With the increasing enrollment at VCCCD, parking spaces available to students is becoming more and more scarce during the peak hours.

The Parking situation at Oxnard College isn’t as bad as Ventura and Moorpark.

“Things are great over here,” said Oxnard Campus Police Sergeant Romero. “Students are able to find parking and get to their classes on time.”

This is in stark contrast to Moorpark College where students are finding it nearly impossible to get a spot close to the main campus at mid-day.

“I had to park down there and it sucked,” said Robert Mcgraa, a business major who pointed towards the trailer parking lot while standing near the library.

The Moorpark staff, however, are having no problems finding a space to park.

“I have not had any problems finding parking spots,” said Subhash Karkare, a staff member of the biology department at Moorpark College. “But I come in early to work, usually by 8 a.m.”

The increase of enrollment in the VCCCD has led to some overcrowding in all three campuses. According to the student headcount enrollment issued by the VCCCD, Oxnard College’s student enrollment numbers for Spring 2008 are 6,915, with 1,877 full-time and 5,038 part-time. Moorpark College enrollment was 14,340, with 5,633 full-time and 8,707 part-time students. Ventura College’s student count clocked in at 13,050, with 3,957 full-time and 9,093 part-time.

The number of students outnumbers the available parking spots. Especially when you consider complications such as the construction going on at Moorpark College or the fact that El Camino High School is going up near Ventura College. Ventura College has also had to convert a few of its student parking spots into staff to respond to the construction.

According to Lieutenant Bob Escobedo of the VC campus police, the beginning of the semester usually sees this kind of crowd. These numbers dwindle down further into the semester, making it easier to get to class on time. Escobedo also believes that despite this and the fact that the construction has taken up a few staff spots, the parking isn’t necessarily that bad. “The lots will never totally fill up,” said Escobedo. He also added that, like Moorpark College, parking near the main campus is a little hectic.

Ventura College has more students now, which means less parking spaces. (Christian Randolph)