By Christine Behnen Venice
A few things occurred to me upon reading the article about preferential parking (“Parking headaches,” page 3, Jan. 22). First, the ocean and our beaches are not private property. Everyone should have access to enjoy them. For many people driving in from farther inland, going to the beach in Santa Monica is an exciting outing. Visitor access is not restricted according to the size of one’s income. Renting by the beach is quite expensive, but residents don’t own the beach. For many, the parking lot fees are too steep to pay, and what is left is street parking or perhaps taking a bus. Why should only a select few be allowed to enjoy our natural treasures?
Second, the street is a public, not private space. While I agree that it would be ideal to park where you live, the street is not owned by the landowners or their tenants. I don’t think that it is appropriate to bar anyone from parking simply because they are not a landowner or tenant of a landowner.
Third, there are a lot of people who even live in the area, yet still don’t have cars. How do they get around, do their shopping, etc.? I am personally somewhat addicted to my car. Cars can do very useful things, admittedly, but ownership of a car should not be equated with entitlement to use a public space for private convenience. Surely, we can be more creative and resourceful.
I’m sure that there are other solutions to the problems, many involving alternative forms of transportation, car-sharing, or perhaps making public parking lots more accessible to Farmers’ Market attendees and beachgoers. Can we find a solution that more ably considers the rights and interests of the general public, who also have important interests in the area?
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 26, 2007. Read the original PDF.