Our Santa Maria

California food makers must use standardized date labels starting July 1 under AB 660 to reduce food waste, state officials say.

California food labels standardized under AB 660

The FDA upgraded a recall of Utz-made Zapp's and Dirty potato chips to Class I, its highest risk level, over potential salmonella contamination.

FDA upgrades Zapp's, Dirty chip recall to Class I

Former U.S. Olympian David Hearn was indicted in Washington, D.C., on a felony property-destruction charge over alleged Reflecting Pool damage.

David Hearn indicted on property charge in D.C.

California gun dealers are barred from selling certain semiautomatic pistols under AB 1127, a new law the Justice Department is suing to block.

California AB 1127 gun law takes effect

Solvang hosts its July 4 celebration featuring a parade by the Solvang Rotary Club and a fireworks festival at Old Mission Santa Ines.

Solvang July 4 Guide: Parade, Festival & Fireworks

An Oceanside to North Carolina move was disrupted after a broker doubled the price to $32,000 and staged a June 3 delivery, police reports say.

Oceanside to North Carolina moving bill doubles

Escondido residents face fines and hearings after a homeowners association ordered them to remove American flags mounted outside their townhomes.

Escondido HOA threatens fines over American flags

SLO County is conducting a five-phase regional desalination study funded by a federal grant, with public input sessions scheduled for April 2026.

SLO County studies desalination for future water supply

Several people face charges after the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was damaged with a sharp instrument in Washington, DC.

Lincoln Memorial Pool Vandalism in Washington

A University of Florida specialist and nutrition experts explain why some bananas stay green and how they offer unique health benefits.

UF expert: Green bananas offer nutritional benefits