How to resolve AdBlock issue? 
Opinion
Homeownership has been and always will be the foundation of opportunity for Americans across our great nation. It provides wealth and opportunity and sustains communities where families live, work, and contribute to society.
Despite these undeniable benefits, Congress has passed legislation that would punish homeowners, eliminate the financial benefits for homebuyers and leave hundreds of thousands of people across California much worse off than they are today. If the goal of tax reform is to help middle class Americans keep more of their hard-earned money, this proposal fails miserably.
Tax reform shouldn’t hurt Californians, but the House of Representatives proposal does, in a big way. It eliminates important incentives that help first-time homebuyers by capping the mortgage interest deduction, limiting property tax deductibility, and changing capital gains exemptions. From the Oregon border south to San Diego, working Californians take a beating.
The average California house costs two-and-a-half times the national average, and housing supply projections show the state will be nearly three million houses short by 2020. Only 32 percent of California families are able to purchase a median priced home.
With homeownership already a stretch, or out of reach altogether for so many Californians, now is NOT the time to make owning a home more difficult.
The California Association of Realtors represents nearly 200,000 men and women who work to help people achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
We will fight to protect policies that help people build wealth so that they can send their children to college, pay for health insurance or start a small business.
Homeownership does all these things, and more. It gives people a sense of community, helps them plant roots and makes for a stronger and more prosperous society. Taking these opportunities away ignores the values of our nation and puts our economic future at risk.
The objectives of the House tax plan may be well intended, but put at risk one of the cornerstones of American society.
Homeowners, families hoping to someday buy their first home, small business owners and Realtors must call their senators to urge them to reject this misguided proposal and find a compromise solution with Congress.
Bobby Dutcher is president of the Lake County Association of Realtors.
Despite these undeniable benefits, Congress has passed legislation that would punish homeowners, eliminate the financial benefits for homebuyers and leave hundreds of thousands of people across California much worse off than they are today. If the goal of tax reform is to help middle class Americans keep more of their hard-earned money, this proposal fails miserably.
Tax reform shouldn’t hurt Californians, but the House of Representatives proposal does, in a big way. It eliminates important incentives that help first-time homebuyers by capping the mortgage interest deduction, limiting property tax deductibility, and changing capital gains exemptions. From the Oregon border south to San Diego, working Californians take a beating.
The average California house costs two-and-a-half times the national average, and housing supply projections show the state will be nearly three million houses short by 2020. Only 32 percent of California families are able to purchase a median priced home.
With homeownership already a stretch, or out of reach altogether for so many Californians, now is NOT the time to make owning a home more difficult.
The California Association of Realtors represents nearly 200,000 men and women who work to help people achieve the American Dream of homeownership.
We will fight to protect policies that help people build wealth so that they can send their children to college, pay for health insurance or start a small business.
Homeownership does all these things, and more. It gives people a sense of community, helps them plant roots and makes for a stronger and more prosperous society. Taking these opportunities away ignores the values of our nation and puts our economic future at risk.
The objectives of the House tax plan may be well intended, but put at risk one of the cornerstones of American society.
Homeowners, families hoping to someday buy their first home, small business owners and Realtors must call their senators to urge them to reject this misguided proposal and find a compromise solution with Congress.
Bobby Dutcher is president of the Lake County Association of Realtors.
- Details
- Written by: Bobby Dutcher
I have a vision, only it's not just my vision. It is a vision shared by millions of Americans, and even more millions worldwide.
It is a vision of a better future, a future with no more wars-for-profit or regime change. A future where corporations and the very wealthy do not run politics, and cannot buy their way out of legal troubles with bribery or high priced attorneys.
A future where the common person and the very wealthy are subject to the same rule of law and justice as everyone else – where no one gets off lightly for their crimes just because of their wealth; and no one faces stricter punishments or scrutiny by the law because of their skin color.
A future in which children that want to go to college can go to college, and without being gouged by student loans. I’m talking about a future where no one ever decides not to go to the doctor or go to a hospital because they can’t afford the bill. And the entire country is running on 100-percent renewable energy.
Establishment politicians from both sides of the two-party duopoly will tell you that these things are impossible, but we find more and more that the politicians that are telling us these things are impossible are the same people that are blocking our progress.
The same officials that will tell you that only people with military experience are qualified for office, the implication being that they won’t send your kids off to war lightly, are the very people voting again and again to go to war over oil pipelines and profits, or to increase the funding for said wars.
But we, the people, are realizing that both “major parties” are really two wings of the same party, with different variations of the same failed policies.
And that is why I have joined with the Progressive Movement, to take back our government from moneyed interests and bring power back to the people. It was Malcolm X who said, “You put them first and they put you last, cause you’re a chump.”
Our elected officials no longer care about the will of the people, only corporate money. After all, if it were up to the people, there would be no more wars. Medicine would be socialized, as would education.
Wall Street executives who ended up forcing people out of their homes all across the country wouldn’t get off with a fine, if it were up to the people. These people would face charges, and if found guilty, they would serve time, and so would politicians that protected them from prosecution.
Establishment politicians will tell you that this is all impossible, but that’s not true either. That’s their donors’ money speaking.
Voting out establishment politicians and replacing them with progressives is not only possible, I believe it is the future. America has simply become far too corporatized, from politics to education to medicine to the foods we eat. This cannot be allowed to persist.
And that is why I’ve decided to run for the Fifth Congressional District seat. It is time to vote out candidates that refuse to turn away from corporate money.
We cannot allow our elected officials to place us behind insurance companies or the alcohol lobby, when it comes to making important decisions about tax rates or the laws that govern us anymore.
Enough is enough! I hope I can count on your endorsement and your vote.
Jason Kishineff lives in American Canyon, Calif.
- Details
- Written by: Jason Kishineff
On Nov. 7, 2017, residents and property owners, within the Kelseyville Fire Protection District, or KFPD, will have the opportunity to elect three people to the board for new terms.
As a 30-year resident of Clear Lake Riviera and community volunteer, I’ve been working for the last six years to address real fire prevention within our Mt. Konocti communities, including all of the Rivieras.
It is my opinion that we need changes made at our fire protection district, including electing some new board members. As a result, I’m recommending that property owners consider electing John “JT” Traller and Justin Molloy, and re-electing Felicia Bridges. Here is why.
KFPD has become distant and uncommunicative with its communities. When I made a presentation in front of the board over a year ago regarding the district’s role in fire prevention as it pertains to their own Ordinance #12 (which identifies a 100-foot required defensible space around all homes in Clear Lake Riviera, Riviera West, Riviera Heights, Konocti Bay, Buckingham and Soda Bay) they have been non-responsive. Why is this kept on the books if it’s not enforced? No response.
The state Public Resource Code section 4291 (a) (1) allows a 100-foot clearance around homes, “but not beyond the property line.” If the state Public Resource Code section 4291 (a) (2) states that a “local ordinance” may create “greater distance” to enforce clearance over property lines to achieve an actual 100-foot clearance around homes, what is KFPD’s stand on this “local ordinance” as it pertains to 4921 (a) (1)? We don’t know; they haven’t responded to me.
Finally, what is KFPD’s role in fire prevention? Education only? No one has reached out to me at any level to explain to me what KFPD’s role is in fire prevention, until recently.
Candidate for re-election, Felicia Bridges, contacted me. She’s also endorsing new candidates, JT and Justin, as candidates for change at KFPD. Felicia and JT have recently spoken with Clear Lake Riviera members and all three have spoken at Riviera Heights regarding their ideas for change (Clear Lake Riviera Community Association invited all candidates and solicited candidate statements from all).
Felicia, JT and Justin all agree that it’s time to re-address Ordinance #12, improve communications with our communities, become more transparent with members, budget for proper equipment, re-address staffing levels at the Riviera station, and recruit and retain skilled staff. Their statements are included in the recently mailed County of Lake Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet.
Felicia is a former employee of the sheriff’s department and currently works with the DA’s Office. JT and Justin are impressive candidates in their own right. Please check them out.
As a retired state peace officer and a 30-year resident of Clear Lake Riviera, I have had the great pleasure of working with and being served by the very professional people associated with KFPD.
I’ve watched them in action, seen many retire, and witnessed many of my kids’ classmates and friends become firefighters at KFPD.
I’m proud our local department and I recognize the dedication and commitment of many of our current longtime board members.
It’s time, however, for a reconnection with our communities and a time for change. Please consider these candidates. Thank you!
Tom Nixon is a resident of the Clear Lake Riviera in Lake County, Calif.
As a 30-year resident of Clear Lake Riviera and community volunteer, I’ve been working for the last six years to address real fire prevention within our Mt. Konocti communities, including all of the Rivieras.
It is my opinion that we need changes made at our fire protection district, including electing some new board members. As a result, I’m recommending that property owners consider electing John “JT” Traller and Justin Molloy, and re-electing Felicia Bridges. Here is why.
KFPD has become distant and uncommunicative with its communities. When I made a presentation in front of the board over a year ago regarding the district’s role in fire prevention as it pertains to their own Ordinance #12 (which identifies a 100-foot required defensible space around all homes in Clear Lake Riviera, Riviera West, Riviera Heights, Konocti Bay, Buckingham and Soda Bay) they have been non-responsive. Why is this kept on the books if it’s not enforced? No response.
The state Public Resource Code section 4291 (a) (1) allows a 100-foot clearance around homes, “but not beyond the property line.” If the state Public Resource Code section 4291 (a) (2) states that a “local ordinance” may create “greater distance” to enforce clearance over property lines to achieve an actual 100-foot clearance around homes, what is KFPD’s stand on this “local ordinance” as it pertains to 4921 (a) (1)? We don’t know; they haven’t responded to me.
Finally, what is KFPD’s role in fire prevention? Education only? No one has reached out to me at any level to explain to me what KFPD’s role is in fire prevention, until recently.
Candidate for re-election, Felicia Bridges, contacted me. She’s also endorsing new candidates, JT and Justin, as candidates for change at KFPD. Felicia and JT have recently spoken with Clear Lake Riviera members and all three have spoken at Riviera Heights regarding their ideas for change (Clear Lake Riviera Community Association invited all candidates and solicited candidate statements from all).
Felicia, JT and Justin all agree that it’s time to re-address Ordinance #12, improve communications with our communities, become more transparent with members, budget for proper equipment, re-address staffing levels at the Riviera station, and recruit and retain skilled staff. Their statements are included in the recently mailed County of Lake Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet.
Felicia is a former employee of the sheriff’s department and currently works with the DA’s Office. JT and Justin are impressive candidates in their own right. Please check them out.
As a retired state peace officer and a 30-year resident of Clear Lake Riviera, I have had the great pleasure of working with and being served by the very professional people associated with KFPD.
I’ve watched them in action, seen many retire, and witnessed many of my kids’ classmates and friends become firefighters at KFPD.
I’m proud our local department and I recognize the dedication and commitment of many of our current longtime board members.
It’s time, however, for a reconnection with our communities and a time for change. Please consider these candidates. Thank you!
Tom Nixon is a resident of the Clear Lake Riviera in Lake County, Calif.
- Details
- Written by: Tom Nixon
Rob Rumfelt was a giant among men, be it Marine, deputy, coach, friend, brother, cousin, nephew, husband, father and, most definitely, son.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the multitude of people and agencies who provided kindness and support during this difficult time starting with a very special thank you to Doug Hooper, who took the time to come to our home to inform us of the tragedy which took our son’s life.
We then were able to get to the hospital and spend precious time with Rob, although he had already passed. This was very comforting.
Thank you to Lakeport Fire Department, EMTs and personnel at Sutter Lakeside for doing their best.
We are also deeply grateful to Sheriff Brian Martin, Undersheriff Chris Macedo, and other department personnel over the past three weeks for the support and hard work they have undertaken to honor Rob in the appropriate way, from the first moments at the hospital to the last guests leaving the memorial reception. This had to be an emotionally difficult time for all of local peace officer and fire agencies while still carrying out their duties.
We thank the community, football players, friends, coworkers and family for the abundance of cards, food, flowers, hugs, tears, visits, phone calls, etc. to help ease your pain and ours. We acknowledge your loss, too.
A special thanks to the representation from so many law enforcement agencies, local fire agencies, Cal Fire and others who sent representatives and participants for the memorial service. We appreciate the kind words and presence of Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
Rob was the oldest of the children, born to Juanita (Dickson) and Bob Rumfelt. Then came his first sister Melanie and his only brother Ron. Bob and Juanita separated and divorced. Juanita went on to give Rob two more sisters, Gina and Gwen. Bob and Leslie married when Rob was 8 and he was raised in this loving household until he went into the Marines.
When Rob was 10, Amy was born. Though there was 10 years’ difference in age, these two certainly had a most special bond, including law enforcement careers.
We are grateful to the Jolin family for taking Rob in so readily when he married Kelly and the girls and recognize the grief they are feeling.
Again we thank everyone who has touched our hearts during this near-impossible time. We are not supposed to outlive our children.
The warmth of a small community in times of need is something to experience.
Bob and Leslie Rumfelt live in Lakeport, Calif.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the multitude of people and agencies who provided kindness and support during this difficult time starting with a very special thank you to Doug Hooper, who took the time to come to our home to inform us of the tragedy which took our son’s life.
We then were able to get to the hospital and spend precious time with Rob, although he had already passed. This was very comforting.
Thank you to Lakeport Fire Department, EMTs and personnel at Sutter Lakeside for doing their best.
We are also deeply grateful to Sheriff Brian Martin, Undersheriff Chris Macedo, and other department personnel over the past three weeks for the support and hard work they have undertaken to honor Rob in the appropriate way, from the first moments at the hospital to the last guests leaving the memorial reception. This had to be an emotionally difficult time for all of local peace officer and fire agencies while still carrying out their duties.
We thank the community, football players, friends, coworkers and family for the abundance of cards, food, flowers, hugs, tears, visits, phone calls, etc. to help ease your pain and ours. We acknowledge your loss, too.
A special thanks to the representation from so many law enforcement agencies, local fire agencies, Cal Fire and others who sent representatives and participants for the memorial service. We appreciate the kind words and presence of Attorney General Xavier Becerra.
Rob was the oldest of the children, born to Juanita (Dickson) and Bob Rumfelt. Then came his first sister Melanie and his only brother Ron. Bob and Juanita separated and divorced. Juanita went on to give Rob two more sisters, Gina and Gwen. Bob and Leslie married when Rob was 8 and he was raised in this loving household until he went into the Marines.
When Rob was 10, Amy was born. Though there was 10 years’ difference in age, these two certainly had a most special bond, including law enforcement careers.
We are grateful to the Jolin family for taking Rob in so readily when he married Kelly and the girls and recognize the grief they are feeling.
Again we thank everyone who has touched our hearts during this near-impossible time. We are not supposed to outlive our children.
The warmth of a small community in times of need is something to experience.
Bob and Leslie Rumfelt live in Lakeport, Calif.
- Details
- Written by: Bob and Leslie Rumfelt