By RODD CAYTON, The Press-Enterprise

Just because credit is tight and home equity is trending southward doesn't mean the dream of vacationing in a recreational vehicle has to be parked.People still are high on the idea of RV travel, industry representatives say, and there are alternatives to forking over big money for a new motor home.

If you're paying someone to prepare your tax return, the California Tax Education Council says, it would be wise to make sure the preparer has the right qualifications; after all, the organization says, it's your signature on the return, and your consequences if there's a mistake or a falsification.