By Bonny Hsu West Los Angeles
This morning, in my daily search for parking, I found only one metered space available within a five minute walk from my office. I try not to park more than a few blocks from the office, as it is usually late and rather dark when I leave, and various vagrants tend to appear at dark. Unfortunately, this one parking space also happened to have a defective meter, which accepted change, but did not register payment amount.
So, in my frustration, I walked to my office and attempted to call the parking meter shop. Not surprisingly, there was no answer and I left messages. I then attempted to fax them. I then also faxed any other city departments that seemed remotely relevant.
Frantic I would receive another ticket, I headed back to my vehicle in search for other parking. Not surprisingly, no other spaces were available. I then put enough change for three hours to avoid another $35 ticket and hoped for the best.
Based on my work hours of 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., I already spend $6.75 on average, per day on parking. Coupled with the fact that many meters around my office have a two to three hour time limit, I must run out to the meter multiple times in the work day to avoid getting ticketed. When ticketed, I then have to pay the $35, on top of whatever is already being paid for meters.
Frankly my co-workers and I are fed up. We have walked blocks around our office to find parking lots, as our employer was willing to pay for the parking, but lots are all full and have waiting lists. The only option left seems to be in metered parking.
Perhaps the city is under the impression that only a few people work in each office, therefore, there must be enough parking. When our entire crew is in the office, we have over 20 people, just in our 2,000 square foot office, searching for parking. This is in addition to every other office around us, competing for the same spaces.
Perhaps, the city is also under the impression that we can all afford parking, and those of us who cannot, should take the bus? I have inquired with the city about parking lots, and they were only able to suggest driving to a bus lot, parking and taking the bus. This is impractical, as it would take longer for me and many of my coworkers to drive to a bus lot, park, and take the bus, than to drive directly to the office. In addition, with all of the homeless wandering about in Santa Monica, I, as a woman, do not feel safe walking to and from a bus stop when working late hours. If I were to be accosted by someone while walking to the bus stop late, would the city be liable, since they suggested taking the bus?
Additionally, it seems that the city no longer issues street parking permits for businesses. Because of this restriction, it appears that a black market of residential parking permits has sprung up and the rest of us are left in our daily search for parking.
I am sure this is old new by now, but the Santa Monica parking situation is ridiculously disruptive to work and productivity. It appears that this city has no interest in maintaining a good relationship with businesses. In the future, when given the option, I would opt out of working, living or opening a business in Santa Monica.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 2, 2008. Read the original PDF.