Santa Maria Utilities Department Cancels Event Amidst E. coli Outbreak Investigation
The Santa Maria Utilities Department has cancelled its pumpkin smashing and bowling event as a precaution due to a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak investigated by San Luis Obispo County Public Health, suspected to be linked to Brookshire Farms.
Santa Barbara Santa Maria San Luis Obispo, CA, November 4, 2026 — The Santa Maria Utilities Department has announced the cancellation of its planned pumpkin smashing and bowling event. The decision was made as a precautionary measure in light of an ongoing investigation into a Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) outbreak.
San Luis Obispo County Public Health is currently investigating the STEC outbreak. The department has identified Brookshire Farms as a suspected source linked to the outbreak. Specific details regarding the timeline of the outbreak or the number of individuals affected by the E. coli were not immediately provided.
In response to the public health concerns, the Santa Maria Utilities Department opted to cancel its upcoming event. The nature of the event, which involved pumpkin smashing and bowling, was not detailed further, nor were the specific dates it was scheduled to take place.
The contractor’s name for the event was not provided in the summary. Further information regarding the investigation by San Luis Obispo County Public Health and any potential actions taken by Brookshire Farms was not specified. The Santa Maria Utilities Department has not announced plans for rescheduling or alternative arrangements for the cancelled event.
Story summarized from the original created by Janene Scully, Noozhawk North County Editor on www.noozhawk.com, see more information here.
