Ron's Blog

High volume Shell Gas Station for sale on I-5 in Shasta County.

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:20:00 -0600

Very Busy ,with great visibility from the freeway,huge profit margin.

Cottonwood, CA Town Hall Meeting a Great Success

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:12:14 -0500

A very informative and enjoyable evening was held Wednesday at the Cottonwood, CA Town Hall Meeting, hosted by Supervisor Les Baugh. Les, and the Community Committee, chaired by Mary O'Keefe, the Director of the Community Center, had an excellent line up of panelists to deal with many issues and items of interest facing the residents of the South County of Shasta County. The panel included Shasta County Admin Officer Larry Lees, Sheriff Tom Bosenko, County DA Jerry Benito, County Resources Director Russ Mull, County Public Works Director Pat Minturn, Dan LIttle and Phil Baker from CALTRANS, and Cottonwood Fire Chief Jim Flaherty.

The topics ranged from public safety to subdivisions, from downtown traffic to developments in the planning stage, and from Gas Point Road congestion to expanding the lanes on Interstate 5 into Redding. In addition to the "purely local" concerns, the panel addressed more far reaching questions, such as the status of the local and state economy and how that situation will impact Shasta County. Discussion was held on current public works projects for the south county, and many expressed interest in more parks in this section of the county.

The audience of 150 were encouraged to write down their questions and Supervisor Baugh received them and distributed each question to the panel member that was involved in that issue. And, Baugh also had a number of questions addressed to him that he handled very well.

I was there to ask some questions and observe, for as a candidate for the County Assessor-Recorder office in 2010, I think it is crucial that I become as aware of community concerns and issues as I possibly can. What I found in this Town Hall was a very interested and informed group of citizens that all want to make Cottonwood one of the very best rural residential areas in which to live. Their issues and questions were well presented and received.

This is democracy in action, and it was very encouraging, for even in these difficult economic times, citizens want to do their part to "make things better" knowing that the economy will turn around and when it does, they want to be prepared for the future by planning and considering future issues now.

Hats off to the organizers; to Supervisor Les Baugh; and to all of the participants, for together they all made it a great night. If the various Teaparty organizations want to see how "citizens participate in local government", just take a look at Cottonwood, CA....a small ranching and farming community in Northern California where the quality of life is about "as good as it can get"....and where the "citizens have a voice and are heard".

I sure am glad I went to the meeting...well worth it, and a refreshing moment in a busy week.

Ron Largent - Candidate for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder www.largent2010.com

Providence International Hosts Business Symposium in Redding, CA

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:06:44 -0500

The McConnell Foundation, a dynamic community leader in the past and a continuing model for future leadership for Redding, CA, was the location for the Providence International Business Symposium. Under the leadership of Robert "Bud" Hancock, a group of 60 local business and non-profit organization leaders gathered to hear a distinguished line up of speakers talk on subjects ranging from technology of the future to current energy saving and environment friendly power generating stations. Speakers included Rick Sbrocca, CEO of Spiritus Solutions, a technology products and services company headquartered in Redding; Rick Anderson, People Data Services of Redding, a company specializing in bringing practical technology to Native Indian tribes throughout the states; Dr. Greg Brooks of Omro, Wisconsin, a nationally recognized expert on anterior support products; John Wises, CEO of Zenius Solutions, dealing with cell phone technology and the credit card industry; Glenn Zane, CEO of Continental Resource Solutions, who is developing a wood products power plant in Blue Lake, CA, and Jeff Testerman, a management consultant based in Oregon dealing with small business start up and development.

In addition to the formal presentations, a special award was given to local long time business man and founder of Guiton Pools, Dick Guiton. The award was presented by current Redding City Councilman Dick Dickerson, and recognized Dick Guiton for his many years of service to Redding and Shasta County.

Thanks to the McConnell Foundation for the beautiful meeting location at their Lema Ranch headquarters, and to all at Providence International for making this symposium happen. It was a most interesting and informative afternoon, and I felt privileged to be invited and able to attend.

Ron Largent Candidate for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder in 2010 www.largent2010.com

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Gas Station/food mart for sale with real estate in anderson for only $850,000

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 22:38:13 -0500

Seller very motivated to sell, wants to move ,corner lot ,big storage , Huge potential, Unbranded Gas.

Contact Manjit Kaur at 530-339-5354.

Frontier Hills Mobile Home Park - NEW LISTING

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 10:48:23 -0500

We have a new listing for a beautiful mobile home park, Frontier Hills located in Old Town Shasta just west of Redding, CA. The property is ideal for an investor looking for an established senior park (Age 55+) and great return on investment. Here are some of the key points:

26 spaces on 1.86 acres
Duplex located at the front of the park
High occupancy and long term tenants
Significant net income
Low operating expenses
RV and storage area
Laundry facility on the property
Seller is highly motivated and accepting offers now!

LISTED PRICE: $1,300,000

CAP RATE: 8%

Frontier Hills MHP -11398 Muletown Rd., Shasta, CA 96087

Serious inquiries only. I can be reached by email or call me at (530) 941-0444.

Campaign Announcement Speech

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:39:15 -0500

Ron Largent for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder Announcement Speech

Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Shasta County residents, it is a sincere privilege to announce my candidacy for Assessor - Recorder in 2010.

I am honored to address my fellow citizens at this beautiful location that exemplifies the pride and spirit of the North State. It is my personal commitment as an American citizen to serve the people of our great county. I take this responsibility seriously and pledge my support to be a voice of leadership in the days ahead.

Over the past 38 years in Shasta County, I am proud to have served on numerous community organizations as a volunteer, chairperson and board member. As a retired Lt. Colonel of the United States Air Force Reserve, I took an oath to defend our great nation. My passion for public service has never been questioned and now is the time to make this a "Full-Time" commitment to you.

We The People, of Shasta County must return to the principle that government is to be a servant of the people.

YOU are the superiors and sovereigns of this great nation!

I stand before you as a proud Conservative that believes in our individual freedoms. My campaign is built around these four principles:

JUSTICE FOR ALL

BELIEF IN AMERICA

FREE ENTERPRISE

And CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL

As a public servant for the people of Shasta County, I believe the responsibilities of this elected office are to provide:

FAIR, TIMELY and EQUITABLE property assessments for all!

Equally, we must be accountable to record ACCURATE and CURRENT information on existing properties in the county. And WE MUST BE ACCOUNTABLE TO YOU! Personal and fiscal accountability to good representative government - a county government that serves you!

I ask you to join me today in a mission to return the government to the people.

Enough is enough!

It is time for our county residents to have a voice. And a LOUD voice!

It is time for our Assessor-Recorder to be a highly visible advocate for the people we serve, for you the taxpayer!

It's time to lead the great people of Shasta County to greater Accessibility, Accountability and a Fair Assessment of Property Values. County government starts with you - you pay the bills!

Fellow citizens, we must restore the people's voice and sovereignty over government. It is my pledge to each and every one of you that I will renew the once held pride of being a true PUBLIC SERVANT to the people.

Our freedom is our greatest strength

Life is a Precious Gift

Restoring our founding principles will ensure our county's security and prosperity

Ladies and Gentlemen, this starts with recognizing that you have rights as a Homeowner and Business Owner in our community. You deserve the best candidate to stand up and be a voice for you and future generations.

I am that voice

You are the people I serve

We The People of the United States of America will be heard!

May God Bless America and Shasta County!

Campaign Announcement Speech - Sundial Bridge, Redding , CA

October 15, 2009

Shasta Voices In Redding,CA Holds Pension Forum

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 23:59:53 -0500

If you did not attend the Shasta VOICES "Public Pension Forum" held on September

24th, you missed a truly historical event. Our distinguished panelists, representing all

sides of the debate on California's public pension system, had an impressive and invaluable

discussion about potential reform of the existing system, paving the way for similar

debate throughout the State.

The highly productive session proves that when people on all sides of the isle are able to

come together and listen to each other, they can actually find a way to work through viable

solutions. And all agreed that reform at the State level will be needed to bring the

current system back to sustainability (including Steve Allen, who represented the public

sector union employees). An initiative is being prepared by the California Foundation

For Fiscal Responsibility (CFFR) for next year's ballot that would reduce pension formulas,

raise retirement ages, and put a stop to costly abuses of the system for newly hired

public workers.

A good deal of thought was given to the actual "format" for the Forum. Our goals, after

securing our dream panel of experts, were to do these four things:

1. Avoid the town hall meeting environment to eliminate any disrespect for our panelists

(or anybody else). Only two of our Shasta VOICES Board members, Dave Scott

and Maureen Gaynor, were authorized to ask any questions.

2. Solicit and produce appropriate questions in advance that would educate, inform,

and simplify the complex subject matter for all persons attending. Allow our panelists

to view the questions two weeks in advance so that they would be prepared to

have such a discussion.

3. Produce a power point presentation that showed each question on a large screen as it

was being asked of our panelists for the benefit of the audience (we did have 7 panelists-

it could've been easy to forget the question before each had answered).

4. Additional questions could be written down during the panel discussion by the audience,

and passed along to our two authorized questioners.

To say we reached our goals is an understatement. We managed to stay focused and finish

on time, even with some additional audience questions. The format that we created

can serve as a model for future discussions for this and other sensitive subject matter.

But perhaps most importantly, we were willing to take the lead in promoting discussion

of public pension reform when nobody else has been willing to do so. It is all too easy to

sit back and wait for "somebody else" to do it because one lacks the personal fortitude to

stand up for what they believe in. We could all take a lesson from union employees and

their representatives. They never back away from what they believe is in their best interests,

and have no fear of taking a position, even if it becomes negotiable.

If and when the taxpaying citizens in California decide to stand up for themselves, only

then will we see public pension reform become a reality.

Ron Largent for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder in 2010 Press Conference

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:46:08 -0500

Ron Largent announces his candidacy to run for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder in 2010. Mr. Largent will address the local press and media to outline his platform:

"Keep Our Assessments Fair, Timely and Equitable"

Please join us at this historic event. Our friends from The Cafe' at Turtle Bay will offer a Patriotic Lunch Special. In addition, we will honor our country with a Flag raising, music and of course the press conference

Thursday, Oct 15th at 12 noon at Sundial Bridge adjacent to Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding, CA. Y'all come!

For additional details, please look at www.largent2010.com

USC VS CAL....THE OTHER "BIG GAME"....AND I WILL BE THERE!

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 21:16:54 -0500

OK...so who will win the "big game". I thought to prepare for the game and to get a feel from what the experts are saying, I would check out the various sports writers and what they are saying about the game. All of this is from the web....but is good for us Cal fans, as well as Trojans.

It was supposed to be a matchup of top-10 teams. It was supposed to determine Pac-10 supremacy. It was supposed to signal an end of a 50-year drought - or the continuation of domination.

So much was expected be at stake in Saturday's California-USC game that even the skinflints on Tightwad Hill would be inspired to buy a ticket.



Jahvid Best only rushed for 30 yards in last year's meeting.

So much for that.

Instead, the much-anticipated clash with championship implications has become a desperate duel of survival.

That's what a couple of trips to the Pacific Northwest wrought. Two weeks ago, USC was upset 16-13 by Washington in Seattle. Last week, California was annihilated 42-3 by Oregon in Eugene.

As a result, USC's streak of seven consecutive Pac-10 championships is in jeopardy. And California's aspirations of making its first Rose Bowl appearance since the 1958 season are fading.

"We still believe in each other and we still believe in our goals," Cal senior tackle Mike Tepper said. "We have long-term goals. We can still achieve everything we want to achieve and still have a great season."

Of course, so can USC.

The Trojans are counting on a typically suffocating defense to contain explosive Cal running back Jahvid Best. USC also hopes its defense can compensate for the team's shortcomings on offense. Those shortcomings may be multiplied because of the loss of running back Stafon Johnson, who had to undergo seven hours of emergency surgery earlier this week when his larynx and windpipe were crushed in a freak weight-room accident.

USC ranks sixth in the country in total defense. The Trojans are especially stingy against the run, having allowed just 1.7 yards per carry. Last season, the Trojans held Best to 30 yards on 13 carries in a 17-3 victory.

"That's how we've played over the years," Trojans coach Pete Carroll said. "We have really fast guys that are playing smart and not giving up any easy things with mistakes and stuff like that. We have an experienced secondary and have the athleticism that makes for a good defense. We feel pretty good about it, and we're just getting going."

The Trojans can't feel as good about their offense. Although freshman quarterback Matt Barkley drew raves for directing a game-winning drive against Ohio State, he has been troubled by an injured shoulder. More troublesome for the Trojans is that they're converting just 25 percent of their third downs (11-of-44).

"We've always been a good third-down team, but we're not there right now," Carroll said. "Generally speaking, when you're playing a young quarterback, the red zone and third downs jump out at you. We have to clean things up and execute in those situations."

That may be more difficult without Johnson, the latest casualty in a rash of injuries for the Trojans. Johnson is USC's second-leading rusher and led the team with five touchdowns.

His injury, which was life-threatening, left his teammates stunned.

"He's one of the spiritual leaders of the group, and it hit everybody hard," Carroll said. "There's kind of a disbelief that something could happen like that in a controlled situation."

A feeling of disbelief also was permeating the atmosphere in Berkeley, but for dramatically different reasons. Cal posted three impressive victories to open the season and appeared every bit as good as the preseason hype suggested. Then came the blowout at Oregon, the Bears' worst loss in eight seasons under coach Jeff Tedford.

Tedford, making like a used-car salesman, claimed the lemon wasn't as bad as it looked.

"We were one step away from making a lot of plays, but we didn't get it done," Tedford said. "There were a lot of opportunities there. The first play of the game, we had a guy wide open running downfield but didn't get out of our stance and get a sack.

"It was a perfect example of 10 guys playing and one guy not getting it done. It's so important for all 11 players to do their jobs. We just took turns that day."

Cal had ranked 10th in the nation in run offense, but managed just 77 yards. Quarterback Kevin Riley was 12-of-31, the offensive line allowed five sacks and the defense gave up 524 yards.

"That's one game," Tedford said. "It's a game that's pretty significant and a game we didn't play well at all. Our team understands that is not who we are and we're capable of playing better."

Who gets the edge?

USC rush offense vs. California rush defense:
Elusive USC running back Joe McKnight has rushed for 354 yards and is averaging 7.5 yards per carry. But Stafon Johnson's absence is cause for concern. He provided a power element to the running game. USC is 16th in the country in rush offense, but more than a third of its rushing production (342 yards) was posted against San Jose State in the season-opener. Cal was gutted for 236 rushing yards by Oregon. Before that, the Bears had allowed just 187 yards in the first three games combined. Sophomore LB Mychal Kendricks leads in tackles with 40.
Edge: USC

USC pass offense vs. California pass defense:
Freshman QB Matt Barkley has had two solid games, but was inconsistent against Ohio State. He's thrown only one interception. WR Damian Williams is among the best in the nation. A big-play threat, he's averaging 16.1 yards on 16 catches. TE Anthony McCoy is averaging almost 23 yards on seven receptions. No other USC receiver has more than six catches. USC has allowed five sacks. Cal's secondary was considered among the nation's best entering the season, but the Bears allowed three touchdown passes last week and have allowed seven on the season. Cal is third in the nation with 17 sacks. DE Tyson Alualu leads with 3.5.
Edge: California

California rush offense vs. USC rush defense:
Cal's Jahvid Best is the most explosive running back in the nation, but he was held to 55 yards and no touchdowns in last week's loss to Oregon. He's the key to Cal's success; it's hard to see the Bears winning if the running game is stymied. In the Bears' three victories, Best rushed for 412 yards and eight touchdowns. Best was held to 30 yards in last year's 17-3 loss to USC. Shane Vereen has 148 yards as Best's backup. USC is allowing opponents an average of just 1.7 yards per rushing attempt. No opposing back has gotten close to 100 yards. LB Chris Galippo leads USC with 27 tackles.
Edge: USC

California pass offense vs. USC pass defense:
Questions persist about Cal QB Kevin Riley, who completed just 38.7 percent of his passes against Oregon. Riley has thrown five touchdown passes and no interceptions. WR Marvin Jones has star potential, but getting him the ball isn't easy. Cal has allowed 10 sacks. That doesn't bode well for facing the USC pass rush, which has posted 18 sacks - more than any team in the nation. But DE Nick Perry, who leads the Trojans with six, has a bruised knee and his status is uncertain. All-America FS Taylor Mays leads a secondary that has not allowed a touchdown pass.
Edge: USC

USC special teams vs. California special teams
Both teams have good return units but also shaky kicking situations. USC has done a nice job covering punts but a poor job covering kickoffs; Cal is the opposite. USC running back C.J. Gable averages 25 yards on kickoff returns and Williams averages 12 yards on punts. K Jordan Congdon has converted three of his five field-goal attempts. P Billy O'Malley averages 37.3 yards. Cal CB Syd'Quan Thompson has been a big-play threat on punt returns in the past, but hasn't broken free this season. Vereen averages more than 28 yards on kickoff returns, but don't be surprised if Best shows up on returns this week. K Vince D'Amato has hit only three of his six field-goal attempts, but he has made a 47-yarder. P Bryan Anger is among the best in the country. He averages 40 yards and has killed seven inside the 20.
Edge: California

Coaching staffs
USC's Pete Carroll is 7-1 against California. USC is 91-16 in nine seasons under Carroll and has won or shared the Pac-10 championship seven years in a row. He has new coordinators this season, and play-caller Jeremy Bates - who is not the offensive coordinator - has come under some criticism. Under Tedford, California has been transformed from a perennial also-ran to a Pac-10 contender. The Bears are 62-31in eight seasons under Tedford. Bob Gregory is a solid defensive coordinator, and the new offensive coordinator is Andy Ludwig, who was at Utah last season.
Edge: USC

X-factor:
How will the injury to Stafon Johnson affect the Trojans? He played a key role in the running game, but that's a secondary issue. Johnson is extremely popular among his teammates and his near-fatal weightlifting accident could inspire or distract them. G Jeff Byers said it would have a positive effect. "It anything, it's something we can use," he said. "Guys have every reason now to come out and refocus on why you love the game because you never when it can be taken from you." Perhaps, but such a traumatic incident also could prevent the Trojans from fully focusing on a football game, even an important one.

USC will win if:
The Trojans must contain Best, as they did a year ago. Protecting Barkley from the Cal pass rush also is a top priority. Watch their third-down conversions; the Trojans were 0-for-11 on third down in their loss to Washington.

California will win if:
Was last week's debacle as much an aberration as the Bears claim it is? Giving Best room to run is essential. Cal has to have a strong running game to keep Riley out of obvious passing situations. Meanwhile, the Bears must prevent big plays. An edge in turnovers also is a key. During Tedford's tenure, Cal is 37-4 when committing fewer turnovers than its opponent.

Beware of REPO Scammers

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:07:08 -0500

This was on www.redding.com today, and it is important that this word gets out.....

Everett and Delores Dale knew something wasn't right when two men pulled up to their Enterprise-area home one day unannounced and told them they needed to get out.

Though the couple had lost their home to foreclosure on Sept. 2, the bank had not given the Dales a move-out date.

But the men in the pickup were persistent. They advised the Dales they were representing Bank of America and would return in two days to change the locks, 80-year-old Delores Dale recalled.

The Dales would later learn they nearly became victims of a scam popular in Southern California.

Posing as bank employees, the scammers go to a foreclosed home and give the occupant an ultimatum. Often, the victim will get scared and move out, leaving the house vacant. The scammers either move in or rent out the house until the bank catches on.

"In general, somebody who is being removed from the home - whether it's a squatter or a long-term tenant - there is a legal process the property owner must go through," said Redding attorney Tom Andrews, who specializes in elder and real estate law. "They (the owner) can't use self-help and they just can't show up on the doorstep and say, ‘You have to leave now.' "

Everett Dale, 81, said he became especially suspicious when the men couldn't give him a name of a bank official.

"I told them, ‘You're contracting with Bank of America and you don't have a name?' " said Everett Dale, a retired AT&T employee.

The Dales, who've lived in their house 12 years, called the bank and eventually spoke with an attorney in Southern California who told them about the scam. They were told the culprits hunt for victims by using foreclosure notices printed in newspapers.

The Dale's 44-year-old son, Veldon, said his parents had talked to so many people, in an attempt to save their house from foreclosure, that they were still seeking answers when the men showed up at their house.

"When you keep calling to try to get somebody and can't get an answer, it's real easy for a scam artist to step in and suddenly have the answer," Veldon Dale said.

The foreclosure process starts with a notice of default. That is followed 90 days later with a notice of sale, with the date the home will be sold at a public auction.

"After the sale date, the new owner can start eviction proceedings by sending a notice of quit," said Evan Westrup, a spokesman with the state Office of the Attorney General. "If somebody comes to the door claiming to be from the bank and telling the homeowner to leave, then the homeowner should demand proof that the bank now owns the home."

The proof certainly would have a contact number for the bank or the financial institution's attorney, Westrup noted.

Westrup explained that the scenario the Dales described is a scam that has appeared in a number of forms in areas affected by the foreclosure crisis throughout California.

"In that respect, local officials and the DA (district attorney) have often been the lead agencies," Westrup said.

An investigator with Shasta County's real estate fraud protection unit, created July 1, said Monday the office had not had any complaints about the scam that nearly victimized the Dales.

How long will this real estate downturn last?...often asked of me.

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 09:40:32 -0500

It seems like every day someone comes up and asks, "how long is this real estate downturn going to last?". This is a good questions, and none of us has the crystal ball to forecast the future, but some of the experts are giving us some ideas on where they see the market going.

A few weeks ago, one of the officers of the Mortgage Bankers Association at a conference in Denver, CO put some current conditions in perspective. And, to fully understand where we are today, we need to look at history, especially in the past few years. And, to most that read this, this is not news, as you have seen this current condition develope over the past few years.

In the 2004 to 2006 time frame, real estate values started going up rapidly, especially in fast growth areas like California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and parts of Texas. With the availability of financing, new home construction booms were commonplace, and within a short period of time, the new home inventory started drawing buyers from older homes, and almost overnight the used home prices started going up. The available equity cash to existing homeowners made buying a new home much easier, and the "boom" took off. Concurrent with this home-buying rush, financing of all sorts was made available to buyers that in more traditional times would have been marginal qualifiers for a home loan. And, with the amount of money available, lenders brought a whole menu of loans to buyers, including the adjustable rate mortgages, whereby after a short period of time the amount of the monthly loan payment would increase. The ARM's became very popular, for they not only allowed marginal buyers to buy a home but they also allowed the buyers to keep their payments low so that they could continue to buy other things to maintain their accustomed to life style. These ARM's were usually set up for an initial 3 year or 5 year term, whereby the initial payment would remain the same for a 3 or 5 year period then increase to a higher payment level. The justification for this was that the buyers home would continue to increase in value, so the home would be worth more on the open market in the coming years than it was at this point thus justifying the higher payments. The lenders tried to make this concept clear and understood to all involved, so this is not a "blame someone" situation.

Well, 3 years later these adjustable payments started going up, and shock set in for many. Complicating this entire national picture came the downtown in the economy, which was impacted by the huge number of new homes built nationally that, all of a sudden, were not selling. The housing market directly and indirectly impacts so many related industries that the slowdown in housing started a ripple effect. As mortgage payments went up, jobs started being lost, and a "double whammy" set in....a higher payment and a job loss. This was a formula for disaster, and this is exactly what has happened.

Now, we are being told that the peak of this increase in the number of 3 year ARMS that will call for payment increases will come in the fall of 2010. This is to say that between now and next fall, we will continue to see an increase in both short sales and foreclosures that are affected by the above, and then in the next few years following next fall we will see the 5 year ARM adjustments kick in. Not a good picture. Right now we have a huge inventory of both short sales and REPOs...so we will probably see this number increase. With the exception of mortgage modifications by many lenders, not much can be done. This is especially concerning if the economy does not start on a growth mode and jobs are both re-instated and created. Could be a long 3 or 4 years for many.

Thanks for reading, and comments will be appreciated.

Proposition 13...What Is It? A question frequently asked.

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:28:29 -0500

It seems like, with many of the folks that I talk with these days, the question comes up as to what is Proposition 13 and how does it apply to them. So, I looked up the Proposition, and here is what the best explanation that I could find says:

Proposition 13, officially titled the "People's Initiative to Limit Property Taxation," was a ballot initiative to amend the constitution of the state of California. The initiative was enacted by the voters of California on June 6, 1978. It was upheld as constitutional by the United States Supreme Court in the case of Nordlinger v. Hahn, 505 U.S. 1 (1992). Proposition 13 is embodied in Article 13A of the California Constitution.

The most significant portion of the act is the first paragraph, which capped real estate taxes:

Section 1. (a) The maximum amount of any ad valorem tax on real property shall not exceed One percent (1%) of the full cash value of such property. The one percent (1%) tax to be collected by the counties and apportioned according to law to the districts within the counties.

The proposition's passage resulted in a cap on property tax rates in the state, reducing them by an average of 57%. In addition to lowering property taxes, the initiative also contained language requiring a two-thirds majority in both legislative houses for future increases in all state tax rates or amounts of revenue collected, including income tax rates. It also requires two-thirds vote majority in local elections for local governments wishing to raise special taxes. Proposition 13 received an enormous amount of publicity, not only in California, but throughout the United States.

Passage of the initiative presaged a "taxpayer revolt" throughout the country that is sometimes thought to have contributed to the election of Ronald Reagan to the presidency in 1980. However, of 30 anti-tax ballot measures that year, only 13 of them passed.

A large contributor to Proposition 13 was the sentiment that older Californians should not be priced out of their homes through high taxes. The proposition has been called the "third rail" (meaning "untouchable subject") of California politics and it is not politically popular for Sacramento lawmakers to attempt to change it.

Should you have any questions on this subject, please contact me and we will spend time going over the details of Proposition 13. As with all issues, access to the Assessor-Recorder is critical to my Public Service and commitment to serve the public. This is another reason that I am running for Shasta County Assessor - Recorder in 2010. You, the taxpayer, deserve the right to know what our laws mean, in reality, to you and how they will impact you. Another reason to vote for Ron Largent for Assessor-Recorder in 2010. www.largent2010.com

0 Responses to "Proposition 13....What Is It?...A questions often asked."

Tony Perkins Report on Family Research Council's Summit

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:21:37 -0500

Values Voters Summit a Great Success

With all the outstanding speakers and events this past weekend, it is hard to believe we fit the Summit into just three days. As Fox News describes it, FRC Action's Values Voters Summit is "increasingly a must-attend event for Presidential candidates," so there was not a moment that was not action-packed. Every general session was packed as over 1,800 people attended the premier event, while more than 175,000 unique visitors watched online.

The weekend was capped by a gala dinner where I was honored to present Mrs. Phyllis Schlafly the James C. Dobson Vision and Leadership Award. The work that Phyllis has done throughout her lifetime and continues to do is an inspiration for all. One night was not enough to be able to honor all of her accomplishments, but we did our best to pay tribute to this remarkable champion. Your prayers and support are what give us strength here in Washington as we fight for your values up on Capitol Hill and beyond. To view most of the speakers online please click here. This has become a "can't miss" event, so I hope to see you there next year

Bill O'Reilly's Book "Bold, Fresh Piece of Humanity"

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 23:59:30 -0500

22 Sep 09

Bill O'Reilly's Book "Bold, Fresh Piece of Humanity"

For those of you that have read Bill O'Reilly's book, as above, you may agree with what I say...and for those of you that have not red the book, give it a try.

First, for the past few years, I have enjoyed listening to Bill, for I am a conservative and I enjoy his selection of news articles as well as his guests. I just enjoy the show...bottom line.

Over the years, I have listened to Bill talk about his books, so finally got "A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity", and I have really enjoyed reading the book. Although I am older than Bill, and grew up in the Los Angeles area, I can certainly relate to what he encountered growing up. And, after reading the book, I have a much better understanding of why Bill is like he is today. Although the book could almost be considered a "biography", it isn't. It is a lesson in growing up with all of the trials and tribulations that one faces in life...and how you deal with the many issues one faces in "life".

It is a fast read and has a lot of good thoughts...and even if you consider Bill "too conservative"....you might find the book worth reading. And, to Bill O'Reilly, thanks for writing the book, and best wishes. Ron Largent

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A ‘Bold Fresh'

Chapter 6 Performs in Redding, CA for Shasta Community Concerts

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:18:09 -0500

On Friday, Sept 18, in Redding, CA...a new high in musical perfection. Chapter 6, a group of 6 young men from Illinois, performed as part of the Shasta Community Concerts Association 2009-2010 Season. This group is absolutely one of the finest pure music groups I have heard in years. Singing A Cappela, the close harmony is reminiscent of the Four Freshman with added rhythms by the members themselves. Singing a wide variety of styles, this group is not only musically excellent, but they put on a very good 2 hour show. The 600 seated in cabaret style in the Civic Auditorium were spellbound for the entire program, as Chapter 6 went through songs ranging from Jump, Jive, and Wail to a great interpretation of The Wizard of Oz. Their rendition of Sweet, Sweet Spirit without the aid of microphones, was breathtaking, and literally one could hear a pin drop as they went through the various difficult key changes without missing a note.

Having performed in 45 of the United States, their universal apeal hs resulted in one of the most diverse schedules in the music industry, and hats off to the Shasta Community Concerts Association for making this happen in Redding. A full schedule of programs is still lined up, and for further information one can go to www.shastacommunityconcerts.com

Nicky Cruz Speaks in Redding, CA for Teen Challenge...A great event!

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 10:24:59 -0500

What a great night at the Annual Teen Challenge of the Sacramento Valley sold out Banquet at the Holiday Inn in Redding, CA. Over 400 attended this exciting dinner, where the Teen Challenge New Life Choir and the Steven Randal Band provided the musical entertainment.

Nicky Cruz, an internationally known Christian speaker, held the audience in awe for over 45 minutes as he related his life in a New York City gang before meeting world wide Evangelist David Wilkerson, the author of the Cross and The Switchblade. Nicky related his upbringing and challenges of being one of a family of 17 originally from Puerto Rico. Since his conversion to Christ, Nicky has spoken to millions over the 30 years, and Redding was so fortunate to have this renown speaker with us here.

Hats off to the organizers. Ron and Patty Plumb are the area “Community Representatives” (pictured), as well as to the local Board of Ron Barnett, Bob Fruin, Rev. Harold Johnson, Gary Buffo, Jim Holdridge, Rev. Paul Tilley, and Ray toney. Ex-Officio board members are Rev. Ron Fortenberry, Rev. Dick Rhoads, and Dale Winchester. Former director Ron and Diane Lauritzen got special recognition for their 20 years of service. Special thanks to the Platinum Sponsors Ray Toney and Associates and Scarbrough Office Design, along with the 23 local businesses, churches, and individuals that were table sponsors. Just a great evening. Many, many thanks to the many volunteers for making this great event happen.

Ron and Patty Plumb…organizers for the Nicky Cruz Banquet. A great job, and thanks to all.

Ron Largent

Cal Football Update and Perspective

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:25:24 -0500

Cal Bears Football Off To a Good Start

OK…so the critics said “they will finish behind the Trojans”. I ask, will they? This is a real good Cal Bears Football team. I was at the Maryland game, and the score didn’t really tell the story, as Cal dominated from the first quarter on. This past week versus Eastern Washington, another repeat dominating performance. This is a good team. On October 3^rd we will be in for a “showdown” game against USC at Memorial Stadium, and if you do not have your tickets, forget it. Sold Out!

So what kind of a team is this year’s version of Cal Bears Football? First, they are very, very fast as a team, and the quickness shows up on both offense and defense. Their offensive line moves to the defensive line almost before the defense is set. Then, this group of quick backs, led by Jahvid Best, a legitimate Heisman trophy candidate, is through the line and into the linebackers and secondary before the defense can react. Really quick.

The defensive unit is equally as fast, and again, almost running to the ball as fast as the offensive running backs. In fact, on one sweep, the Maryland backs, and they were good, could not outrun the linebackers. These guys are quick and will prove difficult for every offensive line they will face this year.

The pass receivers for Cal were all over the place. Using multiple formations, it is almost as if the defense doesn’t know where they are going to come at them. Again, very quick and really hard to cover. QB Riley is greatly improved from last year, and he can choose between any one of the four receivers on most plays, and one of those fast wideouts seems to get open on almost every pass play. It is really fun to watch, for the receivers run as if they are “wound up”, with the corners chasing hopelessly, it seems. To stop these swift receivers is going to require a very fast secondary. Slow defensive backs will allow a lot of points, especially if Riley is on target.

Where is the team weak, is a good question. Probably in the defensive line, as they are not the “giants” that some of the Big 10 teams will field. If the opposing team is a big and strong running team, the Bears may be at a disadvantage. Hopefully they can make up for the size issue with speed, which they have done in both of the opening games.

Well, the season really kicks off this week with Pac 10 competition beginning, and in the next few weeks we will see just how good this Bears team is against good competition. My sense is that if they can keep healthy; keep the speedy guys in there; and avoid the injuries, this can be a championship contending team. And, they are really a fun team to watch, with a great variety of plays and sets…just a good football team. Go Bears!

Ron Largent

September 16, 2009

FHA Loans Are Still Out There...

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 21:32:24 -0500

This came to me earlier today about FHA Loans…

Allow people to buy the home of their dreams and move into the home exactly how they want it by financing repairs and improvements into their home loan . This is a great way to buy a home with “Walk-In Equity”! We are a direct lender for FHA 203K’s, one of the few in this area who are. We wish to help your clients in purchasing their home with FHA and FHA 203K’s and of course VA and USDA loans!

good thought….Ron...and e-mail me for details, etc...

Ron Largent

www.largent2010.com

Largent for Assessor - Recorder in Shasta County, CA in 2010. Who is Ron?

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:27:59 -0500

Ron Largent for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder New Site, www.largent2010.com

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:17:13 -0500

Redding Tea Party and the Obama Health Care Plan

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 00:02:40 -0500

Monday night at the Holiday Inn in Redding, over 450 interested and concerned citizens joined together to hear “the whole story” about the Obama Health Care proposal. This meeting had representatives from “both sides”, so to speak, and all did a super and very professional job.

With all the “press” that we have seen over the past few weeks, with many of the gatherings characterized as a “bunch of radicals”, this meeting was especially meaningful, in that this was the “real America…people interested and willing to listen to all sides”…and to let the elected leaders know that we are no longer just going to sit back and let the decisions be made without getting involved. My evaluation of these past few weeks is that this is one of the best things that could be happening now…for real America, that are not by any stretch “radical”, is coming out to say, enough is enough!

Thanks to all that were involved in the Monday meeting, and thanks to the participants for a well presented, well understood session….enjoyed by many and benefiting folks in the audience that did have questions about the Plan.

Congratulations for a good night at the Redding Tea Party.

Ron Largent for Shasta County Assessor-Recorder in 2010...Who Is Ron?

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:48:52 -0500

Shasta College Football Win is a Big Opener

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:13:24 -0500

The following was in the Record Searchlight earlier today and kind of tells it all on Shasta Football....

A baseball-like formula at quarterback and better second-half defensive effort allowed the Knights to claim its home opener for 2009.

Led by freshman quarterback Matt Summers-Johnson and then sophomore Cole Johnston, the Shasta College football team overcame an early double-digit deficit to beat Mendocino 31-26 at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Summers-Johnson started the game and helped the Knights rally to a 24-20 lead in the third quarter, throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for one.

Johnston, the sophomore from Foothill High School, then came in and capably ran the Knights version of the Wildcat offense for a quarter and half. He threw a touchdown pass and led the Shasta offense on a 10-minute fourth-quarter stroll to run down the clock and preserve Shasta’s lead.

“It was awesome to get the home opener,” Johnston said afterwards. “We want to come out and give the home fans a good show and at least come out it with a win.”

For a young team, the victory over Mendocino provides a big moral boost. Shasta (1-1) lost at Laney 34-19 to start the season. The Knights went 9-2 last year, breaking a string of fruitless seasons. A victory over the Eagles after falling behind early gave an indication that the Knights aren’t about to return to those losing ways.

“It was a big win for us,” Knights linebacker Zach Gibbins said. “It gives us a lot of confidence. We’ve been working hard, so it was nice to see all the effort rewarded tonight.”

Ironically in the first half, it was the supposedly still green Shasta offense that bailed out a more experienced Knights defense as the Eagles (1-1) built early leads of 14-3 and then 20-10 late in the second quarter.

Shasta came in expecting to face a passing team after Mendocino won a 55-46 shootout over Hartnell last week.

But the Eagles came out running the ball behind bruising Sterling Jackson, a 215-pound sophomore from Stone Mountain, Ga. Mendocino marched 69 yards on its opening series, including a fake punt leading to an 11-yard pass completion on fourth-and-9, before Jackson punched the ball in from three yards out for a quick 7-0 Mendocino lead.

Shasta drove the back on its first possession, but Abdu Reda missed on a 32-yard field goal attempt. The Knights turned to Kelly Crowley out of University Prep on the next field goal try and the freshman nailed a 36-yarder less than minute into a second quarter to put Shasta on the board.

The Knights early-season troubles have mustly dealt with secondary breakdowns and it bit them again. Kyle Yanusevich completed a 58-yard pass to Montel Nix-Fleming all the way down to the Shasta 5-yard line. Yanusevich, who briefly came on in relief of Eagles starter Jake Strickler, then hit 6-foot-3 receiver Tommy Jones on a 5-yard fade route for a touchdown and a 14-3 Mendocino lead.

Shasta went three-and-out on three straight incompletions by Summers-Johnson, looking as green as their uniforms in that brief series. But the Knights defense started to get a hang for what the Eagles offense was doing and delivered and three-and-out series of its own.

The Knights then rebounded by featuring sophomore tight end Saxon Schultz prominently in the pass game. Schultz caught four passes for 31 yards on the next drive, including a 6-yard TD catch from Summers-Johnson with 4:40 left in the first half.

However, Mendocino marched right back down and Matt McHenry plunged in from two yards out with 50 seconds left, putting the Eagles up 20-10.

However, the Knights made a key drive against the clock.

Summers-Johnson hit Emerald Guillet on a 34-yard pass play as the Knights went 69 yards downfield. On a third-and-10, Summers-Johnson hit Schultz for a 14-yard gain down to the Mendocino 10. Johnston caught the next pass for nine yards before, with four seconds left in the half, Summers-Johnson snuck in from a yard out.

Summers-Johnson then let the Knights to another score on the opening second-half drive, getting a fortuitous bounce along the way. On a second-and-9 from the Eagles 10, Summers-Johnson tried to throw to Brian Brown to the right side, but an Eagles defensive end tipped it at the line. The ball went all the way over to the left side where Mark Brooks came sliding in running a slant pattern to snare a 10-yard touchdown pass with 13:02 left in the third quarter.

Armed with the lead for the first time, the Knights started unveiling its multiple threats on offense.

Summers-Johnson went 17-of-27 for 168 yards before giving way to Johnston in the third quarter. Schultz had eight catches for 64 yards and Brooks had six catches for 61 yards.

But it was the Knights offensive line and the running game that took over for the rest of the game.

Whether it was sweeps for Manny Barragan (14 carries, 88 yards), fullback dives by Marcus Sannadan or runs up the middle by Trevor Rook and Xavier Robinson, the Knights marched 80 yards downfield before taking to the air when Johnston found Brown in the end zone for a 14-yard touchdown pass on a third-and-13 with 13:09 left to play.

Johnston finished 2-of-4 for 30 yards.

“It’s just fun knowing you can help out the team in so many ways,” Johnston said.

Mendocino drove the ball downfield, but Strickler overthrew an open receiver and Knights safety Austin Cantrell picked it off and returned it 11 yards.

“We didn’t make any halftime adjustments,” Knights linebacker Chace Taylor said. “The coaches just told us to keep playing our assignments.”

That was when the Knights offense went on a 10-minute stroll in the fourth quarter, going 79 yards on 17 plays. Johnston ran for eight yards to convert a key fourth-and-7 play to keep the drive alive at one point. The Knights ended up going for it on fourth-and-goal from the 2, but Sannadan was stuffed for a 1-yard loss.

Shasta High product Brooks Beaudette then came in at quarterback and led the Eagles 97 yards the other way. But his 42-yard touchdown pass to Trent Scatena ended up being the final play of the game.

“It was a good win and a good game for us,” Taylor said. “Mendocino is a good team and I didn’t think we had it until all the way near the end.”

Shasta Voices Luncheon..from Ron Largent

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 23:24:33 -0500

A L E R T !

Get your tickets to the Public Pension Forum Luncheon Now! This is an

opportunity to actually do something about unsustainable public pensions.

We must start somewhere…

$ PUBLIC PENSION FORUM $

A Working Lunch (food included)

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009

Time: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Location: Holiday Inn, Redding

1900 Hilltop Drive

Featured Panelists:

Gene Bell (Negotiator for Shasta County)

Marcia Fritz (California Foundation for Fiscal Responsibility)

Ed Bond (Consultant/Private Sector Pension Expert)

Steve Allen (Northern California Union Negotiator, UPEC)

Larry Lees (CAO for Shasta County)

Kurt Starman (City Manager, City of Redding)

(Note: Rob Feckner, President, CalPERS Administration was invited but has not responded)

The purpose of the forum is to foster a better understanding of public pension systems, and provide an opportunity for open discussion.

Ticket Information

$25 each or $250 to reserve an “up front” table (seats 8 people) Tickets must be purchased in advance. To secure your tickets, contact: Mary Machado Phone: (530) 222-5251 Email: mary@shastavoices.com

Please note: There will be no tickets sold at the door. Seating is limited.

Ron Largent for Shasta County Assessor - Recorder in 2010

Ron Largent at Keller Williams Realty Commercial Group — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 13:59:39 -0500