TOWED: No, we're not thankful

What a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. I went downtown with friends and family, watched the parade and enjoyed the fireworks. It was a great way to spend the evening and take part in a community tradition — until my car was towed!

We parked in the lot across from Coeur d’Alene Athletic Club. It was full of cars and the gym was closed. We were parked for about an hour and when we came back the car was gone. There were several other families standing in the rain wondering where their car was. I wish I had snapped a picture of the people in pouring rain under the Coeur d’Alene Athletic Club sign — what great P.R. — what a wonderful way for a local business to participate in a community event. Did I mention the gym was CLOSED?

I finally found the sign that said the lot was permit parking only as it was blocked by a huge Suburban — I couldn’t even squeeze between the car and the sign to read it. When the tow truck arrived to haul off another I asked him where my car was. All cars were towed to Post Falls and it was $150 cash only to get them back.

There’s maybe two times a year downtown gets that crowded and I would think downtown business would want to support the people who come down for events!

JILL BUCKLAND

Coeur d’Alene