August 29, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Taxi Drivers Protest Uber, Demand More Regulations

Uber
More than 100 taxi drivers protested Uber in front of Los Angeles City Hall on June 10. (Uber)

More than a hundred taxi drivers gathered outside Los Angeles City Hall on June 10 to protest phone app ridesharing services, such as Uber, and to urge state lawmakers to stiffen regulation of these companies.

The drivers — clad in matching red shirts — said the services are not only unsafe, but benefit from an unfair competitive advantage over taxi drivers who must undergo stricter background checks and comply with more regulations.

Los Angeles council members Paul Koretz and Gil Cedillo joined with the group to call on lawmakers to adopt Assembly Bill 612 (AB 612), a state bill that would require rideshare services to comply with the same regulations now imposed on taxis.

Cedillo called the proposed regulation “common sense,” while Koretz, who introduced a resolution in council to support the bill, said that without such regulation, “these ridesharing services should not be allowed to operate on our streets.”

Koretz said regulation recently adopted by the State’s Public Utilities Commission for the services are “watered-down” and enforcement is lax. Recent media reports indicate background checks were unable to turn up the criminal records of some Uber drivers, he said.

Uber spokeswoman Eva Behrend issued a response saying the company offers the “safest ride on the road and is committed to delivering convenient, safe and reliable transportation options.”

The proposed state legislation is “about protecting entrenched Sacramento special interests from competition,” according to Behrend.

“While Uber is focused on offering a safe, convenient and reliable transportation alternative, Big Taxi is choosing to spread misinformation and line their pockets,” Behrend said.

On its official Twitter page, the rideshare service urged its followers to contact Koretz and express their respective support in favor of Uber.

The tweet read: “LA Councilman wants to take away your Uber. Let him know you rely on us: paul.koretz@lacity.org/213-473-7005. RT to support!”

Related Posts

Toxic Avenger Reboot Aims to Smash Box Office and Medical Debt on Labor Day Weekend

August 29, 2025

August 29, 2025

Film’s Release Comes With a Promise to Erase Millions in Medical Bills The upcoming release of The Toxic Avenger will...

Trump Says Beverly Hills Residents Leave Cars Open for Thieves, Locals Call It Nonsense

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Officials and Residents Say Trump’s Crime Remarks Don’t Reflect Reality City officials and residents pushed back this week after former...

Beverly Hills Schools Halt Israeli Flag Display Despite School Board Vote

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Superintendent Cites Safety Concerns After Narrow 3–2 Decision Despite a 3–2 Board of Education vote to display the Israeli flag...

Los Angeles County Public Health Probe Sparks Nationwide Egg Recall Over Salmonella

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

More Than 95 Cases Tied to Country Eggs in 14 States; Do Not Eat Affected Cartons Los Angeles Public health...

(Video) The Opening of Mr. Charlie’s with Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Vegan burger restaurant with brightly colored decor now open on 26th street across fromthe Brentwood Country Mart. The Opening of...

California Pizza Kitchen Debuts Heart-Shaped Pizza Celebrating Swift–Kelce

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

13 Days of Engagement Pizzas, and Return of Hot Honey Flavors California Pizza Kitchen is rolling out a series of...

Culver Hotel Celebrates 101 Years With 101 Anniversary Menu and Live Music

August 28, 2025

August 28, 2025

Guests Can Enjoy a Four-Course Meal, Nightly Performances, Trivia Contest The historic Culver Hotel is celebrating its 101st anniversary this...

Westside Chefs Shine at the Manhattan Beach Food & Wine Festival in September

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

South Bay’s Culinary Festival Returns With Two Nights of Food, Wine, and Music Santa Monica, Westchester, Los Angeles, and West...

(Video) Come Tour The Willows Community School!

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Sign up for a tour at The Willows and come see what makes our school such a vibrant, inspiring place...

Jewish Clergy Rally in Los Angeles Urging Ceasefire, Hostage Release, and Food Aid for Gaza

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Two Dozen Rabbis Gathered at Israeli Consulate, Hostage’s Family Appears at Second Rally Jewish clergy from across Los Angeles County...

Metro LA’s Aug. 30 Deadline for Public Comment on Sepulveda Transit Draft EIR Approaches

August 27, 2025

August 27, 2025

Community Members Can Weigh In Before the 90-Day Comment Period Closes. Metro is reminding community members that the 90-day public...

Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Culver City, and Uni High Gear Up for Early-Season Games

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

The Centaurs, Eagles, Normans, and Wildcats Face Key Matchups This Week Football season is heating up across our area, with...

I-405 to See Lane Reductions, Ramp Closures as Pavement Rehab Project Continues

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Drivers Should Expect Delays With Overnight Work Aug. 26–28, Sept. 5 Motorists using Interstate 405 through the Sepulveda Pass should...

Kobe Day Tribute: Lakers Welcome UCLA Newborns With Purple-and-Gold Gifts

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

Babies Received Adorable Care Packages in Celebration of “Kobe Day.” Families welcoming newborns at UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center and...

Suspect Arrested After Eight-Hour SWAT Standoff in Jefferson Park Shooting

August 26, 2025

August 26, 2025

 Police Say a Man Was Killed and a Suspect Barricaded Himself Inside a Home Hours after a fatal shooting near...