May Chamber Mixer Highlights Opportunities to Support Local Students

[SANTA MARIA, CA. May 6, 2025] - The Santa Maria Valley Chamber invites the local business community and general public to attend its May Chamber Mixer on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. This month’s event is hosted by Partners in Education, a nonprofit initiative of the Santa Barbara County Education Office, and will take place at the Mark Richardson Career Technical Education (CTE) Center, located at 1280 Founders Avenue, Santa Maria, CA 93455, near the Elks Rodeo Grounds. The mixer is free

Laurus College Unveils Game-Changing ''Zero Tuition'' Discount for Central Coast High School Graduates

Laurus College Unveils Game-Changing "Zero Tuition" Discount for Central Coast High School Graduates 100 Students to Receive Full Tuition Coverage in Bold Push for a Stronger Central Coast Workforce Santa Maria, CA – Laurus College is removing financial barriers to higher education with its groundbreaking Central Coast "Zero Tuition" Discount. This bold initiative will offer 100 eligible local high school graduates a tuition-free path to a Bachelor of Science degree, paving the way for career success

Family Service Agency Event Highlights Critical Need for Youth Mental Health Support in Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA, CA - April 24, 2025 - Over 50 community leaders, school administrators, local government representatives, and concerned parents gathered on April 10th at the Santa Maria Public Library for Family Service Agency's (FSA) impactful luncheon focused on youth mental health. The event showcased FSA's comprehensive approach to supporting youth mental health across Santa Barbara County and highlighted the organization's significant impact in the community. "We all need help sometimes, and FSA is

Sizzle Central is back as Santa Maria Valley kicks off Barbecue Month

April 29, 2025 (Santa Maria, Calif.) –  Throughout the month of May (aka National Barbecue Month), Santa Maria Valley is unleashing a tastebud takeover and "steaking" its claim as Sizzle Central. From a can't-miss barbecue bash to a bold social media campaign that’s raising the temperature online, Santa Maria Valley is igniting National Barbecue Month with more than just great taste. It's setting a new standard for how destinations turn up the heat on travel-worthy flavor.   California Barbecue

Finance Director Appointed / Nombramiento de la Directora Financiera

 Finance Director Appointed  City Manager David Rowlands is pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Campbell as Finance Director, after a national search for this key leadership position. Ms. Campbell’s first day will be Monday, May 5, 2025.With a staff of 32, the Finance Department manages the City’s revenues, expenditures, investments, purchasing, accounting, budgeting – including preparation of the $291 million budget, payroll, utility billing, grants, and more.  Ms. Campbell brings leadership

Cottage Health to Host Annual Mental Health Fair on May 3

SANTA BARBARA—April 23, 2025—Cottage Health will host its annual Mental Health Fair on Saturday, May 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (400 W. Pueblo St., Santa Barbara). The event is free and open to the public. The fair will feature two expert-led talks on important topics: 10:00 a.m. – Breaking the Screen: Strategies for Addressing Video Game and Social Media Addiction – Alia Aizenstat Adlakha, LMFT 11:00 a.m. – Deep Resilience: When Self-Care is Not Enough – Michael Kearney, MD

Police Chief Appointed / Jefe de Policía Nombrado

NEWS RELEASEApril 21, 2025Traducción en español sigue a continuación / Spanish translation follows below  Police Chief Appointed  City Manager David Rowlands is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Williams as Chief of Police, after a national search for this key leadership position. His first day will be Monday, April 28, 2025.The Santa Maria Police Department has 200 positions and a budget of $54 million. It is the largest of the City’s 10 departments.  Chief Williams grew up in Oxnard

Skyway Nights Returning May 8

Chamber Welcomes New Members from March 2025

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of March!March 2025 New MembersAllure BallroomAvila Lighthouse SuitesCorazon Latino Empire Real Estate Group - Maressa Martinez, RealtorOff Broadway Mini StoragePismo Lighthouse SuitesRestoration Masters LLC RowCal Property ManagementShore Cliff HotelSnapit360Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach

State of Education Event to Address Key Educational Developments and Community Initiatives in Santa Maria Valley

[SANTA MARIA, CA. April 2, 2025] -  Local leaders will come together to share insights into current initiatives and future plans for supporting students, schools and workforce development in the region at the annual State of Education event, scheduled for Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. PDT at the Santa Maria Fairpark, Fountain Pavilion, located at 937 S. Thornburg St., Santa Maria, CA 93458. Hosted by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber, the event will include presentations from the Santa

New Spring 2025 Recreation Guide

The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 Spring Recreation Guide. This comprehensive guide is packed with information on all the new programs and special events occurring this spring. There are a wide range of activities is available for all ages, including seasonal programs, art classes, fitness programs, sports, free community events, and more.  The Recreation and Parks Department is particularly excited about partnering with the Santa Maria

Chamber Welcomes New Members from February 2025

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of February!February 2025 New MembersBMW of Santa MariaCommunity VolkswagenFive Star FencingOrcutt Grocery OutletPeople's Self-Help HousingPINK LegalRenewable Properties - EV Fleet Charging HubVandenberg Senior Residence

Businesses of the Quarter

The City of Santa Maria and the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce are partnering to highlight different businesses in the City through a Businesses of the Quarter Program. On four occasions this calendar year, this program will recognize local businesses chosen by the Chamber. The criteria are: approximately 20 employees; in operation for at least five years; physically located within the City limits; and being a local Chamber of Commerce member in good standing. Not only does this give them valuable

Chamber Welcomes New Members from January 2025

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of January!January 2025 New MembersAdelina's BistroApricot Lane ForeverGreen Agriculture, Inc.Partners in Housing SolutionsPhotoworks Heidi GruetzemacherRamirez Cleaning Solutions, Inc.Santa Maria SpeedwaySanta Maria TerraceSmart System Booking LLCTrilogy Monarch Dunes

Chamber Welcomes New Members from December 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of December!December 2024 New MembersLLCArclight MediaEdward Jones - Office of Alid GonzalezLittle House by the Park Santa Maria Youth and Family CenterWilliams Bros. Properties, Inc.

Leadership Santa Maria Valley Youth & Education Day

“Messy Play” encouraged in Certified Outdoor Classrooms at two different facilities and a Community College program that boasts a nearly 100% transfer rate were just a couple of highlights at Leadership Santa Maria Valley’s most recent session as we gathered to learn more about Education and Youth Services.   The day began with breakfast sponsored by Celeste Coelho-Hudson, and food provided by Panera Bread at the YMCA. Following breakfast, we enjoyed an in-depth tour of the YMCA Preschool where we

Chamber Welcomes New Members from November 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of November! November 2024 New MembersLLCBBSI - Santa MariaBBSI - Santa BarbaraEb5 Investors Mision Libertad Vasquez Financial Group

Chamber Welcomes New Members from October 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of October! October 2024 New MembersLLCBeen There Caught That LLCCentral Coast Web DesignEdward Jones - Troy ProberIdler's HomeIdler's Home - SLO Sleep & Comfort StudioJAYBIRD Brand + Creative + Marketing ConsultancySerendipity Event RentalsSMI HVAC ServicesValley View Estates Homes

Chamber Welcomes New Members from September 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of September! September 2024 New MembersDiversity Coalition San Luis Obispo CountyNow Realty Brokered by eXp Paul CookRed RobinSanta Maria Firefighters Local 2020U.S. Bank U.S. Bank Mortgage

Chamber Welcomes New Members from August 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of August! August 2024 New MembersAdi Ringer PhotographyCen Cal Business Finance Group Glenn MorrisLincoln Group Inc. & Lincoln IndustrialReadyWork IncWicks Roofing and Solar

Chamber Welcomes New Members from July 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of July! July 2024 New MembersBeso Cocina / 1920 SpeakeasyCapuno’s Lutong BahayOld Orcutt YarnerySanta Maria Tax and Bookkeeping ServiceSKYWAY NIGHTSVere Marketing Group

Chamber Welcomes New Members from June 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of June! June 2024 New MembersA Mi Manera Mexican Cuisine & MariscosCassia ApartmentsAmeriCorpsCity of Santa Maria Transit DivisionCentral Courier LLCTheodore Harmand AppraisalsWalkthrough ProductionsWater Fixers Plumbing & Filtration, Inc.

California Small Businesses Eligible for Paid Family Leave Grants - Online application is open

[SANTA MARIA, CA. July 1, 2024] -- Eligible small businesses across California can now apply for grants of up to $2,000 per employee through California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. This initiative, funded by the California Employment Training Panel and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, aims to support small businesses in managing the additional costs incurred when employees take leave.These grants are designed to help small businesses cover expenses such as cross-training existing

Chamber Welcomes New Members from May 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of May! May 2024 New Members 1st Gen - GOC Insurance & Financial StrategiesBrightStar Care of Santa Barbara CountyCoast Valley CremationsDr. Leslie K. Empowered WellnessEl Sabor ProductsFellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) JET Art & GraphicsKaleidoscope CompassPhotobooth Parlor Co Semilla Finances Sweet Creations by IssaTeamLogic IT Santa Maria

Chamber Welcomes New Members from April 2024

The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce is happy to welcome these businesses who joined membership in the month of April! April 2024 New MembersElements Apartments LLCEl Pollo Loco unit 3882Goetz ManderleyInsight Agency GroupJamba - Santa MariaJamba - Arroyo GrandeJamba - Chorro, SLOJamba - Downtown SLOKerosky & Gallelli LLP - Santa RosaKerosky & Gallelli LLP - Paso RoblesSanta Maria Civic TheatreSimple CafeThe CollectiveThe Management Trust - Central Coast Division