A DAY IN LA

Greetings once again from sunny (well, 330 days a year!) southern California. Circumstances prevented me from contributing to last month's issue and I was informed by your Editor that a peaceful demonstration was held in front of the Call Sign office! Apparently, it was only after I promised not to miss again, did the multitudes disperse. Thanks for your support...!
   Unlike you blokes over at there at Dial-a-Cab in London, where taxi driving is a respected and appreciated profession, the rest of us are among the downtrodden, disrespected and under-appreciated service providers. I'm not sure why, but it seems that drivers from many American cities and others around the world, are faced with a variety of negative issues; violence against hacks, long hours, low-to-modest incomes and lack of benefits - to name just a few. As I learn more, I believe our industry is in a crisis...
   Now, for some good news! Personally, I really enjoy the work and LOVE where I do it (Los Angeles, of course). My modest income is accepted without a smirk. Enjoying one's work and looking forward to the beginning of each new day, is of paramount importance for me. I consider myself blessed.
   As the summer months approach, we can expect a prosperous season. L.A. is full of 

activity; professional sporting events, outdoor concerts and  festivals, a full schedule of conventions and trade shows and an increase in tourism, are among the contributing factors. Slap that together with a recently approved fare increase and things look promising.

And our Finances
Last month in a rare united front, hundreds of cabbies - picket signs in hand - caused traffic to snarl-up with a three-hour demonstration on the streets around City Hall. The goal was to encourage our city council to approve a fare increase, something we haven't had in 15 years. Our leaders took pity on our lot, granting a 10% raise. Our current rate of $1.60 per mile will climb to $1.80. Better than nothing, I say.
   Gas, which had reached $1.80 per gallon, has now come down to $1.50 (yea guys, that's about £1 of your English money per gallon!). On average, two to three hundred miles are logged per twelve-hour shift, causing a fair expense due to our gas-guzzling cars. If we weren't so spoiled over here, those TX1's would be great!
   In my first article, I mentioned a few of the clients of notoriety who have had the good fortune of riding in my taxi, but failed to include two that deserve recognition. Some months ago, I was dispatched to a rather posh residence and picked up a middle-aged gal on her way to a party. During our conversation, I asked her if she was from Vancouver. "How did you know," she replied. I told her that my most recent passengers had the same accent and were from Vancouver. I added that when I returned to pick them up later from Universal Studios, I would mention the coincidence. Then she said: "Well you can also tell them that you had the former Canadian Prime Minister in your cab!"  

'Twas Kim Campbell, the only female PM in Canadian history. She has called twice more since then, and it is an honour to be able to list her as a regular customer. Only Eric Clapton would be as thrilling!
   Last but not least, my customer for the last five years or so - and whom I now consider a friend - is a gentleman from London by the name of Stanley Dorfman. I have always known that he directed films and musical stuff and that he is a prolific painter, but I was unaware until a friend informed me, of his history in England.  Stanley is known as Mister Music in the UK, acquired from being the original producer and director of the show, 'Top of the Pops.'
   My understanding is that the success and popularity of the show caused our 'Mister Music', Dick Clark, to pursuade Mr. Dorfman to come to the U.S. The rest, as they say, is history.
   There's never a boring moment on the congested streets of Los Angeles. Stay well, comrades, and drive safely. This is Fast Freddie signing off with a smile!

Fred Robinson