Halloween is creeping closer , with spooky (and some not-so-spooky) decorations already adorning many porches, patios and exteriors of local homes and businesses.

Jack-o-lanterns, gourds and pumpkins are a staple of the holiday's outdoor displays, offering flickering light and ghoulish smiles to welcome trick-or-treaters and other celebrants.

To dispose of the natural decorations, the Santa Maria Utilities Department will again host their Pumpkin Smashing Event allowing the community to turn their Halloween waste into soil-enriching compost, while reducing greenhouse gases.

Local News

Frightmare Forest at Allan Hancock College offers new twists, bigger scares

April Chavez achavez@santamariatimes.com

The 4th annual event will be hosted at the parking lot of Rotary Centennial Par

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