Burning Questions

December 5, 2021

Why Is the Hermosillo Exit on the 101 Closed?

"I was surprised to see the Hermosillo Road exit on the northbound 101 closed, since I didn't think work on that part of the freeway was starting yet. What's going on? It's not being removed permanently, is it?" —A.

November 29, 2021

Has Victor the Florist Closed for Good?

"Have you heard anything about what's happening with Victor the Florist? It's a Santa Barbara landmark—it has been here forever." —J. 4

November 23, 2021

Why Are the City’s Parking Lots Scanning License Plates?

"While parking at the city lot at Anacapa and Haley, I was surprised to see a message on the monitor saying my license plate was being scanned. When did this start? What are they looking for?" —F. 1

November 11, 2021

What’s Inside Paseo Nuevo’s State Street Tower?

"While walking on State Street the other night, I noticed that the top of the Paseo Nuevo tower was lit up inside, but I couldn't tell why," asked S.

October 4, 2021

What’s the Point of These Markings on Laguna Street?

"Every time I drive on Laguna Street, I wonder why traffic is pushed outward as you approach Ortega Street." asks K. The city's traffic engineers have an explanation.

May 30, 2021

The Mystery of the Red Shoe Has Been Solved

The folks who installed the giant stiletto alongside Highway 101 have been getting a kick out of all the news reports. 5

May 24, 2021

Why Is There a Giant Red Shoe Off Highway 101?

The shoe appears to have made its debut in February. No one has taken credit, but theories abound: the shoe was part of an American Heart Association publicity campaign, or a prank, or placed there by a real-estate agency as a joke. 2

May 17, 2021

Is Timbers Restaurant in Goleta Really Going to Reopen?

"I believe it's owned by Sandy Boyd, who founded two chain restaurants/cafés in California: Espresso Roma and Fresh Choice. But nothing much seems to have been done with it, at least from what you can see from the highway. Maybe there’s an interesting story here?" —S. Indeed, there is—and a local restaurant has plans to open soon. 1

April 15, 2021

Will the Dorinda Triangle Ever Get Beautified?

"I thought that since it's an entrance to Montecito, the county's Public Works Department might give it some priority. Instead, it has been used as a parking lot for heavy equipment." —L. 3

April 5, 2021

Are We No Longer Allowed on the SBHS Baseball Field?

"A new fence is going up at the Santa Barbara High School baseball field. Does that mean no more dog walkers and picnickers?" —T.