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APRIL 30, 2009
IN THIS ISSUE
GARCETTI MORTGAGE MODIFICATION FRAUD ORDINANCE PASSES CITY COUNCIL
 This week, the City Council passed an ordinance authored by L.A. City Council President Eric Garcetti to regulate "mortgage consultants" working with homeowners to reduce their payments before they fall into foreclosure. In the recent foreclosure crisis, too many local homeowners fearing the loss of their homes have been persuaded to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars to "consultants" who take an upfront payment and are never heard from again.
"This is truly one of the worst parts of the foreclosure crisis -- so called 'consultants' who take advantage of homeowners already in a difficult, stressful situation," said Council President Garcetti.
Previously, state law only regulated consultants working with homeowners who had already defaulted on their loans. Now, the City of Los Angeles will protect homeowners who are seeking help before they lose their homes.
Under the new law:
- Consultants are required to provide a contract, which includes language notifying the homeowner that these services are also available free of charge through http://www.makinghomeaffordable.com/
- Consultants are prohibited from charging an upfront fee
- Homeowners may sue for treble damages (which gives private attorneys more incentive to represent homeowners in these cases)
LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL GOES SOLAR
Council President Garcetti joined students at Camino Nuevo Charter Academy to unveil a new 1.36-kilowatt solar-electric system on the school's roof. The project is part of Bonneville En vironmental Foundation's Solar 4R Schools program, which teaches students and communities nationwide about renewable energy.
"We hope that this school sets an example of what the future of Los Angeles can look like," said Council President Garcetti.
Bonneville donated solar panels and data monitoring for the system as well as classroom materials to teach students about photovoltaic technology. E-Village Solar donated the inverter and installation.
Last year, the Bonneville Environmental Foundation partnered American Idol to green its finale with a solar-electric system on the red carpet. Current season Idol contestants Anoop Desai and Lil Rounds (in the center of this photo) were on hand to help announce the new system at Camino Nuevo.
ARMENIAN GENOCIDE REMEMBERED IN COUNCIL
 Council President Garcetti along with Councilmember Wendy Greuel hosted a presentation in City Council to remember the Armenian Genocide.
"I was pleased to welcome dignitaries from Los Angeles's active Armenian community to City Hall for this somber, but important occasion," said Council President Garcetti. "Remembering this horrific time in world history will help us to ensure that it never happens again."
The attempt to exterminate a people and their culture became a model for all subsequent genocides in the 20th Century, including the Holocaust. During the Armenian Genocide, nearly 2 million Armenians were expelled from their homes. Only 500,000 survived and those who did were exiled from their historic homeland.
FOUNTAIN COMMUNITY GARDEN WORK DAY THIS SATURDAY!
 Help us build the newest garden in the Hollywood community!
On Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. all are invited to work on the Fountain Community Garden located at 5620 Fountain Ave (at St. Andrews).
Volunteers will fill garden beds, weed, spread mulch, and plant fruit trees.
For more information, contact Helen Leung at 323-957-4500.
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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