Burning Questions

January 9, 2022

Is Santa Barbara Going to Introduce Residential Compost Bins?

"Lots of Southern California cities are starting to provide compost trash cans to help cut back on CO2 emissions caused by food waste disposed in landfills and comply with California's SB1383 law. Couldn’t find anything online about it happening here." —C. 1

December 20, 2021

When Will Santa Barbara Junior High’s Flagpole Be Replaced?

Last January, the school's wooden flagpole had to be removed after someone tried to cut it down with a saw. The pole was believed to have been there since the 1930s.

December 15, 2021

What’s the Point of This Light Pole?

"On W. Carrillo Street at the 101, there's a standard light pole. In addition to the usual light, it has two orange lights, one red light, and one green light. I thought they might be related to the train tracks, but they appear to be too far away. I have Googled this endlessly and cannot figure out what it is. Do you know?" —G. 1

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. 2

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. 25

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. 6