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Distracted driving can be tragic because the accidents it causes are 100% preventable. Want to know how? This distracted driving ultimate avoidance guide demonstrates what distracted driving is and how law enforcement like the California Highway Patrol is working to stop it. Too often, when Officer Simone Yarbrough of the California Highway Patrol (CHP) South L.A. office arrives at a crash scene, the driver is already dead. It's worse when he sees a cell phone lying on the floor, still blinking, with a message half-written out. “Back in the day, DUI used to be the biggest killer of our drivers on the road,” Yarbrough said. “Well, not any longer. It’s distracted driving.” Parents must set the example for their kids. What is Distracted Driving? According to Yarbrough, our cell phones are a huge part of the problem.  But, by no means, are they the only part of the problem. "Anything that takes your mind and your eyes off the road is distracted driving," he said. "You can be drinking coffee, putting on makeup, shaving, eating food. People drive and read the newspaper at the same time." Even helping a child or adjusting a navigation system can be distracted driving, because it moves the driver's attention away from the road ahead. Yarbrough's given citations for eating in a car.  And he's even pulled mothers over to educate them about the dangers of breastfeeding while driving. Parents Teach Your Kids When teens are involved in distracted driving incidents, Yarbrough extends some of the blame to the parents. Parents should never touch their cell phones while driving because their children will follow their example. They also need to be aware of where their kids are and who they're with. Many teens who die in crashes are passengers of other teen drivers who were driving while distracted. Yarbrough applauds parents who set rules before their children get licensed and then don't let their children break those rules. Cell Phones Are A Big Part Cell phone use is one of the biggest causes of distracted driving. That's partly due to social media. People want to take pictures and post them immediately, whether they're driving or not. "The bad part is it’s not just kids doing it," Yarbrough said. "It’s not just teens doing it. You see adults doing it driving down the street and you’re like, 'Come on now, if it’s that important to you, pull over and do it.'" Yarbrough said if someone uses their phone and causes a crash, it's considered manslaughter or worse. It's expensive, too. The first-time fine for using a cell phone while driving is $200. It goes up from there. Know the Numbers Every year, an average of 20,000 drivers in California are involved in crashes due to distracted driving. The United States Department of Transportation listed 2,841 deaths caused by distracted driving in 2018. Of those deaths, 605 were passengers, 400 were pedestrians, and 77 were bicyclists. "If you see something and you recognize something, it takes .75 seconds to just see it and recognize it, another .75 seconds to react," Yarbrough said. "That’s already a second and a half, and you haven’t done anything yet. You’ve put your foot on the brake, and it’s almost a whole football field, if you’re traveling at 55 miles an hour, to come to a stop. So whatever stops in front of you at that kind of speed, you’re probably going to hit it." Ending Distracted Driving The CHP works hard on education and prevention wherever it can. This includes using a yearlong Adult Distracted Driving grant recently provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grant money provides for both in-person and virtual training sessions on distracted driving. The CHP plans to conduct several distracted driving enforcement operations, too, and it's partnered with Impact Teen Drivers to offer distracted driving training to teens during the pandemic. These most recent efforts are backed up by several safety manuals that the CHP ...

As more people use marijuana in the COVID-era it's important to remember that legal pot still results in DUI if you drive high. In 2018 it became legal to buy and sell cannabis in the State of California. But changes to the law brought up questions and concerns about safety, particularly about legal marijuana and DUIs. Driving under the influence of marijuana is as much an issue as an alcohol-related DUI because marijuana use can impair judgment, too. "If you’re going to be taking part in using cannabis, do it responsibly," said Sergeant Oscar Chavez of the California Highway Patrol’s Impaired Driving Section. "Don't Drive." Before Legalization: Prepping for Legal Marijuana and DUI Training During 2017, police officers prepared for the legalization of marijuana with 52 hours of training. The training program, called Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), taught police to detect people driving under the influence of cannabis. ARIDE includes a two-day course in recognizing the signs of sleep deprivation, drug use, and alcohol use. Unlike alcohol, there's no breath test for marijuana use. But technologies are evolving, and could soon include mouth swab tests. However, when marijuana was first legalized, blood tests for finding cannabis in a driver's bloodstream were the best bet. Chavez said that the training program brings in medical experts to teach police officers about all forms of impaired driving, from sleep deprivation to prescription drugs like Xanax and Vicodin. Cannabis Use and Car Drivers: Many Variables can Complicate Matters Alcohol enters the human system through drinking, but weed intake happens in a variety of ways. People can smoke it, eat it, and even rub it on their skin. Differing strains, THC levels, and even the individuality of the drivers can impact the information a police officer has to work with. "With cannabis, we have to take into consideration the user," Chavez said. "Are they a long time user, short time user? We have to take into consideration how they ingest it. Is it edible? Are they using a sativa strain? Are they using an Indica strain? Sativa’s going to have some effects on a user, versus an Indica strain, or a hybrid strain, a combiniation of both." What Happens Behind the Wheel: Legal Marijuana and DUI Arrests Chavez said when a DUI suspect is pulled over, officers determine whether an arrest is necessary. If the driver is arrested, officers use a Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE) to figure out what's causing the impairment. The DRE is a process that uses standard roadside impairment tests, as well as in-depth tests. The in-depth tests check problems such as pupil size, pulse rate, and blood pressure. The DRE can help rule out alcohol use and zero in on the possibility of driving under the influence of pot or other drugs. How Much Pot is Legal? It's legal to purchase 28.5 grams of green, leafy marijuana. This purchase size is about the size of a filled sandwich bag. Buyers have to be 21 or older to purchase marijuana. However, if they're caught with more than the legal amount, they're only given an infraction charge, rather than a misdemeanor or felony charge. Infractions only include fines and citations. Chavez said the important thing to remember is that the laws and the DUI training for officers are there to keep people safe. Marijuana use is up to the user, but users shouldn't drive while under the influence. "Just do it safely," Chavez said. "Don’t get behind the wheel."   More safety tips from the CHP --> Distracted Driving

Move over, Detroit. Southern California is the automotive capital of the United States and the world. And among many other reasons, Southern California deserves this moniker because of its plethora of world-class automotive museums.  They range from life-size Hot Wheels collections to Bugatti and Ferrari exhibits and much more. *Please note!  Since recording the podcast and originally writing this article.  The Mullin Automotive Museum has closed its doors forever. iDriveSoCal's (opinionated) contributor Clinton "The Professor" Quan created a list of his top five favorites.  But there's more for sure.  So you can listen to me and the Professor debate his Top 5.  And or continue reading below for even more Southern California Automotive Museums. Top Five Southern California Automotive Museums The Marconi Automotive Museum - Tustin 1. Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin: Non-Profit Benefiting Kids The Marconi Automotive Museum is the only car museum in Orange County. It's open Monday through Friday, with some events on the weekends. Besides a yearly open house, this museum hosts fight nights and private events, and it donates profits to children's charities. The car collection includes several Ferraris, as well as other race cars. The Automobile Driving Museum - El Segundo 2. Automobile Driving Museum in El Segundo: A Special Place For Generations The Automobile Driving Museum is one of the most unique Southern California museums. It was first located in West Los Angeles. It later moved to the South Bay in El Segundo, near LAX, because it outgrew its former location. This museum stands out because every Sunday, three different classic cars are brought out of the collection, and car enthusiasts can ride in them. The museum is located in a garage because all of the cars regularly take a turn for those weekend drives. There's a separate building where this museum hosts Hot Wheels weekend events, which includes real life-size versions of Mattel Hot Wheels cars. The Petersen Automotive Museum - Los Angeles 3. Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles: One of the Largest Southern California Automotive Museums The Petersen Automotive Museum showcases its collection of more than 300 cars in over 60,000 square feet of exhibit space in the heart of Los Angeles. It's one of the largest car museums in the United States. This museum is well known for its events and for its unique exhibits, such as the classic Japanese car collection or its low rider collection. The exhibits change often, so visitors never get bored. This museum is also developing programs to help attract children toward future jobs in the automotive industry. The Nethercutt Collection - Sylmar 4. The Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar: Elegant Cars and More The Nethercutt Collection is a hidden gem with more than 200 cars on display. This collection has won the Best of Show award at Pebble Beach more often than any other collection. All of the cars showcased here are Concours d’Elegance caliber.  This museum has two sets of buildings. One allows car fans to take self-guided tours, but the other building requires reservations and guided tours, and it's only open a few days per week. Besides vintage cars, this museum also displays musical instruments and furniture. Mullin Automotive Museum - Oxnard 5. *now closed* Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard: The Professor's Favorite *now closed* Sadly the Mullin Automotive Museum has closed its doors forever.  It was located in Ventura County.  Featuring all French cars in its collection. The former museum's location previously housed The Vintage Museum.  And that was founded by Los Angeles Times publisher Otis Chandler. Honorable Mentions Because you cannot leave out a few other Southern California Automotive Museums here's the list continued.  Each with its own niche. San Diego Automotive Museum - San Diego, California Lions Automobilia Museum - Ranch Dominguez

Combine the open road and exquisite classic cars with a trip to the Motte Historical Museum in scenic Menifee, CA. The Motte Historical Car Museum is off the beaten path.  But when you go you'll surely agree it's well worth the trip. Menifee in Southwestern Riverside County plays host to the cozy museum with a collection of very cool classic cars.  And they're displayed in a building that, while fully restored as well, helps turn back the hands of time just like the vehicles it houses. Who else but our own Professor, Clinton Quan, made the recent trip and shares the complete report in this iDriveSoCal Podcast.  Click play below and take a look at some of the classic beauties he spotted during his trip. ***Transcription*** Recorded in Los Angeles, CA The Motte Historical Car Museum - Menifee's Hidden Automotive Gem Clinton "The Professor" Quan: They're like, "Wow, I didn't realize there are so many car shows and I didn't realize that there were so many car museums." Tom: This is the Motte Historical Museum, out in Menifee, California Clinton Quan: There's definitely cars from the 1920s, Tom: Made me think Great Gatsby. Professor: Yes. Tom: Like, that time period, right? Tom: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast. All about mobility, from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with the good Professor, Mr. Clinton Quan. Say hello, Clinton. "Made me think Great Gatsby." Professor: Hi, Tom. Tom: Hello. This podcast, we're talking about another automotive museum, one that the good Professor kind of pulled out of his bag of tricks… I don't know. We've almost come to a year of doing the iDriveSoCal podcast and you're still surprising me with some of these little pocket events in museums and whatnot that you find. So, keep that up. Let's see how long you can keep that up until I'm like, "Oh, this one again?" Professor: I'll try. But I think a lot of people are really surprised at how many car museums and automotive events in Southern California. Tom: There's so much. 1931 Cadillac Professor: Yeah. Tom: There's so much. Professor: Because a lot of my friends, they're like, "Wow, I didn't realize there are so many car shows and I didn't realize that there were so many car museums." Tom: Yeah, all you got to do it look and you can keep yourself busy year-round. Professor: Yes. Tom: And hey, partially that's what iDriveSoCal's gonna help. We're gonna be a... Is the right word "repository?" Professor: You could say that. Southwestern Riverside County Tom: I'm making myself laugh because I'm thinking about other... And whatever. So as we have been, your go-to place. iDriveSoCal.com. Professor: Resource. Tom: Yeah, your resource. Thank you. But not only automotive but also the future of mobility. And a lot of the future of mobility is... Well, we'll see what it's gonna be, but it's an exciting time, right? 1924 Electric Ford Model T Professor: Yes. Tom: But for always and all time, there's going to be a large segment of the population that happens to be in love with cars. Cars that are coming out of manufacturers right now, rolling off the assembly lines right now, and for some time to come. For a long time to come, and certainly, the history. Professor: Yes. Tom: And this is the Motte Historical Museum, out in Menifee, California, which I guess that's considered Inland Empire? Professor: I believe that is considered the Inland Empire. It's a little east of the city of Perris, which is spelled P-E-R-R-I-S. Not to be confused with what everyone assumes. "It's a little east of the city of Perris... it's off the 215." Tom: Of course, I've buzzed by there and I know that I've buzzed by Perris, as well as Menifee, and I don't know what else comes to mind for Menifee, but I know I've been through both. Professor: Yeah, it's off the 215. Tom: Okay. So,

If you're fascinated by history, the Greatest Generation, World War II, and aviation, there's a good chance you’re already aware of the Lyon Air Museum - Greatest Generation Tribute.  If you don't know or haven't yet visited the Lyon Air Museum, add it to your to-do list immediately. Nestled away in a Santa Ana industrial park, directly on the tarmac of John Wayne Airport, the Lyon Air Museum features airworthy craft documenting many facets of World War II. Not only an aircraft at the museum, but Lyon also showcases various ground vehicles as well - including a parade vehicle that Adolf Hitler rode in. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Lyon Air Museum is that members of the Greatest Generation themselves - World War II veterans - volunteer as docents, bringing this truly incredible venue to life nearly every day. Click play to listen below as Mark Foster, Lyon Air Museum CEO, shares more fascinating details in this iDSC podcast. And be sure to check out the amazing photo gallery too. ***Transcript*** Recorded July 31, 2018, in Santa Ana, CA Mark: We're the Greatest Generation in an aviation museum, so we focus primarily on World War II veterans and aviation. We've got famous airplanes, the rare flyable World War II type airplanes. We've got the military vehicles, motorcycles... we even have a very historical car that was originally owned by the evil dictator, Adolph Hitler. Introduction to the Lyon Air Museum Tom: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility, from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here, and I am in ... Where are we technically? Costa Mesa, right? Mark: We're Santa Ana, which is really Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa. It's all kind of around the corner, and it's at John Wayne Airport. That's the thing, we're not near John Wayne, we're at John Wayne Airport. Tom: That is Mark Foster, who is the, what's your exact title? Mark: Whatever you want to call me, but President, CEO. Tom: Okay. President, CEO of the Lyon Air Museum. Mark: Correct. Tom: Right down here, literally, I'm looking at Alaska Airlines getting ready, it's taxiing down the runway right now. Mark, thank you very much for having me and the iDriveSoCal podcast. Again, all about mobility, from the automotive capital of the United States. A big piece of mobility is air travel. The Lyon Air Museum. Tom: You have a couple of things going on in the museum currently, but I recently learned about you guys. I guess you've been around since '09, and I recently learned about you guys on KTLA. Saw a quick piece and said, "Hey, I really want to go down there and have a chat," because you guys do some really, really cool stuff down here. So, with that strange, kind of totally non-traditional introduction, Mark Foster of the Lyon's Air Museum, literally right on John Wayne Airport watching planes taxi as we do this interview. Thank you for joining me. Mark: Oh, it's great to have you. Thanks, Tom. Aviation Museum Dedicated to The Greatest Generation Tom: So, high-level. What do you guys do here? "We're the Greatest Generation in aviation museum." Mark: Well, we're an aviation museum, and we're the Greatest Generation in an aviation museum, so we focus primarily on World War II veterans and aviation. Tom: Okay. For those that don't, and I think there's a whole lot of people that aren't aware of the opportunity to come and check out what you guys have here, but your museum, again, you're right on the John Wayne Airport tarmac, you can come and see what? Lyon Air Museum shares John Wayne Airport tarmac. "The airplanes that are in the hangar here, all of them are airworthy." Mark: Yeah. Well, we've got the World War II airplanes. We really start with pre-World War II aviation history. We've got pre-World War II, like a DC-3 American Airlines type aircraft that's kind of a late '30s design, and then we go all the way up through aircraft that wou...

Air Force One draws attention everywhere it goes, even the retired version at The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. And nearly a half-million visitors a year tour the world's most iconic aircraft.  Well, one of them anyway. Continue reading below or listen to the podcast during my private tour of Air Force One! ***Transcript*** Recorded February 12, 2018 John: It technically flew seven different presidents. President Reagan put the most mileage on it. I don't know what the exact number of that mileage is, but he definitely flew a great deal on this plane much more so than any other president. This was the aircraft that took him to Germany for the famous "tear down this wall" speech. Anything that was classified or I guess you'd call "secret" that was all removed prior to our obtaining the aircraft. There are no escape pods. Additionally, there are no hidden guns or bombs or anything else that can be released from the aircraft, so there's nothing like that and a lot of that are the fantasies in Hollywood that they portray in movies. The Home of Air Force One: The Ronald Reagan Library Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of these fine United States - Southern California. I'm Tom Smith, and in honor of President's Day, we are sitting underneath Air Force One at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. John: Correct. Tom: Okay. And that is John Lehne who's the building facilities manager here for the Ronald Reagan Foundation, which runs the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. John: Correct. We are part of the library... the foundation actually supports the library. It is actually run by the government, National Archives Administration. The Air Force One pavilion, which we are sitting in right now with the Air Force One plane, is operated by the foundation. So this is a little unique part of the library. Tom: So there you have it for the specifics. But what the exciting part is, literally I'm looking up at the belly of Air Force One and it's a pretty cool thing. We got some really neat pictures. John was nice enough to walk me through the plane, little private tour, got a couple of pictures. I wasn't able to sit in President Ronald Reagan's office chair, but I did sit at the conference table and that was pretty darn neat. So, John, thank you so much for that. Tom Smith sits at Conference table aboard Air Force One. John: You're very welcome. How Did Air Force One Get to The Regan Library? Air Force One at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Tom: How did this plane get here? When you come to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and the Air Force One pavilion, you can see a cool pictorial story that's told on how actually the building was kind of built around the plane. “It was almost like the ultimate ship in a bottle type of construction.” John: They put the superstructure, the building up. The plane had flown in a little prior to that, and they disassembled the plane, towed up here in pieces, except for the fuselage was one solid piece. They did the superstructure of the building, pulled the plane and the pieces into the building and literally put the plane back together inside the building. Stripped the plane, repainted it, shrink-wrapped it, and then they finished the building around the plane. When they were done with the building, they unwrapped the plane, cleaned it up, polished it up, then put it on display. It was almost like the ultimate ship in a bottle type of construction. Tom: And the plane landed actually at San Bernardino International Airport. John: It flew out from Andrews Air Force Base and landed here in California and then it was trucked from that airport, from the San Bernardino Airport to Simi Valley and ultimately here to the Reagan Library. Tom: There's a cool picture where you see the fuselage of the plane next to the wings of the plane next to the dirt mounds that are go...

Southern California is the home of the Import Tuner Scene; yet another reason the region is the car capital of the world! Sorry Detroit, Southern California is the automotive capital of the world for many reasons - and here's another one, SoCal is the home of the Import Tuner Scene. Personally, I didn't grow up in it.  But iDriveSoCal's Professor, Clinton Quan, experienced all of it. From the first tuned Japanese imports to the seemingly neverending blockbuster movie franchise - The Fast and the Furious. Click play below to hear how the Import Tuner Scene developed and evolved here in Southern California and then took on the world. ***Transcription*** Recorded in Los Angeles, CA Home of the Import Tuner Scene Clinton Quan: You're talking about the Japanese cars, which really made the import tuning scene. The Toyota Celica, the Toyota MR2, the Honda Prelude, even the Honda Accord Coupe, the Nissan 240SX, the Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Mazda MX6.  I mean honestly, who would ever thought that there'd be seven Fast and the Furious movies? Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal the podcast. All about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with our pal, the Professor, Mr. Clinton Quan. Say hello, Clinton. Clinton Quan: Hi, Tom. Why SoCal is the World's Car Capital - Home of the Import Tuner Scene Tom Smith: Hey! Today's podcast is a continuation of our justification of that little saying that I throw out there at the beginning of every podcast, what makes Southern California the automotive capital of not only the United States but also the world. Today's podcast is another justification for that. The Professor was pointing out to me something that makes a lot of sense. It predates my living here in Southern California, but he experienced it, he lived it and that is the import tuning scene, right? Professor, why don't you kind of take it away because I have a bunch of kind of yes and to add, but as I mentioned, I wasn't here for it so I don't have that firsthand experience that you do. "I mean honestly, who would ever thought that there'd be seven Fast and the Furious movies?" Clinton Quan: Yeah. It really started in the early to mid-90s and I remember growing up in... when I went to junior high and high school, if you look back, these were some of the most popular cars back then. The Fast and the Furious - Import Tuners & Drifters You're talking about the Japanese cars, which really made the import tuning scene. Cars such as the Toyota Celica, the Toyota MR2, the Honda Prelude, even the Honda Accord Coupe, the Nissan 240SX and they had both a fastback and a coupe version of that. The Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Mazda MX6. Tom Smith: You're talking early 90s, the beginning. Clinton Quan: We're talking, yes. Tom Smith: Does that include the late 80s? Clinton Quan: Yeah, we could include the late 80s as well. Tom Smith: The cars at that time, the Japanese cars anyway, and I guess the other cars too, they were kind of getting smaller. Clinton Quan: Yes. Tom Smith: In the Midwest, I had a buddy that had had a Toyota MR2 and man was that fun to drive. A little go-cart. What about the... was it the Honda- Clinton Quan: Civic? Tom Smith: Yeah. The first Civic that... the first, the two-door Civics, remember they had the kind of bubbly blacktops or bubbly- Clinton Quan: Oh, you're talking about Civic hatchback because- Tom Smith: Yeah, yeah, yeah. "Cars such as the Toyota Celica, the Toyota MR2, the Honda Prelude, even the Honda Accord Coupe, the Nissan 240SX and... The Mitsubishi Eclipse, the Mazda MX6." Clinton Quan: Well, speaking of that, I remember one of my classmates in high school, he had one of those... the Civic hatchbacks. Tom Smith: One of those Civics. Yeah. With that whole genre, right? The late 80s, early 90s, that kind of started the tuning scene here in Southern California and the tuning scene which sp...

The ArtCenter College of Design, right here in SoCal, is one of the top schools for transportation and automotive designers around the world.  So it's logical that the school host an annual exhibition showcasing the works of it's best and brightest. From concepts to classics.  Exotics to muscle.  This year's ArtCenter Car Classic provided something for everyone.  And rightfully so, as the theme of this year's car show highlighted the school's 70-years of contributions to the automotive industry. This is a favorite of iDriveSoCal's Professor, Clinton Quan, and he, of course, was in attendance and joined me for this iDSC podcast.  Click play below and scroll down to enjoy the pics of these awe-inspiring works of art! ***Transcription*** Recorded October 30, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA 70-Years of Automotive Influence Clinton Quan: Some of the most prominent automotive designers in the world... What was great about this car show because it was celebrating 70-years of the colleges Transportation Design Program, you got to see a little bit of everything. There were American cars there, European automobiles, Japanese cars, even Hyundai, that's a Korean car. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with the good professor Mr. Clinton Quan, say "Hello" Clinton. Clinton Quan: Hi Tom. Tom Smith: Hello my friend. We are podcasting this evening at an undisclosed location in downtown Los Angeles California. We're covering the ArtCenter College of Design their annual shindig that the good professor goes to each year. Did we cover this last year? No, we didn't cover this last year. Clinton Quan: No we did not. Tom Smith: But we talked about the College ArtCenter of Design in one of our podcasts that we did, yeah on why Southern California is the not only the automotive capital of the United States... But also the automotive capital of the world; because of all of these reasons. One of these reasons being that we have the College ArtCenter of Design, am I saying that right? Clinton Quan: ArtCenter College of Design "Some of the most prominent automotive designers in the world..." Tom Smith: ArtCenter College of Design here in Southern California which has put out a number of names that we know of but... Clinton Quan: Some of the most prominent automotive designers in the world. Tom Smith: And for those of you listen to the podcast myself included, Chip Foose right is one of the names? Clinton Quan: Well I don't know if he graduated from ArtCenter. Tom Smith: Oh really? You Know the Vehicle Designs Clinton Quan: I don't know right off the top of my head. He's very well known. Tom Smith: Was Fisker from there? Clinton Quan: Yes he was at the event. Tom Smith: No, no, but did he graduate from the school? Clinton Quan: I believe so I don't know why he would be there. Tom Smith: What I'm getting to is there's a lot of designers that have graduated from this school and we might not know the name of the designers. But, we definitely know the names of their cars that they've designed. The names of the manufacturers they've designed those cars for.  And, we've seen their cars as the entire world has seen their cars driving around roads, again all over the world. Clinton Quan: I mean if he didn't graduate I would assume he has some relationship to the school. Tom Smith: And it just so happens that Henrik Fisker and I don't know if it's Henrik or [pronunciation] Henrik, how they pronounce it. Clinton Quan: That's a good question, I don't know. Tom Smith: But nevertheless, the Fisker Karma was, well there's a whole history about that and they had a Fisker Karma there. I digress. ArtCenter College of Design has an annual automotive show and you go every year. Clinton Quan: Yeah, almost every year.

Best Selling Vehicles In History What do you think are the Top-10 best selling vehicles in history?  When we saw the headline we had to dive-in... it's not only a fun topic but interesting - truly. Before reading, on listening, jot down what cars, trucks and or crossover SUVs made the list.  Bet you don't get them all. In this iDriveSoCal Podcast, I give Clinton "The Professor" Quan a puzzle that he comes close to figuring out, and does a great job, but even he was stumped and surprised by a few of the answers.  I hope you enjoy this one - we sure did! -->Continue reading or click play below to listen.<-- ***Transcript*** Recorded September 5, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA Global Best Selling Vehicles Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast. All about mobility, from the automotive capital of the United States. Southern California. Tom Smith, here, with the good professor, Mr. Clinton. Say, "hello", Clinton. Clinton: Hi, Tom. Tom: Hello, my friend. This here podcast that we're going to be putting together, actually, it was an idea from our good friend out at Ontario Volkswagen, Randy Holcomb. He came across a list that was from Autoblog - but it was published originally - Autoblog referenced Wall Street Cheat Sheet. And what it is, is the ten best-selling vehicles, globally, of all time. And now, I nicknamed the, “Professor,” because he knows the most granular detail of things that you shouldn't really know, I don't think, but he does. He's like, “Oh dude, can you believe that they're making the muffler out of this material on this car, for this year? It's crazy!" I wouldn't ever think of that, ever. But the Professor knows about it and gets excited about it, so that's why we call him the Professor. But at any rate, he keeps his finger on the pulse of everything coming out of domestic carmakers, import car makers, luxury, exotics, you name it, he knows it. So this list is going to be a little bit of a challenge for him. And actually, to be honest, this is the second time we started recording this podcast, because the first one that we did, I tried to get him to tell me what the top ten were, and there was so much dead air. Best Selling Vehicles Podcast Do-Over! He was doing good, he was doing good, I think he had four or five out of eight. But there was so much dead air, that I just like, "Okay, dude, we got to start this one over again." Tom: So, at any rate, this is what we're going to do. The list is 'The Top Ten Best Selling Vehicles of All Time'. And at iDriveSoCal, I'll link this post to the Autoblog post, and you can see, and props to Autoblog, well, actually, they republished it from Wall Street Cheat Sheet. So, Professor, a little hint for you: Our good friend, Randy Holcomb, from Ontario Volkswagen. Clinton: VW Beetle. #4 Volkswagen Beetle Tom: Correct. Volkswagen Beetle is one of the top ten. VW Beetle is actually #4. #4 best-selling car, globally, of all time. Volkswagen Beetle. Clinton: Toyota Corolla. "...there was so much dead air, that I just like, 'Okay, dude, we got to start this one over again.'" Tom: Okay, now he's just going to rattle off all the ones he got right before. Toyota Corolla, yes, that's the #1 best-selling vehicle - Clinton: Of all time. Tom: Of all time. Clinton: Honda Civic. #6 Honda Civic  Tom: Honda Civic, he got that one right too, folks. That is the Tom: [whispers] let's see one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight Whoops... That is right, Honda Civic is the #6 best-selling vehicle of all time. What else you got? Clinton: Volkswagen Jetta? Tom: Jetta is not on the list. Clinton: Honda Accord. #8 Honda Accord Tom: Honda Accord. You got that one last time too. Honda Accord is on the list. #8 best-selling vehicle of all time. Clinton: Nissan Sentra? Tom: Nissan's not anywhere on the list. Clinton: Nissan's not anywhere on the list.

History of the LA Auto Show For more than 100-years car lovers across Southern California have pilgrimaged to the Los Angeles Auto Show for their annual feast of new car senses. But there is much more to the LA Auto Show than what we car-lovers come to drool over each year.  What used to be known as the LA Auto Show Press Days has spun into an event that attracts both automotive and technology industry leaders and innovators alike. SoCal Auto Events: Listed HERE.  Lefty Tsironis, of the LA Auto Show, joins us for this iDriveSoCal Podcast to share details of the LA Auto Show history, its future and the mobility evolution being hotly discussed and shaped by AutoMobility LA.  Click play, below, to listen and check out the super-cool historical pics Courtesy of Los Angeles Auto Show Archives. ***Transcript*** Recording date – September 11, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles International Auto Show - Why LA? Lefty: We're at an epicenter of convergence here in Los Angeles.  From an automotive and transportation standpoint, you have an incredible infrastructure, which brings along with it challenges and opportunities. Beyond that, the talent is here, and the innovation is happening here.  We have the right ingredients for the right minestrone for mobility. It really has propelled the show to become an epicenter for not just unveiling really wonderful sheet metal, but also unveiling technology and other solutions. Tom: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, The Podcast, all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith, here, and I'm excited today, because I am at the LA Auto Show headquarters, the office, downtown Los Angeles, and joining me is Lefty Tsironis. Lefty: You got it. Tom: I got it right? Lefty: You got it right. Tom: Awesome. Lefty Tsironis is definitely, it is, that's a common a name as Tom Smith. Totally right on the same plane. Lefty, thank you for joining me. Lefty: Thanks for being here. Tom: I forgot to ask, what is your official title here at the auto show? "The show was founded in 1907. Actually, it was held at a skating rink, here in Los Angeles." Lefty: Director of experiential marketing and communications for the show. Tom: The LA Auto Show has been like just one of the coolest things for me to do on nearly an annual basis, ever since I moved to Los Angeles, I love the LA Auto Show, before that in Chicago it was the annual trip to the Chicago Auto Show- Lefty: Right. Tom: But LA's like it can't even compare. Right? I mean- Lefty: I mean, we don't have the snow.  We simulators, but... 100+ Years of LA Auto Show Tom: Right. There are so many things that I could talk and it sounds like our little pre... before we turn the recorder on here, it sounds like you and I could talk about this for hours, but we'll have to condense it a little bit, here. For the iDriveSoCal Podcast. First off, let's talk history of the LA Auto Show, kind of just big picture summarization, and then we'll dive into various nooks and cranny's from there. Lefty: Yeah. Absolutely. The show was founded in 1907. Actually, it was held at a skating rink, here in Los Angeles. Tom: A skating rink? Lefty: Absolutely. Yeah. Since then, it's changed a million venues, not a million, but several- "...there were actually a few airline exhibitions, with airplanes... there was an electrical fire, and the entire show burned down." You know, we've been at the Convention Center now since the '70s. What's kind of interesting from a history standpoint is the show just continued to grow and grow as the consumer market would grow- And you know the number of technological sort of advancements, in terms of powertrains, and you know mass production and whatnot, and the introduction of European models after World War II. You know, you need more space. It's always been a challenge. The Convention Center,

Automotive design studios are where the gorgeous creations you and I see rolling down the road are initially conceived. Every manufacturer has them.  And here in Southern California, we have a high concentration of them.  And that concentrations of design studios are yet another reason that SoCal is the automotive capital of the United States as well as the automotive capital of the world. Listen to this iDSC podcast for more details, which further solidify Southern California as the automotive capital of planet earth! ***Transcript*** Recorded August 15th, 2018 in Los Angeles, CA Why SoCal is the Auto Capital of the World Clinton Quan: The other reason is Southern California, this is where the trends start, whether you're talking about design trends or fashion trends. So, it's not surprising that so many design studios are located here in Southern California. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with our good, buddy, pal, chum, the professor Mr. Clinton Quan. Say hello Clinton. Clinton Quan: Hi, Tom. Tom Smith: Thanks for joining me again, my friend. Today's iDriveSoCal podcast is going to be a continuation of that fine statement and justifying it: what makes Southern California the automotive capital of the United States as well as the world? And our good professor always coming up with different ideas and angles and justifications why, in fact, SoCal is the automotive capital of both the US and the globe, this little blue planet that we're on, and that is design studios. Literally many, many manufacturers have design studios up and down the coast, and inland, of Southern California. Clinton Quan: Well, primarily Ventura County, LA County, Orange County, and San Diego County. Tom Smith: So, pretty much up and down the coast? Clinton Quan: Yes, correct. Tom Smith: Just not the Inland Empire? Clinton Quan: There could be some in the Inland Empire. I'm not sure of every ... Tom Smith: That's what we were just talking about. I'm like, "Well, professor, is that all of them." And he's like, "Well, I don't know. No one curates a list of them." Our Responsibility to Plant the Flag And I think that's gonna have to be the responsibility that we here at iDriveSoCal take on. We're just gonna put together a little list of these design studios and say, "Hey, this is yet another reason why we here in Southern California are the automotive capital of the world." So, how do you wanna do it? Do you wanna go from Ventura County and head south, or do you wanna go south or head north or do you wanna go alphabetically by the manufacturer? Clinton Quan: No, let's go down the coast. Let's go Ventura County, LA County, Orange County, San Diego County. Tom Smith: All right. Take it away, professor. Clinton Quan: Well, the first on is Volvo out in Camarillo. I think that one opened up maybe seven or eight years ago, so that's one of two I know about in Ventura County. Tom Smith: Before we dive in, let's get back to Volvo in just a second, first let's identify what compromises a design studio. What does it look like? It's a building housed with what departments of people, about how many people, what goes on there? I'm sure it varies there for each manufacturer. I'd assume so, but is this something where they're taking clay and molding it into different concept-type vehicles? Clinton Quan: That's definitely part of the process, but every manufacturer is different. So, I don't think we can say there's a standard for all design studios throughout Southern California. The ArtCenter College of Design Connection Tom Smith: Being in design, this is the artistry aspect of creating automobiles, so it's however you create, right? Clinton Quan: Yeah. I think it would look very similar to what you would see at ArtCenter College of Design,

f you’re like most 'car people,' you already know about  Cars & Coffee events. The phenomenon has steadily gained traction over the years.So what exactly is Cars & Coffee? Well, it’s what sounds like:  Car lovers and automotive enthusiasts check out cars together while enjoying coffee in the morning.

Nothing compares to a Southern California road trip as the seasons' change. There's so much to see - from San Simeon and Hearst Castle in the north to the former gold mining town of Julian in the south. Slide through Idyllwild to catch the fall foliage and fish the lakes in the San Jacinto Mountains. Hear the details of those spots, and more in this iDSC Podcast. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="43" gal_title="iDSC106"] ***Transcript*** Recorded July 11, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA Change Your Scenery During the Changing Seasons Doug Shupe: San Simeon is a great destination to take a road trip to, you know, and enjoy the Hearst Castle. Julian is nestled about 6000 feet in the Laguna Mountains. It's about 40 miles northeast of San Diego. It's a former gold mining town. Another destination that people may not think of is Idyllwild. It's about maybe 40 minutes outside of Palm Springs up in the mountains, a couple of lakes to go fishing Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of this fine United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with Doug Shupe, Senior Public Affairs Specialist from the Auto Club of Southern California, also known as AAA. Doug, thanks again for joining me. Doug Shupe: Hi, Tom. Thanks for having me. Tom Smith: The topic du jour is road trips, getting out there on the road that we love to do here in Southern California, and actually enjoying a trip, getting out of dodge . Now, Doug and I, this is where we're recording this in mid-July. And the idea really is to plan everything a few months out, right? Doug Shupe: Yeah, the season ahead. Tom Smith: The next season. Yeah, the season ahead. So, what we're going to focus on up in here is the fall season road trip. So, you're in Southern California, and you want to hit the road. You want to get out there on the open road. Where do we want to go as Southern Californians outside of the obvious Vegas? San Simeon & Hearst Castle Doug Shupe: Yeah. Let's find some new destiny. Tom Smith: Yeah. Maybe I'm speaking from my own perspective now that I'm a new dad. You know, that Vegas road trip doesn't happen six times a year anymore. What do you have for us? Doug Shupe: Well, you know, San Simeon is a great destination to take a road trip to, you know, and enjoy the Hearst Castle, roughly the halfway point between San Francisco and LA. Tom Smith: Yeah. Doug Shupe: You know, a lot of important imported treasures from around the world there that you can see. Tom Smith: Now, you're talking about at Hearst Castle? Doug Shupe: At Hearst Castle. Tom Smith: Right. Doug Shupe: Yup, yup. The model for Mansion Xanadu and Orson Welles' movie, Citizen Kane. It's a great destination to check out. It's run by California State Parks. And there are actually four separate tours that you can go on. And if you're in the area, and you have the time, you can see the castle on an evening tour perhaps. Tom Smith: Yeah. Doug Shupe: So, that's a great idea to check out. Tom Smith: Now, I told you before we started this recording that I was going to be listening and participating in this podcast from a consumer's perspective because there's a lot of road trips that I haven't done. I've been in Southern California for about 13 years, 14 years now. That, actually, is one that I have done. Doug Shupe: You have done this one, great. Care for Central Valley Wine Tasting with that? Tom Smith: I know I've done one or two, but the times that my wife and I have done that trip, it was on the tail end of Paso Robles, Templeton Wine Tasting, up around those parts. Was that something that you were going to lead into? Doug Shupe: Yeah. Obviously, you have some great wine tasting there. If you're going to tour the Hearst Castle though, you really want to make sure that you make reservations well in advance. And the reason why we always say to plan your travels the season before-

Every 45-seconds a car is stolen in the United States! That’s a staggering statistic! And here, in Southern California, there’s definitely no exception. Just think of how many Brainiacs we watch “Live” on the local news who somehow think they’re actually going to escape the police; their cars, helicopters, dogs, and spike-strips. (Which actually begs a few questions about us as a society – but that’s an entirely different topic. Why are we so fascinated by that spectacle?) This week’s iDSC Podcast focuses on useful tips to protect your vehicle from theft and keep you safe out there, on those crazy streets of America. Click Play below to find out how to prevent auto-theft, how thieves think and what they’re looking for. ***Transcript*** Recorded July 11, 2018, Los Angeles, CA A Car is Stolen Every 45-seconds! Doug Shupe: A vehicle is stolen every 45 seconds. You know, thieves are actually looking through parking lots. They're looking for you to make a mistake, leave something valuable in your vehicle. Always lock your vehicle and close the windows. Don't leave them half open. Never leave belongings out in plain view Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with Doug Shupe, the Senior Public Affairs Specialist of the Auto Club of Southern California. Most of us know them by AAA. Doug, thanks for joining me again. Doug Shupe: Thanks, Tom, for having me. Tom Smith: The topic that we're covering today is, as it gets hotter out, and we're out on the roads, for some reason, more carjackings, more issues on the road. Is that a typical stat? Is there a seasonality to it, or is that just something that maybe is perceived? Doug Shupe: Well, when it comes to vehicle theft, we typically see those on the rise, you know, when a lot of people are out on the move. They're parking in different places that they wouldn't normally park. But a vehicle is stolen every 45 seconds here in the United States. I mean, that's incredible. Tom Smith: Every 45 seconds? Vehicle Theft is Still a Very Common Crime Doug Shupe: Every 45 seconds, there's a vehicle stolen in the United States. And although the auto theft rates have declined in recent years, car theft is still a very common crime. And it's a crime of opportunity. If you give a criminal the opportunity to steal your car, they're going to take. Tom Smith: Now, we have ... Let's categorize it. There's stealing my car, but then, there's also breaking into my car. Doug Shupe: Yes, they're very different. Tom Smith: Those are the two, right? Doug Shupe: Auto theft. There's auto theft that we see. Tom Smith: Right. Doug Shupe: There is auto burglary, and you know. And auto burglaries happen when people leave stuff inside of their vehicle-. Tom Smith: Right. Doug Shupe: ... in plain sight. And it's very, you know ... It's appealing to a thief. Tom Smith: Yup. Doug Shupe: This happens a lot of times during the holiday season when people were out there shopping, and they've got shopping bags. Theives Take Advantage of Opportunity Tom Smith: So then, it's not necessarily ... So, I have ... And that's what I was trying to get in the beginning. I have a perception that, "Okay, summertime, it seems to happen more." But that's just my perception. It's not necessarily a summertime thing. There's not a seasonality to it. Yeah? Doug Shupe: It happens every day. Tom Smith: All the time. Doug Shupe: Unfortunately. And auto theft, really, is what we were talking about. Every 45 seconds, a car is stolen. Tom Smith: Car is gone. Doug Shupe: Right. And vehicle burglaries happen all year long, but they tend to peak during those times when you have a lot of people that are in the holiday season- Tom Smith: Sure. Doug Shupe: ... for example. And they're just not being mindful that, you know,

There’s a ton of hype around the future of mobility; the possibilities appear endless! Some conversation about the future of mobility and transportation is very real. And some of it is just car lover fantasy and transportation buff daydreams… but for the iDSC Podcast, I truly do love covering it all! In iDSC100 I touch on primary areas of the mobile future with the greatest potential for impact on our society as a whole – but especially right here in Southern California. ***Show Notes*** Recorded July 18, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA The Future of Mobility Editorial  Welcome… This is 100! The Future of Mobility – what’s real and what’s hype? First a quick note if you’re new to the podcast – mobility is how we move both people and stuff. For many that has given the impression of Golden Girls, walkers and wheelchairs. And that’s not wrong – but there’s much more to it.  We’re talking technical advancements and innovation.  The future! So here goes – this mostly my opinion after 99-episodes and constant journalistic research. Simpson’s – Monorail Episode. A lot of innovation is happening – that’s undeniable. Start-ups, scooters, electric cars, driverless cars, flying cars, driverless flying cars, hyper-loops, underground highways w/ The Boring Company, electric aircraft, and space travel. Tech in cars definitely advancing. And let’s not forget car sharing. Which brings me to the beginning of iDriveSoCal. Yes, it started from my severe love of driving and cars along with an equally severe loathing of sitting in my car driving in traffic congestion. But if there’s so much car sharing going on then why does traffic congestion continue to get worse? Simpson’s Monorail Episode – Season 4, Episode 12. We’re going to talk a bit about each of the previously mentioned categories – again… this is mostly my humble opinion: Start-ups: More and more – both brand new companies and companies re-inventing themselves. Scooters: Lime-bike, Bird, OjO. Random locations & UCLA Unicorn companies Bird’s nesting – sharing economy. OjO – one of the first podcasts. All working on the last mile… Obesity, heart disease and general health? Seems to be more legal booze cruising in MdR and tourists. How about the ole’ heel-toe-express for that last mile conundrum? EVs - Electric Vehicles Electric Cars: They’re here. No doubt.  Traditional manufacturers have deep plans. Require less maintenance. The torque is incredible – performance overall. Probably electric performance will exceed fuel combustion in performance by far. Zero emissions is great but let’s not forget: Those huge electric batteries that are running them – what happens to those when they’re done? Landfill? All that electricity is coming from somewhere. Produced by coal, by a nuclear power plant? Or, produced by solar? Great then what about the emissions from producing the solar panels to capture the solar power? And what about the disposal of those solar panels when their lifecycle is over? Same goes for wind-power and hydro-power. And don’t get me wrong – I’m not anti-any of this; I’m just posing some questions to think about. Autonomous Driving Driverless cars – We did a whole podcast on the levels of autonomous driving. Check it out at iDriveSoCal.com.  It was our 43rd  Aka iDSC043. At the top level of autonomous driving, you have no driver needed – at all. That can only happen with infrastructure for the vehicle to maneuver within, talk to, work with and be guided by. So, regarding fully automated vehicles. Here’s what I think happens in the not so distant future. Our highest populated cities become the hubs of this innovation. Cars advance to a certain point with tech inside them. If you want to take your car into the city then you must have the tech to connect to the ci...

Bad guys get busy during travel season. Whether it’s summer vacation, spring break, end-of-year holidays, or anywhere between crooks are always on the lookout for homes without occupants. Before you get set to head out – on an extended summer vacation, or weekend road trip – it’s important to make sure your home is protected and secure while you’re away. For this iDSC Podcast, Doug Shupe, from the Auto Club of Southern California, shares with me several vital tips for home-owners and road-travelers on how to safeguard your house against burglars. Click play below to learn how to return to your home exactly the way you left it! ***Transcript*** Recorded July 11, 2018, Los Angeles, CA Every 14-Seconds a US Home is Burglarized  Doug Shupe: Every 15 seconds in the nation, there is a home that is burglarized. Before you head out, make sure that you prepare your home. Don't post on social media when you're leaving for vacation. Share that content after you're home, and you're there to protect your house. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with Doug Shupe of the Motor Club of Southern California, a.k.a AAA. Doug is the Senior Public Affairs Specialist, and, geez, becoming a frequent guest here on iDriveSoCal. Doug, thanks for joining me again. Doug Shupe: Thanks for having me again, Tom. Tom Smith: So, the topic du jour is keeping your home safe as you head out for vacation. In this case, we're in the depth of summer. So, we're talking about a summer vacation. But, really, this applies to any vacation, any time you're going to be leaving home. And, you know, you plan the trip diligently, make sure you pack the swimsuits, or the skis, or whatever kind of trip it's going to be. And while you're thinking about going and having fun, you've got to make sure that the homestead is safe and secure. Plan Your Vacation & Home Security Simultaneously Doug Shupe: That's such a great point, Tom, because a lot of people do just as you said. They put so much thought and detail into packing the bags for the vacation, or, you know, if they're taking a road trip, they've done everything to their vehicle to prep the vehicle for that road trip to prevent a breakdown. But they forget simple things to protect the home while they're away. And, you know, so- Tom Smith: I remembered my mesquite flavored almonds and my extra caffeine soda, but I forgot to lock the side door. Doug Shupe: But you forgot to lock the side door to the garage. I mean, unfortunately, it happens across the nation. A home burglary happens every 15 seconds. I mean, it is incredible. Tom Smith: Every 15 seconds? Doug Shupe: Every 15 seconds in the nation, there is a home that is burglarized. And these types of crimes tend to rise during peak travel seasons and holidays. So, before you head out for Labor Day, or for Thanksgiving, or for the year-end holidays, which will be here before you know it, make sure that you prepare your home for when you're gone. You know, one recent technique that we've been hearing about is that the thieves will actually turn off the electricity to a house at the breaker box to check whether anyone is at home. So, it's a good idea. The Auto Club suggests that you- Think Like a Thief to Prevent Theft Tom Smith: Well, that actually serves two purposes, right? If I turn the electricity off, I'm assuming, I'm not a thief, but I'm assuming, one, as you just point out, it will alert me to whether or not somebody comes out and tries to figure out what the problem is. Two, it will kill the alarm, right? Doug Shupe: Right. So, what we suggest is add a lock to that breaker box outside because, you know, if someone can gain access to the side of the house where the box is located, put a lock on that box. Some other simple things that you want to do is walk around, and close,

Southern California & Summer Time: Somethings just go perfectly together, hand-in-hand. The sun, the beach, and the fun – it all involves hitting the road. Whether you’re in the Inland Empire, Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County or San Diego, every good driver and automotive lover knows the importance of passenger safety and careful summertime vehicle maintenance. Doug Shupe, from the Auto Club of Southern California, shares helpful precautionary tips for summertime driving and road trips in this iDSC Podcast. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="34" gal_title="iDSC098"] ***Transcript*** Recorded July 11, 2018, Los Angeles, CA Summertime Road Safety Doug Shupe: Here in Southern California, we know that within minutes, the interior temperatures of cars parked in direct sunlight can reach up to 133 degrees Fahrenheit when the outside temperature is 90 degrees. Tom Smith: That's crazy. Doug Shupe: That's an incredible hot box. It's a tragedy waiting to happen. Summer's high temperatures can take a toll on everything in your vehicle. Extreme heat can push your car past its limits Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here. And today, I am joined by Doug Shupe, who's the Senior Public Affairs Specialist for the Auto Club of Southern California. Most of us know that as AAA. Doug, thanks for joining me. Doug Shupe: Thanks, Tom. for having me. Tom Smith: So, the topic that we're going to be talking about today with Doug is, as we hit the summer temperatures here in Southern California, the extreme heat, we're talking about those temperatures, and how that impacts our drive, as well as those that we drive around. So, the two umbrella items that we're going to cover here are, of course, our listeners would never leave their kids or pets in their hot vehicle. But we are going to touch on that. And then, we're also going to talk maintenance, about what to do to assure that you have no issues while tooling around the highways and byways of Southern California yourself. Temperatures Inside Your Car Spike Fast! Tom Smith: So, the first thing, and this was just in the news, what, a day or two ago. Doug. Someone in the Inland Empire left their couple of young kids in a hot car. And Inland Empire temperatures are what? Three digits, to begin with. Doug Shupe: Triple digit heat, Tom, yeah. And, you know, you think that you wouldn't have to talk about this, but, unfortunately, we hear about these types of incidents occurring every single summer. That's why the Auto Club is just committed to reminding people about what could happen if you leave people or pets in hot cars during these summer months. And, really, here in Southern California, all year long. Tom Smith: Now, I schmooze our listeners, my listeners, you, the listener listening on the treadmill, on your bicycle, in the plane, in your car, wherever you're listening right now, and say, "We would never do that," collectively, you and I, podcast listener. Thank you for listening. However, the reality is I'm sitting here with Doug, and I was just explaining that there's this one takeout restaurant that my wife and I love Ramen. As you know, I have a 9-month-old at home. That is ... It keeps us from ... He keeps us from going out very often. So, when it's time to grab a bite, I go and grab something. And, oftentimes, Mr. Jake, our dog, comes with me. And I'm very careful about leaving him in the car. And I do leave the air conditioning on. But Doug was just telling me even when being careful, that is a no-no for a number of different reasons. Doug, take it away. Take No Chances Doug Shupe: Yeah, Tom. A lot of people think that they can crack the windows, or they can leave the AC running while- Tom Smith: Which I've done. Doug Shupe: ... they do that errand. But, unfortunately, there have been cases where the AC in the vehicle has stoppe...

Some of the most World Famous Scenic Drives is yet another reason Southern California is the Automotive Capital of the United States.  And the entire world! In this iDriveSoCal Podcast, we continue adding to the long list of reasons Southern California is truly the “World's Car Capital.” With Professor Clinton Quan’s help, we identify world-famous scenic drives and iconic stretches of highways, unique to Southern California. To enjoy an exploration of the roadways that give Southern California its amazing reputation among drivers and automotive lovers, click play below. Find out if your favorite SoCal roads are the same the Professor shares on his top list! ***Transcript*** Recorded July 3, 2018, in Los Angeles, CA Automotive Capital of the US & World Clinton Quan: Three of my favorite roads, but, also, three that are very, very well known to anyone who's an automotive enthusiast. If you really enjoy driving, these roads you are very familiar with here in Southern California. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here with our good buddy, pal, chum, amigo, the good Professor, Mr. Clinton Quan. Say hello, Clinton. Clinton Quan: Hi, Tom. Tom Smith: Hey, hey, hey. Today's podcast is about [World Famous Scenic Drives]... Well, it's a continuation or justifications of that little rambling that I give at the open of each podcast, the automotive capital of the United States. But, again, not only is it the automotive capital of the United States, but Southern California is, in fact, the automotive capital of the world. "Three of my favorite roads... three that are very, very well known to anyone who's an automotive enthusiast." And now, that's a big statement. I've had numerous calls, e-mails, snail mail from various entities in Detroit, cease, and desist, and whatnot. And the mayor called, and they're all up in arms. How can we possibly say Southern California is the automotive capital of the United States, much less the world? By the way, totally joking. I haven't heard from anybody in Detroit. So, at any rate, it is a big statement. And when I first came up with the statement, it was a little bit of showmanship flare, a little bit of, "What is a big headline, a big bold thing that I can say about our situation here in Southern California and driving?" We know that it's challenging to say the least when we're in intense seas of cars and traffic. So, the good Professor was kind enough to reinforce that, "Yeah, man, you're right, and for a number of reasons." World Famous Scenic Drives So, this podcast is about one of those reasons. And categorically, that is beautiful stretches of scenic highways/roads. Now, I'm not from Southern California. I'm from a teeny tiny town in Northern Illinois. By way of Chicago, came out here about 12-13 years ago. So, I'm pretty familiar with the roads that the Professor is about to talk about, but not as intimately familiar as he is. "If you really enjoy driving, these roads you are very familiar with here in Southern California." So, Professor, what do you have for us? These stretches of highway/roads are famous scenic and further enforce the fact that Southern California is the automotive capital the world. Clinton Quan: Well, we're going to talk about three of my favorite roads, but, also, three that are very, very well known to anyone who's an automotive enthusiast. If you really enjoy driving, these roads you are very familiar with here in Southern California. Angeles Crest Highway - #3 World Famous Scenic Drives And we're going to start with number three, which is Angeles Crest Highway located in the Angeles National Forest, just north of the San Gabriel Valley. And that connects La Cañada Flintridge all the way out to Wrightwood. It's about a 66-mile drive. Tom Smith: Okay. Clinton Quan: And it's a-

World Class race track - yet another reason Southern California is the Automotive Capital of the United States, and the World! In this iDriveSoCal Podcast we explore one reason why the SoCal region tops so many automotive world lists, with a look at our World Class Race Tracks. Numerous driving courses and tracks dot the Southern California landscape, allowing the average car-lover and driving enthusiast relatively easy access. Click play below to hear about some of exciting race track destinations to test your car’s limit – or try on someone else’s ride – and push your own personal mettle at the wheel. [Best_Wordpress_Gallery id="32" gal_title="World Class Race Tracks"] ***Transcript*** Recorded June 26, 2018, Los Angeles, CA World Class Race Tracks Clinton Quan: People always ask me, "Where are you going to get to drive a car with 500 horsepower or 600 horsepower? What's the point of having a car like this?" And I always tell people, "Well, you go to a racetrack," this is where you can take your car, and really experience it. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here, with the good Professor. Mr. Clinton Quan. Say hello, Clinton. Clinton Quan: Hi, Tom. Tom Smith: Hello. How you doing today? Clinton Quan: Great. Tom Smith: Awesome. Thank you for joining us again, buddy. So, today's podcast, every podcast we open up, I open up "From the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California," that's not exactly true. We're really the automotive capital of the world. And Clinton and I have had some discussions about this. We are kind of in the middle-ish of a series of podcasts that we're doing that talk about and justify why Southern California is, in fact, the automotive capital of the United States, as well as the automotive capital of the world. And today, the topic is racetracks. We have world class racetracks, racing facilities right here in Southern California, in our backyard. And the good Professor has been to the three that we're going to talk about. We're going to mention two others at the at the back end of this. But, take it away, Professor. When You Feel the Need - the Need for Speed Clinton Quan: Yes, Well, these racetracks really, I think, showcase why we're the automotive capital of the world. One thing people always ask me is, you know, "Where are you going to get to drive a car with 500 horsepower or 600 horsepower? What's the point of having a car like this?" And I always tell people, "Well, you go to a racetrack," and- Tom Smith: You're not going to do it in the 405 in Russia. That's for sure. Clinton Quan: Exactly. This is where you can really test your car and fully experience what your car can do. And for anyone who is a true automotive enthusiast, and they really, really enjoy driving, and they really want to see what their car can do, this is where you can take your car, and really experience it. Tom Smith: And that is? Clinton Quan: Well, three of my very favorites are Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Tom Smith: Okay. Clinton Quan: Willow Springs International Raceway in Rosemont, which is near Lancaster. Tom Smith: Okay. Clinton Quan: And the third one would be one of the newest facilities of the Thermal Club which is a private club in the Coachella Valley on the eastern edge of the desert- Tom Smith: Okay. Clinton Quan: ... in Thermal, California. Tom Smith: And we're going to touch base on each of those. Clinton Quan: Yes. Tom Smith: But then, I promised two outliers that we'll probably not going to get too, but let's just throw those out there real quick. Clinton Quan: Chuckwalla out in the desert as well. It's a little bit further east of the Thermal Club. Tom Smith: Okay. Where to Exercise Your Cars Power Clinton Quan: And there's also the Porsche Experience Center.

The insane traffic congestion we deal with in Southern California can sometimes be alleviated, by use of HOV Lanes and or Express Lanes. But how to legally get in and out of them as well as use them can definitely be tricky.  Especially since the laws change from time to time.  Like they will later this year as well as at the beginning of next year. We get the scoop from California Highway Patrol Motorcycle Officer Darren Wybenga in this iDriveSoCal Podcast.  Listen closely – you might not only save yourself a ticket but also learn how to use the express lanes for free! ***Transcript*** Recorded May 18, 2018 in Torrance, CA Darren Wybenga: Currently, there's three different colored stickers which are applicable for low emission vehicles that have been designated to use the HOV lane or the express lane. In the express lanes, every vehicle is required to have a transponder. You could, in theory, have a free trip if you had your transponder set properly, it would save you money. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Tom Smith here, and today I am out at the south LA office of the California Highway Patrol yet again with our friend, motorcycle officer Darren Wybenga, California Highway Patrolman, thank you for joining us again. Darren Wybenga: My pleasure. Tom Smith: Thank you for doing what you do keeping us safe out there on the highways. Darren Wybenga: You're very welcome. Tom Smith: Today's topic is going to be what I think confuses a lot of people, definitely it's confused me, and that is the express lane, HOV lane, getting in and out of them, the transponders, the stickers and what not. Officer Wybenga is going to give us the lay of the land on all this. Now Officer Wybenga, the HOV lanes have been around for a long time, right? Darren Wybenga: Probably about 20 years. Tom Smith: Okay, and then the express lanes are relatively new. Darren Wybenga: Yes, about five years. Tom Smith: About five years, okay. Basically what happened was, it's the 110 and the 10, right? Darren Wybenga: Correct. Tom Smith: In areas of the 110 and the 10 in LA County, the, what was HOV lane became express lane. Darren Wybenga: Correct. Tom Smith: And that was to govern the traffic in those lanes as well as raise revenue, generally speaking. Darren Wybenga: Generally speaking, and to give folks another option if they're willing to pay for it to hopefully expedite their travels. Tom Smith: Okay. Now the first thing to cover is getting in and out of the HOV and express lanes. I think I'm not alone in that my experience driving ... Say I'm in the HOV or express lane, I'm driving, I see to my right there's a white line and then there's a double yellow, and that, to me, means I can cross and get out of the express/HOV lane that I'm in because it's the white. I can get out whenever I feel like but then people can't get in because of that double yellow. However, that's not the case is it? Darren Wybenga: It is not. The only time you can enter or exit legally is where the lines turn to broken white, like the other lanes of traffic. You're no longer seeing solid lines. If there's two solid lines or four solid lines, if those lines are solid you can't cross in or out. Typically, they try to have an opening every two miles or so but there's no real guarantee. Tom Smith: Does that change in Orange County, or San Bernardino County, or Riverside County? Darren Wybenga: Those rules are the same everywhere. The line setup may be different in certain locations or certain counties. But solid white, two solid white or more, or two solid yellow or more work interchangeably, and they're gonna always be illegal to cross.  I think the biggest misconception was if there's a white, single white line inside two solid lines- Tom Smith: Right. Darren Wybenga: ...

The National Safety Council has designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  And whether you’re a rider of 2-wheels (or one of those strange 3-wheel contraptions) or a driver of 4-wheels, it’s everyone’s responsibility to stay safe on the roads – and aware of motorcycles. And nowhere in the United States is that more important than in California which has the most registered motorcycles in the country.  In this iDriveSoCal Podcast we’re joined by Motorcycle Officer Darren Wybenga of the California Highway Patrol for tips during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  (Including the mind-blowing concept of motorcycle lane-splitting… which is legal in California… for some reason.  Why?  I don’t know – I guess, because it’s California.) California Highway Patrol, Motorcycle Educational Resources: CaliforniaMotorcyclist.com (877) RIDE-411 ***Transcript*** Recorded May 4, 2018 in Torrance, CA Darren Wybenga: It's more about safety, seeing my fellow riders ride safety than it is important for me to write that person a ticket. When there's a fatality it doesn't generally occur from the initial impact, it typically happens as a secondary impact once you've been ejected onto the road and then a car doesn't even see you and you end up in their path and then you're struck again, it's from a secondary impact like that that'll end up resulting in serious injury or potentially fatality. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. I'm Tom Smith and today I'm at the California highway patrol, south office, yet again. With me is California highway patrol officer Darren Wybenga. Officer Wybenga thank you so much for what you do and thank you for joining me for this podcast. Darren Wybenga: You're welcome, it's my pleasure. Tom Smith: Okay, so officer Wybenga is a motorcycle officer, he has been for a very long time and today's podcast is on motorcycle safety awareness. As those of you know listening to the podcast, I'm not from California, I'm from Chicago and our laws for riding bikes are very different. Personally, let me just get this out there, I had a bike when I was a teenager, the second I was old enough to defy my parents I got a bike, scared the daylights out of myself and although I really love the idea, romanticize the idea of having a bike I don't think I'm ever going to own one again the state of California, perhaps maybe if I lived in Paso or something like that. Officer Wybenga rides professional for work and rode personally to get there, meaning rode personally to start riding professionally but now just writes professionally for work, correct? Darren Wybenga: Correct. Tom Smith: Okay. I swear I'm going to let you talk in just a second here but I wanted to rattle off some  statistics that officer Wybenga shared.  In 2016 there were 476 motorcycle fatalities and over 14,000 injuries. This is a very serious topic everybody, you really want to take note and if you're not a motorcycle rider, we're all impacted by it because we're also driving. So Officer Wybenga, as a motorcycle rider or non motorcycle rider, what kind of high level points do you have to share with us for safety awareness month? Darren Wybenga:  California is home to the largest number of motorcycle riders so it's a reality when you're on the road you're gonna see many, many, many motorcycles pass you on either side, infront, behind. Darren Wybenga: One of the most common locations of accident occurrence is near the car pool lane. Many motorcyclists are splitting lanes on the double yellow lines between the car pool and the fast lane and it's just really important to reiterate the fact that you absolutely cannot cross in and out of that car pool lane unless it's a dotted white line section which is usually signified by an overhead sign indicating that you can safely pass in and out of the carpool lane at that location.

If you live in Southern California you have much to brag about when it comes to the advantages our region has to offer.  However, traffic congestion is definitely not one of them.  By (far too) many measures, SoCal delivers the worst traffic on planet earth.  And one of the lead organizations in addressing the issue is the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.  We sat down with the non-profit’s head of Aerospace & Advanced Transportation, Judy Kruger, to discuss the economic portion of the mobility equation here in Los Angeles County and its surrounding area of influence.  Find out how autonomous parcel delivery will play a role in alleviating traffic in this iDriveSoCal Podcast. ***Transcript*** Recorded April 17, 2018, Los Angeles, CA Judy Kruger: whether they have a new technology that will go on a cube satellite or a flying car or a new data collecting technology for vehicles. It's just all converging, whether it's aerospace or advanced transportation, all the platforms that are around it. We've got the perfect setting with our 11 million people in one small, tight spot. Tom Smith: Driving each other nuts on the 405. Judy Kruger: Exactly. We've got the right setting to move this technology forward, and it's going to be very exciting to see it. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. I'm Tom Smith, and today I'm downtown Los Angeles at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation. Joining me is the director of the industry cluster development ... long title here ... of aerospace and advanced transportation. Judy Kruger is with me. Judy, thank you for joining me. Judy Kruger: Thank you, Tom. It's a pleasure to be here. Tom Smith: Judy is in charge of basically the portion of the LA County Economic Development Corporation that we here at iDriveSoCal, in our mobility interest ... Judy's in charge of that whole space. Anything that has to do with mobility, transportation, as it pertains to the county of Los Angeles, which I'd imagine also impacts greater than just the county of Los Angeles, Judy's in charge of that development. Very excited to be sitting with you, Judy. Tell us a little bit about just high-level what your organization does, and what you do within it. Judy Kruger: Certainly. At the LAEDC, we are focused on driving growth with these industry clusters. Advanced transportation could be, as you know, anything related to mobility, electric, autonomous, infrastructure, charging stations, alternative fuels, design studios. What we're trying to do with our industries is grow them organically, and grow them in innovation. Tom Smith: It's a little bit of everything, and with that in mind I'd kind of like to focus on maybe the top kind of three-ish things, if we can right now, that you have on your plate. Judy Kruger: If I were to pick the top three, what's unique to Southern California in addition to our innovative culture is, Southern California by policy and environment was way ahead of the game in electric vehicles. Some of the spinoff of that is, unlike any other place in the US, we have six bus manufacturers in LA County. Actually, eight bus manufacturers in the region, electric bus manufacturers. Judy Kruger: We are targeting assisting that industry grow, because it has a ripple effect to driving growth with an industry like that, that will additionally play into autonomous. That's our second area. We're looking at, how can we add urban planning to industry planning, and where can we help roll out projects on the autonomous side? Judy Kruger: Then thirdly, we're helping with infrastructure and charging stations, rolling out what the county needs. We have charging manufacturers in the region and designers in the region as well. Tom Smith: Electric vehicles, electric buses. I know you're very proud of the electric bus manufacturers that are here.

The Marconi Automotive Museum in Tustin, California looks, feels, and even smells fast. American muscle – check. Racecars – check. Ferraris and Lamborghinis – check and check. Sportbikes that give you whiplash just looking at them – many checks. Their collection also includes a Gullwing Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce from the 1950s, a firetruck from the 1930s, and much more. It’s an auto museum that makes kids, both young and old, grin and drool. But it’s also a venue for private and corporate events and all for a good cause. The museum is also a non-profit that supports Southern California organizations that help at-risk children. In this iDriveSoCal Podcast we learn the history of The Marconi Automotive Museum from the museum’s CEO, Priscilla “Bo” Marconi. ***Transcript*** Recording date – April 5, 2018 in Tustin, CA Marconi Foundation for Kids Bo: Somewhere along the way, Dick decided that he really wanted to put his money where his mouth is. He's always been very philanthropically-minded and so he decided to donate all of the car collection and the building to the Marconi Foundation for Kids. We've got to one-of-a-kind Ferraris here in our collection. We have the 53rd car that Enzo Ferrari built. We've also got beautiful Gullwing. Ranging from American muscle cars. We've got a Firefox fire truck from the 30s and all the way up to the modern-day car, so there's something here for everybody. Tom: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States--Southern California. I'm Tom Smith and having a lot of fun with iDriveSoCal yet again today as I'm in Tustin, California at the Marconi Automotive Museum, and joining me is Priscilla "Bo" Marconi of the Marconi Automotive Museum, excuse me, the CEO, actually. Priscilla, Bo--I'm gonna go with Bo--thank you so much for joining me. Bo: My pleasure. Happy to be here. "We've got to one-of-a-kind Ferraris here in our collection. We have the 53rd car that Enzo Ferrari built." Tom: So the museum was founded by your husband. Bo: It was, yes. Tom: And it is an adult playground. For anyone that's been here already, they know exactly what I'm talking about. If you haven't been here, you absolutely have to come, and you will see the most fabulous display of high-performance vehicles, race cars. And Bo is going to fill us in on how it became and what it's all about. Learn, Earn & Return Bo: Well, my husband Dick founded the place in 1994, and he bought this building which was a former solid oil manufacturing facility that had gone out of business. And I can remember seeing it thinking, "Oh this is a terrible place." It was a decrepit. I had no vision for what it could be. But Dick is a great visionary, and he put what he calls cubic dollars into it, and he formed this museum, and he moved his open-wheel race car team into it along with his car collection of about 75 cars. And so for a couple of years, he used it as a facility to tune the engines. We had mechanics running around and, because he raced professionally, that was the whole purpose of this building. But once he decided that he wanted to stop racing, he opened it up as a special event facility, and we became very organically. So somewhere along the way, Dick decided that he really wanted to put his money where his mouth is. He's always been very philanthropically-minded and so he decided to donate all of the car collection and the building to the Marconi Foundation for Kids, which is a 501 (c)(3) public foundation. And his goal has been to encourage other people to find their passion for philanthropy whether it's children, which is our passion, to give to at-risk children's organizations whether it's animals, the environment, whatever it is that hits your hot button. His mantra is to "learn, earn, and return." So you go to school, trade school, university, whatever your passion is, and then you earn.

Whether you’re a young kid or a kid-at-heart The Automobile Driving Museum is a guaranteed treat for every automotive enthusiast. It’s one of the coolest museums in Southern California. It offers antique Model T’s all the way up to a ’95 Viper and 2000 Saleen. And not only is it okay to touch and sit in the cars but you can swing by on Sundays and go for a free ride! Hear the details from co-founder Stanley Zimmerman himself in this episode of the iDriveSoCal Podcast. ***Transcript*** Recorded March 14, 2018, in El Segundo, CA The Automobile Driving Museum - Like None Other! Stanley Zimmerman: We would go to car shows, generally, everybody else had a sign up saying, "Look but don't touch" their precious jewel. And we thought differently. We thought that we should invite the public, particularly, young children to sit in our cars. And go for a ride in them. They're not immobile. They are moving art and so to enjoy them, you have to use them. We bring out three or four cars from our collection, and people line up and get a ride. It's no charge; it's all free. Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States, Southern California. Today is a pretty fun day for me, actually, already has been because I've been getting a tour through The Automobile Driving Museum here in El Segundo, California. Those of you from Southern California know that El Segundo is adjacent to LAX, Los Angeles International Airport. And sitting with me right now is the founder of the Automobile Driving Museum, Mr. Stanley Zimmerman, Stanley, thank you so much for joining us. Stanley Zimmerman: My pleasure to be here and talk with you. Tom Smith: So the Automobile Driving Museum, you're the founder. It was your vision long ago. Can you kind of start off with a high-level explanation, summary? "We bring out three or four cars from our collection, and people line up and get a ride. It's no charge; it's all free." Stanley Zimmerman: Correctly, I am a co-founder of it along with a man called Earl Rubenstein who's no longer active in the museum. He's busy with his profession as an architect. And we're both car collectors, primarily, and we would go to car shows and to car exhibits, concourses, and we would be there with our cars and, generally, everybody else had a sign up saying, "Look but don't touch" their precious jewel. And we thought differently. Driving Children's Interest at The Automobile Driving Museum We thought that we should invite the public, particularly, young children to sit in our cars. And so between us we had discussions and said someday, we'd like to have a museum for our cars where the public could come and sit in them, bring their children, and let their children sit in them and go for a ride in them. They're not immobile. They are moving art and so to enjoy them, you have to use them. Tom Smith: And how long ago did you actually execute on that dream that became a vision that became a reality? "We thought that we should invite the public, particularly, young children to sit in our cars. And go for a ride in them." Stanley Zimmerman: In the beginning, it was just car clubs coming and maybe bringing their families for meetings; it wasn't the general public. But in 2002, I was able to get the use of a large underground or semi-underground garage under a preschool, which they weren't using. And so we put our cars there and started with leaving a few cars out on the street with a sign on them, "There is a museum around the corner." In West Los Angeles it was. And so we'd get a few people coming in and then I decided that it would be worthwhile making it a public museum so that there are some tax benefits, but it also meant that the collection could go on. It wouldn't be limited by our lifetimes. And then we did that for, oh, three or four years before we had the opportunity to acquire this building in El Segundo,

Driver assisted technologies, driverless technology, robotic cars, autonomous vehicles…  If all the different talk and types of autonomous driving has you a bit confused you’re not alone.  In this iDriveSoCal Podcast we lay out the six Automation Levels as described by the Society of Automotive Engineers and accepted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  And yes there are six levels, not five, listen to get all the details. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: Automated Safety for Vehicles ***Transcript*** Recorded March 12, 2017 Tom Smith: Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States – Southern California. I’m Tom Smith, and in this episode, we’re talking about automated driving.  Specifically, we’re going to identify the different levels of automated driving. But before we can do that we need to frame the rather complex issue. We hear a lot about driver assisted technology, driverless technologies, robotic cars and the like. Personally, I get excited about it all of it and can’t wait for it to get here. But the reality is that some automated driving technology – depending on how you look at it, a lot of it actually – is already here. The topic can be confusing because of the definition of the different levels of automation that fall under the umbrella of quote-unquote “automated driving.” The topic can also be confusing because there’s many different major industries and organizations dealing with it. And they all have skin in the game so to speak. First, you have the for-profit companies that want to bring automated driving technology to you and me – the consumers. That includes: Traditional automotive manufacturers like General Motors. Newcomers to automotive manufacturing like Tesla. But then also, technology companies like Google’s self-driving arm Waymo and Uber. Then there are the existing Federal government agencies that need to keep us safe by managing their current domains but still accepting, if not embracing, the future. These entities include: NHTSA – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And the NTSB – The National Transportation Safety Board. Both of these organizations were on the scene to investigate a Tesla crash here in LA just a few weeks back. And then we have the different states in the US deciding what they’re going to allow and not allow.  And that’s even been an issue just from a perspective of testing technology that would ventually be implemented. For example; Arizona has become the beneficiary of companies moving there to test automated driving tech that California has wanted to move more slowly in allowing. And let’s not forget groups like Consumer Watchdog who we spoke with a couple weeks ago.  They’re basically saying – hey this all is great but let’s proceed with caution because this is a very big hairy issue. I might be forgetting something or some-group but you get the point.  The topic of automated driving is big.  There’s a great deal at stake for powerful groups.  And because of that it’s been, and will probably continue to be, quite a fluid situation. With all of that in mind there’s one more important group to mention – the Society of Automotive Engineers. You’re probably aware of them, and have been for a long time, you just don’t know it. They usually go by their acronym – SAE. You’ve seen that around various automotive documentation haven’t you? I know I have but didn’t realize it until recently. Anyway, SAE (the Society of Automotive Engineers) is relevant here because just a couple years ago – NHTSA (the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) decided to accept SAE’s definitions of the various levels of automated driving. NHTSA has a cool timeline on their website – in case you want to check it out; we have a link to it through this podca...

All cancer sucks.  Stomach cancer delivers some especially deadly statistics, but if you know anyone that has been diagnosed with this unwanted news there is Hope for Stomach Cancer. Listen to the road trip we took to help fight the disease in this episode of iDriveSoCal. ***Transcript*** Recorded February 6, 2018 Welcome to iDriveSoCal, the podcast all about mobility from the automotive capital of the United States – Southern California. I’m Tom Smith and in this episode we’re trying something different.  I’m not interviewing anyone, there’s no script, just me, a microphone and a few bullet points I want to cover about a recent road trip my wife I and took with our son. A couple weeks ago we drove from Los Angeles to San Francisco for a conference.  It was our first road trip with our new son and it was my first time ever making the drive.  The few times I’d been to San Francisco I flew. The conference we were going to attend was for Gastrointestinal Oncology – I’m not a doctor and neither is my wife. She and I started a stomach cancer patient advocacy organization. My father-in-law was diagnosed with late stage stomach cancer in in late-2013. There was very little chance that he’d survive. Being an on child, my wife dug-in and became my father-in-law’s full-time caregiver. They made a deal – my father-in-law would fight the disease and my wife would deal with everything else including; Health insurance. Finding and making sure he received the best care. Scheduling appointments Taking him to appointments. Taking notes at the appointments. And so much more. Many nights I’d wake up to my wife crying at her computer. She’s a researcher and was scouring the internet for information, any resources she could find and hope. And unfortunately she was finding very little to be optimistic about. My father-in-law’s treatment wound up being a full gastrectomy – meaning stomach removal – followed by chemotherapy and radiation. Turns out, yes, you sure can live without a stomach. I know because my father-in-law is still with us today and doing well.  All things considered. It’s a struggle, it’s tough for him to keep weight on. And if you’re unlucky enough to know cancer at all you know the treatment comes very close to killing you if the disease doesn’t. That was the case for my father-in-law as well. But my father-in-law is still with us. And he’s NED – no evidence of disease. So that gastrointestinal conference that we drove up to San Francisco with our son for… well that was to represent the non-profit that we started as an effort to pay forward the blessing of still having my father-in-law with us. Hope for Stomach Cancer is my wife’s full-time job outside of taking care of our son, me and our K9 best friend. I just help with the administrative stuff. This was the first opportunity I had to tie Hope for Stomach Cancer into iDriveSoCal. I’ll move on in just a moment – first these details: Stomach Cancer – like all of them – sucks. It’s the 5th most common cancer in the world It’s the 3rd deadliest cancer in the world. About 26-thousand cases will be diagnosed in the next 12-months. Almost 11-thousand of those cases will result in death within 6-months. One of the reasons stomach cancer is so deadly is because it’s often misdiagnosed and almost always caught very late stage. For more on stomach cancer go to HopeforStomachCancer.org – that’s all spelled out.  Hope-for-Stomach-Cancer.org.  You can also go to StoCAN.org that will get you to the same place. Okay, now that the public service announcement is out the way let’s talk about that drive to San Francisco! It was my first time making the drive – we took the non-scenic route of Interstate 5. It would have been nice to shoot up the coast but we didn’t want to keep our little guy in his baby seat any longer than necessary.

Cars just have a special appeal to some folks.  Young or old, wealthy or not, doesn’t matter what race, nationality or religion… for some guys (and gals – yeah gender doesn’t matter either) the sound of nice car’s exhaust can be as universally appealing as certain genres of music [...]