Santa Maria Times

In the movie "The Wizard of Oz," the wizard stood behind a green curtain madly pushing buttons and pulling levers to create a wild show of energy. Full Story »

A decade ago Kham Xiong was a quiet boy growing up in Lompoc with his 10 siblings, part of tightly knit Hmong community. Full Story »

Commuters seeking a short cut from the North County to Santa Barbara, travelers enjoying a leisurely drive on a California scenic highway, and folks headed to the Chumash Casino or Santa Ynez Valley wineries all wind up on Highway 154. Full Story »

With this year's crop harvested - and nights growing longer and cooler - vineyards on the Central Coast are showing off their fall colors. These hues of red and yellow are from vines growing at Clos Pepe vineyards east of Lompoc. Forecasters say sunny skies today should give way to a 30-percent chance of rain by Thursday. Highs are expected in the lower 60s by Wednesday, with overnight lows ... Full Story »

Students could hardly stand still and listen as Superintendent Tom Allcock announced the opening of the new playground at Solvang Elementary School's lower campus on the morning of Friday, Oct. 30. Full Story »

A warrant has been recalled for actor Randy Quaid and his wife, Evi, because the couple have posted bond. Full Story »

Two Santa Ynez Valley community groups have been awarded $250,000 from the federal government through an act meant to aid individuals and groups recoup legal fees in litigation against the government Full Story »

Santa Barbara County Full Story »

One driver was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving Sunday at a DUI and driver's license checkpoint conducted by Santa Maria police in the 800 block of North Broadway Full Story »

State budget cuts have prompted a hiring freeze at Santa Barbara County Superior Court, and the vacant positions have resulted in a heavier work load for the clerks' offices. Full Story »

People paused Sunday morning to remember the sacrifices of veterans with a ceremony at the Pismo Pier. Full Story »

Learning to cook eggs from his grandma at age 7, Gregg Wangard never thought one day he would create an omelet for a national holiday recipe project. Full Story »

Two Goleta residents were killed and two others critically injured early Sunday morning when their southbound sedan collided head-on with a midsize SUV that was traveling the wrong way on Highway 101 in Goleta. Full Story »

Round two in the fight over pet population control hits the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors Tuesday in Santa Maria. Full Story »

The Central Coast will recognize veterans with several ceremonies and other events Wednesday. Full Story »

Santa Maria Full Story »

Travel west on Clark Avenue toward Old Town Orcutt, and it's hard to miss the apparent construction boom taking place in the small, downtown area. Full Story »

In the breakneck speed at which most Americans careen through life, the unhurried skill of wood carving is like taking a deep breath and stepping on the brakes. Full Story »

Six months ago, an early morning blaze gutted Jack's Restaurant and Bakery, a longtime favorite local eatery in Old Town Orcutt. Full Story »

The sounds of brass, woodwinds, percussion and the swish of flags filled the streets of downtown Pismo Beach Saturday morning as 28 marching bands from around the state paraded through the community. Full Story »

When one Santa Ynez Valley property owner asked to continue hosting weddings, fundraisers and industry events on his 54-acre parcel, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors swiftly shot him down. Full Story »

Christmas came early for 50 lucky elementary school children Saturday, when they each received a $100 voucher to spend on school clothes, courtesy of the Assistance League of Santa Barbara. Full Story »

Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo County public health departments are among 25 public health agencies across the state that received less than half of the H1N1 vaccine they requested. Full Story »

For many motorists, a police DUI and license checkpoint is a momentary inconvenience - making sure seat belts are fastened, cell phones put away, and having to dig out the drivers license. Full Story »

Orcutt Full Story »