Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Facebook Page All Facts, No Fiction

July 23, 2014, 8:44 pm

≫ Next: Villarreal Vows to Take on Zalewski, Madigan, Burke in 23rd Ward Race

≪ Previous: Fight or Flight? Self-Defense Tips Shared With Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch

As they have in the past, leaders of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch are reminding everyone that while Facebook and other forms of social media can be useful tools to share information, they can harm a community, in cases where they are used to spread rumors and

reckless speculation.

The issue was mentioned briefly at the July 21 meeting of the group, held at European Chalet Banquets at the Mayor's Mansion, 5445 S. Harlem.

Cacciottolo and other GRNW board members took a moment to point out the differences between their Facebook page and other local Facebook groups that use buzzwords like "watch,""watchdog,""crime" and more.

While careful not to single out any individual Facebook group or issue any sort of blanket criticism, Cacciottolo said of the GRNW Facebook group, “We only put on information that people need to know.

GRNW Secretary Michele Doherty added, “Everything is verified. When we share the information, it has been verified by the police.”

“The [GRNW] Facebook page is not a rumor mill,” Cacciottolo stated.

Also at Monday's meeting:

** The GRNW honored David and Nancy Leno, owners of Midway Tree Service, as the business people of the month.

David Leno (left) and Al Cacciottolo

Midway Tree Service has a 34-year affiliation with Garfield Ridge and surrounding communities. It began in 1980 when David and his brother and former partner Nick, cut down a tree for a neighbor, and decided they liked working in the outdoors. They borrowed a saw from their older brother, threw it in the trunk of Nancy Leno’s 1979 Buick Skylark and a business was born.

Many years, trees and specialized equipment later, the Lenos are still serving the neighborhood where his parents, Nick and Martha raised them.

David Leno thanked the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch for the award, stressing, “I’ve been in this neighborhood all my life.”

** Cacciottolo then went on to introduce Summit Police Sergeant Edward Zieman, the new head of the Summit Neighborhood Watch organization.

Cacciottolo said that many members sit in on the Summit Neighborhood Watch meetings,

Summit PD Sergeant Edward Zieman

and that both groups exchange information to keep abreast of both sides of what is happening on both sides of Harlem Avenue.

“It’s a nice working relationship,” Cacciottolo said. “It’s been awesome.”

** The Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch will be participating in National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5. This time they are making the event even more local. Instead of participating with the Clearing Night Force as they have done in previous years, the GRNW will be driving around Garfield Ridge in a police-and fire department-led motorcade. The group will start their motorcade at 7 p.m. from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 5259 S. Parkside, and end their evening at Valley Forge Park, 7001 W. 59th St., where they will serve light refreshments.

While driving around the neighborhood, the group will be beeping their horns in acknowledgement of National Night Out, which urges citizens to fight crime in their own neighborhoods. Cacciottolo asked that those who can’t participate to please leave their porch light on as a symbolic gesture.

** The GRNW and Cacciottolo asked members and residents to “Take Pride in Your Backside,” a new initiative by the group to clean up alleyways behind otherwise well groomed houses.

“We are asking residents to worry about their 30-foot backside,” Cacciottolo said.

He added that the group will be taking on a special alley, near 58th and New England, at 10 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 10. They will meet by the alley, where there is parking, according to Mike Doherty, GRNW vice president. They will have rakes, shovels, brooms and more available for volunteers. Everyone is invited to join in. Cacciottolo said it would probably only take a couple of hours.

** Another Sell-A-Bration, a large garage sale type of event, will be held by the GRNW on Saturday, Aug. 23 since the June event was a partial rainout, said Arlene White, one of the GRNW board members in charge of special events.

White said that those who participated in June would get a discount on renting a table and added that anyone who is interested in participating in the Aug. 23 Sell-A-Bration is welcome to rent a space at the Kennedy High School parking lot. The group, she added, only charges space rental, and the participant gets to keep whatever profit is made at the event.

** Donna Gesiakowski encouraged everyone to get involved with Honor Flight Chicago, which honors World War II veterans by taking them on a day-long trips to Washington D.C.

The veterans take a 4:30 a.m. flight chartered by Honor Flight out of Midway Airport to the nation’s capital and they are treated to tours of various war memorials.

For more information, see the Honor Flight Chicago listing in the Southwest Chicago Post's community calendar.

# # #

↧

Villarreal Vows to Take on Zalewski, Madigan, Burke in 23rd Ward Race

July 24, 2014, 5:35 am

≫ Next: Sheriff Nabs 36-Year-Old Sleepy Hollow Man in Central Stickney Bar Stabbing

≪ Previous: Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Facebook Page All Facts, No Fiction

Garfield Ridge business owner Paulino Villarreal announced his candidacy for 23rd Ward alderman on Wednesday night.

The Southwest Chicago Post was there to record the moment, particularly his opening statement.

Here it is:

Update:

Posted below is additional video shot by the Southwest Chicago Post, in which Paulino Villarreal responds to a few questions on local issues.

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# # #

↧

Sheriff Nabs 36-Year-Old Sleepy Hollow Man in Central Stickney Bar Stabbing

July 25, 2014, 4:19 pm

≫ Next: Letters to the Editor

≪ Previous: Villarreal Vows to Take on Zalewski, Madigan, Burke in 23rd Ward Race

The press release below was just released at 5:19 p.m. today by the Cook County Sheriff''s Office:

~ ~ ~

A 36-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder for a stabbing that occurred at a bar in unincorporated Stickney, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart said today.

Jorge Rivera-Camacho, of the 4300 block of South Keating Ave in Chicago, appeared in bond court on

Jorge Rivera-Camacho

Tuesday where he was ordered held in lieu of $750,000 bond.

According to the Sheriff’s Police investigation, at approximately 9:45 p.m. on July 20, Rivera- Camacho got into a verbal argument with another person at a bar in the 4800 block of S. Central Ave.

The 48-year-old victim intervened and also became involved in the argument with Rivera-Camacho. Rivera-Camacho left the bar, went to a parked vehicle, returned to the bar and continued to argue with the victim. Rivera-Camacho then stabbed the victim once in the chest with a knife, according to the investigation.

Rivera-Camacho fled the bar, but responding Sheriff’s Police officers found him and placed him in custody. Officers also recovered a knife.

The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

Rivera-Camacho’s next court date is scheduled for Aug. 14 at the Bridgeview Courthouse.

Sheriff Dart reminds the public that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the government in a court of law.

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↧

Letters to the Editor

July 26, 2014, 4:48 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Sheriff Nabs 36-Year-Old Sleepy Hollow Man in Central Stickney Bar Stabbing

Editor's note: We respect your opinion and are privileged to share it via this website. All letters to the editor will

be reviewed before being posted. We do allow anonymous comments, yet we will not allow the Southwest Chicago Post to serve as a forum for bigotry of any kind. We also will not allow personal attacks against anyone, including elected officials and other public figures. On this site, all of us need to keep our tone respectful and our criticisms constructive. That's important as we work together to build better Southwest Side neighborhoods for all. So please join the conversation by sending your letter to editor@swchicagopost.com.

* * *

Dear Editor,

I saw your videos, and I think it's sad that you are endorsing Paulino Villarreal for alderman of the 23rd Ward. We need to keep our alderman, Mike Zalewski working for us!

David Olszewski
Garfield Ridge

Editor's reply: The Southwest Chicago Post has not endorsed any political candidates for any office, including for 23rd Ward alderman. We may possibly endorse at some point in the future. But we have definitely not at this point. Our eyes, ears and minds are open.

We covered Paulino Villarreal's announcement of his candidacy for two reasons: first, it's news. Second, we were available to be there and cover it. Nothing more, nothing less.

Covering it as we did, where we basically just let our cameras roll, C-SPAN style, gives candidates a chance to say what they want, and it gives voters a clear view of the candidates, unfiltered by news reporters. The Southwest Chicago Post is the only Southwest Side news organization that does it that way.

* * *

Editor,

Are you going to be accepting political advertising? I hope not. This Quinn-Rauner race is getting uglier every day, and these attacks ads are everywhere. Makes we want to turn off the radio, TV and even the computer.

Ellie Swiderik
West Lawn

Editor's reply: Yes, we do welcome advertising from political candidates, under limited circumstances. Our basic package includes a simple clickable-icon, on the right-hand side of each and every swchicagopost.com page, 24/7. Our upgraded package includes an icon, plus embedded video. That said, we will strive for a balance--in other words, give candidates the exposure they want, yet don't allow political messages to clutter our news content. Candidates who want to advertise should email editor@swchicagopost.com. Southwest Chicago Post readers are Southwest Side men and women who are smart, aware, who are registered to vote and vote, and who are the type of people who typically influence the opinions of others. Campaign dollars spent with the Southwest Chicago Post are well targeted. Candidates who put their trust in mass mailings often don't understand that most of their dollars are wasted because people throw away their message, unread, as junk mail.

* * *

Editor,

Please keep up the good work telling the truth about Mayor Rahm Emanuel. You're the only newspaper on the Southwest Side doing it. I just about get sick to my stomach when I see other neighborhood newspapers running these press statements from Emanuel, word for word, with absolutely no comment. Same thing with Lipinski.

You guys got backbone. Keep it up. Rahm is a disgrace and has got to go in 2015.

John Wilkosz

Garfield Ridge

Editor's reply: Thank you. We typically don't run press releases from politicians. Why? Because they typically don't send them to us in the first place. Why don't they? Because they know we will actually read them and may comment on them, and that commentary may include criticism. An independent neighborhood news organization that uses its head is something many politicians don't want.

* * *

Editor,

I saw what the Eighth District police commander said about the bucket boys. I think it's sad that we pay taxes for police protection, and then the police decide they're not going to enforce the law. These so-called bucket boys are panhandlers disguised as musicians. Maybe we should have the bucket boys play outside the police commander's office and see how he likes it.

Lupe Mendez
Clearing

* * *

Editor,

Thank you for continuing to give us the news about crime in the district. I especially like that you deliver the news when you get it and don't wait for some daily or weekly deadline. I saw a few weeks back that you posted crime news at 3 in the morning! Don't you sleep?

Delores Murphy

Scottsdale

Editor's reply: When you enjoy what you do as much as we do, it's not work. So if it's midnight or later, and we receive a crime-related alert from the Chicago Police Department or Cook County Sheriff, or FBI or anyone--and the information is something useful that the men and women of the Southwest Side may want to know about promptly, we don't roll over and go back to sleep. We're up and on the computer, pulling it together and getting it to you quickly. It's what we do. We're glad you like it. Thank you!

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# # #

↧

Crime News Update

July 28, 2014, 10:23 pm

≫ Next: St. Rene School Sets Open House, Outdoor Movie Night for August 8th

≪ Previous: Letters to the Editor

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

The FBI and other law enforcement agencies continue to investigate a strong-arm robbery of the BMO Harris Bank at 6400 S. Pulaski at 12:40 p.m. Thursday, July 24.

According to authorities, the robber handed a teller a note that read, "Give me $50,000 in hundreds."

The teller responded by handing over a stack of $100 bills. When the criminal demanded more, she gave him stacks of $50s and $20s.

A bank security guard said the robber fled out the front door, running west on 64th Street before jumping into the passenger seat of a silver Pontiac, when then sped north on Komensky.

Officials said that the robber dropped his red baseball cap and stick-up note at the scene.

He is described as a black man age 22-30, 6'0 to 6'4 and 160-230 pounds, brown eyes, black dreadlocks, medium complexion, with a birth mark on the left side of his face, wearing tan shorts and a multi-colored top.

* * *

A 21-year-old West Lawn man said by police to be an admitted gangbanger was arrested and

Arthur R. Beristain

charged with burglary and criminal trespass to land, after he allegedly was seen rummaging through a car near 62nd and Keating.

Arthur R. Beristain of 62nd and Kilpatrick was apprehended by police after a foot chase at 3:57 a.m. Wednesday, July 23.

Bond was set at $30,000, and Beristain was scheduled to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 48, 155 W. 51st St., on Wednesday, July 30.

* * *

Burglars broke into the Chuangyi Metals warehouse, 3939 S. Karlov, and stole a forklift valued at $15,000 and a front loader valued at $20,000.

The crime occurred at about 8:20 p.m. Wednesday, July 23. A short time later, the same burglars used the forklift to steal six pallets of boxed pedestal fans from a warehouse at 4500 W. 47th St., according to a police incident report. In all, 384 fans were stolen, with a total value of $10,000.

The criminals gained access to the warehouse by smashing their way through a loading dock door. Police said they were reviewing surveillance video.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 815 or 821 (see map), come to St. Bruno School (south entrance) at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 6. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

A 34-year-old woman was stabbed by a robber in the backyard of her home near 50th and Kenneth.

The victim told police that she saw a man sitting in her yard at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. He reportedly stabbed her with a switchblade knife as he said, "Give me your f~cking purse, b~tch."

He fled on foot with the purse, and the victim was transported by ambulance to Christ Hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.

She described the attacker as a Hispanic man age 35-45, 5’6 to 5’7, medium complexion, wearing a black baseball cap and dark blue shorts.

* * *

A thug tried but failed to steal money from two clerks at Family Dollar, 5016 S. Cicero.

According to the 29-year-old store manager, the offender handed a note to a clerk at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday, July 20. The note read, "All your money now, or die."

The clerk passed the note to the manager, who immediately kicked a safe door closed. The robber fled the store, running through the parking lot and then west on 50th Street. He is described as a black man age 28-33, 6’1 to 6’3 and 220-240 pounds, brown eyes, dark complexion, black braided hair, wearing a black baseball cap, gray t-shirt and blue jeans.

* * *

A 62-year-old Archer Heights man told police he was robbed at gunpoint as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 4854 S. Karlov at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 23.

Stolen was the victim’s brown leather shoulder bag, which contained a wallet, cell phone, credit cards, driver’s license and $50 cash. The robber is described as a Hispanic man age 20-22, 5’6 and 170 pounds, light complexion.

* * *

A 36-year-old man from suburban Worth, who police said described himself as a panhandler who works the 79th and Cicero area, was shot by young men with a BB gun.

The shooting occurred at 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 at a CTA bus stop in front of 4755 W. 79th Street. The victim could only describe his attackers as Arab males in a white SUV.

* * *

Burglars forced open the front window of a home near 51st and Hamlin and stole a video game console, four gold chains, a tiffany necklace, and $280 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 34-year-old man, when he came home from work at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 24.

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Burglars forced open the front window of a home near 63rd and Kilbourn and stole two laptop computers, a desktop computer, a TV, assorted jewelry, two video game consoles, an iPod and $3,300 cash.

The same burglars also allegedly forced open the service door of the garage and stole assorted tools, a bicycle, a battery charger, a generator and an air compressor.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 50-year-old man, when he came home from work at 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 23.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 53rd and Kolin and stole a snowblower, a circular saw, a jigsaw and a bicycle.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 41-year-old woman, at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 22. There was no sign of forced entry, and she told police she thinks rats may have triggered a motion sensor that raises the overhead door.

* * *

A 90-year-old West Elsdon woman who left a front window open a crack for ventilation when she left her house near 52nd and Hamlin, returned at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22 to find the premises burglarized and an unknown amount of jewelry missing.

* * *

Burglars broke through a bathroom window of a basement apartment near 49th and Kildare and stole a DVD player and $350 cash.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 29-year-old man, when he came home at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22.

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St. Rene School Sets Open House, Outdoor Movie Night for August 8th

July 29, 2014, 9:11 pm

≫ Next: Elderly Man Gets Scammed By Phony IRS Agent, Loses $13,000 in One Day

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

Just sharing some information from our friends at St. Rene Goupil School.

Looks like fun. Mark your calendars!

# # #

↧

Elderly Man Gets Scammed By Phony IRS Agent, Loses $13,000 in One Day

July 31, 2014, 8:49 pm

≫ Next: Archer BP Meeting and Beating Suburban Stations on Gasoline Prices

≪ Previous: St. Rene School Sets Open House, Outdoor Movie Night for August 8th

The following crime did not occur on Chicago's Southwest Side.

It occurred in southwest suburban Palos Park on Thursday, July 31.

But it could have easily happened on the Southwest Side.

Our thanks to Palos Park Police Chief Joe Miller (a Southwest Chicago Post reader), who shared it with us as an important cautionary tale.

* * *

At about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, a Palos Park senior

citizen receives a phone call from a man who identifies himself as "Jack Copper" and claims to be an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent (but in reality is not). The victim's caller ID display showed 1-800-829-1040, an actual IRS phone number (but in reality, it was being spoofed by the con artist).

"Jack Copper" tells the victim that he is delinquent on his taxes since 2001-06 and owes $4,400 to the government. "Lose your house or pay your debt," the authentic sounding (but fake) "IRS agent" tells the victim.

So the victim goes to a nearby Marquette Bank location with instructions to obtain a Green Dot Money Pak card and then share the card numbers with "Jack Copper."

In the end, the elderly victim lost about $13,000 of his own money.

* * *

In the wake of the crime, Chief Miller has once again shared some good advice:

Tax Scams

Don't fall victim to tax scams. Remember — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Phony Arguments

No matter how some things are sliced, they're still baloney. If someone tells you that you don't have to pay taxes, check out The Truth About Frivolous Tax Arguments. This IRS.gov exclusive addresses some of the more common false "legal" arguments made by those opposed to compliance with the federal tax laws. Each contention is briefly explained, followed by a discussion of the legal authority that rejects the contention. The second section deals with frivolous arguments encountered in collection due process cases. The final section illustrates penalties imposed on those pursuing frivolous cases.

Identity Theft Scams

The IRS has issued several consumer warnings about the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scamsters trying to gain access to consumers’ financial information in order to steal their identity and assets. Scamsters will use the regular mail, telephone, fax or email to set up their victims. When identity theft takes place over the Internet (email), it is called phishing.

The IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications through email. Unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, or from an IRS-related component such as EFTPS, should be reported to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. within an unsolicited email claiming to come from the IRS may download a malicious computer virus onto your computer.

Learn more about identity theft. Learn how to protect your personal information. You may also report instances of IRS-related phishing attempts and fraud to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. Reporting Tax-Related Schemes, Scams, Identity Theft and Fraud.

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Archer BP Meeting and Beating Suburban Stations on Gasoline Prices

August 3, 2014, 6:42 am

≫ Next: Rides, Games, Raffles, Music, Food, Fun, All at St. Richard Family Fest & Carnival

≪ Previous: Elderly Man Gets Scammed By Phony IRS Agent, Loses $13,000 in One Day

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

"Man bites dog" is a common phrase in journalism used to describe an unusual and unexpected situation.

The other day, I stumbled across a "man bites dog" story.

I was talking with Abe, the owner of Archer BP, located at Archer and Oak Park.

I talked about the challenge of operating a gas station in Chicago, just four blocks from the suburbs, where gasoline is always cheaper, because of the five-cents per gallon City of Chicago Vehicle Fuel Tax.

Right?

Wrong, I learned, to my surprise.

Despite the city tax, Archer BP's gasoline prices consistently match and even beat the prices of the gas stations on the Summit side of Harlem Avenue, Abe told me.

No, I said.

Yes, it's true, Abe said. See for yourself.

So I did.

At 1:15 p.m. Saturday, August 2, I drove down Harlem.

At 54th and Harlem, I saw this:

At 58th and Harlem, I saw this:

At 59th and Harlem, I saw this:

So then I went back to Archer BP at Archer and Oak Park and saw this:

That's right. Archer BP's gasoline was 13 cents a gallon less than Thorntons and Speedway, and 16 cents a gallon less than Shell.

Put 20 gallons in your tank (as I typically do when I fill up), and you'll save at least $2.60 every time you choose Archer BP.

I fill up about once a week, so that's about $135 a year in savings--in my pocket, rather than in the bank account of a suburban gas station.

It's an easy choice for me. How about you?

Thanks, Abe. You opened my eyes and saved me some $$$.

Plus, combine those savings at the pump with Archer BP's current deals on milk and other beverages. Click here for details.

# # #

↧

Rides, Games, Raffles, Music, Food, Fun, All at St. Richard Family Fest & Carnival

August 4, 2014, 8:04 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Archer BP Meeting and Beating Suburban Stations on Gasoline Prices

Just sharing some information from our friends at St. Richard Parish.

Mark your calendars and bring your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers!

# # #

↧

Crime News Update

August 5, 2014, 2:08 am

≫ Next: Another Feather in Archer Heights' Cap, As Catalpa Playot Gets a Re-Design

≪ Previous: Rides, Games, Raffles, Music, Food, Fun, All at St. Richard Family Fest & Carnival

* * *

A 64-year-old West Elsdon woman was robbed as she walked home from church at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 31. She told police that she was on a sidewalk near 57th and Keeler when a young man snatched a yellow chain and a Blessed Virgin Mary medallion off her neck, got into the passenger seat of a dark gray, four-door sedan and sped away.

The victim refused medical treatment, and she described the attacker as a Hispanic boy or man age 17-18, 5’9 and 140 pounds, brown eyes, black hair, medium complexion.

* * *

A 25-year-old Clearing man was attacked by three thugs as he walked down a sidewalk on the west side of Midway Airport, at 6100 south, at about 7:45 p.m. Thursday, July 31. The attack was apparently not random, because one of the three attackers reportedly said, “That’s him.”

The trio beat the victim with an aluminum pipe, a wooden board and their fists before stealing his wallet and cell phone. They sped away in a dark blue Chevy Impala with tinted windows, the victim told police. The victim did not report the crime until almost 24 hours later, and the CPD incident report did not contain a description of the attackers.

* * *

Two 14-year-old South Side boys were arrested and charged with burglarizing a garage near 78th and Keating at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. The duo allegedly stole two bicycles and fled when neighbors saw them in the victim's backyard and hollered at them.

Police responding to a 911 call spotted the boys pedaling north on Pulaski at 76th Street a short time later and took them into custody. They were positively identified by the neighbors, and the bikes were returned to the victim, a 35-year-old woman.

The two may have been the perpetrators of an attempted burglary three hours earlier at a house near 80th and Kilpatrick. In that incident, a 52-year-old woman coming home from a walk startled two boys trying to break into her home. They fled on foot after failing to gain entry, but damaged the front door and side window.

* * *

An arsonist set fire to a car parked in front of 3634 W. 65th Street at 11:51 p.m. Wednesday, July 30. Neighbors quickly extinguished the fire, police said. A witness who said she saw the crime gave police a description of the criminal, a 17-year-old Hispanic boy with black hair in an Afro style. Police responding to the call apprehended a teen fitting the description at 65th and Kedzie a short time later, but the witness declined to positively identify him, telling police she may know the offender and fears for her safety.

* * *

Burglars entered the unlocked service door of a garage near 55th and Hamlin and stole a bicycle, two toolboxes with tools, two vacuum cleaners and two grass trimmers. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 50-year-old woman, at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2.

* * *

A city gas station that regularly matches and even beats suburban stations on gasoline prices? Yes, it's true! Click on the picture and read all about it:

Burglars smashed the glass of the back door of an apartment near 49th and Keeler, entered and stole a laptop computer, a cell phone and $600 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 33-year-old man, at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Police said they saw blood on the curtains next to the broken window.

* * *

A 53-year-old Archer Heights man successfully interrupted the burglary of his home near 45th and Kedvale. Driving home at 12:15 p.m. Monday, July 28, he pulled up in the alley and saw his TV and laptop computer on the rear sidewalk. The burglar saw him and fled on food without the items. He is described as a 15-year-old boy, 5’5 and 100 pounds, wearing a gray hoody and blue jeans. A basement window that had been pried open was damaged, according to the CPD incident report.

* * *

A 47-year-old woman celebrating with neighbors at a block party near 58^th and New England later learned that her unlocked garage had been burglarized. She made the discovery at 2 a.m. Sunday, July 27. Stolen were an air compressor and a pressure washer.

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Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 68th and Kostner and stole a power drill and a saber saw. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 40-year-old man, when he returned home from vacation at 11 p.m. Monday, July 28.

* * *

Burglars entered the back door of a home near 43rd and Kedvale and stole a TV and a stereo speaker. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 19-year-old man, when he came home from work at 9 p.m. Wednesday, July 30.

* * *

Burglars forced open the back door of a home near 52nd and Springfield and stole a TV, two laptop computers, a desktop computer, several men's suits and $1,400 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, at 50-year-old man, when he came home from work at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 29. Burglars also entered his garage and stole a 2003 Toyota Corolla.

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# # #

↧

Another Feather in Archer Heights' Cap, As Catalpa Playot Gets a Re-Design

August 8, 2014, 8:26 pm

≫ Next: Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Puts 'Take Pride in Your Back Side' into Gear

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
and
Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post

The Archer Heights neighborhood received some good news Thursday evening, as a team

from the Chicago chapter of the ACE Mentor Program of America unveiled plans to help spruce up the Catalpa Playlot, 4324 South Kedvale.

The dozen or so students and their mentors unveiled a treehouse-type structure they had built, and the reaction from local children was immediate and gleeful--climbing up it, sliding down an attached slide and more.

For more information on the program and the program's plans for the playlot, check out acementorchicago.org.

It was announced at Thursday's event that the Chicago Park District will refurbish Catalpa Playlot in 2015, as part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's "Chicago Plays!" initiative. That said, a Park District official later said that 2015 is not set in stone for Catalpa, and the facelift may occur later.

Catalpa Playlot was established in large part through the hard work of Archer Heights Civic Association Parks & Recreation Chairman (the late) Christine Sendzik and her team. In recent years, though, it has fallen on hard times. Gangbangers and other punks have damaged playground equipment, and those responsible for keeping the playlot in good working order--most notably, the Chicago Park District--have clearly failed.

And Park District officials apparently make no effort to hide that. On Thursday evening,

Catalpa Playlot was marred with graffiti on the entrance sign, water fountain, trash can and more. A swing was broken. A tree dead for several years still stood next to the sidewalk. Overgrown bushes in need of a trim stood near a front corner, jagged-metal remnants of poles that were not properly removed were mere steps from a children's water sprinkler play area--and that was laden with green slime that made the concrete slippery.

Fortunately, the Archer Heights Civic Association was on hand to chronicle all that and vow to follow up with Park District officials.

We trust that the Park District will get their act together and do their job at Catalpa, not just for the taxpayers (and their children) who live there, but to honor the impressive work that the ACE teams, their mentors and their donors have made possible for the betterment of Archer Heights. Their efforts have given a kickstart to a playlot that most certainly needed it, and for that the community---and the Chicago Park District--should be grateful.

Part of the implied message of Thursday's event is that when good people rally around a cause and apply their brains and brawn, just about anything good can happen.

# # #

↧

Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Puts 'Take Pride in Your Back Side' into Gear

August 10, 2014, 8:54 pm

≫ Next: Orland Park Man Busted on July 6th Domestic Battery Rap at 48th and Cicero

≪ Previous: Another Feather in Archer Heights' Cap, As Catalpa Playot Gets a Re-Design

By Joan Hadac
Editor and Publisher
Southwest Chicago Post

Just as they did two years ago, when they helped a neighbor in need:

http://www.swchicagopost.com/2012/08/grnw-good-neighbor-program-building.html

...members of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch are

once again leading by example and showing us all the best way to fight blight: not by jumping on a keyboard and complaining in a Facebook group, not by calling 311 or an aldermanic office to demand that government solve a problem, but by rolling up our sleeves and doing it ourselves.

While most Garfield Ridge residents relaxed on Sunday morning, a crew of more than a dozen GRNW volunteers--without a doubt some of the very best men and women in the neighborhood (or any neighborhood anywhere)--gathered at the north end of an alley at 58th Street, between New England and Newcastle, and worked in the heat and humidity to remove weeds, overgrown tree branches and more from the public way.

Why?

To put their words into action, do a good deed, and hopefully

inspire others via their new "Take Pride in Your Back Side" campaign.

Here's how it goes: walk up and down the streets of Garfield Ridge and you'll see some of the best maintained homes, lawns and gardens in the city. Walk up and down the alleys, however, and you might think you're no longer in the neighborhood. Too many alleys are overgrown with weeds and scarred with debris that does not get picked up promptly.

The silent message that such neglect sends to burglars, taggers, gangbangers and others is, "We don't care that much about the back side of our property. Why should you?"

Granted, some people's property looks bad for a reason: the

elderly, the infirm, and a few others have difficulty keeping up. But the vast majority of us can and should do a better job of maintaining the back side of our property.

And that means doing it yourself, hiring someone else (like a local teen), or if you can't afford it, asking family, friends or neighbors to help. Please don't call

the GRNW. While they are great folks, they are not a chore service or a crew for hire.

So anyway, thank you to the men and women of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch. May your actions inspire others to do a better job of maintaining property and building a better community.

# # #

↧

Orland Park Man Busted on July 6th Domestic Battery Rap at 48th and Cicero

August 13, 2014, 1:38 am

≫ Next: St. Joseph School Students, Parents Enjoy Ice Cream to Start School Year

≪ Previous: Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch Puts 'Take Pride in Your Back Side' into Gear

↧

St. Joseph School Students, Parents Enjoy Ice Cream to Start School Year

August 15, 2014, 9:28 pm

≫ Next: Help Wanted! Professional Freezing Services Seeking Warehouse Workers

≪ Previous: Orland Park Man Busted on July 6th Domestic Battery Rap at 48th and Cicero

Ice cream helped ease the transition from summer to the

2014-15 school year at St. Joseph School, 5641 South 73rd Avenue, Summit--just a half-block southwest of the Portillo's at 56th and Harlem.

Pre-schoolers through eighth graders, and their moms and dads and even a

few grandmas and grandpas, stopped by the school's Centennial Hall on Friday evening---renewing old friendships and making new ones.

For about a century, St. Joseph School has provided a Catholic elementary school education to boys and girls in Summit, Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood, and many other fine city

neighborhoods and suburban towns--making the student body a unique and friendly mix of city and suburban.

Its smaller-by-design class size means greater attention from teachers, and the school boasts that its students, almost without exception, attend the high schools of their choice,

including such top school as St. Ignatius College Prep, Trinity High School, St. Laurence High School, Queen of Peace High School, Marist High School, St. Rita High School and more.

St. Joe's graduates have excelled at some of the nation's top universities, including Harvard, the

University of Chicago and more.

The school offers a range of sports, clubs and other extra-curricular activities.

Before- and after-school care is available, as is tuition assistance.

New students and transfer students are still being accepted.

For information and a tour of the school, call Principal Lawrence Manetti at (708) 458-2927.

# # #

↧

Help Wanted! Professional Freezing Services Seeking Warehouse Workers

August 17, 2014, 9:09 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: St. Joseph School Students, Parents Enjoy Ice Cream to Start School Year

Warehouse Workers Needed

Cold Storage located on the South Side of Chicago has an immediate opening for warehouse workers in a fast-paced work environment.

Looking for general laborers, freezer workers, general maintenance personnel, forklift drivers, and forklift mechanics.

Must be capable of heavy lifting. Top pay based on experience. Blue Cross Insurance and 401K retirement available after 90 days. 2 shifts available.

Fax or email resumes. Fax# 773-847-7994 / email: jenniferr@professionalfreezing.com

# # #

↧

Crime News Update

August 19, 2014, 10:03 pm

≫ Next: Chicago Glass Blocks: Proven Protection From Floods for Homes and Businesses

≪ Previous: Help Wanted! Professional Freezing Services Seeking Warehouse Workers

* * *

A 22-year-old West Elsdon woman was arrested and charged with aggravated battery after she allegedly slammed a door on police officers, kicked an officer in the chest twice, and made verbal threats while in the Eighth District police station.

Reyna Perez of 55th and Kostner is set to answer charges in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 60, 555 W. Harrison, on Thursday, Aug. 28, according to the Cook County Department of Corrections.

Police responding to a call of a domestic disturbance near 55th and Kostner at 2:10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14, said that Perez was combative and resisted arrest. While in the station, she allegedly said to a police officer, "You white f~cking b~tch, wait 'til I get out. I'm going to shoot you in the head, right between the eyes," according to the CPD incident report.

Perez's four-year-old daughter was turned over to the child's grandmother, a Cicero woman, according to police.

* * *

A 68-year-old Clearing woman thwarted a pair of burglars when she confronted them in the basement of her apartment near 63rd Place and Major. She told police that the duo, a man and woman, broke her basement window at about 6 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. She saw them stacking tools to be stolen, and when they saw her, they ran away. The victim told police she knows them from the neighborhood and gave police their names. They are both 20-22 years old and white, according to the victim.

* * *

A 42-year-old man from the Central Illinois town of Chatsworth was arrested and charged

Webster Fisher Jr.

with aggravated assault after he allegedly threatened a 24-year-old West Elsdon man with a knife blade.

The victim said he saw Webster Fisher Jr. attempting to pry open the front storm door of a vacant, bank-owned house near 55th Place and Lawndale at 10:29 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15. When he hollered across the street to confront him, Fisher allegedly walked toward the victim in a menacing manner, before putting the blade in his car, police said.

Bond was set at $15,000, and Fisher is scheduled to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 34, 155 W. 51st St., on Wednesday, Aug. 27.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 813 or 833 (see map), come to West Lawn Park at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 26. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

Four thugs robbed La Montaña convenience store, 4201 W. 59th St., at 10:15 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15. The quartet walked into the store, accosted a 17-year-old clerk and demanded that he give them $150 cash. One flashed a handgun.

The clerk complied, and the robbers fled on foot west on 59th Street. They are described only as young Hispanic men.

* * *

David Cevallos

A 22-year-old Gage Park man is being held without bond and charged with aggravated assault of an off-duty police officer. David Cevallos of 52nd and Whipple allegedly threatened the victim with a gun during an argument on the street near 63rd and Springfield at 6:17 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15.

Cevallos then reportedly fled on a bicycle. Police combing the area said they found his bike in the alley behind 3802 W. 59th Place. A short time later Cevallos was found hiding in a minivan parked in a nearby garage, according to police. The Cook County Department of Corrections page on Cevallos does not indicate a court date.

* * *

A 62-year-old Vittum Park man visiting a friend fought off two robbers—a man and a woman--who tried to steal his bicycle as it stood in a front yard near 49th and Leclaire at 1:50 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15.

Just before the pair fled on foot, the male attacker hit the victim in the face with a pair of pliers. The victim had several cuts to his face, but refused medical treatment, police said.

The criminals are described as a white woman age 18, 5’6 and 130 pounds, blond hair and fair complexion. The other is a Hispanic man age 18, 5’8 and 160 pounds, with short black hair and a fair complexion.

* * *

A city gas station that regularly matches and even beats suburban stations on gasoline prices? Yes, it's true! Click on the picture and read all about it:

A 54-year-old Archer Heights woman told police that a thug snatched a gold chain off her neck as she sat on the front porch of her home near 48th and Komensky at 2:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14. After snatching the chain, the robber ran north on Komensky. The victim had cuts on a finger and her knees, but refused medical treatment, according to police.

The crook is described as a Hispanic man age 18, 5’5 and 130 pounds, brown eyes, short black hair, medium complexion, with a scar under his left eye.

* * *

A 60-year-old Archer Heights man told police that he was robbed of $1,300 in rent money on the sidewalk in front of 4780 S. Archer at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12. He said he had just withdrawn $500 from a nearby ATM and had another $800 cash in his pocket.

He said he was riding his bike home when two thugs on bikes came up behind him, cut him off and blocked his path. He was told to relax and stay still while they went through his pockets and then rode away.

The criminals are described only as Hispanic men age 25-27.

* * *

A 23-year-old Burbank man, said by police to be a gangbanger, was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun during an incident in the Scottsdale neighborhood. Police said that Izais Gomez of 78th and Rutherford was carrying a handgun as he rode in a car near 83rd and Keeler at 11:55 a.m. Friday, Aug. 15. The other two alleged gangbangers were Antonio Higareda, 23, of 72nd and Springfield, and Josue Gurrola, 23, of 72nd and Millard, police added. They were charged with disorderly conduct.

* * *

Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 64th Place and Major and stole a set of motorcycle keys, a TV, and a car radio. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old woman, at 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14.

* * *

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Burglars entered a garage near 49th and Kolin and stole a car stereo from a 2002 Honda Civic parked inside. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 34-year-old man, at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. The victim added that the burglar “destroyed” the car’s dashboard.

* * *

Burglars forced open a side window of John Hancock College Preparatory High School, 4034 W. 56th St., and stole a two-drawer file cabinet and a portable computer hard drive backup from the discipline office. The crime was discovered by a 28-year-old school social worker at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13.

* * *

A 21-year-old Clearing man was charged with battery after he allegedly pushed a police officer attempting to pat him down. Ernest Zepeda Jr. allegedly committed the crime at his home near 63rd Place and Linder at 9:31 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13. Police were responding to a “man with a gun” call to Zepeda’s address. He is set to appear in court on Oct. 3, police said.

* * *

An 85-year-old Clearing man was bilked and/or bullied out of $3,400 by two men posing as home repair contractors. The victim’s daughter told police that the offenders were going door to door near 64th Place and Austin on Tuesday, Aug. 5 and told the victim that they could repair cracks in his sidewalk for $200. Later, after they patched the cracks in a slapdash manner, they demanded payment of $4,000. The victim balked, and the price was lowered to $3,400. The offenders then accompanied the man to a nearby Fifth Third Bank branch to withdraw the funds. Against the advice of a teller, the victim withdrew 34 $100 bills and handed them over to the repair scammers. They are described only as white men age 35-45.

* * *

Burglars broke the lock on the front door of OEM Air Compressor headquarters, 4600 S. Kolin, entered and stole two air compressors and a blow torch. The crime was discovered by an employee at 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 8.

* * *

Burglars broke the window of a garage near 51st and Lawndale and stole a kicker box and an amplifier. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 26 year-year-old man, when he came home from work at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8.

* * *

A group of teenagers burglarized two truck trailers parked at 6248 S. Gullikson (just east of Harlem) at 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12. Police responding to a call said they saw 8-10 white teens age 15-18 at the site, with four pallets of plastic bottles already stacked on the ground.

They fled when spotted. All escaped, and two police officers received minor injuries while in foot pursuit.

* * *

Burglars forced open the overhead door of a garage near 51st and Leclaire and stole a mountain bike. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 41-year-old woman, when she returned from vacation at 11 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 64th and Central and stole a GPS unit from a car parked inside. The victim, a 41-year-old woman, said she heard noises coming from the garage at about 3 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13, but did not investigate until four hours later.

* * *

Burglars pried open the front door of an apartment near 47th and Springfield and stole assorted jewelry and $200 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 55-year-old woman, when she returned from shopping at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 55th Place and Lawndale and stole an air compressor. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 38-year-old man, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 54th and Harding and stole a welding mask, three bicycles, a power washer, a stereo system, a lawn mower, a car jack, a power saw, a screw gun, four extension cords and a snow blower. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 44-year-old woman, at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 54th and Springfield and stole assorted power tools, a cooler, a ladder, a vacuum, four bicycles, an air compressor, a grass edger and a power washer. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 44-year-old man, at 4 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.

* * *

Burglars entered a garage near 51st and Lawndale and stole a lawn mower, a snow thrower, a propane grill, two bicycles, a power washer, an air compressor and a drill. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 56-year-old woman, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.

* * *

Burglars entered the unlocked service door of a garage near 54th and Springfield and stole two bicycles, a lawn mower and a weed whacker. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 69-year-old man, at 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4.

# # #

↧

Chicago Glass Blocks: Proven Protection From Floods for Homes and Businesses

August 23, 2014, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

Sudden summer storms seem to cause serious flooding in the Chicago area every few years or so.

With sewers overloaded by torrential rain, storm water has no place to go but in yards and basements.

“When I moved to Burbank 25 years ago, I thought we’d never flood, because the real estate agent told us the neighborhood was on a ridge and that the Deep Tunnel project just about guaranteed no flooding,” said homeowner Tom O’Shea.

“What we learned—the hard way—is that a lot of this area is lowland that was marshes and swamps a hundred years ago,” he added.

O’Shea added that his basement flooded in a summer storm in 1996, which he thought was a fluke. Nonetheless, he spent a good deal of money on a flood control system to ensure that his basement would never again fill with sewer backup.

“But then a few years later, it happened again,” he added. “I didn’t get any sewer water, but the rain water outside was so high that it was coming in my old (single-pane glass) basement windows. I thought, ‘That’s it. Time for glass block windows.’ So I had them installed two weeks later, and no problems since.”

Endorsed by both the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, glass block windows offer a smart and simple strategy to fight flooding and protect property—both for homeowners and businesses.

In addition to protection from the elements, glass block windows offer many other benefits.

“The right glass blocks can add a whole new dimension of beauty on the outside and soft natural light on the inside,” says Carol Basic, a Southwest Side resident and owner of Chicago Glass Blocks, headquartered near Midway Airport. “Plus they add value to your home, and they are generally maintenance free.”

Chicago Glass Blocks creates and installs custom-made windows using top-quality Pittsburgh Corning glass block, the only glass block manufactured in the U.S. The company is the only Pittsburgh Corning distributor in the Chicago area.

The company also is known for using superior mortar mixed to manufacturer's specs, a high-quality blend of Type I Portland cement and lime. This, Basic says, is unlike the big-box, discount home improvement stores, where the glass blocks are stuck together with merely a fraction of an inch of caulk.

Celebrating its 27th anniversary this year, Chicago Glass Blocks is locally owned and managed by a family with decades of experience in masonry and masonry restoration for homes and businesses. Well known and highly respected in the Chicago-area construction industry, the Basic Family has a deep understanding of local construction methods and materials, enabling them to quickly and accurately assess your home or business needs. Their highly trained technicians--mostly family members and all area residents--who will come to your home are fully insured and leave your home in better shape than they found it.

To learn more about Chicago Glass Blocks,call (773) 581-5081 for a free energy consultation from a friendly, experienced expert.

Chicago Glass Blocks owner Carol Basic (left) and her daughter, Michelle Basic, assist customers at the family business that is celebrating its 27th anniversary. For more information, call (773) 581-5081.

# # #

↧

Crime News Update

August 25, 2014, 7:47 pm

≫ Next: TIF Illumination Project Sheds Light on Tax Increment Financing in 23rd Ward

≪ Previous: Chicago Glass Blocks: Proven Protection From Floods for Homes and Businesses

* * *

A 27-year-old Gage Park man is credited by police with chasing, disarming and

Wojciech Muzia

apprehending a 23-year-old West Elsdon man who allegedly robbed a woman at gunpoint at about 2 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

Wojciech Muzia of 59th and Lawndale is charged with aggravated robbery and is set to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 48, 155 W. 51st St., on Friday, Aug. 29.

The victim, a 37-year-old West Lawn woman, told police that she was accosted by Muzia on the sidewalk in front of 3709 W. 59th St. He allegedly asked, “What’s you name, b~tch?” and said “Give me your f~cking money” while brandishing a handgun that turned out to be a Daisy brand pellet gun, according to police.

The victim said she told Muzia that she had no money, but that he could have her purse, which he allegedly took.

The 27-year-old Gage Park man, who told police he witnessed the crime, was armed with a pistol and holds a concealed carry permit. He said he confronted Muzia and ordered him to drop his weapon. Muzia then allegedly threw his weapon under a car parked nearby and fled on foot. The witness said he chased Muzia, tackled him and held him until police arrived.

* * *

Two men said by police to be gangbangers were arrested and charged with assault after they allegedly threatened a 23-year-old Clearing man as he walked down a sidewalk in front of 6255 S. Neenah at 4:22 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18.

Blake I. Castro, 22, of 60th and Mulligan, and Jonathan Castro, 19, of Marquette Park, were apprehended by police after the allegedly shouted gang slogans at the victim and threatened him with crowbars.

The victim said he ran away, grabbing a brick along the way to defend himself. Castro also was charged with possession of narcotics, police said, after they allegedly found a plastic bag containing pills in his vehicle. The victim is also a gang member, according to the police report.

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A 63-year-old Clearing man told police that he stumbled upon an intruder in his apartment near 62nd and Oak Park at 12:07 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23. He told police that the man, an 18-20-year-old friend of his daughter, had broken a lock on his bedroom door and stole a Nintendo Wii video game console before fleeing on foot. The victim shared the man’s name with police, who were investigating.

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While a 46-year-old West Lawn man worked outside his house near 62nd and Kedvale at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, burglars pried open the back door and stole $900 cash from a spot in the kitchen, he reported to police.

Burglars entered the unlocked service door of a garage near 64th and Meade and stole a bag of tools, two bicycles and a Movado watch. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 39-year-old woman, at 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23.

* * *

Burglars entered the rear window of a home near 56th and Tripp and stole a laptop computer and an air conditioning unit. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 60-year-old woman, at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21.

* * *

Burglars kicked in the service door of a garage near 51st and Lorel and stole a bicycle and a hand jack, as well as damaged a 2011 Subaru parked inside. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 23-year-old woman, when she came home from work at 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18.

# # #

↧

TIF Illumination Project Sheds Light on Tax Increment Financing in 23rd Ward

August 28, 2014, 9:55 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: Crime News Update

By Joan Hadac

Editor and Publisher

Southwest Chicago Post

Proponents of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) describe it as an innovative public financing method that is used as a subsidy for redevelopment of economically blighted areas and other community-improvement projects--and that it ultimately strengthens a community's tax base, attracts private investment, and increases economic activity.

Critics in Chicago often claim that the TIF concept has been twisted nearly 180 degrees over the last three decades, calling TIF revenue "Chicago's shadow budget" and/or a political slush fund used by elected officials to take tax dollars out of the pockets of working men and women and dole out corporate welfare to those with political connections--kind of a Robin Hood in reverse.

To shed light on the situation, Move 23 Forward and Martin Arteaga, 23rd Ward aldermanic candidate, hosted a seminar led by the TIF Illumination Project at Kennedy High School on Wednesday, August 27.

The event itself was not well attended. Just about two dozen

people in an auditorium that can seat about 775. But thanks to the video shot and posted by the Southwest Chicago Post and others, thousands will see and hear this important message online.

Our thanks to the TIF Illumination Project, Move 23 Forward, and Martin Arteaga for bringing this discussion to the Southwest Side--especially when others could have, but didn't.

Enjoy...

# # #

↧

Crime News Update

August 30, 2014, 7:47 pm

≫ Next: Crime News Update

≪ Previous: TIF Illumination Project Sheds Light on Tax Increment Financing in 23rd Ward

* * *

A 27-year-old West Side man is in custody after he allegedly was found in possession of

Aldridge A. Gardner

crack cocaine and heroin while in a car stopped near 52nd and Central.

Aldridge A. Gardner of the 1500 block of North Francisco is held on $75,000 bond by the Cook County Department of Corrections and is next set to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 48, 155 W. 51st St., on Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Police on patrol at 9:36 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11 said they stopped a car in the 5500 block of West 52nd Street after the driver, Candice F. King, 22, of 45th and Lavergne, reportedly failed to signal a turn. She was also cited for driving without a license and no proof of insurance.

According to the CPD incident report, Gardner told police that the drugs were his, allegedly saying, "All that sh~t is mines. She don't sell that sh~t. I does." Police said that two plastic bags with crack cocaine fell from Gardner's pants legs, and that six smaller bags of heroin were found in his left shoe.

* * *

An 18-year-old Scottsdale man is in custody after he allegedly led police on a brief but high-

Omar Rangel

speed chase through a crowded parking lot at the Jewel-Osco at 6107 S. Archer at 7:36 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5

Omar Rangel of 84th and Kilbourn is held on $75,000 bond by the Cook County Department of Corrections and is next set to appear in Cook County Circuit Court Branch 2, 2650 S. California, on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Police said on patrol near 55th and Austin said that a woman told them that Rangel's SUV had just hit her vehicle and was traveling north on Austin. Police said that Rangel's vehicle turned east at Archer and then south into the Jewel-Osco parking lot, crashing at the south end of the parking lot, near 55th Street.

Police said that when Rangel refused to exit the SUV, he was physically pulled through the window opening in the driver's side door and then taken into custody---which brought applause from citizens at a CAPS 811 audience earlier this month, when the arrest was announced by CPD as a success story.

There were two passengers in Rangel's vehicle, police added. One escaped and the other was reportedly found with an open can of beer between his legs.

* * *

Cesar Ortiz

A 21-year-old Garfield Ridge man was arrested and charged with obstruction of justice/disorderly conduct after he allegedly tried to stop police from entering a back yard near 55th and Massasoit at 1:26 a.m. Thursday, July 24.

Police responding to a 911 call about a loud party said that Cesar Ortiz, who lives at the home where the party was in progress, blocked their path and claimed they needed a warrant to enter the yard.

Police said that Ortiz is an admitted gangbanger and is currently on parole for criminal sexual assault. According to the Illinois State Police, Ortiz is a registered sex offender and was convicted of committing a crime against a 13-year-old child.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 815 or 821 (see map), come to St. Bruno School (south entrance) at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 3. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

* * *

Burglars entered the unlocked patio door of a home near 55th and Kilbourn and stole a safe, a necklace and about $3,000 cash. The crime was discovered by the victim, a 39-year-old man, at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 26. He said he had left home at about 10 a.m. to go get breakfast at a local restaurant.

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# # #

↧