Parking Panda

Feb 25, 2020

| UPDATED: February 24, 2020 at 8:45 p.m. Q: For David, who will be heading up to the Orpheum Theater in San Francisco to see a matinee of “Hamilton” and has concerns about taking BART versus driving , I recommend using Parking Panda or another service that allows you to purchase a parking space in a designated lot ahead of time. It takes away all the stress around trying to find an empty parking spot. Maxine Granadino, Los Gatos A: Judging by the number of responses I got, everyone is heading to San Francisco to see “Hamilton.” Go on BART or drive? Off we go. Like Mr. Roadshow’s Facebook page for more questions and answers about Bay Area roads, freeways and commuting. Q: Use ParkWhiz.com ASAP to reserve parking in a nearby garage. Susan Chavez  A: Another option is SpotHero.com. Q: I recommend driving up Interstate 280 to Interstate 380 to El Camino/Sneath Lane to catch BART at the San Bruno station. I always feel very safe at the San Bruno BART, and the Orpheum is right by the Civic Center exit. Maureen Vier,  San Jose A: But … Q: David is justifiably concerned about BART, but parking near the theaters is a scary proposition, too. I have been closely followed and harassed by intimidating, shadowy people more than once on my way to the garage after a show. I recommend that you take BART, but stay off your phone, be aware of surroundings and enjoy the convenience of not driving in the City or trying to find a place to park in a sketchy neighborhood. Susan Sprickman, Danville A: Now to someone who for years has ridden BART to the theater and Giants games. Q: I have encountered some colorful/interesting characters on BART, but nothing violent, thank goodness. I have a suggestion for David and his wife. Always sit in the front BART car, near the driver’s door. If there is a problem, knock on the glass door, and the driver can come out to assist. Getting out at Civic Center and taking the escalator or stairs up to Market and 9th Street, you will be right in front of the Orpheum, whereas by using a parking lot in the area, you’ll have to walk quite a way around the Tenderloin. This whole area, unfortunately, is very sketchy with lots of homeless and filth in the streets. It’s extremely sad, but taking BART instead of driving helps a bit. Chris Khoury, Belmont