Business owners in downtown Bakersfield are urging the city to put in parking meters because they say street signs are being ignored. Rich Krizo from Pacific Appraisal Consultants says too many people ignore the signs outside his office, while others complain people are parking in loading and fire zones because there are not enough spots. Merry Go Round Antique Mall co-owner Bruce Cooper says it’s chaotic on K Street. He adds people leave their cars in front of his shop on K Street because they’re never ticketed, which has caused another problem. A $50-thousand study recently commissioned by the city also recommended building two new lots, adding 20-minute zones, offering a shuttle service and urging folks to use the parking garage at 18th and H streets to ease overcrowding.

Kelli Pierce