As the new school year progresses, more and more students decide on parking in Cal’s parking lot. To park in the lot, students must buy a permit from the school for $50 per semester.

Students have started to question whether a $50 per semester pass is too much, and where the money is going. But Cal bookkeeper Ann Weidinger said the cost is pretty standard.

“Other schools like San Ramon Valley or Dublin High are charging on par with what we are, so we aren’t charging an unreasonable price for our permits,” said Weidinger. “If we were to lower the price of the permits it would make a big impact on the way Cal spends its money.”

The money from the parking permits goes straight to classrooms and students, Weidinger said.  The school purchases supplies such as printers, scantrons, and projectors.

“We collect about $70,000 from parking permits and we use every penny of it on our students and school,” Weidinger said. “The district provides $60.93 for every one student and nowadays it’s just not enough. That’s why lowering our price for permits would not be economically smart and we haven’t yet at Cal.”

Students have a different opinion on this topic.

“I purchased a parking permit for the whole year this year, and I think it could be cheaper,” said junior Madison Carrier. “It wouldn’t be that much effort to make it $50 a year, or even $75 a year.”

After Carrier was informed about where the money for the permits goes and how much money is spent on each student, her opinion changed some.

“It’s great to know that the money is going to academics, but I still think lowering the price a bit would make students happy and keep money for the school,” she said.

Junior Jacob Rubio had a slightly different opinion.

“I didn’t buy a parking permit just because I think it’s too expensive, and the fact that I would have to sit in traffic to get out of school,” said Rubio.

Rubio’s opinion didn’t change once he learned where the permit money goes.

“I like the fact that the money is spent on us, but I still don’t think $50 a semester is justified,” said Rubio. “Even if it lowers, I don’t think I will be buying a permit anytime soon. It’s just not worth the hassle.”

Some people might say that people with expensive cars are the only people who can afford parking permits.

“You always see new BMWs and Mercedes in the parking lot, and more average cars on the street,” said sophomore Braxton King. “It’s gotten to the point where students can’t afford the permits and the type of cars you see in the lot reflect that.”

Junior Thomas Landucci , who doesnn’t have a permit, agrees with King.

“I drive a ’92 4Runner, and if I drove a really expensive car I would rather have it in a protected lot than a street where someone could damage it,” said Landucci. “I would definitely buy a permit if it was lower, around $30-$35 a semester sounds reasonable.”

Some believe lowering permit costs would attract more to buy, but Cal sells every single spot in the student parking lot.