How about Santa Maria in the far northern reaches of Santa Barbara County. I'm still considered local at Disneyland!
Am I good for the So Cal group? I'm brand new to smoking and looking forward to learning from all of you!

Keep an eye on the KCBS events website for a competition near you. http://www.kcbs.us/events.phpGlad to be here and thanks for accepting a Central Coaster!! Up here they claim it ain't real BBQ unless it is "Santa Maria style"...Tri-tip over red oak coals on a iron grill. I'll join any group to learn as much as I can. And if there are ever any events in So Cal it's not that far of a drive!!
Like the others said, it's been around for decades so who knows who came up with the first Santa Maria grill. There are a couple of local outfits that make up the grills. They are large with a metal grate that raises and lowers with a crank to control the cooking temp. They also make a smaller "tail gaiter" versionWelcome to the group. On a side note any idea who the guy is from Santa Marie, that forged the "Santa Maria Style" cooker that everyone references? Is it a famous local welder BBQ enthusiast or just some odd nameing convention?