Burning Questions

April 13, 2025

What’s the Story Behind the Seal of the City of Santa Barbara?

"It has two boats and a bay that doesn’t look a whole lot like Santa Barbara." 11

April 9, 2025

Four Questions From the Mailbag

When will the broken stairs at Butterfly Beach get fixed? Is that intentional painting or graffiti in the Funk Zone? Why are some power lines bright green? And what's up with the "SB AG" license plates?

March 25, 2025

What’s This Pole With a Flashing Blue Light?

"At the northeast corner of N. Patterson Avenue and the northbound Highway 101 offramp, there's a long pole with devices on the top and a flashing blue light at the base. What is it?" 2

March 12, 2025

What Are These Sculptures on the Riviera?

"I recently came across two sets of pole sculptures at 1322 Dover Road, and I thought perhaps you might have some information about them." 1

February 26, 2025

What’s the Origin Story of This Fence on Hot Springs Road?

"It appears to be made of stacked eucalyptus with an ingenious steel frame. Perhaps the logs came from the property...?" 8

February 18, 2025

What’s the Housing Development Under Construction Next to the Polo Fields?

"A fairly large new housing development is being built near the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club. I would estimate a few dozen homes are under construction, with a sound wall to block freeway noise. Mature, old-wood olive trees were just planted by the entrance. Any news about these homes?" 2

January 13, 2025

Why Is Part of This West Beach Mosaic Covered in Concrete?

"My husband and I have been perplexed about this piece of art on Cabrillo Boulevard. Was it damaged? Was there a depiction of the Chumash and/or other Native Americans that was offensive? Are there any plans to repair it?"

January 7, 2025

What Was the Weeping Willow Inn?

"My neighbor's property on East Valley Road has old stone stairs with 'Weeping Willow Inn' carved into them. Can you tell me more about it?" 1

October 8, 2024

Why Are There Story Poles at Calle Real Center?

"I believe there are more to the west of the shopping center as well, but I didn't get a good look." —R. 4

September 12, 2024

When Will the Last Segment of Highway 101 Get Upgraded?

"What’s the status of the last segment of the Highway 101 project, beyond Hermosillo Road—i.e. the intersection with Cabrillo Boulevard and Hot Springs Road? Is there a final design? Has the funding been identified? Is there an approved plan to widen the railroad underpass? Most importantly, what's the projected completion date for a southbound 101 on-ramp?" 2