Yep, they certainly do and that sure is a good thing. They reasses properties every year and then decide if the property should have an inflation adjustment up or be given a decline in value and therefore not the inflation adjustment. And of course if the owner still feels that the Assessor got it wrong, then he can enter into the process I described above. Per the Assessor website at www.assessor.saccounty.net, here is some more information (probably more than you wanted to know, but it answers your question straight from the Assessor) "Proposition 8, passed in November 1978, amended Proposition 13 to recognize declines in value for property tax purposes. As a result, Revenue & Taxation Code Section 51 requires the Assessor to annually enroll either a property’s Proposition 13 base year value factored for inflation, or its market value as of January 1st, whichever is less. Decline in market value, Prop 8 assessments, are TEMPORARY reductions that recognize the fact that the market value as of the January 1 lien date of a property has fallen below its current Prop 13 factored value. Once a Prop 8 reduced value has been enrolled, that property’s value must be reviewed each year as of the January 1st lien date, to determine whether its market value is less than its Prop 13 factored value. Prop 8 values can change from year to year as the market fluctuates. When the market value of the Prop 8 property increases above its Prop 13 factored value, the Assessor will once again enroll its Prop 13 factored value. In no case may a value higher than a property’s Prop 13 factored value be enrolled. Properties enrolled under Prop 8 provisions are not subject to the 2% annual increase limitation that applies to those enrolled under Prop 13 provisions."

Yep, it's so important for people to know this stuff. So many brochures come in the mail claiming to be "help" when they really aren't. There is definitely a place for paying people, but that does not need to come right away and may not need to come at all. I actually did this whole process last year myself.

That's so cool Colleen. It sounds like you have a great group of friends. Those types of groups of friends are priceless. One t hing you made me think of is how I really like to cook with friends too when they come over or when we go to their homes. I used to feel like it was best if dinner was absolutely ready when our guests came over, but if possible, I like to be finishing things up and doing the last few things with guests. It's just more fun that way and we are able to connect. Otherwise I find that I am totally exhausted if we do absolutely everything ourselves.

I hear you on neighborhood associations. Does your neighborhood have one? Mine does and I have built so many friendships and relationships through it. It really helps us feel at home in our neighborhood. You alluded to a big question: Why is it that so many people are engaged with the Top Chef or Idol, but do not make time to interact with neighbors or help actively pave the way for a better neighborhood?

Wow. It's sad to hear of so many job losses.

I think the mention of the attitude our society has toward parks and recreation is dead on. I took water polo while in Junior College and I still wish I could go back and take it again. So much fun!!! I also took bowling though and I'll admit that was a little too fun and didn't really feel like a PE class (I'm glad I took it though).

Very nice. I had no idea this went up. I'll have to drive by soon.

It's true that many people on the streets find their homes along the River. You see this all over the trails. I am an avid trail rider and I make it a point to be cautious when it is dark.

Dan, do you think that the isolation we have in our society is not an enormous problem? With all due respect, this is not an ancient complaint, but a column based on trends that have hit very hard in our society over the past 50 years especially. The conversation and points discussed thus far are indicative that this issue is close to home. Robert Putnam wrote a book entitled "Bowling Alone" which is a great book. When Putnam analyzes a vast array of civic organizations ranging from the AARP to churches to the PTA, his overall conclusions and incredible wealth of research demonstrate that there is an overwhelming trend of people checking out and no longer being engaged with others like they used to be. As Putnam points out, for just one example, it is very interesting to see how most organizations have shifted their membership requirements nowadays. You no longer actually have to go to board meetings or monthly meetings to interact with other members, but instead all you have to do is write a check and then you are somehow involved. Is that what it means to belong? This is one small example only. So when it comes to neighbors not talking with each other, having little interaction, having much fewer block BBQs, kids not playing together, I am deeply concerned. These are all signs that something is happening around us. I don't write as any sort of an expert, but I do very much think that this conversation is worth having until we see a shift back to a more community-oriented society. I spend my time thinking about things like this and also being very intentional in my life about building a better community.

I think you are definitely on to something. What a sad reality. This is good discussion. For anyone, how else will our kids be impacted if we persist in a trend of isolation in our society? Anyone?

Very interesting, William. The thing about "play dates" that strikes me too is that the parent always has to be there. On a personal level, that sure is taxing on the parent after a while. That can't be healthy...

I wonder sometimes what our kids will inherit from us. Do they fear the world and stay inside more often because that is what we are teaching them to do? How will this impact them in the long term and what type of neighbors will they be someday? Thanks for all the comments. As a kid, I too roamed the neighborhood freely. It was just a matter of me being back by 5:30pm for dinner. Sure, Mom told me to stay away from certain houses because of pervs or unstable people, but otherwise I had a license to be where I wanted to be and the freedom to be a kid in the front yard and beyond. Why don't we trust each other anymore?