Proposition 19 needs exemption
Many thought Proposition 19 was only about fire victims and seniors moving. It narrowly passed during the pandemic, while seniors were isolated. Many people are now being taxed out of their family homes, businesses and farms due to huge tax hikes.
My life plan was to move back to our home in Los Altos Hills, where mom was mayor, years ago.
We made careful family financial plans. Prop. 19 ruined everything.
After Dad died in 2009, I moved home and lived with Mom. Our home is small, but architecturally important. I took care of her and our house, while studying architectural preservation. If sold, it will surely be replaced by a mansion, causing pollution, no affordable housing, and it would be a tragic architectural loss.
Mom’s in assisted living due to Alzheimer’s. My lawyer told me that unless Mom moves back home on Jan. 1 the year of her death, I will not receive the $1 million exemption.
It’s far too expensive to hire in-home care. I can’t do it on my own. I’m 69 years old, a senior myself, faced with the loss of my mother, my plans and my family home.
This is not only about money. It’s about our families and our homes.
Please urge your representatives to consider an exemption, a lesser or a gradual property-tax increase, especially for children who have given up careers to care for elderly parents and their homes, and others who face losing their family properties.
Look for future petitions.
Jane van Tamelen
Los Altos