A new semester at Fresno City College can only mean one thing — parking headaches.
Bumper to bumper cars line up as far as the eye can see, and hot headed, short-tempered drivers prowl for open parking spaces. Returning students know this is not new, but for those incoming freshmen, the adventure has just begun.
“The parking situation here on campus is very bad. The morning hours are the worst. Afternoon hours between 3:00 and 4:00 aren’t as bad,” said an angry sophomore, who chose to stay anonymous.
Janet Calandra, English Instructor has no problem with parking. “As a part-time instructor, I usually come on campus in the late afternoon or early evening. Over the last couple of years, I have had some difficulty trying to find a good parking spot, especially in the “staff parking” area. This semester has been a pleasant surprise, with many parking spots available around 4:00 to 4:45. I have heard that after 5:00, the situation changes ,and parking becomes a nightmare. I think I may have the right schedule this semester,” Said Calandra.
The parking problem is perennial. Dr. John Cummings, Director of Admissions and Records for state Center Community College District, said that parking has always been a problem in the 11 years he has been at Fresno City College. But Cummings said that when examined differently, the parking situation isn’t really a problem.
According to Cummings, parking is a hassle during the first four weeks, but then, so are the lines in the bookstore and in the business office when students purchase their parking permits and student IDs; however, no one pays attention to those situations.
According to Admissions records for fall 2007, 20,947 students are currently enrolled at Fresno City College this semester. 6,180 students are new. The fall 2003 Parking Stall count, provided by the Fresno City College Police Department, estimated that the college currently has 3,371 parking stalls. This fall, a few dozen parking spaces were added to offset those lost to the underpass.
Is there no solution to this crisis? And why do students continue to spend their money on parking permits, when they can’t find parking.
“Spending 30 to 45 minutes looking for a parking spot is very frustrating. Along with that, if I paid for a parking permit, I should be able to park on campus. I shouldn’t have to walk several blocks to get on campus,” said a student who prefers that his name not be used.
According to Leslie Mabray, Clerk 3 in the Business Office, this fall, the department started off with 10,400 parking permits; so far, 8,900 passes have been sold, and 1,500 still remain.
Dr. Cummings stated that as the District grows, so will FCC. Many things will need to be reviewed and addressed, including food, lighting around campus, security, and the size of the bookstore; so will class schedules and other areas that will make the educational experiences more favorable.
Regarding ways to resolve the parking problems, Cummings said, “A really good solution is unaffordable.” Purchasing land or adding another layer to the parking lot, according to Dr. Cummings, is too costly. Thousands of students and facility/staff members have paid their $17.00 dollars for a parking permit, yet many seem to found it hard to find a parking spot in the same vicinity of the campus. Dr. Cummings continued, “We’re lucky to have parking lots around us.”
Cummings also said that ultimately, the solution to the parking problem may be alternative parking lots, busing, and the expansion of the shuttle system if need be. Presently, the shuttle only lasts for the first two weeks of the semester with drivers parking their cars by Ratcliffe Stadium and shuttled to campus.
“Maybe a two story parking by the railroad tracks; I do know that something should be done,” a student suggested, adding that the shuttle should remain a permanent part of the parking situation.
Cummins encouraged students and others to seek other ways, such as mass transit. Many buses run through the Fresno City College area. Buses 28 and 45 run through Maroa and Wishon Bus 30 stops on Blackstone by the Ratcliffe Stadium. A bus ride costs $1.00, and a monthly pass costs $35.00. Carpooling with friends can also prove to be helpful.
Dr. Cummings said that ultimately, dealing with the parking problem will require “an adjustment of attitude.”
