California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco
_________________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS RELEASE Media Contact: Terrie Prosper, 415.703.1366, news@cpuc.ca.gov
CPUC INVESTIGATIONS RESULT IN ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS
AND FINES IMPOSED ON VARIOUS LIMOUSINES,
SHUTTLES, AND BUS COMPANIES
SAN FRANCISCO, February 3, 2010 - The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in its ongoing commitment to consumer protection, has recently taken a number of actions to protect consumers from illegally operating passenger carriers.
During the fourth quarter of 2009, CPUC took the following enforcement actions against limousine, bus, and shuttle companies for violations of the Public Utilities Code and CPUC rules and regulations, including General Orders (GO) 115-F and 157-D.
Administrative Citation
Seventeen companies were cited and fined (totaling $64,000) for one or more of these violations:
1. Engaged employees without procuring evidence of workers' compensation insurance
2. Engaged unlicensed sub-carriers
3. Failed to comply with GO 157 rules (no prearrangement, incomplete waybills, failed to maintain a current equipment list on file, failed to report the seating capacity of vehicles in operation, incomplete sub-carriers agreements)
4. Failed to enroll drivers in a mandatory drug and alcohol program
5. Failed to enroll drivers in DMV Pull Notice program
6. Failed to provide records
7. Operated and advertised without a valid authority (suspension, revocation, expiration, or unlicensed)
8. Operated as a passenger stage corporation without a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
9. Operated without evidence of Public Liability and Property Damage insurance in effect and on file
10. Under-reported gross revenue and failure to pay applicable Public Utilities Commission Transportation Reimbursement Account fees
Companies cited:
1. Brandon Blum dba Rockstar Limo LLC, San Diego (TCP 21398)
2. Chauffeured Services Unlimited LLC, Los Angeles (TCP 21995)
3. Dana Ross Mitchell dba Luxury Tours, Napa (TCP 15339)
4. Four Star Transit, Inc., Chula Vista (TCP 24192)
5. George Sin dba Air California Transportation, Inc., South El Monte (TCP 15138)
6. Haney S. Metwally dba A+ Chauffeur and Limousine, Oakland (TCP 17705)
7. James E. Williams dba Limos America Sedan & Limousine Service, Inc., Santa Rosa (TCP 21300)
8. Juan Manuel Tejeda and Maria Tejeda, Disco Limo, Dixon (TCP 17357 denied / TCP 25382 pending)
9. LA MEX Tours, LLC dba LA MEX Tours, Maywood (TCP 19285)
10. Li's Group LLC dba Pacific Diamond Tour, San Francisco (TCP 23359)
11. LIMAXI-LLC dba Green Ride, San Diego (TCP 21653)
12. Noe A. Fragosa dba A and E Limousine Service, Orange (TCP 13914)
13. Orir Morales dba Express Enterprises, Los Angeles (TCP 12221)
14. Sacramento Transportation Systems, Inc., dba Supershuttle of Sacramento, Sacramento (PSC 15260)
15. Show Time Limousine, LLC dba Show Time Limo, Newport Beach (TCP 22473)
16. Stanley Kilpatrick dba Priority Plus Sedan, Altadena (TCP 6516)
17. The Urban Safari, Inc., San Francisco (TCP 19164)
Criminal Filings
CPUC staff investigations of unlicensed operations resulted in two moving companies being charged criminally for violating the CPUC's rules and regulations. CPUC staff submitted its reports to the Los Angeles City Attorney's office requesting a criminal complaint be filed against these unlicensed companies:
1. Cosmopolitan Limousine Service, Inc., and Freddy Abraham Buraye, Simi Valley (PSG 19720 Revoked) - Complaint #9CA01280 - Carrier is charged with two counts of operating after revocation of its CPUC permit.
2. Alrick David Cooper, Jr., dba Heaven Transportation, Los Angeles (TCP 17873-Revoked) - Complaint ##9CA01292 - Carrier is charged with 24 counts of violating the Public Utilities Code including operating after suspension of his authority, failing to have evidence of public liability insurance coverage in effect, engaging employees without evidence of workers' compensation insurance coverage in effect, failing to report all equipment operated, and failing to report gross transportation revenue.
Phone Disconnect
In its ongoing efforts to clamp down on unlicensed passenger carriers, the CPUC had telephone service shut off to three limousine companies operating in California without a charter-party permit. These companies continue to advertise and hold themselves out to engage in the business of transporting passengers for compensation, notwithstanding CPUC staff directives to immediately cease and desist unlawful acts and to obtain a charter-party authority.
1. Karla Nash dba Karosa Shuttle Service, San Diego (Unlicensed). Carrier advertised its unlicensed passenger transportation business in the February 2009 edition of the San Diego/San Diego North Spanish Yellow Pages. The quarter-page advertisement offered transportation services to different cities in the San Diego County and to Los Angeles International Airport. On October 27, 2009, CPUC staff obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by San Diego Superior Court Judge Charles Rodgers. The order finds that telephone service at one number was being used to violate criminal laws in the State of California.
2. Coachman Limited Corporation dba At Your Service Limousine, Pebble Beach (TCP 15366-Denied). Carrier was administratively fined in 2007and 2009 for various violations of the Public Utilities Code including but not limited to operating without a valid permit and without evidence of public liability insurance in effect. Coachman's authority expired on March 27, 2009. Coachman reapplied for operating authority on April 13, 2009, however, the application was denied on August 26, 2009, for failure to comply with all licensing requirements. Carrier continued to violate the law as evidenced by sting calls conducted by CPUC staff, and advertisements on the Internet at six different web sites. On October 29, 2009, CPUC staff obtained an order of Finding of Probable Cause signed by Monterey County Superior Court Judge Kay Kingsley. The order finds that telephone service at four numbers was being used to violate criminal laws in the State of California.
Enforcement Actions at Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA):
Number of citations issued by LAWA police (unlicensed operations only) |
45 |
Number of vehicles impounded |
39 |
Individuals or Entities Cited by LAWA for Unlicensed Operation:
Defendant Name |
Registered owner |
TCP# |
1. Castro Mariano |
J/L Limo |
20414 |
2. Cave Leonard Troy |
Del Ontiveros |
none |
3. Digirolamo Mark Anthony |
Lake Forest Limo |
11738 |
4. Dovlatyan Gevorg |
LA's Best Express |
none |
5. Feng Jian Jun |
Same |
none |
6. Hamed Ali J |
LA Exec Limo |
15851 |
7. Johnson Richard Jerome |
Celebrity Limo |
21184 |
8. Justice Charles |
Luxury Limousine |
15380 |
9. Karagezian Chachik |
Super Shutttle LA |
25547 |
10. Kotani Akinori |
Same |
none |
11. Lee Young Jae |
Myong H Kwon |
none |
12. Lee, Woochan |
Sugihara Young |
none |
13. Omelchenko Leonid |
Supershuttle |
22042 |
14. Ramirez Gabriel Carillo |
Emeryville Shipping |
none |
15. Reynolds Michael |
Nice Executive Tranp |
none |
16. Roberts Richard W |
same |
none |
17. Ruiz John Vasquez |
King Limo |
20789 |
18. Sarkisian Albert |
Academy Limo |
19036 |
19. Tegegne Seleshi Workne |
Beach City Transp |
23126 |
20. Wang Sung Woo |
Same |
none |
21. Zekraoui Abdeslam |
Same |
none |
22. Baird Karen Christina |
Link Limo |
11416 |
23. Bieler Eddie Aldo |
En Route Transp |
25682 |
24. Boulanger Gerald H |
same |
25339 |
25. Cabrera Agustin |
Nexus Chauf Limo |
21205 |
26. Hernandez Alberto C |
Francisco Hernandez |
none |
27. Lin Chao Chih |
Same |
none |
28. McCreary Toby R |
Midway Car Rental |
20409 |
29. Nakagome Kathy Kumiko |
Yasunori Nakagome |
none |
30. Pestana Alejandro A |
same |
none |
31. Ramirez Antonio B |
Lucia Hernandez |
20509 |
32. Rios Felix |
Same |
none |
33. Tan Sheng Yi |
Cheng Ye Hui |
none |
34. Turner Warren H. |
Hollins M. Kipanda |
none |
35. Ukai Tarayuki |
Sakura Rent a Car |
none |
36. Wang Jian Qiang |
Same |
none |
37. Baeza Roberto Carlos |
Rental Car Finance |
none |
38. Chen Joseph |
Yu Sophie Hui |
none |
39. Choi In Ho |
Gyunglan Choi |
none |
40. Denberg Bruce C. |
Sean Maurer |
none |
41. McGrew Richard |
Lionheart Transp |
17495 |
42. Sencion Norberto |
Jerry Rodas |
none |
43. Tran Huy Hoang |
Same |
none |
44. Wang Honggang |
Navigator tours |
20516 |
45. Xu Wei |
Great Wall Travel |
12382 |
Official Notice
Thirty two companies were issued Official Notice for one or more of these violations:
1. Engaged unlicensed sub-carrier
2. Engaged workers without evidence of workers' compensation insurance
3. Failed to display TCP and/or PSC number on advertisements and vehicles
4. Failed to enroll drivers in DMV pull notice
5. Failed to obtain the required minimum level of public liability insurance coverage.
6. Failed to pre-employment drug test driver
7. Failed to update equipment list
8. Operated and advertised beyond the scope of its authority
9. Operated and advertised without a valid permit (prior to issuance, unlicensed)
10. Under-reported gross transportation revenue
11. Waybill violations
Companies cited:
1. Alan Hankh, El Cheapo Shuttle, Boulder Creek (Unlicensed)
2. Artur Emmanuilov and Yevgeniy Smirnov dba Archie, San Francisco (TCP 22764-Revoked) Eriko Hanai dba LA Dream Maker, Torrance (TCP 16204)
3. Barry Dadon dba San Diego Limo Bus, San Diego (TCP 24976)
4. City Lights Limousine, Milpitas (TCP 19531 and 24744)
5. Edmaster, Inc., and Safe Soliman (CEO), Santa Monica (TCP 16672)
6. Fortuna Assisted Living dba Sequoia Springs Assisted Living, Fortuna (TCP 25517-Z)
7. Fred Ayala dba Tru-Style Limousine, Long Beach (Unlicensed)
8. Inez Pissarello dba Orange County Limo, Anaheim (TCP 10478)
9. Jeff Catlin, Royal Limousine, Marysville (Unlicensed)
10. Jimmy T. Dang dba White Knight International, Inc. and John's Limousine Service, Fountain Valley (TCP 22321)
11. Joseph Lee Simon, Fifty Fifty Executive Limousine, Elk Grove (TCP 18107-Revoked)
12. Lance Haynes dba Haynes Chauffeuring, San Diego (TCP 18925)
13. Randy Reissner dba Magic Party Bus, Lake Arrowhead (TCP 24687)
14. Samson Demisse dba Samson Transportation, San Diego (TCP 24341)
15. Skywalker Limousine Inc., Los Angeles (TCP 24047)
16. Starcity Tours, Hollywood (TCP 16056)
17. Tamer Soliman dba A1 Limo, Inc., Corona (TCP 19105)
18. Thamer Daoud dba Pineapple Express, La Mesa (TCP 24897)
19. Vahan Grigorian dba A Advance Limo Service, Glendale (TCP 12560)
Cease and Desist Notices
Nnty-four companies were issued cease and desist notice for one or more of these violations:
1. Engaging employees without evidence of workers' compensation insurance
2. Operating and advertising beyond the scope of their operating authority
3. Operating and advertising without a valid CPCN or charter-party permit (unlicensed, suspended, revoked, or expired)
Companies cited:
1. A1 Limo, Inc., Corona (TCP 19105)
2. AA Express Travel Inc., Rosemead (TCP 21434)
3. AEA Enterprises Inc. dba Alpha Limousine, Lynwood (TCP 16983-Revoked)
4. Aghmaghawi Manour dba Elegant Transportation, Poway (TCP 21313)
5. Albert Sarkisian and Academy Limo (TCP 19036)
6. Alberto C Hernandez and Francisco Hernandez (Unlicensed)
7. Alejandro A Pestana (Unlicensed)
8. Antonio B Ramirez and Lucia Hernandez (TCP 20509)
9. Bruce C. Denberg and Maurer Sean (Unlicensed)
10. Charles Justice and Luxury Limousine (TCP 15380)
11. Coastal Breeze LLC, Citrus Heights (TCP 20641-Expired).
12. Connie Vonzweck dba Skysurfer Balloon Company, Del Mar (Unlicensed)
13. Crossroads Investments, Inc., Huntington Beach (TCP 20028)
14. Daniel Cabo dba Saigon VIP Transportation, LLC, San Diego (TCP 16782)
15. David Antonio Cortes dba DC Transportation, Rohnert Park (TCP 11659-Suspended)
16. Deretic Velibor and MET Enterprises (TCP 24622)
17. Discover America Tours Inc., Los Angeles (TCP 24374)
18. Eddie Aldo Bieler and En Route Transp (TCP 25682)
19. El Camino Charter Lines Inc. dba El Camino Trailways, South San Francisco (TCP 102)
20. Empress Enterprises Inc., dba Golden Coast Shuttle, Los Angeles (TCP 13506)
21. Faras N. Alekabi dba American Sedan and Limo Ser, El Cajon (TCP 21398)
22. Felix Rios (Unlicensed)
23. Five Star Limousine of LA LLC, Glendale (TCP 19541)
24. Flausino Gomes Barbosa dba Exotic Limousine, San Bruno (Unlicensed)
25. Fortuna Assisted Living LLC dba Sequoia Springs Assisted Living, Fortuna (TCP 25517-Pending)
26. Four M Limo, Inc., Santa Clara, (TCP 24045-Revoked)
27. Four Season Limo Services Inc., Los Angeles (TCP 22852)
28. Gabriel Carillo Ramirez Emeryville Shipping (Unlicensed)
29. Gerald H Boulanger (TCP 25339)
30. Global Paratransit Inc., Gardena (Unlicensed)
31. Gregg Magazzu dba Going In Style Limousine, Dana Point (TCP 12201)
32. Hiroshi Jones, Inglewood (Unlicensed)
33. Honggang Wang and Navigator Tours (TCP 20516)
34. Huy Hoang Tran (Unlicensed)
35. Igor Ginzberg dba Melody Transportation Service, San Diego (TCP 16080)
36. In Ho Choi and Gyunglan Choi (Unlicensed)
37. Irene Fernicola and Alvin Hall dba Gem Limousine and Aries Sedan and Limousine Service (TCP 19973-Revoked , TCP 14523-Expired)
38. Jaimie Charland dba Panorama Balloon Tours, Del Mar (Unlicensed)
39. Jay Bhatia dba 4GQ Limousine Service, Livermore (TCP 14582)
40. Jian Qiang Wang (Unlicensed)
41. John Vasquez Ruiz and King Limo (TCP 20789)
42. Joseph Lee Simon dba Fifty Fifty Executive Limousine, Elk Grove (TCP 18107-Revoked)
43. Joseph Yu Chen and Sophie Hui (Unlicensed)
44. Karagezian Chachik and Super Shutttle LA (TCP 25547)
45. Karen Christina Baird and Link Limo (TCP 11416)
46. Kathy Kumiko Nakagome and Yasunori Nakagome (Unlicensed)
47. Kosmo Luiz Alves, KLA Limo and Kosmo Limousine, South San Francisco, (TCP 21433-Revoked)
48. Kotani Akinori (Unlicensed)
49. LaVerne Jones dba Studio 72 West, Oakland (Unlicensed)
50. Leonard Troy Cave and Del Ontiveros (Unlicensed)
51. Limotech, Inc. dba Streamline Limousine, Campbell (TCP 21884)
52. Luxury Limousine Service and Luxury Limousine of Santa Barbara, Buellton (Revoked)
53. Marco Maeda dba Marco Maeda Transportation, Calexico (Unlicensed)
54. Mariano Castro and J/L Limo (TCP 20414)
55. Mario Castellanos, Embassy Limousines, Antioch (TCP 21683 revoked)
56. Mark Anthony Digirolamo and Lake Forest Limo (TCP 11738)
57. Michael Chudosky dba Showbiz Limos, Lake Elsinore (TCP 20322)
58. Michael Ettenberg dba Pacific Beach Bus Company, San Diego (Unlicensed)
59. Michael Reynolds and Nice Executive Transportation
60. Mike Diaz dba SincityTours.net LLC, Downey (Unlicensed)
61. Monarch Limousine Inc., Burlingame (TCP 21317-Revoked)
62. Omar Enrique Guillen dba Above All Limousine, Richmond (TCP 19314)
63. Orange County Limousine LLC, Yorba Linda (TCP 18623)
64. Panda-Monium Balloon Tours, Del Mar (Unlicensed)
65. Ramil Gonzales dba MGR Limousine Service, Cypress (TCP 13194)
66. Reuben Shekarchi dba Limousine Drive, Palo Alto (TCP 18071)
67. Reynaldo Hernandez dba Turismo El Dorado (TCP 22330)
68. Richard Davis dba Axxess Limousine, Oceanside (TCP 18098)
69. Richard McGrew and Lionheart Transp (TCP 17495)
70. Rick Maldonaldo, VIP Mobile Lounge, Stockton (Unlicensed)
71. Roberto Carlos Baeza and Rental Car Finance (Unlicensed)
72. Ron R Vegas dba Any Occasion Limousine, Byron (TCP 12273-Expired)
73. Ronald Prince dba Rolling Hills Limousine, Inglewood (TCP 24771)
74. Sandee Gustavson dba Care Campus Children's Center, Grass Valley (Unlicensed)
75. Seleshi Workne Tegegne and Beach City Transportation (TCP 23126)
76. Shaw Transportation Management., Sausalito (TCP 20786 revoked)
77. Sheng Yi Tan and Cheng Ye Hui (Unlicensed)
78. Starlight Limousine, Riverside (Unlicensed)
79. Stephen LaRoy Young dba Limo Limo, Citrus Heights (TCP 12205 Suspended)
80. Steven Shawn Won dba AllStar Limousine, Antioch (TCP 22722)
81. Sunday Oifoh dba A S Oifoh Transportation, Bellflower (TCP 19449-Suspended)
82. Sung Woo Wang (Unlicensed)
83. Tarayuki Sakura Ukai and Rent a Car (Unlicensed)
84. Tatiana Menaker dba TravelArt, San Francisco (Unlicensed)
85. Tim Bannister dba Celebrity Tours, Palm Springs (TCP 18873)
86. Tim Beckstrom dba Town Limousine, San Diego (TCP 21399)
87. Tori M. Douglas and Zyno O. Yang dba Prime Time Tours, Sunnyvale (TCP 25582-Denied)
88. Vango Incorporated, Sun Valley (TCP 8933-Revoked)
89. Warren H. Turner and Hollins M. Kipanda (Unlicensed)
90. Wei Xu and Great Wall Travel (TCP 12382)
91. White Knight International, Inc, Fountain Valley (TCP 22321)
92. Wiliam Marusa dba El Camino Livery, San Diego (TCP 4994)
93. Woochan Lee and Sugihara Young (Unlicensed)
94. Young Jae Lee and Myong H Kwon (Unlicensed)
For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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