Just a heads up.

Over the past few weeks, The Expired Meter has heard multiple horror stories of people awaking on Saturday or Sunday morning to find their vehicle had disappeared or been stolen.

The shocking, expensive and painful reality was that the city had towed their vehicle, from their assumed perfectly legal parking spot, because of some sort of special event, ie: The Ravenswood Run.

Events like walk-a-thons, charity running or athletic event, street festivals, concerts, filming/movie set (starring Johnny Depp), etc.

With the summer event season just getting into full swing, I want to advise everyone to be super-extra-ultra-vigilant–especially if you live close to the lakefront or in a hot neighborhood of the city, where a lot of these events take place.

I want you to watch for special event signs, posters and letters. I want you to stay abreast of these events coming into the neighborhood. I want you to be in touch with your alderman’s office.

I don’t want you to be caught off-guard and get towed because you were not paying attention. I don’t want you to have to endure one of Dante’s very special rings of hell called the Chicago Auto-Pound, have to shell out $160.00 or more and waste the better part of a beautiful summer weekend.

That’s because I care about you dear reader.

The city of Chicago does not.

Be careful this summer.