If someone with an A paper loan goes into foreclosure because their home is worth less than half the value of the mortgage therefore bank does not approve short sale, and they lost their job, how does the process work? This would be for CA. And how long does it stay on the credit report and would existing credit card rates go up?

At this point it doesnt–As of Monday afternoon most lenders have suspended Foreclosures and Short-Sales—The rest will follow Tuesday. That is to give the President time to hammer out details of The Foreclosure Rescue Act. Its all over the news

How much will a foreclosure in your block affect the value of your home?