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

Two Videos for Those Mourning and Missing Donald Shoup

Be prepared for an analogy between people's views of parking meters and prostitution.

Streetsbloggers were saddened over the weekend when we received word that Donald Shoup, the famed UCLA professor and “parking rock star”, had passed away. While tributes rolled in, including ones from Streetsblogs on both coasts, I found myself looking back at some old stories and interviews that featured Shoup Dogg that I worked on. 

While working with Melanie Curry over text message on the Streetsblog California tribute, she wrote to me, “I don't know where to add it but I kinda wish some mention of his (very dry) humor could be added.”

While we did include some of his jokes in our obituary, there's nothing quite like hearing him deliver his own material, or improv into a live mic.

Earlier this week, Will Chilton sent along a video interview he conducted with Shoup shot late last year. The video, set on the deck of the same UCLA parking garage where the university held its retirement party for Shoup, showcases the dry humor that the professor was known for. 

And for anyone that can’t get enough Shoup in their life this weekend, make sure to also watch this old Streetfilm from 2010 where Shoup uses matchbox cars to explain his theories and research about parking.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Wednesday’s Headlines

Updates on stories we covered over the past week on quick build, speed cameras, VTA strike and more...

March 26, 2025

Survey: Americans Still Want Police To Cut Traffic Stops That Don’t Make Anyone Safer

Americans never lost their appetite for police reform in the traffic safety realm – and their leaders are starting to listen, a new study suggests.

March 25, 2025

Volunteers Repaint and Repair Mural as Progress Continues on Converting Great Highway

Advocate/volunteers erase graffiti as the project to remake San Francisco's oceanfront moves steadily forward.

March 25, 2025

Is the City’s Approach to Measure HLA Resulting in Worse Pavement Conditions on Some Streets?

The city says "Measure HLA has not affected overall citywide [pavement condition]" but some streets - ones the city put repaving on hold for HLA - seem to have a lot of potholes.

March 25, 2025
See all posts