Hourly rates offer California State Parks visitors alternative to parking on Pacific Coast Highway

By Cheri Carlson / Ventura County Star

Jenna Shabel sometimes heads to Mugu Beach as often as four times a week.

AREN QUINCY LOBERG/THE STAR

The Thousand Oaks mother of a 3- and 5-year-old said the seldom-packed beach along Pacific Coast Highway is her favorite spot. Parking along the winding coastal highway is not.

It’s free, as opposed to paying a day-use fee in the California State Parks lot.

But, she said, “I don’t know if someone is going to break into my car or if someone is going to be reckless and hit my car.”

Now, people like Shabel have a new option. California State Parks has added the option to pay an hourly rate in lots, instead of purchasing a full-day pass.

“I like the hourly,” Shabel said, sitting on the sandy beach next to Mugu Rock last week.

But at $3 an hour, it doesn’t save much money. A day pass costs $8.

“I sometimes just pay for the whole day,” she said.

Earlier this month, state parks installed the new machines at several locations, offering an all-day fee of $8 to $12 and an hourly rate.

Officials said they wanted to add an option that made more sense for the family that came just an hour or two before the beach closed or the person who wanted to take a quick trail run.

Before, those visitors either parked in the lot and paid for a full day, didn’t pay and risked a hefty fine or squeezed in along the side of PCH.

“It made sense to at least explore this option and see if it makes economic sense for the park and the public,” said Craig Sap, superintendent for the park district. “We’re trying to find a happy medium.”

In all, 25 machines were installed at locations in Ventura and Los Angeles counties…read more

 

Photo Credit: Della Huff