04/04/2018
"WE LOVE PALM SPRINGS - NO ON C" HEADS UP EFFORTS TO FIGHT VACATION RENTAL BAN
As many of you may know, due to the efforts of a group who calls itself "Palm Springs Neighbors For Neighborhoods," a vacation rental ban for single family homes in Palm Springs will be placed on the ballot June 5, 2018. This ballot initiative is now known as "Measure C."
Palm Springs registered voters will vote whether to prohibit vacation rentals of 28 days or less for all single family residences in R1 zones. This will eliminate nearly 100% of the single family residences from being available for vacation rental use, since nearly all fall within R-1 zoning.
"We Love Palm Springs" is heading the campaign efforts AGAINST this ban on vacation rentals, now known as the "We Love Palm Springs - NO on C" campaign.
We Love Palm Springs wishes to connect with its supporters. Timing is now critical, and your support is critical. The next phase of the campaign is about to begin. Here's what you can do:
1. Facebook Users: please search for the "We Love Palm Springs" page, and "LIKE" the page. This will be an easy way to keep track of important updates.
2. If you would like to learn more or to donate to the efforts against the vacation rental ban, please visit the "We Love Palm Springs" website at www.welovepalmsprings.org.
3. Facebook Users: Spread the word! If you know of other vacation rental owners or supporters, please consider the following:
A. Visit the "We Love Palm Springs" page.
B. Scroll down/find the "Community" box.
C. Click on "Invite your friends to like this page."
D. You can send a personal invite to all your facebook friends, or you can scroll through your individual list and hand select those you may feel most interested.
4. This ballot measure can only be voted on by Palm Springs registered voters. If you aren't sure if you are registered, or if you need to register, we encourage people to investigate. We Love Palm Springs has placed a tab on their page to help. Please visit: www.welovepalmsprings.org/register_to_vote
An impressive list of those opposed to this ban is now public, including:
The Palm Springs Hospitality Association (Hotels, Restaurants and Attractions)
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce
Palm Springs Police Officers' Association
Palm Springs Professional Firefighters
Palm Springs Resorts (Large Spas and Resorts)
Main Street Palm Springs (Retail Merchants)
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
Desert Valleys Builders Association
The Palm Springs Regional Association of Realtors
Vacation Rental Tourism Association
Vacation Rental Owners and Neighbors of Palm Springs
Mayor Robert Moon
Council Member Geoff Kors
Council Member Lisa Middleton
Council Member JR Roberts
A big thanks to everyone that has reached out along this wild road. Despite several attempts by anonymous people that have threatened to blackball me from the community, I have always advocated for a reasonable and respectable approach toward vacation rentals that blends neighborhood concerns on all sides of this issue. I've personally met hundreds of vacation rental owners over the years, and virtually all of them have been very interested in their neighborhoods and the welfare of residents and visitors. I personally know hundreds of full time residents as well, some of them critical of vacation rentals, and most of them have simply been concerned with the burden of loud parties when they arise. The ordinance the city now has in place, while not perfect for either group, is a true compromise. Residents have been given the tools to report violations, and the city is finally staffed to handle them.
As a reminder, critics often place a higher burden on vacation rental owners than other owners and residents. It is more important than ever to be honorable members of the community, to help dispel the ugly stereotypes so often used to describe all vacation rental owners as greedy investors from out of town, or careless about their neighbors. Keep this in mind, whether you live here full time or simply visit part time.
Warmly,
Brian Wilson
Join our We Love Palm Springs coalition. Vote No on Measure C - The Vacation Rental Ban. Protect our tourists and economy.
