Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation And Taxi Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board sets multiple continuances and rehearings in a night of taxi appeals and medallion disputes
Summary
The board continued and rescheduled several taxi‑related matters, including a continuance of the Friedman medallion appeal to June 11, a new appeal period for a medallion waiting‑list removal, and scheduling of rehearings (including KSJ Taxi) with briefing deadlines. Public comment was strongly divided over issuing 69 new medallions.
The San Francisco Board of Appeals on May 7 handled a series of contested taxi matters, setting continuances and rehearing schedules while hearing extensive public comment on the city’s medallion policy.
Jeffrey Roetwein, appearing for the appellant in the Friedman medallion appeal, asked the board to continue the case because of a pending federal lawsuit before Judge White that challenges Taxi Commission ADA rules; Jordana Thigpen, acting executive director of the Taxi Commission, opposed the continuance and said the commission relied on other grounds, including repeat DUI convictions and alleged false statements on forms. Commissioners discussed whether a federal summary‑judgment hearing expected May 30 would produce a decision. Vice President Fung moved to continue the Friedman appeal to June 11; the motion carried 3–0.
The board also granted a late‑filing jurisdiction request from Reza Gorbani concerning removal from the medallion waiting list and reopened a 15‑day appeal period (4–0 vote). In other taxi matters, the board set a rehearing for a taxi color‑scheme revocation (KSJ Taxi) with a briefing schedule: one brief per side due the Thursday prior to the June 11 hearing; the board noted inspections and audits requested by Taxi staff would be prioritized.
Public comment included drivers and medallion holders urging release of 69 alternative‑fuel medallions to improve service and accommodate disabled riders, while others said adding medallions would depress drivers’ incomes amid a weak economy. Speakers included medallion holders and dispatchers describing dispatch gaps and competition from unregulated limousines and town‑car services.
The board’s actions on taxi matters were procedural—continuances, rehearing scheduling and a reopened filing period—leaving substantive outcomes to the scheduled hearings and any pending federal rulings.
Key procedural actions: the Friedman appeal and several taxi rehearings were continued or set for June 11 with specific briefing schedules; DBI and taxi staff were directed to prioritize inspections or audits when appropriate.
