Category Archives: action-alert

ALERT: Wells Fargo Stop Foreclosure of Reed Family and the “Wells 29”

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Update: Wells Fargo has postponed the auction of the Reed’s home until February 26, 2013, but let’s keep the calls and emails coming to let them know that postponing isn’t enough: the Reed family needs a fair deal loan modification to remain in their home.

IMG_0901Please call/email Wells Fargo to stop the foreclosure auction of the home of Tuskegee Airman Benjamin Reed and his family on January 24, 2013:

  • Brenda Wright, SVP of Community Relations, +1 415-623-7738
  • Alfredo Pedroza, Director CA Gov’t Relations, +1 415-396-0829
  • Ruben Pulido, Comm. Staff, +1 415-852-1279
  • John Stumpf, CEO, +1 866-878-5865

Sample message:

To: brenda.wright@wellsfargo.com, alfredo.pedroza@wellsfargo.com, ruben.pulido@wellsfargo.com, john.g.stumpf@wellsfargo.com
Cc: action@occupytheauctions.org
Subject: Stop Foreclosure of Reed Family & “Wells 29”

Dear Wells Fargo staff,

Please take IMMEDIATE action to stop Wells Fargo’s January 24 foreclosure auction of 85-year-old disabled Tuskegee Airman Benjamin Reed and family at 2 Warren Drive in San Francisco. Please offer the family a fair deal loan modification to remain in their home and meet the demands listed for each of the 29 families who Wells Fargo has put at risk (see list sent by ACCE and Occupy Bernal).

Sincerely,

your name here

tuskegee-airmen

Action alert updates: http://occupytheauctions.org/wells

Freddie Mac: Don’t Evict Disabled Veteran, Wife, and Mentally Challenged Child in Saint Louis

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Freddie Mac plans to evict Sally Scott and her family from their St. Louis home at 8:00am this Thursday, January 17.

After their staff refused a loan modification approved by a HUD-certified counselor, Freddie Mac auctioned back to themselves the home of 65-year-old Sally Scott and her family in west St. Louis, Missouri. Her 84-year-old husband Bob is a WWII and Korean War veteran who was disabled by a stroke five years ago. Sally, her disabled husband Bob, and her 26-year-old mentally handicapped “special child” Susie live in a constant state of fear, not knowing when the county sheriff will show up to evict them and throw all their belongings out onto the sidewalk.

They originally obtained their loan from Southwest Bank, then it was transferred twice over the last 11 years, ending up serviced by Select Portfolio Servicing and owned by Freddie Mac.

Please take action to help keep the Scott family in their home–

1) Call and email Freddie Mac staff with the following message:

* Donald H. Layton, CEO, at +1 703-903-2000 (say “Donald Layton” to transfer call)
* Brad German, Public Relations, at +1 703-903-2437
* Patti Boerger, Media Relations, at +1 703-903-2445
* Chad Wandler, Media Relations, +1 703-903-2446 or +1 571-236-2533 (cell)
* Aaron Elking, Attorney at Martin, Leigh, Laws, & Fritzlen, in Kansas City, +1 314-862-5200 or +1 636-534-7600

To: Donald_Layton@freddiemac.com, Brad_German@freddiemac.com, Patricia_Boerger@freddiemac.com, Chad_Wandler@FreddieMac.com, ame@mllfpc.com
Cc: action@occupytheauctions.org
Subject: Postpone Eviction of Scott Family in St. Louis (SPS Loan #0009962887)

Please immediately postpone the imminent eviction of the Scott family at 115 Ladue Pines Drive in Creve Coeur, St. Louis County, to give them time to negotiate a fair deal loan with Select Portfolio Servicing (SPS) and Freddie Mac. The family includes an elderly couple, one of whom is a disabled veteran of two wars, and a mentally handicapped daughter. They have more than $4,000 in monthly regular and disability income. Their loan number with SPS is 0009962887.

2) Call the St. Louis County Sheriff with the following message:

* Jim Buckles, St. Louis County Sheriff, at +1 314-615-4724

Please postpone the eviction of the Scott family at 115 Ladue Pines Drive in Creve Coeur, St. Louis County, to give them more time to negotiate a fair deal loan with Select Portfolio Servicing and Freddie Mac. The family includes an elderly couple, one of whom is a disabled veteran of two wars, and a mentally handicapped daughter.

3) Please sign a petition, already signed by more than 900 people, on behalf of the Scott family and veterans raised more than $10,000 to assist the family.

4) If you live in St. Louis and can provide local support for the Scott family, please contact us at action@occupytheauctions.org … find out about and help make plans for an eviction witness or eviction defense action this Thursday.

scott-family

Thanks for supporting a good Missouri neighbor!

Web address for this alert and updates: http://occupytheauctions.org/wordpress/?p=7894

ALERT: Vericrest – Stop the Eviction of the Mohamed Getu Family!

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photo71.rotatedPlease take action to prevent Vericrest Financial from evicting Jemal and Jamila Mohamed Getu and their two children:

  1. Call and email Vericrest Financial staff with the following message:
    • David Schneider, CEO, +1 214-874-4101 (or assistant Leah Garfield at +1 214-874-4193)
    • Carolyn Marshall, VP of Corporate Communications, +1 214-874-4156
    • Craig Lackey, SVP and General Counsel, +1 214-874-4106
    • David Slear, SVP of Default Servicing, +1 214-874-4965

     
    Sample message:

    To: David.Schneider@vericrestfinancial.com, Carolyn.Marshall@vericrestfinancial.com, clackey@vericrestfinancial.com, David.Slear@vericrestfinancial.com
    Cc: action@occupytheauctions.org
    Subject: Stop the Eviction and Save the Mohamed Getu Family’s Home (loan #9800937154)

    Dear Vericrest Financial staff,

    Please stop the eviction of the family of Jemal Getu at 1516 Kirkwood Avenue in San Francisco (loan #9800937154). The Mohamed Getu family fell behind on loan payments due to Jamila Mohamed Getu’s work injury and medical disability. Citibank refused a loan modification prior to Vericrest’s acquisition of the loan. Then, Vericrest sold the home back to the lender on August 20, 2012.

    The Mohamed Getu family wants to remain in their home and they now have the income to do so.

    Please stop the eviction, rescind the foreclosure sale, and offer the Mohamed Getu family a fair deal loan modification so they can remain in their home for the holiday season and beyond.

    Sincerely,

    your name

  2. Mark your calendar for 11:30am on Thursday, January 17, for a protest at the office of Vericrest Financial.

Background

Jemal and Jamila Mohamed Getu have raised their two children in the home they bought eight years ago in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood. As a nursing assistant and bell man, they saved up money to put a substantial down payment to realize their dream of owning a home where their kids can play.

Their loan bounced through several bank bankruptcies while they spent a lot of their savings fixing up their home. When Jamila went on medical disability due to a work injury in 2008, the family could no longer make all of their mortgage payments, so they tried to refinance with loan servicer Citibank multiple times in 2009. However, Citibank refused a loan modification due to their credit score. Then, their home loan moved to Vericrest.

Like so many families, Jamila and Jemal were scammed by a “loan modification” company, who promised that they would get Jamila and Jemel a modification. An attorney accepted fees for two years without providing any help.

To buy the house, the family had made a down payment of $70,000 and, in the six years before the loan became unaffordable, made $205,000 in loan payments, for a total of $275,000. Despite all the money they paid, Vericrest auctioned off their home in August 2012.

The Mohamed Getu’s have been to eviction court three times and have only a short time left in their home unless the bank agrees to stop the eviction, rescind the foreclosure sale, and offer them a fair deal loan modification.

Jamila and Jemal’s story is one of many similar stories where banks have refused to work with families, demanding payments for a loan that are now higher than the actual value of the house.

Vericrest CEO David Schneider — who was formerly the head of Washington Mutual, JP Morgan, and CITI mortgage, and who the FDIC charged with illegal banking practices — has the power to make it possible for Jamila and Jemal to stay in their home.

We are demanding that Vericrest and its CEO David Schneider do the right thing.

STOP the eviction of Jamila and Jemal Getu, RESCIND the foreclosure, and work with them for a fair loan modification with principal reduction as needed.

For this alert and updates, see http://occupytheauctions.org/wordpress/?p=7173

ALERT: Wells Fargo Stop January 14 Auction of Brightman Home!

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Update as of 10:30am on January 14, 2013: Despite the protests of Dr. Lehman Brightman’s son Quanah and supporters from the Native American community, Poor Magazine, the Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Occupy Bernal, and others, Wells Fargo went ahead and sold off Dr. Lehman’s home at the foreclosure auction at the Concord Hilton. We’ll follow Quanah’s lead in deciding whether to continue the fight to save the family’s home.

Update: A representative has indicated that Wells Fargo intends to proceed with the foreclosure auction of Dr. Lehman Brightman’s home tomorrow morning. Please take a moment to call, email, sign the petition, and if you can make it to the Concord Hilton (Golden Gate Ballroom) tomorrow morning (J14) before 9am, join the protestors trying to stop the auction (see below).

Dad_Holding_His_Eagle_FeatherTake action to stop Wells Fargo from auctioning off Lehman Brightman and family’s home–

  1. Contact Wells Fargo staff with the following phone and email message:

    • Brenda Wright, Senior VP of Community Relations, +1 415-623-7738
    • Alfredo Pedroza, Director of California Local Government Relations, +1 415-396-0829
    • Ruben Pulido, Communications Staff, +1 415-852-1279
    • Tim Rector, President, +1 515-324-7870
    • John Stumpf, CEO, +1 866-878-5865

     
    Sample message:
     
    To: brenda.wright@wellsfargo.com, alfredo.pedroza@wellsfargo.com, ruben.pulido@wellsfargo.com, Timothy.P.Rector@wellsfargo.com, john.g.stumpf@wellsfargo.com
    Cc: action@occupybernal.org
    Subject: Stop the January 14 Foreclosure Auction of Lehman Brightman’s Home (loan# 0044126233)

    Dear Wells Fargo staff,

    Please take IMMEDIATE action to stop the January 14 foreclosure auction of Lehman Brightman and his family’s home at 2434 Faria Avenue (loan# 0044126233) in Pinole, California, and offer them a fair deal loan modification.

    Lehman Brightman, a Native American civil rights pioneer, is now 82 years old and had a stroke in 2011. The Brightman home serves not only as a shelter for the family, but as a resource center for the Native American civil rights movement.

    World Savings, a bank infamous for its discriminatory practices, had sold the Brightman family a predatory loan. Wells Fargo acquired World Savings’ loans and is refusing to work with Lehman Brightman’s sons on a fair deal loan modification to save the family home.

    Please also meet the demands for each of the 29 families who Wells Fargo has put at risk of foreclosure and eviction and stop dual tracking by continuing to list foreclosure auctions while negotiating loan modifications.

    Stop contributing to the rash of deaths by foreclosure! Stop the single-minded greedy focus on profit! Stop ignoring the health and well-being of your customers and the communities where we live! Take whatever action is necessary to keep distressed families in their homes!

    This is an URGENT request, so please respond right away.

    Sincerely,

    your name here

  2. Sign the petition at http://www.change.org/petitions/wells-fargo-bank-cal-western-reconveyance-corp-stop-the-foreclosure-of-dr-lehman-brightman-s-home


  3. Attend the protest to stop the foreclosure auction at 8:30am on Monday, January 14, at the Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Boulevard, Concord, CA 94520.

Background:

Video of Lehman Brightman’s son Quanah Brightman providing testimony at the San Francisco Employee Retirement System Retirement Board meeting on January 9, 2013:

Dr. Lehman Brightman was one of the founders of the Native American civil rights movement. He founded the first Native American Studies Program at the University of California at Berkeley and worked tirelessly for civil rights and to improve the educational opportunities and living conditions of Native Americans.

Wells Fargo is #1 in San Francisco foreclosures. San Francisco’s Mayor and Board of Supervisors have unanimously requested a halt to foreclosures and related evictions, especially since San Francisco Assessor-Recorder’s report showing that 84% of foreclosures have at least one legal violation and due to Wells’ $175 million settlement paid to resolve allegations of racial discrimination in providing mortgage loans in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point and other neighborhoods.

Wells Fargo’s “waterfall” model, along with similar policies from other lenders, ensures that the bank can squeeze the most money possible from homeowners struggling to make payments while finally discarding them like trash if the bank can’t make a profit on every single loan. Running a mortgage loan business means assuming risks, especially after receiving billions in bailout funds from the taxpayers, many of whom are Wells’ mortgage loan borrowers.

This alert brought to you by ACCE, Occupy Bernal, and other supportive organizations coordinated within the Occupy the Auctions and Evictions campaign.

Links: Wells 29 Action Alert    Wells 29 Action Flyer (four to page)    Wells Pays $175 Million to Resolve Allegations of Racial Discrimination in Providing Mortgage Loans    Occupy Our Homes Wells Fargo Bayview Branch Action    Occupy Wells Fargo Noe Branch    Occupy Wells Fargo HQ    Occupy Senior and Veteran Evictions and Foreclosures (Occupy Anniversary)    Upcoming Bank Auctions of Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Homes    Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Profiles

For updates and this action alert: http://occupytheauctions.org/wordpress/?p=7839

Occupy the Dream House Press Conference/ Action at the Dream House in Menlo Park

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IMG_2354_1Update: The Occupy the Dream House event at the so-called Dream House in Menlo Park was a great success… thanks to all who participated and please check out the media coverage, videos, and photos below.

Media coverage: IndyBay

1010_House_FrontYou are invited to our event! Please come help us show the contrast between get rich quick raffle illusions and those fighting to keep their homes and their ability to create wealth.

Occupy the Dream House Press Conference/ Action in front of the “$4.1 million Silicon Valley Dream House” in Menlo Park

Demonstrating the stark contrast of our hardworking neighbors trying to save their homes from billion-dollar corporations and the “Let Them Eat Cake” mentality of the 1 Percent financial institutions.

When: 10 a.m., Thursday January 10, 2013

Where: Silicon Valley Dream House in Menlo Park
3 Patricia Place
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(Cross street is San Mateo Drive) map

Who: Foreclosure and Eviction Fighters and supporters
Confirmed speakers include Ian Haddow and Stardust. (Please contact us if you would like to volunteer to speak or if you would like to carpool to the event.)

Why: Occupy, other social justice organizations, foreclosure fighters and people who just want to reclaim the American dream of home ownership, gather the day before the raffle winner is chosen to bring attention to economic injustice.

$4.1 Million Silicon Valley Dream House Raffle Demonstrates Homeownership Nightmare
Dream House Raffles such as the one for the opulent home in Menlo Park serve as lures and create a lottery mentality that blinds people to the economic nightmare. They serve as a ruse to keep people from seeing how bad things really are.

Why hold a Press Conference in front of the “$ 4.1 Silicon Valley Dream House?”
To send and repeat the message that the banking and financial system is rogue and is devouring the well-being and livelihood of the 99%.

To send a message to besieged homeowners to fight back and that they are not alone. We stand ready to help.

To send a message to the banks that they must create a humanitarian solution for the economic crisis they helped to create.

To send a message to lawmakers that they have to do more to protect the people from the laws and policies that created this financial quagmire that has eroded the middle class.

To repeat the message that raffles and lotteries are a tax on the poor and create false expectations. Policies and laws should be put back in place to invest in people to grow the economy.

As a story subtext: Banks and corporations should more robustly support public organizations through paying their fair share of taxes. Arts organizations should, in a better world, receive public funds from taxes paid by corporations for their operations. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and other nonprofits are used by banks and other corporations for “public relations” subterfuges to clean up their image and deflect attention from the criminal and inhumane activity they engage in as part of their business practice. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts raises much of their funding in this annual raffle. However, compared to their profits, the minimal donations corporations give, while creating profits on the back of the 99%, using tax loopholes, sending jobs and finances offshore, create an illusion of helping the needy. We need an end to austerities. We need to restore funding to public institutions (libraries, universities, parks/lands) and an end to privatization of the commons. We can do better than this!

Occupy The Dream House, Cheryl Meeker +1 415-255-0668, Stardust +1 415-425-3936, and Eric.

For updates and this action alert: http://www.occupytheauctions.org/dreamhouse

Links: The Middle Class American Dream Visits the Occupy Bay Area Show

Action: SFERS, Please Stop Investing in Wells Fargo!

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Update: ACCE, Occupy Bernal, and Occupy Noe Foreclosure and Eviction Fighters and supporters provided important testimony about the illegal, predatory, and discriminatory practices of banks like Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, and Bank of America at the meeting of the San Francisco Employee Retirement System Retirement Board on January 9, 2013.

The group asked the Retirement Board to investigate the illegal, predatory, and discriminatory practices of the banks, to request that the banks stop these practices, to sponsor shareholder resolutions if they don’t stop, and to divest from the banks’ stocks if the shareholder resolutions do not succeed. Some of the Commissioners responded favorably to the public comment testimony.

Media coverage: San Francisco Business Times    KCBS (including audio segment)

Videos and photos:

01#1 in SF Foreclosures and Related Evictions: Racist and Predatory

Who: (Retired and Current) City Employees, especially those facing foreclosure/eviction and supporters
What: Public Comment at San Francisco Employees Retirement System (SFERS) Retirement Board Meeting (2 minute limit)
When: 2:00pm, Wednesday, January 9
Where: 30 Van Ness Avenue, 3rd floor (near Market Street)

We are asking SFERS to do the following:

  • Investigate investments in Wells Fargo, which is #1 in foreclosures and related evictions in San Francisco and elsewhere, as well as other lenders foreclosing on and evicting San Francisco homeowners..
  • Prepare and submit a Wells Fargo shareholder resolution to stop predatory and/or racist foreclosures and related evictions for consideration at the next annual Wells Fargo shareholder meeting (probably in April 2013).
  • If Wells Fargo doesn’t adopt the shareholder resolution at its next shareholder meeting and take immediate steps to implement policies and practices in line with the resolution, then divest from any investment in Wells Fargo within three months after that shareholder meeting.

We are asking San Francisco Mayor Lee to do the following:

  • Appoint only qualified candidates to the SFERS Retirement Board who are not executives or employees at Wells Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, or Bank of America (the top three in predatory foreclosures and related evictions in San Francisco).
  • Issue a statement in support of divestment from Wells Fargo of all San Francisco City and County funds, including employee retirement and disability funds.

Background:

The San Francisco Employee Retirement Systems (SFERS) handles investments for pension funds for current and retired San Francisco city employees. SFERS has policies that include “Social Investment Procedures” adopted at the SFERS Retirement Board meeting of September 27, 1988, which requires the SFERS Retirement Board when making investments in stocks, mutual funds, and so on, to consider:

“Community Relations: the relationship of the corporation to the communities in which it operates shall be maintained as a good corporate citizen through observing proper environmental standards, supporting the local economic, social and cultural climate, conducting acquisitions and reorganizations to minimize adverse effects and not discriminate in making loans or writing insurance.” (emphasis added by Occupy the Auctions)

Wells Fargo is #1 in San Francisco foreclosures. San Francisco’s Mayor and Board of Supervisors have unanimously requested a halt to foreclosures and related evictions, especially since San Francisco Assessor-Recorder’s report showing that 84% of foreclosures have at least one legal violation and due to Wells’ $175 million settlement with the United States Department of Justice paid in response to allegations of racial discrimination in providing mortgage loans in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point and other neighborhoods.

Wells Fargo’s “waterfall” model, along with similar policies from other lenders, ensures that the bank can squeeze the most money possible from homeowners struggling to make payments while finally discarding them like trash if the bank can’t make a profit on every single loan. Running a mortgage loan business means assuming risks, especially after receiving billions in bailout funds from the taxpayers, many of whom are Wells’ mortgage loan borrowers.

Wells Fargo is putting 29 families at risk of losing their homes due to foreclosure and related evictions during this holiday season. Wells Fargo is foreclosing on and evicting veterans and disabled and senior homeowners and families with children, as well as targeting homeowners with life-threatening illnesses. Wells Fargo has engaged in predatory, fraudulent, and racist lending practices and has contributed to a rash of foreclosure deaths.

This alert brought to you by ACCE, Occupy Bernal, and other supportive organizations coordinated within the Occupy the Auctions and Evictions campaign.

Links: Wells 29 Action Alert    Wells 29 Action Flyer (four to page)    Wells Pays $175 Million to Resolve Allegations of Racial Discrimination in Providing Mortgage Loans    Occupy Our Homes Wells Fargo Bayview Branch Action    Occupy Wells Fargo Noe Branch    Occupy Wells Fargo HQ    Occupy Senior and Veteran Evictions and Foreclosures (Occupy Anniversary)    Upcoming Bank Auctions of Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Homes    Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Profiles

For updates and this action alert: http://occupytheauctions.org/wordpress/?p=7719

ALERT: Wells Fargo Stop Auction of Fairfield-Sweet Home!

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Update as of 9:25am on January 4, 2013: Good news! Wells Fargo has postponed the auction of Peter and Linnea’s home until February 5. It wouldn’t hurt to keep calling and emailing about a fair deal loan modification for them and to get Wells to do the right thing for the rest of the “Wells 28“.

PLD.croppedTake action to stop Wells Fargo from auctioning off Peter Fairfield and Linnea Sweet’s home of 33 years–

  • Contact Wells Fargo staff with the following phone and email message:

    • Brenda Wright, Senior VP of Community Relations, +1 415-623-7738
    • Alfredo Pedroza, Director of California Local Government Relations, +1 415-396-0829
    • Ruben Pulido, Communications Staff, +1 415-852-1279
    • John Stumpf, CEO, +1 866-878-5865

     
    Sample message:
     
    To: brenda.wright@wellsfargo.com, alfredo.pedroza@wellsfargo.com, ruben.pulido@wellsfargo.com, john.g.stumpf@wellsfargo.com
    Cc: action@occupybernal.org
    Subject: Stop the January 4 Foreclosure Auction of Peter Fairfield and Linnea Sweet’s Home (loan# 1100225238)

    Dear Wells Fargo staff,

    Please take IMMEDIATE action to stop the January 4 foreclosure auction of Peter Fairfield and Linnea Sweet’s home at 831 Chenery Street (America’s Servicing Company loan# 1100225238) in San Francisco’s Glen Park neighborhood and offer them a fair deal loan modification.

    The Fairfield-Sweet family accessed their home equity to save their photography business with a predatory loan that a mortgage broker assured them they could refinance when payments skyrocketed. But that turned out to be false once the economic crisis set in. Now that their family business is secure, Peter and Linnea (who is disabled) are seeking to live out the rest of their senior years with a loan modification that has affordable payments so they can remain in their home.

    Please also meet the demands for each of the 28 families who Wells Fargo has put at risk of foreclosure and eviction and stop dual tracking by continuing to list foreclosure auctions while negotiating loan modifications.

    Stop contributing to the rash of deaths by foreclosure! Stop the single-minded greedy focus on profit! Stop ignoring the health and well-being of your customers and the communities where we live! Take whatever action is necessary to keep distressed families in their homes!

    This is an URGENT request, so please respond right away.

    Sincerely,

    your name here

Background:

When their photography business got dot-commed out of a SOMA office building with 30 days notice to vacate, Peter Fairfield and Linnea Sweet decided to access their home equity to save their main source of income. A mortgage loan broker convinced them that a sub-prime loan with escalating payments could easily be refinanced when the payments ballooned, so they thought their problems were solved. But the economic downturn made a refi impossible and Wells Fargo (America’s Servicing Company) foreclosed on their home of 33 years. Peter and Linnea are seeking a fair deal loan modification from Wells Fargo so that they and their dog Dagmar can remain in their home.

Wells Fargo is #1 in San Francisco foreclosures. San Francisco’s Mayor and Board of Supervisors have unanimously requested a halt to foreclosures and related evictions, especially since San Francisco Assessor-Recorder’s report showing that 84% of foreclosures have at least one legal violation and due to Wells’ $175 million settlement paid to resolve allegations of racial discrimination in providing mortgage loans in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point and other neighborhoods.

Wells Fargo’s “waterfall” model, along with similar policies from other lenders, ensures that the bank can squeeze the most money possible from homeowners struggling to make payments while finally discarding them like trash if the bank can’t make a profit on every single loan. Running a mortgage loan business means assuming risks, especially after receiving billions in bailout funds from the taxpayers, many of whom are Wells’ mortgage loan borrowers.

This alert brought to you by ACCE, Occupy Bernal, and other supportive organizations coordinated within the Occupy the Auctions and Evictions campaign.

Links: Wells 28 Action Alert    Wells 28 Action Flyer (four to page)    Wells Pays $175 Million to Resolve Allegations of Racial Discrimination in Providing Mortgage Loans    Occupy Our Homes Wells Fargo Bayview Branch Action    Occupy Wells Fargo Noe Branch    Occupy Wells Fargo HQ    Occupy Senior and Veteran Evictions and Foreclosures (Occupy Anniversary)    Upcoming Bank Auctions of Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Homes    Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Profiles

For updates and this action alert: http://occupytheauctions.org/wordpress/?p=7636

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ALERT: Wells Fargo Stop the Foreclosures and Evictions of the “Wells 32”

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As #1 in foreclosures in San Francisco, Wells Fargo is putting 32 families at risk of losing their homes due to foreclosure and related evictions. Wells Fargo is foreclosing on and evicting veterans and disabled and senior homeowners and families with children, as well as targeting homeowners with life-threatening illnesses. Wells Fargo has engaged in predatory, fraudulent, and racist lending practices and has contributed to a rash of foreclosure deaths.

Take action to stop Wells Fargo from foreclosing on and evicting the “Wells 32”–

  • Contact Wells Fargo staff with the following phone and email message:

    • Brenda Wright, Senior VP of Community Relations, +1 415-623-7738
    • Alfredo Pedroza, Director of California Local Government Relations, +1 415-396-0829
    • Ruben Pulido, Communications Staff, +1 415-852-1279
    • John Stumpf, CEO, +1 866-878-5865

     
    Sample message:
     
    To: brenda.wright@wellsfargo.com, alfredo.pedroza@wellsfargo.com, ruben.pulido@wellsfargo.com, john.g.stumpf@wellsfargo.com
    Cc: action@occupybernal.org
    Subject: Stop the Holiday Foreclosures and Evictions of the “Wells 32”

    Dear Wells Fargo staff,

    Please take IMMEDIATE action to stop holiday foreclosures and evictions. Please meet the demands listed for each of the 32 families listed below who Wells Fargo has put at risk (Name, Demand, Address, Loan #, Priority) and stop dual tracking by continuing to list foreclosure auctions while negotiating loan modifications:

    1. Bernetta Adolph, Stop eviction (20130303) Rescission of foreclosure sale and fair deal loan modification, 48 Lobos Street, SF, CA 94112, 44793073, 1
    2. Larry Faulks, Undo eviction (20121216), Rescission of foreclosure sale and fair deal loan modification, 25 Cameo Way, SF, CA 94131, 004 6406278, 1
    3. David Lewis, Rescission of foreclosure sale and fair deal loan modification, 442 Carl Street, SF, CA 94124, need loan #, 1
    4. Dollie and Sally Ross, Rescission of foreclosure sale and fair deal loan modification, 1075 Gilman Avenue, SF, CA 94124, 004 37815, 1
    5. Lehmann Brightman, Rescission of foreclosure sale (20130114) and fair deal loan modification, 2434 Faria Avenue, Pinole, CA 94564, 0044126233, 1
    6. Gloria Lomeli (and Alberto del Rio), Stop foreclosure auction (20130131) and fair deal loan modification, 565 Banks Street, SF, CA 94110, 47339080, 1
    7. Guadalupe Schmitt, Stop foreclosure auction (20130211) and fair deal loan modification, 11-13 Santa Marina Avenue, SF, CA 94110, 102484459, 1
    8. Benjamin and Irma Reed, Stop foreclosure auction (20130226) and fair deal loan modification, 2 Warren Drive, SF, CA 94131, , 1
    9. Emilia Hughetti, Stop foreclosure auction (20130228) and fair deal loan modification through loan servicer Chase, 1041 Florida Street, SF, CA 94110, Chase loan #20733507, 1
    10. Kim Mitchell, Postpone foreclosure auction until short sale, 601 Van Ness Ave #244, SF, CA 94102, , 2
    11. Segundina San Juan, Fair deal loan modification, 1074 Huron Avenue, SF, CA 94112, 00048634281, 2
    12. Maria and Washington Davila, New owner must keep Davilas as tenants under same rental conditions as before, 4255 Folsom Street, SF, CA 94110, , 2
    13. Armand and Maria Mejia, Stop foreclosure auction (20130204) and fair deal loan modification, 749 Athens Street, SF, CA 94112, 004 37815, 2
    14. Peter Fairfield (and L. Sweet), Stop foreclosure auction (20130205) and fair deal loan modification, 831 Chenery Street, SF, CA 94131, 1100225238, 2
    15. Eric (and John), Fair deal loan modification, 2
    16. Anonymous, Fair deal loan modification, Anonymous Street, SF, CA 94132, 004 5575008, 2
    17. Allen Stowers, Stop foreclosure auction and fair deal loan modification, 699 Peralta Avenue, SF, CA 94110, 0042836544, 2
    18. Sergio and Pureza Cardenas, Fair deal loan modification, 763 Silver Oaks Place, Walnut Creek, CA 94597, 0004274204, 3
    19. Dorothy Crawford, Fair deal loan modification, 407 Broderick Street, SF, CA 94117, 00045941416, 3
    20. Pei Jun Ding, Fair deal loan modification, 2227 38th Ave, SF, CA 94116, 00045599891, 3
    21. Henry Kielarowski, Fair deal loan modification, 1496 La Playa Street, SF, CA 94122, 7080043459395, 3
    22. Juan Lopez, Fair deal loan modification, 566 Madrid Street, SF, CA 94112, 00014382279, 3
    23. Edzel and Merrie Jo Musni, 2nd mortgage fair deal loan modification, 240 Randall Street, SF, CA 94131, 6511663531998, 3
    24. Sandra Reece, Fair deal loan modification, 1240 Revere Avenue, SF, CA 94124, , 3
    25. Margarita Rose, Fair deal loan modification, 908 Athens Street, SF, CA 94112, , 3
    26. Will Saltz, Loan payment grace period until property tax issue resolved, 177 Capistrano Avenue, SF, CA , 372095067, 3
    27. William Sandoval, Fair deal loan modification, 151 Beachview Avenue, Pacifica, CA 94044, 00156852519, 3
    28. Sheila Julia Walsh, 2nd mortgage fair deal loan modification, 112 Judson Avenue, SF, CA 94112, , 3
    29. Gladys Dewitt, 2nd mortgage fair deal loan modification, 772 Hampshire Street, SF, CA 94110, , 3

     
    San Francisco’s Mayor and Board of Supervisors have unanimously requested a halt to foreclosures and related evictions, especially since San Francisco Assessor-Recorder’s report showing that 84% of foreclosures have at least one legal violation and due to Wells’ $175 million settlement paid to resolve allegations of racial discrimination in providing mortgage loans in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point and other neighborhoods.

    Wells Fargo’s “waterfall” model, along with similar policies from other lenders, ensures that the bank can squeeze the most money possible from homeowners struggling to make payments while finally discarding them like trash if the bank can’t make a profit on every single loan. Running a mortgage loan business means assuming risks, especially after receiving billions in bailout funds from the taxpayers, many of whom are Wells’ mortgage loan borrowers.

    Stop contributing to the rash of deaths by foreclosure! Stop the single-minded greedy focus on profit! Stop ignoring the health and well-being of your customers and the communities where we live! Take whatever action is necessary to keep distressed families in their homes!

    This is an URGENT request, so please respond right away.

    Sincerely,

    your name here

  • Reserve December 6 and December 18 on your calendar for Wells Fargo protests on behalf of the “Wells 29”. (Update: Those protests took place with great success!)

Wells Fargo plans to foreclose on or evict the “Wells 29” despite:

This alert brought to you by Occupy Bernal, ACCE, and other supportive organizations coordinated within the Occupy the Auctions and Evictions campaign.

Links: Wells 32 Action Flyer (four to page)    Wells Pays $175 Million to Resolve Allegations of Racial Discrimination in Providing Mortgage Loans    Larry Faulks Profile    Larry Faulks Eviction Witness    DMG Asset Management Profile    Occupy DMG Home Action    Occupy Wells Fargo Noe Branch    SF Chronicle Coverage    Bay Area Reporter Coverage    Occupy Wells Fargo HQ    Occupy Senior and Veteran Evictions and Foreclosures (Occupy Anniversary)    Upcoming Bank Auctions of Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Homes    Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Profiles

For updates and this action alert: http://occupytheauctions.org/wells

ALERT: Wells Fargo, Stop the December 14 Holiday Foreclosure Auction of Allen Stowers

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Update as of 10:49am on December 13, 2012: Success! Wells Fargo told Allen Stowers this morning that his foreclosure auction is cancelled. Thanks for your response to this alert… our calls and emails make a difference.

foreclosure.acce.allen-stowersForeclosure and Eviction Fighter Allen Stowers is an African-American filmmaker, journalist, and activist who is seeking to defend his childhood home from Wells Fargo’s predatory loan practices. Allen Stowers — one of the “Wells 27” families Wells Fargo has put at risk of foreclosure or eviction during the holidays — was raised in the Bernal Heights home purchased by his family in 1957. His demand is for Wells Fargo to stop the December 14 holiday foreclosure auction of his home and to offer him a fair deal loan modification.

“The current flow of misery and degradation inflicted by the banks’ rush to auction and foreclose on our communities and their cultural institutions is beyond alarming and is unacceptable,” said Dr. Amos Brown, San Francisco Chapter President and National Board Member of the NAACP.

Take action to stop Wells Fargo from foreclosing on Allen Stowers and the “Wells 27”–

  • Contact Wells Fargo staff with the following phone and email message:

    • Ryan Smaagard, Point of Contact, +1 877-218-4356 x20477
    • Brenda Wright, Senior VP of Community Relations, +1 415-623-7738
    • Alfredo Pedroza, Director of California Local Government Relations, +1 415-396-0829
    • Ruben Pulido, Communications Staff, +1 415-852-1279
    • John Stumpf, CEO, +1 866-878-5865

     
    Sample message:
     
    To: ryan.smaagardt@wellsfargo.com, brenda.wright@wellsfargo.com, alfredo.pedroza@wellsfargo.com, ruben.pulido@wellsfargo.com, john.g.stumpf@wellsfargo.com
    Cc: action@occupybernal.org
    Subject: Stop the December 14 Holiday Foreclosure Auction of Allen Stower (loan# 42836544)

    Dear Wells Fargo staff,

    Please take IMMEDIATE action to stop the December 14 holiday foreclosure auction of Allen Stower’s home at 669 Peralta Avenue (loan# 42836544) in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood and offer him a fair deal loan modification.

    Please also meet the demands for each of the 27 families who Wells Fargo has put at risk during the holiday season and stop dual tracking by continuing to list foreclosure auctions while negotiating loan modifications.

    Wells Fargo is #1 in San Francisco foreclosures. San Francisco’s Mayor and Board of Supervisors have unanimously requested a halt to foreclosures and related evictions, especially since San Francisco Assessor-Recorder’s report showing that 84% of foreclosures have at least one legal violation and due to Wells’ $175 million settlement paid to resolve allegations of racial discrimination in providing mortgage loans in San Francisco’s Bayview-Hunters Point and other neighborhoods.

    Wells Fargo’s “waterfall” model, along with similar policies from other lenders, ensures that the bank can squeeze the most money possible from homeowners struggling to make payments while finally discarding them like trash if the bank can’t make a profit on every single loan. Running a mortgage loan business means assuming risks, especially after receiving billions in bailout funds from the taxpayers, many of whom are Wells’ mortgage loan borrowers.

    Stop contributing to the rash of deaths by foreclosure! Stop the single-minded greedy focus on profit! Stop ignoring the health and well-being of your customers and the communities where we live! Take whatever action is necessary to keep distressed families in their homes!

    This is an URGENT request, so please respond right away.

    Sincerely,

    your name here

This alert brought to you by Occupy Bernal, ACCE, and other supportive organizations coordinated within the Occupy the Auctions and Evictions campaign.

Links: Wells 27 Action Alert    Wells 27 Action Flyer (four to page)    Wells Pays $175 Million to Resolve Allegations of Racial Discrimination in Providing Mortgage Loans    Occupy Our Homes Wells Fargo Bayview Branch Action    Larry Faulks Profile    Larry Faulks Eviction Witness #1    Larry Faulks Eviction Witness #2    DMG Asset Management Profile    Occupy DMG Home Action    Occupy Wells Fargo Noe Branch    SF Chronicle Coverage    Bay Area Reporter Coverage    Occupy Wells Fargo HQ    Occupy Senior and Veteran Evictions and Foreclosures (Occupy Anniversary)    Upcoming Bank Auctions of Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Homes    Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Profiles

For updates and this action alert: http://occupytheauctions.org/wordpress/?p=7062

ACTION: Witness Faulks Eviction — Protest Wells Fargo and DMG!

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Update as of about 7am on December 13, 2012: DMG Asset Management attorney Jak Marquez and Sheriff’s deputies evicted Larry Faulks. He’s now on the road, sleeping in his van.

IMG_1839_1Update as of 7:30pm on December 12, 2012: Greeted by a rainbow and a light rain shower, a group of about 30 supporters of Larry Faulks came to his home to bear witness the eviction, including holding up signs and banners, lots of friendly discussion, wonderful hot cappuccinos and tea from Larry’s brother, and a carol rendered as “Silent Night, Homeless Night” thanks to Tommi Avicolli-Mecca. We also made calls to DMG Asset Management principals and Wells Fargo Senior Vice President of Community Relations Brenda Wright to try to get them to stop the eviction. When the eviction hadn’t materialized by 11:30am or so, so a group of us took Larry out to lunch, then he requested that we head on our way while he went back to take a nap.

Media coverage: Bay Area Reporter

Video and photos of the event appear below. Thanks to everyone who participated.

Foreclosure and Eviction Fighter Larry Faulks’ eviction has been delayed for the last time.

What: Larry Faulks Eviction Witness

When: 8am (check back for updates) on Wednesday, December 12

Where: 25 Cameo Way, Diamond Heights, San Francisco (map, buses 52, 48, 37, plan for tricky routes!)

Stay tuned for the gathering time which we will post on the web page at http://occupytheauctions.org/wordpress/?p=6915.

Investment firm DMG Asset Management plans to evict disabled African-American senior Larry Faulks even after they agreed to postpone the eviction to work with him and his family on negotiations with Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo has not yet agreed to rescind the foreclosure sale of Larry’s home, which they did while negotiating a loan modification with him. This practice is called dual tracking and it will be illegal in California starting January 1, 2013, under the 2012 Homeowner Bill of Rights.

Please take action:

  1. Come to the Eviction Witness on Wednesday, December 12. Time is tentatively scheduled for 8:00am (will post updates to this page).
  2. Respond to the Wells Fargo action alert to try to stop the eviction.
  3. Respond to the DMG Asset Management action alert to try to stop the eviction.

Larry Faulks and his brother — both disabled — as well as their renter want to stay in the home their parents purchased in 1962. The Faulks’ were the first African-American family in the Diamond Heights neighborhood and at a time when only the Eichler company was willing to sell homes to black families. Please come to the Eviction Witness (there may be an opportunity for those who wish to participate in nonviolent direct action to block the eviction).

Links: Wells 26 Action Flyer (four to page)    Wells Pays $175 Million to Resolve Allegations of Racial Discrimination in Providing Mortgage Loans    Larry Faulks Profile    Larry Faulks Eviction Witness    DMG Asset Management Profile    Occupy DMG Home Action    Occupy Wells Fargo Noe Branch    SF Chronicle Coverage    Bay Area Reporter Coverage    Occupy Wells Fargo HQ    Occupy Senior and Veteran Evictions and Foreclosures (Occupy Anniversary)    Upcoming Bank Auctions of Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Homes    Foreclosure/Eviction Fighter Profiles