Pre-stamped return envelopes sent from the SFAA cannot be reused for mail other than return mail to the SFAA. There is a bar code on the bottom of all of the envelopes, and they are automatically sent to our offices by the post office no matter how you address the front. Your mail will not be delivered to its destination. Thanks!

Behind the Scenes at the Board of Supervisors
SFAA has been hard at work behind the scenes making sure that property owners’ voices are heard at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors and beyond. SFAA worked with supervisors on recently passed legislation that imposes fees on property owners who don’t clean up blighted areas of their properties once cited. 

Congratulations to Trophy Winners
On November 13, 2008, SFAA held its second annual Trophy Awards. The formal dinner and awards presentation was a big success and many prominent members of the apartment industry were honored with awards.

Half of Requested Property Tax Reductions Granted
Half of San Francisco homeowners who requested lower property taxes have been granted a reduction, but the negative impact on the city’s overall budget will be minimal, officials from Assessor-Recorder Phil Ting’s office said recently.

Happy Holidays
SFAA would like to wish all its members a happy holiday season and a good new year. To celebrate the holidays, the SFAA offices will be closed December 24-26, 2008, and January 1-2, 2009.

Hope for Homeowners?
The Hope for Homeowners program was passed as part of the housing reform bill and authorizes the Federal Housing Administration to help troubled homeowners refinance into 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.

Legal Challenges Ahead for New Tenant Harassment Law
San Francisco voters passed Proposition M, the Chris Daly-sponsored measure that amends the City’s Residential Rent Stabilization and Arbitration Ordinance to broaden the definition of “tenant harassment” by landlords, and add related enforcement mechanisms for violations, including reduction of rent upon reduction of housing services, misdemeanor prosecution, and civil actions, including injunctions, statutory, actual and punitive damages.

Correction
In “The 2-4 World” in the September issue, Erika Burke wrote that “Leise Gilliat of Leise Inc. made the three-unit sale of 1864-68 Golden Gate Ave. at Baker, which sold at asking for $2.297 million.” In fact, the building sold for $2.937 million. We apologize for the error.