Property Value Notice Question

[Scott J.]

I live in CA and just received my Property Value Notice from the Office of the Assessor. I assume this document is used to calculate property tax. It says the value increased 2.466% from last year.

Here are my questions:

1) I have a unique, historic duplex (per the Mills Act) that is appraised using the income approach. Therefore it is only calculated based on rent. (Without boring you with details, I end up paying about 50% of property tax versus regular properties of this value). Does this "supposed" 2.466% increase affect me?

2) I imagine this document is what people fight when housing prices are really dropping but Uncle Sam still wants more money. Is this correct and are people actually successful?

Thank you very much BP.