Going to Court

Well, my brain is a bit too fried to write anything substantive or reflective, so I am writing only to brood about the DMV. The long and short of it is that I owe California $1000 -- yes, one thousand, there is not an extra zero there -- for two red light camera tickets. Apparently I got one in January of '06 that they sent to my former address and then doubled, and one at the end of last month. In DC, the same offense warrants at $75 ticket. What is WRONG with California that they need to fine $346 for a red light offense? So, tomorrow morning, off to court I go to plead guilty and hope for grace. Can't wait for this thing to be done!