“With Proposition K, are we pouring sand on top of a sieve?”
In a few weeks Encinitas residents will have another opportunity, or duty, to vote on an additional tourist tax. In the name of preserving our beaches, Proposition K will demand a 2% tax on short term rentals that were previously excluded from a similar tax on visitor’s hotel and bed & breakfast rooms. Will this help in funding a solution to this vexing problem of replenishing sand loss?
“An ongoing sand ‘hand out’ or a permanent solution?”
A responsible voter has to ask themselves how this tax will be used. Put to the preservation of sand that is being lost at a dramatic rate, as noted in the proposed amendment. But, are the stewards of these funds looking for a permanent solution?
“Or, will we be yet again watching the waves roll in to reclaim what is theirs?”
The natural replenishment of sand to our beaches has been halted by urban development, including new commercial & home construction, parking lots, storm drains, and sea walls. If Proposition K gets passed, perhaps the stewards of our tax dollars will act with vision, making our funds work well into the future. If not, we may be back with our pails full of sand replenishing the beaches yet again.
