By Al Porche

I’m a proud veteran of the United States Army who relocated to San Diego during the COVID-19 pandemic and fell in love with what the community has to offer. Unfortunately, economic uncertainty, a fixed income and the rising cost of living in San Diego has made it harder and harder to stay afloat in the community I call home.

Thankfully, just over eight years ago, I discovered that I could supplement my income with app-based driving, which has not only provided the extra earnings I need, but it gives me a sense of connection and belonging with fellow San Diegans. I view each new passenger as my customer and it’s an honor to be of service to my community by providing them a safe and reliable transportation option to get home.

As an independent contractor, I have found that app-based driving allows me the flexibility to work when and how long I want. As a retiree, I don’t want to be a traditional employee beholden to a set schedule and required to punch the proverbial clock.

Proposition 22, which overwhelmingly was passed by California voters in 2020, provided a clear path forward by guaranteeing our right to work as independent contractors. Proposition 22 gives us, app-based drivers, access to new benefits and wage guarantees — things drivers have advocated for years. But almost immediately after the measure passed by almost 60 percent, special interest opponents mercilessly began efforts to overturn the will of drivers and nearly 10 million California voters.

Through meritless lawsuits throughout the court system, they advocated for risking the livelihood of nearly 1.4 million app-based drivers and impacting the services that millions of Californians depend on each and every day.

Thankfully, a recent ruling by the California Supreme Court safeguarded my ability to earn extra income as an app-based driver and I can now live without fear that my right to earn income as an independent contractor will be taken away. And equally important — consumers can continue to depend on drivers to get from point A to point B and delivery drivers to bring groceries and a hot meal when needed. It’s a huge relief to finally have confirmation that the quest to overturn Proposition 22 has reached its end.

A recent survey of California drivers found that I’m not alone. More than 83 percent of drivers support Proposition 22 and want to remain independent contractors, and the California Supreme Court’s ruling means that we can continue the work that we love doing, the way we love doing it.

I choose app-based work because of the flexibility it affords and I know that business and riders across California rely on app-based work too. The court’s recent decision means that Californians can all continue to utilize apps like Uber, DoorDash, Lyft or Instacart for driving, riding, delivery and more — with the comfort of knowing we can’t and won’t be deterred by our opposition.

I can now get back to doing what I love, meeting my neighbors and getting them to where they want to be safely. See you on the road.

Porche is a retired veteran and current app-based driver and lives in Carmel Valley.

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