Saturday, October 30, 2010

More about that shooting from Tuesday...

I blogged about on Thursday. I basically railed against the mentioning of Harlan with a certain amount of context. Students from Harlan got shot in this incident near 100th & Michigan. Of course other than the blurb from EveryBlock that included Harlan's address. A young man from another city school died of his wounds and the Tribune wrote more about this incident:
Relatives remember Jeremy Harris as always smiling, always respectful.

So they can't understand why someone gunned down the 17-year-old not far from his Roseland neighborhood home.

"He was my favorite little cousin," said LaRhonda Harris, 33. "When I used to drive past, he used to always stop me just to ask me where I was going. And then once I'd tell him I'm going to the store, or somewhere, he'd say, 'OK, you can keep going.' ''
So the other three teens who were shot (four were shot) attended Harlan according to this story. Harris  still had a Harlan connection however even though he attended another school.
Harris was a sophomore at Wendell Phillips Career Academy High School, 244 E. Pershing Rd., said Monique Bond, a Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman. She said the other teens attended Harlan Community Academy High School, 9652 S. Michigan Ave., a few blocks north from the shooting.

Harris briefly attended Harlan, where he had joined the ROTC, according to his family, who added that he has two older brothers and two older sisters. 
Let's hope the criminals who committed this crime are caught and convicted!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Footworking in Chatham: Battle Groundz takes dance to a new level

This is from Chicago Public Radio's Vocalo blogs, Achy Obejas' Citylife: Adventures in Urban Living


Footworking in Chatham: Battle Groundz takes dance to a new level



Footworking in Chatham from WBEZ on Vimeo.
It doesn’t really look anything like a typical dance club. For starters, the lights are on, blazing. They serve zero, zip, when it comes to beverages. And it only happens on Sunday nights.

But Battle Groundz, on 87th just east of Stony Island in Chatham, isn’t a very typical place. This is where a good bunch of Chicago’s hardcore footwoorkers -- from the South Side, the West Side, the suburbs, even a few stragglers from the North Side -- come to practice, compete, and hang out.

For the rest of the story, check it out here -> Footworking in Chatham:

Thursday, October 28, 2010

UPDATED:Does Harlan students get some unfortunate press?

UPDATE 11:13 AM One of the teen boys who were shot in this incident (he was shot in the heat) has died of his wounds. It's unclear in this if he went to Harlan however.

I just got to say this story was difficult to follow. You may have seen this story through our Blotter. And this article made special mention of two young people who were shot, a brother and sister, were students at Harlan. They weren't the only young people involved in this story but yet the nearby high school was mentioned.

BTW, this story took place at 100th & Michigan. Either way not sure what the point of this being brought up in this piece was.

It was easy for me to have a knee jerk reaction seeing a brief blurb about this piece especially reading a brief at EveryBlock. I could've just assumed there was another shooting near Harlan only to find that well this shooting took place down the street. Even worse the Harlan students were victims. The way this article was written it doesn't appear that they initiated anything.

Either way what was said by Ald. Lyle may well be correct, although surely she wasn't the only one saying this. That Harlan gets some unfortunate flack for anything bad that happens in the area.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Study points to need for more after school programs- Is this the reason we are having problems in our community


In Parent and Community Engagement A new study released Wednesday found more than a quarter of Chicago students are in after school activities, compared to just 15 percent nationwide. But of those students who are not, 30 percent spend their afternoons home alone.

That a third of Chicago’s children are not supervised for so many hours worries officials. More funding is needed, said Jodi Grant, the executive director of Afterschool Alliance, which released the Chicago After 3PM at a press conference.

“When we passed No Child Left Behind, they promised $2.5 billion in after school funding,” she said. “We’re at $1.1 billion. We need a lot more from our federal government to be supporting this.”

The results of the Chicago After 3PM report were announced at a press conference that came on the eve a national event called “Lights On Afterschool.” “Lights On Afterschool seeks to bring attention to the need for quality after school programs.

Chicago has been at the forefront of the movement to create a better system of after school programs. In 2006, it was one of five cities to receive an $11 million grant from the Wallace Foundation to focus on out-of-school activities for students.

With that grant, Chicago officials have worked to reduce after school programming fragmentation and inefficiency while improving access and quality. Partner agencies, including CPS, the Chicago Park District and Chicago Public Libraries, began compiling their program data in 2003 to determine what areas of the city showed the highest need.

This data pointed to some problems. City agencies found it difficult to provide after school programs in areas that were experiencing an influx of young families, according to a recently released report by the Rand Corporation.

The Rand report notes that after school programs struggled to reach students on the southwest and northwest sides of the city, which had burgeoning populations of Latino families. Meanwhile, they had open spots in schools near public housing projects after the projects were demolished.

“Partner agencies understood the need to provide services where there was increasing demand. However, these groups faced some very real constraints in shifting services to meet growing demand,” according to the report.

Read the entire article http://www.catalyst-chicago.org/notebook/index.php/entry/859/Study_points_to_need_for_more_after_school_programs?tr=y&auid=7239948

Statement by Seaway Bank over Maywood bank takeover

You can read it at Seaway's official website. I know that this news broke over the weekend, but I think it's necessary to see the official statement from the bank itself. You can also check out First Suburban National Bank website as well.
CHICAGO (October 25, 2010)- Seaway Bank and Trust Company announced today that it has acquired the banking operations of First Suburban National Bank, through a purchase and assumption agreement with the Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency declared First Suburban National Bank closed Friday, October 22nd, and appointed the FDIC as receiver.

As of October 21, 2010, First Suburban National Bank had approximately $140 million in deposits and $149 million in assets. Loans of approximately $116 million are subject to a loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC. The four offices of First Suburban National Bank opened Saturday, October 23rd as offices of Seaway Bank and Trust Company.

Walter E. Grady, President & CEO of Seaway Bank and Trust Company said, “This acquisition guarantees all deposit customers of First Suburban National Bank full access to their deposits, regardless of the amount. For First Suburban National Bank customers, the transition to Seaway Bank and Trust Company will be seamless. All First Suburban National Bank branches reopened as Seaway Bank and Trust Company locations. Customers will see the same friendly faces, and all checks drawn on First Suburban National Bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should make their payments as usual.”

To assist customers with the transition, Seaway Bank representatives are on-site at the main Maywood location and each of the other three offices to address customer needs and begin integrating operations.

About Seaway Bank and Trust Company

Seaway Bank and Trust Company is a full-service financial institution that emphasizes quality service and community commitment and offers a broad array of deposit and loan products for personal and business needs. Established in 1965 as Seaway National Bank of Chicago, the founders – a group of local businessmen – sold shares door-to-door throughout the community to raise the $1 million in capital needed to secure the Federal charter. By the end of its first year, Seaway’s assets had climbed to more than $5 million, and the bank has steadily grown ever since. In 2007, the bank converted to a state charter and was renamed Seaway Bank and Trust Company. Seaway Bank has, as of June 30, 2010, total bank assets of $414 million and operates 7 banking facilities. Seaway Bancshares, Inc., is the holding company.


UPDATED 10/27/2010

Who has the scissors to cut City Hall biz red tape?

Greg Hinz:
What's needed to restart Chicago's job-creation engine?

   I talked about everything from finishing the job of expanding O'Hare International Airport to fixing Chicago City Colleges and thinking more regionally in a story in the latest edition of Crain's.

  But the best question may be why the city won't do one thing that seems mind-numbingly obvious: Cut red tape so entrepreneurs can get started.

   Outgoing Mayor Richard M. Daley took a couple of stabs at one-stop-shopping for permits and the like, but the fact is, Chicago remains an extraordinarily difficult place for someone with a good idea but little time and capital to get on his or her feet.
This is something worth reading. I hope the Aldermanic candidates are seeing this as I think this may be important for jumpstarting our ward's business areas. We should look as busy and active as many such areas are in other parts of the city.

Via CapFax morning shorts!

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Getting on the Map" an Open Studio Exhibit at Tuley Park Cultural Fieldhouse

Thanks to our reader Mrs. Hayes for the information.

‎"Getting on the Map" is an Open Studio exhibit at Tuley Park Cultural Fieldhouse as part of the city wide Chicago Artist Month activities. Open studio is every Wednesday and Thursday 11am to 5pm. Meet and greet artists living and working in Chatham, Burnside and West Chesterfield; Oscar Lester of Chicago State Universi...ty's African American Male Resource Center, Marian Hayes of Cafe Yeye-WCSU radio, Chicago State University, Chris Tomorrow, Floyd Payne, Robert Nelson and Samuel Clark. Also Jim Heard and George Hayes.

Richard Wooten visits Roseland Heights Community Association

On October 26 @ Temple of Glory International Church 311 E. 95th Street. Just three blocks away from that storefront I took pictures of. If you plan to be there feel free to let us know what happened there.

Visit Wooten's official website!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Urban Partnership Bank draws on First Chicago alums to fill executive suite

While it looks like one Chatham neighborhood bank is getting larger as per the failure of another bank in our state, it seems as if Urban Partnership Bank (the former ShoreBank) is still getting their personnel together:

Peggy Myles, 58, formerly a senior banker at First Chicago and later at successors Bank One and J. P. Morgan Chase, will be chief risk officer at Urban Partnership Bank. Her appointment awaits regulatory approval.

She will be in charge of credit risk management and working through delinquent loans.
Kristine Rull, 52, another First Chicago alum, takes over as director of specialized markets, focused on collecting deposits from socially responsible investment groups and handling non-profit customers and relations with foundations.

She also worked with Urban Partnership Bank Chairman David Vitale when he was head of operations at Chicago Public Schools.

And Jan Hoffenkamp, 54, will oversee customer service, facilities and vendor relationships for the bank. She previously was a technology manager at the Chicago Board of Trade.

Still to be filled is the crucial post of chief of commercial lending, a bank spokesman said. There's no word yet on when that position will be filled, he said.

The executive hires are among the first public actions of William Farrow, another First Chicago alum who is the bank's president and CEO, since the bank was formed upon the Aug. 20 failure of ShoreBank.

Remember the church for sale?


That JP Paulus wrote about in December of last year. Well that Church appears to have found a buyer.

Once called New Calvary MB Church, the sign on the property is now for New Start MB Church. I took this picture last week at the corner of 87th Street & Indiana.

Oh yeah that post got JP and Worlee on Chicago Public Radio last year as well.

Seaway Bank buys Maywood bank assets

Chatham's own Seaway bank has bought the assets of First Suburban National Bank of Maywood. This is ironic, as ShoreBank (with a significant Chatham presence) was in Maywood's situation recently.

From Chicago Breaking Business News :

Regulators have shut down First Suburban National Bank of Maywood, Ill., late Friday and sold its $140 million in deposits to Seaway Bank and Trust Co. of Chicago.

Depositors of the First Suburban National Bank will be protected by the purchase deal with Seaway Bank and Trust. The four branches of First Suburban National Bank will reopen Saturday as branches of Seaway Bank and Trust. Seaway did not pay a premium

Firefighter injured in Chatham blaze

Chicago Breaking News:
A firefighter sustained minor injuries this morning after a fire broke out in a home in the Chatham neighborhood, officials said.

The fire broke out about 6:25 a.m. in a 1½-story bungalow on the 8200 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue, said Chief Joe Roccasalva, a fire department spokesman.

He said there were no injuries to occupants of the building, but a firefighter sustained a minor eye injury and was taken to the University of Chicago Hospitals, he said.

He said the house was badly damaged and heat had spread to adjoining buildings, where it damaged the siding on both.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Barbara Eason-Watkins on Harlan

Well she was when this article was published in the Defender the Chief Education Officer of CPS. The position remains unfilled currently however this is what she has to say about Harlan:
She pointed to modifications CPS instituted at Harlan and Harper high schools on the South Side as an example of schools in Black communities benefiting from changes.

“Those were two schools that once struggled to produce satisfactory graduation rates. But with changes we incorporated at both schools attendance and graduation rates have improved and continue to improve,” she said. “Principals play a critical role in a school improving. That’s why it is so important to have the right leadership in place at schools.”
I wonder what those modifications were? As always this is considered very good news.

Oh yeah, need to work on that LSC blog post.

St. James Lutheran Church history...

Just a glimpse of history:

St. James Lutheran Church,at 80th & Michigan, used to be Golgotha Danish Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Rev. Booker Vance is the current head of the church (he has also led another local Ev. Lutheran Church)




Saturday, October 23, 2010

One Alderman’s Strategy Includes Taking Risks

Mick Dumke talks about Ald. Lyle and her campaign for re-election as our Alderman. They talk about her blunt announcement that she IS running for re-election in this month's newsletter. If you haven't seen it yet you can read that here!

OPEN BLOG: Alumni returning to their elementary and secondary schools

I made visits this week to visit the LSCs of both of my alma maters on the elementary and secondary levels. Oh yeah, this post doesn't leave out those of you who have experience at the middle school or junior high school levels.

Questions: Have you returned to your old elementary or secondary schools? Have you chosen to volunteer when you're able to do so?

Graffiti on the side of a garage

Oh yeah if you're bothered by vulgar language then feel free to not take a look at the picture. It was taken near 87th & St. Lawrence and it was written on a garage.

Pirie School is a local elementary school. This unfortunate graffiti just seems very dumb to attack an elementary school.

Friday, October 22, 2010

On visiting Harlan again!

Click pic for Harlan's website
When Ald. Lyle showed up at the Roseland Heights meeting last month unannounced she mentioned improvements to one of Harlan's courtyards. Wow they largely filled in that courtyard with concrete although there is still grass in that area of the school. I only know this because security directed us through the courtyard to get to the social room where the LSC was meeting.

I remember that there used to be bricks for walkways in addition to perhaps picnic tables or what not if you want to sit down. This looks like a great place to hold an event or two when the whether is warm. Hopefully it will be available to the community if they can figure out how best to do that.

I have to mention that I came a little early for this one and the front doors were locked. If you have public meetings where you expect members of the public the doors shouldn't be locked. Also the students shouldn't have to open the door when they see someone from the outside. How do they know I don't have business with the school and I have another dubious purpose?

Unlike a year ago when I visted the school and followed a tour of the school there wasn't much to see this time. Although they changed the social room which is now carpeted and has new furniture now. Almost a round table for the LSC to conduct their business although the set up is odd. The public is behind the council instead of the council facing the public.

It turned out that I was a little early and when someone let us know that there was a meeting in another room. I had no idea this was for the Parent Advisory Committee. There will be more on that later!

Anyway the room we were in was actually the Department of Post-Secondary Education. This is the college resource center, something we didn't exactly have when I was a student. There was lots of information on the boards for not only Historically Black Colleges, but also the Divine 9 Greek organizations. There were computers there in that room as well that hopefully aides the students in their preparations (whatever they may be) for college.

Should also note that there are flags and pennants for college around the school. It would be cool if there was a way to display them where it could be seen off of Michigan Avenue. You could see a similar display at Jones College Prep (for you old timers Jones Commercial) in the Sloop. I want to know who made it to Clark Atlanta University and Spelman College from Harlan. I hope the next goal for Harlan is to get the Ivy League universities calling, although hey University of Chicago is close enough. :)

You know if they knew I blogged here I have more questions. Other than that expect to see my thoughts on Harlan's LSC meeting here in the near future. And Bennett-Shedd's LSC as well.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Burundi Davis is running for 6th Ward Alderman

JP wrote this post on Sept. 14th, but I edited this to post because I see that Early & Often added him to the list of candidates for Alderman of the 6th. What you see below was largely written by JP, but left it as a draft for over a month. Also refer to our 2011 page where he will also be added. Any more news don't forget to let us know about it! - Levois

We also have another candidate

He currently has a Facebook Page with nothing on it.

He also has a Twitter page as well

His Tweets include:
  • Hello 6th ward registered voters. My name is Burundi Davis and i am running for 6th ward alderman.
  • I am a recently retired Army veteran that served 22 years active duty. I returned to my native city chicago to serve the community... 

Aldermen lash out over 911 response times

Well let's focus on Ald. Lyle's comments, but this issue requires more attention than what one Alderman might say about 911 response times:
"We have two different agencies that are both directly involved in providing safety for our citizens that stand up at CAPS meeting and community meetings all over the city and they point the finger at each other. It's intellectually dishonest," she said.

"Maybe people should stop lying to the citizens. They begin to understand that it's a lie — and nobody wants to wear the jacket. But somebody is getting paid to wear the jacket. It's very frustrating for us."

As for the 311 hang-ups, Lyle said, "I just thought it was some mechanism that was built into the system. You got too many calls. You don't feel like being bothered. Just disconnect the people after they wait. I don't think that's what taxpayers expect to pay for."

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Weis: Police shift overdue

Most of us who have been watching what's going on with Chicago Police know that our police chief has been taking a beating. It could be from other city politicos, citizens, even within the ranks of Chicago Police. Even from the former police chief of the LAPD.

Whether or not Weis remains police chief after the new mayor enters City Hall's 5th floor I hope that the issue of shifting police to where the crime is will be visited. This will not be a beat realignment - that is redrawing the city's 281 beats according to changes in crime and population - which would have to wait until the city's wards are redone. Instead:
But two years into a hiring slowdown that has left the Chicago Police Department more than 2,300 officers a day short of authorized strength, Weis is prepared to take decisive action.

"We anticipate in the very near future of having a resource re-allocation that will better balance the workload of our officers throughout the entire city. We will re-allocate our resources to address where the crimes actually are," Weis said.

"I know I've talked about this for two years. We will deliver it in 2010. . . . We can't go three decades without adjusting resources again. That's inexcusable. . . . We're not talking about changing districts or beats right now. This is . . . a resource realignment to make sure we put those officers where they need to be based upon . . . a formula we would be able to adjust on a regular basis should crime shift, should communities change."

Weis did not say which police districts stand to lose officers and which districts stand to gain. He would only say that some districts "have an additional number of police officers above and beyond what analysis has proven they actually need. So we can move some of those officers to a district where analysis has shown they need some more."
Hat-tip to Brian Sleet for Alderman. This is an issue that should be raised. Beat realignment has been mentioned over the years, but no significant movement has been made on that issue.

Fall Family Festival (Halloween alternative) on Friday October 29

St. Mark United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Fall Family Festival on Friday, October 29th, 6pm- 8:30pm

Activities include games (with plenty of candy for prizes), crafts, food. Even more is planned than last year's festival, which was well attended.

Admission is free, but children need to be accompanied by an adult.


Costumes are welcome. However, they should be family-oriented (no devils, monsters, Freddy Krueger, etc.)

For more information, contact the church at

8441 S. St. Lawrence Ave


Chicago IL

773-846-2992

Office@stmarkumcchicago.org



If you have other Halloween / Halloween alternative activities, let us, TheSixthWard blog, know!



Halloween / Halloween Alternative activities

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Where is Ryan Harris's Mural?


Syron Smith who just so happens to be a candidate for 15th Ward Alderman in the 2011 election talks to Christine (sp?), the former governor of zipcode 60621, to discuss the issues at Lowe & Marquette Road. It was near that intersection where in July 1998 Ryan Harris' body was found.

They talk about an undone alley, the lack of attention to overgrowth of weeds and bushes, and even a mural to memorialize Ryan Harris that was never created.

Why is the 6th Ward Getting the Boot?


It was just last November 1st, 2009 that the Chicago Department of Revenue began 24 hour booting.

Not surprisingly, in that almost year’s time, booting is up from last year based on numbers provided by the DOR during city council budget hearings today at City Hall.

Total boots placed through August, 2009 was 41,469, according to DOR documentation. DOR booters have increased booting by 7.5% this year with 44,581 boots placed through August 31, 2010

The city’s number one ward for booting comes as no surprise, and is the same as last year. The 41st ward, where booters found easy pickings in the O’Hare Airport parking lot with 1,587 cars booted through the end of August. The 23rd ward, where Midway Airport is located is number two again with 1,540 booted vehicles. The 2nd ward ranks third with 1,423, the 27th ward was number four with 1,408 and the 32nd ward was fifth with 1,293 boots.

Here are the top 10 wards for booting.

Rank Ward Boots

#1 41 1587

#2 23 1540

#3 2 1423

#4 27 1408

#5 32 1293

#6 37 1222

#7 6 1212

#8 5 1152

#9 20 1107

#10 28 1086


Read the entire story at http://theexpiredmeter.com/?p=7357

Chatham, The Pride of Chicago

We were just alerted by the filmmaker himself, Jamal Cole about a documentary about Chatham. From his website:
Are you an original African-American family who moved to Chatham in the 50′s? WE want to interview you! Are you a resident who wants to share memories, the history & document changes as you’ve seen them occur in this area from the 60′s until 2010? Email us: jcole@rolemodelmovement.com to set up an interview time. Leave name, telephone number and age.
You can read more about his project here! Perhaps you would be willing to donate money to this project. Hopefully some of you will be credited as producers. :)

Sunday, October 17, 2010

OPEN BLOG: Block clubs

I took this picture on October 13, 2010. A block club sign on the 7300 block of South Prairie.

Questions: Are you currently active in a block club? Have you thought about forming a block club? Were you able to start a block club? Whatever your answer, feel free to tell us about your block club.

Tweet, e-mail, post a comment here or even Facebook your response!

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Latest 6th Ward Aldermanic Candidate - Sekum Walker

If you have any addition information on this candidate for us to submit to our 2011 page feel free to share. Write a comment in this post or on the page or send an email at thesixthward @ 1chicago.net. Remove the spaces around the @. Thanks - Levois

We have one other person distributing literature. Unfortunately, there is no contact info of any kind, so we don't know any other details.

This flyer was found the Quence The Cafe on79th near St. Lawrence

I apologize for the poor quality of the photo. Perhpas someone can post a link to a better graphic.


Check our 2011 Election page for a current list of potential candidates. We in the 6th currently have 7 candidates, the same as the 46th ward on the North Side.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Cassandra Goodrum Burton – potential challenger

I saw this over at Earlyandoften.org. They actually got one on us. :P

Anyway I added her name to the list of candidates for Alderman of the 6th Ward. The information includes a website as well @ http://www.goodrumburtonfor6thwardalderman.com.

Once again if you have any addition information for current candidates or any new candidates feel free to e-mail us (e-mail address is just below the recent comments), contact us on our FB page, and/or post a comment either in this post or on the 2011 page.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Wal-Mart to build 24 Chicago stores

AP:
Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the king of the big-box discount retailers, will shift its attention from supercenters to smaller stores in an attempt to gain new customers, according to a report—and Chicago will be a prime market for this expansion, receiving 24 new stores of three different sizes.

A Wal-Mart spokesman did not immediately return a call seeking confirmation of the news which was reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
...
Wal-Mart also is redirecting money from remodeling existing stores toward opening smaller new stores. Over the next two fiscal years, it plans to build 30 to 40 smaller stores, mostly in urban areas, Bill Simon, CEO of Wal-Mart U.S., said during an investor meeting in Rogers, Ark., on Wednesday. About half of those will likely be "Neighborhood Market" concepts that offer produce and dairy products.

Meanwhile, the average size of Wal-Mart's largest, supercenter-format store has shrunk to 180,000 square feet from 195,000 square feet. Mr. Simon said the company is accelerating the creation of stores that are between 30,000 and 60,000 square feet. Wal-Mart operates 2,843 large-format stores in the United States and 181 smaller neighborhood stores.

Both Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart and rival discounter Target Corp. are trying to break into densely populated urban areas and increase sales via smaller stores. But analysts have been concerned about Wal-Mart spending money on new stores while sales at existing stores have stagnated. Sales in Wal-Mart stores open for at least one year have declined for five consecutive quarters, though Wal-Mart Stores Inc. CEO Mike Duke predicted Wednesday that sales will turn positive in the fourth quarter.
Pullman or at least the area around Pullman may be considered an underserved area. Especially if you call these areas "food deserts", but what other underserved areas around the city could benefit from a smaller scale Wal-Mart store?

Illegal dumping prompts rodent infestation

This story takes place in Englewood and Ald. Lyle is quoted in this article about this problem:
Trash pickup for the 7000 block of South Parnell is every Wednesday but within a week not only is the trash twice as much but twice as bad, said Ruthie Shivers, 80, who lives at 7041 S. Parnell.
...
Alderman Freddrenna Lyle, whose 6th Ward includes portions of Englewood, said she previously spoke to residents living in the 7000 block of South Parnell about the situation and informed the city’s Department of Streets and Sanitation to look into the matter.

“I had previously spoke with the Streets and Sanitation superintendent for my ward about this matter but I did not know the situation had not been cleared up (in regards to the items illegally dumped),” Lyle told the Defender. “I do know that the city baited the alleys this summer to help combat the problem but it appears that more illegal dumping has since taken place and we are working on a long-term solution to prevent further illegal dumping.”

Lyle added that she spoke to Thomas Byrne, commissioner for the Streets and Sanitation Department, on Tuesday and he assured her that the items illegally dumped, such as tires, would be cleared away by Wednesday.

“I hate that it sometime takes the media to start inquiring before something is actually done but hey what can I say, it is what it is,” Lyle said.

In the alley there were warning signs stamped to light poles from the city informing the public about the rodent problem and it listed a June date as the last time the area was baited for rodents. City workers will hand out informational pamphlets to residents Wednesday letting them know what causes rodent problems and how to prevent them.
Read the whole thing. Perhaps rodents are a problem in your neck of the woods.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Outside of this storefront on 113 E. 95th Street.


The approximate location of this storefront you see above in Google Street View.

Check out the pictures below. Drove by one day and saw a storefront dominated by pictures of a person and other posters. Walked by earlier today and saw that this could be an eventual campaign HQ for Richard Wooten for Alderman. You can visit his website at http://www.chicago6thward.com. The middle poster he claims to live in Chatham has a church in Englewood, but has business interests in Grand Crossing and Park Manor. Hmmm sounds like a guy who wants to reach out to the various neighborhoods of the 6th.

Aside from this visible presence the storefront itself is gated up, but I look forward to them opening up shop. If anyone else running for Alderman next year has a campaign HQ, I look forward to you opening up shop as well. Let us know on our 2011 page!



Free flu shots available at sites for Chicago Dept. of Health

Courtesy of ABC7 and thanks to EveryBlock for noting the sites in our community on certain days:
  • Wednesday OCT. 13 Chatham Satellite Senior Center 10am-1pm 8300 S. Cottage Grove
  • Thursday OCT. 21 6th Ward Office 10am-1pm 406 E. 75th Street
  • Monday NOV. 1 Abbott Park Satellite Senior Center 10am-1pm 49 East 95th St.
  • Wednesday NOV. 3 Mather's More Than a Café 9am-3pm 33 E 83rd St.   
You can see a complete listing of all the dates and all the sites where you can get a free shot around the city at the link to ABC7.

Also watch this video with regards to why you should get a flu shot why you shouldn't get a flu shot.



Let's Get Pass Superman and Create Great Schools


Last year I attended the Chicago Public Schools High School Fair and noticed that the prospective students were gathering around the Selective Enrollment/Magnet Schools and the Military Academies. This year I attended the open house for Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences(CHAS). There were over 350 parents/guardians in the school's band room. The principal stated that he only had 150 spots open and some of those spots were restricted. Also, that students would not be notified until February- March if they were even eligible. The eye opener came when he mentioned that there were over 1800 applications last year and he expected that number to increase this year.

As we were waiting to take a tour I saw the jockeying by some teachers who brought students to the open house and it made me ask the question were they doing this for all their students? In the end, I asked did this process make sense and who really wins when high enrollment becomes a mathematical formula? It doesn't appear students win here when they are forced to go on a wild goose chase to get into high school.

If someone sees this as beneficial, please comment.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Could the Chicago Marathon work here?

So my family is watching some minutes of the CHicago Marathon, and seeing how the coverage highlights neighborhoods, and shows large crowds in the Downtown, near South, and North side Lakefront neighbrohoods.

NBC just featured Lakeview, with the coverage highlighting the Boystown portion (which is approximately 3200 North).

Would Chatham )(and the South Side in general) benefit form having the Chicago Marathon, or (more realistically) another type of race, wther walking , running, biking, or even skateboarding? Would a race bring business in, and expose new customers to what we have to offer.

Or would the hassle be too much?  We know closing down 75th for an extended time hurt...but how about for a SHORT time, such as EARLY Sunday morning?

Early Voting Opens on Tuesday October 12, 2010


Early Voting sites will open Tuesday, October 12.


By law, Early Voting for this election will end Thursday, October 28.

During Early Voting, Chicago voters may use any of the 54 Early Voting sites in the City, regardless of where they live.

Voters don't need a reason or excuse to use Early Voting.

During Early Voting, voters must present government-issued photo identification.

After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason.
Ballots cast in Early Voting are final. It is a felony to vote more than once -- or to attempt to vote more than once
-- in the same election.

LOCATIONS & HOURS Ward - Location - Hours

1st Ward - Goldblatts Building 1615 W. Chicago Ave. - Opens Tues., Oct. 12: weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
2nd Ward - Mabel Manning Library 6 S. Hoyne Ave. - Opens Tues., Oct. 12: weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
3rd Ward - Chicago Bee Library 3647 S. State St. - Opens Tues., Oct. 12: weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
4th Ward - M L King Community Ctr 4314 S. Cottage Grove - Opens Tues., Oct. 12: weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
5th Ward - Jackson Park 6401 S. Stony Island Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
6th Ward - Whitney Young Library 7901 S. M. L. King Jr. Dr. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
7th Ward - Jeffery Manor Library 2401 E. 100th St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
8th Ward - Olive Harvey College 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
9th Ward - Palmer Park 201 E. 111th St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
10th Ward - Vodak/East Side Library 3710 E. 106th St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
11th Ward - McKinley Park 2210 W. Pershing Rd. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
12th Ward - Back of the Yards Library 4650 S. Damen Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
13th Ward - West Lawn Park 4233 W. 65th St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
14th Ward - Archer Heights Library 5055 S. Archer Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
15th Ward - Lindbloom Park 6054 S. Damen Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
16th Ward - Sherman Park 1301 W. 52nd St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
17th Ward - Thurgood Marshall Library 7506 S. Racine Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
18th Ward - Wrightwood-Ashburn Library 8530 S. Kedzie Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
19th Ward - 22nd Police District 1900 W. Monterey Ave. - opens Mon., Oct. 11, Columbus Day, 9 am - 5 pm,
then all weekdays and Saturdays 9 am - 5 pm; Sundays 9 am - 3 pm
20th Ward - Coleman Library 731 E. 63rd St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
21st Ward - Woodson Regional Library 9525 S. Halsted St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
22nd Ward - Piotrowski Park 4247 W. 31st St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12 9 am - 5 pm , weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
23rd Ward - Clearing Library 6423 W. 63rd Pl. - opens Tues., Oct. 12, 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
24th Ward - Douglass Library 3353 W. 13th St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm , weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
25th Ward - Chinatown Library 2353 S. Wentworth Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm , weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
26th Ward - Humboldt Park Library 1605 N. Troy St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
27th Ward - Eckhart Park 1330 W. Chicago Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm , weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
28th Ward - West Side Learning Ctr 4624 W. Madison St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12 from 9 am - 5 pm,, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
29th Ward - Amundsen Park 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, , weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
30th Ward - Portage Cragin Library 5108 W. Belmont Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
31st Ward - Blackhawk Park 2318 N. Lavergne Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
32nd Ward - Bucktown-Wicker Park Library 1701 N. Milwaukee Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
33rd Ward - Independence Library 3548 W. Irving Park Rd. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
34th Ward - West Pullman Library 830 W. 119th St. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
35th Ward - Logan Square Library 3030 W. Fullerton Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
36th Ward - Hiawatha Park 8029 W. Forest Preserve Dr. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
37th Ward - West Chicago Library 4856 W. Chicago Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
38th Ward - Wright College - Science Bldg 4300 N. Narragansett Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
39th Ward - N. Park Village Admn Bldg 5801 N. Pulaski Rd. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
40th Ward - Budlong Woods Library 5630 N. Lincoln Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
41st Ward - Roden Library 6083 N. Northwest Hwy. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
42nd Ward - Access Living 115 W. Chicago Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
43rd Ward - Lincoln Park Library 1150 W. Fullerton Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
44th Ward - Merlo Library 644 W. Belmont Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
45th Ward - Edgebrook Library 5331 W. Devon Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
46th Ward - Truman College 1145 W. Wilson Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
47th Ward - Welles Park 2333 W. Sunnyside Ave. - opens Mon., Oct. 11, Columbus Day, 9 am - 5 pm,
then all weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm; Sundays 9 am - 3 pm
48th Ward - Edgewater Library 1210 W. Elmdale Ave.- opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
49th Ward - Pottawattomie Park 7340 N. Rogers Ave.- opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm
50th Ward - Warren Park 6601 N. Western Ave. - opens Tues., Oct. 12: 9 am - 5 pm, weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm

Board of Elections - 69 W. Washington St., Lower Level Conference Room - opens Mon., Oct. 11, Columbus Day, 9 am - 5 pm,
then all weekdays and Saturdays, 9 am - 5 pm; Sundays, 9 am - 3 pm

University of Illinois at Chicago, 750 S. Halsted, Student Center East, Lower Level - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays only, 9 am - 5 pm

Chicago State University, 9501 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Cordell Reed Student Union Bldg, 2nd Floor Cyber Cafe
- opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays only, 9 am - 5 pm

Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., Building B, Room 153 - opens Tues., Oct. 12, weekdays only, 9 am - 5 pm

For more information contact http://www.chicagoelections.com/page.php?id=9

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Ald. Lyle on Mark Kirk's comments


You can always watch the embedded video above, but at the same time here's what she is responding to:
The Kirk campaign confirms the congressman was secretly taped this week while telling state Republican leaders about his hiring of a voter integrity squad to concentrate on four regions that happen to be areas populated by large numbers of African-Americans who vote heavily Democratic.

"These are lawyers and other people that will be deployed in key, vulnerable precincts, for example, South and West sides of Chicago, Rockford, Metro East, where the other side might be tempted to jigger the numbers somewhat".

"For him to insinuate that there is some vote fraud going on in these communities is just an insult to the hundreds and hundreds of people who serve as election judges on elections. I find it disgraceful and insulting," said Ald. Freddrenna Lyle.

Lyle, a Democratic Committee member and an Alexi Giannoulias supporter, and others were offended by Kirk's use of the verb "jigger" when talking about regions heavily populated by black voters.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary says "jigger" does mean "to alter, re-arrange, or manipulate" and has been used by many politicians to describe election fraud.

"The problem I had is that it sounds so much like another word," Rev. Albert Tyson said.
Well this fits. Ald. Lyle believes this election for US Senate between Congressman Mark Kirk (R) and state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D) is important if for no other reason than the morale aspects. If the Democratic Party can't keep his old Senate seat in the D camp then it may make the President look weak and the Republicans wouldn't let the President and the Democrats hear the last of it. I believe that!

Applications Available for 2011 Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program


PROGRAM
The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings talented college seniors and recent graduates to Washington, D.C., where they are placed in congressional offices and learn about health policy issues, with a focus on issues affecting racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities. Through the ten-week program (May 23, 2011 through August 6, 2011), Scholars gain knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and leadership skills. In addition to gaining experience in a congressional office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to augment their knowledge of health care issues, and write and present a health policy research memo that addresses a problem of concern to disadvantaged populations.



PURPOSE
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation established the Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program at Howard University to honor the legacy of former Foundation Trustee and Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and to expand the pool of students in the field of health policy who are interested in issues affecting racial and ethnic minority and underserved communities. As a member of the United States Congress and the Texas State Legislature, Barbara Jordan's distinguished career was exemplified by her tireless advocacy of behalf of vulnerable populations. She brought this passion to her work, inspiring others to become involved in addressing challenging health policy issues.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS


Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who will be a senior or a recent graduate (a person who graduated in September 2008 or later) of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of 2010. Graduate students and individuals with an advanced degree are not eligible to apply. Successful applicants will show evidence of academic achievement and will demonstrate the following:
Be a member of a population that is adversely affected by racial or ethnic disparities in health; and/or
Have experience working in or with programs that address health issues disproportionately affecting racial and ethnic minorities or underserved communities (e.g. local health departments, community health centers, inner city/rural hospitals or organizations that conduct research on or develop policy related to health or healthcare disparities) or have done previous academic work (e.g. taken courses, written papers or participate in research projects) related to health disparities.

HOW TO APPLY

The application is completely web-based. In order to complete the application, you will need the following pieces of information:
an electronic copy of your resume,
an electronic copy of your official transcript,
a list of extracurricular activities, and
the email addresses for at least two references (one of whom must be a faculty member).
Please note that we will contact your references to complete their recommendation. They will be asked to submit a letter of recommendation as well as complete a short questionnaire.

All application materials, including letters of recommendation, are due by 5 pm ET December 3, 2010.

If you are ready to begin your application, go to http://bjscholars.kff.org/applications/homepages/display_page.php?form_homepage_id=1

2011 Talbots Scholarship fro Women


Talbots Charitable Foundation

In keeping with its long-standing tradition of helping women succeed,
the Talbots Charitable Foundation is proud to present
the 2011 Talbots Scholarship Foundation and the Nancy Talbot Scholarship Award
for perseverance and ingenuity, which is presented in memory of the founder of
Talbots. This program empowers women to enrich themselves through learning
and achieve a college education later in life.

Completely re-imagined, the Talbots Scholarship Foundation will award
$180,000 in college scholarships for the 2011 academic year, including up to
ten (10) $15,000 scholarships and one (1) $30,000 scholarship to an
extraordinary finalist demonstrating courage, conviction and an insatiable
entrepreneurial spirit.

Learn more about the program and how to apply by visiting https://www.talbots.com/scholarship
starting Monday, October 4, 2010. The deadline for applications is Monday, January 3, 2011.

Only the first 5,000 eligible applications received will be processed.

We hope you'll join us in spreading the word about this unique scholarship program for women.


ELIGIBILITY

Applicants to the 2010 Talbots Scholarship Foundation must:


* Be women currently residing in the United States or Canada;
* Be women who have earned a high school diploma or their GED on or before September 2001;
* Be enrolled or planning to enroll in a full- or part-time undergraduate course of study at an accredited 2- or 4- year college, or university
* Be attending the full 2011-12 academic year and receiving a degree no earlier than May 2012; and
* Have at least two semesters (24 credit hours or more) remaining to complete an undergraduate degree as of the beginning of the 2011 fall academic term.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

CTA gets funds to study Red Line expansion


At least for now more studies. I ought to look into what it takes to build expansions of a rail network such as the CTA L. Ok we have studies and public input OK after getting approval when does construction start?

Anyway here's more from Transport Politics:
Last week, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced that it had received $285,000 in planning money from the federal government to pursue a draft environmental impact study on the extension of the Red Line rapid transit corridor south to 130th Street. The agency says that this project, which will bring rail transit service to the city’s southeastern border, is its top priority.
...
Nonetheless, with most of the system upgraded to at least workable standards, the CTA is now promoting a 5.8-mile, $1.4 billion extension of its network, designed specifically to ensure rapid and transfer-free travel from the city center to its southern edge. This Red Line scheme, in addition to further extensions of the Yellow and Orange Lines, has been in planning for several years. Yet the high price of the project, combined with the existence of substantial transit infrastructure already in place in the area, suggests there may be other options.
Let's talk about the map above. In addition to the proposed Red Line extension there is a proposed routing for the Southeast service for Metra and then the gray line that follows the route of the Metra Electric. In other words there are proponents of bolstering the commuter rail network in many of these underserved communities.

This is worth reading when you have some time.

Hat-tip CTA Tattler!

Chatham/Avalon Park Community Council: Blog Question

Chatham/Avalon Park Community Council: Blog Question: "Which blog best serves the interests of Chatham, the Sixth Ward blog or the CAPCC blog, and why? Leave your comments on the comment line."

That was posted at the CAPCC blog yesterday and I promised an answer which is that I believe both blogs serve a niche.

The Sixth Ward was named for the city council district. The 6th is also a very broad area that covers not only one neigborhood but several such as Park Manor, Chatham, Chesterfield, Englewood, and Roseland Heights.
CAPCC, on the other hand, serves more a neighborhood that this blog might and in addition they are connected by name to a neighborhood organization.

While at the Sixth Ward we do attempt to cover what is going on in the neighborhoods, the CAPCC is the direct source for news as it pertains to the Chatham neighborhood. While the CAPCC might cover issues and then seek to lobby the federal government for neighborhood improvements. The Sixth Ward will also cover politics as it related to us locally.

This was a comment from a reader to the link I posted on the FB page last night:
If both blogs provide informational services to the community, then why is a comparison needed?? Is there not enough room for both to exist and serve the community?
Perhaps there is enough room for both. Besides I was elated to have found out about the CAPCC blog early in 2009. Hopefully others will be inspired to help build a local bloggosphere in our community. And they too will serve their own niches as well.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Ald. Lyle on Rahm Emanuel Part 2

This quote courtesy of the Chicago News Cooperative:
Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th) said of Emanuel’s embryonic mayoral campaign message: “I am not excited at all about this rebirth that he is giving himself, redefinition. It’s marketing, you take the same package and put some different colors on it and call it something new.”
Here's Part 1!

LSC meeting for Shedd

Well I do want to cover LSC's and this one I could make depending on my schedule. Of course Shedd School is a branch of Bennett and the Oct. 20 (starting at 4PM) LSC meeting is actually there located @ 10115 S Prairie Ave. Right across the Calumet (Bishop Ford) Expressway in the Rosemoor neighborhood.

It's unfortunate that the only way I can know of events at Shedd School is by having to look at the sign outside of the school. Surely members of the surrounding community would want to know what's going on at the local elementary school just as easily as they're worried about Harlan.

At least to Harlan's credit we don't have to search far and wide for events. All we have to do, especially if we're web saavy is to check out Harlan's website. Unfortunately they utilize other social media such as Ning, Twitter or even Blogger and yet they don't update those as much as perhaps I would like them. Although it's understandable that doing so takes a lot of time anyway.

As I am with Harlan, I'm very curious as to what's going on at Bennett-Shedd because well I used to go to school there as well.

Huberman to leave CPS May next year

This is sort of big news, but you know the new mayor should have the ability to pick their own team:
Chicago Public Schools chief Ron Huberman has told Mayor Richard Daley he has no intention of serving another mayor and intends to leave his $230,000-a-year job before the mayor leaves office in mid-May.

Huberman's departure could mean Daley would have to turn over the nation's third-largest school system in mid-school-year to a caretaker CEO who would be replaced after a new mayor takes office.

All this threatens to occur over a critical set of months, when CPS traditionally devises its budget, prepares for state tests and decides which schools to close. It must tackle the tasks with an administrative staff decimated by budget cuts, teachers left disgruntled by cost-saving layoffs and the specter of even worse budget woes next school year.

In addition, news of Huberman's planned departure comes after the school system has languished for months without a chief education officer. The No. 2 job has been vacant since June 30, when Barbara Eason-Watkins left to run the school district in Michigan City, Ind., where she owns a home.

When asked how long Huberman would remain on the job, CPS spokeswoman Monique Bond said she did not "have a date."
There's also this:
While he said there is no way to know whether he will stay after the election, he said he remains committed to seeing through a handful of initiatives he's shepherded since joining the district in January 2009, including extending the school day using online courses. He also noted he was deeply involved in preparing the district's next budget.
That means as CPS CEO and as CTA President he's had relatively short tenures compared to others who have held their respective positions in the past. Although I would have to suppose that in this case who knows if he would still have a job when a new mayor finally takes office.

Both articles via CapFax morning shorts!

Get in the Game. Drop Off Your Kicks and Help Cole Park


Get in the Game. Drop Off Your Kicks.Clean out your closet, take a peek under the bed and ask your friends and family – chances are, you'll find a few pairs of kicks lying around that have seen better days.

When it's time to say goodbye, bring your athletic shoes to our local Nike Reuse-A-Shoe drop-off location.

Nike Factory Store
8510 SOUTH COTTAGE GROVE AVE.
CHICAGO, IL 60619
773.846.5460

Not Near a Drop-Off Location?
You can also mail your worn-out sneakers directly to our recycling facility. Please note that Nike cannot pay for individuals' shipping costs. Mail them to:

Nike Grind Processing
3552 Avenue of Commerce
Memphis, TN 38125

Download a Mailing Label

What Should You Know?
Please limit in-store drop-offs to 10 pairs of shoes at a time to prevent overwhelming our collection bins.
If you can, bring your shoes to a drop-off location rather than mailing them. This helps consolidate shipments to our facility, which results in a smaller carbon footprint for the program.
We can only accept shipments at our recycling facility. Please do not mail shoes to our retail stores.
Remember, athletic shoes and LIVESTRONG wristbands only. We can’t recycle shoes with metal parts, mud or water, cleats, dress shoes, sandals or flip-flops, or wristbands from other brands.

For more information on the program go to http://www.facebook.com/nikereuseashoe?v=wall

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Rahm visited Chatham video on demand

The first video is from ABC 7. JP blogged a story where Rahm had gotten an earful at Izola's located at 522 E 79th St in Chatham.


On WGN, Izola's was mentioned as a favorite hangout of Chicago's first black mayor Harold Washington.


Finally CBS 2's Mike Pucinelli was outside of Izola's when he filed this report Monday morning. A guy was there asking about why the federal stimulus hadn't created any news jobs!
This video filed Monday evening showed a division of opinions with regards to Emanuel. Nothing appears to have been taped in Chicago in this video. But they did mention one thing, the video that was shot of him announcing his listening tour. Well it was filed in Washington, DC.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Rahm visited Chatham part 2

Here's the update of the story we reported yesterday.

Well, it looks like it didn;t go so well for Rahm Emanuel at Izola's
But as he wolfed down scrambled eggs and sipped coffee at Izola's Restaurant on 79th Street with three patrons, some residents tried to interrupt, blaming the former White House strategist for a lack of jobs on the South Side. As the cameras rolled, Emanuel stood up and tried to quell the simmering scene, explaining how he felt the Obama administration had helped create jobs.

"You are going to be asked some hardball questions and get your bat out," Paul Johnson, 49, eventually told Emanuel. "Welcome to Chicago."
Read the rest of the story at Chicago Breaking News.

Anyone have any stories or photos?

Ex-RTA boss: no expansion funds

Sun-Times and this may not bode well for that Red Line extension from 95th into Roseland:
"We've got to stop raising expectations that we're going to be able to expand the system," said [RTA Executive Director Stephen] Schlickman. He pointed out that the CTA alone needs $10 billion in capital funding over the next 10 years just to stay in a state of good repair, let alone create something new.

"There's not a feasible financial plan for any of the new start projects proposed by any of the agencies right now," said Schlickman. That includes the proposed expansion of the Red Line to 130th Street.

"The federal government will not allow them to advance [out of the alternatives analysis phase] unless they put forward a credible financial plan, and they don't have it."
This article is worth your time if you're into transit policy. Lot's of numbers and some other proposals can be read here, but I want to stay focused on this Red Line extension.

BTW, whoever will be the next mayor, they may want to put out a credible financial plan for this. If this is too far down on their priorities then perhaps our Aldermanic candidates can come up with some ideas.

Hat-tip CapFax morning shorts!

Rahm Emanuel visted Chatham

UPDATE 11:13 AM - CAPCC Blog reports that Emanuel was at Izola's this morning!

Just saw this from AP News.
Emanuel, who stepped down as White House chief of staff last week to run for mayor of Chicago, appeared at an elevated train station on Roosevelt Road on the city's near South Side, shaking hands with commuters.

Emanuel plans at least two other stops Monday morning — in the city's Chatham neighborhood and then in the Pilsen neighborhood.

In a video released over the weekend, he said he would embark on a "Tell It Like It Is" listening tour of the city.
The rest of the story here -- Rahm Emanuel visits Chatham

Sorry we didn't weren't able to get any specific info (i.e. the restaurant...guessing it's either Izola's or Army & Lou's..maybe Captain's Hard Time Dining), or ahead of time (in case you were interested).

We would love any photos, comments or stories about all mayor candidates having a big event here.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

What a day to be slow on the draw?

Well I know that there are others who are already in the race for Mayor, but today Rahm Emanuel announces his entrance into this race via....a YouTube video. Well this is probably a big deal in Washington since he was expected to give up his Chief of Staff job at the White House for this. It's been expected for a while!



Via Chicagoist!

So does this YouTube video seem distant to you?

Oh yeah here's his campaign website. I think I will keep an eye out for other candidates for Mayor though probably not as extensively as checking the candidates for Alderman of the 6th.

Man faces charges after allegedly trying to run down cops

This foolishness is a little too close to home!
A 50-year-old near west suburban man has been charged with a dozen counts ranging from aggravated battery of a police officer to running a stop sign following an incident early Saturday in which he allegedly tried to run over police officers on the South Side.

The incident happened about 12:40 a.m. Saturday on the 100 block of East 95th Street. Police shot at a tire of a vehicle that was being driven at an officer, Calumet Area detectives said.
Nobody was struck by gunfire and nobody was injured, police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro said.

Alvin Herbert, 50, of the 500 block of Des Plaines in Forest Park, was charged and cited following that incident, according to police News Affairs.

Herbert battered, resisted, and attempted to assault police officers who were conducting a traffic stop after they observed Herbert's vehicle commit traffic violations, a release from News Affairs said.
Well got wind of this story on the Blotter, but Chicagoist mentioned it as well!

Saturday, October 2, 2010

Chicago Mayor's Race May Be Battle Of Shoe Leather

An AP article on the Mayor's race. Which mayoral candidate(s) do you think will be able to put volunteers in the neighborhoods for 2011?

Friday, October 1, 2010

Wards with most, fewest water meters

Sun-Times:
Fewer than one of every three Chicago homeowners has a water meter, which would ensure that they pay only for the water they use — and are able to lower their bill by reducing their consumption, even in the face of what have been steep rate hikes. Homeowners who don’t have a meter also have faced those same rate hikes, no matter how much water they use. They’re charged a flat fee for water based not on usage but on a century-old formula involving the width of their lot and the height of their house.

The result is that many people who don’t have meters pay more for water than their neighbors who do.

Most of those unmetered homes — including those of about half the city’s 50 aldermen — live on the Southwest Side or the Northwest Side, the bungalow belt.
At the link there is a listing of the 50 wards and where they sit as far as the percentage of homes that have water meters.

The 6th had only 20% of residences with a meter. 2,414 residents have a meter while 9,694 are without meters.

Candidates' Forum - Wednesday October 6, 2010 at 6:30 pm

Notice of this event is courtesy of Kari Steele who not only was a candidate for commissioner of the Water Reclamation District, but also Chairwoman of the 6th Ward Young Democrats
  • On Wednesday, October 6, 2010, the Chicago Alumnae and Lambda Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in partnership with the Chicago Urban League will host a Candidates Forum to hear from those running for the office of Governor, United States Senate, Treasurer and Comptroller. It will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM) at Chicago Urban League, 4510 South Michigan, Chicago. We recognize the importance of the upcoming election and are committed to increasing political involvement and awareness throughout metropolitan Chicago . 

    Please plan to attend the forum and invite your family, friends and neighbors to attend as well.
Remember, the mayoral election isn't until next February. We vote on November 2nd for various offices such as Cook County Board President, County Assessor, Sheriff, Governor and of course US Senate.

You can still register to vote for this election up until Oct. 26th. Refer to this post for more info!