Los Angeles has suffered because of the downturn in the real estate market. Housing prices have fallen, and tens of thousands of homes have been foreclosed upon. It is apparent that many financial institutions share in the responsibility. And now, we’re seeing some of those same banks compound the problem by allowing homes they have taken over through foreclosure fall into extreme states of disrepair.

Too many of these derelict homes have become magnets for trash, vermin and crime; empty swimming pools becoming breeding grounds for mosquitoes and hazards for our children. Dilapidated homes, especially those with yards overgrown by weeds and brush, pose a fire danger to the entire neighborhood—just as they drive down property values and quality of life.

Make no mistake—this is a citywide problem. Young couples and established professionals have found themselves underwater on their mortgages, leaving modest starter homes and “McMansions” alike empty in every Los Angeles neighborhood.

I heard about these problem homes from many, particularly from those struggling to keep up with their own mortgages, who are working hard to protect their neighborhoods and property values from further decline. It was clear that firm action was necessary, so I proposed an ordinance that went into effect in July to deal with this issue.

First, the ordinance directs the city to develop an inventory of foreclosed properties, so that we know where these homes are and who is accountable for them. Through this registry, the city will require banks to clean up the properties at their own expense when ordered to do so by the city.

Second, the ordinance would establish steep fines—up to $100,000—to crack down on banks that neglect their properties. Those funds will be used to pay for the registry, inspections and enforcement, allowing the city to take action without cost to the taxpayer—the way it should be. The people of Los Angeles should not have to pick up the tab when a financial institution breaks the law.

The key to this plan is the people of Los Angeles. While this program will be robust in its inventory and inspection functions, we need the community to be involved. Any resident can—and should—call 311 to report an issue with a foreclosed home, or any non-emergency issue requiring city action, including potholes, graffiti, bulky-item pick up and more. Additionally, in my Council District, the 13th, problem homes can be reported through A new iPhone app which can be downloaded at iTunes by searching for “Garcetti 311.”

Together, we can hold banks accountable, speed Los Angeles” economic recovery and protect our neighborhoods.

It’s been a spectacular few months in the City and I am proud of how communities in the 4th District have been working closely with my office to improve our neighborhoods.

One example of that spirit of cooperation is Hoover Walk. Last year, through the patient efforts of Mary Frances Reynolds-Smith, the City’s Community Beautification folks and my staff, (including Mary Rodriguez, who participated as a community member and then as my deputy) we were able to see the gorgeous Ricardo Mendoza mural through to completion. During this long process, we worked with the City Bureau of Engineering to obtain a FEMA grant to restore the wall after heavy rains.  The neighborhood worked closely with us over the years as we moved toward completion. Neighbor Paul Rudnicki planted the agave plants, before he died in 2006, that set off the mural nicely.

This May, I directed the Bureau of Street services to repave Hoover Street to complete the beautification of this area. This month, Hoover Street neighbors will gather in the cul-de-sac to celebrate their community.  The block party is the best way to meet your neighbors and I think it’s significant that community fellowship begins at Hoover Walk.

Another mural project nearby has attracted the same level of community spirit and cooperation. The Greater Griffith Park Neighborhood Council (GGPNC) worked with John Marshall High School art teachers and students on a mosaic tile mural that will grace the site of the Big “M” originally painted on the corner of Griffith Park Boulevard and St. George Street.  A mural design contest elicited an image of a gorgeous stretch of shades of blue with a silhouette of the famous John Marshall High School tower.  Famed mosaic tile muralist, Yuriko Etue will work with students on the installation, which will be finished soon.  Keep up the good work and I hope to see you in September at the dedication of the John Marshall High School mural.