, while the family room adds a cozy fireplace and sliding glass door. A huge backyard, expanded garage, solar, and Tesla battery backups round it out.
Take a peek inside → |
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