I went to Oakland to protest a citation from a metermaid who didn't stop but issued a ticket to me from her 3-wheel cart: $80 fine in the mail.  [I had stopped partially in a red zone...75% normal  gray curb...engine running, at the wheel waiting for someone to leave their parking space on July 3rd--a busy day for businesses.]  In hopes of contesting the ticket, there was only one vacant space near Civic Plaza so I took it.  As I tried to insert change in the meter, it flashed "failed" after every coin.  I noticed a banner welded to the meter: "citation wll be issed even if meter is out of order."  OK Oakland...you' ve lost my interest and business FOREVER!  I feel sorry for the many hard working people who have opened great cafes, bars, boutiques, etc.  once again, we can't fight the morons at City Hall.