SAN DIEGO -- City Attorney Mike Aguirre filed a civil complaint Wednesday against Countrywide Financial Corp. in an attempt to stop foreclosures in San Diego.

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Aguirre said the suit targets subprime loans where homeowners face balloon payments after two or three years of the loan. City officials say San Diego saw 22,000 notices of foreclosure last year and that number has already climbed to 20,000 in the first six months of 2008.

Aguirre announced the suit in San Diego County Superior Court on Wednesday. Aguirre alleged that Countrywide has engaged in a "pattern of unlawful, fraudulent or unfair predatory real estate lending practices" that has caused numerous San Diego residents "to be in jeopardy of losing their homes through foreclosures."

"We would like to see San Diego become, when it comes to subprime loans, a foreclosure sanctuary," he said. Aguirre also said he wants to try and stop the spread of "this foreclosure disease."

Wednesday's news conference was held in the Skyline district of San Diego in front of an abandoned home. Homeowner Manuel Coriz says he lost his home when he couldn't keep up with rising mortgage payments. The house suffered a fire and is considered an eyesore by neighbors.

"I'm a Vietnam vet, OK. I've seen a lot of things, more than anything, and this is hurting more than anything," Coriz said.

Aguirre said that Countrywide Financial may not be intimidated by San Diego's actions but hopes to join together with other U.S. cities to bring the mortgage lender to the bargaining table.

"This is a tragedy for the families who have been subjected to the predatory lending, but it's also a tragedy for our communities," said California Assemblywoman Lori Saldana.

The lawsuit includes Bank of America which purchased Countrywide. Bank of America spokeswoman Shirley Norton said she had not seen the complaint and could not comment.

The bank is facing similar suits from the states of California and Illinois. Aguirre said he may also take action against other major lenders.