Fwd: We Have a Right to Know What We Owe: Steel Newsletter for April, 2012

: We Have a Right to Know What We Owe: Steel Newsletter for April, 2012

"Fighting for California Taxpayers"   Welcome Dear Friends: California taxpayers have a right to know what taxes they owe if they are going to be held liable for paying them. That sounds simple enough but, unfortunately, that basic rule is not consistently applied. At our monthly Board of Equalization hearing in Culver City, we heard the case of a taxpayer who bought artwork from outside of California in 2004. He didn't know that he owed "use tax" when he picked up his purchase at U.S. Customs, so he didn't pay it. But the BOE knew. Customs officials send invoices that they receive, for products shipped into California from out of state, to the BOE. The BOE then matches those invoices to California income tax returns to see if the purchaser paid use tax on the product. It can take two years or more before the BOE processes an unpaid use tax liability. Two or more years, in which purchasers may not know what they owe. That's what happened to this taxpayer. He had no idea that he owed use tax until the BOE sent him a bill in 2009. The taxpayer paid in full, but was forced to pay substantial interest on his tax bill. This should never happen. If Californians are going to be held responsible for tax liabilities, tax agencies must do everything they can to let taxpayers know what those liabilities are, and how to pay them. Not doing so is just wrong. As the Chair of the BOE's Customer Service and Administrative Efficiency Committee, I will hold a hearing in June to determine the extent of this problen and move quickly to ensure that taxpayers have the tools they need to comply with state tax laws. As always, I am honored to serve as your taxpayer advocate. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Yours truly, Michelle Steel Vice Chair California State Board of Equalization In The News ENERGY: January gasoline consumption in California lowest since 2000 (Eric Wolff, North County Times) Strengthening Taxpayer Rights at the BOE (Fox and Hounds Daily, Op-Ed) Valley Voice: Michelle Steel (Desert Sun, Op-Ed) Don't Pay a Tax You May Not Owe (Highland Community News, Op-Ed) Don't Pay a Tax You May Not Owe (Dana Point Times, Op-Ed) Legislators Should Support AB 2048, A Bipartisan Proposal for Interest Equity (FlashReport, Op-Ed) San Bernardino: Tax Seminar for Nonprofit Organizations Set (The Press-Enterprise) Before Using Use Tax Lookup Table, Check if You Owe "Use Tax" (Imperial Valley Press) Elected Taxpayer Advocate Calls for Lowering State's 7.25% Sales Tax (Ken Stone, Patch.com) Driving Like it's 1999: Californians Used Least Gas in 2011 Since 20th Century (Eric Wolff, North County Times)   Upcoming Taxpayer Events   On May 3 , I will be hosting a free small business seminar and resource expo in Costa Mesa with Assemblyman Allan Mansoor and the City of Costa Mesa, at the Costa Mesa Neighborhood Community Center. This free seminar is geared towards new business owners, entrepreneurs considering starting a business, and business owners that have questions about state or federal tax laws.  Presentations include Basic Sales and Use Tax, Better Business through Better Records, State Income Tax and Small Business, Employee or Independent Contractor, U.S. Small Business Administration Loan Programs and Services, Developing Business Plans, and Business Marketing. These Free Small Business Seminars are an excellent opportunity for small-business owners, and for those thinking of starting small-businesses, to network and to interact directly with state and federal tax agencies; to learn about their rights as taxpayers, and how to navigate our complicated state and federal tax codes.  To register go to: http://www.boe.ca.gov/cgi-bin/seminar.cgi?FLAG=162 On May 9 , I will be hosting a free small business seminar and resource expo with Assemblyman Chris Norby and the City of buena Park, at the Walter D. Ehlers Community Recreation Center. To register go to: http://www.boe.ca.gov/cgi-bin/seminar.cgi?FLAG=160 Please check the BOE's website for more upcoming seminars: http://www.boe.ca.gov/info/VirtualSeminars/seminars_inperson.htm     Remember Black April I join Vietnamese American communities throughout the United States in commemorating the 36th Anniversary of Fall of Saigon. Like many Vietnamese, my mother was forced to flee invading Communist forces from the North.  She abandoned her possessions in Seoul and was forced to scavenge for food and temporary shelter during the height of the Korean War. I grew up in a country that was divided by Communism at the conclusion of the war that tore apart a countless number of families in Korea. It is with these experiences that I can relate to the pain and loss of the Vietnamese people.  One can only imagine the tragedy that occurred in Vietnam 36 years ago as the last United States Marine left the country. I am deeply saddened to see so many of my fellow countrymen north of the De-Militarized Zone (DMZ) struggle everyday for the basic necessities of life while living under the oppression of a Communist regime. Therefore, with a heavy heart I, and many freedom-loving Korean Americans, stand in solidarity with the Vietnamese community to reflect upon our similar history and look forward to a future where both our homelands can truly be free and democratic. On this solemn occasion, I join in honoring all who have given their lives in defense of freedom and in remembering the thousands more who perished at sea.       Monday, April 30, 2012 In this Issue... In the News Upcoming Events An update on taxpayer education events coming up in May. Remember Black April Steel commemorates the fall of Saigon. Steel speaks at the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association's Power Up Taxpayer Summit in Sacramento. District Office 550 Deep Valley Drive, Suite 355 Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274 Phone (310) 377-8016 Fax (310) 377-5731 Capital Office 450 N Street, MIC:77 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone (916) 445-5713 Fax (916) 323-0546 BoardMemberSteel@boe.ca.gov Sign up to Receive Tax Tips and Third District News!   Volunteers who helped provide income tax filing assistance leading up to Tax Day. The Steel Summary April 1st— Steel attends the 9th Annual Thai New Years Day Songkran Festival in Thaitown. 4th— Steel hosts Free Small Business Seminar in Encitinas with State Senator Mark Wyland, and Assemblyman Martin Garrick. 11th— Steel hosts Free Tax Seminar for Nonprofit and Faith-Based Organizations with Board Member George Runner in San Bernardino. 17th— Steel speaks to State Farm representatives during State Farm's "Day at the Capitol." 17th— Steel speaks at the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association's "Power Up Taxpayer Summit." 21st— Steel speaks at the KOWIN-OC "Journey Through College and Beyond" Youth Conference. 24th— Board of Equalization Meeting in Culver City. 24th— Board of Equalization 2012 Taxpayers' Bill of Rights Hearing in Culver City. 25th— Board of Equalization Meeting in Culver City. 26th— Board of Equalization Meeting in Culver City. 27th— 4th Annual Victims' Rights March and Rally led by Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, in Santa Ana. 30th— Steel attends the 2012 API Policy Summit, iAdvocate Gala, honoring California's four AAPI constitutional officers. May 3rd— Steel hosts Free Small Business Seminar with Assemblyman Allan Mansoor in Costa Mesa. 9th— Steel hosts Free Small Business Seminar in Buena Park with Assemblyman Chris Norby. 10th— Steel welcomes participants at Coastline Community College's Accelerate 2012 business conference in Garden Grove. 28th— Memorial Day 30th— Board of Equalization Meeting in Sacramento. 31th— Board of Equalization Meeting in Sacramento. Taxpayer Links Helpful Links for California Taxpayers Board of Equalization Links Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Electronic Filing (E-Services) Board of Equalization Forms Seller's Permit Application Verify Permit or License Homeowner and Renter Taxpayer Assistance Appeal California Use Tax Form Claim for Refund Form Franchise Tax Board Links Franchise Tax Board Home Page California Tax Service Center Forms and Publications Form 540 & Form 540A   Joel Angeles Chief Deputy Ken Lopez-Maddox Senior Advisor, Legislation and Policy Neil Shah Deputy & Senior Advisor Alan Nakanishi Jobs/Economy Specialist Keith Chatprapachai Senior Professional Advisor Peter Kim Senior Assistant Arie Dana Communications Director Ray Morquecho District Representative Tyler Diep Senior Advisor Rosalyn Vasquez Tax Counsel Tim Treichelt Tax Counsel III   [Questions or Comments?] [Remove]

Fwd: Riverside Mayoral Candidate Forum, Wed May 2

: Riverside Mayoral Candidate Forum, Wed May 2

June 5th, 2012 Presidential Primary Election
MAYORAL CANDIDATE FORUM
SPONSORED BY:
Riverside's League of Women Voters -- The Group
-- The Latino Network -- NAACP Riverside Branch
Inland Congregations United for Change (ICUC)
                  
RIVERSIDE CITY MAYOR
Wednesday, May 2
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Universalist Unitarian Church
6757 Lemon Street, Riverside, CA 92501
 
Candidates: Ed Adkison, Rusty Bailey, Peter Benavidez, Aurora Chavez,
Mike Gardner, Andy Melendrez, Dvonne Pitruzzello
 
Spanish translation will be provided by ICUC

 
Remaining time will be available for individual discussions with the candidates
 
The Forums are Free of Charge and Audience Participation is encouraged!
 

Visit www.RiversideLeague.com for more information on the forum, new rules for the up-coming election, and
video tape of our previous forum.

Latino Vote 2012 needs your help to give Latinos a voice. To volunteer, refer your organization or event please contact us at
(951) 780-7206. Email: lvrep@lvrep.org

Latino Vote 2012 campaign is an effort to register and mobilize Latinos and young voters in Riverside to vote in the Mayoral election and Primary and Presidential Elections on June and November 2012. Only 3 of 10 eligible Latinos get out to vote. Half of Latino citizens of voting age are not registered to vote.

Fwd: Register Early and Save - Future Leaders 2012 Golf Tournament

Register Early and Save - Future Leaders 2012 Golf Tournament

Reply-To: ctrujillo@iefl.org

Save the Date for the 3rd Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament. The 2011 Golf Tournament sold out in record time. Register early and save! For more information, please visit: http://www.iefl.org/golf

2012 Golf Tournament Schedule Date: Friday, September 14th, 2012 1:00pm Download Outlook Calendar Request (.ics file) Location:  Shandin Hills Golf Club 3380 Little Mountain Drive San Bernardino, CA 92405 Schedule 11:00am: Tournament Check-in 1:00pm:   Shotgun Tournament Begins 5:30pm:   Dinner, Awards, & Raffle  Tournament Highlights Hole in One Contest Longest Drive Contest for Men & Women Closest to the Pin Contest for Men & Women Awards for 1st & 2nd Place Teams Pro-Staff Golf Lessons Tournament Fees: $85.00 Per Player ($75 Before 6/1/2012) $340.00 per Foursome ($300 Before 6/1/2012)

We need your sponsorships !
 For more information, please contact Carlos Trujillo at (909) 229-8005
or at ctrujillo@iefl.org

IEFLP is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) #33-042-7435 

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Fwd: 91 Freeway Corridor Project Receives Vital Loan

: 91 Freeway Corridor Project Receives Vital Loan

 

Email Newsletter Visit Ken on Facebook
Dear Neighbor,      One of my top priorities is to improve transportation in our region. People in Riverside and Orange Counties spend too much time on the road commuting to and from work. That time could be better spent home with family and friends.      For the past several months, I have been working with the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Inland Empire and Orange County Congressional Delegation, and state and local officials, to help the Riverside County Transportation Commission qualify for a federal government loan. On Tuesday, it was announced that the DOT selected the 91 Freeway Corridor Project for a multi-million dollar loan from the Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program. The TIFIA financing will satisfy the needed financing for a $1.3 billion freeway widening on the 91 Freeway between the I-15 and the Orange County Line. It is important to note that the funding is a loan, it is used to leverage private financing, and it will be repaid in full.      As many of you know, the 91 freeway serves as the main connector between the Inland Empire, Orange County and Los Angeles and is also a major trade corridor used to transport goods into the interior of the U.S. from the Ports of L.A. and Long Beach. A study conducted by the Riverside County Transportation Commission showed that completion of the project will yield roughly an extra three days worth of time per year for commuters – time they would have otherwise spent in their cars stuck in traffic. In addition, the 91 Freeway Corridor Project will create as many as 16,000 jobs during its expected five-year time of construction.      The TIFIA loan announcement is great news for our community and for commuters who are forced to spend hours on the road every day. Freeway improvements, combined with increased mass transit capacity, are a vital component in solving our transportation problems. I will continue to work towards improving our transportation system in a variety of ways that will get people where they need to go faster.      Please take a moment to fill out this week's survey and share your thoughts on the 91 Freeway Corridor Project. Sincerely, KEN CALVERT Member of Congress	Email Ken Issues Other News LATEST VIDEO Rep. Calvert Speaks in Favor of the Ryan FY12 Budget     TAKE SURVEY ON 91 FREEWAY REGISTER TO VOTE! For Riverside County click HERE For Orange County click HERE If you are having trouble reading this message, try viewing the web version
About Ken  |   44th District  |   News  |   Issues & Legislation  |   Services / Help  |   Contact

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Fwd: GRHCC - LAST CALL TO RESERVE BOOTH SPACE AT CINCO DE MAY, MAY 3

: GRHCC - LAST CALL TO RESERVE BOOTH SPACE AT CINCO DE MAY, MAY 3

 This is brought to you by the
Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GRHCC)
 

CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION, MAY 3 Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce would like to invite you to the 17th Annual Alvarez Lincoln Mercury Celebration, and extend an invitation to market your business by hosting a booth space. Market to more than 300+ business, community and legislative leaders in one evening at this event! There is a limited number of booth spaces available on a first-come basis. Reserve your booth space at $100, bring your own card-size table and chairs along with your flyers, give-aways, business cards, etc. Cinco de Mayo booth reservation flyer is attached. Booths have already been reserved by: Senior Moment Services, Our Community Document Services, Riverside Community Health Foundation, King's Court Limousine, Mazz Bar & Grill. Date: May 3, 2012 Time: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Place: Alvarez Lincoln Jaguar, 8051 Auto Drive, Riverside DON'T BE LEFT OUT -- To reserve a booth or more info., contact GRHCC at Lorraine@grhcc.org or (951) 534-1856.

    ______________________________________________________________________________________
Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | P.O. Box 5872 | Riverside, CA 92517 | 951.286.6000 | fax: 888-468-9203 | www.grhcc.org
If you would like to stop receiving emails from the Greater Riverside Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,
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Fwd: 41st Global Conference on Disaster Management in San Jose, CA

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Click here to unsubscribe Having trouble viewing this e-mail? View it in your browser  San Jose, CA - May 24, 2012 Register Now and Receive a $100 Discount What will happen to your family and business in the event of a disaster? There have been 484 tornadoes reported in the U.S. in 2012, of which at least 271 have been confirmed. From this 57 fatalities have been reported. Thousands of fellow Americans are without homes and businesses they once owned. Damages are estimated at over $10 billion and counting. This is only one type of natural disaster that can strike us at any time. We still have to worry about earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other disasters. Shockingly, less than 25% of Americans have a disaster plan in place for their family, home, and business. And it's only a matter of time until another major disaster will affect you and your love ones. How it will affect you depends on one vital difference - PREPAREDNESS. We have conferences coming up in San Jose, San Antonio, Chicago, Seattle, Philadelphia and Los Angeles this year. If you have not heard of us before, our Disaster Management Conference specializes in providing essential knowledge and education to assist organizations and communities to prepare, respond and recover from emergencies and disasters. GCDM addresses issues common to all aspects of disaster and emergency management. We are the only 1 day Conference on Disaster Management held in the United States This is convenient for traveling and budgetary purposes We have an impressive past attendee list including companies such as Exxon, Microsoft Inc., Cisco Systems, and many more As the number of declared emergencies have more than doubled in the past few years, being prepared is more important than ever. Please take some time to visit our website to find out how we can help benefit you and your business and better prepare your family and employees on disaster management and business continuity. Top 5 Reasons You Need to Attend this One Day Event Access to all 9 Keynote Sessions All Speakers are available to meet with you personally for questions Network with Emergency Managers, Risk Managers, Business Continuity Managers, and others that are vital resources to getting you through a disaster Learn about new products and ideas in the exhibit hall Gain resources to help you develop your own Disaster Plans tailored to your needs Register now and SAVE $100! Enter Promo Code "GCDM5" when registering to receive the discount.   Contact us for a group discount if you're registering 3 or more attendees.  Register Now at disasterconference.org Save $100. Register Now 2012 Conferences ©2012 Global Conference Inc.

245 Fischer Ave. Suite B-2 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 United States

Fwd: Please Join Us for Hope, Jobs & Futures 2012

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Where: Victoria Gardens Cultural Center 12505 Cultural Center Drive Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739 Driving Directions When: Tuesday June 5, 2012 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM PDT Add to my calendar   Please Join Us for Goodwill Southern California's Annual Hope, Jobs & Futures 2012,  Goodwill - Good for Everyone!   Tuesday  June 5, 2012    Lewis Family Playhouse  Victoria Gardens Cultural Center  12505 Cultural Center Drive  Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739    5:30pm to 8:00pm   RSVP Lowell King Goodwill Southern California lking@goodwillsocal.org (909) 386-6233

Forward email This email was sent to carl@dameroncommunications.com by lking@goodwillsocal.org |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Goodwill Southern California | 342 San Fernando Road | Los Angeles | CA | 90031

Fwd: Help us celebrate the success of small business on June 5th!

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Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Announcement 49th Annual Small Business Week Awards         Register Today!     Inland Empire Small Business Development Center 1650 Spruce Street, Suite 500 Riverside, California 92507 951-781-2345

Forward email This email was sent to carld@dameroncommunications.com by training@iesmallbusiness.com |   Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Inland Empire SBDC | 1650 Spruce Street, Suite 500 | Riverside | CA | 92507

Is the State of Your Air Improving?

** OUR NEW EMAIL ADDRESS: YOURFRIENDS@LUNG.ORG ** State of the Air 2012 We're breathing easier, thanks to the Clean Air Act—but for how long? Take action and be a part of our Fight for Air The American Lung Association's State of the Air 2012 report released today shows great improvement in the nation's air quality. Many of America's most polluted cities have recorded their cleanest air quality since we began the report 13 years ago. Clean Air Act measures to cleanup major air pollution sources—including coal-fired power plants, diesel engines, and SUVs—are working to drastically cut ozone (smog) and particle pollution (soot) from the air we breathe. Despite this progress, unhealthy levels of air pollution still exist and, in some parts of the country, worsened. Sadly, too many children, people with asthma and seniors remain threatened by polluted air. Air Quality Improvements in the Nation's Most Polluted Cities The Clean Air Act is delivering cleaner air to millions of people nationwide.  • Major improvements were seen in 18 of the 25 cities most polluted by ozone, including Los Angeles, which had the lowest smog levels since the report was first published in 2000.  • Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati were among 17 of the 25 cities most polluted by annual particle pollution that experienced their cleanest years yet.  • Four cities—Pittsburgh, San Diego, Philadelphia and Visalia, CA, had their lowest-ever, short-term particle pollution level.  • Santa Fe, NM, ranked as the cleanest city in the nation. Still more than 127.2 million people remain threatened by air pollution. That's four out of every 10 of us. The risks are serious: ozone and particle pollution can cause asthma attacks, heart attacks, and even death. The Ongoing Fight for Clean Air Despite the Clean Air Act's lifesaving results, big polluters and some members of Congress continue to propose to dismantle the law. A key House of Representatives committee is voting today on a proposal to repeal the health premise of the Clean Air Act's smog standards and delay cleanup of oil refineries, cars and fuels. We need your help to keep making progress. We need you to tell Congress not to weaken the law. Please send a message to your Member of Congress now. What Can You Do? Take action today. Tell Congress: Don't repeal clean air health standards. Visit www.stateoftheair.org to see your air quality report card. While you're there, learn to protect yourself and your family from air pollution and share your grades with others. Join the fight. We won't rest until everyone can breathe clean and healthy air. Thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Paul G. Billings Vice President, National Policy and Advocacy American Lung Association Take Action Join our Fight for Air Donate Share your story Test your knowledge Send an E-Card Share this report with your friends and followers © 2012 American Lung Association About Us | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

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Fwd: In Case You Missed It: Legislature can't shelve pension reform

: In Case You Missed It: Legislature can't shelve pension reform

In Case You Missed It: Legislature can't shelve pension reform Excerpted from an Editorial in The Sacramento Bee "A pension reform measure the governor proposed six months ago has gone nowhere. Then, last week, Assemblyman Warren Furutani, D-Gardena, sent out a letter telling legislators who had pension reform bills pending before his PER&SS Committee that their measures would be sent to interim study – legislative speak for killed, at least for this year. Republican legislators, who had introduced bills that mirror Gov. Jerry Brown's controversial 12-point pension reform plan, interpreted the letter to mean that the governor's plan was dead, too. Furutani says that is not the case. A two-house Conference Committee on Public Employee Pensions is working on comprehensive reform… … Despite the reassurances, there is reason to be skeptical. Democrats in the Legislature have been promising pension reform for years, with little or nothing to show for it. They haven't been able to produce a bill that stops pension spiking, an abuse almost everyone agrees needs to be curbed. Meanwhile, many local governments are drowning in pension debt. Unlike regular policy committees, the Conference Committee on Public Employee Pensions has until the end of the legislative year, Aug. 31, to produce a reform bill that the Legislature can vote on. The committee is expected to produce a draft report in the next few weeks… Yet we shouldn't need to wait until August to see if this push for pension reform is real or just more kabuki. Legislative leaders – Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez – need to state emphatically and definitively that a pension reform package will pass out of their chambers, this year" READ COMPLETE EDITORIAL HOME PAGE | BIOGRAPHY | CONTACT ME | CSSRC

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