Police pitch new solution to RV problem

Lolita Harper

COSTA MESA -- City officials are working to please both sides of the

recreational vehicle debate by suggesting a parking permit system

designed to allow enough time to load and unload rigs, yet keep city

streets free of large vehicles on a regular basis.

In a memorandum to City Council members written Monday, Costa Mesa

Police Lt. Karl Schuler detailed a program that would employ large

florescent placards, allowing vehicles to be parked on city streets while

preparing for -- and unwinding from -- vacations.

Schuler said the placard program is just a suggestion and would still

require further review by the City Council and the city attorney’s

office. His proposal responds to resident criticism that 24 hours --

suggested in an earlier proposal -- was not enough time to get ready for

trips.

“I’m saying let’s be fair with these people and give them more time .

. . but at the same time address the underlying issue of having these

large vehicles on neighborhood streets, obstructing views, etc.,” Schuler

said.

On Jan. 7, council members postponed formal adoption of an ordinance

that banned large vehicles from parking on residential streets, with a

24-hour exception for loading and unloading only. After hearing from

about 45 people who oppose the proposed new law, the City Council

directed Schuler and the city attorney to look at other options and

return with a revised ordinance for the Feb. 4 meeting.

Schuler’s new proposal mandates recreational vehicle owners pick up a

bright 11-by-8.5-inch placard from the Police Department before going on

a trip. The permit -- which would be placed in the windshield of the

recreational vehicle -- would allow for 72 hours to load or unload and

would be marked accordingly by the police when issued, Schuler said.

One-week permits would also be available for visitors, the memo stated.

Any recreational vehicle without a placard would be in violation and

be cited, he said. Schuler added that the bright colors would make it

easily enforceable by passing officers.

Mayor Linda Dixon was optimistic about the suggestion.

“This could possibly be a solution that would satisfy everyone,” she

said.

Bill Folsom, a mechanic for the city who in large part led the

opposition to the ordinance, is not satisfied.

“There are a lot of ways to go to enforce the current law,” said

Folsom, who uses his recreational vehicle as his primary vehicle. “We

don’t need a new one.”

Folsom said the new proposal would require the city to post signs,

which could prove to be costly. Schuler confirmed that signs would have

to be posted at the city limits.

“That’s not something I would imagine the taxpayers want to pay for,”

Folsom said. “The best thing -- and the cheapest thing -- for the city to

do would be to give the police some new ways to enforce the current law.”

Folsom also touted electronic devices used in other cities that allow

law enforcers to monitor vehicles more easily. Aside from new laws and

gadgets, Folsom encouraged old- fashioned communication between

neighbors.

“I still think a lot of these issues can be resolved by people talking

to each other -- letting each other know what problems they may have,” he

said. “A little communication goes a long way.

* Lolita Harper covers Costa Mesa. She may be reached at (949)

574-4275 or by e-mail at o7 lolita.harper@latimes.comf7 .