Q. Does the ARTIC, the transportation hub next to Angel Stadium, provide free parking for the games? Michelle Toda, Diamond Bar A. Honk, who cringes at the thought of using a valet service when he…
Q. Does the ARTIC, the transportation hub next to Angel Stadium, provide free parking for the games?
Michelle Toda, Diamond Bar
A. Honk, who cringes at the thought of using a valet service when he can walk a bit and save a few bucks, likes your mindset, Michelle.
But…
The property management group that works the grounds at the city-owned facility with its eye-catching, billowy roof, will politely tell Angel fans, or those attending Duck games or Honda Center concerts, they can’ t park there for those events, Mike Lyster, the city of Anaheim’s spokesman, said.
Most of the spaces are free to those using ARTIC, more formally called the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Lyster said. The transit hub serves passengers of Amtrak and Metrolink trains, Orange County Transportation buses, and other mass-transit operations.
Those heading to eat at an ARTIC restaurant can park in one of the 1,057 parking spots there as well.
“If we did offer free game parking, it would impact those looking to park to catch a train or bus, so we have to be mindful of them, ” Lyster explained.
Further, the city has a non-compete agreement with the Angels, who lease the Big A from the city. That deal says the city can’ t provide parking for its fans.
The city does allow nearby JT Schmid’s Restaurant & Brewery to offer 147 spaces to employees and customers, and more spots during Honda Center events. But it pays the city, and in the next year Anaheim will receive $47,000 for the 147 and more for the other spots.
Q. I have been seeing this weight fee on my registration for years, but never understood what it was for. I drive a pickup truck. It does not appear on my wife’s registration, and she drives a sedan. Could you enlighten us, Honk?
David Wilson, Westminster
A. You, sir, own a commercial vehicle.
At least that is what the state says.
Weight fees are attached to at least some trucks, because the state views them as commercial vehicles. It doesn’ t matter if you fill up the bed with tasty avocados for a farmers’ market, van Goghs you found in your attic now on their way to auction – or nothing at all, ever.
“Weight fees are assessed due to the design of the vehicle, not whether or not it’s used for commercial purposes, ” said Artemio Armenta, a Department of Motor Vehicles spokesman.
The weight fee is based on the pounds.
For example, the owner of an empty pickup that weighs 3,550 pounds pays $24 for the weight fee a year, added to the total registration tab. For a pickup that comes in at less that 3,000 pounds, such as yours, David, the weight fee, as you know, is $8.
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk.
