Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Damien Talks

#DamienTalks 35 – Mike Gatto and Parking Placard Reform

Parking placard abuse.

#DamienTalks

Arguing for reforms in the placard system is one of the few times parking reformers don't sound overly wonky to the larger car driving public. In California, one out of every eight drivers has a disabled parking placard, a number which doesn't correlate to data concerning how many drivers SHOULD have such a placard.

This abuse of the placard system creates a ripple effect of unsafe street conditions, a distorted view of our car parking stock, and worst of all undercuts the value of the placard to those drivers who are actually disabled.

Today #DamienTalks with Assemblymember Mike Gatto (D-SFV) about AB 2602, his legislation that seeks to reduce placard abuse through two common sense reforms attacking the supply of and demand for disabled placards to those who don't really need them. Gatto's legislation sailed through committee last week.

Also moving in the Assembly is Gatto's "Parking Bill of Rights" which takes a broader look at parking issues.

We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA. Or, if you want to reach Asm. Gatto, he can be reached at twitter @mikegatto or at his webpage, MikeGatto.com

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Scofflaw Manufacturers Could Be The Downfall of E-bikes

If illegal e-motorcycles are the downfall of legitimate e-bikes, manufacturers and retailers should look themselves in the eye, not blame it on their customers.

December 23, 2025

Pre-Holiday Headlines

I kept all the storm headlines out, but spoiler: it's going to rain a lot in the next couple of days. Also, Waymo!

December 23, 2025

Watch Nick Andert’s 2025 So Cal Transit Update Video

Get up to speed on what has been happening, and what transit riders can expect in the coming decades.

December 22, 2025

The Week (Plus) in Videos

The courts come through twice for California while Los Angeles plays word games to avoid making streets accessible and safe

December 22, 2025
See all posts