Wheeldude: Holiday tips from behind the wheel

Realistically, shopping has mostly replaced the spiritual, religious and ideological roots of the holiday season. The U.S. and western world’s economic well-being hinges on it. Until somebody invents a functional, consumerism-less system that still guarantees prosperity, we must shop. Preferably in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, to avoid gargantuan traffic jams at the malls.
Conveniently, during the holidays, many brick-and-mortar stores are open later, some even 24 hours during the holiday season, so you can travel at a time of the day when the roads are less congested and the lines at the register are shorter.
I drive a cab on the weekends, and I’ve been all over the Bay Area during the holidays. Here are a few tips for making your trip a bit easier.
First, if you must go to the mall at peak hours, avoid traffic jams by taking back roads.
For example, when visiting the Capitola Mall, exit Highway 1 at the Bay/Porter exit, go left at Porter, and then turn left at West Walnut and left at Robertson. This becomes Wharf Road. After about half a mile, make a right onto Clares Street. About 50 feet before the Chase bank branch on the corner of 41st, make a left into an alley that goes parallel to 41st, all the way to the Whole Foods parking lot.
Leave your car on that side of 41st Avenue. If you care to make it legal, buy, say, mints from the CVS there, and then walk to the mall.
It’s even worse over the hill. Right lanes of Highway 17, 280 and 880 are jammed forever with those going to Valley Fair Mall. Instead, get off at the Hamilton Avenue exit, cross under 17, all the way to Winchester Avenue, make a right turn, go past Stevens Creek Blvd. and make a right into one of the western approaches to the mall.
Second, be careful out there:
n Watch out — while drivers under the influence abound, mostly late at night, during the holiday season, law enforcement can be out monitoring the streets after office or neighborhood parties at any time of the day.
n Be aware that road rage happens more often with all the stress and rush.
n Be above it — be a better person. Spread love and random kindness. Pay a bridge toll for the guy behind you, give a dollar to homeless beggar, tip your mailman and newspaper boy (they’re a dying breed, after all).
n Always call a cab after having a drink, and be patient while waiting — there are only about 40 cabs in Santa Cruz. Happy holidays!
Lucjan Szewczyk, the Press-Banner’s photographer, is a part-time cab driver who commutes to Scotts Valley from San Jose.