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APRIL 16, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
GARCETTI'S MORTGAGE MODIFICATION FRAUD ORDINANCE PASSES COUNCIL COMMITTEE
An ordinance that would protect homeowners from mortgage modification scams passed the City Council's Housing, Community, and Economic Development Committee this week.
The ordinance is authored by City Council President Eric Garcetti in partnership with Mayor Villaraigosa and would create regulations on businesses that work with homeowners to modify mortgages in an effort to reduce monthly payments. The proposed regulations include requiring businesses enter into a written agreement with the homeowner that clearly states that the homeowner could seek similar services free of charge at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov. The ordinance would also prohibit these businesses from charging clients until after services are rendered.
"Especially in these tough times, we want prevent businesses from taking advantage of vulnerable homeowners," said Council President Garcetti.
The ordinance would also allow defrauded homeowners to seek private damages, thereby increasing the penalties on businesses found guilty of mortgage modification fraud.
GARCETTI ATTENDS ANNUAL STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Council President Garcetti attended the Mayor's annual State of the City address this week. Mayor Villaraigosa spoke about the tough budget challenges the city is facing during this economic recession. He also spoke about the city's history of persevering even during difficult times.
"Mayor Villaraigosa spoke of the need for shared sacrifices, and the City Council is ready to help meet our shared goal of protecting crucial services for our constituents while saving as many jobs as possible," said Council President Garcetti.
Council President Garcetti also noted that the City Council is prepared to cut its own budget and has already cut more than $6 million from its budget in the last two fiscal years.
Mayor Villaraigosa also announced his plans to create a Green Tech Corridor in Downtown Los Angeles to create 1,000 new green collar jobs and make our city more environmentally-friendly.
L.A. DERBY DOLLS HONORED AS L.A. TREASURES
Each year, the Central City Association honors outstanding individuals and organizations as part of its Treasures of Los Angeles luncheon. Council President Garcetti emceed the event and was proud that one of this year's treasures was the Los Angeles Derby Dolls, who train and compete in Historic Filipinotown.
The Derby Dolls are revitalizing the sport of roller derby. The all- women league sells out every game (or "bout") as people come from all over the Southland to see these athletes skate.
"It's humbling to be getting this award. We've worked so hard to try and revive this sport," said Rebecca Ninburg (aka Demolicious), who co-founded the league. "It has just been a labor of love and it has grown into something far beyond what any of us could have imagined." [Click here to see the video.]
But the Dolls have done more than just bring this exciting sport to   HiFi -- they have become active community partners, participating in numerous community clean-ups and volunteer efforts to improve the quality of life in the neighborhood and in Los Angeles. They worked with the city's Commission on the Status of Women to organize a wellness clinic for women, taught girls in the After School All Stars   youth program how to skate, joined St. Vincent Hospital in coordinating a Health Day for women that provided free mammograms, and held a skate-a-thon to raise funds for AIDS Project Los Angeles. They are partnering again with the Commission on the Status of Women to hold a job fair in the fall.
You can see the Derby Dolls in action on the track this Saturday or you can look for them in the community helping to make our city stronger and healthier for everyone.
PETS IN THE PARK EVENT THIS SATURDAY
Tomorrow, Pets in the Park will take place at the Hollywood Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by the Central Hollywood Neighborhood Council, with support from the Hollywood United Neighborhood Council, the 2nd annual Pets in the Park is a free event to raise awareness about pet responsibility, place pets with new owners, and provide valuable resources to residents.
This event will include an animal showcase with pets ready to be adopted as well as information and resources, including a veterinarian, canine coach, and entertainment for pet lovers of all ages. Representatives from organizations, animal rescue groups, humane societies, and local businesses will also be present to provide information and materials to pet owners and animal lovers of all kind.
L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti represents the 13th Council District, which includes all or part of the communities of Glassell Park, Little Armenia, Thai Town, Atwater Village, Elysian Valley, Echo Park, Historic Filipinotown, Silver Lake, East Hollywood and Hollywood. Councilmember Garcetti serves as President of the Los Angeles City Council.
Council President Garcetti and his staff can be reached via e-mail at councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org or by mail or phone at City Hall, 200 N. Spring Street, Room 470, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 213-473-7013; 5500 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028, 323-957-4500; and 3750 Verdugo Road, Los Angeles, CA 90065, 323-478-9002
Watch the Meet Eric Garcetti video in English or Spanish.
www.lacity.org/council/cd13
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