March, 2020. Volume 5
www. GPSLA.us
2020 Visa Strategies
STRATEGIC IMMIGRATION PLANNING FOR CHINESE CITIZENS
By: DAVID R. FULLMER, Partner & Immigration Attorney at Wolfsdorf Rosenthal LLP
WHAT'S NEWS, LA
Living Luxuriously in Los Angeles

By MICHAEL HIATT, Broker Associate; Sotheby's International Realty, Brentwood, CA

Los Angeles. Home to global events are as common here as local events that are intercepted globally: Historically low Interest rates. Pandemic viruses. Stock markets on global scale roller coasters. The loss of a a true world champion, Laker, Kobe Bryant. Amidst all the chaos and uncertainties, Los Angeles real estate remains certain and newsworthy almost daily: Jeff Bezos, 2019 richest man in the world, purchases the former Jack Warner Estate from record tycoon, billionaire, David Geffin for $165,000,000. That sale surpassed the previous most expensive home sold in Los Angeles, the Bel Air Estate of media mogul, Jerry Perenchio for $150,000,000 in 2018.

Besides many of the richest people and business moguls, having primary, secondary or multiple homes in Los Angeles, movie stars and celebrities have called Hollywood their home for over a century. Today, the top of the list include, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Ellen Degeneres, Steven Spielberg, George Clooney, Jennifer Aniston and Jack Nicholson, to name a select few.

For a glance of the homes and market of Los Angeles' Westside, follow the link below.

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Community Involvement Through Charitable Organizations

Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP

Southern California offers many opportunities for newcomers to get involved in charitable organizations. Volunteering for local nonprofit groups is an easy way to meet your neighbors, make business contacts, and contribute to the community.

More than in some other countries, the US relies on private funding and volunteer efforts to support many educational, cultural, medical, recreational and social service organizations. If you are interested in getting involved, here are some tips:

Decide what interests you. Find an organization in a field that appeals to you. Ask your neighbors about their involvement with charitable organizations

Consider particular skills you can offer: Could be financial expertise, fluency in a language, or playing a musical instrument.

Visit and ask questions. Visit organizations that interest you. Fundraising dinners and other events are a way to support an organization, learn more about it, and meet other supporters.

Contribute financially. While tax dollars support some charitable activities, most organizations rely on individual and business donors for their support. If you are a US resident for income tax purposes, contributions may qualify for an income tax charitable deduction. If you are a nonresident, contributions may be deductible against your US-source income if made to a US charity. 

Join a nonprofit board. Most nonprofit organizations are corporations with boards of directors. Many nonprofits are looking for board members who are interested in the work of the organization and are willing to contribute their time and expertise. 

As a volunteer, contributor, board member, or all three, involvement with a charitable organization is an easy and enjoyable way to be part of the community.