October 14, 2012       

Dear City of Santa Rosa Parking Enforcement,

Okay, I’ll admit that I deserved the first ticket. I knew I hadn’t put enough change in the meter, but it was all I had. The ticket was not unexpected, and I don’t mind contributing to the coffers of the city in which I live once in a while, particularly when I am in the wrong. I have friends who work for you, and I’m willing to contribute to their paychecks.

However, I take offense at this late fee. My payment was two days late. TWO DAYS LATE. And I have been charged another full $35. I was shocked. It would seem logical to prorate it, or charge a small fee. But since the due dates are probably chosen with a certain degree of arbitrariness, it could just as easily been on time. I feel gouged.

I’m paying it. I don’t have time or energy to fight this. I have too much on my plate, as does everyone else I know. Bet you were counting on that, huh? It’ll have to come out of my daughter’s college fund.

I hope my $35 goes to some sort of good use in the City of Santa Rosa. Buy some books for the library; fill a pothole or two. But you should know I go to downtown Santa Rosa less and less as parking becomes more inconvenient and expensive. Disappointing all the way around.