I just decided to pay it, not fight it .....

Was out in California this past December, driving a rental through a small town, when I noticed a flash go off.  Looked up and realized I had just gone through a red light.  The "yellow" light seemingly lasting less than a few seconds.

So this past month, I was just waiting patiently for the "infraction" or the official paperwork to arrive.
Well dammit $495.38 - pretty steep.  After reading all my options - one being, that in lieu of payment, I could do in-kind community service @ $10.00 an hour, picking up trash for the township (in my case, payment equal to 50 hours) - or the reality of putting up a good fight - or just damn-well pay it.