Editing Santa Maria, California (section)

=== Celebrations ===
In the year 2017, the first ever Pride celebration was held in the city of Santa Maria. This was the first recorded pride celebration in the city's history. Organized by HOPE (House of Pride and Equality) in collaboration with Future Leaders of America, the festival took place in the town center west parking lot lasting 5 hours and held many activities for the community at large spanning from dancing, face painting, salsa classes, cabaret, and games.<ref>{{Cite web |last=gkim@leecentralcoastnews.com |first=Gina Kim |date=2017-08-12 |title=Santa Maria Pride Celebration and Resource Fair is a first for LGBTQ community |url=https://lompocrecord.com/news/santa-maria-pride-celebration-and-resource-fair-is-a-first-for-lgbtq-community/article_333d8c7f-ac55-5a35-905c-901f845b5e50.html |access-date=2025-05-04 |website=Lompoc Record |language=en}}</ref> The Celebration had guest speakers ranging from Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, and Alma Hernandez, who represented 3rd District County Supervisor Joan Hartmann's office. This inaugural Pride celebration paved way for this event to take place every year following, even during the pandemic with a virtual celebration. HOPE (House of Pride and Equality) plan it every year in tandem with many community organizers in hopes to foster a sense of love and community for Santa Maria's LGBTQ+ residents and beyond.