When you combine three centuries of exploration and settlement; Spanish, Mexican, and Yankee influence; a handful of natural catastrophes and manmade disasters; and vast swaths of eerie and desolate shoreline, you have an environment ripe for a haunting.

From Moss Beach south along Highway 1 to Santa Cruz and down the coast through Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Lompoc, expert ghost hunter Jeff Dwyer guides locals and tourists alike through the most haunted and hist… More >>

Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Monterey and California’s Central Coast

Popularity: 5% [?]

Next Sunday, is the Deadline to Qualify for 2010 Tax Deduction for Vehicle Business Use, if you use the 90 day estimate method of documentation.

If you use your personal vehicles for business purposes in 2010, you may claim 50-cents per business-mile tax deduction, but only if you keep proper records, according to Home Business Tax Savings, Inc. (HBTS), a specialist in home-business tax law.

“If a home-based business owner drives 8,000 miles in 2010 for business purposes, that’s a $4,000 tax deduction. If that taxpayer is in the 25 percent tax bracket, the deduction will add $1,000 to their Tax Refund.”

- Dr. Ronald R. Mueller

To document the deduction, the Tax Code says taxpayers must maintain proper records for “a typical 90 consecutive day period.” [IRS Regulation 1.274-5T(c)(3)(ii)]

home business tax savings

After Sunday, Oct. 3, there no longer will be 90 days remaining in 2010. Therefore, any taxpayer who has not begun a vehicle-use log by Oct. 3, will not qualify to use the IRS “90 day rule,” which can cost them $4,000 or more in lost tax deductions.

What constitutes ‘proper records’ for tax purposes? “Each time the driver starts the ignition – even if the trip will be for a non-business purpose – he or she must record four pieces of data — date, destination, primary purpose, and number of miles traveled,” Dr. Mueller says.

“Then what? First, you add up all business-miles for your 90 day period, and the IRS will accept that number as an accurate sampling of your business-use for the entire year. Since 90 days is 25 percent of a full year, the taxpayer may then multiply that number times four, and the IRS will let you to deduct that number of business miles for 2010,” according to Dr. Mueller.

The above example applies if you operated an active home-based business for the entire year of 2010. If the business was established during the year, the numbers would be prorated.

You can get a free Vehicle Mileage Log and further details about this deduction, as free downloads at www.HomeBusinessTaxSavings.com

Ronald R. Mueller, MBA, Ph.D., is the author of “Home Business Tax Savings, Made Easy,” the only ‘plain English’ guide to home-business tax deductions approved by Congress, and now included in the Tax Code. For more information, visit http://www.HomeBusinessTaxSavings.com

News source: RushPRnews http://rushprnews.com/2010/09/26/deadline-looms-for-business-vehicle-use-tax-

Popularity: 11% [?]

Tragedy in Santa Cruz as two residents are dead after an assumed murder-suicide.

Authorities told the Monterey Herald that Gayle Mozee-Baum apparently killed her husband, respected jazz drummer Jimmy Baum, then killed herself late Thursday.

The  couple had been separated for the past three months. Before the tragic event took place, Gayle went to her husband’s house and engaged in a confrontation of unknown subject matter Given this information, no motive has been revealed as of yet. One possible piece to the puzzle is the fact that the Internal Revenue Service filed a lien on the couple’s assets in June. That, however, is mere speculation.

This is nothing new for the county, as this marks the 12th homicide so far.

Gayle was well known in her own right, as she was named Democrat of the Year by the Santa Cruz County Democratic Party in 2009. She was  also the leader of Townsend & Townsend, a legal firm 200 lawyers strong.

Those who knew the couple are rightfully shocked and saddened. Those that talked to the Herald said that they had no idea of the nature of their relationship, only that Jimmy was a caring, kind-hearted gentleman.

Steve Robertson had this to say about Gayle:

“Gayle was a very nice person. Everybody is just shocked by the whole thing. The sadness of it is just overwhelming.”

Popularity: 7% [?]

The City of Monterey Museum and Cultural Arts Division is participating in the ninth annual History Fest Monterey October 7-10, with a variety of events for young and old celebrating and exploring Monterey’s rich history. History Fest is sponsored by Historic Monterey, a collaboration of California State Parks, the City of Monterey, and the Monterey History and Art Association. For more information, visit historicmonterey.org.

Events scheduled:

NightWalk Monterey® Thursday, October 7 and Saturday, October 9, 8 – 9:15 pm
Charitable donation: $15, Tour begins at near 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey History & Maritime Museum, 831-656-3346

Behind the Scenes at Larkin & Stevenson Houses” Friday, October 8, 10 – 11:30 am
Larkin House, corner of Jefferson & Pacific, Stevenson House, 530 Houston Street,
Fee-based event with children 12 and under FREE, Tour capacity 16 people, 831-647-6206

Tours of the Cooper-Molera Adobe – Saturday, October 9, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm. & 2:30 pm.
Cooper Museum Store, 525 Polk Street at Munras and Alvarado – Tour capacity: 14 persons, 831-649-7118

Mexican-American War Encampment with the 1st New York Legion Reenactors
Saturday, October 9 10 am – 4 pm, Sunday, October 10 10 am – 12 noon – FREE
Upper Grass area behind the Custom House, Custom House Plaza next to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, 831-649-7118

Living History & Family Activities @ Custom House, Saturday, October 9
11:00 am – 3:00 pm – FREE, Custom House Plaza, next to Old Fisherman’s Wharf. 831-649-7118

The Bouchard Pirate Ship, Saturday, October 9, 1-3 pm, FREE, Children’s activities included.
Custom House Plaza, Monterey History and Maritime Museum. 831-372-2608, x 828

Van Tours to the Upper Presidio, Saturday, October 9, Tours start at 10:30 am and 12:00 pm – FREE
Presidio of Monterey Museum, Cpl. Ewing Rd. Lower Presidio Historic Park, Tour capacity 15 people 831-646-3456

Civil War Encampment, Ft. Mervine, Friday – Sunday, October 8 -10 – – FREE
Cpl. Ewing Rd., Lower Presidio Historic Park, Firing demos at 11 am – 2 pm each day. 831-646-3456

1849 Constitutional Convention Reenactment, Sunday, October 10, 2:00 – 3:30 pm – FREE – limited seating
Colton Hall Museum, 570 Pacific Street, Monterey. 831-646-5640 for reservations. Colton Hall not handicap accessible
831-646-5640

Popularity: 4% [?]

This is an update to Elderly Man Struck by Monterey Bus, Dies:

The investigation into the fatal traffic collision that occurred on September 16, 2010 has been completed. In that collision, 87 year old Samuel Conboy of Monterey was hit by an MST bus while crossing Pacific Street at Del Monte in the crosswalk at the signalized intersection. The bus driver, 49 year old Taylor Norisett of Seaside, failed to yield the right of way to Mr. Conboy.
The report is being forwarded to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for review of vehicular manslaughter without gross negligence.

Popularity: 6% [?]

On September 22, 2010 at 2:10 AM, Monterey Police Officers responded to the 800 block of Casanova on the report of a man who had been stabbed. On arrival they found 26 year old Matthew Finnegan suffering from a sharp force injury. James Torrey Hill, a 21 year old male, was with Finnegan.

The investigation revealed that Hill caused Finnegan’s injury. Hill was initially arrested for attempted murder and Finnegan was flown to Valley Medical Hospital in San Jose by CALSTAR.

At 7:00 AM, the Department was notified that Finnegan died as a result of his injuries. Hill is in custody at the Monterey City Jail and has been booked for 187 PC, Murder. He is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail.

Popularity: 10% [?]

A man is dead in Monterey after an early morning collision.

Police confirmed that 87 year old Samuel Conboy was struck by an MST bus while crossing Pacific at Del Monte at 6 am on September 16. The man was transported to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula, where he was pronounced dead. The driver of the bus was obviously uninjured.

An investigation is ongoing. For more information, contact Lt. Leslie F. Sonné at sonne@ci.monterey.ca.us.

Popularity: 4% [?]

Offering a rare opportunity for fans to purchase and retain Arena seats, the Monterey Jazz Festival has announced that Three-Day Arena Packages and Single Day Arena Seats for the 53rd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival are still available.

Exclusive Arena Artists for 2010 include Harry Connick, Jr., Ahmad Jamal, Angelique Kidjo featuring Christian McBride, Lionel Loueke, Kendrick Scott and Mino Cinelu; the Freedom Band with Chick Corea, Kenny Garrett, Christian McBride and Roy Haynes; Delbert McClinton, Les Nubians, the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra with Special Guest Dianne Reeves, and the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Big Band. On Saturday night, the Arena will host the 2010 Monterey Jazz Festival Commission piece, “Music for Two Quartets” featuring the Billy Childs Quartet with the Kronos Quartet in their Arena-exclusive performance. Over 500 artists will perform during the three-day celebration, September 17-19, on 8 stages spread over the 20-acre Monterey Fairgrounds, the home of the Festival since 1958.

monterey festival

Tickets are on sale now by phone at (925) 275-9255 and on the Monterey Jazz Festival’s website, www.montereyjazzfestival.org. Arena Packages are available starting from $225, and include one reserved seat for each of five concerts on the Arena/Jimmy Lyons Stage, access to all performances and activities on seven additional Grounds Stages throughout the weekend, plus conversations, exhibitions, panel discussions, international shopping, food and beverages, and more. Arena Package seats are renewable and upgradeable annually. Single Day Arena Tickets begin at $66 (Friday) and $99 (Saturday or Sunday). Both Arena Package seats and Single Day Arena Tickets allow patrons in-and-out privileges to the Fairgrounds.

Friday, September 17 Single Day Arena Tickets also include the annual New Grooves party on the Grounds, which highlights some of the futuristic and forward thinking performers of the Festival. 2010’s New Grooves features performances by the Jazz Mafia’s Brass, Bows & Beats, Nellie McKay, the House Jacks, and Rudresh Mahanthappa’s Indo-Pak Coalition.

Sunday, September 19 marks the Festival’s 5th Annual Family Day. Families and children of all ages can participate in special activities and hear the top student jazz ensembles from around the United States along with MJF’s own Next Generation Jazz Orchestra and the Monterey County High School All-Star Band. Families can join in the fun with the return of the popular Percussion Playshop and MJF’s innovative Instrument Petting Zoo with high-tech, professional musical instruments provided by Yamaha. The younger set can also bounce in the “Jazzy Jumper” on the West Lawn. Family Day Grounds artists include the Banana Slug String Band, the LeBoeuf Brothers, and the Nice Guy Trio.

As a money-saving option for 2010, MJF has reprised the Family Discount Package, which includes two Adult and two Youth (ages 2 – 18 years) Grounds Stage Tickets for only $80 for Friday and $100 for Saturday or Sunday. Families have access to 7 general admission Grounds Stages and all Grounds activities. Grounds Stage Tickets include access to the Jazz Theater, featuring simulcasts of all five Arena concerts.

New this year, MJF will offer residents of Monterey County the money-saving Local’s Package, which includes a copy of the 2010 MJF Souvenir Magazine and a discount coupon for MJF merchandise. The Local’s Package is available to Monterey County residents who purchase an Arena Package, Single Day Arena Ticket, or Grounds Stage Ticket (excluding Youth Tickets).

For the full 2010 Monterey Jazz Festival lineup, tickets and additional information, visit www.montereyjazzfestival.org.

The Monterey Jazz Festival is dedicated to perpetuating the uniquely American form of music known as jazz by producing performances that celebrate the legacy and expand the boundaries of jazz; and by presenting year-round local, regional, national, and international jazz education programs. The Monterey Jazz Festival is a nonprofit organization and has donated its proceeds to musical education since its inception in 1958.

Popularity: 10% [?]

The Presidio of Monterey, in partnership with the City of Monterey, will conduct

An active training exercise is to be conducted by The Presidio of Monterey, in partnership with the City of Monterey, on Tuesday, Sept. 7. The exercise is designed to test the ability of each organization to identify and respond to various situations, and to improve collaboration during multi-jurisdictional events.

A helicopter ambulance is scheduled to land on Presidio’s Soldier Field in the morning as part of a mass casualty training segment. Periodic gate delays can be expected not to exceed five minutes, testing Presidio’s ability to respond to exercise situations.

The area around Presidio Museum, known as Lower Presidio will be used for training. Noise can be expected throughout the day. Emergency vehicles will respond as part of the exercise so expect traffic to Lower Presidio to be affected and redirected.

Additionally, a simulated Hazardous Material exercise will be staged at the PX complex at Ord Military Community, vicinity of Gen. Jim Moore and Gigling Roads, from 1 to 4 p.m. Emergency personnel will be operating in the area, although no road closures are expected.

Small smoke devices will be used but NO chemical agents will be employed.

Popularity: 3% [?]