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Good evening Mayor Light and Councilmembers — my name is Laurie Armer, and. I've been a Redondo Beach resident for 17 years and South Bay resident all my life.
I am here tonight because I received a notice to cease hosting travelers and guests through Airbnb.
I am a retired teacher and recently divorced. Airbnb supplements my teacher's retirement income and helps me pay my mortgage.
In my small 2 bedroom house in North Redondo, I serve guests who are visiting their children and grandchildren or elderly parents, and people who are traveling on to other parts of the US and are learning about our area. I offer a friendly, warm environment for guests from all over the world.
I understand asking non-resident occupied houses to cease short term rentals, but for hosts who live in the same house, I believe we can find a local approach that allows responsible hosts to operate.
I ask the Council to consider a regulated Short-Term Rental program for residents who let out rooms in their permanent residence.
We can include mandatory registration, a local 24-hour contact, occupancy and parking rules. We can require a home business permit.
This approach preserves public safety and neighbor quality-of-life while generating local revenue, supporting our small businesses that rely on visitors.
I am prepared to work with staff, neighbors, and business owners on a pilot program that addresses prioritizing primary residences.
Thank you for considering a balanced solution that upholds our neighborhood values, protects housing, and supports local economic activity. I'm happy to provide a one-page proposal and meet with staff and neighbors to refine this. Thank you.