Housing Crisis in Eastern Sierra Towns

In California's Eastern Sierras, specifically in Bishop, a severe housing crisis is unfolding. The majority of land in the area is owned by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP), which restricts any possibility for affordable housing developments. Consequently, local workers, including ski instructors, teachers, and nurses, struggle to find accommodations, often resorting to living in their vans. The pandemic led to a surge in Airbnbs, exacerbating the issue as properties intended for locals are now serving affluent tourists or are left vacant as second homes. Mayor ProtM of Mammoth expresses deep concerns about the community’s stability as essential workers face unprecedented housing challenges. Personal accounts, like that of Emily Markstein, who moved to the area seven years ago, highlight the frustration of locals. She acknowledges that many houses are unoccupied, either as vacation rentals or second homes, which compounds the difficulty of securing a stable living situation. The juxtaposition of beautiful, empty houses with hardworking locals struggling to find shelter paints a stark picture of the current crisis. This blend of issues raises questions about community welfare and the need for reasonable solutions to address the housing shortage for those who are essential to the region's hospitality and healthcare sectors.