The State Attorney General's office announced last week that California is set to receive $18 billion in a historic multi-state deal with the nation's largest lenders over foreclosure abuses.  Of the $18 billion, San Diego will receive roughly $1.5 billion in this long-awaited settlement which is second only to the massive tobacco industry deal that was struck in the 1990's.  This money is set to help hundreds of thousands of troubled and underwater homeowners across the state.  California is one of the last states on board in the mortgage deal, and this money will come in different forms including principal reductions, loan refinances, restitution, and the chance at short sales.  The settlement amount California will receive represents more than 70 percent of a $25 billion agreement that involves almost all 50 states and many major banks.  The $18 billion will be divided in a number of ways.  More than $12 billion is guaranteed to reduce the principal on loans or offer short sales to approximately 250,000 California homeowners who were foreclosed upon between 2008 and December 31, 20011.  Another $1.1 billion is estimated to be distributed to homeowners for unemployed payment forbearance and transition assistance left by the waves of foreclosures.  $3.5 billion will be dedicated to relieve 32,000 homeowners of unpaid balances remaining when their homes are foreclosed.  Another $430 million is set to help to cover expenses involved in fees and penalty payments.  Although this large amount is set to help many California homeowners, it unfortunately will not assist all homeowners who were foreclosed upon improperly.