The inadequate number of parking spots at Costa is an issue that MBUSD does not seem to care about resolving. For years, Costa’s lack of available parking spaces has left many students
frustrated. But this year, students have spoken out about this issue, hoping to see change. Let’s start with the obvious: students need to get to school. For many of us, especially upperclassmen
with jobs, sports, or family responsibilities, driving is the only option. But somehow, the school has managed ton underestimate just how many of us need a reliable parking space. With limited student lots and a confusing, often unfair permit system, finding a parking spot that doesn’t require students to have to walk multiple streets over and risk being late to school can feel like winning the lottery. Unfortunately, that’s a very rare privilege for most Mustangs. The consequences go beyond just frustration. Students are arriving
tardy to class because they have to park blocks away or wait for a par-
ent to circle back after drop-off. Some are even risking tickets or towing by parking in unofficial spots or nearby neighborhoods just so they don’t face consequences for tardiness. Not only is this hurting the students, but also the homeowners as their streets are benignly filled with student cars, leav-
ing them with no parking spot. Others are choosing to leave earlier sometimes
an hour ahead of the first period—just to secure a spot. That’s not just inconvenient; it’s exhausting. Especially for students with zero periods who already have their first class at 7:30 in the
morning. “I already have to wake up really early in the morning for my zero period but to find a spot at school, I’m forced to wake up even earlier and I’m exhausted every morning,” said junior Maya Rauch.
While there are designated spots for select seniors and all staff, many students are expected to independently find their own spot. Most Mustangs think that becoming a senior means a
guaranteed parking spot, but with the spots being given out based on a lottery, there are many seniors left without a guaranteed space. “It’s definitely difficult for me because a lot of the time, I have to rely on
my friends who were lucky enough to get spots in the senior lot to take me to
school. But after 4th period, I need my own car for personal errands and am usually stuck trying to find a ride home as well”, says senior Vlad Usenko. With a majority of Costa’s students driving to school, the need and concern about parking becomes increasingly intense.
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