Envies ‘victory’ over short-term rentals

Congratulations to the residents of Sonoma! You will not be forced to do without sleep, peace, or a sense of safety, as is the case up here in Glen Ellen. Our population has declined by more than 20% (2000-2010 Census), our community group, the Glen Ellen Association, is a thing of the past as, increasingly, many find themselves surrounded by speculators’ tourist-serving businesses — in our neighborhoods! It’s a misery, one you all narrowly missed when all but your mayor voted (4/6/15) to keep vacation rentals out of your homes and neighborhoods.

Keep an eye on State Senator McGuire’s bill (SB 593), which, if enacted, will give every town and county in California a uniform regulatory framework essential for holding accountable hosting platforms such as airBnB, flipkey, Homeaway, Craigslist, VRBO, and local agencies such as Sonoma Vacation Rental Property Management. Hefty fines can be imposed on violating operators of hosting platforms. Enjoy your victory and stay tuned!

Deborah Nitasaka
Glen Ellen