By Miriam Raftery

August 4, 2020 (San Diego) – Five months into the COVID-19 crisis, many Americans still remain jobless, with millions of businesses shut down or operating at reduced revenues.  Unemployment benefits and stimulus check funds are running out for many who are struggling to pay their mortgages. Bills to provide long-term protection against foreclosure due to the pandemic have thus far stalled in Congress and the California Legislature, though a revised bill in Sacramento still offers hope for some. 

A measure to protect some commercial property holders is also in the works, such as hotels, retail, apartments/condominiums, industrial and commercial offices.

But will these measures win passage in time to prevent mass foreclosures, if they are enacted at all?  The federal CARES ACT in March temporarily halted foreclosures for nonpayment due to COVID-19 on federally backed home loans, an action Congress extended short term until August 31. Many other property owners have had no protections at all. On July 31, the $600 a week extra unemployment benefit also ended, putting more Americans in dire straits.

Advocates say impacted consumers and business owners should let their legislators know of their needs. Among our local legislators, some have been supportive and one is a coauthor of Congressional legislation. But others have been tone deaf, including an East County legislative representative who voted against mortgage relief for homeowners.

By Miriam Raftery

February 14, 2013 (San Diego) – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, here’s some news homeowners will love.  In California, foreclosure filings plunged 39.5% from December to January – the first time since early 2007 that California did not have the highest foreclosure rates in the nation. Nationally, foreclosures have fallen too, though far less steeply: 11% from December to January, and 28.5% from a year ago.

What’s fueling the sudden change?  According to Mortgage Daily News, the state and national shifts are due to California’s new Homeowners Bill of Rights, passed by the Legislature at the request of California Attorney General Kamala Harris (in photo, left, with Governor Jerry Brown).

Foreclosures down 41% in California and 19% nationwide

By Kurt Wannebo

January 5, 2013 (San Diego)--The year 2012 has become the critical turning point in this downward market that began many years ago. Analysts will say that the real estate market started its downward trend in 2008, however, through my work I was able to see indicators and pockets of areas starting to decline as early as 2006. 

• Health insurance rebates due next week across California  (Sacramento Bee)
• California Parks Director resigns amid scandal (Sacramento Bee)
• Prop 32 opponents blast measure as flawed, unfair (Sacramento Bee)
• 4^th night of unrest in Anaheim as protesters confront police (San Diego Free Press)
• Will California’s controversial desalination plant get off the ground?  Here’s the last hurdle it faces (Alternet)

• Foreclosures plummet in San Diego County (UT San Diego)
• Council won’t sign PBID yet (La Mesa Today)
• San Diego: America’s Olympic capital (UT San Diego)
• Lakeside’s Long new face of Olympics (UT San Diego)
• Abuse of power allegations levied against Border Patrol (10 News)
• Video shows border agent destroying water for migrants (10 News)

July 11, 2012 -- Marking a major milestone for Californians and all Americans, the Homeowners Bill of Rights, a package of bills sponsored by Attorney General Kamala D. Harris that gives homeowners important new protections and places restrictions on how aggressively banks can foreclose, was signed into law today by Governor Brown.

How Kamala Harris played hardball and won $18 billion to help California homeowners 

Story by Miriam Raftery, photos by Ron Logan

February 13, 2012 (San Diego) – Last September, the U.S. Department of Justice and attorney generals from other states were ready to sign a multi-state settlement of misconduct by banks that resulted in foreclosures.  The deal on the table? An estimated $4 billion or less for California, the state hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. Moreover, no wrongdoers would be prosecuted.

So California’s Attorney General Kamala Harris stood up—and walked out. 

Her actions led to a dramatically different settlement reached last week that is expected to ultimately reach $40 billion—including an estimated $18 billion for California and $1.5 billion for San Diego homeowners.

February 1, 2012 (Washington D.C.)--Congresswoman Susan Davis (D-San Diego), along with 27 other members of Congress, called upon President Obama to make an immediate appointment for the Director of the Federal Housing Financial Agency (FHFA).

March 7, 2011 (San Diego) – Foreclosure rates in San Diego County are five times higher than normal, the real estate data firm Foreclosure Radar reports, according to a March 3rd article in the North County Times.

Share creative ideas to assist people of all ages with tips to save money and improve their lifestyle!

By Nancy and Dawn Clement

East County News Service

September 13, 2010 (Bonita) – Congressman Bob Filner (D-San Diego) is urging  the public to join him in a massive demonstration against foreclosures.