Burning Questions

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." 4

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

November 12, 2025

What Are Those Old Buildings at the Corner of Castillo and Montecito Streets?

"There are some historic buildings adjacent to the liquor store. The one on Castillo is an enormous mansion painted a dull mustard color. If my attempt at research is in any way accurate, it was moved to that location to avoid demolition. There it stands, seemingly vacant. Maybe you can get the lowdown." 1

September 24, 2025

When Will the Coast Village Road Medians Be Completed?

"Once the electrical upgrade (at least that's what appears to be happening) is completed, what's the plan for landscaping, if any? Have you heard anything?" 4

September 5, 2025

What’s This Scaffold Structure on Las Positas Road?

"What's the scaffold structure on Las Positas just north of Veronica Springs Road? There's communication gear attached to it."

August 25, 2025

Why Does Street Striping Take So Long to Happen?

"Many of Montecito's major streets—Hot Springs, San Ysidro, etc.—weren't repainted for at least a month after getting fog sealed. Why does the county wait so long? It seems dangerous to leave them unmarked." 3

August 11, 2025

Why Do Rocket Launches Look the Way They Do?

"A couple of weeks ago, we watched as the first stage of a rocket launch descended back toward Earth, and it was spectacular. I'd love to know more about what exactly I'm seeing, though. Why is it that shape? Why is the tail those colors?" 3

July 8, 2025

How Is the San Ysidro Debris Basin Designed to Work?

"It looks like the San Ysidro Debris Basin is done. Can you ask an engineer what the point of the three structures is?" 3

May 20, 2025

What’s This Building on Helena Avenue?

"Behind Helena Avenue Bakery and The Lark, there's an unmarked building next to the train tracks. What is it?" 2