Editor's note: This letter was sent to Parking Services, Diamond Parking Inc., with a copy to the Wells Fargo Bank, the Neighborhood Farmers' Market Alliance, and this newspaper.

Unfair ticketing practices

Re: Parking ticket for Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008.

Enclosed herein is my payment of $38 for a ticket I received on 2/17/08 at 12:21.

* At 10:30 a.m., I parked my car in the lot. I brought a friend to buy her breakfast and attend the West Seattle Farmers' Market. At that time, there was no sign (sandwich board) that there was a charge to park there.

* At 10:40 a.m. we returned to the car to get my shopping basket out of the car since it would be an hour before we could be seated at Easy Street for breakfast. There was no sandwich board at that time.

* At 11:20 or about, we returned to the car with our purchases from the Farmers' Market and went back to Easy Street to see if our table was available.

* We returned to the car at approximately 12:30 and saw the sandwich boards stating that there would be charges for parking and the ticket on my car window.

I understood that if the bank were operating, the lot would be restricted for bank customers, but I think it is poor public relations to charge for parking in a lot so close to our Farmers' Market on a Sunday. It does not reflect a community support or spirit. The bank relies on this community for their business. I cannot believe they would go along with these actions.

I have parked in this lot and attended the West Seattle Farmers' Market for several years. I am wondering, why at this point are you charging?

Karen Engstrom