OCEANSIDE, Calif. (KGTV) - It's one of the best places to catch waves in San Diego County. And this summer it will cost double the current rate to park there.
Hunter Barrett comes to Oceanside about four times a week. He says parking is always an issue.
"Sometimes we get harassed by meter maids even when we have our tickets."
Barrett says people from out of town are constantly complaining about the rates.
"When we tell them they think it's already too much."
The city of Oceanside voted to raise the rates Wednesday, to more than double what they are now. The rates will go from $2/hr up to $5/hr and from $8/day to $15/day.
"I know a lot of people that come to the beach and they don't have a lot of money to spend on parking every day so they just they really are kind of upset that you have to pay to park almost everywhere in Oceanside."
Barrett said he might be forced to find somewhere else to go because of the hike.
"I might to down to Encinitas or Carlsbad. You don't have to pay at all for a lot of beaches there so you can just park for free and I like that.
The hike could bring in an extra $900,000 each year for the city. But, it could have a negative impact on local businesses if it means fewer people heading to the beach.
"I think that it's going in the wrong direction. The people up top, they like business. They like money more than they like people to be happy at the beach."
The Oceanside city clerk said the city attorney claims the Coastal Commission does not need to approve the vote, meaning the rates could go into effect June 1.
