The Sharing Economy Opens a Debate with San Diego Housing Rentals

It isn’t hard to find examples how new technology is disrupting traditional methods of conducting business when these examples are right in your backyard. Homeowners are renting their beach abodes for extra money but putting pressure on local communities that lack parking and resources. Recent meetings with The Smart Growth and Land Use Committee offers opportunities to take public testimony and listen to reports to get a better grasp of how the sharing economy works. 

The problem is not yet a huge one but certainly could get bigger in the future as the sharing economy grows. Getting a handle on it now makes sense. There are around 1,800 registered owners of rental properties but 3,100 properties available for rent (as cited by Fox 5). This means that officials are unaware of how many people are renting homes and whether or not they are complying with regulations.

These rental arrangements are growing in other areas beyond the posh beach communities. Trendy neighborhoods such as East Village, Little Italy and South Park also have their own short-term rental options (as cited by 10 News). It is likely that other communities may have an interest in getting their houses on the market as well.

San Diego is a vacation destination and certainly will have more incentives for homeowners to engage in short-term renting while year round residents feel overwhelmed by the fluctuating traffic. San Diego should not rush to come to grips looming issues in order to set the right tone for other popular resort cities across the country.

As new technology changes the market government must catch up and implement new rules, regulations, and processes to ensure public interest is protected. As government adjusts and changes to meet these new demands government will likely adjust local ordinance, laws, and processes to better manage the situation. The same process will occur throughout the country in other major cities. 

The problems experience in San Diego are not unique as all governments must come to new ways of handling changing trends. There are many legal challenges associated with house renting in the sharing economy and how U.S. policymakers can regulate micro-entreprenuers (Burnette, 2015). These processes will be worked out over time but will come with some turmoil.

At present it is important to hear both sides of the argument and available data to ensure that a solid grasp of the situation is at hand. The changes, legislation and solutions should fit within San Diego’s long-term strategic plan. It is often beneficial to see what other cities and states are doing and adjust those policies to what works best locally. Keeping information available and the public informed of changes is beneficial for community based compliance.

Burnett, J. (2015). When people become businesses. Capitol Ideas, 28 (2). 

Crowds expected at council hearing on vacation rentals (April 22, 2015). Retrieved http://fox5sandiego.com/2015/04/22/city-council-to-discuss-san-diego-vacation-rentals/

San Diego City Council to debate divisive vacation rental issue (April 22, 2015). Retrieved http://www.10news.com/news/san-diego-city-council-to-debate-divisive-vacation-rental-issue

 

Running the Slopes at Bear Mountain Ski Resort

Bear Mount Ski Resort located in the rustic village of Big Bear Lake in  California has four mount peaks ranging from 8,000 to 8,500 feet above sea level. Bear Mountain is partnered with Snow Summit just a few steps down the road. One offers a trendy scene and the other night skiing. Together they provide 438 developed acres, 26 lifts and more than 55 runs.

Most, 70% of the runs, are intermediate to advanced so you will have a good time if you obtained previous skill. There are enough beginner runs and classes for those who are just starting. In my case, I grew up skiing so after a few hours on the intermediate runs I started to take more of the advanced ones. I avoided the half pike and all the obstacles. All I need is a broken leg!

The lodge at the base of the run provides plenty of food and ski services. You can purchase equipment, fix equipment, rent equipment, eat and drink till your hearts content. Their Beach Bar on the sun deck is very popular and draws a crowd of people. Just about any type of food can be found among the seven food outlets.

Runs were well groomed for a warm  60+ degree mountain top weekend. For most of the day I didn't bother to use a jacket and did fine with only snow pants, goggles, hat and gloves. There were even brave souls who went sleeveless all the way down the mountain. Most of the runs were open for a long weekend that is running toward the end of the traditional skiing season.

The trip up the mountain was a blast. Plenty of places to stop and get a good look at the valley. Most areas are two lanes with a number of passing lanes. It isn't possible to go that fast considering the amount of curves, bends, and winding. You have to pay attention. Growing up in the winters of Michigan I definitely wouldn't want to be driving that road with heavy snow or ice present.

http://www.bigbearmountainresorts.com/index_winter.php