Volunteers at Skyline Relay for Life ticketed for parking in fire lane
June 15, 2010
By Caleb Heeringa
A handful of Relay For Life participants were surprised to find $250 tickets on their cars when they left the June 5 event.
More than 800 people participated in the relay, which raises money to find a cure for cancer. This made parking difficult to find in Skyline High School’s lot and led some people to park in the fire lane. Sammamish Police Chief Nate Elledge estimated that fewer than six or seven vehicles were ticketed.
Alberta Allen, a volunteer from Bothell who was one of those cited, said she was frustrated that police gave no warning before they started writing tickets.
“I’m upset they didn’t come in and at least give a courtesy call,” Allen said.
Elledge said his officers try to warn people of impending tickets when they can, but that is left up to the discretion of the officer. The department routinely receives complaints of Skyline’s fire lane being used for parking during large events and must ensure that the lane is clear in case of a fire or medical emergency.
“The bottom line is that emergency vehicles have to be able to get by,” he said.
Elledge said the officer did not realize until afterwards that the crowd at the event was there for Relay For Life.
“He felt horrible about it, but once the tickets are written they can’t be taken back,” he said.
Allen, who lost her brother to leukemia in August 2009, said she has applied for a mitigation hearing to try to get the ticket lowered or dismissed.
“I’d rather pay my $250 to the American Cancer Society,” Allen said.
Reporter Caleb Heeringa can be reached at 392-6434. ext. 247, or cheeringa@isspress.com.
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