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GOOD QUESTION
Why Does the Foghorn at Port San Luis Go Off When There's No Fog?
Posted: Jan 25, 2012 9:34 PM by John Reger
Updated: Aug 9, 2012 7:54 PM
The Port San Luis Lighthouse foghorn is the subject of tonight's Good Question. Barbara Palacios of Avila Beach wants to know: Why do I hear the foghorn in Avila Beach when it's not foggy? Good Question.
Every once in a while there is a malfunction of the foghorn, and that happened last week. The foghorn system has automatic equipment that senses moisture in the air. A laser beam is sent out to sea and, if it reflects back fog, it activates the foghorn. If it goes off when there's no fog, it's because the equipment incorrectly reads that there is fog.
The Port San Luis District owns the lighthouse building and grounds. But the federal government owns the foghorn and lighthouse beacon and the Coast Guard operates them because they maintain marine safety and navigation. The feds even own the original lens for the beacon that's on display.
I know you have a lot more questions. And I'd love to hear from people in the Orcutt and Santa Maria areas. So send them to goodquestion@ksby.com or, better yet, friend me on facebook. The only bad question is the one you don't ask.
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