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, July 28, 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 second quarter of 2010, the 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
Forty-two companies were cited and fined (totaling $65,250) for one or more of these violations:
1. Advertised and operated vehicles outside of the scope of authority
2. Engaged employees without procuring evidence of workers' compensation insurance
3. Failed to comply with GO 157 rules (incomplete waybills, equipment list not current, invalid CDL)
4. Failed to enroll drivers in a mandatory drug and alcohol program
5. Failed to enroll drivers in DMV Pull Notice program
6. Operated and advertised without a valid authority (suspension, revocation, expiration, or unlicensed)
7. Operated as a passenger stage corporation without a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN)
8. Operated without evidence of Public Liability and Property Damage insurance in effect and on file
9. Under-reported gross revenue and failed to pay applicable Public Utilities Commission Transportation Reimbursement Account fees
Companies cited:
1. After Hours Limousine LLC, Hayward (TCP 18583)
2. America Bus Lines, Inc. San Jose (TCP 24468)
3. Bechir Blagui and Aaliyah R. Tahanee (Unlicensed)
4. Carlos Garcia dba A & C Charters, Lomita, (TCP 20695)
5. Coastal Breeze Limousine, LLC, Sacramento (TCP 20641)
6. Dana F. Bucey and Thomas Carroll (Unlicensed)
7. David Antonio Cortes dba D C Transportation, Rohnert Park (TCP 11659)
8. Edgar Rolando Merida (Unlicensed)
9. Elena Rodriguez dba Saigon VIP Transp (TCP 16782)
10. Eliaser D. Trujillo (Unlicensed)
11. Elite Limousine and Transportation Service, Inc., Montebello (TCP 21925)
12. Erasmo Castellanos and Lourdes Herrerameza (TCP 26087)
13. Eric A. Kahl and Dennis Dillon (TCP 21930)
14. Five Star Limousine of LA LLC, Glendale (TCP 19541)
15. Frank Vilt dba Gold Country Limousines, Cameron Park. (TCP 11136)
16. Genaro and Jaime Figueroa dba Gacela Tours, Monterey Park (TCP 21444)
17. Gustavo A. Castaneda (Unlicensed)
18. Harvest Vacation LTD, San Francisco (TCP 20591)
19. Horace M. Lewis (TCP 21904)
20. Jae Yen Choi (Unlicensed)
21. Jesse L. Watkins and Debra Daniels (TCP 20044)
22. Jose Martinez and Jesus Martinez (Unlicensed)
23. Kambiz Barghesharghi (Unlicensed)
24. Karapet Sargsyan dba Promtime Limo (TCP 23189)
25. Karen Hoyhannisyan dba H&K Limo (TCP 23818)
26. Marvin T Williams (Unlicensed)
27. MBZ Investments, Inc. dba 1 Awesome Limo, Huntington Beach (TCP 21054)
28. MGM Limousine LLC, Sacramento (TCP 22788)
29. Miguel A Marquez and Jose Marquez (TCP 13029)
30. Monarch Limousine Inc. dba Monarch Coach Limo, South San Francisco (TCP 21317)
31. Nick Son (Unlicensed)
32. Ok Ju Lee dba Western Charter Inc. (TCP 24009)
33. Quing Sen Kong (TCP 26143)
34. San Francisco Reliable Rides, Inc., Foster City (TCP 22755)
35. Sarah B. Dupree and Joan Ring (Unlicensed)
36. Shawn & Robert Mandolesi dba A Cut Above Limousine Service, Bakersfield (TCP 20107)
37. Sherif M Fathy (TCP 14154)
38. Sufian Shilleh dba Calif Limo Service (Unlicensed)
39. Wallace C. Sandifer and Nasrin Nehmadi (Unlicensed)
40. William Ko Chun (Unlicensed)
41. Ying Bo Han (Unlicensed)
42. Young Mee Lee (Unlicensed)
Criminal Filings
Following are status updates on criminal cases filed:
1. Alrick David Cooper, Jr., dba Heaven Transportation, Los Angeles (TCP 17873-Revoked) - Complaint #9CA01292 - This company is charged with 24 counts of violating the Public Utilities Code, including operating after suspension of 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. On June 18, 2010, the defendant was convicted of two counts of operating and one count of advertising as a charter-party carrier during a suspension period in December 2008, following a seven-day jury trial.
2. Limoryde USA Inc., dba Vipryde Limousine, Elegant Ride Limousine, Rush Limousine Group, Tujunga (TCP 21940). Complaint # OCA0117 - This company is charged with failing to perform reasonable service (33 counts), operating after permit suspension (nine counts), failing to enroll drivers in the DMV Pull Notice Program (two counts), failing to enroll drivers in a mandatory controlled substance and alcohol testing certification program (two counts), and failing to report all vehicles operated (eight counts). This case was continued to August 10, 2010.
3. William James, President, Top Cat Limousine, Inc., San Diego (TCP 14364). Complaint # M094236 - This company is charged with operating after revocation of permit and without public liability insurance on file with the CPUC. At the re-scheduled arraignment held on May 4, 2010, the judge re-scheduled a settlement hearing.
Phone Disconnect
In its ongoing efforts to clamp down on unlicensed passenger carriers, the CPUC had telephone service shut off to three limousines companies operating in California without a charter-party carrier 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. Michael K. Wong dba Home Sweet Home Car Service. San Francisco (Unlicensed). This company advertised his unlicensed charter-party carrier business on the Internet offering for-hire transportation and tour services. The advertisements listed two phone numbers and offered wine tours and airport services. The company continued to violate the law by unlawfully advertising its transportation services on the Internet. On May 27, 2010, the CPUC obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by a San Francisco County Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the two phone numbers advertised and used by the company to violate criminal laws in California.
2. Flausino Gomes Barbosa dba Fly Limo Service, and Xavier Lander Fleury acting in concert with Flausino Gomes Barbosa, San Bruno (TCP 19804-Revoked). This company's permit was suspended on April 22, 2010, for failure to file evidence of workers' compensation insurance coverage. Subsequently, the permit expired on June 1, 2010. The company continued to advertise and offer limousine services to and from the airport and tour services on the Internet at its own websites and six other websites. The advertisements listed six phone numbers. On June 28, 2010, the CPUC obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by a San Mateo County Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the six phone numbers advertised and used by the company to violate criminal laws in California.
3. Reuben Shekarchi dba LimousineDrive, San Francisco (TCP 18071-Revoked). This company's permit was suspended on September 26, 2009, and subsequently revoked on December 28, 2009, for failure to maintain evidence of public liability insurance. The company continued to advertise limousine service on the Internet offering for-hire transportation and tour services. The advertisements listed two phone numbers. On June 25, 2010, the CPUC obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by a Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the two phone numbers advertised and used by this company to violate criminal laws in California.
Enforcement Actions at Los Angeles World Airport (LAWA):
Number of citations issued by LAWA police (unlicensed operations only) |
54 |
Number of vehicles impounded |
48 |
Individuals or Entities Cited by LAWA for Unlicensed Operation:
Defendant Name |
Registered Owner |
TCP # |
1. Barghesharghi, Kambiz |
Same |
Unlicensed |
2. Bucey, Dana F. |
Thomas Carroll |
Unlicensed |
3. Castaneda, Gustavo A. |
same |
Unlicensed |
4. Chavel, Martin |
Vision Limo |
22908 |
5. Effendi, Markus |
Prime Time Shuttle |
19516 |
6. Flores, Lucio |
Same |
Unlicensed |
7. Garcia, Alberto |
Jesus Morales |
Unlicensed |
8. Hoyhannisyan, Karen |
H&K Limo |
23818 |
9. Lewis, Horace M. |
Same |
21904 |
10. Martinez, Jose |
Jesus Martinez |
Unlicensed |
11. Myers, Maynard Roy |
Dependable Car Svc |
Unlicensed |
12. Rodriguez, Elena |
Saigon VIP Transp |
16782 |
13. Sandifer, Wallace C. |
Nasrin Nehmadi |
Unlicensed |
14. Tran, Kelvin T. |
Same |
Unlicensed |
15. Trujillo, Eliaser D. |
Same |
Unlicensed |
16. Williams, Marvin T |
Same |
Unlicensed |
17. Akpenyi, Ifeanyi |
Planet Limo Transp |
21699 |
18. Blalac, Marcus E. |
Same |
18066 |
19. Castellanos, Erasmo |
Lourdes Herrerameza |
26087 |
20. Chun, William Ko |
Same |
Unlicensed |
21. Fathy, Sherif M |
Same |
14154 |
22. Franklin, Damone C. |
A/B Network Inc |
21747 |
23. Haddidin, Khader T |
Same |
22817 |
24. Han, Ying Bo |
Same |
Unlicensed |
25. Kong. Quing Sen |
Same |
26143 |
26. Lee, Philip |
Kang Hong Sook |
Unlicensed |
27. Marquez, Miguel A |
Jose Marquez |
13029 |
28. Oboh, Joseph E. |
Cheap Shuttle Limo |
25304 |
29. Reyes, Alvaro G. |
ARB Transp |
24065 |
30. Rojas, Angel |
Agustin Rojas |
Unlicensed |
31. Sargsyan, Karapet |
Protime Limo |
23189 |
32. Saroha, Rajesh |
Shuttle One |
6235 |
33. Shilleh, Sufian |
Calif Limo Service |
Unlicensed |
34. Son, Nick |
Same |
Unlicensed |
35. Vavilov, Mikhail |
Same |
Unlicensed |
36. Woodworth, Matthew |
Sublime Limo |
23088 |
37. Blagui, Bechir |
Aaliyah R. Tahanee |
Unlicensed |
38. Brown, Todd E. |
Skyy Limousine |
20108 |
39. Choi, Jae Yen |
Same |
Unlicensed |
40. Dupree, Sarah B. |
Joan Ring |
Unlicensed |
41. Kahl, Eric A. |
Dennis Dillon |
21930 |
42. Lay, Try |
Same |
Unlicensed |
43. Lee, Jong Rack |
Kim Joshua |
Unlicensed |
44. Lee, Ok Ju |
Western Charter Inc. |
24009 |
45. Lee, Young Mee |
Same |
Unlicensed |
46. Lopez, Julio G. |
Same |
Unlicensed |
47. Marrazzo, Raymond |
PV Holding Group |
Unlicensed |
48. Me, Gye |
Jianoiu Zhu |
Unlicensed |
49. Merida, Edgar Rolando |
Same |
Unlicensed |
50. Ortiz, Vidal |
Executive Touch Limo |
3500 |
51. Ramirez, Fernando G. |
F.E.V enterprises |
24203 |
52. Tran, Binh Chi |
Same |
Unlicensed |
53. Wang, Jung W. |
Same |
Unlicensed |
54. Watkins, Jesse L. |
Debra Daniels |
20044 |
Official Notice
Eighteen companies were issued Official Notice for one or more of these violations:
1. Advertised and operated on the Internet without a permit (prior to issuance, unlicensed, revocation)
2. Advertised vehicle not listed with the CPUC
3. Failed to enroll drivers in a mandatory drug and alcohol program
4. Failed to enroll drivers in DMV Pull Notice program
5. Failed to include TCP number in advertisements and on vehicles
6. Failed to remove invalid TCP number from vehicle
7. Failed to update equipment list
8. Operated as a Passenger Stage Corporation without a valid authority
Companies cited:
1. Amrik Singh and Desert Limo Inc., Palm Springs (TCP 24828)
2. Barbara Pike dba Turnpike Charters, Inc., San Bernardino (TCP 17964)
3. Caesar Oskan, San Rafael (Unlicensed)
4. David Miller and Limousines of the Desert Inc., Indian Wells (TCP 24084)
5. Edward Elias and Masterpiece Transportation LLC, San Diego (TCP 15412)
6. Irving Stoller dba At Your Service, Thousand Palms (TCP 10886)
7. Lias Tours, National City (TCP 24633)
8. Marin Shuttle, Inc., Mill Valley (TCP 20705)
9. Mohamed Ibraham dba Concord Towncar, San Diego (TCP 23990)
10. Mohamed Shahin and Sherin Moustafa dba ABCO Airport Service, San Mateo (Unlicensed)
11. Mohammad Babkan and "R" Transportation Services Inc., Palm Springs (TCP 18136)
12. Monnique Reynes, PCA Management, Downey (TCP 25930)
13. Richard Bradley dba Sky Capp Shuttle, Palm Springs (TCP 16119)
14. Stephan Piscano dba High Glamour Benz, Napa (Unlicensed)
15. Taghi Malekshoar dba Atlas Tours, Cupertino (TCP 25496)
16. Thomas Martorando dba Valley Travel Club, Inc., Van Nuys (TCP 712)
17. Tori M. Douglas and Zyno O. Yang dba Prime Time Tours and Thrillz on Wheelz, Sunnyvale (TCP 25582)
18. Yosief I. Abraha dba City Captain Limo, San Diego (TCP 25038)
Cease and Desist Notices
Eighty-five companies were issued a cease and desist notice for operating and advertising without a valid PSC or a charter-party authority (unlicensed, suspended, revoked, or expired).
Companies issued a cease and desist notice:
1. AFCL Enterprises Inc, Downey (TCP 19431)
2. Alberto Garcia and Jesus Morales (Unlicensed)
3. Alla Koudriavtseva dba First Class Limousine, Fountain Valley (Unlicensed)
4. Alvin Edington, French Camp (Unlicensed)
5. Andres Villalvaso dba San Jose Coachways, San Jose (TCP 15702-Revoked)
6. Angel Rojas and Agustin Rojas (Unlicensed)
7. Anthony Taylor dba Limousines by Anthony, San Diego (TCP 21229-Revoked)
8. Bechir Blagui and Aaliyah R. Tahanee (Unlicensed)
9. Binh Chi Tran (Unlicensed)
10. Brandon Ramsey dba Alive Transportation, San Diego (TCP 24307)
11. Brian Whitlock dba QMyQWorldwide Chauff. Serv., San Diego (Unlicensed)
12. Bruce Rudulph and Shannon Walker dba New Wave Transportation, Antelope (Unlicensed)
13. Caesar Oskan, San Rafael (Unlicensed)
14. Chris White dba Best Transit Service, Woodland (Unlicensed)
15. Christopher Brocato dba Top of the Line, San Diego (TCP 22223)
16. Dana F. Bucey and Thomas Carroll (Unlicensed)
17. Dia M. Fnaish and Tanya A. Martinez dba Brentwood Coach, Brentwood (Unlicensed)
18. Diamond Coach Inc. dba Diamond Coach Tours, Oakley (Unlicensed)
19. Dominic Chemello dba D and D Ballooning, Temecula (Unlicensed)
20. Edgar Rolando Merida (Unlicensed)
21. Elena Rodriguez dba Saigon VIP Transp (TCP 16782)
22. Eliaser D. Trujillo (Unlicensed)
23. Eric A. Kahl and Dennis Dillon (TCP 21930)
24. Fernando G. Ramirez dba F.E.V Enterprises (TCP 24203)
25. First Class Shuttle, Inc., Redding (TCP 24920)
26. Flausino Gomes Barbosa dba Exotic Limousine and Fly Limo Service, San Bruno (TCP 19804). Orange County Limousine LLC, Costa Mesa (TCP 18623)
27. Four M. Limo Inc., Santa Clara (TCP 24045)
28. Godwin Nwando dba NKEE Transportation, Spring Valley (TCP 20388)
29. Golden Castle ADHC Ctr. Inc., Palo Alto (Unlicensed)
30. Gustavo A. Castaneda (Unlicensed)
31. Gye Me and Jianoiu Zhu (Unlicensed)
32. Horace M. Lewis (Unlicensed) (TCP 21904)
33. Ifeanyi Akpenyi dba Planet Limo Transp (TCP 21699)
34. ILS Limousine Service, Pasadena (TCP 17884)
35. Jae Yen Choi (Unlicensed)
36. Jaime Charland dba Panorama Balloon Tours, Del Mar (Unlicensed)
37. Jaime Santos doing business as Atlantic Limousine, Panorama City (TCP 12537-Revoked) Travel Limo & Transportation Inc., San Bruno (TCP 25025)
38. Jason Allen Garner dba Royal Coach, Lodi (Unlicensed)
39. Jaye M. Uribe, Monterey Park (Unlicensed)
40. Jesse L. Watkins and Debra Daniels (TCP 20044)
41. Jong Rack Lee and Kim Joshua (Unlicensed)
42. Jose Martinez and Jesus Martinez (Unlicensed)
43. Joseph E. Oboh dba Cheap Shuttle Limo (TCP 25304)
44. Julio G. Lopez (Unlicensed)
45. Jung W. Wang (Unlicensed)
46. Kambiz Barghesharghi (Unlicensed)
47. Karapet Sargsyan dba Promtime Limo (TCP 23189)
48. Karen Hoyhannisyan dba H&K Limo (TCP 23818)
49. Kelvin T. Tran (Unlicensed)
50. Kristine Zuanich dba Luxury Transportation, La Jolla (TCP 14990-Denied)
51. LA Gang Tours, Los Angeles (Unlicensed)
52. Lucio Flores (Unlicensed)
53. Margaret M. Roberts, Monterey Park (Unlicensed)
54. Marvin T Williams (Unlicensed)
55. Mathew G. Woodworth dba Sublime Limousine Service, Lakewood (TCP 23088)
56. Miguel A Marquez and Jose Marquez (TCP 13029)
57. Mike Pettibone dba Foothill Area Rapid Transit, Placerville (TCP 26202-Pending)
58. Mikhail Vavilov (Unlicensed)
59. Mohamed Ibraham dba Concord Towncar Service, San Diego (TCP 23900)
60. Naghi Amir Eslami dba Del Mar Shuttle, San Diego (TCP 18713)
61. Nick Son (Unlicensed)
62. Ok Ju Lee dba Western Charter Inc. (TCP 24009)
63. Philip Lee and Kang Hong Sook (Unlicensed)
64. Qaiser Patel and Joseph Williams dba Rockstar Limo Lounge, Sacramento (Unlicensed)
65. Quing Sen Kong (TCP 26143)
66. Ramon R. Lopez dba Prestige Limousines, Stockton (TCP 11559)
67. Redinald Keyohara, Encinitas (Unlicensed)
68. Reuben Shekarchi dba Limousine Drive, Palo Alto (TCP 18071)
69. Roger Tomlinson dba Antique Limousine Service, Madera (TCP 12830)
70. San Jose Coachlines LLC, San Jose (TCP 25818-Pending)
71. Sarah B. Dupree and Joan Ring (Unlicensed)
72. Scott Willis & Martin King dba NORCAL Limo Party Bus, Stockton (Unlicensed)
73. Sherif M Fathy (TCP 14154)
74. Steve Piscano dba High Glamour Benz, Napa (Unlicensed)
75. Sufian Shilleh dba Calif Limo Service (Unlicensed)
76. Syed Quirni dba Ride Ready Charter Fleet, Escondido (TCP 24541)
77. Thouqan Issa Makableh, San Bruno (TCP 10157)
78. Truckee Tahoe Transportation LLC, Truckee (Unlicensed)
79. Try Lay (Unlicensed)
80. Wallace C. Sandifer and Nasrin Nehmadi (Unlicensed)
81. Wiliam J. Hood dba Hood Limousine Service, Chula Vista (TCP 24675)
82. William Ko Chun (Unlicensed)
83. Ying Bo Han (Unlicensed)
84. Young Mee Lee (Unlicensed)
85. Zero Limotationz, Inc., Rancho Cordova (TCP 23273-Revoked)
For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
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