Along with our recommendations for the best new nightlife spots, here are a few options to make sure you get home safe if you've absorbed a little too much ambience:
Safe Ride Solutions
This DUI-prevention program started in 2006, after the Steve Foley incident, to help San Diego Chargers players avoid trouble after a night out. Founder Gary Lawrence of Lawrence & Associates has teamed up with business professional Matt Mahoney and Chargers pro bowler Lorenzo Neal to offer the program in 10 cities across the country. For an annual fee of $100 plus a usage fee, members have round-the-clock access to this designated-driver service. The drivers are off-duty law enforcement officials, who get you back home in your car. 208-938-4500; saferidesolutions.net .
For College Students
The University of San Diego and Orange Cab Service provide undergraduate students with a College Cab service. Currently enrolled students will be picked up and brought back to campus. If the student pays for half the fare within two weeks, USD will cover the rest; otherwise, the student will be billed for the entire cab fare. 619-291-3333.
University of California, San Diego students can use the free Associated Students safe-ride program, available from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights during the academic year. Students must sign an A.S. Safe Ride Waiver form and receive an A.S. Safe Ride sticker. Once registered, students get three free rides per quarter. 619-564-7998.
San Diego State University and Point Loma Nazarene University do not currently offer safe-ride programs.
Speed Bump
The Designated Drivers Association's San Diego chapter was active until a few months ago. Founder Raymond Gross was forced to shut the operation down for lack of funding. Since 2001, the volunteer-run, nonprofit organization had provided individuals with a free ride home in their own car. Gross is currently working with the San Diego city attorney's office to obtain grant money to revamp the program.
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