Assessment appeals board hears Ojai ownership dispute over a 2022 deed transfer; board schedules possible valuation hearing

The Ventura County Assessment Appeals Board No. 2 on Aug. 4, 2025 heard a contested appeal from John and Petri Williams over a supplemental assessment triggered by a May 24, 2022 recorded deed that transferred title to the couple. The Williamses told the board the recorded transfers reflected a refinance to remove a lender, not a sale, and asked the board to restore the property’s base-year value from 2017.

The Williamses presented a signed short-term loan agreement and sworn declarations saying the property was bought and paid for by the couple and that Elizabeth L. George acted only as a financier. John Williams told the board the parties’ written agreement anticipated title would initially be in George’s name so she could secure financing and that title would be transferred to the Williamses once they refinanced: “The transaction was not a purchase or a sale,” Williams said, summarizing the…