John Liotti has a vision for East Palo Alto, and it involves low-interest loans. With the support and help of several community members, Liotti last December launched Community Trust Credit Union, the city's first credit union. He's hoping that a combination of cheaper car loans and mortgages, eventual small-business financing and an alternative to the expensive check-cashing outlets in the city will help locals save and succeed financially.

Full story: insidebayarea.com