In September 1933, the City of Susanville had transferred the right-of-way of Main Street to the State of California. This was in accordance with State legislation for integration of city streets that were part of the state highway system. In the beginning all worked well.

After World War II when life returned to somewhat normalcy, the City learned a few lessons of what they could and could not do—the hard way. In 1947, to alleviate congestion on Main Street, the City proposed to install stoplights at the intersections of Main with Lassen and Weatherlow. When the State Highway Division learned of this, it objected. The State said Main Street did not meet the requirement of 100 cars per hour passing through the intersections. Their solution to relive the congestion, introduce parallel parking on Main Street, then striping to make four lanes—two in each direction. That went over like the proverbial lead balloon with the merchants.

Over the next couple of years it was a highly debated topic. The resistance group was no match for the State.. In 1949, State Highway Engineer R.N. Putnam informed the City that it must discontinue angle parking on Main Street.

On July 10, 1950, the City Council moved forward to adopt parallel parking for Main Street. The Council no doubt was concerned that if it was not in compliance with State law, the State conceivably could withhold the City’s apportionment of gasoline tax money. The parallel parking ordinance went into effect on August 10.

There was, of course, public uproar. It was not until the summer of 1952, the issue had simmered down, and slowly everyone adjusted to the fact that parallel parking was here to stay.

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