Burning Questions

June 11, 2023

What’s Happening With the Pepper Tree Inn?

"Do you know what’s going on with the eastern half of the Pepper Tree Inn on upper State Street? I see people going into the hotel driveway, while the right side looks like they maybe started a renovation, but have since stopped." —A. 1

May 24, 2023

What Is This Large Memorial in Ennisbrook?

"Every time I walk my dogs on the trail that runs through Ennisbrook, I wonder what the story is with this 15-foot-tall memorial. Do you know?" —D. 1

December 23, 2022

What’s the Large Building Under Construction Next to Highway 101?

"I've been wondering what the story is with the metal building going up next to Highway 101 at the southbound Patterson exit. Caltrans? Union Pacific?" —J. 7

December 11, 2022

Who Bought the Former St. Mary’s Seminary—and Why?

"A couple of weeks ago, the St. Mary's seminary up on Las Canoas Road was auctioned off," wrote N. "Can you find out who bought it and what his or her plans are?" 1

October 6, 2022

What Will Happen to the SBPD Building When the New Building Is Completed?

The big decision will be whether to thoroughly renovate the existing building on E. Figueroa Street or tear it down. 1

August 16, 2022

How Does the City Decide to Mark Bike Lanes?

"We've traveled around California a lot over the last four decades and noticed that many cities have adopted green pavement markings for bike lanes and shared lanes. But Santa Barbara hasn't followed suit. Cabrillo Boulevard, in particular, has become very dangerous for cyclists." —N.

August 2, 2022

What’s the Story With This House on W. Cota Street?

"There's a big house with a lot of parking at the corner of W. Cota Street and Bradbury Avenue. What's it used for?" —J. 4

June 26, 2022

What Are Those Little Houses on Santa Barbara Street?

"Small house-like buildings have shown up on Santa Barbara Street between Figueroa and Carrillo. What are they?" —F. 2

April 13, 2022

Can Anything Be Done About Pacaso Owners Who Like to Party?

"We found out the hard way that a house near us is part of the vacation-ownership site Pacaso. We're wondering if this business model is legal in our area, because our new one-eighth-share neighbors are partying it up when they're in town." —M. 15

April 8, 2022

Which Highway 101 Exits Are Getting Renamed?

"I was driving north on the 101 when I noticed that the 'Summerland' exit is now called 'N Padaro Lane.' Why? And are more signage changes in store?" —W. 2