We are here today with Parking Lot Diva, Ms. Davis, of Driving Ms. Davis fame.

Interviewer:  Tell me Ms. Davis, how is the parking lot running this new school year?

Ms. Davis:  I am pleased to announce that the Del Cerro parking lot is running smooth and safe.  We have had just a few situations where we have had to remind both parents and students about the safety rules here at Del Cerro.  As soon as they realize that the parking lot runs safely and smoothly when everyone follows the same rules, they are quick to comply.  Our goal is to empty the parking lot in the shortest and safest amount of time. Unfortunately, we are having some difficulties with the line -up going into the parking lot. There is only one line going into the parking lot. The other lane is for those exiting the parking lot. Del Cerro is one of the few schools that have only one way in and one way out. We cannot have parents driving in the exit lane to avoid the traffic. The Orange County Sheriff has come and issued tickets to anyone who is driving in the wrong lane. The parking lot does clear quickly when everyone is doing their part.

Interviewer:  I have noticed the red cones in the parking lot.  Why are they there?

Ms. Davis:  We have many students who arrive by bus. We must have the red cone area to park our buses.  If we allowed cars in that area, it would not only be a safety issue, but our buses would hinder the unloading and loading of children.  This has worked wonderfully.  The buses come in and do their thing and then they are out of the way.

Interviewer: Can Parents Park in the red zone during the day?

Ms. Davis:  Unfortunately, we have buses that arrive from 8:00 until school starts at 8:30, as well as a bus that arrives at midmorning for our kindergartners, and our after school buses that arrive anywhere from 2:00 until 3:00 or so.  We must keep all cars out of the bus lane.

Interviewer:  I have noticed a van or two in the red zone. Why are they there?

Ms. Davis:  These vans are car pool vans for paid after school day care.  They pick up multiple children and their children wait for them in a designated spot.  They are treated as buses due to the time constraints they are under as they pick up at other schools besides Del Cerro.

Interviewer:  Last week I noticed a police officer writing out tickets.  How are they involved in the Parking Lot?

Ms. Davis:  The police officer is assigned to our school and makes random visits both in the morning and afternoon.  I have explained our safety rules to him. After observing our school, he paid us all a big compliment. He said that even though our parking lot situation is difficult, he feels that our parking lot is one of the safest he has seen.  He also stated that when he sees a law being broken, he will write a ticket for it. The only tickets that I have seen him write are for driving on the wrong side of the street

Interviewer:  Sometimes when I am waiting in line I am blocking a driveway. Is that allowed?

Ms. Davis: Our neighbors have been so patient and accommodating. If you see someone trying to get out of their driveway please let them out. We don’t want to over stay our welcome during drop-off and pick-up times

Interviewer: How can we as parents help the parking lot run smoothly?

Ms. Davis: There are a few things that parents can do to make our job easier. Have your child ready to go in the morning. Please don’t hold up the line signing things or making after school plans. In the afternoon, have your child waiting by the pickup tree. We want your time in the parking lot to be minimal. Please stay in line. Due to safety concerns, we will not allow any child to cross the parking lot to get into a car that is stopped in the exit lane. Remember that our main concern is for the safety of your child.

Interviewer:  And finally Ms. Davis, how long does it take to empty the parking lot in the afternoon. 

Ms. Davis:  When all of the children are waiting for their parents, we can empty the parking lot safely in 15 min.  I am so proud of the students who watch for their parents and are ready to go to them when they see them.  It is great that our children and parents are so proactive. That's how our parking lot clears so fast.  Keep up the good work!