I was saddened to see the extension of expensive parking by the hour in downtown Oakland and Lake Merritt area.  $1.50/hour is bad enough but people come home by 6 pm and should not have to put $$ in meters to park near their homes.  I understand increasing fees for violators despite the expense especially in times of budget problems but let the businesses have their business and the residents be able to park and go home to cook dinner after work.