San Francisco-based, Airbnb, a multi-billion dollar international travel company that enables community residents to host travelers in their home for payment, is one step closer to being a legitimate business practice in the City of Berkeley. The city council unanimously voted to push forward short-term rental guidelines through the proper regulatory channels. The guidelines specify planning and housing conditions that were otherwise non-existent, making it unlawful for residents to operate short-term housing. The city’s escalating housing crisis was cited by supporters as a reason to regulate Airbnb activities, whereas others criticized the council for forming unnecessary legislation. Pacifica’s Saadia Malik reports.