point emery parking tickets

recoprianto · Post by **recoprianto** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 3:02 pm

WindMuch wrote:
recoprianto wrote:The cop told us if it is not a formal legal parking space, you will be ticketed. He then proceeded to prove it.
So, you're saying you actually received at ticket there yesterday (Sun, 4/22)? Sorry, that sucks.

No this was in the fall. After we talked to the guy he said he felt bad writing tickets and that it made no sense to him, but that his superiors told him he has to. He then tore up both of our tickets. But said he would have to let tickets stand from that point on.

robert-g · Post by **robert-g** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:35 pm

I love it, two different topics on one thread..

eldon2836 · Post by **eldon2836** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 4:54 pm

I was parked on the side of the road yesterday, but didn't get a ticket. What I don't understand is why the police are even bothering? Is someone complaining about the cars? If anything, the parking lot should be expanded.

OliverG · Post by **OliverG** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:44 pm

I think I just successfully split the topics, let me know if I missed any...

WindMuch · Post by **WindMuch** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:49 pm

It's too late to be officially added to the agenda at the Traffic Committee meeting tomorrow morning, but I'm going anyway to see if I can get some clarification on the subject.

Here's some info from my friend who works at the Planning Commission:

"hey kirk,

you can find the link to the agenda at the bottom of this page: http://www.emeryville.org/index.aspx?nid=110

it's too late to get on tomorrow's agenda, as they have to be finalized a week ahead of time, but you can always introduce the matter during public comment. supposedly you're limited to 3 minutes to speak, but no one is timing you. come a few minutes early and we can catch up. go to the door down the slope, between the large glass building and the old stucco one, in the glass link between the buildings. also, you may have a sympathetic ear in Maurice Kaufman, the Public Works Director, who is the secretary of the committee. i'm pretty sure he windsurfs."

I'll let you know what happens tomorrow. If anyone wants to join me, reply here tonight.

Kirk out

spvone · Post by **spvone** » Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:26 pm

Right on Kirk. Thank you.

WindMuch · Post by **WindMuch** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 10:43 am

Hey all,

Vinnie and I visited the City of Emeryville this morning to attend the Transportation Committee meeting. In attendance were Emeryville Councilmember Nora Davis, Emeryville Police Chief Ken James, Emeryville Mayor Jennifer West, among others.

Vinnie and I had an informal conversation with Nora and Chief James regarding the parking situation and provided them with aerial maps of the location in question. Both were familiar with the location.

I gave them the following written statement:

"Good morning,

My name is Kirk van Moon and I’m here this morning in my capacity as a windsurfer and kiteboarder.

I’m here to discuss and clarify the parking policy at Pt. Emery (end of Ashby Ave) – one of only a few launches in the East Bay with a beach area large enough to safely launch and land kitesurfing kites.

Pt. Emery has 12 official parking spaces, plus one handicapped spot. On busy days, particularly on weekends, windsurfers and kiteboarders have historically used the dirt/sand area on the frontage road immediately to the East of the small beach area for overflow parking. There is space for an additional 5-6 cars there. There is no signage prohibiting parking in this area.

Conversations with CHP and Emeryville Police officers have rendered an unclear policy on parking in this location, and cars have been intermittently ticketed by Emeryville Police.

I am asking for clarification on parking in this area. If parking is not legal in this area, I’m requesting signage. If parking is legal, I’m requesting communication to the Emeryville Police officers who patrol the area."

The chief and councilwoman were both very friendly and casual. There seems to be some question of who actually owns that little piece of land - apparently the Berkeley/Emeryville city line crosses right there and there is also a question of Caltrans right of way.

I won't quote him directly but Chief James said something along the lines of 'if you're parked off the roadway and there aren't any signs saying it's illegal to park there, it should be OK'. Again, that's not a direct quote, but he did say he would talk with his officers about the situation.

I sent a follow-up email to Councilmember Nora Davis and Chief James, asking for additional clarification (hopefully in writing). I'll let you know what I hear back.

During the meeting, Nora Davis mentioned plans for an "art installation" at the tip of Pt. Emery. We asked about the vertical elevation and she said she didn't know. I told her this could be a hazard for kiters and suggested they run the plans by someone familiar with kiting.

If you'd like to comment and/or provide additional voice on the issue of parking and/or art installation at Pt. Emeryville, Councilmember Nora Davis can be reached at 510-652-2199, email: noradavis652@sbcglobal.net

That's the news for now. Thanks to Vinnie for making it down this morning!

Kirk out

kitenaked · Post by **kitenaked** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 11:00 am

Thanks Kirk!

robert-g · Post by **robert-g** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 12:48 pm

Kirk you are awesome!
Thank you so much for focusing your time and efforts on this issue.

recoprianto · Post by **recoprianto** » Tue Apr 24, 2012 1:01 pm

Nice!

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