how do you spell $revenue$ - in mesa it's $parking tickets$ Original Article Mesa police to crack down on city parking violations 2 new enforcers to watch spaces in downtown Senta Scarborough The Arizona Republic Nov. 14, 2005 12:00 AM MESA - People who violate parking restrictions downtown will soon face a higher chance of getting caught and steeper fines. Mesa police will increase the number of downtown traffic enforcement officers from one to three by the holidays to crack down on parking restriction violators in hopes of freeing up more spaces for customers. "We want to educate the public so everyone will have a place to go and park," Mesa police Sgt. Greg Beck said. The new full-time civilian positions will monitor downtown parking to handle an anticipated increase in visitors with the Mesa Arts Center, other businesses opening and more holiday shopping traffic. The efforts are aimed at making parking convenient for customers to increase business in downtown Mesa. Parking enforcement officers typically issue warnings for first-time offenses but will cite repeat offenders by checking a database of violators. The enforcement officers will monitor the downtown parking area that includes lots from Country Club to Mesa drives and from Broadway Road to University Drive. The square-mile area offers 3,500 spaces for customer or visitor parking, which is free from 20 minutes to three hours, depending on the area. "There are time restrictions since we don't charge for parking in order to keep those spaces turning over so more customers can visit the businesses downtown," said Gabriel Mendez, parking coordinator for the Downtown Mesa Association. A version of this story also appeared in some Community sections of The Arizona Republic.