Opinion: San Diego must prioritize residents over short-term rental owners

Re “San Diego lottery for short-term rental licenses should give priority to ‘good actors,’ council insists” (Oct. 12): Council President Jennifer Campbell wants to see what positive impacts the new proposed rules for short-term rentals will have on our city.

Short-term rentals have no positive impact on our city in any way: They only benefit the property owners and, of course, the city of San Diego receives revenue from the licensing and other fees.

I live on a street with 12 residences and six are now used as short-term rentals. Some cities like Rancho Mirage have recently decided short-term rentals are not welcome and have changed the laws to outlaw such businesses under most circumstances.

There are countless hotels for visitors while staying in our city. Our city leaders should think about the impact these businesses really have on our quality of life, not just the revenue they generate for the city and property owners.

Craig Caldwell
Old Town

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