We are all waiting in anticipation for the reopening of Disneyland. We were taunted with a July reopening date. I personally miss the place I consider more like home than anything else.
Negotiations with the Governor, the unions and the city of Anaheim become more and more intense and strained as we have just passed the 6-month mark of the park being closed, a record in Disney park history. Anaheim mayor, Disneyland Resort President and the California Attractions and Park Association(CAPA) have all made statements to the effect of calling on Governor Newsom to reopen theme parks. Erin Guerrero, CAPA Executive Director, has said "California's amusement parks urge the governor to issue amusement park guidelines expeditiously so these vital community attractions can reopen and get residents back to work." Guerrero also commented "Tens of thousands of jobs have been hanging in the balance. Hundreds of millions of tax revenue that support critical local, state, and federal programs, lost. And local businesses that rely on amusement parks continue to struggle, with many closing permanently."
Disney is among those who have considered themselves "ready to responsibly open" for over 2 months. Disneyland Resort President, Ken Potrock stated, "We are disappointed with the state's lack of progress in providing the industry with guidance and clarity on reopening. We have proven we can operate responsibly, with strict health and safety protocols at our properties around the world and at Downtown Disney in Anaheim."
Anaheim mayor, Harry Sidhu, is struggling with a $100 million deficit due to the Disneyland-resort area being shut down since March. Sidhu has said, "I want to be clear, this is not a reopening Disneyland for Disney's sake... it's for hundreds of small businesses, tens of thousands of jobs."
For now, we are stuck waiting for the guidelines for theme parks and other entertainment venues. The economy and sanity of the state of California hangs in the balance as we all internally urge Governor Newsom to allow the reopening of the Happiest Place on Earth.
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