Some reading for y'all.
http://ag.ca.gov/cms_attachments/opinions/pdfs/o516_07-804.pdf
http://sf-police.org/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=14593
V.C. Section 22953 - Removal Prohibited
My tentative conclusion for California is that in a privately owned parking lot (which is pretty much all we ever park in, think grocery store, mall, office building, etc - all private property), you can be towed for parking against posted rules, even if the rules are stupid. However, you have a one hour grace period, unless it is a disabled spot, fire lane, or fire hydrant, or an residential building's parking, or a motel parking space designated for a specific room. The parking lot owner has no right to impose a fine ("ticket") or put a boot on your car. Having your car towed and having to pay the towing fee and impound charges is the only permitted sanction.
However, the situation varies by state. In New York, you can be booted. In Washington, you can get a ticket which can then go to collection and credit reporting.
If I am correct - IF! - then in theory, in California, you can park across three spaces, in a pregnant ladies parking spot, or in an electric car charging spot, or in a Porsche-only spot, for 59 minutes and 59 seconds, and no one can say boo.
In practice, of course, you'll be taking a taxi to a tow yard and fruitlessly playing jailhouse lawyer to a bored guy who's not giving back your car without tow and impound fees paid first.