February 2010 Archives
Tesla spokesman Ricardo Reyes today confirmed a media report that the San Carlos-based company is in negotiations over a dealership space along Newport Harbor's Mariner's Mile.
Reyes said nothing has been finalized. According to the Orange County Register, Tesla is eyeing the dealership vacated by Rolls-Royce in 2008 and that plans come up for city approval as early as March 1.
Founded in 2003, Tesla is known for its Roadster, a $100,000-plus sports car that can go from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds.
Admission is $10 for members and $20 for non-members.
The event is from 6 to 8 p.m. at 140 Pine Ave.
E-mail NetworkMixer@regionalhispaniccc.org to RSVP.
Visit www.RegionalHispanicCC.org for more.
The Franchise Tax Board on Monday said about 2 million state taxpayers qualify to use ReadyReturn -- with completed tax returns ready for reviews and filings.
And it's free, according to State Controller and FTB Chair John Chiang.
"This innovative program takes the burden out of the tax return with a few mouse clicks," he added.
"ReadyReturn" reduces the tax-filing burden by using wage and tax withholding data already provided by employers to complete taxpayers' returns. The program offers taxpayers the flexibility to accept the tax return as presented, change any information on the return, or disregard it for another way of filing.
Taxpayers can check to see if they qualify by visiting FTB's website at ftb.ca.gov and clicking on ReadyReturn. All that is needed is their name and social security number.
Taxpayers qualify for ReadyReturn if they:
-- Filed a 2008 state resident tax return with a filing status of single or head of household.
-- Had no more than five dependents, claimed no special credits other than the renter?s credit, and took the standard deduction on the 2008 return.
-- Had only one employer in 2009.
Taxpayers who married, entered into a registered domestic partnership (RDP), had a child, received additional income, or qualify for a tax credit, can easily update their ReadyReturn online.
For taxpayers not eligible for ReadyReturn, FTB offers CalFile; a free e-file program that accommodates more complicated tax filings, and takes about 15-30 minutes to complete. CalFile guides the taxpayer to answer basic questions and automatically completes the taxpayer's state tax return.
More than 6 million taxpayers who file a 540 2EZ, 540A, and, to a limited degree, the 540 tax forms can use CalFile.
Key benefits of e-file are that tax returns are more accurate, taxpayers get confirmation that FTB received their return, and the state saves paper-processing costs. Taxpayers who file online and have their refunds issued by direct deposit often get refunds within one
On disability, but interested in returning to work?
A free workshop is scheduled Wednesday, 1-3:30 p.m., at the Career Transition Center, 3447 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach,
Parents of individuals with disabilities and professionals who work with people with disabilities are welcome.
The workshop will provide important information on how work incentives can help people achieve self-sufficiency, how the Social Security Administration computes trial work periods, and how meeting one-on-one with a Benefits Specialist can provide more individualized assistance.
The workshop is open all people, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual preference, or disability type. Interpreters are available by calling 562.570.2738 no later than Monday.
For more information, call 562.570.3738 / TTY 562.570.4629.
Seal Beach police and federal Secret Service agents have arrested four people for allegedly stealing over $650,000 from retail stores using forged American Express travelers checks.
Arrest warrants also have been issued for two other suspects in the alleged ring -- all living in Los Angeles, police spokesman Sgt. Steve Bowles said.
The 99-count criminal complaint includes charges of felony second-degree commercial burglary, felony forgery, felony street terrorism, misdemeanor receiving stolen property, sentencing enhancements for loss over $100,000, aggravated white collar crime over $500,000, property damage over $65,000, criminal street gang activity and crime-bail-crime, Bowles added.
The crimes initially began in Seal Beach, but they also were committed throughout several Southland counties including Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside.
The six suspects are accused of using the counterfeit travelers' checks to defraud retail stores including T.J. Maxx, T.J. Maxx HomeGoods, and Marshalls. Each counterfeit check was in the amount of $100, Bowles said.
The defendants allegedly used the checks to purchase store items usually valued over $100. They are accused of using travelers' checks to fraudulently purchase the items and taking cash back for the difference, or getting refunds for the items -- at times, at different stores, according to Bowles.
The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Seal Beach Detective David Barr at (562) 799-4100 ext. 1110, USSS Los Angeles Field Office Bank Fraud Squad at (213) 894-4830, and Supervising District Attorney Investigator Ron Frazier at (714) 347-8691. Deputy District Attorney Yvette Patko of the Major Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case.
Long Beach Redevelopment Agency Project Officer David White and Becky Almquist of the city's Neighborhood Services Bureau and Blaine Verde, environmental educator for Breathe California of Los Angeles County, will be speaking at the meeting.
White will discuss the Vons grocery store project on Broadway and Atlantic, where demolition has begun in preparation for a new store with rooftop parking for residents.
Almquist will speak about the business start-up grant designed to encourage an increase in new businesses along certain commercial corridors in the city. The program can provide up to a $2,000 reimbursement grant to eligible businesses.
The meeting will be 7 p.m.
The event will begin with a 6 p.m. Networking Mixer, followed by a 7 p.m. presentation by Harrington. Admission and parking are free.
The event will take place at Cardinal Pacific Escrow Education Center, Suite 105, 6621 E. Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach.
Visit www.patentax.com/CLE for last-minute updates.
The event will also feature an award presentation, refreshments and entertainment by Grammy nominee, the Anne Walsh Band.
The meeting will take from 7 to 9 p.m. at 3636 Linden Ave. Call 562-595-0081 or info@bixbyknollsinfo.com for more.
The state Franchise Tax Board wants to show its gentle side.
It's advising taxpayers dealing with income tax liabilities to contact the agency for assistance if they are unable to pay by April 15.
For people experiencing a financial hardship and cannot pay what they owe, tax specialists can establish payment plans, grant temporary relief from state tax liens, or, in some cases, delay collection actions.
The agency generally approves installment payment requests if the balance owed is less than $25,000 and can be paid within 60 months.
The Franchise Tax Board can generally grant relief from state tax liens within two weeks for financially distressed homeowners trying to sell or refinance their homes. When a home sells for less than the loan balance, the agency can sometimes remove its tax lien from the property to allow the homeowner to complete the sale. Tax liens typically must be paid before a real estate escrow can close. The tax lien remains in effect on any other property the taxpayer currently holds or later acquires.
The agency can help people refinancing or modifying an existing home loan. Homeowners can request that FTB allow the new or modified loan to have priority over the tax lien. This allows prior home loans to be refinanced or modified without first having to pay the lien.
More information is available at the Franchise Tax Board's website, ftb.ca.gov, including ways to help taxpayers resolve their accounts through installment agreement requests. For lien information, look under the "Bills and Notices" tab and then under the 'Earnings Withholding and Collections Action" section, select: "Individuals - Liens."
Taxpayers who cannot resolve their accounts online should call the phone number listed on their billing notices. Those without Internet service may request an installment agreement payment plan by calling 800.689.4776, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit:taxes.ca.gov
Former Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda will be honored Feb 20 as Man of the Year at the 35th Annual Americana Awards.
Citizens of the Year are: Dorothea M. Stephenson,
Anaheim; Michael Davis, Buena Park; Christy Schopp, Cypress; Lon and Linda Cahill, Garden Grove; Kenneth A. Blake, La Palma; Nancy Diane Kimber, M.D., Los Alamitos/Rossmoor; William T. Ayres, Seal Beach; and Nancy K. Heitman, Stanton.
The Americana Awards event is Cypress College's largest fundraiser for scholarships, emergency assistance for students, book loans, the "Mini Grants" program and other college initiatives that wouldn't otherwise be funded.
The event -- sponsored by the Disneyland Resort -- begins at 5:30 p.m. with no-host cocktails and a silent auction. Dinner is served at 7 p.m.
For more details, call the Cypress College Foundation office at 714. 484-7126 or visit: http:// www.cypresscollege.edu/about/Foundation/.
Need job skills?
If you are between 16 and 24 years of age, and live in Lomita, Long Beach, Signal Hill, or Torrance, there's free training that will help you earn a nationally recognized skill credential that will provide an edge in job interviews.
The 25-hour program is offered by the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network's Youth Opportunity Center. There are no income requirements for this training. A new class begins Feb. 22 at the Youth Opportunity Center, 3447 Atlantic Ave., Long Beach.
For details, call 562.570.4700, or visit www.hireayouth.com
About the Blogger
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
Telegram
in April 2002 as a beat reporter, covering the cities of
Lakewood, Bellflower and Paramount. She now covers business,
specifically redevelopment, tourism and small businesses.
She also writes Eye on Redevelopment, a monthly column that
appears in the Business Monday section.
E-mail Karen at karen.robes@presstelegram.com.
