Parking is at a premium in downtown Walnut Creek. Bottom line, there are more cars than spaces. They have tried to address the problem by building parking garages, but I will only park in them when absolutely necessary, I think they are a huge hassle. Street parking is an issue for me because of my inability to parallel park. A couple of years ago I found this little lot that always has a space available. (No, I won't tell where it is. I don't want you parking there, it's my parking lot) It's close to all the places I like to shop, it's perfect, except that it has parking meters. (the meters are also the most expensive in town, $1.25 an hour. No wonder there's always a space) The meter maids literally sit and wait for your meter to run out so they can ticket you, I watched them do it today. Suddenly my little parking lot isn't feeling so perfect anymore, I may actually have to learn how to parallel park.
I avoid Walnut Creek altogether because I hate the lack of parking. It's not just downtown and it's been that way for at least 30 years. My high school in downtown WC had about half as many spaces as cars. Every morning was a frantic game of musical cars at 30 mph. I think it's deliberate - easy funding for the city. [shaking fist]
ReplyDeleteOne more: Natasha left out that for a long time she didn't know that the meters are free on the weekend. The picture with Dane above is when they used up all their quarters then realized it was Sunday.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great picture! Your stories remind me of my college days...trying to find a decent space was a nightmare. And if you were trying to find a cheap (or even free one, yes, they exsisted, but were few and far between) spot, then you could easily spend all day!
ReplyDeleteI used to have a "secret" parking lot when I lived in Santa Cruz. (And no, even though I haven't lived there in years, I'm not telling where it was, either!) Sorry to hear the meter maid is obsessing over yours.
ReplyDeleteAs for parallel parking, it's not that bad with a little practice. Drive somewhere with little/no traffic, put some crackers down with the other cars' bumpers would theoretically be (so if the cracker are mushed, you know you "hit" the other car), and practice. There are some how-to videos on YouTube, too: http://tinyurl.com/parallelpark
I guess this parking issue is become a phenomena in city. So, look at the positive side and plan our trip so as to address the global warm issue. Do not let this issue affect our lives. I do love to seeing everyone of you live happily to its fullest.
ReplyDeleteNatasha, do not limit yourself and I am strongly believe that you can overcome parallel parking. Practice, practice and practice is the key to overcome it. Cheers and all the best to you,
It must run in the family, I can't parallel park either.
ReplyDelete