Asphalt Aggravation

Fresno City College's parking story is about long lines, frustration, and frenzy every year. This fall is no different, according to a spokesperson for State Center Community College police. Unable to find parking, FCC students and staff are parking their cars illegally No Parking, handicapped zones and even in neighborhoods around the college. If you are such a driver, be prepared to pay hefty fines in costly parking tickets to the State Center Community College District police department. The problem, all readily admit, is the limited parking space on the FCC campus. Dr. Cynthia Azari, president of FCC, said in a recent interview with the Rampage staff that there are only 3,000 parking spots on the FCC campus compared to more than 24,000 students presently enrolled, plus faculty and staff. Still, Lieutenant Richard Gaines of the campus police department said that anyone who parks in the No-Parking zone or even leaves a car unattended will receive a ticket. Likewise, those parking in front of the library, in the turn-off points in front of some FCC buildings or in the handicapped spaces without the proper tag, will receive a fine and their cars will be towed. If you are a student, parking in staff-designated lots before 5:00 pm will earn you a fine. Be careful when parking in restaurant parking lots; you might find your car has been towed. For the first couple of weeks, staff is able to park on the grass lots on the corner of College and Weldon. Vehicle parking permits can be obtained through the business office during normal hours at a fee of $17 per semester and a fee of $8 in the summer. These prices are reasonable compared to the cost of parking at other local colleges. Most ticket prices for parking violations are $16 with the exception of a few, including an altered or unauthorized parking permit which costs $25, parking in spaces for handicapped (blue signs) costs $250, and distributing handbills without authorization costs $50. An average of 200 to 300 tickets is given out on the FCC campus each day. All fines must be paid at the campus police department. Lieutenant Gaines also said that every year, Fresno City College evaluates the parking situation, repaves the lots and adds extra parking spots, if necessary. Parking lots are expanded as far as allowed. The call to build a parking structure by many on the FCC campus will not be on the budget anytime soon. Instead, the college leaders are proposing closing the main roadway around the FCC campus and providing entrance to the parking lots from the main street. The roadway would be open only to maintenance crews and others as needed. Also, residential parking permits are available through the City of Fresno; similarly, any tickets received for parking in residential areas must be paid to the City. Gaines said that money from the tickets goes to improving lots and roadways. The campus police department employs students who then issue citations as necessary. The budget cuts have affected the campus police department in general; they are not able to employ as many students to issue citations, resulting in a drop in the number of citations given. Ticket prices are set by the district police who pride themselves for having the lowest ticket fees around. Ticket prices are not expected to go up anytime soon, Gaines said. Disabled placards are obtained through the DMV not the school; however the disabled student services does issue placards to students with valid medical condition (for campus use only.) People who have received a citation in error should contact the campus police department to request a citation protest form Reasons for voiding a citation may include: if the citation was made because of an administration error. The office made an error; a new vendor did not receive accurate facts, your permit was stolen and a report was filed. A refund may also result if parking was relaxed at the time; the driver is a guest of the college and was given the wrong information. Gaines said that anyone found with a stolen permit is subject to arrest and their vehicle impounded. The speed limit is 10mph in parking lots and 15mph on college streets. Failure to adhere to the parking guidelines can result in being barred from the campus at the discretion of college administration.