High Sierra Topix

I am meeting my sister at Mammoth for a short hike before we both head north. We will be in separate cars. My question is: Is there a safe place to leave a car in town for 4 or 5 hours so we won't have to drive both cars to the trailhead? Would there be a problem leaving it at Von's or the Visitor Center for that long? Don't want to get a ticket!

You could park Vons, if not overnight but...
Park and ride lot...Tavern and Old Mammoth
Village parking lot - (Right at Whiskey Creek), on the right, 100 yards up.
Mammoth Mountain main lot
Post Office lot vicinity...
whatever else as long as not roadside after November 1.