Author: Erik Kaiser

California homeowners 55+ may transfer an original home's taxable value to a replacement principal residence anywhere in the state, instead of restarting at market value.
To qualify, you generally must be 55+ when the original home sells, use both homes as principal residences, and buy or build within 2 years.
The replacement home can be any value, but staying within the rule's value limits preserves the transfer cleanly; amounts above the limit get added.
If you buy first and sell later, the transfer starts with the later transaction, full-market taxes may apply temporarily, and the state offers no refund.
The benefit remains available, can be used up to 3 times, and requires a county assessor claim within 3 years to protect full relief.

Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

Across California, condos remain one of the more affordable paths into homeownership, especially for buyers seeking popular neighborhoods and fewer renovation demands.
That lower entry price can come with major ownership costs, including high HOA dues, parking fees, and emergency assessments that can reach thousands per unit.
In San Clemente, one condo community was facing a $26K per-unit assessment for roof replacement, underscoring how deferred repairs can suddenly hit owners.
Experts said these fees were becoming more common as California condo buildings aged, balcony inspection rules tightened, and insurance costs climbed amid wildfire risk.
Even with those risks, state leaders said condos remained a key part of California's housing stock and a practical first step for buyers.

County residents are being urged to prepare because strong El Niño years have historically brought heavy rain and elevated sea levels, though impacts remain uncertain.
County officials are preparing flood-control infrastructure, coastal defenses, and extra crews and equipment, while urging residents to get ready before warnings are issued.
Signing up for emergency alerts from trusted sources gives households multiple ways to receive forecasts, watches, and warnings, and helps them respond quickly.
Family plans should list contacts, hospitals, schools, and employers, while addressing backup power for essential devices and safe generator use during outages.
Officials also recommend checking on neighbors who need extra help, planning for pets, updating collars or microchips, and bringing pet food during evacuations.