The Daily Breeze editorial page today endorsed Mina Semenza for a seat on the Gardena City Council in the November 4 election next week. While a crowded field of contenders is running for the seat, the Daily Breeze cited Semenza's independence and leadership skills and notes that "her record in business and nonprofit groups should provide a balanced view on how the city should move forward."

The Daily Breeze also notes her focus on revitalizing the community. "In her campaign, she emphasizes the need for revitalization, especially along blighted parts of Rosecrans Avenue, and making pro-active efforts to bring popular stores and restaurants to the city." 

Capitol Hill legislators are busy hammering out another economic stimulus plan to help ordinary Americans. But their chances of gaining support from the president and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle is not certain.

The problem is that Democrats and Republicans have very different views of how a stimulus package should be structured, and the White House has signaled its opposition to some of the key ideas now being circulated.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) took the wraps off a $150 billion package similar to a stimulus proposal made by Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) earlier in the week.

That proposal ... Read More »

The Pew Foundation has released its report "Defaulting on the Dream: States Respond to America’s Foreclosure Crisis." It is the first ever comprehensive look at what states have been doing to overcome the foreclosure situation. It showcases approaches in two principal areas: (1) helping borrowers avoid foreclosure and keep their homes; and (2) preventing problematic loans from being made in the first place. The report recognizes that while some states moved quickly to deal with the crisis, their approaches are not yet proven.

To see what your state might be doing and to read a copy of this report, please visit the REALTOR® Action Center:

http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/pewreport.pdf< ... Read More »

Come see proposed San Pedro Community Plan changes! This is your opportunity to share your ideas and discuss proposed changes on how to make San Pedro a better, more livable community. This event is coordinated by the Los Angeles Department of City Planning.

Please come by any time between 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Parking is available in the Peck Park parking lot off Western Ave. between Summerland St. and Crestwood St.

DATE: Wednesday, November 12, 2008

TIME: 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Peck Park Auditorium, 560 N. Western Ave., San Pedro, Ca 90732

Light refreshments will be provided.< ... Read More »

Are you or your client falling behind on house payments? Will your interest rate reset soon? Have you received a notice of default? You and your clients are invited to a Homeownership and Credit Counseling Workshop hosted by Congresswoman Jane Harman (D-36) in two South Bay locations. Take action now and learn how to build good credit and repair bad credit.

Tuesday October 14, 5:30 p.m. in Lomita City Hall, 24300 Narbonne Ave.

Wednesday, October 22, 5:30 p.m. in th San Pedro Public Library,931 S. Gaffey St.

Parking is free but seating is limited. For information or to R.S.V.P., call (310)549-8282.

Mayor Villaraigosa issued a new proposal for affordable housing in the city. Over the next five years, the city seeks to spend $5 billion for affordable housing in partnership with private sector sources like developers, employers and financial institutions. SBAOR has participated in regional business coalitions working with city officials for improved housing.

The Mayor's proposed $5 billion Housing Plan for the City of Los Angeles is available here. A coalition of Los Angeles-area business organizations, including SBAOR, is working with L.A. city officials to put together a housing plan that works. The coalition said in a statement that "the br ... Read More »

The President today signed the landmark financial bailout bill that was passed by both Houses of Congress after a volatile week of political wrangling, jittery markets on Wall Street, and angry consumers around the country. The National Association of REALTORS®, in response to queries from members around the country, discusses its efforts to support the federal bailout - see "Why NAR Supports Government Intervention" at www.REALTOR.org.

REALTORS® are also urged to Read More »

County Supervisors hold a hearing on October 7 for a Green Building Program to ensure green building standards for new development projects beginning January 1, 2009. County planning officials seek to incorporate green building principles into the County's development standards for new development projects, both residential and non-residential, in unincorporated areas of the County. In addition, the Green Program will include modifications to existing building and zoning codes.

The proposed ordinance intends to apply Green Building standards (as defined here) for most building permits as of January 1, 2009. In some instances, County inspectors would adhere to ... Read More »