Claremont parking

Reader Shirley Wofford of Montclair posted this note recently on an entry from December. I’ll share it here so that people will see it:

“I have been going to Claremont every Wednesday, because the Laemmle Theaters gives seniors the best deal going.

“I am puzzled by the City of Claremont’s attitude regarding parking when it comes to having out-of-towners visit for shopping and whatever.

“I have an aversion to parking garages and traffic-cluttered areas as it is. I have been parking on First Street and walking to the theater.

“Yesterday I noticed a meter maid marking tires, and when I looked up I saw that I was only allowed to park there for two hours.

“I got back in my car and started driving and could not find a parking place anywhere near the theater where I would have time to attend the show. There is a row of parking spaces off Indian Hill right next to the theater, but with a two-hour minimum. I was attending a short film, but two hours is still not enough time if you get there a little early for a good rear auditorium seat.

“I took a chance, and I was nervous through the whole showing. I clocked myself at two hours and 15 minutes — luckily I did not get a ticket. I mentioned the situation to other theatergoers, and they informed me that I could park in the parking garage for three hours. That is still not enough time if you are going to see ‘There Will be Blood.’

“It all seems counter-progressive to me — ‘Please come and spend money, but don’t overstay.’

“Fortunately for me, I am still healthy enough to make the trek from the Metrolink Station.”

I can see the problem here: Since Claremont doesn’t charge for parking, a visitor can’t pay for the privilege of parking for an extended period, and with signs limiting the garage to three hours, there’s likewise no obvious place to park for an extended period. Even lunch and a movie is longer than three hours.

That said, Shirley is going to have to get over her garage-phobia. Actually, the roof of the parking garage is for all-day parking, so you ought to try that next time, Shirley. Added bonus: It’s usually less crowded up there. Also, I believe by evening, or late afternoon, it’s possible to park anywhere in the garage for an extended period; a sign is posted to that effect at the entrance.

Incidentally, I met Shirley at the Metrolink Station one day a couple of years ago while heading to L.A. on the first late-night Saturday train. She’s a big Metrolink fan. Few people would think to get from, say, Montclair to Claremont by train, but I imagine it’s a pleasant little trip.

* Shirley also posted a related comment, on trying to park in the Metrolink parking lot, on another entry, which you can read here.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Plusone Linkedin Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email