Anaheim Defies Disney

The City of Anaheim voted to provoke their largest employer and tax generator into a sure lawsuit:

The City Council defied Disney's wishes by approving a zoning change that could pave the way for 1,500 homes across from its property.

Early Wednesday, the council voted 3-2 in favor a plan to allow residences in the Anaheim Resort, which was reserved for tourism businesses. Mayor Curt Pringle and Councilman Harry Sidhu voted against the matter after a six-hour discussion. The council reconsidered the issue after deadlocking two months ago.

Councilwoman Lucille Kring, who abstained last time and then refused to say how she would vote beforehand, ended up siding with housing advocates.

"I have prayed over this issue. I have agonized over this issue," Kring said.

The approval came despite Disney's repeated protests, a lawsuit and threat of a ballot measure to deter new homes in the resort.

Disney and other business officials vowed to keep fighting.

The thing that bugged me the most about this whole kerfuffle was the insistence by the housing advocates that Disney has a "responsibility" to provide affordable housing for its low income workers. Why? My employer is not required to provide housing for me. And where would these people be living and working if Disney wasn't providing them a job?

This is a classic case of the entitlement society we live in today, but it's far from over. Disney and other resort area business interests will vigorously fight this and it will end up costing the city millions.