Burning Questions

November 3, 2026

Has Santa Barbara County Experienced a Property Tax Windfall Since Covid?

"The real estate market here—and particularly in Montecito—has been through the roof ever since the Covid pandemic, with many properties selling for the first time in decades. Has the county reaped a huge increase in property taxes as a result?" 3

September 16, 2026

What’s the Story With the Old Building Near the Train Tracks in Montecito?

"I'm a local photographer, and I photograph families all the time in front of the little ivy-covered building at the corner of Eucalyptus Lane and Humphrey Road. Over the past several months, someone has been restoring the building, and I've been trying to learn its history." 4

August 26, 2026

Five Questions From the Mailbag

Why is Hermosillo Road so wide? What's up with this vacant lot in the Funk Zone? What's happening with this plaque at Chase Palm Park? Who made these tile benches? And is that a Minotaur sculpture near the freeway? 1

August 12, 2026

What Are These Signs at the San Ysidro Roundabout?

"At several sections of the San Ysidro roundabout, there are small signs with markings that are hard to interpret. What are they for?" 1

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?" 7

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