HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012/02/28 Item 18-B-2~`~~~ Councilmember Steve Castaneda
~, City Of Chula Vista
,~ 276 Fourth Avenue
Chula Vista, Ca 91910
CnY OF 619.691.5044 - 619.476.5379 Fax
CHULA VISfA
DATE: Monday, February 2'J, 2oi2
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MEMO
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Councilmember Steve Castan 1~
CC: City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk
RE: Real Estate Fraud Advisory Team
On February 14, 2012 the City Council accepted a report regarding recent incidences of real
estate fraud and criminal trespass activities at foreclosed properties in Chula Vista. This
situation has caused undue hardship on many of our neighborhoods and exposed affected
property owners to potential danger. I thank our staff and City Attorney on the work they have
done to bring the responsible parties to justice, but now it is clear that this problem is so
complex, that a wider, multi jurisdictional approach is needed.
Upon reviewing comprehensive programs to address this matter it appears that Ventura
County's Real Estate Fraud Advisory Team (REPAY) may be a good model for San Diego to
emulate. In light of their history of success, I request that the City Council endorse such a
program and work with other entities to look at the potential to form a similar group to combat
real estate fraud crimes.
Some potential program partners based on the Ventura model should be invited to provide their
input and gauge potential interest in participating. They are:
San Diego County District Attorney
Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors
Housing Opportunities Collaborative (HOC) in San Diego County
County Recorder
County Bar
Title Company representative
Escrow Officer
Regional Manager from the Department of Real Estate
FBI representative
Representative from each city, either the city attorney or police representative
Professional Standards Chair from each of the four Realtor Associations
Mortgage Bankers Association
San Diego County Apartment Association
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals
National Association of Asian Real Estate Professionals
HUD representative
Should the Council agree to endorse the approach, I will work the Mayor's office to forward the
invitations. Thank you.