Parking Limits Are Criticized

Leaders at one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Vietnamese community on Sunday criticized a decision by Garden Grove officials to restrict parking for a popular service on the eve of the Lunar New Year.

“They’ve blocked too many streets for such an important day,” said the Rev. Thich Phap Chau of the Vietnam Temple, which attracts about 1,000 worshipers.

City officials marked Magnolia Street, between Chapman and Lampson avenues, with red signs prohibiting parking between 6 tonight and 6 a.m. Tuesday. Many Vietnamese visit temples at midnight to pay their respects to ancestors for the Lunar New Year, which falls on Tuesday.

“People only come here for mass and they leave,” Chau said. “It’s just like going to church on Christmas. I’m not having a festival.”

City Councilman Mark Leyes said the parking restrictions were necessary to protect the safety and peace of surrounding neighborhoods.

“They have to find a better solution,” said Loan Ngo, 25, of Garden Grove, who said that the parking situation has made it difficult for her to attend prayer sessions at the Vietnam Temple. “I come in late--about 1 a.m.--when I can find parking and there’s less of a crowd.”

Neighbors of the temple have complained for years about the noise, litter and traffic.

Residents on nearby Sherlock Circle successfully petitioned five years ago to block off their cul-de-sac and restrict parking to residentsduring services.

“It’s a nightmare. All we could hear was doors banging and firecrackers popping at 2:30 a.m.,” said Joe Patsy, whose house backs up to the temple.

“We’re not trying to be hard to get along with. We just want our privacy.”