Issue date: 2/1/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Mary Chou Although the opening day of the convenience parking service garnered a steady stream of cars to be parked, business has decreased since the first day of school, said Preston Goold of Neumann Enterprises staff. [Click to enlarge]

The Jan. 29 introduction of "convenience parking" went off without a hitch, said Director of University Transportation and Parking Services Nancy Fox on Wednesday.

"Everything has gone really smoothly so far," Fox said. "I am very happy to report that 'convenience parking' is being used by the campus community ... and is (averaging about) 45 customers every day."

Sophomore business major David Smith said he has and will continue to use the service because it gives students the opportunity to get to class on time.

"Last semester was really difficult for me," Smith said. "I had a really hard time getting to all of my classes on time. Knowing that I can simply pull up, hand over the keys to my car, pay the attendant ($3), and then go to class (all in less than two minutes) has made my mornings a lot less stressful."

While the addition has been well-received, there are still a number of students who question just how safe and easy "convenience parking" really is.

"I (haven't used the service yet) and I don't plan to," said senior art studio major Travis Porter. "I'd be too worried about random people being in my car (to even concentrate on my classes). I don't like the idea of people I don't know, having access to my car and my CD collection. I mean what, if any, precautions are being taken (by UTAPS) to ensure the safety of our belongings?"

Fox, who hopes to squash these fears as quickly as possible, said the service is not only safe, but guaranteed as well.

"The service is actually being performed by Neumann Enterprises, which is a professional valet parking and limousine company," Fox said. "Only seasoned and trained employees are scheduled to work. (UTAPS) has confidence in the service being provided because of that fact."

Fox added that Neumann Enterprises performs background checks on all applicants before hiring them as employees. She went on to say that any Sacramento State student who is looking for a part-time job and is willing to consent to a background check is welcome to apply.

Ashley Evans can be reached at news@statehornet.com

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