Burning Questions

August 5, 2026

Can Anything Be Done About Biting Midges?

"Whenever I'm on my lawn, I get bitten by something so small I don't see it. The bites swell up into welts that itch for a week. I've found reports of midges in other parts of California, but not so much here, except for a post on Reddit. Do you know what they are?" 3

July 29, 2026

How Come the Gaviota Rest Areas Are Closed So Often?

"It sure seems as though the Gaviota rest areas on Highway 101 are closed far more frequently than they're open. I’ve heard about water supply issues, but this has been going on since Covid, near as I can recall." 3

July 12, 2026

Why Is the Cliff Drive Overlook Closed?

"The lookout between Hendry's Beach and Hope Ranch has been blocked off with dividers. Why?" 5

June 28, 2026

Who Installed This Security Camera in Montecito?

"There's now a security camera at the intersection of Hot Springs Road and Olive Mill Road. Who's responsible for it?" 15

June 17, 2026

Why Are the Railroad Tracks Being Expanded Along Padaro Lane?

"A recent meeting regarding the railroad siding (second rail) proposed by the LOSSAN rail corridor agency along Padaro Lane was reportedly heated, with residents in opposition—particularly because the plan will result in the removal of over 100 trees. Can you tell us more about the project?" 34

May 7, 2026

Will You Explain the Plan to Adapt the Waterfront for Climate Change?

"The city has just released a long-term (30-year) plan for the waterfront, including Leadbetter Beach, the harbor, and East Beach. Due to an anticipated rise in sea level of up to several feet, plans are now afoot to, among other things, add new breakwaters, move parking to a structure, and add new facilities at the harbor." 9

April 2, 2026

Why Did the Rosewood Miramar Beach Install Gates?

Are the new gates entirely decorative, or is the intention to use them? 3

March 11, 2026

How Long Will This Big Pipe Be at East Beach?

"While walking on the path by East Beach, my wife and I were curious about how much longer this giant pipe, which I assume is for the dredging in the harbor, is going to be along the coastline." 5

March 4, 2026

Is Cabrillo Boulevard Going to Be Widened Under Highway 101?

"Will the railroad underpass be widened as part of the reconstruction of the Cabrillo/101 interchange? If so, I'll be curious to learn how they're going to engineer the widening—by installing a temporary railroad bridge alongside the current one?" 4

February 4, 2026

Was There a Fisherman Inn in Downtown Santa Barbara?

"There's a Fisherman Inn sign visible from De La Vina, just above Cota. Was a hotel once at that location?" 2