Thursday, December 10, 2009
MN PPEHRC: Update 12/09/09
ShareThis
The Scoop on Leslie's lockout
Finally, after a long day, Leslie Parks is back in her home! This morning, we went to Housing Court and filed papers against IndyMac/One West for doing an unlawful lockout. In a preliminary order, the judge ruled that IndyMac must let Leslie back in her home.
Next we met with Leslie's lawyer who is eager to take her case, particularly since the bank did this to her before. Meanwhile, THE CEO of IndyMac, Terry Laughlin, CALLED LESLIE PERSONALLY, leaving a message that included an apology!!! Later on the phone, through her lawyer, Terry Laughlin explained that they were taking full responsibility for the lockout, and again he wished to offer great apologies to the Parks family. "I want to become personally involved in this" he added. He also said that locksmiths had been standing by outside Leslie's house for hours, waiting for us.
It took the locksmiths over two hours to fix all the locks at Leslie's house. In all eight locks had to be replaced - including padlocked closet doors in the basement and interior of the house - there was a lot of senseless damage done to wrench open locked doors.
NEXT LEGAL STEP:
Housing Court Hearing regarding the illegal lockout.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Hennepin County Government Center, Third floor
Thanks to everyone who spread the word and did calls so we were able to get this outcome. We will never stop the pressure until Leslie gets her house back at terms she can afford!
Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout: 612-822-8020, mn-peoples-bailout.org
Poor People’s Economic Human Campaign: 651-497-4644, economichumanrights.org
Update on Linda Norenberg
Good news! Chase bank returned to the table with a better offer, more affordable, but with payments still too high for comfort.
Linda is getting more hopeful that negotiations can proceed in her favor. One by one, we can keep families together and SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!
Upcoming Video Productions
Barbara Byrd is still in her home and has heard not one word from EMC bank. So rather than sit around anxiously, she has decided to put up lights and decorate for the holidays! In a few weeks, she and Linda will appear on a program produced by Eric Angel at SPNN (time/date to be announced). All of the Minnesota Five foreclosure resisters were together in-studio this week taping a public access (MTN) documentary that is being produced by Luis Alvrenga. His work involves training the homeless in video production-camera, sound, lighting, editing. The focus of the documentary will be on how the MN Five are fighting foreclosure. Also on the panel is Donna Fletcher speaking for the thousands of renters in our state who face homelessness due to eviction.
HISTORY PROVES THAT IF WE KEEP ON FIGHTING INJUSTICE, THE STRONGER WE BECOME UNTIL AT LAST, BULLIES BACK DOWN. BUT WE CANNOT GO UP AGAINST THEM ALONE....Also the longer we suffer in silence and allow bullying to continue, the worse it gets.
Peace Everyone . . . .
Finally, after a long day, Leslie Parks is back in her home! This morning, we went to Housing Court and filed papers against IndyMac/One West for doing an unlawful lockout. In a preliminary order, the judge ruled that IndyMac must let Leslie back in her home.
Next we met with Leslie's lawyer who is eager to take her case, particularly since the bank did this to her before. Meanwhile, THE CEO of IndyMac, Terry Laughlin, CALLED LESLIE PERSONALLY, leaving a message that included an apology!!! Later on the phone, through her lawyer, Terry Laughlin explained that they were taking full responsibility for the lockout, and again he wished to offer great apologies to the Parks family. "I want to become personally involved in this" he added. He also said that locksmiths had been standing by outside Leslie's house for hours, waiting for us.
It took the locksmiths over two hours to fix all the locks at Leslie's house. In all eight locks had to be replaced - including padlocked closet doors in the basement and interior of the house - there was a lot of senseless damage done to wrench open locked doors.
NEXT LEGAL STEP:
Housing Court Hearing regarding the illegal lockout.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 8:30 a.m.
Hennepin County Government Center, Third floor
Thanks to everyone who spread the word and did calls so we were able to get this outcome. We will never stop the pressure until Leslie gets her house back at terms she can afford!
Minnesota Coalition for a People’s Bailout: 612-822-8020, mn-peoples-bailout.org
Poor People’s Economic Human Campaign: 651-497-4644, economichumanrights.org
Update on Linda Norenberg
Good news! Chase bank returned to the table with a better offer, more affordable, but with payments still too high for comfort.
Linda is getting more hopeful that negotiations can proceed in her favor. One by one, we can keep families together and SAVE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS!
Upcoming Video Productions
Barbara Byrd is still in her home and has heard not one word from EMC bank. So rather than sit around anxiously, she has decided to put up lights and decorate for the holidays! In a few weeks, she and Linda will appear on a program produced by Eric Angel at SPNN (time/date to be announced). All of the Minnesota Five foreclosure resisters were together in-studio this week taping a public access (MTN) documentary that is being produced by Luis Alvrenga. His work involves training the homeless in video production-camera, sound, lighting, editing. The focus of the documentary will be on how the MN Five are fighting foreclosure. Also on the panel is Donna Fletcher speaking for the thousands of renters in our state who face homelessness due to eviction.
HISTORY PROVES THAT IF WE KEEP ON FIGHTING INJUSTICE, THE STRONGER WE BECOME UNTIL AT LAST, BULLIES BACK DOWN. BUT WE CANNOT GO UP AGAINST THEM ALONE....Also the longer we suffer in silence and allow bullying to continue, the worse it gets.
Peace Everyone . . . .
Labels: Barbara Byrd, Chase Home Mortgage, EMC Bank, Foreclosure, Foreclosure 5, Hennepin County, IndyMac, Leslie Parks, Linda Norenberg, Minneapolis, MN PPEHRC, One West
Monday, September 14, 2009
MN PPEHRC: Foreclosure resistance update for the week of Sept. 14-19
ShareThis
Flowers welcome at Rosemary's Boarded-up Home as memorial
Teachers/parents/children/everyone encouraged to pick flowers from community gardens or your own and drape them over her fence along with cards and messages of support, grief, outrage, encouragement, congratulations on her stand, etc. Spread the word!
Wednesday, September 16th
Barbara Byrd's Eviction Court Hearing at 1pm-Room number will come with listserve update on Monday
Room Hennepin County Court House, 300 South 6th Street, room 1453
Barbara is one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes. She was served her eviction summons in July and needs our support!! She has lived in her neighborhood in Brooklyn Park for 10 years. JOIN US IN COURT!
Friday, September 18th, 11-noon on KFAI, 90.3 FM
Tune in to a live update on the Minnesota Five with Rosemary Williams, Linda Norenberg, Barbara Byrd, Ann Patterson and me on Catalyst at 11am and then continuing back-to-back on Don Olson's show at 11:30am.
Friday, September 18th, 6pm in Robbinsdale
Linda Norenberg's FUNRaising Italian dinner and bonfire with drumming
Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out to Linda's family home!
Plenty of rhythm instruments provided. If you play winds or strings, BRING 'EM ON!
2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold].
Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm.
Saturday, September 19th all-day forum at Sabathani-raise the call for a MORATORIUM!
KFAI is hosting a conference at Sabathani Community Center focusing on issues surrounding the housing & mortgage foreclosure crisis in the Twin Cities. Everyone is invited to participate in this free event, designed to look at the current challenges and create action plans towards solutions. Snacks and lunch provded. The MN Coalition for a People's Bailout is presenting, and MN PPEHRC will have a table. Come and share your experiences with an audience that may not as yet faced the reality of the banks' lack of integrity and the paralysis of institutions, most organizations and agencies mandated to respond to the crisis.
In interested, you may call KFAI or register online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tDjIqMfPjx5xep8mgw1aAA_3d_3d
**************************************************************************************************
For questions on any of the above, contact Linden at 612-296-5649 or Lynette at 651-497-4644.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
Teachers/parents/children/everyone encouraged to pick flowers from community gardens or your own and drape them over her fence along with cards and messages of support, grief, outrage, encouragement, congratulations on her stand, etc. Spread the word!
Wednesday, September 16th
Barbara Byrd's Eviction Court Hearing at 1pm-Room number will come with listserve update on Monday
Room Hennepin County Court House, 300 South 6th Street, room 1453
Barbara is one of five Twin Cities women refusing to leave their homes. She was served her eviction summons in July and needs our support!! She has lived in her neighborhood in Brooklyn Park for 10 years. JOIN US IN COURT!
Friday, September 18th, 11-noon on KFAI, 90.3 FM
Tune in to a live update on the Minnesota Five with Rosemary Williams, Linda Norenberg, Barbara Byrd, Ann Patterson and me on Catalyst at 11am and then continuing back-to-back on Don Olson's show at 11:30am.
Friday, September 18th, 6pm in Robbinsdale
Linda Norenberg's FUNRaising Italian dinner and bonfire with drumming
Linda Norenberg, represented by Kelly McCormack, is filing a motion to contest her eviction based on Citibank's not having met the rules of MN statute 580. It will cost $400 to file this motion, so come on out to Linda's family home!
Plenty of rhythm instruments provided. If you play winds or strings, BRING 'EM ON!
2750 McNair Drive Phone: 763-529-3571
Why not bring things to sell? Winter clothing, household items, objects of art...whatever you don't need- and think others might want- will be set out [but PLEASE take your items home with you if unsold].
Email a reply if you need a ride-cars will leave from in front of Rosemary's at 5:30pm.
Saturday, September 19th all-day forum at Sabathani-raise the call for a MORATORIUM!
KFAI is hosting a conference at Sabathani Community Center focusing on issues surrounding the housing & mortgage foreclosure crisis in the Twin Cities. Everyone is invited to participate in this free event, designed to look at the current challenges and create action plans towards solutions. Snacks and lunch provded. The MN Coalition for a People's Bailout is presenting, and MN PPEHRC will have a table. Come and share your experiences with an audience that may not as yet faced the reality of the banks' lack of integrity and the paralysis of institutions, most organizations and agencies mandated to respond to the crisis.
In interested, you may call KFAI or register online: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=tDjIqMfPjx5xep8mgw1aAA_3d_3d
**************************************************************************************************
For questions on any of the above, contact Linden at 612-296-5649 or Lynette at 651-497-4644.
BICYCLISTS: you'll love the ride up through Wirth Park.
Labels: Ann Patterson, Barbara Byrd, Hennepin County, Linda Norenberg, Rosemary Williams
Friday, June 26, 2009
Video: Rosemary Williams is denied her day in court - Parts 1-3
ShareThis
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 2
Part 3
Labels: Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Jordan Kushner, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams
Star-Tribune Article: Mpls. homeowner must post $50,000 bond to avoid eviction, judge rules
ShareThis
Embattled homeowner needs to post a $49,940 bond by Monday. Her supporters may try to block the eviction.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.startribune.com/local/49133962.html?page=1&c=y
By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune
Last update: June 26, 2009 - 6:01 AM
A Minneapolis woman who has battled eviction could be forced out of her house as early as next week unless she can post a $50,000 bond.
Although negotiations between Rosemary Williams and GMAC Mortgage still are underway, Hennepin County District Judge Lloyd Zimmerman ruled Thursday that Williams must post a bond of $49,940 by Monday.
Public plea for donations
If Williams does not come up with the money, GMAC could obtain an eviction notice as soon as Tuesday. Williams and her supporters made a public plea for donations. Meanwhile, they vow to try to physically block the eviction and face arrest.
"We are absolutely outraged and think this is a violation of all her rights as a citizen," said Cheri Honkala, an activist for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and a friend of Williams. "This $49,000 determines whether she has a right to due process."
Honkala said "hundreds" would show up at the home to protest and try to prevent an eviction. Williams' home in the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue S. was sold in September as part of a foreclosure begun after she fell behind on payments on a second, adjustable-rate mortgage.
'Nuisance property' suit
After Williams, 60, failed to leave the house by March 30, GMAC went to court to have her evicted. Williams' attorneys fought the eviction, but on June 18 Judge Zimmerman granted GMAC summary judgment.
Separately, last month, the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) and 17 of Williams' neighbors filed a lawsuit contending that if Williams is forced out, her home will become another nuisance property in the neighborhood.
Zimmerman dismissed the suit, saying that because Williams lives at the property, all allegations of nuisances are hypothetical and that the plaintiffs failed to prove any "wrongful conduct" by GMAC.
In a statement, GMAC spokeswoman Jeannine Bruin said because Williams intends to appeal, she cannot discuss the ongoing court matter.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
Abby Simons • 612-673-4921
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.startribune.com/local/49133962.html?page=1&c=y
By ABBY SIMONS, Star Tribune
Last update: June 26, 2009 - 6:01 AM
A Minneapolis woman who has battled eviction could be forced out of her house as early as next week unless she can post a $50,000 bond.
Although negotiations between Rosemary Williams and GMAC Mortgage still are underway, Hennepin County District Judge Lloyd Zimmerman ruled Thursday that Williams must post a bond of $49,940 by Monday.
Public plea for donations
If Williams does not come up with the money, GMAC could obtain an eviction notice as soon as Tuesday. Williams and her supporters made a public plea for donations. Meanwhile, they vow to try to physically block the eviction and face arrest.
"We are absolutely outraged and think this is a violation of all her rights as a citizen," said Cheri Honkala, an activist for the Poor People's Economic Human Rights Campaign and a friend of Williams. "This $49,000 determines whether she has a right to due process."
Honkala said "hundreds" would show up at the home to protest and try to prevent an eviction. Williams' home in the 3100 block of Clinton Avenue S. was sold in September as part of a foreclosure begun after she fell behind on payments on a second, adjustable-rate mortgage.
'Nuisance property' suit
After Williams, 60, failed to leave the house by March 30, GMAC went to court to have her evicted. Williams' attorneys fought the eviction, but on June 18 Judge Zimmerman granted GMAC summary judgment.
Separately, last month, the Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CANDO) and 17 of Williams' neighbors filed a lawsuit contending that if Williams is forced out, her home will become another nuisance property in the neighborhood.
Zimmerman dismissed the suit, saying that because Williams lives at the property, all allegations of nuisances are hypothetical and that the plaintiffs failed to prove any "wrongful conduct" by GMAC.
In a statement, GMAC spokeswoman Jeannine Bruin said because Williams intends to appeal, she cannot discuss the ongoing court matter.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
"GMAC Mortgage continues to be open to reaching an agreeable settlement with Ms. Williams in this matter," she wrote.
Williams' attorney, Jordan Kushner, said he expected the judge to require a bond but didn't expect it to be so high.
Abby Simons • 612-673-4921
Labels: CANDO, Cheri Honkala, Economic Justice, Eviction, Foreclosure, GMAC, Hennepin County, Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, Jordan Kushner, MN Coalition for a Peoples Bailout states, MN PPEHRC, PPEHRC, Rosemary Williams, Star Tribune
Subscribe to Posts [Atom]