Comments on: Santa Clara County property values up while growth slows

By: Dennis K

Dennis K — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 15:34:20 +0000

The amount of real estate fraud, as in fraudulent deeds and fake mortgages on the record in this county is a joke. The lack of procedural requirements to pass “notarized” deeds across the desk of the clerk is a joke. The DAs refusal to investigate the fraud on real estate and elderly is a joke. The number of “appointed” judges in this county is a joke. The number of Jesuit “programmed” lawyers in this county is a joke. And Stone resigned, not retired. Cindy went to New Mexico. The rats are leaving the ship.

By: Joe Smith

Joe Smith — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 22:15:53 +0000

“As Assessor, my responsibility is to ensure that accurate values are enrolled based upon market conditions. When market value (as of January 1, 2024) falls below the existing assessment, my office is required by law to temporarily reduce the assessed value to reflect the declining market value.”, said Stone.

https://www.sccassessor.org/index.php/about-us/media-release/media-releases-current/item/546-prop8medialrelease

Oops. Only off by 39%. No wonder Stone is leaving office, I’m sure he’s hoping he doesn’t have to explain how tax rolls increase despite the sales prices of everything decreasing.

Oh, the tangled webs we weave.

What do they call someone who doesn’t follow the law again?

“When an assessment appeal is filed, the County must reserve against the value at risk, further reducing available funds for essential government services.”

I think that Stone admitting properties were overvalued by 39% is going to lead to a lot of assessment appeals this year. Look out below.

When will we start reading about the stories of our recently balanced county budget needing rebalancing again?

Thank you again Spotlight! Great work!

By: Joe Smith

Joe Smith — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:02:07 +0000

“Stone said VTA paid 61% of the assessed value.”

See what I mean about Stone seemingly and now admittedly knowingly keeping property values grotesquely overvalued to protect county property tax revenues? He may be unwittingly, while trying to appear honest, actually be talking himself closer to serving prison time. At a minimum, his own very words imply incompetence, if not intentional criminal behavior.

By: Joe Smith

Joe Smith — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 02:50:56 +0000

I hate to say I told you so… Thank you San Jose Spotlight. Great reporting! He pretty much validated everything I thought. This article is very sobering for anyone who has an investment in real estate or is dependent upon property tax revenues for their livelihood.