Mountain Views News, Combined Edition Saturday, January 8, 2022

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AROUND SIERRA MADRE

Mountain View News Saturday, January 8, 2022 

NEW LAWS TO REMEMBER IN 2022

Here is a brief sampling of the more than 700 new laws, state and federal, that went into effect 
on January 1st. Enjoy!

WORKPLACE:

California SB-3 Businesses with 26 or more employees will be required to pay $15 an hour, 
which is more than double the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. The state's minimum 
wage for employers with 25 or fewer employees will increase to $14 per hour

California AB-1276 Prohibits a food facility from providing any single-use foodware accessory 
or standard condiment to a consumer unless re-quested by the consumer. 

VOTING

Another new law going into effect in 2022 makes mail-in ballots here to stay after an executive 
order in 2020 sent them out to every registered voter in California. Now, voters will permanently 
have the option to vote by mail.

DRINKING

TO GO COCKTAILS can stay after a new senate bill kept the sale of take-out alcoholic drinks 
around until 2026.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

When it comes to police departments, some new laws impact them too. Police officers now 
must be at least 21-years-old and have a bachelor’s degree.

HOUSING

2022 CA Housing Laws

The California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency Act - SB-9 - allows homeowners 
to create additional housing units on their property, based on local ordinance or ministerial 
approval. Proposed housing developments with one or two residential units in single-family 
home zoning would be considered ministerially if it would not require demolition or alterations 
subject to a law restricting rents to affordable levels — and the proposed development 
won't demolish more than 25% of existing exterior structural wall.

TAXES (Federal)

You Don’t Have to Itemize to Claim Charitable Donations. Normally, you must itemize to 
deduct charitable contributions. But for 2021, you can deduct up to $300 for cash donations 
to qualifying charities (up to $600 combined for married filers) whether you itemize or take 
the standard deduction for 2021.

2021 Recovery Rebate Tax Credit for Third Stimulus Payments

For 2021, you may qualify for the Recovery Rebate Tax Credit. This is the case if you haven’t 
received the third economic impact payment (also known as a stimulus payment) or received 
only a partial payment (less than the full stimulus payment amount of $1,400),

 

The No Surprises Act (NSA) establishes new federal protections against surprise medical bills 
that take effect in 2022. Surprise medical bills arise when insured consumers inadvertently 
receive care from out-of-network hospitals, doctors, or other providers they did not choose.

For more information on new laws that take effect this year, go to: https://www.msn.com/
en-us/news/us/list-new-laws


GWEN ROBERTSON TAKES ON NEW 
ROLE AT CREATIVE ARTS GROUP

Creative Arts Group is pleased to announce the appointment 
of Gwen Robertson to the roll of Executive 
Director. Gwen joined CAG in the summer of 2019 
and most recently has served as Director of Operations. 
She brings a breadth of art-world experience to CAG. 
Gwen received her PhD in Contemporary Art History 
from the University of Iowa and came to us after a career 
teaching at Humboldt State University, the Museum of 
Contemporary Art - Los Angeles, and, most recently, 
The Colburn School. Her research specialty is in contemporary 
art after 1960 and in community practice art 
where she has collaborated with artists interested in the 
nature of community involvement and activism in the 
US and the UK. 

Gwen, whose father grew up in the Sierra Madre Canyon, 
now lives in Sierra Madre with her husband Eric 
and daughter Tess. In her spare time, Gwen is a part of 
the Sierra Madre Civic Club and is on the board of the 
Sierra Madre Rose Float Association.

 Thankfully, Kristin Naran, who has led CAG for the 
past 8 years, will now step into the position of Chief Financial 
Officer and will remain an integral part of the team. 


Bethany Christian SchoolApply now for 2022-23www.bcslions.org93 N. Baldwin Ave Sierra Madre 626.355.3527 
KindergartenPreviewJanuary 208 - 9:30 am
Protect Open SpacePreserve the MonasteryProvide a New ParkPermanently dedicating more than 30 acres of open space 
for wildlife will help expand the protection of natural lands 
on the City’s northern boundary.
Map of the proposed plan for The Meadows at Bailey Canyon.
The historic buildings will continue to be an iconic landmark 
and home to Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center and 
its ministries.
A new 3-acre public park, tucked in next to Bailey Canyon, 
will provide a place to relax, meet neighbors for a walk or 
journey through a meditative labyrinth.
The Meadows at Bailey Canyon in Sierra Madre is a proposed plan to permanently protect open space, 
preserve the Monastery, provide a new park with direct connection to Bailey Canyon — 
all while creating the most sustainable single-family community in our City’s history.
www.SupportTheMonastery.comor scan the code with your smartphone ►
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com