WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) have told members of the Senate Banking Committee that their legislation, the Helping Responsible Homeowners Act, would boost economic growth and keep more Americans in their homes by helping up to two million nondelinquent homeowners refinance their mortgages at historically low interest rates.

Testifying before the Banking Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development on Wednesday, Boxer and Isakson said their bill, S.170, reduces barriers to refinancing for the millions of responsible homeowners who are current on their payments, but “underwater” on their homes because the value of their home is now less than the amount they owe on the home.

According to CoreLogic, 22.7 percent of all American homeowners with a mortgage are underwater.

The legislation would save American families thousands of dollars and result in up to 54,000 fewer defaults, producing a net savings of up to $100 million for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Interest rates for 30-year home mortgages are currently at 4.12 percent, the lowest rate in 60 years. Yet of the 27.5 million mortgages guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, more than 8 million still carry an interest rate at or above 6 percent.

Senator Boxer said, “This bipartisan bill will help millions of Americans who are stuck in higher interest-rate mortgages to refinance at today’s historically low rates. The economic turnaround is being slowed by the housing crisis and helping responsible homeowners to refinance will save borrowers thousands of dollars, strengthen our economy and keep families in their homes.”

“I am pleased to join Senator Boxer in supporting this legislation because it rewards responsible homeowners who are current on their mortgage but whose homes are ‘underwater’ because of the lagging economy,” said Senator Isakson, who has more than three decades of experience in the housing industry. “By removing the barriers that have kept these responsible homeowners trapped in higher interest rate loans, it would put thousands of dollars back in the pockets of struggling families and have a direct impact on the housing market.”

President Obama outlined a similar proposal in his jobs speech before Congress last week. Following the President’s speech, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that it will work to identify and reduce barriers to refinancing for millions of American homeowners who are current on their mortgage payments but underwater on their homes.

For more information on the Helping Responsible Homeowners Act, see http://boxer.senate.gov/en/press/releases/071211.cfm.

Carl Stewart performing prior to his illness. Courtesy photo.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Friday, Sept. 16, the Soper Reese Theatre and friends of Carl Stewart will host a benefit for Carl Stewart and his family.

Stewart is a local musician and educator undergoing a health challenge. He gives the community the precious gift of music and passionate performances.

udience members fortunate enough to have seen Stewart perform in Blue Collar, Without A Net or with the Lake County Symphony, know firsthand the gift he shares with the people of Lake County.

For years Stewart has donated his talent and musical skills to numerous fundraisers and educational events in and around the county.

He has performed for such causes as AIDS, Little League, NAACP, Kelseyville Education Fund, recovery centers, memorial fundraisers, political campaigns and numerous Lake County citizens in need.

Stewart has been an advocate for youth and has toured his band Blue Collar to all Konocti Unified Schools educating young people on the positive role music plays in life.

The community has the opportunity to give back during the Stewart family's time of need.

Carl Stewart is undergoing treatment for cancer and is currently unable to work.

He and his family and friends are optimistic and have a positive outlook as he undertakes the healing process.

Unfortunately, there are numerous medical expenses which is why the Sept. 16 Third Friday Live Concert is being dedicated to Stewart.

Andy Kong, EarReverence and Without A Net will perform. Without a Net, the classic rock and roll band will get everyone up and dancing in the style Carl loves.

Silent auction items will be available to generate funds.

Anyone interested in donating an auction item can contact Kathy Windrem at 707-279-4387 or Pamela Bordisso at 707-279-0923.

People wishing to make a monetary donation for Carl’s family may do so at Umpqua Bank to the Carl Stewart Medical Fund.

Soper Reese, your community theater is pleased to provide this opportunity. Tickets are available at the box office on Thursdays and Fridays, at 707-263-0577 or online at www.soperreesetheatre.com.

The benefit will support Stewart in getting back on his feet and once again sharing his gifts with the community.

Would you like to give back to other seniors and learn the secrets of aging gracefully?

The Senior Peer Counseling program of Konocti Senior Support Inc. is accepting applications for their fall volunteer training, and learn to help seniors talk through a discouraging time, access services, cope with losses and adapt to the challenges of older age.

Volunteers will share their experiences with other inspirational volunteers, engage in lively discussions, and receive weekly training in the gifts and challenges of aging.

Volunteers will learn skills such as compassionate listening, strategic coping and clear communicating.

You will learn the secrets of increasing peace of mind, reducing stress, recovering from a loss, building healthy relationships and exploring the spiritual advantages of later life.

As a volunteer, you will spend a total of about four hours a week with clients and attending a Tuesday morning group supervision session.

They have a limited number of applications for volunteers throughout Lake County for this free training facilitated by licensed psychotherapist Kim Baughan Young MFT.

Training includes experiential practice, movie clips, lively group discussion and even free lunches.

The training will be held on three successive Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Oct. 24.

Call Konocti Senior Support Inc. now for your application at 707-995-1417. Visit the program online at www.konoctiseniorsupport.com.

The committee meeting will begin at 3 p.m. in the council chambers at Lakeport City Hall, 225 Park St.

Agenda items will include a report on current projects with ADA components, and discussion and action regarding recommendations for locations of ramps.

KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – The Green Party of Lake County is resuming it regular third Sunday meeting schedule at the Clear Lake Riviera Community Association Building, 9689 Soda Bay Road, Kelseyville.

The meeting place is the last building on your left before you go down the hill. The address is not visible from the street but a Green Party sign will be in front of the building.

The next meeting, on Sept. 17, runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and is a finger food pot luck. Please bring your own plate and something to share.

Agenda items will include increasing registration, finding candidates for local offices, the oil extract proposition and joint meeting with Napa Greens on second Wednesday.

Everyone is welcome. Green Party membership not required.

For more information e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., call 707 263-3391, or visit www.cagreens.org and www.gpus.org.

The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the center, 527 Konocti Ave.

There will be live music from the High Notes, with an entry fee of only $10.

Call 707-263-4218 for more info.

The dinner and dance is sponsored in September by Evergreen Healthcare and Rehab Center.