Santa Monica : Beach Parking to Cost More
The City Council this week agreed to increase parking rates at Santa Monica beaches.
The council voted 6 to 1, with Councilman Herb Katz dissenting. Average families, Katz said, “cannot afford to pay this. We are their guardians.”
But the council grudgingly supported the increase, which was effective immediately, because city staff said the extra money is needed to pay for lifeguards and beach maintenance. “I’m sure I’m going to hear from folks, but I just don’t know where else this money is going to come from,” said Councilman Tony Vazquez.
Summer rates rose to $6 on weekdays and $7 for weekends, special events and holidays. Winter rates will remain at $5.
Santa Monica’s state-owned beaches are operated by the city under an agreement that allows the city to increase parking rates up to 25% above what the state charges, which is currently $6. Los Angeles County, which operates beaches to the north and south of Santa Monica, will charge $7 this summer, $5 on winter weekends and $4 on winter weekdays.
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