Burning Questions

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?" 28

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

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." 1

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