On Nov. 30, Fresno City College celebrated the grand opening of its new five story parking structure on Blackstone and Weldon Avenue with a traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.

The ceremony started with a series of sports cars riding into the surface level parking lot that held both Jerry Dyer mayor of Fresno, Carole Goldsmith, State Center Community College District chancellor, and other major representatives including the college mascot as passengers. They waved to the awaiting crowd like a mini parade.

Nelson Esparza, city councilmember, said for 112 years the college was in need of the parking structure. It is one of the largest parking buildings in the history of Fresno, making it the third largest parking lot infrastructure in the city.

According to Goldsmith, the original idea to relieve parking was to not build a five story parking structure, but to build more surface level parking lots. “We went big, so we went vertical,” Goldsmith said.

Credit was given to voters, especially those of Proposition measure C in 2016, a $485 million bond for the district that supports 15 capital infrastructure projects through SCCCD allowing funding to new buildings.

During Goldsmith’s speech, she emphasized PG&E’s involvement in the construction of the building, as she playfully mentions how she had to “push” to make sure there was electricity throughout the structure before crediting and thanking them for their contributions.

Goldsmith also announced a new bus pass project for employees that would aid in their transportation to and from campus. The system is not exclusive towards employees as students who have an Associate Student Body card can ride the FAX bus for free.

It is said that In January 2023, a magnetic decal will be added to the ASB card for students to swipe. Students can buy an ASB card for $5 in the Student Lounge in the cafeteria.

The goal is to aid in the issue of parking even further and to coincidentally, reduce pollution for the environment.

“We think it’s a great accomplishment as we know how much it will contribute to the success of our students. By helping them find parking quickly they won’t have to worry about getting to class late. The simple act of finding parking can make a big difference in making the college experience less stressful,” Robert Pimentel, FCC president said.

The parking structure has 864 total parking spaces with an additional 125 stalls in adjacent lots. Students will be able to park for free until fall 2023 in which parking permits will be required again.