Parking Redux

Tustin News Column originally published 10/4/2005: Flashback to the film LA Story starring Steve Martin. In one scene Martin’s character jumps in his car to visit his next door neighbor 30 feet away. As expected, feedback on our Just Park It column (Tustin News  8/24) was heavy. Not expected was the preponderance of email in favor of booting (or at least moving) the Farmers Market and turning that piece of dirt into another white-striped SUV farm.

I happen to be a huge fan of the Farmers Market. I admit I’m less fond of the dust I choke down waiting in line for my chicken bowl. But hey it’s only once a week. Here’s a thought - can we close off 3rd street between El Camino and Prospect every Wednesday from 8-2 and fondle our vegetables on concrete?

Back to parking. The corner of El Camino Real and 3rd is a tremendous  opportunity for development, especially with Prospect Village (Utt  Juice) coming in around the corner. My naive faith in man’s innate good nature and common sense leads me to hope that the owners will surrender that property to a much higher purpose than a parking lot.  Maybe a decent grocery with a more than decent deli? The second story of Prospect Village will consist entirely of condominiums. Wouldn’t it be terrific if those fortunate Tustinites could pick up some milk and diapers without having to get in their cars? I’m thinking something on the order of Hershey’s Market on Newport’s Balboa Island if you’re familiar.  

But we’re supposed to be talking about parking. There’s always much discussion about bringing people into Old Town (guilty as charged). One thing not mentioned often enough is how to keep people from leaving. Quite a few folks live a block or two either side of Main and El Camino Real. How many know you can mail a letter at Mrs. B’s Consignments (119 W. Main St.)? Yes, there’s a post office in there next to the vintage armoires. Our lucky new condonites(?!?) will be able to buy stamps after they swing by their market.

Of course everyone knows a trip to the post office goes hand in hand with a quick wash and blow dry (OK, work with me here). Not sure if Margit Aaron Studio (397 El Camino Real) has a ’stop by after the post office’ discount (check with Margit), but I know you’ll like what you see in the mirror.  Freshly coifed and on the way back to the new condo, don’t forget to dart across the street into the Ruffled Tulip (401 El Camino Real). You’ll need a nice table arrangement to compliment dinner.

Oh yes, parking. In our little circuit around town we just procured some fresh produce, mailed a package, touched up the roots and picked up a dozen roses - without ever starting up a car.  Try that in the Marketplace. Walking is the key. Go any faster and you miss the very point of Old Town. But if you aren’t lucky enough to live down here, where do you put the minivan? As mentioned elsewhere, the Waterworks public parking at Prospect and Main is almost never full. The same goes for the other side of that same lot at 3rd and Prospect. And of course there’s the often overlooked Stevens Square parking structure behind Rutabegorz Restaurant. 

What’s missing? Taking a cue from Old Town Orange, maybe more big colorful signs that say “FREE PUBLIC PARKING” with really big arrows pointing the way to those three lots? In speaking with local merchants, most shoppers simply don’t know, or forget, they are there. And if Santa asked me what else I wanted, I’d ask for direct stairway access from the Stevens Square garage to El Camino Real. That would easily double its convenience factor for walkers. I even have an idea where I’d put the stairs. But that’s for another column and I don’t want to push my luck with Santa.

“Old Town Tustin. Drive to it, not through it.”  Sorry, that just slipped out. As always, let us know what you think about big, colorful free parking signs at www.tustinoldtown.org. 

Until next time. See you on Main Street.

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