Dear Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts Members, We need your voice—right now. California Senate Bill SB 1318 will be heard next Tuesday, April 21 , in the Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee. If passed, this bill would make it significantly easier for local governments to ban or heavily restrict un-hosted short-term rentals—without meaningful oversight. Most concerning, SB 1318 would strip the California Coastal Commission of its long-standing ability to act as a check and balance when cities move to eliminate short-term rentals. In simple terms, it removes protections that help ensure fair, balanced, and consistent policy across coastal communities. This is a critical moment for hosts, small businesses, and the broader visitor economy. We strongly encourage you to submit a brief public comment in opposition to SB 1318 to: Senator Josh Becker, Chair Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee Email: senator.becker@senate.ca.gov Even a short, personalized email can make a real impact. Why This Matters Opposing SB 1318 means standing up for: Supporting local economies that depend on visitor spending Sustaining small businesses connected to tourism Protecting responsible property rights Preserving affordable coastal access for everyday Californians Key Talking Points You Can Use Feel free to include any of the following in your message: SB 1318 removes the Coastal Commission’s ability to provide oversight when cities restrict or ban STRs. Local governments already have broad authority to regulate STRs; this bill is unnecessary. STRs are a vital source of affordable coastal accommodations, especially as hotel prices rise. Reducing STRs limits access to the coast for middle- and working-class families. There is no clear evidence that STR restrictions improve housing affordability. A one-size-fits-all mandate ignores the unique needs of different communities. Policy decisions should be data-driven, not restrictive by default. Sample Public Comment (Customize Before Sending) You can copy, paste, and personalize this: Dear Senator Becker, I am writing to respectfully oppose SB 1318. This bill would significantly weaken oversight by removing the California Coastal Commission’s ability to act as an independent check when local governments move to restrict or ban short-term rentals. That oversight is essential to ensuring balanced, fair decisions that protect coastal access for all Californians. Importantly, local governments already have broad authority to regulate short-term rentals, and they have used that authority extensively. SB 1318 is therefore unnecessary and risks accelerating restrictions without meaningful review or balance. By limiting oversight and enabling further restrictions, this bill threatens affordable coastal accommodations, local economic activity, and the ability of everyday families to access the coast. I urge you to oppose SB 1318 and support a more balanced, data-driven approach that preserves both local flexibility and statewide coastal access. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Name] [City] Take Action Today Please take a few minutes to send your email to senator.becker@senate.ca.gov before the April 21 hearing. Personal stories—why hosting matters to you, your family, or your community—are especially powerful. Your voice matters, and collective action can make a difference. Thank you for standing with our host community, Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts

The Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts & Friends is excited to invite you to watch our complimentary webinar on the essential topic of Direct Booking Strategies for Hosts and Property Managers . This information-packed session, hosted by SCCH President Carl R. Jaeger and featuring industry experts Miles Hobson — Hospitable , and Gil Chan — Founder & CEO, CraftedStays , addresses why diversifying your booking channels is more important than ever—especially in light of recent platform changes. The discussion covers: The Direct Booking Quadrant framework to identify your best opportunities for building a resilient direct booking strategy. Tactics like email marketing, social media, influencer partnerships, and SEO to attract your ideal guests. Smart ways to leverage past guest experiences to drive more repeat, direct bookings. Tools to safely collect guest emails (including Stayfi ) and how to do it while offering value. The crucial role of property management software integration for even single-property owners to avoid double bookings and manage rates efficiently. A detailed look at Hospitable’s direct booking platform features—such as guest verification, damage protection, dynamic pricing, and secure payment handling. You'll also hear practical advice for hosts of any scale, from solo operators to professional managers, and learn how direct booking can increase your independence and profitability. Whether you’re looking to grow your business or safeguard your operations, this webinar is a must-watch. → Watch the webinar now: Direct Booking Webinar Recording Take this opportunity to learn actionable steps you can implement today. Thank you for your commitment to excellence in Sonoma County hosting. If you’re not already a member, consider joining the Coalition to stay informed, connected, and represented . Warm regards, Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts & Friends

Tune in to hear, “What’s Happening in the World of Insurance” on April 9th at 6PM. Local insurance expert Jan Loewen from Loewen Insurance Services and Nick Massey, CSO of Proper Insurance , will guide you through the complexities of insuring your home while engaging in short-term rentals. Bring your questions and learn about crucial topics for California short-term rental owners, including: What steps should short-term rental owners take to ensure they have adequate insurance coverage? How does the insurance coverage change if the property is used for both short-term rentals and as a primary residence? What specific coverage does short-term rental insurance include for properties? Are there any exclusions in short-term rental insurance policies that property owners should be aware of? How does short-term rental insurance protect against loss of revenue? How does the insurance handle situations where guests violate local short-term rental ordinances? Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into short-term rental insurance. Register now to secure your spot in the webinar.

Dear Fellow Hosts, The Sonoma County Coalition of Hosts and Friends is bringing you an online seminar entitled: “What Lies Ahead” -Sonoma County's Economic Outlook and Tourism Expectations for 2025. The more information you have about travelers to our county and the strength and understanding of the economy, the better you can tailor your Short Term Rental operations to meet the needs of consumers. Tune in to hear: Ethan Brown, Executive Director of the Economic Development Board of Sonoma County and Claudia Vecchio, President and CEO of Sonoma County Tourism will illuminate the strengths, weaknesses, and changing landscape of our economy. Please come with lots of questions, and invite fellow hosts, and travel related businesses to join you. This will take place: Tues. March 4th, 2025 at 6 PM. REGISTER HERE Advance questions for our experts to answer can be sent to us here at sonomacountycoalitionofhosts@gmail.com .

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PHOCUSWRIGHT/VRMB SURVEY COLLAB Phocuswright is the leading travel industry resear ch firm, and they're conducting a 10-minute survey to study the U.S. short-term rentals market and understand key trends among homeowners and hosts who rent their properties to travelers.

VRBO Overcharges On TOT — Look At Your Statement

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