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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

Mar 22, 2026
Parolee with Prior Double-Murder Conviction Sentenced to Life Without Parole in Killing of South Los Angeles Woman
LOS ANGELES—A man previously convicted of two murders in 1998 was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole …
Mar 16, 2026
Study: Cannabis Ineffective for Most Mental Disorders
A major review of past studies has delivered a clear verdict on the role of cannabis-based medicines in treating mental health and…
Mar 16, 2026
Investigator Exposes $170M Fraud in California
Investigator Nick Shirley has brought to light a massive $170 million fraud scheme operating within California, representing a sig…
Mar 15, 2026
NYPD Captain Arrested for Assaulting Alleged Child Predator
NYPD Captain Kai Bowen is now facing serious legal repercussions following an off-duty incident that escalated into violence. Repo…
Mar 13, 2026
What’s Behind Trump’s Push to Revive California Oil?
The Trump administration’s directive to Sable Offshore Corp. to restore the Santa Ynez oil unit in California represents a s…
Mar 10, 2026
CBS Investigation Reveals Hospice Fraud Hotspot in Los Angeles
CBS News has exposed a troubling epicenter of hospice fraud in Los Angeles, California, shedding light on a systemic issue that ha…

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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