Uber, the uber cool private car service that make its Denver debut in September, could skid to a halt if the Public Utilities Commission’s proposed rules changes are adopted.
In an effort to block the proposed rule changes, Uber has launched a grassroots petition campaign to persuade lawmakers to withdraw the proposed PUC changes. More than 2,300 people have signed the on-line petition so far at: http://www.change.org/petitions/colorado-puc-don-t-shut-down-uber-withdraw-proposed-rules-changes#share.
If the PUC passes the changes, Uber’s pricing model will be illegal because sedan car companies will no longer be able to charge by distance.
Uber’s partner drivers will effectively be banned from downtown Denver by making it illegal for an Uber car to be within 200 feet of a restaurant, bar, or hotel.
And Uber’s partner drivers will be forced out of business because partnering with local sedan companies will be prohibited.
“These rules are not designed to promote safety, nor improve quality of service. They are intended to stop innovation, protect incumbents, hurt independent drivers and shut down Uber in Denver,” according to Uber’s Facebook posts.
At issue, is what Uber contends is an attempt by that taxi companies to oust the e-car-hailing service that uses primarily Lincoln Continental cars that you hail by a smartphone app. You can follow the car’s progress to your pick-up on your smartphone with a play-by-play account of the car’s whereabouts.
Uber users pre-pay online, and the tip is included in the fee. The driver also offers riders a bottle of water – a nice touch.
I’ve used the Uber service a handful of times, and if you don’t mind shelling out a few more bucks than what a cab company would charge, I recommend trying it and supporting the company’s effort to stay in business in Denver. More information at www.uber.com.
Generous DeGeneres
Talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres was so flattered by Denver’s Curtis Hotel – a Doubletree by Hilton’s “Couples We Love Celebrity-themed Valentine’s Day Getaway” promotion that she called the hotel during her show on Thursday to reserve The Ellen & Portia package.
The DeGeneres-themed package includes a CD of “Now, That’s What I Call Dance” for your own private dance party, a bath of Blondies, a bottle of California red wine and two blonde wigs – all to honor the talk show host and her wife Portia de Rossi.
Connie, the unsuspecting Curtis Hotel desk clerk, answered the call while DeGeneres disguised her voice to try to reserve the room for Feb. 14-16.
After a few funny moments, DeGeneres finally came clean and identified herself. But she sweetened the deal by promising to send several goodies from the Ellen DeGeneres show shop, plus said she’d fly Connie to be an audience member of her show.
You can see the segment at http://bit.ly/XNRM9i .
Other “Couples We Love” packages are available at www.thecurtis.com.
He’s the boss
Former Denver Post theater critic, and my former colleague, John Moore will be taking a new act as director of “Always Patsy Cline,” the delightful musical tribute to the famed country-western star, for Ronni Gallup and Starkey Productions at the PACE Center in Parker in April.
Auditions for the role of Patsy are from 2 to 4 p.m. today. Email ronni@starkeyproductions.com for an appointment time. Please prepare a two-minute Patsy Cline song. A current headshot, resume and sheet music are required. All positions are paid. Callbacks will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today. Feb. 4.
“I’m sure the critics will be kind…won’t they?” Moore posted on Facebook. You know what they say about payback, pal. Break a leg!
More information at http://www.parkeronline.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=996.
Parking problems
The LoDo District is finally addressing the 800-pound gorilla that lurks in the neighborhood: parking.
The district wants to know how you get to LoDo and where you prefer to park. There’s an on-line survey you can fill out so that the LoDo District folks can “meet your needs by advocating for the best parking in town.”
Earhart takes a vegan test flight
On Saturday, 9News traffic and weather woman Amelia Earhart started a vegan challenge for a week as part of a 9News Mornings lifestyle challenge, according to the 9News Facebook page.
This achievement could be tougher than getting earning her meteorologist degree because according to the FB post, she’s “the biggest bacon lover we know.”
Viewers are invited to take the challenge with Earhart, and “if you are vegan, we invite you to support everyone taking the challenge with ideas and recipes.” More information at http://on9news.tv/11zioOh.
Rocky road
The Colorado Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America is holding a luncheon program aptly called “After the Love Is Gone – Following The ‘Rocky’ Road,” from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), at The Four Seasons Hotel, 111 14th St.
Former Rocky Mountain News writers Sam Adams (sports columnist), David Milstead (business writer), Chris Walsh (business writer) and moi (gossip columnist) will share stories of where we’ve been since the paper printed its final edition on Feb. 27, 2009, (also known as one of the worst days of my life).
Under the able guidance of moderator Andrew Hudson, former press secretary for Mayor Wellington Webb, who now runs a successful online jobs list, we will discuss the best and worst news stories of 2012 and the evolving world of news media as well as reliving the professional and personal impact of the Rocky closing after nearly 150 years of publishing.
If you register by Feb. 8, prices are reduced to $35 for PRSA Colorado members, $49 for non-members and $30 for students. Lunch prices after Feb. 8 will be $45 for PRSA members, $59 for non-members and $40 for students.
Valet parking is available at The Four Seasons. Registration: http://www.prsacolorado.org/cde.cfm?event=405218.
The seen
Anchor Jeremy Hubbard of Fox 31 and Channel 2 News at Qdoba at Sixth and Grant. According to my spy, “He even shared some leftover chips with his newsroom brethren before leaving.”
Seen at the Sheridan Costco (not together): Dazzle owner Donald Rossa and Tom “Lou from Littleton” Manoogian with his wife and son.
Sign of the times
Seen Saturday on the sign outside of the Handlebar Tavern on Downing and Alameda: “At least the commercials will be worth watching.”
Eavesdropping on a dad to his son: “Do I look old and tired?”
“You don’t look tired.”
Did you hear that I have a new column, “Mile High Life,” in Colorado Community Media’s 17 weekly newspapers circling Denver? Be sure to like my Facebook page! Also, here’s where you go to get my column emailed to you Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. I’m now the social-media liaison for the Mile High Chapter of the Colorado Restaurant Association, so read my latest restaurant news there. My email: penny@blacktie-llc.com.
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