Saturday, May 16, 2026 
88 
Saturday, May 16, 2026 
88 
UNDERSTANDING 
CALIFORNIA 
PROPOSITION 19: 
WHAT FAMILIES NEED 
TO KNOW 

California Proposition 19 changed how 
property taxes are transferred in California 
and has had a major impact on seniors,
families, and inherited property. Passed by 
voters in 2020, the law created new benefits 
for older homeowners while also changinglong-standing rules for inherited homes. 


One of the biggest advantages of Prop 19 is for homeowners age 55 and older, individuals with severe 
disabilities, or victims of natural disasters. Under the new law, qualifying homeowners may transfer 
their lower property tax base to a new home anywhere in California, helping them downsize, relocate 
closer to family, or move into a more suitable living environment without a dramatic increase in 
property taxes. 

This benefit can be especially meaningful for seniors considering assisted living or moving closer 
to adult children. A homeowner can now transfer their tax assessment up to three times, providing 
greater flexibility during major life transitions. 

However, Prop 19 also changed inheritance rules. Previously, many families could inherit a parent’s 
home and keep the lower tax assessment, even if the property became a rental or vacation home. 
Under Prop 19, children generally keep the lower property tax basis only if the inherited home 
becomes their primary residence and the property value does not exceed certain limits. If not, the 
home may be reassessed at current market value, often resulting in significantly higher property 
taxes. 

For families navigating caregiving, assisted living, or estate planning, Prop 19 has become an 
important conversation topic. Selling a longtime family home, moving into senior housing, or 
passing property to children may now involve different financial considerations than in the past. 

Because every family situation is unique, consulting with a tax professional, estate attorney, or 
financial advisor can help ensure decisions align with both caregiving needs and long-term financial 
goals. 

SENIOR TRAVEL DISCOUNTS: 

HOW TO SAVE 
ON YOUR NEXT 
TRIP 


Dear Savvy Senior, 

My husband and I are retiring later this year and hope to travel more while we’re still healthy and 
active. Our budget will be tighter, so every dollar counts. Are there worthwhile senior travel discounts 
you can tell us about, and at what age do they begin? 
--Ready to Roam 

Dear Ready, 

Retirement is the perfect time to start checking destinations off your wish list. Senior travel discounts 
can make a real difference. Whether it’s airfare, hotels, cruises, train tickets or attractions, the savings 
can add up – sometimes hundreds of dollars per trip – if you know where to look and compare. 

To qualify, you’ll need to meet the age requirement, which varies by company. Some start as early as 
50, but most don’t kick in until 55, 60, 62 or 65. Knowing these benchmarks helps you plan and save 
as soon as you’re eligible. 

Ways to save 

One of the best ways to uncover senior travel deals is through membership organizations. AARP, with 
membership starting at 50, offers the deepest travel discounts, including savings on hotels, rental cars, 
cruises and vacation packages. AAA also provides travel-planning services and member savings on 
lodging and car rentals to adults of any age. 

Another simple but often overlooked strategy is to ask. Many hotels, tours and attractions don’t 
advertise senior discounts but may offer one if you inquire. Keep in mind, though, that the “senior 
rate” isn’t always the lowest price. Promotional sales, advance-purchase fares and seasonal specials can 
sometimes be cheaper, so compare before booking. 

Flexibility is another powerful money-saving tool. Traveling midweek, avoiding peak holidays, bookingduring shoulder seasons, or adjusting your dates slightly can significantly lower costs. You may also 
find last-minute deals on cruises, rail trips and guided tours, especially during slower travel periods 
when companies are eager to fill unsold space. 

Here’s a rundown of some different discount deals currently available: 

Airlines: Senior airfare discounts are less common than they once were, but some still exist. AARP 
members can get discounts on select British Airways flights, about $65 off economy and up to $200 off 
business class. United and Delta may offer limited senior fares, usually for travelers 65 and older, on 
select routes if booked by phone or using “Senior” search tools. Loyalty programs can also add value 
through free checked bags or seat upgrades. 

Trains: Amtrak offers about 10 percent off for travelers 65-plus on many routes, with some cross-
border discounts starting at 60. Rail passes and multi-city tickets may provide additional savings. 

Rental cars: AARP members can save up to 30 percent with companies like Avis and Budget, often 
with perks like a free additional driver and reduced rates on optional coverage. Hertz offers discounts 
through its 50 Plus Program. 

Hotels & lodging: Many hotel brands offer senior or AARP rates, typically 10 to 15 percent off. Examples 
include Wyndham Hotels & Resorts (Days Inn, Ramada, Super 8, La Quinta), Best Western, Choice 
Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn), Cambria, and Rodeway Inn. Booking directly or through AARP 
usually ensures the rate. 

Cruises: Some lines offer discounted fares for travelers 55-plus on select sailings, including Royal 
Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, MSC, and Viking River Cruises. AARP members may receive 
additional onboard credits through affiliated providers. Off-peak sailings often provide the best value. 

Restaurants: Many chains offer senior menus, complimentary beverages, or percentage discounts for 
ages 55 or 60-plus, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Burger King, Chili’s, Chick-fil-A, Denny’s, IHOP,
Boston Market, and CiCi’s Pizza. Participation varies by location. 

Entertainment & attractions: Museums, theaters, zoos, aquariums, and golf courses often offer reduced 
admission for seniors 60 or 65-plus. One of the best bargains is the America the Beautiful Senior Pass 
from the National Park Service. For $20 per year or $80 for a lifetime pass (available at 62), it provides 
access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites. 

Send your questions or comments to questions@savvysenior.org, or to Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, 
Norman, OK 73070. 

SENIOR HAPPENINGS 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …MAY BIRTHDAYS* 


Beth Copti, Marilyn Diaz, Anne Schryver, Jo Ann Williams, Paul Hagan, 
Lenore Crilly, Joann Serrato-Chi, Harriett Lyle, Jean Coleman, Birgitta 
Gerlinger, Luciana Rosenzweig, Linda Wochnik, Marian Woodford, Debbie 
Sheridan, Joanne Anthony, Carole Axline, Kika Downey, Shirley Hall, Janet 
Ten Eyck, Jane Thomas, Ray Burley, Bridget Flanagan,Donna Mathisen,VickyRyan, * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 
626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required 


OUT TO PASTOR 

A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder 

SOAP ISN’T ALWAYS SOAP 

After several months of mayhem in our house, things began to quiet 
down. It was beginning to get back to our normal way of life. 

Of course, because of the mayhem, many things that needed to be done 

did not get done. That made The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
jump in line to try to catch up with everything around the house. If there's one thing 
undone, she cannot sit down. 

I was able to get into my office and begin working on projects. I sure missed all that time 
working on my favorite projects. But I was committed to getting up to date with everythingin my office. Of course, my up-to-date definition does not compare with The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage's. 

I noticed there were a lot of dishes to be cleaned, so I went up to The Gracious Mistress of 
the Parsonage and said, "Would you like me to do the dishes today?" 

After a long period of laughing, she looked at me and said, "Do you remember the last time 
you did dishes for me?" 

My memory isn't always up to date, and I had to think a little bit about what she was talking 
about. Then it occurred to me. 

About 20 years ago, I did the dishes for her. I think she was away shopping or something, so 
I decided to step in and help her with some of these kitchen chores. 

I packed all of the dishes into the dishwasher. It took me quite a while because I couldn't 
figure out where they all went. Eventually, I got them all in. 

Now I had to find soap to clean these dishes. I looked everywhere, and I couldn't find any 
soap in the kitchen. I finally went back to the laundry area and found a big box of soap there. 
I took that soap, went to the kitchen, opened the dishwasher, and just poured it all on those 
dishes. My goal was to make them cleaner than they've ever been. 

I made sure every dish and utensil had a little soap on it. I was going to make The Gracious 
Mistress of the Parsonage proud of her husband's work in the kitchen. 

I put everything in the dishwasher, along with the soap, then closed the door and turned it 
on. I smiled as I heard it working there before me. I then went back to my office to do a bit 
of work while the dishwasher ran. 

While I was in the office, I began to hear a lot of noise from the kitchen that I couldn't 
explain. It could be the dishwasher, since I've never heard it make that kind of noise before. 
What was happening in the kitchen? 

I got up from my desk and went into the kitchen, and just as I entered the kitchen, I stopped 
in great shock. Soap from the dishwasher was pouring onto the kitchen floor. 

The dishwasher was cleaning the kitchen floor, which I've never seen before. 

That soap kept coming out of the dishwasher. I didn't know what to do. I've never been in a 
situation like this before. I've never washed dishes before. 

I ran over to the dishwasher and turned it off. In a minute or two, the flow of soap ceased 
coming out of the dishwasher. I looked all over the kitchen floor, and it was soaked with 
soap. 

I did not know what to do, and as I stood there, I heard the front door open, and in walked 
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. She came into the kitchen, stopped, and yelled as 
I'd never heard her yell before. 

"What have you done?" She said to me rather strongly. 

I looked at her with some puppy-dog eyes and confessed, "I thought I could help you bydoing the dishes today." 

She looked at me, looked at the kitchen floor, then looked back at me. 

I'm not sure how to resolve this situation. Still, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage 
looked at me firmly and said, "Why don't you just go to your office and do your work, and 
I'll stay here in the kitchen and do my work?" 

Not knowing what to do, but knowing I was in a great deal of trouble, I did what she said 
and went back to my office. It took her most of the morning to clean up that mess I created. 

That was 20 years ago, and I've never had that incident happen again. So, when I ask The 
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage if I could help her in the kitchen, I began to realize that 
the best help I could do for her was to get out of the way and go to my office. 

I later found out that the soap I used was not for dishes but was for something completelydifferent. How did I know there was a different soap for each project? 

While in my office, I was reminded of a verse of scripture. 

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on 
the Lord" (Psalm 27:14). 

In my Christian life, the best thing I can do is get out of God's way and let Him do His work 
His way. If I don't, I mess up everything in my life. 

Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 
1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.jamessnyderministries. 
com. 

Catch breaking news at: 
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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