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Drivers-of-Year Honored at Awards Ceremonies

Twenty-two taxi drivers have been honored as 2007 “Drivers of the Year” in ceremonies conducted by the Taxi Commission and Paratransit Coordinating Council.

The Taxi Commission awards luncheon was held Dec. 12 at the Park Chalet. Twelve drivers were honored:
David Coyle, S.F. American Taxi;
Gene Duffy, DeSoto;
Issa Hawamdah, Luxor;
Terry Hensley, Big Dog City;
Felix Labunsky, Alliance,
Frederick Lein, Yellow;
Alexander Malinsky, Town;
Alex Mofrad, Crown;
Craig Nelson, Luxor;
Tom Scognamiglio, Royal;
Willie Takahashi, Delta; and
Ravinder Verma, Metro Cab.

At the luncheon, over $1,000 in prizes were raffled off to taxi drivers. Prize donors included Bobo's Restaurant, Calzones Restaurant, Clear Channel, Cliff House, The Crab House Restaurant, First Crush Restaurant, the Four Seasons Hotel, Lolli's Castagnola, Mangarosa, The Franciscan Crab Restaurant, The Stinking Rose Restaurant, and Westfield Mall.

At the 2007 annual meeting of the Paratransit Coordinating Council, Luxor ramp taxi driver Michael Davis was voted “Paratransit System-wide Taxi Driver of the Year” for his exemplary taxi service. Michael was recognized for the numerous commendations awarded him by paratransit passengers and for outstanding customer service to the senior and disabled population.

At the ceremony, the following drivers were honored as “Drivers of the Year” for providing outstanding paratransit service to members of the senior and disabled community:

Alexander Roytman, DeSoto Cab;
Ceasar Pepito, National;
Albert Watson, Luxor Ramp Taxi;
Eric Serran, Luxor;
George Wade, Yellow Ramp Taxi;
Myles Kilroy, Yellow;
Rex Caponi, Town;
Jacob Novak, Black & White Checker; and
Gennady Kaplunov, Black & White Checker.

A special award was presented to ramp taxi driver Fred Lein for providing “service far above and beyond the typical driver.” Fred was a double honoree, having received a “Driver of the Year” award from the Taxi Commission as well.