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Santa Maria, California

Located in Santa Barbara County, California, Santa Maria was established in 1875. Santa Maria-style BBQ (tri-tip over red oak) is a beloved Central Coast tradition. Vandenberg Space Force Base launches satellites and ICBMs from nearby.
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Founded 1875 | Population 113,300 | Peak 113,300 (2024) | County Santa Barbara County

Top 10 Most Important Events for Santa Maria, California

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1875 Founded: Agricultural community on Central Coast.
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1930 Oil Discovery: Santa Maria Valley oil fields developed.
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1958 Vandenberg AFB Nearby: Military space launches from nearby base.
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2005 Michael Jackson Trial: Jackson trial at Santa Maria courthouse draws worldwide media.
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2010 BBQ Capital: Santa Maria-style BBQ gains national recognition.
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Latest News in Santa Maria

Jan 1, 1970
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Misses Out On $61,000 Over This Tough Puzzle
A Wheel of Fortune contestant saw $61,000 slip away in the Bonus Round last week, leaving fans stunned over what many called one o…
Jan 1, 1970
Dead or Missing Scientists Pose “National Security Threat,” Top House Republican Warns as Oversight Committee Launches Probe
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has declared a series of deaths and disappearances involving at least 11 Am…
Jan 1, 1970
Trump’s Psychedelic Pivot: Executive Order Accelerates Review of Mind-Altering Drugs for Mental Health Crisis
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday directing federal agencies to fast-track the review and potential app…
Jan 1, 1970
White House Signals Review of Mysterious Deaths and Disappearances Among U.S. Scientists in Sensitive Fields
The Trump administration has indicated it will examine a cluster of unexplained deaths and disappearances involving at least 10 Am…
Jan 1, 1970
California’s “Stop Nick Shirley Act”: Privacy Measure or Assault on Investigative Journalism?
California lawmakers advanced a controversial bill Monday that critics have dubbed the “Stop Nick Shirley Act,” raising sharp …
Jan 1, 1970
Sexual Assault Probe and Staff Revolt Threaten to End Congressman’s California Gubernatorial Bid
Rep. Eric Swalwell’s once-promising campaign for California governor has unraveled with breathtaking speed. In little more than …

Complete Historical Timeline

1875 Culture
Founded
1930 Industry
Oil Discovery
1958 Government
Vandenberg AFB Nearby
2005 Culture
Michael Jackson Trial
2010 Culture
BBQ Capital

Did You Know?

1
Santa Maria-style BBQ (tri-tip over red oak) is a beloved Central Coast tradition.
2
Vandenberg Space Force Base launches satellites and ICBMs from nearby.
3
The Michael Jackson trial in 2005 turned Santa Maria into a media circus.
4
Santa Maria is located in Santa Barbara County, California.
5
Santa Maria was founded in 1875.

Famous People from Santa Maria, California

AS
Aurora Snow
Pornographic Actor, Journalist · Born Nov 26, 1981 · Age 44
CR
Conrad Ricamora
Singer, Stage Actor · Born Feb 17, 1979 · Age 47
RV
Robin Ventura
Baseball Manager, Baseball Player · Born Jul 14, 1967 · Age 58
MR
Marla Runyan
Sport Cyclist, Long-Distance Runner · Born Jan 4, 1969 · Age 57
EP
Evan Patak
Volleyball Player · Born Jun 23, 1984 · Age 41

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