The lookout between Hendry’s Beach and Hope Ranch has been blocked off with dividers. Why? —J.
The westernmost stretch of Cliff Drive, just before it ends at Marina Drive, is popular with workers taking a break and thrill-seekers, as you can tell from the marks on the pavement (which has been going on for a long time). “The City has temporarily closed the vehicle parking area at the Cliff Drive overlook for an evaluation period due to ongoing safety and operational issues,” explained a member of the city’s Public Works department. He went on to say that there have been reports of speeding, noise, and other public nuisances, and that the department is “looking at possible options to reconfigure this area.”
He mentioned that a notice is posted at the site, although the lack of parking makes it challenging to read.
The 30-day evaluation period described in the notice (dated June 9) has been extended while Public Works continues to explore options, with no timeline for reopening.
Is there a question you’d like investigated? Email [email protected] or text 917-209-6473.
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Previous Burning Questions:
••• Who installed this security camera in Montecito?
↓↓↓ Why are the railroad tracks being expanded along Padaro Lane?
••• Will you explain the plan to adapt the waterfront for climate change?
••• Why did the Rosewood Miramar Beach install gates?
••• How long will this big pipe be at East Beach?
••• Is Cabrillo Boulevard going to be widened under Highway 101?
••• Was there a Fisherman Inn in downtown Santa Barbara?
••• What are those old buildings at the corner of Castillo and Montecito streets?
••• What’s this scaffold structure on Las Positas Road?
••• Why does street striping take so long to happen?
••• Why do rocket launches look the way they do?
••• How is the San Ysidro Debris Basin designed to work?
••• What’s this building on Helena Avenue?
••• What are those old pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek?
••• What’s this building under construction in Toro Canyon?
••• What’s the story behind the seal of the City of Santa Barbara?
••• Butterfly Beach steps, green power lines, SBAG license plates, and more
••• What’s this pole with a flashing blue light?
••• What are these sculptures on the Riviera?
••• What’s the origin story of this fence on Hot Springs Road?
••• Why is part of this West Beach mosaic covered in concrete?
••• What was the Weeping Willow Inn?
••• What does the “S” on certain chimneys stand for?
••• What’s the status of the decommissioning of Rincon Island?
••• What happened to the gas flame on Highway 101?
••• What do we know about the proposed apartment complex at 1 Hot Springs Road?
••• What’s the history of this tower on Ortega Ridge?
••• What’s up with these sculptures on a hillside in Summerland?
••• Is there a master plan for the new walking paths in Montecito?
••• Why are the Thousand Steps still wet?
••• What’s happening with Sola Street?
••• Why is this lot on Milpas Street still vacant?
••• Where else do cruise ships that visit here go?
••• What is this large memorial in Ennisbrook?
••• Who bought the former St. Mary’s seminary—and why?
••• What will happen to the SBPD building when the new building is completed?
••• What’s the story with this house on W. Cota Street?
••• What are those little houses on Santa Barbara Street?
••• What’s the point of this light pole near the freeway?
••• What’s inside Paseo Nuevo’s State Street tower?
••• What’s the point of these markings on Laguna Street?
••• Why is there a giant red shoe off Highway 101?
••• What’s up with the “no e-bike” signs on local trails?
••• Why is Franceschi House in a holding pattern?
••• What’s happening with this derelict house in Summerland?
••• Can you explain how sundowner winds work?
••• Why is there a pressure cooker attached to this utility pole?
••• What’s this concrete ramp thing on East Beach?
••• Why does “USA” get written on the street?
••• What are those poles in the ocean near the Ritz-Carlton Bacara?
••• Are people really allowed to set fires in the middle of Montecito?
••• What’s the story with the half-finished lot next to the Montecito Country Mart?
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It’s been a super popular place to watch the sunset or just gaze at the ocean for many decades, a Santa Barbara treasure. I often go either in my car or by bicycle. I suspect the owners of newly-built luxury homes adjacent to the parking area have complained about noise or whatnot and would love to close the area off to parking permanently.