Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Illegal parking at horse show: cops issue 42 citations

by Dave Boyce

Atherton police issued parking citations in connection with the Menlo Charity Horse Show that could increase department revenues by about $1,600, according to logs for the Atherton Police Department.

Like a rash, the logs for Tuesday, Aug. 10, through Sunday, Aug. 15, were sprinkled with a total of 42 "parking problem" citations, the great majority of which were issued where Elena Avenue intersects with Isabella Avenue or Park Lane.

Homeowners in the area tended to call in police when parkers blocked driveways or crushed ivy, Lt. Joe Wade told The Almanac. Police arriving on the scene then usually discovered more violations and wrote tickets accordingly, he said.

"This is what happens every year, is that a ton of cars come," Mr. Wade said. "It's just kind of a nightmare. It's one of the times that we're strictly enforcing the no-parking policies ... so we're out there writing tickets."

Horse show spokeswoman Nan Chapman, asked to comment on some 42 parking citations, replied: "That does not surprise me. I think people from out of the area don't pay attention to the no-parking signs. They may be in a hurry to get to a class they signed up for."

"We try and warn them over the loudspeaker, 'Please don't do it, please don't do it,'" she said.

Each citation costs the vehicle owner $38, Mr. Wade said, adding that he was not aware of any vehicles that were towed.