ANAHEIM, CA - (February 1, 2010) - The City of Anaheim has released the following statement on today's decision by the Los Angeles Superior Court regarding Online Travel Companies (OTCs) dispute:

“The Los Angeles Superior Court, on February 1, 2010, reversed a decision of an Anaheim Administrative Hearing Officer, which held several Online Travel Companies (OTCs) including, Expedia, Priceline.com, hotels.com, Orbitz, and others, liable in the amount of $21,326,881.30 for Transient Occupancy Taxes that were collected but not paid to the City. The decision by the Superior Court did not disagree with any of the facts revealed during the administrative trial but concluded, simply as a matter of law, there was no obligation on the part of the OTCs to pay the tax to the City. The City of Anaheim will explore our options to protect the City and its charter.”

Media Contact: Ruth Ruiz 714.765.5060more city news

###

ABOUT ANAHEIM – The City of Anaheim, founded in 1857, is one of the nation's premier municipalities and is one of California's most populous cities. Anaheim covers 50 square miles with more than 343,000 residents and more than 2,950 City employees. The municipal corporation's annual budget is $1.5 billion. Anaheim supports a thriving business community with companies such as Carl Karcher Enterprises, Inc., L-3 Communications, Pacific Sunwear, and Disneyland Resort. Successful sports franchises call Anaheim home, including Angels Baseball, Anaheim Ducks, the U.S. Men's National Volleyball Team, the 2012 Olympic Games Silver Medal winning U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team, and the Professional Arena Soccer League Anaheim Bolts. Anaheim also boasts world-class meeting and entertainment venues with the Anaheim Convention Center, LEED-certified and the largest on the west coast, Honda Center, City National Grove of Anaheim, Anaheim GardenWalk, and Angel Stadium of Anaheim. In addition, Anaheim embraces its vibrant cultural arts community, including the world-renowned Anaheim Ballet. Annually, Anaheim welcomes millions of visitors to the city, truly making it where the world comes to live, work and play. For more information, please visit www.anaheim.net.

CONNECT WITH THE CITY OF ANAHEIM

	Join the Anaheim community on Facebook
	Submit service requests via Twitter - text "d Anaheim311" to 40404
	Anaheim events and video news articles - updated weekly on Anaheim's YouTube channel
	Download the FREE My Anaheim app for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch
	Download the FREE My Anaheim app for Android devices
	Anaheim Anytime is available 24/7.  For questions regarding the City of Anaheim, simply dial 311 from any Anaheim-based landline phone or from (714) 765-4311 from a cell phone or any phone outside the city limits. Anaheim Anytime representatives are available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. Recorded information and a voice mail box is also available 24/7.