 "Photo: Tyler Kion")
Why even bother following the parking rules, wasting your time trying to find one of those rare open parking spots, barely making it to class on time or even at all, when you can so easily get your parking ticket dismissed? Why even go out of your way to plan ahead and drive to the Pacific Raceway when you could get a staff pass for free? Are these tickets just a joke?
If you get a ticket or a "citation" on campus for parking where you are not supposed to, the fines can range from $10 to $175 depending on your violation.
Parking violations are cited if you park anywhere but the general parking spaces are open for all vehicles. Parking in carpool spaces before 10:30am without a valid permit can earn you a $10 fine. You are also not able to park in fire zones or no parking zones. Staff spaces are off limits if you do not have a staff pass. And parking in a handicap space will earn you a whopping $175 fine.
But do not fear. You don't actually have to pay these fines.
Attached to your citation will be a coupon that says boldly "Make this Citation Disappear." Under it you are offered quite a generous deal: "Park and Ride the GRCC Shuttle at Pacific Raceways for one day and your ticket will be waived. Bring this coupon and your citation with you for validation." Authorized by Fred Creek, director of campus safety.
If you are running late to class and don't want to waste your time on the difficult people and outrageous traffic, then it only makes sense to take advantage of this loop hole. Park in a staff spot if there are ones available, or even park in a handicap spot if you are daring (or late) enough.
In this set of circumstances, I would encourage all students to take advantage of this system. Why not? All fines will be waved. You just have to be on top of which tickets you haven't paid and which days you have time to take the shuttle. But if you can, more power to you.
Another problem with the system is that recently a student who got his car broken into received a staff parking pass for his troubles, so he can now get it broken into closer to school.
The staff has to pay for their passes, but according to Karen Gibson of Campus Safety, since the student got his car broken into twice "we gave him a staff pass".
If you have also had your car broken into, ask yourself, "Do I deserve a staff pass?" I say you do!
There is too much leniency and inconsistency here with the parking rules. Anyone could stage a break-in, having to pay for a broken window could be less than having to save in the gas money it takes to drive around the campus to look for a spot. Also it will save you time.
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