Illegal Airbnb Rentals, One Where a Shooting Death Occurred

I live in West Covina, California where Airbnb and other short-term rentals are not legal but people set them up anyway. In one instance a house was rented and there was a paid admission party with about 60 people, many of whom were not from West Covina. Helium balloons were distributed for people to get high. A couple of guys from another area showed up and shot an 18-year-old man who died.

Since then another house was rented out in a swankier part of town. This party was featured online as a paid admission event and had a very vulgar name that suggested a possible front for prostitution or at least booty calls. This party was scheduled for three days over Labor Day weekend. Underage looking people were seen going to the premises, a man was seen masturbating on a nearby corner, and I was told of loud music and fireworks in early morning hours (fireworks are not legal in WC).

Fortunately, citizens contacted the police and it was shut down. I contacted Airbnb about these concerns and their reply was to contact the renter, host or local authorities. Perhaps they need to verify that these rentals are legal to begin with.

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