Apron parking has been a major issue in Westwood for the past few years. Several attempts have been made to institute an apron parking ban, but they have all been dissipated. Viewpoint columnists weigh in on the issue.
Lina Chung: We live in Los Angeles, and we’re situated in one of the most active commercial, educational and recreational centers on the Westside. It’s obvious that parking is going to be a huge issue, but there is no definite solution to the apron parking situation. I sympathize with homeowners and parking privileges, but I feel that the rights of disabled students must take an upper hand.
Lana Yoo:The whole parking debate is getting very, very, old. No one knows whether it will be enforced, is being enforced, or in between. At first, I was opposed to the ban, but have now realized that apron parking can be hazardous and obstructive to pedestrians, particularly the disabled, I’m not so solid in my opposition anymore. I think an alternative might be to assess to what extent students really need their cars on campus. Most of them are very legitimate reasons, I’m sure, such as going to work or off-campus extracurriculars, but I wonder if there are any cars that are just being used to go to Ralphs down the block maybe once in two weeks.
Kia Makarechi: Parking in Westwood is a defining aspect of both living in the second largest city in America and going to school at a large university. The rights of disabled students should not be addressed by a blanket ban; students needing assistance should be treated to an expanded shuttle service.