CBS San Francisco » Good Question

Good Question: Why Are Colored Dots On San Francisco Storm Drains?

tjfang — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 07:04:34 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – There is plenty of unique sights on the streets of San Francisco, but these are right under your feet. In this Good Question: What are those colored dots on San Francisco’s sewer grates?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: What Makes Our Hair Turn Gray?

tjfang — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:05:09 +0000

(CBS 5) – Some of us fight this event in our lives, while others just let it happen. In this Good Question: What makes our hair turn gray as we age?

ANSWER: According to Dr. Vic Narukar, our hair turns gray when we stop producing melanin, the compound that puts color in our hair. It can occur at different rates in different people depending on heredity. Heavy smoking and thyroid problems can cause gray hair, but science admits it still doesn’t know why we stop producing melanin as we age.

Good Question: How Was The Transbay Tube Built?

tjfang — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:13:56 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – It’s an amazing feat of engineering that many Bay Area commuters rely on, but we’re not talking about the Golden Gate Bridge or Bay Bridge. In this Good Question: How was the Transbay Tube built?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: Why Are Big League Pitchers Such Poor Hitters?

tjfang — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 07:15:53 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – They can frustrate hitters by throwing the ball at more than 90 miles an hour. But when it’s their turn to bat, they fall short. In this Good Question: Why are pitchers in the big leagues such poor hitters?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: What Happened To The Paraplegic Who Scaled Half Dome?

tjfang — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 07:20:17 +0000

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (CBS 5) – 20 years ago, a paraplegic Yosemite National Park ranger and his climbing partner successfully scaled the 4,000 foot face of Half Dome. In this Good Question: What happened to Mark Wellman?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: Why Does SF Have A Police Chief And Sheriff?

tjfang — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 07:19:07 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) –- It’s one of many ways the City by the Bay is unique. Wendy Wang asked this Good Question: Why does San Francisco have both a police chief and a sheriff?

ANSWER: San Francisco Sheriff Mike Hennessey said the California State Constitution requires that every county in the state have an elected sheriff. Since San Francisco is both a city and county it has a sheriff’s department and police department. Each agency has different duties, with SFPD handling patrol work and the Sheriff’s Department running the jails, providing court security and enforcing civil judgment.

Good Question: What’s That Smell From The Bay Near AT&T Park?

tjfang — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 07:11:22 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – Once in a while, you’ll get a whiff of it, and it has nothing to do with the Giants hitting. In this Good Question: What is that smell coming from San Francisco Bay near AT&T Park?

ANSWER: According to Alison Kastama of the Public Utilities Commission, there are a variety of reasons for the smell that often wafts up near AT&T Park. Low tide can create a smell near San Francisco Bay at different times of the year. There is also a sewage treatment plant located near the park that is treated with chlorine to combat smells that often travel through the neighborhood.

Good Question: How Much Plastic Garbage Is In The Ocean?

tjfang — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 06:59:38 +0000

(CBS 5) — It washes up on beaches, threatens wildlife and pollutes our oceans. In this Good Question: How much plastic garbage is in the ocean?

ANSWER: Jim Oswald of the Marine Mammal Center said there are more than 300 billion pounds of plastic junk floating around the world’s oceans. The garbage consists of everything from plastic jugs and bottles to hair brushes and Styrofoam cups. Much of it comes from China, Japan and the U.S.

Good Question: How And Why Do Cats Purr?

tjfang — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:01:15 +0000

(CBS 5) – If you have one, you know it’s one of the sweetest sounds out there. In this Good Question: How and why do cats purr?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: What’s That Small Building North Of The Golden Gate Bridge?

tjfang — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 07:01:33 +0000

MARIN COUNTY (CBS 5) — It was built almost 180 years ago to warn ships, now it sits as a reminder. Ellen in San Lorenzo asked this Good Question: What is that small white building on the Marin side below the Golden Gate Bridge?

ANSWER: According to John Martini, a historian for the National Park Service, the building is what’s left of the original Fog Station located on the site. The building served as a fog signal station and eventually a lighthouse at that location.

Good Question: Why Do Seagulls Show Up At The End Of Giants Games?

tjfang — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 07:23:50 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) — At the ballpark, it’s all about timing. But we’re not talking about the players. Whitney Gould asked this Good Question: How do seagulls know when to show up at AT&T Park at the end of a Giants game?

ANSWER: According to Dan Murphy of the Golden Gate Audubon Society, seagulls are actually quite intelligent. They use auditory signals and other cues to know when the end of the game is coming. Seagulls can see people leave the stadium and automobiles begin to move near the ballpark, which is a cue that food will be plentiful in many of the seating areas.

Good Question: What Is The Average Depth Of San Francisco Bay?

tjfang — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 07:11:11 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – With its deep blue and green waters, San Francisco Bay is a favorite destination of tourists and locals. Jeff Arcuri of Foster City asked this Good Question: What is the average depth of San Francisco Bay?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: How Does Football’s Salary Cap Work?

tjfang — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 07:07:19 +0000

(CBS 5) – A pro football team is one unit, with some highly paid athletes. In this Good Question: How does football’s salary cap work?

ANSWER: According to Raiders coach Hue Jackson, the 2011 NFL salary cap is $120 million. That means that NFL teams may pay out up to that amount per season.

But some of the salaries are “back loaded” or deferred to future seasons where they are only counted when the player is actually paid. NFL teams are not permitted to pay out more than the cap allows.

Good Question: How Did Ballpark Bleachers Get Their Name?

tjfang — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 07:04:51 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – They are way beyond the outfield fence, and cost a fraction of a seat behind home plate. Adair Jones of Sausalito asked this Good Question: Where did they come up with the name “bleachers” at a baseball park?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: What Happened To Ships Swept During Japan’s Tsunami?

tjfang — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 07:02:58 +0000

(CBS 5) – The earthquake and tsunami that rocked Japan moved these vessels into neighborhoods, roadways and buildings. In this Good Question: How are the Japanese moving large ships that got swept inland by the tsunami?

ANSWER: According to Peter Dailey of the Port of San Francisco, ships are being moved in a variety of ways. When possible, large cranes are being brought inland to lift the ships back into the water. Other methods include “rolling” the ships back to the sea using portable floats and rollers.

Good Question: What Non-Mail Stuff Has Been Found In A Mailbox?

tjfang — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 07:13:30 +0000

(CBS 5) – Almost half a million pieces of mail come through the San Francisco processing center each day, but some of what shows up isn’t a letter or package. Joe Scheufler of Burlingame asked this Good Question: What kind of strange non-mail stuff has been put into a mailbox?

ANSWER: According to James Wigdel of the U.S. Postal Service, nearly anything you can imagine has been deposited in mailboxes. The San Francisco headquarters has an entire unit devoted to returning lost wallets, keys and drivers licenses that are dropped into the boxes.

Good Question: How Much Do Unregistered Cars Cost California?

tjfang — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 07:09:12 +0000

(CBS 5) — At a time when the state could use each cent it can get, revenue from DMV fees can really add up. In this Good Question: How much is California losing to residents who drive with out-of-state plates?

ANSWER: According to the Jan Mendoza of the Department of Motor Vehicles, California is losing tens of millions of dollars from drivers who fail to properly register their out of state cars when they move to California.

State law allows drivers who move into California only 20 days to register their vehicles without penalty. The state has set up a web site to report out of state vehicles operating in California.

Good Question: What Is The California Solar Initiative?

tjfang — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 07:01:39 +0000

(CBS 5) – The Golden State has been going solar for more than 30 years. But in the past couple years, things have really heated up. Solomon asked this Good Question: What is the California Solar Initiative?

ANSWER: The California Solar Initiative is a program administered by the California Public Utilities Commission that provides rebates to property owners and businesses for installing solar panels. Participants can get a rebate of up to $1,750 for homes that generate 3-5 kilowatts in solar.

Good Question: Where Were The Ohlone Villages?

tjfang — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 07:14:30 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – They lived in the Bay Area long before any of us were around. In this Good Question: Where were the Ohlone Villages in what is now San Francisco?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: What Is The Latest On Japanese Nuclear Plants?

tjfang — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 07:04:25 +0000

(CBS 5) – It has been five months since a powerful earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, which also led to a crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. In this Good Question: What is the latest condition of Japanese nuclear facilities?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: What Is On Ships Leaving The Port Of Oakland?

tjfang — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 07:05:34 +0000

OAKLAND (CBS 5) –- Container ships are loaded down with all sorts of goods when they arrive at the Port of Oakland. In this Good Question: Is there anything on those ships when they sail out?

ANSWER: According to Marilyn Sandifur of the Port of Oakland, about 57 percent of the goods that move through the Bay Area are U.S. exports. Those exports include produce, meats, wine and other raw materials. There are more containers going out of the Bay Area than coming in.

Good Question: What Happened To The Hole In The Ozone Layer?

tjfang — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 07:09:22 +0000

(CBS 5) – It protects life on earth from the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. Peter DiAngelo of San Francisco asked this Good Question: Whatever happened to the hole in the earth’s ozone layer?

ANSWER: According to USF Professor Deneb Karentz, the hole in the ozone still exists but has indicated that it may be fluctuating.

Karentz said the ozone hole is still prevalent over the Antarctic at certain times of the year and peaked in 2006. The discontinued use of chlorofluorocarbons may finally be having an effect in reversing ozone depletion.

Good Question: What Is A ‘Road Slab’?

tjfang — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 07:02:41 +0000

(CBS 5) — It used to take months to build a freeway, now Caltrans can get the job done overnight. In this Good Question: What is “road slab” technology, and how does it work?

ANSWER: “Road Slab” technology refers to the installation of precast sections of concrete to repair roadways in the Bay Area. According to Caltrans, the method has also been used in Southern California.

In the East Bay, a 12 mile stretch of Interstate 680 is the largest “road slab” project of its kind in the country. Advantages include not having to wait on concrete to dry before allowing traffic to use the roadway.

Good Question: Are There Any Poisonous Snakes In The Bay Area?

tjfang — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 07:02:49 +0000

(CBS 5) – They slither, hiss and in a worst case scenario, can be very dangerous. In this Good Question: Are there any poisonous snakes in the Bay Area?

ANSWER: According to Mark Calloway of the California Academy of Sciences there are no poisonous snakes indigenous to the Bay Area, but there are venomous snakes. The Northern Pacific rattlesnake has venom that can be fatal to humans.

Good Question: Can Computers Help Us Tour The Universe?

tjfang — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 06:56:01 +0000

(CBS 5) — Imagine if it were possible to fly through galaxies, to tour the universe at light speed. In this Good Question: Can technology take us to where no person has gone before?

ANSWER: According to physicist Ryan Wyatt at the California Academy of Science, computers are being used to simulate everything from cell structure to what is in our galaxy.

Special effects can be used in a setting such as a planetarium to show what is in our galaxy even though it’s beyond our physical reach. It is often called “science visualization” and is based in real scientific measurement.

Good Question: What Are The Top Space Shuttle Innovations?

tjfang — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 07:01:46 +0000

(CBS 5) – While there is a lot of focus on the final Space Shuttle mission, a lot has happened in the program’s 30 years. Greg Marasso in San Francisco asked this Good Question: What are the top innovations and discoveries from the shuttle program?

ANSWER: According to astronaut Karol Bobko, the biggest innovations and achievements of the Space Shuttle program include the ability to reuse the spacecraft which saved taxpayers billions in cost. The development of heat soaking tiles also allowed the shuttle to reenter the Earth’s atmosphere without damage. Another big innovation was the shuttle’s robotic arm which allowed it to lift and repair satellites in orbit.

Good Question: How Much Are Professional Caddies Paid?

tjfang — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:02:47 +0000

(CBS 5) — On the links, they take in some of the best views. But they also have a job to do. Lewis asked this Good Question: How much are professional caddies paid?

ANSWER: According to golf professional Mitch Lowe, caddies are usually paid a weekly salary by their touring pro, plus a percentage of the earnings in a tournament.

Lowe said a standard arrangement involves 5 percent of what the pro golfer makes during the week, plus 7 percent of the take if the professional makes the cut. Caddies usually receive an additional 10 percent of the winner’s prize money.

Good Question: How Can I Know If Someone Died In A Home I’m Buying?

tjfang — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 07:19:16 +0000

(CBS 5) — It’s the one real estate disclosure no one really wants to talk about. Suzy in San Jose asked this Good Question: How does someone know if there’s been a death in the home they’re buying?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: How Much Space Junk Is Floating Around?

tjfang — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 07:01:37 +0000

(CBS 5) — We’ve been sending stuff into space for more than 50 years. Greg in San Francisco asked this Good Question: How much space junk is floating around? And how does the International Space Station avoid it?

ANSWER: According to astronomer Ben Burress of the Chabot Space and Science Center, there are millions of pieces of space junk floating in outer space. Much of it is man-made from more than 50 years of space travel.

Space junk is extremely dangerous because of the speed it is traveling relative to the International Space Station. Holes have been punched in the skin of both the space shuttle and the space station over the years, but no humans have been hurt.

Good Question: How Long Have SF Bay Tides Been Measured?

tjfang — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 06:52:52 +0000

(CBS 5) –- Through the Golden Gate, it comes and goes. In this Good Question: How long have they been measuring tides in San Francisco Bay?

ANSWER: Several homeowners have begun to rebuild in the wake of the explosion. Contractors are very busy repairing roofs pouring foundations and at least three families have taken out permits to begin rebuilding immediately. The city of San Bruno confirms that several dozen other families have permits in the process of approval.

Good Question: Is Anyone Rebuilding Near The San Bruno Blast Site?

tjfang — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 07:05:58 +0000

SAN BRUNO (CBS 5) – It has been almost a year since this neighborhood was reduced to a crater. In this Good Question: Has anyone started rebuilding near the San Bruno explosion site?

Good Question: Are Those Pacifica Cliff Apartments Still Standing?

tjfang — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 07:03:02 +0000

PACIFICA (CBS 5) — In early 2010, these homes looked like they were doomed. Jimmy in South San Francisco asked this Good Question: What is the latest on those apartments falling into the ocean in Pacifica?

ANSWER: According to the City of Pacifica building department spokesman Doug Rider, the apartments along Esplanade Avenue did not suffer additional damage over the wet winter.

There is at least one plan to build a new sea wall below the structures and some construction has already begun. The building owners expect to keep their properties from sliding away by completing the project which will involve a series of concrete walls that will be backfilled with soil.

Good Question: What Is The Shower Curtain Effect?

tjfang — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 07:08:51 +0000

(CBS 5) – It’s something many of us have dealt with getting ready in the morning. Nancy McNabb asked this Good Question: Why does the shower curtain get sucked inward when the shower turns on?

ANSWER: Jearl Walker, a physicist with the San Francisco Exploratorium has studied the phenomenon. He explains it as the air that is forced to the bottom of the bathtub and eventually forced out the gap between the shower curtain and the edge of the tub. Walker said that “pushes” the curtain inward as air is escaping.

Good Question: Are Inmates Used To Fight California Wildfires?

tjfang — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 07:10:31 +0000

(CBS 5) – Some of the state’s inmates get to do time in the great outdoors, but it’s not without risk. Danny Richards asked this Good Question: Are inmates still used to fight fires in California?

ANSWER: Cal Fire Deputy Chief Scott Jalbert said there are about three dozen inmate camps around the state that train individuals to fight wildland fires. Jalbert said the inmates are paid $1 a day to be on standby and $1 an hour while they are on the fire lines.

There are more than 4,000 inmates trained and available to fight fires in California.

Good Question: Do Ocean Waves Really Come In Sets?

tjfang — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 07:15:43 +0000

(CBS 5) –- Most of us can’t tell what tomorrow will bring, but the trained surfer can. Sammy in Redwood City asked this Good Question: Do ocean waves really come in sets?

ANSWER: Ryan Morgan of the Aqua Surf Shop in San Francisco pays plenty of attention to waves and said they definitely come in sets. Morgan said wave sets are a result of wind, weather and wave pulse.

He said the farther away a storm is the farther spaced the wave sets are when they reach shore. Wave sets can also be measured and there are a number of websites that track the information, including NOAA’s site on ocean conditions.

Good Question: Can Landscaping Protect Your Home From Fire?

tjfang — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 07:05:38 +0000

(CBS 5) – These things may add to the look of your home, but they could save your home in a wildfire. In this Good Question: Can you plant landscaping that will protect your home from fires?

Our video report has more.

Good Question: What’s Being Done About Golden Gate Park Gophers?

tjfang — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 07:05:52 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – These creatures have taken up residence in San Francisco’s largest expanse of open space. Mary Manzer asked this Good Question: What’s being done about all the gophers popping up in Golden Gate Park?

ANSWER: Dennis Kern of the San Francisco Recreation and Park Commission said all of city’s park gardeners are trained in trapping gophers. Kern said the gophers cause damage to sports fields and picnic areas around the park and have to be eliminated. The gardeners do not use poison in the park because it can be toxic to pets and people.

Good Questions: Are There Any Octopuses In San Francisco Bay?

tjfang — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 07:13:16 +0000

(CBS 5) – Before you dip your toes into San Francisco Bay, it’s good to know what might be in there with them. Lisa Romero asked this Good Question: Are there any octopuses in San Francisco Bay?

ANSWER: According to Cristina Slager of Aquarium of the Bay, there are octopuses in San Francisco Bay. The Giant Pacific Octopus can be found there although the species prefers deep water so most of them are outside the Golden Gate. Octopuses are extremely intelligent and can be trained to open objects and even negotiate mazes.

Good Question: What Are Those Strange Looking Ships At Pier 50?

tjfang — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 07:09:36 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS 5) – These vessels are ready at the drop of a dime for any emergency. Ron Longinotti asked this Good Question: What are those strange looking ships docked at Pier 50?

ANSWER: The ships are called “Ro-Ro-Ships”. According to Peter Dailey of the Port of San Francisco, they are part of the nation’s Ready Reserve Fleet.

“Ro-Ro” stands for roll on roll off, meaning the ships can haul trucks, tanks and other vehicles. They have their own ramp system so vehicles can drive right on. The ships can be loaded with emergency supplies and can be at sea within 96 hours to respond to a variety of emergencies.

Good Question: What Are Those Elastic Bands Athletes Wear?

tjfang — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 07:10:52 +0000

(CBS 5) — They may appear as a fashion statement on your favorite ball player, but they do serve a purpose. Marlene asked this Good Question: What are those elastic bands that athletes wear on their arms and legs?

Our video report has more.