The weekend heat wave brought thousands to local beaches, but in Carpinteria, parking issues put some people in peril.
Many drivers chose to park on a dirt strip near the Union Pacific railroad, and at times, vehicles were up against the tracks. No trains were coming through at the time, but if one did pass through the area, several witnesses saw that a collision would have been likely.
Last July, a man and his dog were hit and killed on the tracks, while crossing as a train came through.
"I think we have had too many catastrophes. I definitely do think there should be some sort of control, someone down here organizing the parking so it's fair for everyone but most of all safe," said Lauri Bassett, a life long Carpinteria resident.
Since then a small fence was installed to shield the area from sand. It also has some openings for beach access.
There is no parking lot for this beach, although the county is looking at a CalTrans site nearby to level out and create 75 parking spaces.
County Supervisors Salud Carbajal also says a master plan for the area is under discussion. It would include better parking, and permanent restrooms.
The CHP and Sheriff's patrol units monitor the area. The CHP says vehicles have to be at least seven feet from the Union Pacific tracks to provide a safe clearance.
Nearby on Padaro Lane, the drivers parking on the roadside there, reduced the two lane road to one lane. That cause additional concerns about emergency access for fire, ambulance and Sheriff's units.
"I don't want to see anyone else get hurt," Bassett said.


Senior Reporter John Palminteri has our story.