Palo Alto, CA -- During December 2003 and January 2004, California Avenue parking garages will extend existing 2 hour parking to 3 hours. Visitors to the California Avenue business district can spend an extra hour in the two garages (C-3 and C-5) located on Cambridge Avenue. The extension does not apply to street and surface parking lots. Two hour parking has also been extended to three hour parking in the Downtown University Avenue business district parking garages, including the two newly completed garages (High/Alma South garage and Bryant/Lytton garage).

The City of Palo Alto Transportation Division, Public Works Department and Police Department are working together to ensure this extension during the holiday season goes smoothly. Merchants and local businesses are encouraged to notify customers of the extended hours.

Temporary banners and signs have been posted at entrances and within the garages to indicate the temporary change from 2 hour parking to 3 hour parking. Surface parking lots and on-street spaces will remain 2 hour parking zones. Garages are scheduled to convert back to 2-hour parking on February 1, 2004.

For parking needs longer than 3 hours, shoppers can purchase a one-day permit from the Palo Alto Civic Center Revenue Collections, first floor of 250 Hamilton Avenue. Long-term permits are also available for employees. Permits are available on a first-come, first-served basis for quarterly and annual periods. For information on permit purchases, contact Revenue Collections at 650-329-2317.

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