This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Need to a Parking Spot in Studio City? Yep: There's an App For That
It's 6:20 on a Thursday evening, and you're supposed to meet a friend for a drink at one of the restaurants on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. So, uh...where is there a free parking spot? As of today, iPhone and Android users can tap into vacant spaces in Studio City with Parker, the real-time parking app. The launch of the app in Studio City was marked at an event featuring the participation of City Councilman Paul Krekorian, along with city officials and tech leaders.
From today's post-event release:
"We are making parking easier and helping people get where they are going faster," Councilmember Paul Krekorian said. "I'm pleased that Studio City will benefit from this innovation, which can save time and money while reducing pollution and traffic congestion. In my office, we have worked hard to integrate innovative new ideas and technologies to make government more effective and cost-efficient. Our goal is always to keep residents better informed - something that the City and Streetline have achieved with this free app."
The app allows users to be alerted if there is availability among the 200 street parking spaces or in a city parking lot on Ventura Boulevard, between Laurel Canyon Road and Whitsett Avenue.
The Parker app was first unveiled in December 2010, and set up for use in Hollywood. This "next generation" release should make finding a spot faster and easier, according to Streetline President and CEO Zia Yusuf.
Of course, considering our strident distracted driving policies in California, make sure you are pulled over and have your car in park before you fire up the app on your iPhone or Android.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
