Pat Morales
Member since Dec 27, 2015
Recent Comments
Re: “Share Trinidad”
This is in response to Mike Reinman's letter regarding Vacation Dwelling units in Trinidad.
As Mr. Reinman is the owner of a very large Rental Property Management business, of course these are his views. As a full time resident of Trinidad, I have seen his VDU's break almost every law in Trinidad's new Ordinance. Not only that, but try to find a way around the wording and intention of the Ordinance.
He owns some of these rentals that he manages. Those seem to be the worst offenders! In one weekend, law enforcement was sent to one of his homes twice, that is actually located on an 'environmentally sensitive trail'. Cars were blocking the trail, drunk and rowdy renters in the home where 12 people can stay. This home had at least 25 cars parked in and around the immediate area. The Sheriff couldn't even send these 'guests' away as they were to drunk to drive. Three dogs (in a rental that says, "No Pets Allowed"). One got lost, and luckily found by a resident, the others would growl and bark at hikers trying to use the trail to walk to the beach.
In his letter he has many contradictory statements.
Trinidad does not seem to be in decline of “traditional economic resources” as he states. As a matter of fact tourists flood this City during the spring and summer months in over abundance. So much so that it is starting to affect the residents.
He writes of an older, more retired community that has fewer school age children. But then goes on to say this has not impacted school enrollment. That is because children come from a variety of communities just to be able to attend Trinidad School due to its excellent reputation as a very progressive learning experience. Certainly VDU users and other tourists do not send their children to this school.
What we have here are empty homes during the winter months. As soon as a home goes up for sale in this City, investors come in, buy at top dollar and more, for homes they intend to use as vacation rentals.
This has caused a huge increase in property values. I don’t want my home to become so expensive that only investors can afford to buy it. We need affordable housing in Trinidad for people, be it through affordable long term rentals or purchases of homes here.
The California Coastal Commission does want to protect access to the coast. Trinidad and Patricks Point Drive have many Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, and RV Parks where tourists can easily access the coast without to many short term rental units (STR’s) in the City Limits! At $100 per night per bedroom, a 3 bedroom vacation unit goes for $300 per night. Sounds a little more expensive than a B&B, Motel or RV Park stay.
Mr. Reinman owns a 4 plex inside the City limits. The VDU Ordinance states: “There shall be no more than one VDU per parcel”. He uses one unit as a long term rental. The other 3 he uses, for his own profit, as STR’s. Why can he not make a profit from renting these units as long term rentals? That makes the City 3 units shorter of affordable housing.
He has threatened lawsuits to residents and the City of Trinidad itself. Kathleen Lake was threatened by Mr. Reinman with a lawsuit because she stated in a letter/website that she was against VDU’s. Personally, I like to know where a Planning Commissioner or Council Member stands in regard to City policies. She did not write nor start a website stating she was a Planning Commissioner. She did this for her personal beliefs. She did not have to rescues herself from any vote, (according to the City Attorney,) but after being threatened she left the Commission. This is a very sad outcome. But Mr. Reinman scared her with this threat!
And last but not least, Mr. Reinman suggests that property managers should NOT be held accountable for the actions of their tenants. Again, the Ordinance states: “Each VDU must designate a local contact person on the VDU License form. That person may be either the owner or the PROPERTY MANAGER, and that person must live within 25 miles of Trinidad so that he/she can respond personally to an emergency”. They make their profits off of their own or other peoples properties. Why should they not be held accountable when called with a complaint from a citizen. You want to manage short term rentals? Be a responsible manager as that is what you are paid to do!
Re: “Who'll Stand up to Rowdy Renters?”
Thank you Mr. Graves!