NorCalUrban

As many of you know, we've been working in collaboration with the EARN group and one of the Menlo Park City Councilmen to implement an innovative approach toward saving local homeowners in foreclosure. This approach effectively de-leverages local homeowners through an innovative investment of city redevelopment funds coupled with mortgage write down by local banks. We believe this approach is exceedingly fair to both the city and the homeowner and could end up saving 10 to 13 homeowners. Additionally, we're hoping this will serve as a pilot program to other cities. Tomorrow night the city council will host a study session for the plan. If passed, the city will allocate $1 million to this project, to be paid back to city coffers over time. If all goes well it will go to a vote on October 6th. We have had positive feedback from the council and staff members to this point. There are a few ways you can help: 1) You can attend the council session tomorrow night (Tuesday) at 7:00 pm ...

Another homicide in EPA this weekend. Another young life cut short. This one was closer to home, since it was the son of one of the other tenants in our building. I'm tired of the violence. You can read the news report here. Pastor Bains knew this young man well. I found strength in the U2 song 'Drowning Man' this morning. I'll take it as words from God and a prayer for the family. Take my hand You know I'll be there If you can I'll cross the sky for your love For I have promised Oh, to be with you tonight And for the time that will come Take my hand You know I'll be there If you can I'll cross the sky for your love And I understand These winds and tides This change of times Won't drag you away Hold on, and hold on tightly Hold on, and don't let go Of my love The storms will pass...the storm will pass... It won't be long now...it won't be long now... His love will last His love will last...forever Take my hand You know I'll be there...

Thanks for the head's up, Rudy. The Colbert Report Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c Dambisa Moyo www.colbertnation.com Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Protests What say you? Does the traditional models of relief and aid work? What is the alternative?

I'm reading a fascinating book that has some of the same themes that run through Bob Lupton's recent writing. It's called 'White Man's Burden" by William Easterly. (I get the feeling some of you have read this already.) You can find it here. The title of the book is somewhat unfortunate, it's meant to be sarcastic. There are some amazing points here, stuff NCUD and others at CCDA have been talking about for years. I encourage you to check it out - here's a couple of great excepts from the first chapter: "But I and many other like-minded people keep trying, not to abandon aid to the poor, but to make sure it reaches them. Rich countries have to address the second tragedy if they are going to make any progress on the first tragedy. Otherwise, the current wave of enthusiasm for addressing world poverty will repeat the cycle of its predecessors: idealism, high expectations, disappointing results, cynical backlash." "Let’s call the advocates...

Many have been following the fight betweeen the City and EPA's largest landlord, Pagemill Properties. Here is a recent news article about their financial woes. You can't mistreat the poor and get away with it. God's justice will prevail. The Daily News 09/01/2009, Page A01 EAST PALO ALTO Page Mill may lose 1 ,700 units n Properties spokesman says company didn’t make $50M payment to Wells Fargo BY JESSICA BERNSTEINWAX Daily News Staff Writer A Page Mill Properties spokesman said Monday that the ownership of more than 1,700 units in East Palo Alto is in question after the company failed to make a $50 million payment to Wells Fargo Bank last month. The company and its subsidiaries couldn’t make the onetime balloon payment on Aug. 4 because of financial problems due to the economy, spokesman Sam Singer said. “They have been successfully servicing the debt on the loans for the properties, but this balloon payment — they just didn’t have that amount on hand due to the declin...