For this week’s “Orange Feathers” editorial cartoon, Weekly contributor Scott Feinblatt took on the issue of Anaheim banning short-term rental (STR) services like AirBnB from the city. Take it away, Scott!
On Wednesday, June 29, the Anaheim City Council voted to ban short-term property rentals. While these rentals (many of which are secured through online services like the international company Airbnb) provide convenience for Anaheim’s tourists and visitors, they have been labeled a nuisance by some locals who principally claim that they contribute to parking problems and noise pollution. Proponents of STRs maintain that these renters are neither burdensome nor disrespectful of Anaheim residents. Furthermore, the proponents say that these guests are a boon to the local economy.
It’s interesting to watch the back and forth of an argument like this. On the one hand, nobody likes late night revelry when they have to go to work the next morning; on the other hand, Anaheim has been on the tourism map since Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955, and with California Adventure, Angel Stadium, the AnaheimConvention Center, the Honda Center, and the ARTIC money pit continuing to facilitate an influx of visitors, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to impose restrictions on local property owners who want to get inon that action or to promote the idea that natives are hostile to Disney fans. In any event, the ban will likely go into effect in mid-August.
BOOM
Got an idea for an OC-themed editorial cartoon? Email garellano at ocweekly dot com. Happy drawering!
