Valley Plaza Mall introduces paid parking in Bakersfield

The Valley Plaza Mall in Bakersfield, California, has introduced a ‘Preferred Paid Parking’ program that has drawn significant backlash from local shoppers. Launched on August 1, the initiative designates 240 of the mall’s more than 5,000 parking spaces as premium spots located closer to the entrance.

Under the new system, drivers can pay $2.45 for the first hour to access these preferred spaces, while the remaining parking remains free but located further away. The program does not impact designated handicapped parking spaces.

Local residents have expressed frustration on social media, with some critics arguing that charging for parking could discourage foot traffic and harm struggling retail businesses. Some commenters attributed the change to demographic shifts in the Central Valley.