Without Disney Anaheim would be a bigger dump than it is now, it probably wouldn't even be a city.
That didn't answer the question and has already been pointed out your statement about Anaheim not existing is false as well. Disney is not responsible for the 3 million plus that call Orange County home. Walt Disney picked Orange County precisely for its desirability and future growth. Anaheim and Orange County was going to become a popular place to live and work regardless of whether the mouse decided to locate here or not.
What was fake about the news story and the Times in general? One of the more disturbing aspects that has been amplified by the current occupant of the White House is to proclaim anything with which they don't agree with 100% as made up. Completely dismissing those we disagree with is dangerous for our society. Disagreement and discussion is healthy.
That LA Times article was a politically slanted hit piece.
I have read these articles several times now and have yet to understand how anyone could come to this conclusion. It is a valid question and the journalist raises good points. I have been known about the parking structure financial terms for a while and it has always bothered me. I mean good for Disney for negotiating these favorable terms, but if I were on the city council I would be embarrassed. I think what the council is doing now is not good business either, but Disney clearly could muscle the city to bend to its will for a very long time. It's fascinating that over the last couple of years that tide has shifted. That is the point of the articles. The LA Times is asking the question because the city of Anaheim has begun to ask the question.
A political hit piece would not give Disney's side of the story at all. They would not include excerpts such as “I have never seen a corporation that has taken so to heart their commitment to the surrounding community,” said Shelley Hoss, president of the Orange County Community Foundation, which manages ACT. " and "Disneyland Resort has given nearly $20 million to nonprofits that are mostly in Orange County, including more than $4 million to various causes in Anaheim. Among them is ACT Anaheim, an initiative Disney co-founded, that provides grants to nonprofits in the community." and "Disney has also taken steps to unburden Anaheim: Since 1992, the company has paid the city for police service at its resort property, and has done the same for fire and paramedic service since 2000; those contracts now generate more than $10 million a year for the city.
Many Anaheim stakeholders said that the company’s direct and indirect impact on the city is unmatched. “There would be no tourism here without Disney,” said Jay Burress, president of the nonprofit Visit Anaheim tourism bureau, which is partly funded by Disney tax revenue. “They are the hook that brings [people] here.”
I could go on, but the point is made. The Times has produced a story that shows both sides of the issue. A hit piece would not have bothered to say anything supporting Disney. Again this is dangerous to label things we disagree with as hit pieces and fake news.
