The California Supreme Court saved my life. Independent contractors deserved it. – San Diego Union-Tribune

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

Fortunately, a little over eight years ago I discovered that I could supplement my income with app-based driving, which has not only provided me with the extra income I need, but also gives me a sense of connection and belonging with my fellow San Diegans. I consider each new rider my customer and it is an honor to be able to serve my community by providing them with a safe and reliable transportation option to get home.

As an independent contractor, I have found that app-based driving allows me the flexibility to work when and for how long I want. As a retiree, I don’t want to be a traditional employee who is stuck on a set schedule and forced to clock in at the office.

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

Through baseless lawsuits throughout the court system, they advocated putting the livelihoods of nearly 1.4 million app-based drivers at risk and disrupting the services that millions of Californians rely on every day.

Thankfully, a recent ruling by the California Supreme Court has safeguarded my ability to earn additional income as a driver through an app, and I can now live without fear of having my right to earn income as an independent contractor taken away. Just as importantly, consumers can continue to rely on drivers to get from point A to point B and on delivery drivers to deliver groceries and a hot meal when needed. It is a huge relief to finally have confirmation that the fight to overturn Prop 22 is at an end.

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

I choose app-based work for the flexibility it offers, and I know businesses and delivery drivers across California also rely on app-based work. The court’s recent decision means all Californians can continue to use apps like Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, or Instacart to drive, ride, make deliveries, and more, with the peace of mind that our opposition will not deter or discourage them.

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

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