Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach announced completion of a decline in value review of 473,000 homes and condominiums in Los Angeles County. Auerbach stressed that due to the declining real estate market, it was his responsibility to review values to make sure homes are properly assessed.

We have begun mailing results of the review to owners of single-family residences and condominiums purchased between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2008, and, in some hard-hit areas, as far back as 2000, said Auerbach. Our review will result in lower assessments on 333,000 homes and will be reflected on the tax bills issued in October.

The average value reduction for single family residences is about $126,000, he added, amounting to an average property tax savings of approximately $1,400. The average value reduction for condos is about $96,000 amounting to an average property tax savings of approximately $1,100.

Our free, proactive review also eliminated the need for most taxpayers to go through the application process, and hopefully will curtail the scam mailers from private companies offering to submit a review application for a hefty fee, Auerbach said.

Homeowners whose property was reviewed will be notified of the results in writing by June 30. If they disagree with the decision, they should contact the nearest Assessor’s District Office and discuss the results. If owners still disagree with the value, they may file an appeal with the county’s Assessment Appeals Board. The deadline for filing an assessment appeal is November 30.

Owners whose property was not reviewed, including property other than single-family residences or condos, and who believe that their property is assessed above its actual value as of January 1, 2009, should file the simple, one-page Decline-in-Value application. The form can be downloaded from the Assessor’s Website at
http://assessor.lacounty.gov or an application can be requested by calling 888-807-2111.

Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, issued the following statement today on Governor Schwarzenegger’s Revised Budget proposal, specifically, the possibility of capturing $2 Billion in local funds from Cities and Counties, pursuant to Proposition 1A:

Today’s announcement about a possible suspension of Proposition 1A is just the latest example of State leaders attempting to balance their budget shortfalls on the backs of local government.

Budgeting in the State of California is hopelessly chaotic. Meanwhile, here in Los Angeles County, our budget was balanced and on-time, just as Counties and Cities across California are required to do by law. We tried to do the right thing, forecasting the decline in local revenues and property taxes, by creating reserves and rainy day funds. Los Angeles County’s budget includes several hundred million dollars in cuts that we have already experienced, but it is the second and third round of cuts proposed by the State, like the suspension of Prop. 1A, which will put at risk our ability to protect the safety net services that we are required to provide by law.

Once again, we are being punished locally because the State’s financial house is in total disorder. Proposition 1A is supposed to protect funding for public safety, health, libraries, and parks. This protection is now in jeopardy because of this announcement. Ultimately, it will be the residents of our County that will suffer the most from the State hijacking these local funds, in the form of reduced services and fewer options.

-Supervisor Don Knabe, Chairman, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors

Proposition 1A was approved by voters in 2004 to protect revenues collected by local governments (Cities, Counties, and special districts) from being transferred to the State government for statewide use. The provisions may be suspended if the Governor declares a fiscal necessity and two-thirds of the California State Legislature approve the suspension. It protects local funding for public safety, health, libraries, parks, and other locally delivered services, and prohibits the State from reducing local governments’ property tax proceeds.

The Kazanjian Red drew thousands of visitors when it first appeared at the Museum last October. It left four months later, stopping in Carlsbad, California where it was scrutinized by gem experts at the Gemological Institute of America. Now the diamond has returned for a second engagement in the Museum’s Gem and Mineral Hall. It will be on view from April 6 to May 29, 2009.

Though there are many diamonds with a pink hue, true blood-red diamonds are the rarest of gems – only three large stones are known to exist. And of that trio, none has as fascinating and exciting history as the Kazanjian Red.

Found around 1927 in the diamond fields of South Africa, the red diamond was a sensational discovery. During World War II, it was stolen in Arnhem during Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, and hidden in a salt mine with other looted treasures. When it was recovered by American soldiers, it was initially mistaken for a ruby.

The diamond’s original owners did not survive the war and the gem was eventually sold. It passed through several hands, including those of mining entrepreneur Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, until it was purchased by a private collector in 1970. There it remained hidden until 2007 when it was purchased by Los Angeles-based Kazanjian Bros. Inc. This is its first exhibition in the U.S.

Founded in 1918, Kazanjian Bros. Inc. is a family business that started in New York, established a Los Angeles salon in 1928, and moved to Beverly Hills in 1969. James Kazanjian’s lifelong search for unusual and exquisite gems took him all over the world. During his worldwide travels, he was able to acquire jewels from the Maharajahs in India, the largest rubies and sapphires in the world, and other historical jewels from a variety of luminaries. Through the display and sale of private jewelry collections, the company’s Kazanjian Foundation raises funds for scholarship programs for underprivileged youths.

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is located at 900 Exposition Boulevard. The Museum is open seven days a week, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $6.50 for students and seniors; and $2 for children 5-12. For 24-hour Museum information please call (213) 763-DINO or visit www.nhm.org

On Saturday, April 4, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will host Late Night Art: Berlin 1945-2009, the third in the museum’s nighttime art events this year. Visitors can view exhibitions, listen to live music, attend readings in the galleries, and more. German-inspired food and drink will also be available.

On view will be the museum’s critically acclaimed exhibition Art of Two Germanys/Cold War Cultures, along with Franz West, To Build a House You Start with the Roof: Work, 1972-2008.

The event runs from 8 p.m.-12:00 a.m. at LACMA. The museum is located at 5905 Wilshire Boulevard and tickets are $10.

Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach announced that property owners can find out if their home or condominium is one of the approximately 500,000 properties involved in a decline in value review, which could lead to lower property taxes without needing to file any forms.

Logging on to the Assessor’s website at www.assessor.lacounty.gov and entering an address or Assessor Identification Number (AIN) will show whether a single-family home or condo is part of the review which includes properties purchased primarily between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2008. In some particularly hard hit areas of the county, the review will include properties purchased as far back as 2000.

There is no charge for this review and no forms to file. Owners of property included in the review will be notified of the results by mail before the end of July.

It is my responsibility to make sure that no property owner pays more than their fair share of taxes, Auerbach said. Not everyone will be eligible for a reduction, and not every home will be reviewed, but we have identified those homes that could possibly warrant a reduction.

Auerbach noted that some private companies are charging up to $190 to request a review on behalf of homeowners. These private solicitations may violate laws that require very specific language and disclaimers that they are not being sent by a government agency, he said. Besides, there is no reason to pay for a review that will be done for free.

A dedication ceremony is scheduled for April 1 at 9:30 a.m. in Yvonne B. Burke Park, located at 4350 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey. New signs reflecting the name change were installed in honor of Burke’s retirement and decades of service to the community.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved renaming Admiralty Park as Yvonne B. Burke Park. The name change, proposed by Supervisor Don Knabe, honors former Supervisor Burke for her 16 years of service representing the Second District citing Burke’s many firsts, including becoming the first African-American elected to the Board of Supervisors, and devoting her entire professional life to public service, whether as an elected official, an attorney, or as an official of the U.S. Olympic Organizing Committee.

Supervisor Burke has a deep personal attachment and commitment to Marina del Rey dating back nearly 30 years, said Supervisor Knabe. I am proud to honor my colleague and my friend by finally and permanently renaming this park with the name it should rightfully have.

For additional information regarding the Yvonne B. Burke Park dedication ceremony please call (310) 305-9503.

The Water Awareness, Training, Education and Recreation (W.A.T.E.R.) Program of the Department of Beaches and Harbors is offering its popular aquatic sports camp that young people can take part in during their spring break.

The following three camps are available for the spring program: surf camp, ocean-sports camp, and beginning sailing.

Surf Camp (Ages 11-17) Dockweiler Bluffs in El Segundo on April 6-10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ocean-Sports Camp (Ages 7-14) Dockweiler Bluffs in El Segundo on April 6-10 and at the Venice Pier at Washington Boulevard on April 13-17. Both camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Beginning Sailing Camp (Ages 11-17) Marina del Rey Boathouse in Burton Chace Park on April 6-10, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The W.A.T.E.R. program, designed to raise awareness of ocean and beach safety through aquatic-related sports activities, is conducted by County Ocean Lifeguards who have received special training in working with young people.

Youngsters must pass a swim test in order to qualify for the camps. All equipment is provided and fees range between $115 and $150 for the week-long sessions. Financial aid is available based on family income. Free transportation is also provided from inner city areas for young people whose parents are unable to drive them to the camp locations.

For program registration, swim tests, or to request an application, call the W.A.T.E.R. Youth Program at (310) 305-9587 or visit http://beaches.lacounty.gov

The Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation presents The Genesis Project at William S. Hart Park. This is in celebration of Black History Month, with an exhibition that begins on February 13th from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., through February 14th, from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Hart Hall. Admission is free for everyone.

The exhibit features historical display panels produced by Graphic Artist Albert L. Ewing, along with many regional artists in a photographic overview of the history of the African-American Experience in America, from the beginning of the trafficking of slaves, through the civil rights struggle, and the movement of black pioneers west to present day cultural icons.

This is also an opportunity for African-American artists to exhibit recent creations and for non African-American artists of all ages to show any art work on African – American themes. This is the 2nd in a series of tour stops for the Genesis project, and the first ever informal exhibition on African-American History at William S. Hart Park and Museum.

The display of artwork is in a drop-in Format with all medias, no size restrictions, no fees and 10 pieces maximum, framed or unframed. Art is welcomed with the one single restriction that the art must be deemed suitable for public display.

William S. Hart Park is located at 24151 North San Fernando Road in Newhall. For more information and drop-off of entries, please contact the William S. Hart Park office at: (661) 259-1750, or visit the County of Los Angeles, Department of Parks and Recreation website at: www.lacountyparks.org

The month of February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month, and the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) would like to remind pet owners that animals, like humans, need necessities such as love, care, shelter, and food. However, DACC also recognizes that additional responsibilities are crucial in order to maximize the quality of life for a pet. Pet owners must understand what it means to be a responsible pet owner.

The following is list of tips that can help make everyone a responsible pet owner:

Spaying or neutering your pet
The benefit of spaying and neutering is not only the best solution to controlling pet over-population, but it can also help prevent certain cancers and diseases in your pet. Spaying or neutering saves you money for pet license fees and it is the law in most of Los Angeles County.

Licensing your pets
California law requires that every dog four months of age or older must have a current license fastened to its collar, and be vaccinated against rabies. Making sure your pet has its current license is also one of the best ways to have your pet returned to you in case he or she becomes lost. For more information about licensing your pet, please visit our website at http://animalcare.lacounty.gov

Getting your animal microchipped
Besides having your pet licensed, a microchip provides an added layer of protection. In the event that your animal gets lost, the microchip can help reunite you with your animal by a simple scan of the animal. Microchips are an important additional identification tool, as tags can be lost or damaged. All six of our shelters offer free microchip clinics. Please contact your local County shelter for scheduled clinic days and times.

To help promote responsible pet ownership, DACC spays/neuters, vaccinates, and microchips all animals prior to adoption. Adoption fees are less than $40. DACC believes that the best pet owner is a responsible pet owner.

Goodwill, Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County (Goodwill SOLAC) has opened the doors to its newest resource to the business community, Shred-4-Good, a document destruction service.

Located at 800 West Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach, Shred-4-Good’s certified and secure document destruction services meet all statutory requirements for the protection and destruction of sensitive information. Shred-4-Good fulfills the needs and satisfies government requirements for information security for the Health Care, Financial, Banking, Real Estate and Legal sectors, as well as many other government and business entities.

Shred-4-Good will provide Free Shred Days, which will begin on Monday, February 9 and run through Wednesday, February 18. For more information contact Andrea Estrada, Shred-4-Good Business Development Manager at (562) 216-5256.

Shred-4-Good is a subsidiary of Goodwill, Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County. Goodwill serves the people of Southern Los Angeles County as a community resource providing job training and employment placement services to individuals with barriers to employment.