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, January 26, 2011 - 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 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
Twenty-nine companies were cited and fined (totaling $34,950) for one or more of these violations:
1. Advertised vehicles outside the scope of authority
2. Aided and abetted an unlicensed carrier in advertising
3. Engaged unlicensed sub-carrier
4. Engaged workers without workers' compensation insurance
5. Failed to comply with GO 157 rules (incomplete waybills, sub-carrier contracts, equipment list not current, livery plates, invalid California Drivers License, TCP number on advertisements, and under-reported seating capacity)
6. Failed to enroll drivers in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice program
7. Failed to pre-employment test and enroll drivers in a mandatory drug and alcohol program
8. Failed to respond to consumer complaints
9. Operated and advertised without a valid permit (suspension, revocation, or expiration)
10. Operated without evidence of public liability insurance on file and in effect
11. Under-reported gross revenue
The companies cited were:
1. All Pro Limousine, LLC, Brentwood (TCP 24076)
2. Carrillo Holdings Inc. dba Platinum Express Limo, Garden Grove (TCP 22919)
3. Charles Bruce Lockhart dba Charles Classy Cars, Costa Mesa (TCP 20302)
4. Christine Lynn Abtey dba Abtey's Limousine Services, Oxnard (TCP 21165)
5. Club Sensation VIP Inc., Burbank (TCP 25491)
6. Daniel Miszti dba Galaxy Limousine Antelope, (TCP 19391)
7. Dong Byun Kim
8. Duck Won Lee and Chul Won Lee
9. Excel Fleet Inc., Fullerton (TCP 18953)
10. Exotic Limousine Inc., West Sacramento (TCP 23078)
11. Jerry Jacobs dba Continental Chauffeur, San Rafael (TCP 24284)
12. Jet Car Service Inc., San Bruno (TCP 21484)
13. Jin Kim
14. John M. Flores
15. Jorge Zepeda dba Garrett Benjamin
16. Jose M Renderos dba Goldin Deluca
17. Kazar Babaian
18. Kenneth Ham dba Silver Line Limousine
19. Kevin Thach & Mydung Pham dba Five Starz Transportation, San Jose (TCP 22317)
20. Lance Harry Haynes dba Haynes Chauffeuring, San Diego (TCP 18925)
21. Monarch Transportation Inc., Glendale (TCP 25325)
22. Napa Winery Shuttle LLC, Napa (TCP 14355)
23. Omar Enrique Guillen dba Above All Limousine, Richmond (TCP 19314)
24. Que Hung Tran
25. Reyes Montanez dba 3 Kings Limo/Sedan
26. Richard Velasquez dba R and R Limousine, Novato (TCP 20379)
27. Won Sang Yi
28. Yang Jip Kim
29. Yongen Lin
Criminal Filings
CPUC staff investigations of unlicensed operations resulted in one charter-party carrier being charged criminally for violating the CPUC's rules and regulations. CPUC staff submitted its report to Southern California prosecutors requesting a criminal complaint filing against this unlicensed company. Also listed below is an update on criminal cases filed:
1. 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). The defendant's attorney appeared on March 30, 2010, and requested more time to continue arraignment and plea. On December 6, 2010, a hearing was continued to a later date, as the company was not able to retain new legal counsel.
2. DLFI, LLC dba Northstar Limousine Enterprises, Karmel Transportation (TCP 22784-B Suspended). Complaint #10HM08681. This company is charged with operating after permit suspension, failing to have evidence of public liability insurance coverage in effect, engaging employees without workers' compensation insurance, failing to enroll drivers in the DMV Pull Notice Program, failing to enroll drivers in a mandatory in a mandatory controlled substance and alcohol testing certification program, and failing to report all vehicles operated. An arraignment was held on November 18, 2010, at the County of Orange Newport Beach Superior Court. The company's defense counsel appeared in court but asked for continuance for discovery until a later date.
Phone Disconnect
In its ongoing efforts to clamp down on unlicensed passenger carriers, the CPUC had telephone service shut off to four 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. Steven Shawn Won dba AllStar Limousine, Antioch (PSG 22722-Revoked). Notwithstanding the court order obtained by CPUC staff on September 28, 2010, shutting off the company's telephone number, the company obtained a new telephone number and continued to advertise its unlicensed business on the Internet. On November 8, 2010, CPUC staff obtained a second Finding of Probable Cause signed by a Contra Costa County Superior Court Judge. The order finds that telephone service at the telephone number was being used to violate criminal laws in the State of California. Service to the number was disconnected by the provider on November 10, 2010.
2. Carlos David Lombrana dba Talk of the Town Barbershop (Unlicensed). This company was cited by San Jose Police Department for operating without a CPUC permit and violations of the Vehicle Code. The company advertised and offered party bus services on the Internet. Notwithstanding a CPUC staff Cease and Desist letter directing the company to immediately cease all unlawful advertisements and operations, the company continued to violate the law as evidenced by advertisements on the Internet. On December 29, 2010, CPUC staff obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by a Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the phone number advertised and used by the company to violate criminal laws in the State of California.
3. At Your Service Limousine Inc., Elk Grove (TCP 16587- Denied). This company advertised and offered limousine services on the Internet. Notwithstanding CPUC staff Cease and Desist letters directing the company to immediately cease all unlawful advertisements and operations, the company continued to violate the law as evidenced by advertisements on the Internet. On November 19, 2010, CPUC staff obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by a Sacramento County Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the four numbers advertised and used by the comapany to violate criminal laws in the State of California.
4. Mohammad S. Darwazeh and Donna Horne Darwazeh dba Angel Express, Inc., Angel Express Shuttle, Antioch Town Car Service: Oakland Airport, Oakland Airport Town Car Service, and AA Nationwide Limo, San Leandro (TCP 17592 - Revoked). This company advertised and offered limousine services on the Internet. Notwithstanding CPUC staff Cease and Desist notices directing the carrier to immediately cease all unlawful advertisements and operations, the company continued to violate the law as evidenced by continual advertisement and sting calls, where the company offered to take reservations and quoted prices for trips. On December 28, 2010, CPUC staff obtained a Finding of Probable Cause signed by an Alameda County Superior Court Judge. The Finding orders disconnection of telephone service to the two numbers advertised and used by the company 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) |
21 |
Number of vehicles impounded |
21 |
Individuals or Entities Cited by LAWA for Unlicensed Operation:
(Note: 13 of these individuals or entities were also administratively fined by CPUC)
Defendant Name |
Registered Owner |
TCP # |
1. Arsen Piloyan |
Grigoryan Gagik |
16634 |
2. Brian Young Shin |
Smart Limo |
26726 |
3. Dong Byun Kim |
Same |
110250 |
4. Donnie R Hatfield |
ATP Enterprises Inc |
20044 |
5. Duck Won Lee |
Chul Won Lee |
none |
6. Esteban Silva Gonzalez |
Jose Cambray |
none |
7. Heung Cheol Kim |
Same |
none |
8. Jin Kim |
Same |
none |
9. John M. Flores |
Same |
none |
10. Jose M Renderos |
Goldin Deluca |
none |
11. Kazar Babaian |
Same |
23730 |
12. Kenneth Ham |
Silver Line Limousine |
7795 |
13. Qin Xu |
Jianfei Wu |
none |
14. Que Hung Tran |
Same |
none |
15. Raul Romero |
Same |
none |
16. Rene Orantes |
Same |
16770 |
17. Reyes Montanez |
3 Kings Limo/Sedan |
16318 |
18. Try Lay |
Enterprise Rental |
none |
19. Won Sang Yi |
Same |
none |
20. Yang Jip Kim |
Same |
none |
21. Yongen Lin |
Same |
none |
Official Notice
Seventeen companies were issued Official Notice for one or more of these violations:
1. Advertised and operated without a permit (unlicensed, suspension)
2. Advertised as a taxi
3. Advertised vehicles outside scope of its authority
4. Engaged workers without procuring workers' compensation insurance coverage
5. Failed to comply with GO 157 rules (display of TCP number on vehicles and advertisements, equipment list not current)
6. Failed to enroll all drivers in DMV Employer Pull Notice program
7. Failed to maintain and provide access to records
8. Incomplete waybills
The companies cited were:
1. Andy Puihang Cheung dba Wingon Travel, Sacramento (Unlicensed)
2. Chris Resner dba Redding Limousine Service, Redding (Unlicensed)
3. Coronado Livery, Coronado (TCP 914)
4. Desert Destinations Limo, Rancho Palos Verdes, (TCP-17999)
5. Golden Sunset Limousine LLC, Fountain Valley. (TCP 26853)
6. Hobo Limousine, Inc., Ceres (TCP 22385)
7. Javier A. Carabes dba Imperial Limousines, San Jose (TCP 26470)
8. La Navette "The Shuttle", Long Beach, (TCP-21590)
9. Mohamed Elmadbouly, Mission Viejo (TCP 20105)
10. NCT Inc., Burlingame (TCP 24814)
11. Oak Knoll Senior LLC, Paradise (TCP 25138)
12. One World Limousine, Redondo Beach (TCP 26780)
13. Poch Paul Tan dba Valley Tours, Modesto (TCP 12756)
14. Raphael N. Moghalu dba Century Limo, San Mateo (TCP 11658)
15. Rich and Famous Limousine, LLC, North Hills. (TCP 20944)
16. Show Time Limousine LLC, Steven Furman, CEO, Newport Beach (TCP 22473)
17. Surreal Events/Sunrise Balloons, Megan Franks, Owner, Temecula (TCP 26854)
Cease and Desist Notices
Forty-nine companies were issued cease and desist notices for operating and advertising without a valid PSC or a charter-party authority (unlicensed, suspended, revoked, or expired).
The companies issued cease and desist notices were:
1. A Livermore Cab Company LLC, Livermore (Unlicensed).
2. Angel Express Inc. and Mohammad S. and Donna Horne Darwazeh dba Oakland Airport Town Car Service, San Leandro (TCP 17592)
3. Arsen Piloyan and Grigoryan Gagik (TCP 16634)
4. Blue Star Parking, Summerland & Lompoc (Unlicensed)
5. BTT Tours Inc., San Jose (TCP 16733)
6. Chris Resner dba Redding Limo Service, Redding (Unlicensed)
7. Club Sensation VIP, Inc., Burbank (TCP 25491)
8. DLF1 LLC dba Northstar Limousine Enterprises, Downey (TCP 22784)
9. Dong Byun Kim (TCP 110250)
10. Donnie R Hatfield dba ATP Enterprises Inc (TCP 20044)
11. Duck Won Lee and Chul Won Lee (Unlicensed)
12. Eddie Zapata Sr., dba An Extreme Dream Limo, Murrietta (TCP 18996)
13. Esteban Silva Gonzalez and Jose Cambray (Unlicensed)
14. Heung Cheol Kim (Unlicensed)
15. Jin Kim (Unlicensed)
16. John M. Flores (Unlicensed)
17. Jorge Zepeda and Garrett Benjamin (TCP 14466)
18. Joseph Elder dba A2B Transportation, Calabasas (Unlicensed)
19. Kenneth Ham dba Silver Line Limousine (TCP 7795)
20. KLS Limousine, Inc. Corona (TCP 22817)
21. LA Mex Tours Inc., Maywood (PSC 19285)
22. Las Vegas Shuttle, San Ysidro (Unlicensed)
23. Link Shuttle Inc, San Diego (TCP 17048)
24. Luis Lawrence De Leon dba Legacy Limousine, Menlo Park. (TCP 11727)
25. Luxury Sports, LLC, Whittier ((TCP 26106)
26. Manuel Ramirez dba Skittlez Auto Body Shop Shuttle Services, Salinas (TCP 26950)
27. Miguel Aguilar dba Poor Dude Clothing, Modesto (Unlicensed)
28. Nahrun Haybee dba Haybee Limo Service, San Diego (Unlicensed)
29. Orange County's I'll Do It Limousine Service, LLC, Yorba Linda (TCP 18624)
30. Pick Me Up Limo LLC, San Francisco (TCP 21651)
31. Qin Xu and Jianfei Wu (Unlicensed)
32. Que Hung Tran (Unlicensed)
33. Raul Romero (Unlicensed)
34. Rene Orantes (TCP 16770).
35. Reyes Montanez dba 3 Kings Limo/Sedan (TCP 16318)
36. Santa Cruz Airport Shuttle dba Airpexshuttle, One Stop Shuttle, Marin County Airport Shuttle, and Monterey Airport Shuttle, Sunnyvale (Unlicensed)
37. Shi Xian Feng dba Luck Tours Service, Redwood City (TCP 23077)
38. Show Time Limousine LLC, Westminster (TCP 22473)
39. Starlite Limo LLC, Sacramento (TCP 17044)
40. Stephen Gilbert dba Fullcircle, Van Nuys (TCP 25423)
41. Sunny State Yellow Cab, Glendale (Unlicensed)
42. Tory Douglas dba Lime Lite Excursions, Sunnyvale (Unlicensed)
43. Try Lay dba Enterprise Rental (Unlicensed)
44. WeDriveU, Inc., Burlingame (TCP 14288)
45. Won Sang Yi (Unlicensed)
46. Yang Jip Kim (Unlicensed)
47. Yongen Lin (Unlicensed)
48. Zerlene Burwell dba Bradley Garner (TCP 10422)
49. Zyno Yang dba Elitexcursions, Sunnyvale (Unlicensed)
For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.
###
