By Jennifer Wilson  -

Parents of Amador High School soccer players are experiencing problems finding a parking space for evening games. According to one mother, the upper parking lot has been closed and locked this year, drastically reducing the number of spots available, which has ultimately taken a toll on game attendance. The concerned mom spoke at Wednesday’s Unified School District Board Meeting on behalf of about 25 Amador High School parents and area residents who signed a petition requesting that the lot be made accessible during soccer games, as that lot is open during football games. “Is soccer a second class sport?” she asked, and says that “people are struggling to get from the lower parking lot, carrying chairs, and coolers…and then having to carry things back down in the dark – not a very safe endeavor at all.” Also, a number of game-goers have received 50-dollar tickets for parking in the gym parking lot. According to the mom, Kevin Neville, the Athletics Director of Amador High, says that allowing students to take money is a safety issue. In light of this, numerous parents have offered to volunteer monitoring the gate and taking parking fees during the game. When contacted, Neville confirmed that he thought students should not be collecting money at the upper lot as its “isolated up there.” He also announced plans to have the upper lot available for the last four games of the season. “We’re going to try it and see how it goes,” says Neville. Board Member Terry Porray brought up the issue at last week’s School Board meeting, and stated that she would like the matter looked into, and asked why the lot is closed. TSPN will bring you more information on this matter as details develop.