Disney is main backer of resort district group

The latest campaign finance reports show that the entertainment giant has poured $2.1 million into the year-old coalition called Save Our Anaheim Resort District, or SOAR. The group's nearly 10,000 other members have contributed less than $2,000.

"The records demonstrate that the will of this group is clearly driven by the Disney Co.," said Cesar Covarrubias, a housing advocate with the nonprofit Kennedy Commission. "It's essentially a coalition created to protect Disney's interests. Disney doesn't really want to be involved in the dialogue, so they created an organization to carry their message."

Coalition leaders say it's no secret that Disney is the group's main financial benefactor.

"We're very fortunate Disney has continued to be our partner," said Todd Ament, SOAR's co-chairman and president of Anaheim's Chamber of Commerce. "A lot of what happens in Anaheim is more important to Disney than anyone, so it makes sense they would be heavily involved financially."

But, Ament said, the coalition acts independently of Disney, which has been adamant that the area be reserved for tourist-related uses such as hotels, time-shares and restaurants.

"We have 30 executive members that make decisions for what this coalition does, not Disney," Ament said. "We have one goal, protecting the Resort District. That also happens to be Disney's goal."

SOAR board member Stan Pawlowski said Disney executive Chris Lowe is an advisor to the steering committee but not a decision-maker.

"Chris gives his opinion, but he doesn't dominate the meetings," said Pawlowski, an Anaheim banker. "Disney's got a hell of a big investment and he's there to protect his investment."

SOAR was formed in March 2007 to prevent a 1,500-unit condo-apartment complex, and others like it, from being built near Disneyland and California Adventure. Disneyland President Ed Grier appeared at the group's initial news conference along with several former and current City Council members as well as elected officials from around the county.

That day, Grier said the ballot initiative would "ensure the resort will remain a world-class destination and it puts the residents in charge of the future."