More than 150 Coachella fans get disabled parking tickets
QIs anyone doing anything about non-disabled people parking in spots reserved for the handicapped? I know we can’t always tell who is disabled or not, but a lot of people seem healthy to me. — Ann Grant, San Jose
A Oh yes, something is being done, as those at the Coachella Valley Festival found out. The DMV and Indio police issued 153 tickets over six days to people illegally parking in disabled spots. The DMV has had up to 24 crackdowns monthly and is on pace to dish out 2,900 tickets through July. That’s up from 1,625 last year and 526 four years ago.
The message may be getting through. Last year, the DMV issued tickets to 1 of every 7 people they stopped. This year’s ratio is 1 of every 13.
Q Could you educate people on what the hatch marks are for at disabled parking spots? I drive my son and his wheelchair. We need extra space on the side of the car for him to enter and exit. — Jean Batty, Foster City
A People get with it. These are not areas to park.
Q I see signs about work at Highways 1 and 17 in Santa Cruz. What’s being done? — Fred Conlon, Santa Cruz
A Caltrans is widening the shoulder. Work will be done mostly at night and should wrap up in December.
Q Where can I find a map or website that shows where we can park to get on the Guadalupe Trail?
I’ve parked in the Target lot off Coleman, but would really like to start the trail by the airport at Trimble Road. But I cannot figure out how to get on it from there. — Debbie Davis
A San Jose’s popular urban trail has access points at almost all cross streets. Opportunities for dedicated parking lots are very limited. As a general approach, the city does not have parking lots for the trail because at full buildout, persons will be able to enter from across the city.
As for parking near Airport and Trimble, it is not easy.
Free on-street parking is limited and drivers should look carefully for posted signs and restrictions. Farther to the north and south, there are on-street parking opportunities.
Q I’m planning to fly to Florida in two years with my grandchildren who will be 8 and 11 then. Will they be required to secure a REAL ID card to board the plane? — Jose Monarrez
A No. TSA does not require people under 18 to provide identification when traveling with an adult within the United States. You will need a REAL ID or other federally approved document if traveling after Oct. 1, 2020.