We need less Jason Singletons and more Charlie Beans in Humboldt; advocates could take a lesson from Charlie in how to get things done

Local activist Charlie Bean is one of my favorite Eurekans.

Recently, he sent an email, reprinted below, to Eureka City Council members and staff.

The letter is linked below.

Excerpt from the letter:

"It is being requested the City of Eureka add to its Municipal Code, “§120 – Taxicabs and Limousines” the following verbiage: Both Independent and Corporate Taxicab Services shall provide reasonable accommodations to passengers with disabilities, including to passengers accompanied by a service animal, passengers with hearing and visual impairments and passengers with mobility devices."

I reached out to City Cab's Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Jaison Chand, and he has had conversations with Mr. Bean and feels they are in a productive dialogue. City Cab is currently the only taxicab in Eureka, but there have been many others through recent years; most of which have not serviced the disabled population, because there was no mandate.

Mr. Chand told me today that there are similar ordinances in other cities, and he thinks "Charlie is a solid advocate for both business and the disabled citizens."

Mr. Chand said “when Charlie talks, I listen”. Mr. Chand also commended Mr. Bean for his willingness to work with both the City and with private companies to address ADA issues and work through the process. Mr. Chand said that while his company needs to make a few changes, the ordinance assures accessible service from anyone providing transportation in the city. This is really important with the rise of independent contractors and apps like Uber and Lyft who often provide accessible service only where it is mandated by ordinance.

I find Charlie’s approach refreshing in contrast to someone like Jason Singleton, who sues, and expects results within unrealistic timelines.

I have contacted City Manager Greg Sparks and City Clerk Pam Powell to follow up on Charlie's request.

Mr. Sparks responded : "To date, no council member has asked to place this on a future agenda."

From: (email address removed for post)
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2016 9:18 PM
To: Greg Sparks; Kim Bergel; Marian Brady; Melinda Ciarabellini; Linda Atkins; Rob Holmlund; Natalie Arroyo; Wendy Howard
Cc: Charlie Bean; Pam Powell
Subject: Public Transportation and Access to Use of Taxi

Working with individuals surrounding our County's and different City's Public Transportation system future changes are coming our way.  I have seen local taxicab services changing in neighboring cities, as well as in cities I have visited, to individually owned Taxicab services.  These changes may be good for the able-bodied, but on weekends and evenings where there is not any public transportation or dial-a-ride the disabled and seniors of our community do not have equal opportunity to participate in community events if they depend on public transportation.

Attached is my suggestion for eliminating the lack or transportation facing our community in the future and now if there are individual taxicab services within the City of Eureka.

Thank you,

Charlie Bean

(telephone number removed for post)

file:///C:/Users/John/Downloads/City%20of%20Eureka%20Taxi%20Code%20Request.pdf