Short-term Rentals
The Story
After several years of trying to come up with a proposal to regulate short-term rentals like Airbnb, a divided San Diego City Council held a special forum this week but failed to reach an agreement. The stalemate left many on the council and in the public frustrated. And the city has not set a timetable to revisit the issue.
The Discussion
-What are the sticking points that are preventing the city from making any progress?
-When will this get resolved?
-Is this an example of a wider problem at city hall and San Diego politics?
RELATED: San Diego City Council fails yet again to enact Airbnb regulations
Living With Wildfires
The Story
Wildfires in California continued to dominate the headlines as prolonged Santa Ana conditions persist. While the Thomas Fire north of Los Angeles continues to rage, fire crews were able to get a handle on the Lilac Fire in San Diego's North County. Climate scientists say what is unusual about this fire season is the level of dryness. According to the National Weather Service, the region should have received nearly 2 inches of rainfall by now, moistening the vegetation and dampening the risk of fire. Scientists say climate change is a factor to the current conditions.
The Discussion
-How has the fire season changed for Southern California?
-What learned did firefighters learn from San Diego's 2003 and 2007 massive wildfires?
-Why is development along the wildland-urban interface such an important issue today?
RELATED: Lessons learned? Lilac Fire tested strategies drawn from '07 and '03 fires
Oceanside Mayor Resigns
The Story
One week after returning to the Oceanside City Council after recovering from a stroke in the spring, the city announced that it's mayor, Jim Wood, would resign, effective Jan. 1, 2018. Wood was granted three leaves of absence. He served as mayor for 13 years. The city faces several contentious issues that will not be resolved without a fifth vote on the council: for example, next week they will vote on whether to allow marijuana cultivation within the city. The City Council has until February 7th to appoint a successor or call a special election in June.
The Discussion
-When was it apparent that Wood was not able to continue to function as mayor?
-What are some of the issues the City Council will face until a new mayor is in place?
-How will Wood's replacement be determined?
