Children learn at various stages and must learn all the skills necessary before advancing to a higher level. It is recommended that participants sign up according to the grade or age limit assigned to a particular program. The Instructor may then recommend a participant to be moved to a more advanced level if the participant is physically and cognitively ready.

 Participants will be allowed to participate only if they meet the age requirement at any time while the program/class/league is in session.

 Individuals seeking financial assistance must complete a "Recreation Grant Application" form available at the Recreation and Parks Department administrative office. To determine eligibility, the parent/guardian must provide a hardship explanation and ability to pay 50 percent of program fees. Only four (4) grants are allowed per family in one calendar year.

It is recommended that participants wear comfortable physical education clothing such as shorts, sweats, T-shirts and tennis shoes or rubber-soled sports cleats when necessary. A water bottle is also recommended at each class meeting. Jewelry should not be worn during class time in order to prevent loss of valuables.

The department provides all the necessary equipment for youth sports participation. If participants decide to bring their own equipment to class, items should be labeled with the owner’s name.

Volleyball participants must be at least 16 years of age during the season in order to be eligible. Basketball, Dodgeball and Softball participants must be at least 18 years of age during the season in order to be eligible. The age difference in adult sports programs is due to the potential level of physical contact during league play.

Team uniforms are not required for the volleyball or softball leagues. However, basketball and dodgeball teams must wear same color shirts or jerseys with permanent numbers placed on the backs. Teams also provide their own equipment and First-aid kits. Game balls are provided only in the softball program.

League fees are used to pay for scorekeepers, staffing, facility maintenance and equipment. Awards are also given to the top two teams in each division. Compared to other communities, our fees are still considerably affordable.

Age limits are based on the American Red Cross Standards and Recommendations. To enroll in SuperTot, the child must be 3 years old prior to the first class! Children cannot advance to Level 1 prior to their fifth birthday, unless they successfully pass Super Tot Level 3.

Any person age 15 years or older wishing to take swimming lessons would be best served in the adult swim classes.

Children learn at various speeds. It is difficult to project how long it will take each child to learn all the skills necessary to advance to the next level. It is recommended that each child be signed up for one session at a time. After the session, the Instructor will be able to make a recommendation as to whether or not the child is ready to advance to the next level. By the end of the first week, the Instructor should be able to make a recommendation to the parent or guardian. We do not advise consecutive signups for Levels 1-6.

Our recommendation is to enroll your child in the last level they participated in whether they passed or failed that level. If you cannot recall the last level enrolled in, please review the Skill Level Sheets available at the Recreation and Parks' administrative office to determine the appropriate fit for your child. The office does not keep a record of pass/fail information.

The American Red Cross has revamped the Aquatic Classes to take out Level 7. However, we now offer two Level 6 classes available and specific skills have been assigned to each level.

Yes. On the City website homepage www.cityofsantamaria.org go to the “I want to” tab and select Register For Recreation Classes. Or go to this webpage: https://apm.activecommunities.com/santamaria/Activity_Search

Yes, City resident fees are lower than standard activity or facility fees.

The Recreation and Parks administrative office, located at 615 South McClelland Street, is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hours registration is also available at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, 600 SouthMcCllelland Street, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Individuals seeking financial assistance must complete a “Recreation Grant Application” form, available at the Recreation and Parks Department administrative office. To determine eligibility, parent/guardian must provide hardship explanation and ability to pay 50 percent of program fees. Only four (4) grants are allowed per family in one calendar year.

Yes, there is a 25 percent fee if you choose to cancel a class or reservation.

The City maintains a three-week policy for facilities that require staff.

Spring/Summer: Thursday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
Fall/Winter: Thursday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;
Last entry is one hour before closing.

Visit the park's webpage here.

Fees for non-City residents are as follows:
Youth (15 yrs. & under): Free
Adults (16-61 yrs.): $3.50/day
Seniors (62 yrs. & up): $1.50/day
Annual Pass (up to 6 guests/day): $49

Some positions require a typing certificate. It is the applicant's responsibility to obtain a typing certificate when required, and it must be attached upon submittal of your application packet with each recruitment of interest to you. Please see Typing Certifications.

A resume is not always required, but it can be helpful. It gives you the opportunity to further detail your education and experience.Check the requirements detailed on each individual job flyer to determine whether a resume is required or optional.

Claim forms are available at the City Clerk's office at 110 E. Cook Street, 925-0951, ext. 2306, or on the City's Web site at http://www.cityofsantamaria.org/city-government/departments/city-clerk-records/forms-filings/claims-for-damages.

You can find information on job openings at the City's website at http://agency.governmentjobs.com/santamaria/default.cfm or at the City Hall Bulletin Board.

City Council meetings are the first and third Tuesday of each month. Any member of the public may attend and address the City Council during the Public Comment portion of the agenda or submit a written communication to cityclerk@cityofsantamaria.org for transmission to the City Council.  A member of the public may request that an item be placed on a future agenda by completing the Request for Placement of Item on City Council Agenda form which outlines your request.  The form may be returned to the City Clerk's Office located at City Hall, 110 East Cook Street, Santa Maria, or by emailing the Request form to cityclerk@cityofsantamaria.org. The form is then referred to the City Manager who reviews the request and determines if the request can be handled at a Department level or needs to be scheduled for the next available City Council meeting.

Traffic fines and all court matters are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara online at sbcourts.org or by telephone at (805) 614 - 6414 (Civil) or (805) 346 - 7550 (Criminal/Traffic).

 To check jury status online visit https://www.sbcourts.org/os/jury-status.shtm

In order to maintain the quality of life in Santa Maria, the Code Enforcement Division enforces and investigates certain complaints on private property. If you wish to request Code Enforcement services you can either visit or call 925-0951 ext. 2420 to obtain a Service Request Form. You can also find the form by clicking here.

Basically anything that involves electrical, mechanical, plumbing or erecting of walls. When in doubt, you are welcome to call our office at(805) 925-0951 ext. 244for Planning or ext. 241 for building.

Yes, call the Finance Department Utility Billing Division at (805) 925-0951 extension 2217 during regular business hours for assistance. Staff will ask you a few questions to better assist you, including asking for your service address and/or utility account number.

If you are a resident within the City limits, call the Utilities Department at (805) 925-0951 extension 7270 during regular business hours for assistance. There may have been recent work on the water line in your neighborhood. Staff will ask you a few questions to better assist you, including asking for your physical address. 

If you are a resident within the City limits, call the Utilities Department at (805) 925-0951 extension 7270 during regular business hours for assistance. Staff will ask you a few questions to better assist you, including asking for your physical address. Water Resources staff may be dispatched to help investigate the situation. If this is an emergency after regular business hours, call Police Dispatch at (805) 928-3781.

No, the Utilities Department does not have the ability to offer such rebates. However, the State of California periodically has funding. Visit www.saveourwaterrebates.com to see the latest information.

Yes, the City Council has adopted a number of permanent water restrictions due to the drought. See the complete list of restrictions here.

Call the Water Conservation Hotline at (805) 925-0951 extension 2802 and leave a detailed report for staff to investigate.

Yes, call the Water Conservation Specialist at (805) 925-0951 ext. 7235 to schedule a free home water visit.

The Santa Maria Regional Landfill is open seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., except on holidays. On weekends, call (805) 925-0951 extension 7253 for assistance.

The cost depends on the type of the materials you are disposing of. Access the current Landfill Rate Schedule here.

Free Landfill Day Passes are automatically mailed in June to City residents. If you did not receive yours or it was lost, call the Utilities Department at 925-0951 extension 7270 during regular business hours for assistance. Staff will verify that you are eligible for the pass and make sure the mailing address is current. If you are eligible for the pass, one will be mailed to you, or you can arrange to pick one up from the Utilities Administration Office at the Santa Maria Regional Landfill. Remember, Free Landfill Day Passes are only sent to residential billing addresses. 

No, the Utilities Department does not provide bulk curbside pick-up. However, if you are eligible for the Free Landfill Day Pass program, you can use that pass to bring bulky items to the Landfill for free. Some limitations apply. More information about the Free Landfill Day Pass Program is available here.

Call the Utilities Department at (805) 925-0951 extension 7270 during regular business hours for assistance. Staff will ask you a few questions to better assist you, including asking for your service address. There may be an extra charge to service if the container was not out on time. As a reminder, always place residential containers at the curb by 6:30 a.m. on your service day and help ensure the container is not blocked by obstructions, including other vehicles.

Bring it to the Household Hazardous Waste Facility on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It is free for residents. More information about Household Hazardous Waste is available here.

Yes, visit www.lessismore.org for additional resources.

Prescriptions may be safely disposed at Medical Waste Environmental Engineers, 702 South Depot; the Sheriff’s Department, Santa Maria Substation, 812-A West Foster Road; or Walgreens, 2399 South Broadway. Sharps may be safely disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, 2065 East Main Street; or the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department, Santa Maria Clinic, 2115 South Centerpointe Parkway. Free sharps containers are available from the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department. Otherwise, containers can be purchased at local pharmacies or through medical supply companies. Visit www.lessismore.org for additional resources.

The Free Mattress Recycling Program was implemented in 2016, but the current rate schedule was established in 2012. As long as you are a resident who is bringing five or less mattresses (or box springs), there will be no charge for disposal. More information about the Mattress Recycling Program is available here.

There is so much to recycle! See a partial list here or call (805) 925-0951 extension 7270 to request a free Recycling Magnet with the list of items that can be recycled in your recycling container. The Santa Maria Regional Landfill also has a Recycling Park where items like electronics (known as “E-Waste”) are accepted free of charge (up to four per resident) and recycled. If it has a cord or uses a battery, it is considered E-Waste. 

Requests for librarian-led class visits to review Library resources, programs, and more can be made to Youth Services (805) 925-0994 extension 8564. For a tour of Adult Reference Services, please call (805) 925-0994 extensions 8562. All other requests can be directed to the Library Administrative offices, (805)925-0994 extension 8561.

Apply online at Blackgold.org to get an electronic library card to begin placing holds, using e-books and other electronic content immediately. Visit the Black Gold website to review options or call the library at (805)925-0994 extension 8563 for more information.

Yes! Parents or guardians must sign the application form for children under the age of 18. For more information, call the Library at (805) 925-0994 extension 8563.

Login to your account through the Library website to view due dates of library materials or call the library at (805) 925-0994 extension 8563.  If items are not on hold for another patron, they will auto-renew for another three weeks. Items may be renewed a maximum of five times.

While the libraries are open for “Grab and Go” service, a limited number of computers are available for up to 20 minutes per person. Alternatively, Chromebook computers may be available for checkout. Search the Black Gold catalog for availability or call the library at (805)925-0994 extension 8563 for more information.

Reference staff are available to assist locating materials in the catalog. More extensive individual instruction is available by request. Contact the Reference staff (805)925-0994 extension 8562.

The Santa Maria Public Library is a two-story building measuring 59,850 square feet. Its dimensions are 50 x 266 x 151 feet. The Main Library building opened on August 23, 2008. The Santa Maria Public Library System includes 168,754 books, 14,555 audio materials, 431,039 electronic audio and eBooks, 19,071 video and DVD materials, and more than 224 magazine and newspaper subscriptions as of 2019-2020.

For more information about the county branches operated by Santa Maria Public Library, please visit the library locations page.

In order to schedule a tour of the Fire Station, you will need to contact the Fire Administration Office at(805) 925-0951 ext. 2255. We need at least two weeks notice for a tour and you should have at least two dates available. We try our best to schedule tours that meet your schedule, but our firefighters have daily tasks they are responsible for and often have training scheduled. You should be prepared to be flexible with your schedule. We ask that your group be 30 people or less. If you have more than 30 people we will ask you to split the group and schedule a second tour.

If the house you are buying is located within the corporate city limits of Santa Maria, the Santa Maria Fire Department will respond to your address.

Fire hydrants are located every 400 feet in residential areas, so you are never more than 200 feet away from a hydrant.

The Santa Maria Fire Department currently has an ISO protection class rating of "4". This rating is determined by the Insurance Services Office and is based on a scale of 1 to 10 with one being the highest level of protection and ten being no fire protection. The Fire Department's rating is based on a variety of criteria, including water supply, fire station locations, 9-1-1 communications, etc.

A Knox Box is a secure box that is mounted to the exterior of your building with a key to your business locked inside. The Fire Department is able to utilize a special key to access the box in case of a fire or other emergency, when a representative of the business is not present. This allows the Fire Department to enter the business without having to break a door or window.

To order a box, go online to www.knoxbox.com, select Santa Maria Fire Dept. A Knox Box in the 3200 series is the minimum acceptable key box for commercial installations. The FDC cap model number is based on the thread type. Please refer  to the manufacturers specifications to determine thread type.  

The Knox Box will usually be sent within 7 to 10 business days. Once you have received the box you must mount it to the exterior of your building according to manufacturer specifications. It should be located near the main entrance of the business and placed five feet above finished grade.

When the box has been installed and you have a spare key to your business (labeled appropriately) available, contact Fire Administration Office at (805) 925-0951 ext. 2255 to schedule a time for a Fire Department representative to come out and place the key in the box and lock the cover. Remember to contact the Fire Department if you change the locks and a new key needs to be placed in the box.

The Fire Department recommends a 2A10BC fire extinguisher for your home. Typically the extinguisher would be mounted near the kitchen where it is readily available and easily accessed.

The requirements for fire extinguishers for businesses varies dependent on the type of business, the size of the building and the layout. Most small business, such as doctors' offices, small stores, etc., require a 2A10BC extinguisher. Extinguishers should be mounted with the top of the extinguisher a minimum of 48 inches from the floor. Extinguishers are typically mounted in an easily accessible area that does not require a person to travel more than 75 feet from any area of the building.

Larger businesses, and those dealing with hazardous materials, have specific requirements for extinguishers and the Fire Department should be consulted for the appropriate size, number, and location.

If the smoke detector is sounding an intermittent beep, this typically indicates that the battery is low and needs to be replaced.

If the smoke alarm is going off and you do not see or smell smoke:

• Try changing out the battery. Most smoke detectors will beep when they detect a low battery to let you know that you need to change out the battery. If that does not work;
• Try vacuuming the smoke detector. Occasionally dust or cobwebs will block the sensor, causing the smoke detector to activate. Take the cover off the smoke detector and carefully vacuum it with the crevice tool attached to your vacuum. If the smoke alarm continues to sound;
• Call 9-1-1. There may be smoke in an attic or crawl space that you have not seen or smelt. The 9-1-1 dispatcher will dispatch an engine company to come and investigate.

The Fire Department advises that you change out your smoke detector batteries twice a year in conjunction with daylight savings time. We also recommend that you test your smoke detector the first Saturday of each month. Most detectors have a "Test" button to press to let you know that the detector is still working.

For a CRIME report  you must be the victim of the crime. You will need to come to the front counter of the Police Department where you will fill out an Application For Public Disclosure. You will need to provide valid ID, such as, Driver’s License, Matricula or Passport.  There is a per page fee.  Also note, depending on the type of crime, your report may need to be reviewed by a supervisor for approval of release; this process could take up to 10 days.

For a TRAFFIC COLLISION report you must be an involved party. To get a copy of your crash report online go to https://ecrash.lexisnexis.com

You must be the registered owner of the vehicle. If you are not the registered owner, you must have a notarized letter from the registered owner authorizing the release to you. The vehicle must have current registration and you must have a valid driver's license. There is a $187.00 fee for release paperwork, which does not include the fee that will be charged by the tow yard for towing and storage.

Appointments are necessary for vehicle releases. Contact the Records Bureau via email at pdrecords@cityofsantamaria.org or call (805) 928-3781 extension 2590 for appointments.

The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council.

To request a restraining order, you must contact the Santa Barbara County Civil Courts. (805) 614-6414 / 312-C Cook St. #E, Santa Maria, CA 93454.

The Santa Maria Police Department only handles Emergency Protection Orders (EPO’s) when associated with a crime report.

Due to COVID-19, the Records Bureau is not processing Live Scans. Fingerprint on print cards or Live Scan are both by appointment only on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. You may contact our Records Bureau at(805) 928-3781, ext. 2590 to schedule an appointment. Each fingerprint card is $16.00. Live Scan fees vary by type of application. A valid photo ID and proper paperwork is necessary for both types of fingerprinting. NOTE: Fingerprinting for Immigration purposes is no longer done here; please contact the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)in Los Angeles.

No. The City Attorney is the lawyer for the City of Santa Maria as an organization and works for City Council and other City Staff. By law, the City Attorney is prohibited from representing private individuals, businesses, or groups.
However, the following organizations may be helpful to individuals seeking legal assistance:

Legal Aid Foundation at (805) 922-9909 
California Rural Legal Assistance at (805) 922-4563
Santa Barbara County Bar Association (805) 569-9400

Mediation is a low-cost, low-risk way to reach an agreement and to resolve all kinds of disputes. The Community Mediation Program of Santa Barbara County can help: North County (805) 349-8943 or South County (805) 963-6765.

Call Comcast, go online to Comcast, or visit the local Comcast store. Customers can order additional equipment by phone or online, or have equipment delivered to their home, or return excess equipment by calling and requesting an Equipment Return Kit. They also can request a Self Install Kit, which is mailed to the customer with the equipment and directions. This option no longer requires the customer to be home for the 2-4 hours appointment window.

PHONE: Call a Comcast customer account representative at 1-800-COMCAST. Comcast states that number is staffed 24 hours a day.

ONLINE: Use Comcast's 24-hour online payment options at www.comcast.com. 

STORE: There is a local Comcast office located at 685 East Betteravia Road in Santa Maria (in the Enos Ranch development). [As of December 12, 2017, the local Comcast cable store at 2323 Thompson Way is closed.]

After you first contact Comcast and if there are still unresolved problems, you also may call the City's cable company liaison at (805) 925-0951 extension 2372.

Property pick up is done by appointment only. Please call (805) 928-3781 ext. 2301. Business hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed on holidays

If you are in need of rental assistance, such as Section 8 or public housing, you should contact the Housing Authority of the County of Santa Barbara, that manages those programs within the City and the County. If you are elderly or developmentally disabled there are several affordable housing projects available within the City that provide various levels of care. You will need to contact those projects directly to get on a waiting list as follows:

1. Union Plaza (apartments for seniors) -(805) 925-5226
2. Valentine Court (apartments for seniors and developmentally disabled adults capable of independent living) -(805) 925-6373
3. SMILE (group homes for developmentally disabled adults) -(805) 922-6845
4. Vandenberg Senior Residence (apartments for seniors) -(805) 922-6631
5. Marian Residence (seniors) -(805) 922-7731
6. Maria Del Sol (seniors) -(805) 925-8713
7. Arbor View Retirement Community (seniors) -(805) 928-2662

If you are interested in purchasing a home as a first-time homebuyer, contact the County of Santa Barbara Housing and Community Development Department at (805) 934-6295, ext. 3523. Also, Peoples' Self-Help Housing Corporation has several rental and self-help home ownership projects for low-income families in the area. They can be reached at(805) 781-3088.

The Santa Maria Police Department does not have a jail facility. If someone is being detained, generally, they will not be held beyond four hours. If someone is being arrested and released with a citation by the Santa Maria Police Department, you can call the Watch Commander (805) 928-3781 ext. 2297) for further information.  If they are to be arrested and booked, you would need to inquire at the Santa Barbara County Jail, (805) 681-4260, as to when they might be released. 

The City Clerk maintains records of official City documents. These documents can be accessed through the City's Public Record Act Portal. City of Santa Maria Public Records Center (mycusthelp.com). For questions: City Clerk’s office: (805) 925-0951 ext. 2306

The City of Santa Maria has a standard claim form that will assist you in providing information needed for a claim. Completed claim forms must be filed with the Office of the City Clerk. The office is located at: Clerk/Records Division, 110 E. Cook Street, Santa Maria, CA 93454. For questions: City Clerk’s office: (805) 925-0951 ext. 2306.