HAVE A QUESTION?  JUST DIAL 311!

The times they are a changin' and even the City of Sacramento is changing how it does business.  As of Wednesday, August 13, 2008, the Sacramento City "Operator" is history.  In its place is the newly reorganized and expanded services with a new name and a simplified phone number.  It is now the "Sacramento City 311."  Residents of the Sacramento can contact the City of Sacramento with questions simply by dialing 311. 

City of Sacramento 311 agents are available 7/24/365 - even holidays - to assist residents and businesses with questions regarding City services, as well as take and process requests for City services.  In addition, agents are responsible for after hours and weekend municipal emergencies - expect for Fire and Police emergencies which remain under 911.

Agents are able to do the following:

• Receive and process all calls for Code Enforcement (abandoned cars, graffiti, substandard housing, etc.);
• Receive, process and dispatch all calls for Animal Care (injured, stray, aggressive animals, etc.);
• Development Services Help Line: all calls for Development Services Department are first routed to 311 for triage;
• Street Maintenance: receive and process all calls for potholes, cracked sidewalks, lighting problems, etc.;
• Facility Maintenance: receive and process all work order requests related to repair/maintenance of City buildings;
• Citywide directory assistance and information about all things related to City services;
• Receive and process all calls requiring the response of a City crew for drains, water, solid waste, along with general inquiries; 
• Accept credit card payments for City Utility bills; and
• Much, much more.

In less than forty-eight hours California voters will determine the outcome of two ballot measures focused primarily on limiting the power of state and local governments to use eminent domain.  Proposition 98 and Proposition 99 offer differing approaches to the issue. 

But first, what is eminent domain?  Eminent domain is defined as the right of the government to take private property from an owner, for the public good, paying fair market value.  For example, building a highway, school, water project or some other "public" good may require a state or local government to acquire land through the process of eminent domain, or the involuntary transfer of title by the operation of law. 

According to their ballot statements Proposition 98 "bars state and local governments from taking or damaging private property for private uses.  Prohibits rent control and similar measures.  Eliminates deference to government in property rights cases.  Change condemnation rules."  For more information from the proponents of Propostion 98 please visit Yes on Prop 98.

Proposition 99 "bars use of eminent domain to acquire an owner-occupied residence for conveyance to a private person or business entity.  Creates exceptions for public works, public health and safety, and crime prevention."  For more information from the proponents of Proposition 99 please visit Yes on Prop 99.

Whichever "side" wins in this election will change the ability of governments in California to exercise the transfer of private property.  Stay tuned to see what happens.

I-5 CLOSING IN SACRAMENTO FOR MAJOR REPAIRS

Sacramento, CA - The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) and Sacramento area contractor C.C. Myers have set a timeline to complete the much needed repairs on the "Boat Section" of Interstate 5 through the heart of downtown Sacramento.   The closures will take place beginning May 30 and continue on through July 15, 2008. 

It will be important for anyone commuting in and out of the downtown area or traveling north or south on Interstate 5 through Sacramento to be aware of the construction and make appropriate changes to travel and commuting plans.  Caltrans will be providing real time traffic information available at www.fixI-5.com.  The website features live traffic cameras, links to ridesharing and transit resources as well as answers to frequently asked questions. 

The good news about this project is that C.C. Myers is know for its speed and quality of construction.  So, while seven weeks is a relatively long period to inconvenience commuters, travelers, and commercial transport carriers, it is significantly shorter (nearly 1/2 the time) than originally estimated by Caltrans.  C.C. Myers is the same Sacramento firm that rebuilt the highways in Southern CA after the earthquake in 1994, rebuilt the SF Bay Bridge following the Loma Prieta earthquake and the recent reconstruction of the I-580 in Oakland after the fire and collapse of the MacArthur Maze in 2007.  All of these were done in record time with great precision and a maximum concern for safety. 

Below is a map of the area and the schedule for closures:

Caltrans and C.C. Myers are planning the following schedule for completing this massive project:

Stage 1:

Friday, May 30 at 8:00PM - All northbound lanes of I-5 closed from U.S. Highway 50/Capitol City Freeway Interchange to L Street on ramp, two lanes of I-5 will be open from L Street to Richards Blvd. (Q Street off-ramp, and I & L on-ramps will remain open from northbound I-5.)

Monday, June 9 at 5:00AM - All lanes will be open for four days.

Stage 2:

Friday, June 13 at 8:00PM - All southbound lanes of I-5 closed from Richards Blvd. to the U.S. Highway 50 except two lanes will remain open for traffic exiting at J Street.

Monday, June 23 at 5:00AM - All lanes will be open for four days.

Stage 3:

Thursday, June 26 at 8:00PM - All northbound lanes of I-5 closed from U.S. 5/Capitol City Freeway Interchange to L Street on ramp, two lanes of I-5 will be open from  L Street to Richards Blvd. (Q Street off-ramp and, I & L on-ramps will remain open from northbound I-5.)

Thursday, July 3 at 5:00AM - All lanes will be open for six days.

Stage 4:

Tuesday, July 8 at 8:00PM - All southbound lanes of I-5 closed from Richards Blvd. to the U.S. Highway 50 except two lanes will remain open for traffic exting at J Street.

Tuesday, July 15 at 5:00AM - All highway interfering work will be complete.

Please be careful out on the roadways and be particularly vigilant in constructon zones. 

STAYING COOL FOR FREE!

That's right.  Stay cool for FREE!  As a Sacramento Municipal Utility District customer your home may be eligible to receive up to ten (10) FREE shade trees.  SMUD has partnered with the Sacramento Tree Foundation to help homeowners reduce their energy bills through good old fashioned shade. 

Not only does planting trees provide shade to cool your home and yard, but it is an easy way for homeowners to make a positive impact on the environment.  Trees help remove the carbon dioxide from our air and produces oxygen in return.  Best of all, it's fully automated!  You plant them and they do it naturally.

To get up to ten free trees you must contact the Sacramento Tree Foundaton and make an appointment with a Community Forester.  The Forester will come to your home and site the best locations for your trees to provide maximum shade protection for your home.  Approximately ten days after the Forester's visit the trees will be delivered along with instructions for proper planting.  Then, all you need to do is plant them.  As the trees mature you will begin to recognize savings. In fact, as the trees mature you may receive savings of up to 40% on your home's cooling cost. 

Call the Sacramento Tree Foundation today at 916-924-8733 to do your part to help the environment and reduce your energy bills with free shade trees.  

What is a "Targeted Area" and what does it mean to me?  Federally designated "Targeted Areas" were identified by the US Census Bureau in the 2000 Census as areas in California where 70 percent of the families who live there earn an income that is 80 percent or less than the statewide median income.  Thirty-three of California's 58 counties have Targeted Areas and through the CalFHA program homebuyers may find greater flexibility when buying a home in one of these areas.

Advantages to purchasing a home in one of these Targeted Areas include:

1. No first-time homebuyer requirement - Most of CalHFA's programs require that the borrower be a first-time homebuyer.  However, when the home being purchased is located in a Targeted Area, that requirement does not apply.  Though, the first-time homebuyer requirement still applies for CalHFA's down payment assistance programs.
2. Income limits are higher - The maximum alowable income is higher in Targeted Areas to expand homeownership opportunities to more borrowers. (Higher income limits will apply with some CalHFA's mortgage products and down payment assistance programs.) 
3. Sales price limits are higher - In Targeted Areas, the limit on the price you pay for the home is raised to create a larger pool of available properties.

To find Targeted Areas in Sacramento County or any of the other 32 counties please visit the CalHFA web site. 

Updated California Building Codes

On Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from noon to 1:30p.m. the City of Sacramento will provide a forum to present an overview of the new 2007 California Codes for Residential and Commercial Developers, Architects and Contractors, changes which became effective January 1, 2008.  Following a presentation of the changes to the Code by City of Sacramento Engineering Superior Ed Short there will be a forum to ask questions from him and staff of the City's Development Services Department.

The presentation will be held on the second floor in the Historic City Hall Building located at 915 I Street.  The presentation is part of an ongoing series of an informal "Lunch and Learn" program series provided as a public service by the Development Services Department of the City of Sacramento. 

In a recent report by the Department of the Treasury's Inspector General for Tax Administration it was determined the increasingly popular "like-kind" exchanges referred to as 1031 Exchanges require greater oversight to ensure taxpayer compliance.

Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code as been part of the Internal Revenue code for over 5o years but was little used until the 1970's when real estate investors began to take advantage of its provision allowing "like-kind" exchanges to defer (not avoid) payment of taxes on capital gains. By its own admission the Treasury's report indicates deferring capital gains through the exchange of like-kind property is growing in popularity.

The synopsys of the Treasury report states, "In a recent report, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) stated that, in reviewing securities reporting compliance, it found taxpayers had misreported 'capital gains for other assets,' including residential rental property, business personal property and real estate. The report identified 'capital gains for assets other than securities' as an area of individual taxpayer noncompliance that is a promising target for additional research to improve reporting compliance. We agree with the GAO that this area poses risks that need to be addressed."

The report goes on to state "the dollar amounts deferred have more than tripled from approximately $22.8 billion in 1998 to more than $73.6 billion in 2004...with individual taxpayers accounting for 39 percent of gains (or losses) deferred." Rest assured if the IRS feels there is under reporting or non-compliance with reporting requirements this will become an audit area.

You heard it hear first! So, do the right thing. If you have exchanged or plan on doing an exchange by all means do so. BUT, please make sure to use a reputable qualified intermediary and along a certified public accountant to ensure you are fully compliant in the transaction.

To read the full report visit the Treasury Inspector General's Audit Report - Reference 2007-30-174.

California's elected Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner and the California Land Title Association announced today the introduction of a first-in-the-nation website for consumers to shop online for title insurance. The new web portal is called Title Wizard. It can be found at the following websites: CA Department of Insurance, CA Land Title Association, and the author's blog under favorite links.

This new web portal enables consumers to shop for rates. According to Commissioner Poizner, "The CLTA has answered the call to develop a high-tech solution in a first step to infuse competition into the Title Insurance industry" because "too often, consumers have to rely on a middle man to select their Title Insurance. Now, consumers will be empowered to compare prices and services online with the touch of a button."

Along with offering consumers the ability to compare rates on nearly 100 title companies, Title Wizard also offers a consumer education center to inform homeowners on the closing process.

Congratulations California! First in the nation again!

BORROWER EDUCATION 101

It has been remarked that one of the most frightening sentences in the English language is, "Hi, I am from the government and I'm here to help."  Of course, that is not always the case.  Take for example the Federal Reserve Board.  It was created by Congress nearly 95 years ago to provide our nation with a safer, more flexible and more stable monetary system. 

Because of Federal Reserve's role as the central bank for the United States the Fed has some incredible information resources for homebuyers or people looking to refinance a home.  And, with the internet the information is available 24/7.  The Fed can provide you a wealth of information about loan types and it even has an easy to use calculator that allows you to compare loan types before you commit to one with your bank or mortgage lender. 

Whether you are contemplating the latest exotic loan de jour or a more basic 30 year fixed rate you can go to the Federal Reserve's Mortgage Comparison Calculator and see which would be best for your needs. 

Get Ready...The 155th Annual California State Fair is almost here!

The best state fair in the state starts August 17 and runs through Labor Day.  Great events, midway rides, farm animals, harness racing, amazing attractions, all kinds of "food on a stick" and much, much more will be part of this annual extravaganza.

Check out the list below of this year's FREE concerts at CalExpo, that's right all concerts are free with your admission. 

Friday	8/17	Tesla
Tuesday	8/21	Huey Lewis & the News
Wednesday	8/22	Daughtry
Thursday	8/23	Temptations Review
Friday	8/24	Lonestar
Saturday	8/25	Jenni Rivera
Tuesday	8/28	Third Day
Wednesday	8/29	KC & the Sunshine Band
Thursday	8/30	All American Rejects
Friday	8/31	The Commodores
Saturday	9/1	Amy Hanaiali'i
Sunday	9/2	Chicago
Monday	9/3	Weird Al Yankovic

   PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THEFT & FRAUD

We have seen in commercials how smoothly commerce is supposed to run when we all use debit cards instead of cash and checks.  Unfortunately while the card may be interchangeable for cash it is also an access to our bank accounts that can be easily accessed by unscrupulous individuals.  Below are a few tips to maintain your debit card security.

1.  Check your wallet often and report lost or stolen cards immediately.  Cash is cash.  Your is access to your entire bank account. Hang on to your card!

2. Sign your card as soon as you receive it.  Read the security precautions that come with your card and follow them.

3. Check your statements.  Know what you have spent and where you spent it so you can spot problems quickly.  Contact your bank right away if you notice unusual activity and follow up with them in writing. 

4. Be aware.  Know what is going on around you when using your debit card.  Don't let others see your PIN while you are entering it.

5. Write down the name and phone number of the issuer for each card in your wallet.  Put it in a safe place - separate from your wallet - so you can speed up the process if your cards are lost or stolen.

6. Check the calendar.   Know when you statements should arrive.  If one is late or missed contact the issuer immediately.  Missing statements could be indicative of fraud.

7. Be safe.  Don't write down your PIN memorize it!  Don't write in on the card, keep the number in your wallet or share it with others.

8. Check the numbers.  Keep your receipts from debit card transactions. Make sure the amount you purchased is correct and deduct the amount from your checkbook to avoid bouncing checks.

Following these tips can help prevent fraud and protect your hard earned savings. So, be alert, be safe and if you believe your credit or bank account may have been comprised or that you are a victim of identity theft you find more information about Identity Theft and how to handle it at the FDIC website.

NEW CA MLS - REAL ESTATE ON STEROIDS!

This week a new alliance of real estate agents and brokers throughout much of California launched the new "California MLSAlliance" providing over 150,000 CA REALTORS® with access to more than 2.5 million active listings and off-market properties around the state.  The alliance enables California REALTORS® to deliver more information to their clients in this time of changing market conditions. Now, that's real estate on steroids!

The MLSAlliance provides a technological gateway for a single point of access for real estate listing information.  While it is always best to operate within the markets one knows, for agents and brokers who conduct business in various locations around the state this new portal provides a one stop search vehicle.

This alliance of ten MLSs who came together with Metrolist Services, Inc. to make this happen were East Bay Regional Data, Inc. (EBRDI), Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. (BAREIS), Combined L.A./Westside MLS (CLAW), CRISNet Regional MLS, Greater South Bay Regional MLS, iTech MLS, Multi-Regional MLS (MRMLS), San Francisco Association of REALTORS®, and Southern California MLS. 

With the MLSAlliance agent and broker subcribers are able to locate listings in the following 22 major California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Napa, Solano, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Marin, San Mateo, Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura.

If there is power in numbers then this new alliance will offer REALTORS® more power to service the needs of an every increasing demand for professionalism and technical know how.