Many Yuba College students complain about trying to find a parking spot in time for class. An apparent lack of parking has caused headaches every semester for competing students trying to pack into the main lots.
“I don’t think we should have to pay (for a parking permit) if we’re not guaranteed a parking place. It’s not right,” says Yuba College student Steven McBride. “I show up thirty minutes early just to get a parking spot.”
Student Johnathan Mason seeks refuge from the parking shortage by leaving his car in the parking lot of the Church of Jesus Christ and Later Day Saints near the college campus. “I have to come early, but at least I know I won’t have to deal with everything going on in the college lot,” says Mason.Paul Mendoza, Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Student Services explained that parking availability is affected by the scheduling of courses. “Parking is in great demand during the 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. time frame during the first four weeks of the term. This availability greatly improves as students adjust their schedules,” Mendoza advised.
However, many students are unable to adjust their schedules. Students are also concerned about the reserved parking places, often empty while they circle the lot, unable to find a place to park.
“I think the reserved places should only be used on certain days,” said Mason. “I do not feel it is fair to keep reserved spots 100 percent off limits,” said McBride.
According to Mendoza, “Often faculty come and go as allowed by their teaching assignments, committee work, office hours, or professional preparation. This would make it difficult to ‘open up’ reserved parking spaces.”
Students should expect to see some relief to the parking problem in the near future. “Plans for re-paving were put on hold until June, 2002. The College had planned to resurface the west parking lot this past summer but had to postpone the work as a result of delays in the preparation of final documents necessary to bid the project.” said Mendoza.
Parking fees that go directly to the operation and maintenance of the parking facilities may also be used to construct new parking spaces in the near future.
However, Mendoza warned, “Adding more parking spaces is a financial challenge. The administration is sensitive to increasing fees beyond the means of students who now face increased costs for gas, textbooks, and related educational expenses.”
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