Wow, I can't believe it - FT'ers in my old neighborhood. I was born in Santa Maria and lived there until I was 11; then my family moved to Solvang were I lived until college.

Santa Maria barbecue is the best! We always went to the Far Western in Guadalupe (tiny little town about 12 miles west of Santa Maria). Jocko's is wonderful too. I remember once when I was 12 or so; me and my three brothers were bored as our parents and their friends lingered over their coffee. We asked if we could go out and wait in the car. No problem, dad said, so we piled into our green 1970 Country Squire parked outside, which was unlocked. I wanted to listen to the radio but the key wouldn't work. Then I noticed that the electric windows weren't there -- just cranks in their place. Hey! We were in the wrong green 1970 Country Squire. Ours was two cars down. Oops!

You should also try the Red Barn in Santa Ynez if you like Santa Maria barbecue. Nothing like a good tri-tip.