Citation for crossed hatched parking? (next to disabled)?

So I was sitting on this day and wanted to go to 7 eleven pick up a few snacks for the kids and go home. Took less than 5 min for sure. This parking lots sucks in palo alto and is total of 6 parking spots for ppl at 7eleven and a Washing place for clothes next door. on this day all parking spots were taken and i just wanted to quickly get in and out. I waited for a guy to get out of his parking spot realizing he was parked in a no parking zone. I figured it maybe i can do it in and out and leave. WEll i think some1 just waits nearby to people like me and i got a citation within that 5 min period probably not even 2 min after i got there. Now i DID NOT realize these are made for disabled peoples ramps etc to get out of their car. I did not use common sense and i feel REALLy bad about. One because being recently disabled and on temporary disability im realizing how bad it is for these people. I also have never received a temporary disabled placard and have chosen not to get one because there are people worse off than me that can use it. Not being aware of how imp. those extra spaces are I would have NEVER EVER Parked there and just waited for 15 min if necessary for another parking spot to open. Can I let them know of my situation? and see if i can get by? i was told usually it doesnt matter and even disabled people get tickets and they dont care. :( I work less than part time and on disability to pay my bills so 303.00 for a ticket is a huge problem. Can it be reduced to at least half? I REALLy truthfully did not know. I have not received a ticket in 8 years and this is my 2nd citation in the 10 years I've been driving. So i dont like making mistakes as obvious as this one. VERY embarrassing. Is there anything i can do?