San Diego’s short-term rental program prompts concern
On April 8, I conducted a “quick and dirty” study of the 10 nearest neighbors to my home in the Barber Tract whose properties are registered as participants in the city of San Diego’s short-term residential occupancy program.
My goal, utilizing a simple “convenience sample,” was to determine how many of those properties appropriately displayed a placard stating 1) the STRO registration number; 2) the transient occupancy tax certificate registration number; and 3) “local” contact information (name and phone number). This posting is a requirement for participating in the STRO program.
The results: pretty dismal. Only three of the 10 properties displayed the city-required placard. It is quite discouraging that the program is seemingly underperforming with regard to its self-monitoring and ensuring that it thrives accordingly.
Which “process-focused” program evaluation methods is the city of San Diego utilizing with regard to STRO? Which City Council committee is responsible for and provides oversight to the STRO program? If the STRO program cannot monitor a simple signage requirement, what else of significance is it overlooking?
Inefficient and wasteful city programs vs. cutting back San Diego arts, libraries and recreation efforts — not really a choice.
Ira Parker
Thank you for support for autistic son
My son is autistic and has attended La Jolla schools beginning in kindergarten and then middle school and high school. The community has been so loving, supporting and wonderful throughout his journey and is a large part of his current success. He is now graduating from La Jolla High and was just prom king.
Arjun James was La Jolla High School’s 2026 prom king. (Provided by Roopi Sumal)
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Arjun’s wonderful classmates for all the support they have shown over the years. We are also deeply appreciative for all the support from parents and Arjun’s many incredible teachers, special-education staff and principals.
Arjun has learned so much from all of you, and we feel fortunate to be part of such a wonderful and supportive community.
Arjun looks forward to seeing you around town!
Roopi Sumal and the James family
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