About

Joe Payne, independent journalist and historian

Joe Payne is an award-winning journalist and scholar of history based in Santa Maria, California. He produces multimedia content about news, politics, business, science, and the arts. Payne earned a Master’s of Arts in History with distinction from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2025, earning the Richard Spencer Wood Memorial Award for his graduate studies on the largest Indigenous uprising against the California Mission system. Payne has always called the Central Coast home, and enjoys exploring the rich culture and history of the area. He lives in Santa Maria with his wife, Candice, and several cats. He’s also a piano tuner, music teacher, and performer, with more information available at pianopayne.com.