"No, we don't want the money," homeowners said, as they gathered with Occupy Fights Foreclosure activists Wednesday afternoon in front of the United States Court House in downtown Los Angeles. "We denounce the agreement made by United States government officials,” protestor Carlos Marroquin said. “This is an inside agreement that only benefits the banks and not homeowners. It releases the banks from liability… It is offensive, it is criminal and it is fraudulent to reach this kind of settlement with the criminals."
OFF held a press conference in front of the Federal Building, where homeowners were able to tell their stories and openly denounce the recent $10 billion settlement reached between banks and federal regulators. Following the press conference, homeowners and protesters marched down Spring Street to California Attorney General, Kamala Harris' office, chanting "Banks got bailed out, we got sold out!" Mrs. Harris could not meet with the homeowners and protesters, as she was (conveniently) out of her office. Activists and homeowners marched in a circle chanting "No settlement, no way, prosecute the banks today!"
It remains unclear when homeowners will receive their settlement money, how much each will receive, or if the dollar amount will justify the financial and emotional damage inflicted on them by banks. What is clear is that homeowners are devastated, and the resistance is growing. Homeowners are not willing to settle, and they are eager to fight for what they feel is right.
Protesters hold their signs in front of United State Court House.
Protesters unfold OFF sign.
Protesters gather in front of Federal building for press conference.
Giant Monopoly Man
Protesters start marching down Spring street
Protesters march and chant
Protesters chant marching down Spring street "Banks got bailed out, we got sold out".
Protester hold their signs as they march and chant
Protesters march in a circle.
Fellipe Gonzales pushes the stroller with his three year old son, Daniel Gonzales as he marches and chants in a circle. Mr. Gonzales and his family are foreclosure victims and facing an eviction.
Neighbors, supporters and activists chant: "Save Soly's Home"
Soledad Corona, a single mother who was evicted by Bank of America during Christmas Holidays, reoccupied her own foreclosed house with a help of Occupy Fights Foreclosure group on December 23, 2012. The resistance given a name to Mrs. Corona's cause - "Casita Sol Corona". This Saturday, La Casita hosted a Free Hot Dog Event to gain support and promote awareness in the community.
About fifty people including neighbors, supporters and activists came to support Mrs. Corona. Ten year old Cindy Sxiane came to Casita Sol Corona with her grandmother and two younger siblings. Cindy said" We are here to help Soly to keep her house". It seemed that it was a very pleasant and joyful day for everybody. Mrs. Corona said that she is thankful to everyone who came to support her today, especially Occupy, that helped her to be back in the house after the eviction.
Neighbors and supporters eat in a front yard
Seven year old, Niko Jerrard, plays with Nola Rehder at Bouncer Play House
Cindy Sxiane (right) with her siblings Jessica (8 years) and Alvin (9 years) get hot dogs.
Neighbors, activists and supporters came to Free Hot Dog Event to support Mrs. Corona's cause
Mrs. Corona thanks everyone who came to support her this Saturday afternoon
