Burning Questions

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

May 12, 2025

What Are Those Old Pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek?

"There are old wooden pilings in Arroyo Burro Creek, just up from Hendry's Beach where it parallels the parking lot. They look like they could have supported a road bridge or some kind of pier. Any idea what they were for? I've been wondering forever!"

April 28, 2025

What’s This Building Under Construction in Toro Canyon?

"Anyone know what this cavernous building is way above the polo development? It’s on the ridge line just past the polo fields." 2

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