There’s no need to suffer in that charred house any longer. Victims of the Southern California wildfires in October and November are encouraged to apply for disaster assistance aid provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Homeowners, renters and business owners that suffered damages and losses in the Malibu Canyon fires in October and November have until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9 to file for federal emergency financial assistance.
The Corral Canyon fire that broke out in Malibu on Nov. 24 burned more than 4,000 acres, destroying 85 buildings, 50 of which were homes. Five men have been charged with recklessly causing the fire, three of whom have pleaded not guilty.
Daily Press Staff
FTB launches tax season with new services
The 2008 tax season is underway with new and accessible tax-return filing services offered by the Franchise Tax Board (FTB). There will be technological changes too, as nearly one million individuals will be able to use a program that provides a completed tax return called “Ready Return” without additional information or paperwork. Those who earn wages from only one employer and who take the standard deductions and have no dependents can take part in the program.
The FTB’s “Web Pay” allows taxpayers to make payments from their bank account via credit card online. In 2007 close to10 million taxpayers received a state tax refund averaging more than $800. There is also a walk-in service as the FTB has six regional field offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oakland, San Diego, Santa Ana and San Francisco. Consult www.boe.ca.gov/ads/news06.htm for information about certain purchases from non-California sellers, such as by telephone, Internet, mail or in person. FTB also provides a 24-hours toll free phone service at (800) 338-0505. Also, FTB provides more state information in Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
Taxable sales are on the rise
Figures indicate that California’s taxable sales increased in the fourth quarter of 2006 mirroring a slower overall economic grown in the second half of the year. Sales increased nearly 3 percent in Los Angeles, faster than the rest of the state, which were closer to 2 percent. Taxable sales statewide rose much more slowly than personal income. Apparel store sales increased close to 7 percent, the largest gain of any major category. Restaurant sales had the next largest increase at 6 percent in fourth quarter 2006.
Taxable sales during the fourth quarter of 2006 increased by 1.9 percent over the same quarter in 2005 as the California Taxable Sales Deflator measured an inflation rate of 0.1 percent for the fourth quarter of 2006. The five-member State Board of Equalization (BOE) is a publicly elected tax board, collecting nearly $53 billion annually in taxes and fees supporting state and local government services.
Gov. Schwarzenegger files suit against EPA
California’s Gov. Schwarzenegger announced a law suit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to overturn a decision regarding greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last 40 years, the EPA has granted more than forty waivers, denying none and more than a dozen states, including New York and Massachusetts are in support of California’s lawsuit.
If California wins the suit, it would eliminate greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 6.5 million cars off the road by 2020. If all other states with similar plans follow through, that figure would grow to more than 22 million vehicles and would cut gasoline consumption by an estimated 11 billion gallons a year. In letters sent on April 10, 2006, and Oct. 24, 2006 to President Bush, Gov. Schwarzenegger reiterated the urgency of approving California’s request to address global warming. On April 25, 2007, 16 months after the original waiver request, Gov. Schwarzenegger sent a letter to the head of the EPA informing him of California’s intent to sue after 180 days under the Clean Air Act and Administrative Procedure Act, which provides mechanisms for compelling delayed agency action. California’s request has been supported by recent judicial decisions.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 4, 2008. Read the original PDF.