Proposition 13

In keeping with my theme of aging in Marin, I’ve been thinking of those who are currently purchasing homes in today’s market.  How are they going to keep up with their high property tax base as they get older? Sure, if everything goes as planned then it should be okay.  But, what if it doesn’t go as planned? Aging in place may become difficult. I then thought of my own parents who are lucky that their home is under the Proposition 13 bill.

Today I was reading the Independent Journal and came across an article that talks about Marin’s property tax.  As the first property tax bill is due to hit our mail boxes, I thought I would pass along this article. You can find it here: Marin County posts record property tax bill  

Gedon Law and CPA

About Proposition 13 and Why We Have It

Prior to 1978, California’s property tax was a little less than 3% of the market value for one’s homes and there were no limits to tax increases or assessments. So, some owners had their home reassessed at 50-100%.  This was a huge problem, especially for the elderly.  Many had paid off their mortgages yet faced losing their homes because they couldn’t afford the taxes. This situation was getting out of control, and just when people were close to losing their homes, Howard Jarvis (Howard Arnold Jarvis was an American businessman, lobbyist, and politician. He was an anti-tax activist responsible for passage of California's Proposition 13 in 1978.), gathered more than 1.5 million signatures to qualify a statewide initiative to finally end excessive taxation and protect the security of home ownership.  This was called Proposition 13. On June 6th, 1978, nearly two-thirds of California’s voters passed Proposition 13, reducing property tax rates on homes, businesses, and farms by about 57%.

Many politicians said that the cut to property taxes have hurt California’s ability to maintain their roadways, and infrastructures. However, it has forced local governments to manage their finances better. That is one reason the initiative had such overwhelming popular support.  Most cities and counties have been very successful under proposition 13.  If some failed, the problem was not Prop. 13.  It was reckless spending.

It is important that we make sure this proposition does NOT get repealed. We must make sure our elderly are able to afford to stay in their homes if that is what they have chosen.  If you would like more information or have a comment, please feel free to contact me.

Moving Elderly Parents (When to speak with Mom & Dad)

In today’s blog, I would like to talk a little about our aging population.  Marin County has a high number of baby boomers (which I happen to be the last year of that category). I also, have gone through this very important yet terrifying conversation with my in- laws.  Thankfully, everything turned out for our family.

As a side note before we begin, I also have my SRES certification, which is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist. This is a designation that is awarded only to Realtors who have additional education on how to help seniors and their families with later-in-life- real estate transactions.

Rittenhouse Senior Living

This is probably one of the hardest conversations child/children will ever have to make.  Many seniors would prefer to continue living in their own home or age in place.  Sometimes, circumstances work against those preferences. Continuing maintenance, those stairs they no longer can navigate, financial ability for in- home caregivers, and support services that are not available at home. Whatever the reason may be, having this conversation is challenging.

If you open the lines of communication early rather than waiting until a fall or hospitalization, words like “assisted living” won’t be such a shock.  Most people wait until there is a crisis situation, which can have a huge impact on the elderly parent.

When having this conversation, let the parents know that your concern is for their health & safety.  Ask them if they have given any thought to what happens if they can no longer take care of themselves?  Have they considered checking out a few assisted living facilities? Choosing housing that meets your family’s current needs, and anticipate future needs, can be a challenge. It can require a significant financial investment depending on the level of care desired.

The Cincy Blog

The very nature of downsizing means that the property you will be moving to, will be smaller than the property you currently live in.  Moving from the family home can be overwhelming for both the parents and child, especially if you are facing a lifetime of possessions and must make the choice about what to bring and what which items to let go. Although we have good intentions, sometimes it can be better to hire a third party to help with this process.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an assisted care facility.

         Is the facility close to family and friends?
         Do they provide daily activities, (being social, is an important part of staying active and healthy)?

        How is their medical staff?
         Does the facility provide transportation (Dr. Appointments, groceries, etc.)?
         Most importantly, is the staff kind, caring, and friendly? Do they like their job?
         Marin offers many solutions for our seniors that may not be as scary as they sound.

Make sure to do the homework before taking your parents.  Visit multiple facilities at different times of the day. Speak with the employee’s, watch how they interact with their residents.  Often times, there is guilt associated with putting your parents into an assisted living facility. However, I know from personal experience that is can be the most loving act a child can do.  Quality of life is immeasurable.

For all who are moving through this process, I send guiding angels.  If you want more information on options in Marin or how to navigate through the process, please feel free to contact me at kfvaladez@gmail.com

Fun Fact Friday: 60 Years of Magic

Happy Fun Fact Friday! I'm not gonna lie, I think California is awesome! We're home to so many amazing places, but there is one that is near the top of the list, and is referred to as the Happiest Place on Earth... Disneyland!

kcrw.com

Disneyland was Walt Disney's first theme park, and it's a testament to drive, dedication, and passion. It was almost by sheer will that Walt Disney was able to make his dream a reality, with failure around the corner at almost every turn. His dream became reality, and because this year is their 60th anniversary with their Diamond Celebration, I'm sharing some fun and interesting facts about the world's first ever Disney park.

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Disneyland

Disneyland's monorail was the first daily operating monorail in the northern hemisphere, so they weren't just having fun, they were leading the way with technology!

Disneyland

The Matterhorn was the first coaster of its kind, with a tubular steel design, yet another technological advancement. (And there's a half basketball court inside too!)

They created their own shade of green! It's called Noseeum (No-See-'Um), and it was specifically designed to be the least obtrusive color in the spectrum. All their garbage cans and other unsightly but necessary architectures around the park are painted this color so they melt into the background.

LA Times

Cats are released into the park at night to keep the mouse population under control! I'd love to be able to walk around the deserted streets and be surrounded by cats!

Disneyland

You can get a free Jungle themed park map at the end of the Jungle ride, all you have to do is ask for one. They make great souvenirs! 

Are you going to this year's Diamond celebrations? What facts or secrets do you know about the one and only, original Disneyland?

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Weekend Happenings: San Anselmo Art and Wine Fest

Happy Fun Fact Friday! I'm posting just a few facts here and there for today though, because I'd like to tell you about a local event that could be your new plans for this weekend!

Steven Restivo Events

San Anselmo is having their annual Art and Wine festival, and if you're into local food, beer, art and family fun, then this will be a treat for you. And there's no entry fee!

Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 26th from 10 AM until 6 PM, there will be a beer and wine tasting pavilion, human and dog(!) fashion shows, hundreds of featured artists, live entertainment and much, much more! It's happening on San Anselmo avenue, so you'll also be walking by some of Marin's best shops and eateries, and public parking is at St. Anselm's School for just $5! Dogs are also welcome on leashes of course, and there's a pet retreat and water stations throughout the whole fest! Truly a treat for the whole family!

For more information, their website is here: Steven Restivo Events

I hope I can go by and do some beer and wine tasting, come back and let me know if you went and how it was!

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Fun Fact Friday: Marin's Oldest

Marin County is one of the original 27 counties of California just after it adopted its constitution in 1849, and we have a long and rich history to boot. This week I stumbled upon a bunch of facts about some of Marin's long standing buildings and institutions, so that's what I'm bringing you on this Fun Fact Friday.

Marin's Oldest Buildings

Wikipedia

Mission San Rafael Arcángel, the mission on 4th street in downtown San Rafael, is the 20th of 21 missions up the coast of California, and it was built in 1817 by the Franciscan Order.

keepmarinmarin.org

The Marin County Civic Center was built by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and was actually the last commissioned work of his life.

Pioneer Paper Mill in Lagunitas was the first paper mill on the west coast, and it was built in 1856 by Samuel Penfield Taylor.

noehill.com

The Greenbrae Brick Kiln is the only surviving structure of the Remillard Brick Company, one of the biggest producers of bricks on the Pacific coast. You can still see it's chimney from all over parts of Larkspur, Corte Madera, and Greenbrae, and it's now being used as a restaurant, the Melting Pot.

noehill.com

The Dixie School House on Las Gallinas is Marin County's only unaltered one room wooden school house, and it was built in 1864.

Marin's Oldest Businesses

Smiley's Schooner Saloon in Bolinas was established in 1851

Marin French Cheese Company in Petaluma was established in 1865

Diekmann's General Store in Tomales was established in 1867

 McNear Brick and Stock in San Rafael was established in 1885


I hope you enjoyed some of my old time facts for this Friday's post! What other old places around Marin or California do you love?

Have a great weekend!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

Fun Fact Friday

desktopdownloads.com

Happy Friday! I love California, it's always been my home and hopefully always will be. We have the ocean, the desert, the mountains, vineyards... So in the name of california love, I'm going to start doing what I'd like to call Fun Fact Fridays, where every Friday I post a new exciting, awesome, or just down right weird, facts about my favorite state, California.

Today I'd love to start with some facts about my local area, Marin and San Francisco.

Before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, the fastest way to get to San Francisco was by Ferry, and the Sausalito Land and Ferry Company was launched in 1867.

Another Fact about the Golden Gate, did you know that the cables that suspend the bridge have enough steel wire in them to circle the planet 3.5 times?

Our area is also native to Coastal Redwood trees, which are some of the oldest trees in the world. They can live up to 2,000 years or more, and can get much taller than their cousins, the Sequoias, which are in the Sierras.

Did you know any of these local facts? What are some of your favorite facts about California?

Have a great day!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez

38th Annual Fairfax Festival

fairfaxfestival.com

The weather report says it's going to be in the mid 70's this weekend, so it's the perfect time to head outside and go do something fun. If you're looking for something to do in this beautiful weather, you should definitely go check out the Fairfax Festival that's happening this weekend.

The Fairfax Festival is a volunteer based, community put together event, so it's like going to a big huge block party with all your friends! There is so much to do and see that I assure you, you won't be disappointed. There's great music playing at three different stages, crafts and vintage treasures to find, fresh foods, beer and organic wine tasting, and all of it local! They've also expanded their children's area for the little ones to explore and enjoy, and PureWater filtered water stands throughout so you never have to go far for refreshment.

It starts with the Family Film Night where they're showing The Lego Movie, in the Ballfield at 8:00 PM on Friday June 12th. Then there is a parade the next day at 10:00 AM that kicks off the weekend's festivities with a bang!

Growing up in Fairfax was an amazing experience. I love the small town atmosphere, the shops and the downtown where everyone knows each other, and of course our once a week treat, M&G Burgers, which I still frequent! It was a cool town growing up and it's an even cooler town now, so join me this weekend at this year's festival and enjoy the reason why so many people call Fairfax their home.

For more information and a link to their website: Fairfax Festival

Have a great day!

~Kelly Cranmer Valadez