Parking spaces at LAC compromised

Published in Long Beach City College's Viking newspaper in 2005


Early Fall parking problems were worsened by construction fences near the J parking lot at the LAC which had students driving through a smaller maze than usual while on the hunt for an ideal spot.
The fences blocked nearly 40 spaces, including nine for the handicapped. Most fences were taken down Friday, Aug. 19 allowing full parking potential.
Sal Baeza of SRD Engineering said, "Fences were taken down because we were done with the sewer line relocation in the trench. The fences will be back up in a couple of days so we can re-pave." Re-pavement is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 6.
Margie Padron, contact administrator for the LBCC bond management team, said, "The current estimated date of completion for the South Quad Complex building is October 2007." According to the bond management team, parking in LAC's Lot L will be closed Sept. 6 and 7 for delivery and installation of modular buildings.
Some students complained about the long search for parking, including Melissa Huntington, who expressed anger at being late to class.
"I almost ran out of gas," Huntington said. "I spent 40 minutes waiting for a parking spot and I was 20 minutes late for class. Midday is slowly getting better, but the mornings are horrible and not very encouraging."
LAC currently features more than 6,800 parking spaces with 4,200 behind Veterans Stadium, located at the corner of Lew Davis Street and Faculty Avenue, and PCC holds more than 3,300 parking spaces.
Nursing major Tricia Vaught said, "There is no parking problem. The problem is with students not wanting to walk. They would rather circle J Lot instead of parking behind Veterans Stadium and being done with it. Or they just don't know about it. It wasn't until last semester that I found the Veterans Stadium lot. The school should advertise it at the beginning of each semester using giant banners or something."
Free parking for Aug. is over, but students may buy permits at the cashier's window on both campuses for $25. Day parking permits are available for $1. LAC machines are located in the northwest corner of the J Lot, and the E Lot, and along Lew Davis Drive.
PCC has an all-day permit machine located in Lot 3. Both campuses have metered parking and scarce parking around the perimeters. Parking is not allowed in the neighborhoods surrounding LAC.
Students may call City Hall at 570-6822 for any questions regarding parking citations.
No adjustment, fee waivers or payments can be made at the LAC police trailer or at the PCC police office.