The top three things I hear people complain about in Paso Robles are the parking (lack thereof), water, and some of the streets that need repair. I do agree that we have a water issue and I also agree there are many streets that need to be repaired but I have changed my mind on the parking issue downtown.
If I recall correctly, there was a group years ago that did a study of Paso’s parking downtown and when the study was complete the overall point was that we do not have a parking problem, we have a walking problem.
There have been many ideas brought up over the years about turning this site into a parking structure or that site into a parking lot but none have come through. The thing is, people will always complain. “There isn’t enough parking downtown”. “A parking structure would be ugly and we need to keep Paso small”. “We’re growing too fast”.
I’m sure you’ve heard all of this and more. It’s probably similar in many towns around the country. Here’s the deal, cities grow. Ideal little towns like Paso grow because, well, they are ideal. It’s a beautiful area with wine, food, art, live music, and amazing outdoor activity. It’s centrally located between Los Angeles and San Francisco. We’re not far from mountains, skiing, camping, beaches, and so on.
I agree that we don’t want to grow too fast but I also disagree with a no growth policy. I also believe there is a way for everyone to come together productively rather than simply complaining. With that comes the need to be open minded and know that we can’t always get our way and should work together in order to move forward and on to the next issue.
That said I know the complaining and bickering will continue because some people are stubborn and refuse to educate themselves on the issues. I know that open mindedness is rare and selfishness is not. There is a bigger picture here and it is not just about you or me. It’s about honoring the history of Paso while responsibly building Paso from here on out in order to maintain the character unique to this area. This is possible but in the end probably won’t happen because people often refuse to work together.
I hope I’m wrong though.
So back to the parking. I too used to get frustrated driving around the park because I wanted to park directly in front of where I was going in to eat or shop. First world problems eh?
Here are some solutions for those that complain like I used to:
1) Don’t go downtown
2) Get a ride from someone so you can just be dropped off
3) Park a block or three away from the park and appreciate the walk. You love Paso right? Enjoy the stroll in our beautiful downtown. Change your negative perspective into a positive one.
4) When you go to San Francisco you know you will be walking, so adjust your thinking on Paso.
5) Go downtown earlier so you’ll have more parking options
These are just a few options but I’m sure there are more. Here’s what I know, complaining about parking (or anything else for that matter) is not making the situation better. If you have an issue with parking and feel you might have a good idea to solve it…go to the City Council. Whether we like it or not that is the system in which we live and you can choose that path to voice your thoughts.
The takeaway: Complaining, in general, sucks and seems to be a waste of time. Complaining does not solve anything but it does show you for who you are. We all live in this community together…let’s find a way to make things work. Downtown parking is the least of our worries…unless of course you’re lazy or feeling entitled today.
The parking problem in Paso is just another thing that can be blamed on the wineries. In 1973 when I came to Paso you could go to the City Park at 7:00 in the evening on a Saturday and have any parking space you wanted. Also about a 1/3 of the buildings were available to start new businesses. Damn wineries.
LOL…no kidding, Gary. The wineries must go! (kidding).
Ha! Love Gary’s comment. I remember moving here from DC and having friends complain about parking downtown because they had to park a block away sometimes. I don’t think I’ve ever had to park more than 2 blocks away, except maybe during the Wine Festival, when we had to park 3 blocks away and walk. We should all have such difficult problems!
No kidding. Amazing how bothered people are by walking 2 or 3 blocks but when they go to SF, LA, Paris, or any other big city all you do is walk.
When I first moved here from The Big City almost ten years ago, I used to laugh when people in Paso complained about downtown parking. Ten years later, I still laugh. Maybe the city can install an airport-style moving sidewalk or a monorail to bring people from two blocks away to the middle of downtown.
I still laugh too, Mike. Bizarre really. I’d rather have the roads fixed than spend any amount of money on new parking spots.
I arrived in El Paso de Robles in 1978. What brought me here initially was a new job and I stayed because of the quintessential small-town America atmosphere which I love. I agree with you, I don’t want to lose what initially brought me here, but I also don’t agree with a no-growth policy. Great read, Great options.
Thank you, Raquel. No growth and growing too fast both create problems. Finding a nice balance is key and overall I really can’t complain. I think the city has a done a pretty good job. Sure there are things they could do better but generally speaking Paso is still awesome. 🙂
Putting a stop sign or traffic light on 13th and Park or Pine would help solve the problem by connecting the opposite sides of 13th Street. I don’t mind the walk, but crossing that street on foot is a little scary. It would also help vitalize the north side of 13th street. If people have mobility problems, they should examine the handicapped parking situation.
JJ, now that is a great point. I agree…crossing 13th right there can be hazardous at times. Not sure the city would do that though because that street already gets so backed up but I like the idea for sure. I agree too with handicapped parking. If there is a need for more I am all for changing some regular spots to handicapped. I’m also not against them adding a new parking lot or parking structure so long as it was done in a tasteful way. Thanks for the comment.
Lordy, have you touched a nerve?!? We moved from Laguna Beach where people would pray for the parking problems Paso has. Everybody gets frustrated, but I’m with you. Walk a couple blocks, It’ll do your body good.
Hey Jay, touching a nerve wasn’t really my goal. I’ve just been listening to parking complaints (and traffic complaints) for 11 years now. I actually used to be one that complained abut it. The people I hear complaining have no physical ailments and are not elderly…they’ve just been lazy. Like I was when I complained. The real issues we have are road repair (which they are getting to) and water…I’d also throw education in there but that’s not really a city issue. That’s county and state, I think. Thanks for the comment.