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March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


California State Board of Equalization

As your taxpayer advocate and elected member of the State Board of Equalization, my goal is to make sure all taxpayers are treated fairly. I’m fighting to protect your rights and welcome your ideas on how we can work together to solve California’s toughest problems.

– GEORGE RUNNER


Time to Regulate Medical Marijuana

I recently wrote an opinion piece for the Sacramento Bee calling for regulation of California’s medical marijuana industry. Medical marijuana has been legal for two decades, but California still hasn’t developed a regulatory structure.

Medical MarijuanaIn April, I explored cannabis production facilities with BOE Member Fiona Ma. The tour made it clear that our current cash-based tax collection system for this industry is broken and unsafe.

Because of this, we’ve launched a “Cannabis Compliance Pilot Project” in our districts to help bring the medical marijuana industry into compliance with California’s tax laws.


Legislators Need to Re-evaluate Their Priorities

Governor Brown and legislative Democrats want to raise taxes and are dedicating a special session of the Legislature to do so. They argue that tax increases are needed to fix roads. To make matters worse, the Governor has abandoned his pledge of no taxes without voter approval.

Our roads and highways are important, but lawmakers should first eliminate government waste before asking taxpayers for more of their hard-earned money. This year Californians are paying more at the pump due to the new “hidden gas tax” on tailpipe emissions. Rather than raise taxes, the state could use cap-and-trade auction revenues to fight traffic congestion.

Here’s my response to the recent budget deal and the governor’s call for a special session.


Fire Fee Update

Cal Fire FeeThe next court date in the California’s Fire Prevention Fee lawsuit has been moved to Friday, August 7, 2015. This “Motion to Certify Class” hearing aims to establish the right of all fee payers to be represented in the case.

You’re invited to attend this important hearing.

For the latest information on the fire fee, visit calfirefee.com.


Internship Program

CollageMy office is looking for motivated full-time or part-time students who have an interest in learning about the political process and state tax policy. Interns will have an opportunity to work with our legal, legislative and communications teams on specific projects related to taxpayer or legislative needs.

Learn more about my internship program here.


Upcoming Events

I’m sponsoring a few events in July and August. These events are designed to assist taxpayers and help small business owners and nonprofit organizations be successful.

Free Small Business and Nonprofit Tax Seminars:

  • Chico Small Business Tax Seminar – July 8, 2015
  • Rancho Cucamonga Nonprofit Tax Seminar – July 14, 2015
  • Ontario Small Business Tax Seminar in SPANISH – August 24, 2015
  • Chino Small Business Tax Seminar – August 28, 2015

Register online at boe.ca.gov/seminars or call 1-888-847-9652.

Basic Sales and Use Tax Law/Tax Return Preparation

  • Redding – July 15, 2015
  • Sacramento – July 22, 2015
  • Fresno – July 28, 2015

Register online at boe.ca.gov/classes or call 916-227-6700 to register or get more information.


Tax Tip

Tax TipQ: I used a coupon to purchase a taxable item at the store. Do I have to pay tax on the full price of the item?

A: Whether you are charged sales tax depends on the type of coupon you use. With manufacturer’s coupons, you generally will be charged tax on the full price of the item. With store coupons, you’re only required to pay tax on the discounted amount you pay to the retailer.

For more information and other consumer-oriented tax tips, see our new California’s Buyer’s Guide to Tax.

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SCV NewsBreak
LOCAL NEWS HEADLINES
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
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Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDEC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
College of the Canyons women's tennis played to a convincing 7-2 conference win over Ventura College on Moica to strengthen its potential playoff resume.
Canyons Closes Out Ventura 7-2 in Final Home Match
Join the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce with the Latino Business Alliance at the Cinco de Mayo Networking Celebration on Tuesday, May 7.
May 7: Latino Business Alliance Cinco de Mayo Celebration
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is hosting March Meowness promotion where all cat adoptions are just $15 from now until April 9.
Adopt a Cat During March Meowness at Castaic Animal Center
California State University, Northridge is partnering with the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians and the Tataviam Land Conservancy to battle the impact of climate change in disadvantaged communities throughout the San Fernando Valley by establishing “urban forests.”
CSUN Partners with Fernandeño Tataviam Band to Build Urban Forests
Join the Santa Clarita Artists Association on Monday, April 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 23630 Valencia Blvd., Valencia, CA 91355, for the SCAA monthly meeting and guest demonstrator.
April 15: SCAA Presents Debbie Abshear Watercolor Demo
Residents are invited to join members of the Santa Clarita City Council for a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the addition of Santa Clarita's 38th park, Skyline Ranch Park, 18355 Skyline Ranch Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351, to the Santa Clarita parks system on Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.
April 6: Grand Opening for Santa Clarita’s 38th Park
The Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is preparing for the annual fundraising event, Celebrity Waiter, with the theme “California Dreamin’” on Saturday, April 27 at Bella Vida, 27180 Golden Valley Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91351.
Table Sponsorships Still Available for Celebrity Waiter Dinner
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Ken Striplin | A Fun, Festive, Egg-Filled Day
SCVNews.com