College Is Free for Cars

As you point out, the crux of the conflict is the budget shortfall. One thing needed is to bring state regulations on community colleges up to date. Those regulations prevent SBCC from charging students the actual cost of accommodating their private cars. Since SBCC considers itself a sustainable campus and since all students have bus passes, the college should be able to charge students the cost of providing parking. Doing so would encourage the students to use the bus or bicycle. SBCC has six routes servicing it, one of the best served locations in our area. Changes have to be made at the State Assembly so contact your Assemblymember. State Senator Alan Lowenthal has legislation going to the Assembly regarding parking; maybe it can be added to his bill, which prohibits free parking in cities.