INSIDE SCOOP
COMMENTARY
FOOD
TRENDS HEAD INTO FASHION HIBERNATION PAGE 3 ARNOLD THE DESTROYER PAGE 4 SO-SO BRUNCH PAGE 8
THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2009
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Volume 7 Issue 353
Santa Monica Daily Press LOCO FOR LOCAL SEE PAGE 3
Since 2001: A news odyssey
THE NICE TO SEE YOU, 2009 ISSUE
Misleading mailers trick homeowners BY DAILY PRESS STAFF
Association, said. Muskin added that he expects people to make more realistic resolutions, moving away from the overly ambitious aspirations of making a million dollars to something more attainable, such as focusing on replenishing the retirement fund that might have been affected by the economy. Experts also predict that more people will make an effort to spend time with families, a resolution that is often seen in times of uncertainty and crisis. “They’re focusing on the home — spending time with family and friends,” said Greg Helmstetter, the CEO of myGoals.com. “It has to do with more of a nesting mentality.” The company, which provides expert advice on achieving goals, recently released a list of top resolutions expected this year,
DOWNTOWN There is a new scam targeting homeowners looking to save some money on their property taxes, county officials said. Recently, several homeowners across the county have received letters from private companies offering to file property assessment reduction forms for a hefty fee, a service the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office does for free. “We are again receiving calls from homeowners who have been sent these deceptive mailers, many of which could be mistaken for government notices and mislead property owners into thinking they must pay at least $100 to apply for a review of their assessed value,” Los Angeles County Assessor Rick Auerbach said. “Because of the real estate market downturn, however, my office will begin reviewing nearly 500,000 residential properties for their 2009 assessed values. “We don’t charge a fee for this,” he said, “and anyone whose homes are reviewed will receive a letter in June notifying them of the results.” One firm, he noted, is charging $179 to file a decline-in-value application, as well as a so-called “late fee” of $30. This company is already the subject of investigation in several counties, Auerbach added. “What is particularly disturbing about the latest solicitation from this firm is that it misleads the homeowner by mixing up years,” he continued. “The mailer states that the firm will represent the homeowner in an assessment appeal, when in fact, the last date to appeal was Nov. 30. If the solicitation is for 2009, assessments have not yet been made. Therefore, this firm won’t know what the 2009 assessed value is until after our review of the 500,000 homes is completed in June and the homeowner is notified.” Anyone can file an application form for an assessment online at www.assessor.lacounty.gov. A property owner can also call toll-free (888) 807-2111 for assistance. “The 2008 decline-in-value review recently completed by my office, resulted in lower assessments on nearly 130,000 homes and condos with an average property tax savings of $750,” Auerbach said. “At least
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Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com
GETTING STARTED THE RIGHT WAY: Rich Capparela works out his legs at the YMCA on Seventh Street on Monday morning. Many Santa Monicans will be making New Year's resolutions that include exercising more. Others, because of the economy, are planning to save cash.
Economy could shape resolutions BY MELODY HANATANI Daily Press Staff Writer
DOWNTOWN Following an economically dismal year filled with layoffs and bankruptcy filings, New Year’s resolutions made in 2009 might have more to do with tightening the belt and less with traveling the world. Experts predict that given the current world climate, more people might look to resolutions that concern finances, whether it be eliminating debt or saving money. “There are people who are frightened about losing their jobs,” Dr. Philip Muskin, a professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University, said. “(The economy) does impact how we think about ourselves, which is what New Year’s resolutions are all about.” Such is the case in Santa Monica where residents and visitors said they plan on
focusing more on personal finances over the year. “(I’ll) probably be more prudent, more careful … with spending money I don’t have,” Dominique Adair, a Santa Monica resident, said while hanging out with friends in Downtown on Tuesday. James Kelly, an accountant from Lancaster, said that he will be a bit more mindful of where his money goes this year. “My New Year’s resolution would be to spend my money smart, cut back on luxury,” he said. One of the more common resolutions this year could be to improve performance in the workplace, better ensuring job security in the future. “People might do something to protect themselves at the current job such as volunteering more for projects rather than wait for bosses to come to them,” Muskin, who also serves on the American Psychiatric
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