The controversial idea to tax empty second homes and short-term vacation rentals officially died on Wednesday — and paid activists from Los Angeles played at least some part in killing it. / Zoë Meyers for Voice of San DiegoCouncilmember Sean Elo-Rivera had been pitching the idea to tax empty second homes and short-term vacation rentals for months. North County Report: Del Mar’s Housing Plans Up in the AirA residential neighborhood in Del Mar on Jan. 2. In this week’s North County Report, Layne explains what’s keeping these two projects from moving forward. (Union-Tribune)In Other NewsThe Morning Report was written by Will Huntsberry and Lisa Halverstadt.