Burning Questions

January 19, 2021

What’s Up With the “No E-Bike” Signs on Local Trails?

"A friend saw these signs today, and they make no sense to us," wrote PJ. "Mountain bikers only use pedal assist while going uphill—going downhill, without pedal assist, they're going at the same speed as a friction bike. (Even with pedal assist, you can't go fast uphill as it’s too steep in Santa Barbara.) Wondering if you know anything...." 1

January 15, 2021

Why Is Franceschi House in a Holding Pattern?

"My fiancée and I think that it would be wonderful to see Franceschi House restored," emailed N., "but it seems that efforts over the last 20 years have been unsuccessful. We'd love to understand in more detail what has caused the house to get stuck."

December 15, 2020

Why Is There a Train Station Inside This State Street Storefront?

"In the storefront between the Christian Science Reading Room and Open Air Bicycles is a replica of a train station. Is it old or new? Why does it exist?" —C.

September 14, 2020

What’s Happening With This Derelict House in Summerland?

"I've always wondered about the graffitied house on the bluff above Summerland Beach. Any insight? Pretty odd for it to be standing for all of these years." —T.

July 30, 2020

Is There a Story Behind Lucky Penny’s Bell?

"I've been to Lucky Penny countless times, but I only just noticed the big bell outside the entrance," asks S. "Where did it come from? Does it ever get rung?"

July 15, 2020

Why Is There Wood on Some Power Lines?

Blame Mother Nature and less-than-thorough maintenance.

May 12, 2020

What Are These Black Beetles That Are Everywhere This Spring?

"I don't remember them from previous years, at least not in these numbers," asks R. "And does nothing eat them? They would seem to be easy prey, since they meander around so slowly and often end up on their backs with their legs wriggling." The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History has the answer.

May 4, 2020

Can You Explain How Sundowner Winds Work?

"Sundowners have been my main topic of research in the last few years," said Dr. Leila M. V. Carvalho, professor of meteorology and climate sciences at UCSB. She kindly agreed to explain the science behind the winds.

April 7, 2020

Why Is There a Pressure Cooker Attached to This Utility Pole?

"I was walking on Anacapa Street when I noticed a pressure cooker attached to a utility pole. A couple of days later, I saw a stockpot at Garden and E. Padre. What purpose do they serve?" —P.

April 1, 2020

What’s This Concrete Ramp Thing on East Beach?

"I noticed this concrete ramp thing while walking on East Beach. What is it?" —W. 1