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Parking Fines Could go up $5 under new Budget Proposal
Photos: Atwater Village Newbie
Photos: Atwater Village Newbie
The price of a parking ticket citations increased a couple years ago. Then Mayor Antonio Villariagosa proposed raising fines by $3 in his most recent budget proposal. And today, Councilmember Tony Cardenas requested the Mayor's proposal be upped to $5. That suggestion happened during today's marathon-length budget meeting of the L.A. City Council. Controversy stirred when cuts to a recently-built Northeast Animal Care Center and gang violence programs were discussed. To sway those issues, Cardenas offered raising the parking fines to save those programs -- the extra $2 means over $2.7 million in revenue for the city.
Most councilmembers seem to agree with the move, but Tom LaBonge had a problem. "We should be fair," he said, noting that residents in higher density areas where it's harder to park would get burned. Adding in his own pet peeve, he raised his voice and said "we stick people with a $60 ticket for street cleaning," yet throwing a cigarette butt on the street is never enforced. "It's a fairness issue here."
Department of Transportation Manager Amir Sedadi said Los Angeles parking fines are already near the most expensive in the region. If this were to go through, the city would have the highest around. He also said that the majority of tickets written in residential areas are for street sweeping.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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