Dear Baltimoreans,

Since the national foreclosure crisis hit Baltimore, the main focus has centered on educating homeowners in an attempt to stop the flood of foreclosures from tearing up vibrant neighborhoods.

Along the way, however, we have forgotten that renters too are hurt by foreclosure. In Baltimore City it is estimated that an astounding 40 percent of all foreclosures are for investor-owned residential properties. And from 2005 to 2009, the number of foreclosure filings increased by 96 percent, according to a study by the University of Baltimore and the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance. This was due, in part, to the fact that many renters were unaware of their rights during the foreclosure process.

We have a moral and ethical obligation to make certain tenants understand that they too have rights during foreclosure.

To help get the word out, I recently spoke alongside U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings and John Sarbanes, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler to announce a new public awareness campaign that seeks to educate renters about their rights during foreclosure. The campaign is led by the Public Justice Center and the Baltimore Homeownership Preservation Coalition.

Many tenants act out of fear and confusion and leave their rental properties before they have to, which often results in homeless. Under many circumstances renters have a right to remain in their home for either the duration of their lease agreement or for 90 days after receiving a valid notice to vacate the property. Renters facing eviction need to protect themselves by getting sound legal advice.

Free, nonprofit legal advice is available from the Public Justice Center by calling 410-625-9409 or visiting www.publicjustice.org.

Be forewarned, not foreclosed.

  
Bernard C. “Jack” Young
President, Baltimore City Council

Steps to take if your landlord is facing foreclosure:

1. If your landlord has not paid the mortgage and the bank forecloses on the property, seek legal advice right away to determine your rights.
2. Open all mail addressed to “occupant” or “current resident,” especially if it comes from a court, law firm, bank or real estate agent.
3. Pay your landlord rent until you receive notice from the new buyer after the foreclosure process is complete.
4. Seek legal advice before accepting “cash for keys”.
5. Contact the nonprofit Public Justice Center for trustworthy and free legal advice.

Information provided courtesy of the Baltimore Homeownership Preservation Coalition.

Click here to view my public service announcement advocating for renters in foreclosure.

Council President Young waves to supporters at the 2011 St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday, March 13. The Council President walked with the traditional Irish walking stick, or shillelagh, used by former Baltimore City Comptroller Hyman Pressman, who was known as the "Watchdog of Baltimore."

Council President Young and hundreds of Baltimore City school students, parents and teachers braved the rain in Annapolis to rally for education funding on March 10, 2011.

Council Redistricting Initiative Upcoming Hearings

Baltimore City is currently in the process of dividing the city into districts of approximately equal population for the election of members to serve on the City Council. The Mayor and City Council are responsible for redrawing City Council districts. Baltimore redistricts every 10 years after the decennial census is completed.

On Monday, January 31, 2011, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake introduced her redistricting plan to the City Council.

Click HERE for an overview of the Mayor's plan.
Click HERE to view a PDF file of the Mayor's proposed plan in a map layout.
Click HERE to view a PDF file of updated population statistics.

The City Council will hold a series of public hearings to discuss the Mayor's plan on the following date:

PUBLIC HEARING–Committee of the Whole: Wednesday, March 16, 5:00 p.m.
Baltimore City Community College Fine Arts Building, 2901 Liberty Heights Avenue

Click here to see the full schedule of the Council Redistricting Committee.

Check the City Council's 2011 redistricting website at baltimorecitycouncil.com/redistricting.html for updates.

Youth Violence Prevention Week is March 21-27

This weeklong initiative will involve events and activities to spotlight the issue of youth violence, to identify strategies to combat this epidemic and to promote the positive role young people can have in making their school and community safer.

The Baltimore City Health Department’s Office of Youth Violence Prevention in collaboration with several city agencies and community-based organizations, is using this week to kick-off a series of events, workshops, and open houses to spotlight this issue, the work being done here in Baltimore, and to assist our youth in finding better ways to resolve conflict, promote peace, and respect themselves and others.

For more information, email the Office of Youth Violence Prevention at BmoreYVP@baltimorecity.gov or call (443) 984-3566.

Information provided by the Baltimore City Health Department.

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Transcending Integration: African American Contemporary Ceramics Exhibition
March 5 through April 16
Baltimore Clayworks, 5705 Smith Avenue
Baltimore Clayworks presents a major exhibition of contemporary African American ceramic artwork. The exhibition is the culminating event for Baltimore Clayworks' 30th anniversary and celebrates the institution's history as an artists' organization with a strong presence in the city's cultural fabric. Admission is free.
For more information, call 410-578-1919.

Open Society Institute-Baltimore Community Fellowships
Applications accepted through March 21 at 5:00 PM
The Baltimore Community Fellowships program seeks dynamic activists and social entrepreneurs interested in implementing projects that address problems in undeserved communities in Baltimore City. The fellowship spans a term of 18 months beginning Fall 2011.
For more information, call 410-234-1091.

Soup N' Walk: A Spring Awakening
Thursday, March 17 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Clyburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Avenue
Join a Cylburn naturalist for a guided walk followed by a delicious soup prepared by Atwaters. Chef Nona from Atwaters will share with the group her soup-making secrets. A registration fee is due at the time of registration.
For more information or to reserve a spot, call 410-367-2217.

St. Patrick's Day Green Skate
Friday, March 18 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Frederick Douglass Isaac-Myers Maritime Park and Museum, 1417 Thames Street
The Mimi DiPietro Ice Rink is only going to be open through March! Get your ice skating in now and enjoy Irish music, green ice, shamrock refreshments and more. Admission is $4 and skate rentals are $2.
For more information, call 410-396-9392.

Lecture Series: From Brothel to the Block: Politics and Prostitution in Baltimore During the Progressive Era
Friday, March 18 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
City Hall, Board of Estimates Room, 100 North Holliday Street
From Brothel to the Block: Politics and Prostitution in Baltimore During the Progressive Era
In 1913, an undercover Vice Commission appointed to investigate prostitution in Baltimore found that more than 1,000 women worked in open brothels throughout the city. What drove these females into prostitution? Presenter Jayme Hill received her Master’s degree in history from University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2008. Her thesis received honorable mention for the 2008 Joseph L. Arnold Prize for Outstanding Writing on Baltimore City History. Bring your favorite brown bag lunch. A photo ID is required for entry.
For more information, call 443-984-2369.

3rd Annual EcoBall
Friday, March 18 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Frederick Douglass Isaac-Myers Maritime Park and Museum, 1417 Thames Street
Get away for a night of musical entertainment, fabulous food and great company at Baltimore Green Works’ 3rd Annual Ecoball. Enjoy creative local fare produced by some up-and-coming chefs before you hit the dance floor!  Baltimore International College students will compete in the Ecoball’s “Top Chef” competition. Reservations for the EcoBall are $75 per person and $40 with a valid student ID  
For more information, visit baltimoregreenworks.com/events.

Spring Into Art
Saturday, March 19
Patterson Park Public Charter School, 27 North Lakewood Avenue
Patterson Park Public Charter School hosts its 6th annual Spring Into Art fundraiser event. Spring Into Art features a silent auction showcasing fine art from more than 20 Baltimore-area artists. Forty precent of the proceeds from art sales will be donated to PPPCS. In addition, 91 cents of every dollar raised goes to student education and programs. The event will feature a VIP reception and afterparty.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/100883.

Foreclosure Intervention Workshop
Saturday, March 19 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Oliver Economic Development Corporation, 1400 E. Federal Street
It's important to understand your options as early as possible! This workshop will give you insight into basic steps you can take to save your home from foreclosure. Come speak with HUD-certified counselors, learn to create and stick to a budget, know your consumer rights and get out of financial trouble. 
To register for this free workshop, call at 443-388-9809.

Fell's Point's Harbor Ball
Saturday, March 19 from 7:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Thames Street Wharf
The Fell’s Point Residents Association and Bozzuto Development present this event with proceeds going to repair/replace the windows in 1732 Thames Street, an historically significant building on one of Fell’s Point’s main thoroughfares. The 4th annual Harbor Ball, with the theme of Party Like a Sailor, promises lots of fun with live entertainment from the band That’s What She Said, DJ Don Koenig, beer, wine, a premium cash bar, great food from Pierpoint, dancing and a huge silent auction. Dress is black tie/festive. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at harborball.org or at One Eyed Mike’s, Long and Foster’s Fell’s Point office, BB&T Harbor East/Fell’s Point location and the Fell’s Point Visitors Center.
For more information, call 410-960-7038 or visit harborball.org.

Weathering the Storm in Tough Economic Times Seminar
Wednesday, March 23 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Enoch Pratt Free Library Main Branch, 400 Cathedral Street
Many people in Maryland continue to suffer during these difficult economic times and many are not aware of the services that are available to them. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings will be hosting a series of informative and interactive resource sessions to inform constituents about the various Maryland agencies’ programs and services available to them. Come and find out about how to access health care services, foreclosure prevention, financial literacy, free tax preparation, senior services, transportation programs, social services and housing programs. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Representatives from various federal, state, and local agencies will be present for one-on-one interaction to address constituents’ needs. An RSVP is encouraged but not required. 
For more information, call 410-685-9199.

Getting the Facts: The Affordable Health Care Act and You
Wednesday, March 23from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Baltimore City Community College, Gymnasium,. 2901 Liberty Heights Road
Join us on the one year anniversary of the Affordable Health Care Act!  Free health screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, explore your current health coverage options, and FREE health care reform seminars for students, seniors, and more! Hosted by Baltimore HealthCare Access, Inc.
For more information, call 410-649-0500 or email gshimkin@bhca.org.

The Many Faces of Breast Cancer
Saturday, March 26 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
New Psalmist Baptist Church, 6020 Marian Drive
Join the Maryland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and keynote speakers Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and her mother, Dr. Nina Rawlings, a 20 year breast cancer survivor, for this educational symposium. Attendees will learn about the impact breast cancer has within their communities, hear from experts in the field and local survivors, and connect with valuable community resources. Advanced registration is required by March 21, 2011.
For more information or to register, call 410-938-8990 or visit www.komenmd.org.

Scrabble Fundraiser for Literacy
Saturday, March 26 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Calvert School Atrium, 4300 North Charles Street
Join Greater Homewood Community Corporation for two rounds of Scrabble, live music, a silent auction, food and drink, and informal pick-up games, all supporting the Adult Literacy & ESOL Program. Tickets are $50 per person, or $40 for students or seniors.
For more information, visit www.greaterhomewood.org/scrabble.

DigiBall II Gala
Saturday, March 26 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1414 Key Highway
DigiBall II Gala, in support of the students and faculty of Digital Harbor High School, will include a buffet, open bar, DJ and silent auction. Tickets are $75, and proceeds from the fundraising event will help to bridge the gap in college tuition and fees for as many top Digital Harbor High School graduates as possible.  A total of 16 scholarships totaling $40,000 were awarded with proceeds from last year's DigiBall. The fundraising gala is a key activity of the Digital Harbor High School Alliance's Dollars for Digital Scholars initiative and is administered by the Baltimore Community Foundation.
For more information, visit http://www.dhhs.org.

Templeton Press Scholarship Contests
Applications due March 31
In an effort to generate a thoughtful discussion among young people about our country's freedoms, Templeton Press is sponsoring two scholarship contests, each of which carries a first prize of $5,000. Entrants need only write an essay or compose a video response to excerpts from the book New Threats to Freedom, which can be found at the contest website. There are two chances to win: a short form contest (essays should be less than 500 words, videos less than 5 minutes long) and a
long form contest (essays should be between 2,000 and 3,000 words). Sample topics include "The Loss of the Freedom to Fail" and "Campus Censorship in Academia." Any student who intends to be enrolled in an American college or university by the start of the fall 2011 semester is eligible to enter,
and submissions will be judged solely on the quality of the arguments.
For more information or to enter, visit http://pull.xmr3.com/p/890-FE25/47379291/html002-newthreatstofreedom.com.html.

Money Power Day
Saturday, April 2 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Poly-Western High School, 1400 West Cold Spring Lane
Money Power Day is a FREE annual event providing Baltimore-area residents and workers with quality financial services including free tax preparation, free credit reports and credit counseling, customized financial planning, housing counseling, screening for public benefits, and financial programs for youth.
For more information, visit www.baltimorecashcampaign.org.

Material Girls: Contemporary Black Women Artists
On display through October 26
Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 East Pratt Street
Thirty-eight three-dimensional works of art by eight black women artists will be featured in the special exhibition, Material Girls: Contemporary Black Women Artists. Material Girls features an impressive lineup of artists at varying points in their careers.
For more information, visit www.africanamericanculture.org.

Smart Homebuying Night, Western City Neighborhoods
Wednesday, April 6 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore, 5700 Park Heights Avenue
Learn all you need to know about buying a home in Baltimore City. Meet staff from Live Baltimore, mortgage lenders, real estate agents, renovation experts and more at the exhibitor fair. You can also take the Pre-Purchase Counseling Certificate Class to begin the process of earning your Homeownership Counseling Certificate, which is required to qualify for financial homebuying incentives. Seats are limited in the Pre-Purchase Counseling Certificate Class. There is a $5 participation fee to attend this event and the first 100 people to register are guaranteed one seat in the Pre-Purchase Counseling Certificate Class.
For more information or to register, call 410-637-3750 or visit www.livebaltimore.com.

11th Annual 5k Victims Fund Run/Walk or 1 Mile Walk
Saturday, April 16
Patterson Park, 2601 East Baltimore Street
Register online at www.charmcityrun.com.
For more information, visit Victim Services in 410 Mitchell Courthouse, call 410-396-1897 or email fundrun@stattorney.org.

Office of the City Council President
100 N. Holliday St., Suite 400
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-396-4804 (p) 410-539-0647 (f)
CouncilPresident@baltimorecity.gov
Copyright (C) 2010. All rights reserved.