§ 18-70. Enforcement.

(a)

Arrest and Impound Authority. Sheriff deputies are authorized to arrest or cite any person for operating a taxicab not in compliance with this article. If the violation occurred at or within one hundred (100) feet of a public airport, sheriff deputies may serve as traffic inspectors pursuant to Government Code section 53075.61, may impound and retain possession of any taxicab as allowed by that statute, and comply with other terms and conditions of that statute.

(b)

Violation is a Misdemeanor. Any violation of the provisions of this article is a misdemeanor subject to a fine and/or imprisonment pursuant to section 1-7 of this Code. In addition, if convicted of a misdemeanor, the offender shall also be assessed an amount sufficient to cover the reasonable expense of investigation incurred by the sheriff's office, plus interest at the rate of ten (10) percent per annum.

(c)

Continuing Violations. A continuing violation of any provision of this article is a public nuisance which may be abated pursuant to the provisions of section 1-7, subdivision (b), of this Code. In addition, the county may also pursue a civil action to obtain an injunction against persons operating taxicabs in violation of this article.

(d)

Citizen Complaints and Investigations. Upon receipt of a citizen's complaint containing sufficient information to warrant conducting an investigation for alleged violations of this article, the sheriff's office shall investigate any business that advertises or operates a taxicab, and may take reasonable and appropriate actions to address any issues discovered during the investigation. When conducting an investigation under this article, the sheriff's office shall also comply with the requirements of Government Code section 53075.7. Conducting an investigation is warranted if the citizen's complaint contains the following information:

(i)

The complainant's name, address, and telephone number;

(ii)

Identification of the taxicab business and/or driver, and the date and time of transportation at issue; and

(iii)

Specific information demonstrating a possible violation of this article or other applicable law that prospectively implicates the health, safety, or welfare of taxicab passengers.

(e)

Cumulative Remedies. The remedies and enforcement mechanisms set forth in this article are cumulative, and are in addition to other rights and remedies provided by applicable law.

(Ord. No. 6029, § I, 4-23-2013.)