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Home My WebLink About12/3/2003 - STAFF REPORTS (12) TAO C_0rA BACKGROUND OF TAXI ADVERTISING ISSUE 1. The Coachella Valley Taxi Owners Association was formed November 2002 in order to address the needs and concerns of the taxi industry here in the Coachella Valley. 2. Board members have been quite active presenting the issue of Taxi Advertising to the City Council and Planning Commission of the City of Palm Springs for approximately 10 months. 3. The result has been a ping pong effect which has taken us from City Council, to Planning, to City Council, to Sunline Regulatory Agency (whose legal council gave us written authorization that they had no regulation or problem with advertising--but that had no bearing on any individual city regulations), to City Council where we now face a new Council. 4. We would like to address this issue again with Council in a timely manner. Can you put this important measure up for a vote again? S. Every other city in our area has no regulations against taxi advertising. The County of Riverside has no problem with advertising. This issue has been tested in legal courts and the rights of the taxis to advertise has always prevailed. 6. We are desperate for relief from a depressed industry, 25% hikes in our insurance, and for the safety measures that are intrinsic to the advertising equipment that would help us save lives and fight crime. 7. Every month our industry loses $85,000 revenue because we cannot advertise. CLASSICAB 100 South Sunrise Way, Suite 530 Palm Springs, CA 92262-6737 (760) 322-31 1 1 / FAX (760) 778-481 5 SRA#96002/ TCP11265 TO: PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL FROM: ROBIN BURNS, CLASSICAB DIRECT LINE (760) 578-0471 RE: WED 5-21-03 COUNCIL MEETING To whom it may concern: My name is Robin Burns. My husband and I own ClassiCab and Classic Transportation here in Palm Springs. For eight long years we have built our business year-round here and currently provide jobs for approx 15 persons. Without question, the seasonal nature of our business has created a need to establish cash flow in ways that do not depend upon the tourist season. Advertising on taxicabs is an established media for advertising in every major city in our country. Palm Springs has had a ban on advertising here for quite some time. Many changes have occurred since this ban was written. Our population is growing as a city like never before. There were no casinos when this ban was written. We are looking to change this regulation in order to move into a greater level of stability and prosperity for our industry. How would this adversely affect our city? There would be no pollution generated. (As a matter of fact at least 15 of the vehicles to be advertised on are Clean Natural Gas vehicles ). There would be no noise generated to disturb populace. As far as eyesore issues go, we are talking about a sign board approx 52" x 15". We are not talking about a 50' monument sign in the middle of town. We are talking about promoting LOCAL businesses in our city and region. This would only help bring visitors to our area when we go out of town to LAX or other areas. More importantly, this outdated and snobbish ban on advertising which only exists in Palm Springs is preventing the hardworking companies that provide public transportation for all of us to earn about 1 .4 million dollars in revenue. The cash flow generated from this income would allow me to update my fleet, provide a better level of service for my clients with technical equipment that I cannot afford now and stabilizes our profit margin. With current gas prices (including higher costs for CNG gas) current escalating insurance in a shrinking market, high costs of administrative fees we must bear and the incredible cost of yellow page advertising (we pay approx $2,100 per month) this extra source of income provides a much needed income cushion. What is important to remember as well is that this 1 .4 million dollars paid to taxi operators for the advertising is WANTED AND PROVEN TO WORK by the advertisers. What is also incredibly important is that it follows that this money will be spent in our own city and region. As a city council member remember that this money will benefit OUR OWN AREA'S ECONOMY. By continuing with the old outdated regulation Palm Springs is keeping in the Dark Ages. This advertising income personally means an income of approx. $50,000 per year for my taxis. Why are we taking outdated views in City Council instead of reaching for new heights? I challenge you members to rethink this regulation and help your own city to move ahead into a thriving economy. Sincerely, Robin Burns, ClassiCab Thank you for thinking of ClassiCabl CLASSICAB 100 South Sunrise Way, Suite 530 Palm Springs, CA 92262-6737 (760) 322-31 1 1 / FAX (760) 778-481 5 SRA#96002/ TCP 11265 TO: PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL FROM: ROBIN BURNS, CLASSICAB DIRECT LINE (760) 578-0471 RE: WED 6-4-03 COUNCIL MEETING To whom it may concern: My name is Robin Burns. My husband and I own ClassiCab and Classic Transportation here in Palm Springs. I am also serving as Secretary Treasurer of the newly formed Coachella Valley Taxi Owners Association. For eight years we have operated our business year-round here and currently provide jobs for approx 15 persons. We are here to address the ban on advertising on taxicabs in Palm Springs. I have tried to find other cities that have such a ban and could not find any. We are trying to change our industry and it's stability which in the past has been suffering plentifully, especially since 9-1 1 here in the valley. Our hope is for you to put this issue on your agenda as we were told would happen on May 21 , 2003 at that City Council meeting. Mayor Kleindeinst also addressed this issue at the Sunline Board meeting recently regarding getting our documentation together which we have done and have given to yourselves. Council members-- you have the power right now to dramatically affect a whole industry that needs help. We seek to put ad signboards of approximately 13" by 54" on the tops of our vehicles and sell the advertising. We want to advertise local businesses and plan to exclude tobacco, alcohol, gentlemen's clubs and escort services. The vehicles will be seen all over Southern California and could certainly bring visitors to our fair city. The revenue generated would amount to a potential of $1 .4 MILLION that would benefit people who all work and/or live in Palm Springs. That means that the money surely will benefit the economy here in Palm Springs. WHO WINS? The advertisers. They are going to spend their money somewhere-- why not benefit OUR LOCAL CITIZENS with a media that has a proven track record? The taxi industry. This measure will immediately impact a whole industry-- bringing it from operating in the red to operating in the black. Palm Springs City wins. Each taxi operator works and/or lives here in Palm Springs and our city stands to benefit from increased spending including real estate and local businesses. WHO LOSES? There is no answer to that and maybe that speaks for itself. I urge you to hasten to put this measure on your agenda and make a positive life changing impact for hundreds of people that literally has no down side and absolutely is a WIN-WIN-WIN-WIN for advertisers, taxi industry, Palm Springs and LOCAL CITIZENS. What are we waiting for? Sincerely, Robin Burns, ClassiCab Thank you for thinking of ClassiCabl Joel Douglas 222 W. Chino Dr. Palm Springs, Ca Phone (760) 322-9580 11/20/03 City Council City of Palm Springs Ladies and Gentlemen, I reside at 222 West Chino Drive and Belardo..a.block from Liberace's home-an estate that has has been historically significant in the growth of Palm Springs. My father,Kirk Douglas and his wife Anne,were Palm Springs residents for almost 45 years. They contributed and supported THIS CITY both financially and in promotion, locally and globally. Chino is one of the oldest roads in Palm Springs and many have referred to it as the gateway to Las Palmas. It has endured through very difficult times. My home is on the corner of one of the most heavily traveled tourist routes. Several years ago, the entire area was on the verge of extinction. But with the efforts of my neighbors we are now on the road to recovery. I have personally invested close to half a million in restoring the integrity of my home and corner.Chino is not only an important area for the residents that live there but also for the tourist and tour buses that go through there hourly .1 come before the council to ask YOU to help me help you and in so doing help all of us. What I propose, although little in actual investment dollars, is huge in the community spirit it develops. a new working relationship between the city and its citizens.What I suggest is a cooperative between me my neighbors and the city of Palm Springs to "restore" what is already there.but for whatever reason has been allowed to decay.For example the center meridian down Chino . It has a sprinkler system ..has power but there are no plants nor lights for the trees.We will buy the plants You maintain them and put the lights in the trees .The parking lot on the corner of Chino and Belardo . The walls are crumbling...broken concrete lies on the sidewalks. God forbid someone trips and sues the city for double the cost of a little renovation.Not to mention it being right across from Liberace's home..one of the highlights of those celebrity tour buses. Hardly the image Palm Springs is trying to project. You fix the wall-repave the parking lot and we will paint the wall and replant the area. Ladies and gentlmen ..what I am suggesting costs so little but means so much at a multitude of levels and this kind of cooperation properly promoted could be utilized all over the city..citizens and government working together. This an idea whose time has come-do not let it go by PIRANHA PRESS THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PIRANHA SWIM TEAM "BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE, SELF-DISCIPLINE, INTEGRITY, AND COURAGE FOR LIFE" DECEMBER 2003 VOL. 319 IssuE XII A Note from the Prez Register for Laura at 324-2550 or from Gerald Lim Tour Die e-mail: swimmom351?aol.com. Congratulations, Piranhas for Palm Springs and Don't forget to checkout our successfully hosting the biggest Benefit Piranhas website: www.Piranhaswimteam.ora swim meet in the history of Palm If you or your friends are Meet results, upcoming meets, and Springs! We had 773 swimmers planning on cycling in the Tour de forms can be found there. from Arizona,-Orange County,-Los- - -Palm-Springs, Saturday February-7,---—' —---- -- Angeles, and as far away as 2004, please get a special entry FYI: Board Members Pennsylvania! form that will benefit the Piranhas. Gerald Lim, President Our kids swam great, and Ask forthe Piranha Tour De geraldlim25.nnsn.com everyone had a great time in spite Palm Springs form at the pool 760.832.3743 of the unseasonably cold weather. deck, or by contacting Ben Travis Ron Henderson, Vice President All your hard work paid off in the at Itravis(d)dc.mcom. rhinsurancenaol.com success of the Team's biggest Piranha Swim Team will receive Laura Landgrebe, Treasurer fundraiser for the year. Many all entry fees for anyone registered families put in in excess of 50 hours on our forms. SwimMom35 cDaoI.com into this meet. 760.324.2550 Those families that brought in Bill Lee,Secretary Items for the raffle and silent leesnca(aaol.com auction take note --we Lori Travis, Equipment Manager raised $1,300 from those items. Ltravisa()dcrr.com And those of you who worked the Peter Pichler, Meet Manager snack bar-- we made a $6,000 PSPDadaaol.com profit from the snack bar and 760.318.8434 program sales. Treasurer's Report Fundraisers like this enable the from Laura Landgrebe team to afford multiple coaches, I just want to remind everyone pool rental, continuing education, that if you have not sent your equipment etc. all while keeping registration and money for your dues well below what it 1YW Southern Cal. Swimming, you will actually costs to run this team.This it�`WYJ1 enables us to work towards our not able to swim starting Jan. 511u:, goal of becoming one of the best 2004. 1 have sent everyone the - ! l,, forms that need to be done. Please „„;K;,, swim teams in the nation, and of _ �� do not send them to SCS, instead helping our kids to be the best that they can be! send them back to me with your % - payment. Have a happy holiday! A big thank you to all Piranha If you have any problems or J families who helped with this meet! questions about your bill, contact J 225 N. EL CIELO ROAD, SUITE 140-104 PALM SPRINGS, CA 92262.6974 - 760-318.7946