Welcome to Curious Coast, KCRW Santa Barbara’s newest project

Did you know that the first avocado tree planted in the United States was here in Santa Barbara? Or that the KKK once called the Riviera home? Or maybe you’d like to know what’s up with the island off the coast near Mussel Shoals. Or the state of farm-to-table dining in a city with a high restaurant turnover?

From unearthing a local history to solving a neighborhood mystery, Curious Coast is a new series coming to KCRW where we set out to answer your questions about the region we call home, from Santa Maria down to Oxnard.

Previously, we’ve answered your questions on the housing crisis in Santa Barbara with our series Priced Out. And we investigated the issues surround oil drilling and fracking in a series of questions and answers here. But, we were just getting started.

With Curious Coast, we want to hear from you and what you’d like us to investigate, research, or uncover. We will dig into your most intriguing questions and seek out the experts, personalities, and history that will help us find the answers.

Here are some sample questions we’ve already received:

• Who brought the Eucalyptus trees to Ellwood?

• What’s the history of Cold Springs Tavern beyond the plaques?

• Once the rains stop, how and when will sand return to our rocky beaches?

• Did the Chumash people have any rituals around the Figueroa Mountain wildflower bloom?

We’re excited to hear what you have on your mind, and ready to go on this investigative adventure. Submit your question in the entry form below and let’s begin!

Photo by Cecilia Yang

Curious Coast is a project made possible by the supporters of KCRW and a grant from Antioch University Santa Barbara.