Editorials

Help make positive change in San Diego taxi industry

By Andrew Rae, Safe Cab San Diego

In San Diego’s ever-changing political landscape, reform of the taxi industry is now inevitable. The taxi industry is an integral part of our public transportation network, and its health and viability have an immediate impact on tourism, commerce and entertainment: industries of great significance to San Diego’s economy.

It is of utmost importance that an engaged citizenship participate in the process to ensure that the taxi industry maintains a high standard of service, as well as develop into a healthy sector attractive to small business people and entrepreneurs without devaluing the assets of current stakeholders.

On Feb. 12, 2011, Sam Hassan Daly, a driver for Emerald Cab taxi service jumped the curb in front of Stingaree Nightclub, plowing into a crowd of bar-goers. Twenty-five people were injured and 23 were hospitalized. A small businessman, a homeowner and a hardworking American, Daly was nearing the end of a 16-hour shift on an empty stomach. The circumstances of his working environment were unsafe and resulted in this tragic accident. Charges were dropped against Daly; no fault was found beyond the District Attorney’s Office statement that, “This was just an unfortunate accident.”

However, the Stingaree accident surfaced many of the stark realities of the taxi industry that many would like to not acknowledge. Taxi lease rates often mean that drivers who do not own their own cab must work these long hours simply to make up the cost of the lease, earning near $4.23 an hour.

Long shifts create hazardous circumstances on roads, and the standards at which taxi cabs are maintained leave much to be desired. Recent studies have indicated that 94.5 percent of taxi cabs up for vehicle maintenance inspection fail even the lax requirements that they are held to. On top of that, an insular culture of fear among drivers leave many with no other option than to operate a vehicle leased to them that is in many ways unsafe.

Safe Cab San Diego is a coalition seeking the support of individuals, small business people, and stakeholders who wish to encourage the taxi industry’s development into a safe and profitable sector for business. Safe Cab San Diego is seeking to unite the voices of positive reform of the industry in order to encourage best business practices, as well as protect the investments that businesses, stakeholders and individuals have.

By joining Safe Cab San Diego, your business or organization may have a hand in developing a sustainable, safe and efficient taxi industry. Please take a moment to review our research and read our fact sheet regarding the initiatives that we would like to bring forth to the City at safecabsandiego.org. Contact us with questions, and possibly join our coalition in order to effect positive change in San Diego: info@safecabsandiego.org.

A 360-degree vision to make San Diego the bicycle mecca it should be

By Andy Hanshaw, San Diego County Bicycle Coalition executive director

Fundamental changes in how our region moves to work, live and play are progressing fast in San Diego. Change like this is hard to come by, but we knew citizens and leaders would eventually stand together, working on solutions to the ailing public health, unstable local economies, and increasing costs of resources.

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition loves the direction San Diego is heading, with the inclusion of bicycling as one solution to improve the quality of life for all San Diegans.

We envision San Diego as the most bicycle-friendly region in the world. Far to go? Certainly. This vision requires positive adjustments to our culture, neighborhoods, and streets, re-designing them to foster bicycling as an everyday activity for transportation and recreation.

Our region can continue to create a comprehensive approach to transportation policy and design, regarding the bicycle as a genuine mode of transportation, removing obstacles and empowering all people to choose to ride whenever and wherever they like. Our vision simply includes the bicycle as one piece of the comprehensive transportation pie.

With this vision, San Diego County will have a connected network of safe, convenient bike facilities and proper, secure, end-of-trip accommodations for people who ride. Constant encouragement of good roadway behaviors through education programs will also foster understanding and respect for all modes of transportation. Our vision includes all people of ethnic, economic and cultural diversity.

The great news is our vision is on its way to fruition. From fundraising records, to expansion of community advocacy groups, the Bicycle Coalition continued its all-inclusive presence in San Diego this past year, all while moving forward with new initiatives and a new mission: to advocate for and protect the rights of all people who ride bicycles.

Local leaders at all levels and in all communities have stepped up to support cycling initiatives, including the City of San Diego’s new mayor, who pledged to make the city better for cyclists and launched CicloSDias, the city’s first open streets event happening in August.

To continue these great successes, we encourage our businesses, leaders and advocates to continue working hard to support comprehensive transportation progress. It’s well known that active transportation like bicycling contributes to improved public health, local economies and more efficient use of natural resources. All of these are good for a vibrant San Diego for all people.

May 1 saw the start of National Bike Month in San Diego and across the U.S. It’s a perfect opportunity to participate in Bike to Work Day on May 17, or head to South Park and Balboa Park for Bike Local Sunday and CicloSDias Mini on May 19.

Just getting your family or friends together to take a ride along San Diego Bay’s miles of walking and biking paths can help strengthen the movement. So, let’s go for a ride.

San Diego Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for and protects the rights of all people who ride bicycles. They promote bicycling as a mainstream, safe and enjoyable form of transportation and recreation.  For more information, go to sdcbc.org.

Letters

Drawing on love or fear

I was profiled recently in an article, “In Sync with the Stars” [see Vol. 5, Issue 7].

There were four comments posted, two very supportive statements by women who know me. The other two comments were written by men [and] were somewhat critical; neither man has met me.

I have experienced skepticism throughout my career and greet it excitedly as a wonderful opportunity to hone my ability to successfully serve others by utilizing my innate psychic healing gifts.

Cynicism, on the other hand, does not invite me closer nor does it create an opportunity for sharing or learning. In my lifelong study of human nature I have learned that there’s really only two driving emotions and most everything we think and do springs from one or the other. I am referring to love and fear.

Before I form an opinion, I ask myself if I am drawing on love or fear. The tone of my thoughts lets me know on which side of the fence I’ve landed.

Motivation is important to understand and acknowledge. When I work with a client, my Inspiration comes from a higher source. Call it what you like. I get results. That’s what matters to me. I don’t have the desire to convince others that what I do is valid. My client list continues to inform me that what I have to offer is being lovingly accepted and supported.

That’s good enough for me!

—Connie Stewart, via sduptownnews.com

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