Inside Out
Cubs plan club atmosphere as part of profit drive
BY DEE RINKIN
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
In an effort to maximize profits as the team is being shopped to potential buyers, on Tuesday the Chicago Cubs announced a lucrative new revenue stream for the 2008 season: promoting a ‘nightclub’ atmosphere for the Friendly Confines.
Key to the plan will be new rules that will require a four-drink minimum with every entry. Team officials say that the cost of the drinks will be added into the game ticket price, which are expect to rise about $40 per ticket under the new plan. Guests will be given drink coupons that they will be able to exchange once they are inside the ballpark. “Let’s face it, Wrigleyville is an entertainment district and we need to keep up with the Jones,” said team spokesman Peter Chase.
Some of the more dramatic changes included in the ‘nightclub’ plan calls for concert doubleheaders most weekends with concerts kicking off at sunset followed by the baseball game. The Cubs plan to replace their traditional fat, scruffy beers vendors with shirtless young men in hot pants and cute women in bikini tops and miniskirts. Bottle service will also be added for baseball fans willing and able to fork over $300 to $700 for their favorite liquors. And yes, the four drink tickets will be subtracted from the retail price, though the organizations encourages their fans to tip their vendors based on the full amount.
Instead of having visiting celebrities sing “Take Me Out To The Ball Game” in the seventh inning, the team will invite guest D J’s to spin vinyl until 2 AM. Blocks of seats down the right and left field lines will be removed to allow for dancing. “The cool thing is, with the new dance floor configuration we can bring an additional 5,000 people into the joint since they won’t need seats,” said Chase.
Security is a major concern for the team so Cubs Coach Lou Pinella has committed to letting the team’s bench-warmers serve as bouncers. Pitcher Kerry Woods practiced his bouncing technique last week in Arizona but, sadly, was injured in his first outing. He is now expected to miss the entire season.
Team Owner Sam Zell wants to assure Cubs fans that he is sincere about trying to put the best product on the field and in the glass. “Hey, I grew up on the West Side and went to a Big Ten university so I recognize the long and cozy relationship between big time sports and alcohol,” said Zell. “Look, we want our team to be competitive and to do that we need rabid fan support. I guarantee that after four pops our fans are going to be in full throat. We plan to pour stiff ones; loyal Cubs fans deserve that much. After all, it’s been 100 friggin’ years since we’ve won a World Series.”
Zell also announced Tuesday that the team has sold club-themed naming rights inside the park. The left field dance floor will be called Ketel One’s Club Clark and the right field Absolute’s Addison Alley. The four bases will now be known as Finlandia First Base, Stoli Second Base, Fifth Third Base and Heineken Home Plate. To encourage safe baseball, all ballpark restrooms will now have condom vending machines. A source in the Cubs organization that wishes to remain anonymous told this newspaper that, as usual, the team policy will be to try to ignore rampant drug use in the bleachers.
To limit underage drinking the team will limit game attendance to adults only between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the Cubs will play only night games that will start at 10 PM. Responding to community concerns over public urination as a result of more drinking, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th Ward) has agreed to institute Resident’s Only Peeing Zones [RPZ] in all of the alleys and backyards of Wrigleyville. As of Tuesday Tunney said that RPZ permits will be available at the Alderman’s office on Belmont Ave.
Developers, activists strike compromise on high-end zoo project
BY IMMA LYON
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
Following a community uproar, a controversial plan to transform parts of Lincoln Park Zoo into high-end real estate has been significantly altered.
On Tuesday, developers Lincoln Park Zoo Inc., proposed a massive billion dollar project March 13 to build a housing complex with million dollar condos, $5 million townhouses, and $20 million single family homes on the site of the formerly free Children’s Petting Zoo.
The plan met with furious opposition, however. Activists stormed City Hall and a bitter community meeting was held April 1 at the zoo, 2200 N. Cannon Drive.
One of the main concerns of activists is the fate of the animals who are long-time Lincoln Park residents. Many are on fixed incomes and could not afford to remain in Lincoln Park if the development goes through.
“These animals have always lived in Lincoln Park. They deserve to stay,” said Calliope “Cricket” Clummsetter an animal rights activist.
As a result, a compromise has been worked out; the developers have agreed to allow the animals to live in the new development. In addition, individual condos have been set-aside for the commissioners who approved the project plans to overcome Lakefront Protection rules.
The zoo, which started in 1868 with a gift of swans from Central Park in New York, has been home to a variety of animals, ranging from tigers to penguins.
Some of the animals will be pets of the complex’s residents (monkeys, flamingos and children’s zoo rabbits) while others (such as the tigers and apes) will have a condo to themselves.
“We will fight to make sure that the builder does right by these animals,” said Clummsetter. “I mean what’s the point of giving a lion his own condo if he has to sleep on the floor?”
Kelly McGrath, spokesperson for the zoo, assures that the activists have nothing to worry about.
“All animals will sleep on silk beds that have been woven by nuns and stuffed with more silk woven by even more nuns. The bed’s frames will come from environmentally friendly bamboo and will be constructed by the Amish,” she said.
Plans for the new complex include indoor and outdoor Olympic size pools (so the seals can be happy no matter what the weather), bamboo flooring, an eight floor fitness center, spa, sauna, steam room and indoor climbing wall. “This will be the best of the best. The ultimate in luxury city living,” said Rexic. “Our fitness center will make the East Bank Club look like some grubby, prison weight room.”
In addition, the complex will also include meeting rooms, office center, party room complete with snooty, British butler, six restaurants and a wine and cheese store. The store will stock artisan bread, 102 types of olives, 588 brands of Balsamic vinegar and 1, 042 brands of olive oil, including an exclusive vintage made just for the store that will sell for $1,000 a bottle and will come in a crystal bottle decorated with diamond chips.
The store will also stock items for the animal residents, such as filet minion for the carnivores and gourmet acorns for the vegetarians.
“The steers that the filet minion came from were fed only the best: organic grass from Tibet and beer made by monks to ensure the smoothest flavor possible,” said Rexic.
Of course there will also be a team of concierges who will be available 24/7 to get the residents anything their little hearts may desire. “If our home owners want hand churned gelato at 3 a.m. or need someone to go on a sushi run, they got it,” said Rexic. And don’t think that the animals have been forgotten. “After all who wants to deal with an angry tiger?” said Rexic.
All homes will feature at least one terrace. “We are a completely green building,” said Rexic. “After all, this used to be zoo land.” The air circulating inside will be imported from some of the purest places on earth…mountain tops, rain forests, even Antarctica. Even then it will be filtered. The bamboo flooring will be chewed by third world orphans before installing to make sure that it is super soft.
Don’t think that anyone can live there either. “We have our standards,” said Rexic. “Even Oprah had to go before our board and get checked out just like anyone else.”
An alternative plan to create an ‘open-ground, free-roaming” zoo was rebuffed by the Chicago Plan Commission March 19 who cited safety concerns.
“These are tough times,” said 43rd Ward Alderman Vi Daley. “Those rhinos and those seals, they don’t pay taxes, “ said Daley. “Besides, we ain’t got the money to waste on something crazy like some zoo…you know how some say Chicago’s motto should be ‘Where’s Mine?’ Well, how is anyone going to get theirs if some lion or some swan has it?”
The sale of the zoo land will allow the city to forgo raising taxes by at least two weeks.
Chicago weather shifts to alarming predictability
BY SHIRLEY KNOT
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
“Back in the ol’ days, it snowed, and then snowed some more, and sometimes snowed a little more, or maybe it snowed a lot more,” said Ravenswood accountant Will Roentgen.
“Sometimes it buried lots of cars in the middle of rush hour and screwed up the city elections, but mostly it guaranteed January and February bonuses for snowplow and salt truck drivers,” he added. “Now it snows and melts, snows and melts, snows and melts...”
The U.S. Weather Service, Inc., yesterday defined this year’s weather pattern as “the Chicago Cycle”, in which a huge snow storm blankets the city right before temperatures in the 30s, 40s and 50s melt away the snow as quickly as it accumulated.
“And then you know what happens?” continued Roentgen. “It snows and melts, snows and melts, snows and melts and snows and melts again.”
Roentgen was too young to remember the blizzards of 1967 and 1979, but claimed to have heard extensive stories about it from teachers and his parents, forcing this reporter to go “AAAAARRRRGGHHH!!!!”
The phenomenon was attributed to the “butterfly effect” arising from the El Nino weather patterns over the Pacific Ocean, multiplied by Hothouse Gases raised to the Inconvenient Global Warming exponent, according to atmospheric scientist Prof. J. J. Jameson, Ph.D., D.Sc., M.D.
The White House, however, continued its denial of Global Warming along with its insistences that Chicago never had unusual weather, the Iraqi War is a good thing, America doesn’t need allies anyway and the administration is doing great in New Orleans because the city’s been dry all week.
“We’re getting customers in snowsuits driving snowmobiles coming in for Bermuda shorts and Hawaiian shirts,” said Buy-It-Now! proprietor Penny Poulhardter. “And then we get guys in fake Coppertone tans coming in for ski gear. We’re rupturing our staff shifting the merchandise back and forth, back and forth all the time.”
She added that she lost one member of the staff to slipping on the ice. Stock boy Ben Dover, contacted after rupture surgery at Weiss Memorial Hospital, declared, “Cool!” and then, “Dude, I’m getting paid overtime for this, right?”
“It used to be, like, there was winter, and there was summer and for a few minutes each year, there was spring and fall,” said JoJo Sperber, the chief lighting technician at the Admiral Theater.
“I blinked last September and had my eyes closed for the whole of autumn,” added Busty McGrind, the Admiral’s assistant choreographer and JoJo’s life partner. “When I opened my eyes, it was winter and the girls were all standing at attention, even the ones sitting down.”
Another cycle of snowstorm-to-sunshine is expected, said Jameson, but the exact date is impossible to pin down. “Uh, er, you got the time right now?”
“And then you know what happens? I’ll tell you what happens,” Roentgen said. “It snows and melts, snows and melts, snows and melts…”
New tax targets lounging lifestyles
BY ROBIN MEEBLINDE
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
For more taxation coverage read Co2 story on page 2.
Facing pressure from bodybuilders, bicyclists and fitness gurus, Mayor Richard Daley has dubbed Chicago “The City That Moves” and launched a campaign to encourage residents to “be a little less lazy.”
The mayor, who in the past has talked about providing bikes for city residents in a program similar to Paris, has been a long-time supporter of activity.
Because of its size and impressive profile, he fears Chicago has earned a global image of people tied to their desks day after day with little time for activity or exercise. To counter this increasingly serious epidemic, Daley has proposed a so-called “Sloth Tax” on items and activities that in some way prohibits or discourages movement.
“Computers, video games, surround-sound DVDs, custom beds- it has become way too convenient for people to be immobile for the majority of the day,” he said at a press conference March 26. “This tax will just remind our residents and visitors to take a break.”
He called for a 5% tax increase on items and services bought or used in the Chicago area and surrounding counties.
The first products that Daley mentioned were desks, chairs and couches, beds, cars, computers, video games and most other stationary electronics. When he started brainstorming, however, the list increased dramatically.
Services such as Internet and cable connections, manicures and pedicures, massages, haircuts, drive-through fast-food, theater and movie tickets, and anything else that requires sitting would be included. Under the guidelines, even public transportation such as the CTA and Metra, would foster inactivity.
“We could tax riders who for some reason need to sit, or we could just eliminate seats altogether,” suggested Rob Huberman, CTA president. “If everybody stood on trains and buses, think of how many more people we could accommodate on each car.”
The tax is expected to pass with little opposition. Supporters point out that it affects everyone equally, and nobody is really exempt.
“Wealthy, poor, white, black, Hispanic, Northside, Southside- we all spend too much time on our (rear-ends),” commented Ald. Phil R. Pocketz (58th). “Nobody should feel unfairly targeted. And if they do, well then get out and take a walk.”
The money raised will go to refurnish the interiors of City Hall and all the aldermanic offices.
An inside source, who asked to not be identified, shared that Daley’s office hadn’t gotten a new couch since 2006, and some of the worst offices still had CD players and VHS machines.
City approves tax on Co2 carbon emissions
BY FRANK N. STEIN
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
Environmental activists are praising a proposed breathing-tax that sponsors say will sharply reduce the city’s carbon emissions and will help end global warming. Opponents say the proposed measure is a regressive tax which would drastically affect those interested in being physically fit.
“If the proposed ordinance is passed, Chicago will be the first major city to take an active role in drastically reducing a city’s carbon emissions. Imagine if the entire city is breathing less on a daily basis. Each of us could make a big difference in helping to curb global warming,” said Department of Environment Commissioner Suzanne Malec-McKenna.
Known as the Respiratory Carbon Reduction Ordinance, the tax was debated and approved at the April 1 meeting of the Finance Committee of the Chicago City Council.
Adults (over 18) will have a threshold of 50 breaths per minute. For every breath emitted between 51 and 74, individuals will be required to pay a surcharge of 10 cents. Each breath over 75 will be taxed at 25 cents per breath.
If enacted, the proposed ordinance will have a dramatic impact on the budget of amateur athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Running-enthusiast Dawn Hougland, who has competed in Chicago’s LaSalle Marathon and trains by running along Chicago’s lake-front said she is appalled by the proposed ordinance.
“I find this tax completely outrageous! I took up running because it was supposed to be an inexpensive sport. Everyone says ‘all you need is a good pair of shoes’ but the costs are astronomical! First they get you with the sports drinks, then the moisture-wicking clothing. Don’t even get me started on winter running. Race fees, sports massages, therapy for injuries; it never ends! Now they want me to pay for breathing! Unbelievable!” said Hougland.
Chicago’s professional sports teams, except the Chicago Bears, would be required to pay a flat-fee per game. A clause in the Bear’s Soldier Field lease exempts N.F.L. teams from the tax.
If passed, Chicago residents will be required to buy an I-Breath device from the city which would measure their breaths. These devices will be available at major supermarkets and will require a $50 deposit. Residents will be able to have the meters refilled automatically with a major credit card. Residents who do not have a valid meter will face a fine of $25 a day.
“The proposed ordinance gives people a choice, do they want to perform a vigorous leisure activity or do they want to save the planet?” said Malec-McKenna.
According to Malec-McKenna, if enacted, it would also encourage smokers to give up smoking as smokers generally take more breaths than non-smokers.
Critics say the proposed tax is merely another way for city officials to raise revenue without “raising-taxes”.
According to Alderman Ed Burke, Malec-McKenna is trying to encourage her colleagues to consider additional taxes to help “off-set the city’s carbon footprint”. These taxes include counting each person’s steps with a pedometer and charging for “excessive steps”. Residents would also be required to purchase city-stickers for each pair of shoes they use on city streets and sidewalks.
“Her rationale is each person’s steps have a negative impact on the city’s sidewalks, streets and parks. Users should pay for the damage. Suburbanites who work in the city would also be required to purchase a yearly sticker for each pair of their shoes as well. Tourists will also be required to pay for their shoes at the airports, tollways and at the train and bus station. She told us that we charge a wheel-tax, why not a foot-tax?” said the alderman.
Aldermen ok hair subsidies
Kelly Kapowski, 48, of Lakeview visited her local alderman’s office on March 15 complaining about the lack of affordable hair in the city. Ald. Peppy Roni (53) met with Kapowski, promised action and delivered. Fellow aldermen then agreed no Chicagoan should go wigless and unanimously approved the new “Wigs that Work” ordinance April 1.
Internationalist mayor dedicated to Olympic success
BY JUSTIN CASE
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
Mayor Richard M. Daley called an impromptu press conference April 1 at City Hall to address Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Unsure if Chicago is going win the bid, Daley made a shocking announcement to the small crowd of reporters. “We’ve got tough competition from Madrid, Rio de Janeiro, Quatar, Tokyo and Prague.” Daley said. “If Chicago is not chosen to represent the 2016 games, I will resign as mayor. I will run for mayor in the town who takes the bid.”
The surrounding crowd chuckled as if Daley had made a joke. “I am serious,” Daley said. “I will represent the town who hosts the 2016 games. We’ve worked too hard on these ideas and they should be implemented somewhere.”
Daley went on to tell reporters he has begun preparations for change by taking lessons in each language. “I’m learning the basic words,” he said. “I’ll secure a translator for the rest.”
He has contacted Chicago Cubs’ right fielder Kosuke Fukudome for a referral on a Japanese translator. Daley has also called Ozzie Guillen Jr. to see if he is available to translate in Madrid. He is still looking into translators for Prague and Quatar.
Daley has also been looking into each country’s customs. “So far, my favorite is the dancing in Rio de Janeiro,” he said. Will flamenco dancing be in his future if Madrid hosts the games? That remains to be seen.
“Rio de Janeiro would be a perfect fit for the mayor,” said political analyst Andy Shaw of ABC 7. “That would be the culture easiest to integrate Chicago politics to.”
Shaw went on to explain that Daley could use the Catholic custom of All Souls Day to his advantage. He could move the election to November 1, and have the dead vote for him to secure his place as mayor. Chicagoans know it is a long time custom for the dead to vote.
Fran Spielman, long time Sun-Times City Hall reporter, believes the mayor would have the best success with the businessmen in Tokyo. “Daley is a businessman,” she said. “He would bring the best deals in for Tokyo by bringing in most efficient workers from Chicago.”
Spielman explained Daley would bring to Tokyo the most well know ideal in Chicago- patronage. Friends of friends, friends of family, and family will be running Tokyo in no time.
“Daley will probably institute a system similar to Chicago in terms of warding,” Shaw said. “The bribes will still be there, but the currency will change from dollars to Yen.”
Daley will not leave behind his favorites. “A source close to the mayor has told me if Tokyo wins the Olympics, Daley will relocate the Chicago White Sox with him to practice to become the real winners in the city,” Spielman said.
The mayor may also take the St. Patrick’s Day tradition of dying of the river, Eli’s Cheescake, and deep dish pizza with him.
The city will not have seen the last of Daley. “Following the 2016 Olympics, I will return to become mayor of Chicago again,” Daley proclaimed.
Commentators suspect the fear of having Daley move to their city and become mayor will cause many of them to withdraw their Olympic bid, ensuring Chicago will win the 2016 games.
April Fools! Now for the real news...
Inside
Target confirms Wilson Yard involvement
Permits sought
BY JEFF BORGARDT
EDITOR
There are signs of life at the controversial $150 million Wilson Yard site in Uptown.
Target spokesperson Kelly Basgen April 1 confirmed the retail superstore “definitely plans on moving forward” with the keynote Wilson Yard development at Montrose and Broadway as city permits have been pulled to begin construction.
Basgen said she spoke with a Target real estate executive March 31 who told her the company remains interested in opening a store at the location.
“We continue to be prepared to open a store at that location as the development moves forward,” she said.
Basgen also referred questions to developer Peter Holsten.
According to a posting on the Buena Park Neighbors block club website, city permits were pulled for the Wilson yard development at 4466 N. Broadway for the first steps of the Wilson yard development.
The permits are seen on the City of Chicago website to “construct [a] new mixed-use building including 2 residential apartment towers, core and shell retail space and one level underground garage.”
About a dozen vehicles and workers are parked inside the lot development on a daily basis as well.
Holsten was called at his Holsten Real Estate Group office at 1333 N. Kingsbury but could not be reached before deadline.
In addition to all this, one local Uptown resident said March 30 that a friend works at Target and requested to transfer to the new Uptown store expected to open in 2010. The worker put in to transfer to the new store last month.
City acquiring Lincoln Square property
BY PETER VON BUOL
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
The City of Chicago is moving forward to acquire a fire-damaged building located at 4811-13 N. Western Avenue. It is among 14 listed on the city’s voluntary Lincoln Square acquisition list and is adjacent to a property the city is seeking to acquire through the use of eminent domain, if necessary.
“The deal is supposed to close [in April]. We don’t have an exact date yet, but it is scheduled to occur in April,” said Jennifer Hoyle, director of public affairs for the city’s department of law. The current owner of the building, Romanian immigrant Nick Toma, had originally purchased the vintage property with hopes of renovating it for re-sale, but his plans stalled when it seemed the city would invoke eminent domain to acquire the entire 4800 block of North Western.
Earlier this year, the city council approved an ordinance that grants the city authority to acquire properties on the block and shortly afterwards, a mutual agreement was reached between the city and Toma.
“Mr. Toma offered his property to the city and then we wanted that to happen as soon as possible. What the city is doing is working with him. We wanted to show a great deal of sensitivity to him on this issue. He wanted out of [the current] situation as quickly as possible and nobody wanted to see anybody get hurt on something like this. I don’t know the financial part of it, but I do know that he is happy things are working out where they are. He is not being left out there, which is good for all concerned. The building has been a real eye-sore for the last five years. If he didn’t want to sell to the city, he could have said no,” said Ald. Eugene Schulter (47th).
Massage parlor shut down
Prostitution at 4351 N. Western Avenue
Alderman Gene Schulter (47th)announced that, after requesting an investigation on a local business operating without a proper business license, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart arrested four individuals in connection to a prostitution ring operated out of Bamboo Massage at 4351 N. Western Avenue. This establishment has now been officially shut down. Alderman Schulter continues to monitor business operations throughout the Ward to ensure that the safety and well being of the residents is maintained. Alderman Schulter would also like to take this opportunity to commend Sheriff Tom Dart and his vice staff on their response to this situation.
CITY BEAT
Two high school coaches arrested
Both Lincoln Park High School and Walter Payton College Prep were rocked by coach sex scandals in recent days.
First, Lincoln Park High School girls swim coach and Chicago Firefighter Dennis Goggin, 42, was arrested last week for online sexual solicitation to a minor.
In addition, Goggin was fired as a coach at the school and the fire department is reviewing his status. He works on a south side station and lives on the 3600 block of S. Union Avenue.
He was arrested March 20 by west-suburban Elmhurst police in an online sex sting.He was being held in DuPage County Jail on $150,000 bail. He coached swimming and water polo at the school, 2001 N. Orchard Street.
Then, Walter Payton College Prep boys basketball coach George Turner, 45, was arrested for sexual contacts with two girls.
A judge ordered him held in lieu of bail March 27. He is charged with romancing a 15-year-old girl in the school athletic office and then taking the girl to a pornography store. He is also charged with fondling a second girl at the school, 1034 N. Wells St. Both are 15 years old.
The basketball coach did not teach any classes. He had been coaching the team for two years before he was fired Feb. 29.
Wrigley neighbors discuss stadium changes
BY PATRICK BUTLER
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
Charlotte Newfeld and David Winner don’t usually have much in common. She’s a retired artist and 60s activist who fought like hell to keep night baseball out of Wrigley Field, and has served as unofficial neighborhood watchdog on all things Wrigley ever since. Winner’s a laid-back business consultant and president of the Lake View Citizens Council who leans toward consensus whenever possible.
But even though 73 percent of 200 respondents to a recent LVCC survey were opposed to renaming the Friendly Confines, both Winner and sometime vocal critic Newfeld agree a name change wouldn’t be nearly as important as a possible sea change in the community’s relationship with the Cubs.
Newfled looks back at the history of the park and notes it has changed names several times.
“After all, there was no problem when they changed the name from Weegham Park to Cubs Park to Wrigley Field,” said Newfeld.
The baseball stadium was known as Weegham Park from 1914 to 1920 and the name then changed to Cubs Park which was the name for another six years.
“Realistically, there’s not much we can do about the name change. That’s really a corporate decision,” said Winner, adding that while on one hand nobody would want to see the Wrigley name go, it would be nice to have the area known by its real name – Lake View – instead of Wrigleyville. “As someone who lives in Lake View I’ve become quite concerned about that,” Winner said.
Real estate tycoon Sam Zell, who recently bought the Tribune Company and all its assets including the Cubs states publicly he is not only seriously looking at selling the naming rights to the stadium to help pay down the corporate debt, but will probably sell the Cubs baseball team and Wrigley Field separately. Zell says there are between “four and six” potential buyers for the team.
Newfeld is especially worried the ballpark’s new ownership – whoever that is – will soon find a way to skirt the Neighborhood Protection Agreements developed over the past 20 years since Wrigley Field’s first night game. That agreement currently allows only 30 night games and requires the stadium’s ownership to pay for extra police protection, cleanup and shuttle bus service on game nights.
“Here’s our concern. We have an agreement until 2015” and if any concessions are made to Zell at this point, Winner wonders, “what are we going to get? A park? Trust me, that’s meaningless. That’s not negotiable.”
Neither Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) nor Mike Lofrano, Wrigley’s community relations vice president, seemed worried about that happening.
“All agreements would remain in effect regardless of who owns the ballpark. There’s been a lot of work that’s gone into this process on things like night games and concerts. And we expect those commitments to be honored.”
Neither Tunney nor Mike Lofrano, Wrigley’s community relations vice president, seemed worried about Zell or anyone else pulling any nasty surprises.
“Most of the buyers, whether it’s the state or private, have done their due diligence, so they know what they’re getting into. And that if there are any changes – and I don’t foresee any – will have to go through the same community process we’ve been doing,” Tunney said.
While “there’s been a lot of speculation with answers yet to come,” Lofrano said, “there’s been a process in place that has worked really well for the past few years. Certainly since I’ve been involved we’ve made a commitment to work with the neighborhood as we go though any changes as we update the ballpark of the team. I would anticipate a new owner would see the benefits of doing that and continue to work with the community.”
On the other hand, he added candidly, there are some things the Cubs and Wrigley Field may have to do to survive and thrive, whether everyone likes it or not.. “In order to reach our goal, which is to win a World Series, we’ve got to make sure the ballpark gets fixed up and the team has the resources needed to win. All these things come together and people say they don’t want us to raise ticket prices, or put any advertising in the park, or add new box suites. And you’re a landmark, so don’t build. If we can’t do these other things, there are some things we could do. But nothing’s been decided. We don’t know.”
Newfeld said she has warned for years the community protection agreements are “full of holes and can easily be overturned,” leaving Lake View “a company town just like the neighborhood around the old Cominsky Park.” But the often colorful leader of the now-defunct Citizens United for Baseball in Sunshine (C.U.B.S.) wonders who will step forward to lead the fight.
“I know it’s possible. The people down in Lincoln Park had been very laissez faire until this thing about Latin School getting a soccer field in the park,” she said. “Now they’ve got 200-300 people. They’re raising money. They’ve got attorney. I’m an optimist. I’m a Cubs fan.”
Newfeld said she now prefers to spend her time these days promoting recycling, the Bird Sanctury in Lincoln Park, and other environmental issues. She will be happy to give advice, but she won’t be leading a fight this time.
She’s had it and wants “someone else who really cares” to step up to the plate.
“I’m not going to be another Joan of Arc. She got burned at the stake, you know.”
Butler formerly covered Lakeview for the Booster newspaper.
A splash of Mexico with a Twist of California a mere three hours away
Los Cabos a luxury destination with an array of activities, attractions
BY RONALD ROENIGK AND KARAH MCGEOWN
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
Most Chicagoans by now are pretty sick of winter. While the calendar may claim it’s Spring, we saw snow falling last Sunday night as our furnace hummed its expensive song. So let us take you to the breathtaking beaches, world-class oceanfront resorts, deep-sea fishing, championship golf and exciting nightlife of Los Cabos.
Authentic Mexican flavor and nature at her very best, Los Cabos combines glamour and adventure with an exotic blend of cosmopolitan culture. Los Cabos, which encompasses the lively Cabo San Lucas and the laid back San Jose del Cabo, is situated at the tip of the Baja Peninsula.
This fast-growing coastal resort area near the US and a sea away from mainland Mexico is one of a kind. Not only for its cultural duality, but also for having two towns with contrasting personalities and two major bodies of water that merge right there. San Jose del Cabo, the Tourist Corridor and the East Cape are all part of the municipality of Los Cabos, meaning the capes.
San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas frame a 23-mile stretch of dramatic beachfront that has drawn people to its shores for a long time. Perhaps best described to Yanks as Arizona with beaches, land ends here where the Sea of Cortez wrestles with the Pacific Ocean. This is where mountains, desert, ocean and sea all meet. Islands in the Sea of Cortez are home to the picturesque beaches and abundant wildlife, including elephant seals, sea lions, and scores of birds.
The area is world renowned as a Hollywood A-listers getaway since it has nearly 360 days of sunshine every year. The dependable weather make it a sure bet for those seeking a break from the Midwest’s own ‘dependable’ winter weather.
Getting to this paradise has never been easier. Private jets line the runway upon your arrival. For the rest of us, the best option is Apple Vacations who offers almost 30 hotel packages and non-stop flights on USA3000 from Chicago through August 8. Whether you are budget conscious, a sun and sand person, or looking for a full week of exploration and adventure, Apple Vacations has a trip to suit any vacationer’s lifestyle.
Resorts
Los Cabos boasts secluded luxury resorts that blend effortlessly into the exquisite terrain. Los Cabos has always been known for its striking natural beauty, range of activities, and the quality of its accommodations, dining and shopping. It’s the kind of place that brings visitors back again and again – this was my sixth visit. Even with the growing crop of luxury resorts, excellent golf, exciting shopping, fine dining and fast paced nightlife, Los Cabos has maintained and preserved its natural beauty. This is not Acapulco. It is just as easy to find nature, as it is to find nightlife.
The legal drinking age in Mexico is 18 years of age and Cabo has a well-earned reputation for partying if that’s what you want. Please be careful, as over indulging is quite common and can lead to trouble.
Our all-inclusive resort included all drinks and many visitors took full advantage daily. While drinking alcohol in public is tolerated to an extent, it is illegal to drink alcoholic beverages on the street, in vehicles, at the beach and other public places.
Los Cabos is home to over 20 different beaches, some which feature stunning rock formations in white sand. Perhaps most famous is the one that features El Arco, a rock arch that marks the spot where the Sea of Cortez meets the Pacific Ocean. It has become a symbol and a landmark of the region.
Public nudity is generally not legal in Mexico although enforcement of this law is not very strict. The only resort in Baja (that I am aware of) where nudity is permitted is located in Loretto. There are several beaches in the Cabo San Lucas and the Los Cabos area that are isolated enough to permit topless sunbathing and nudity, but for those bold souls use your common sense and see what other people are doing.
Whales
During the winter months (December to March), Los Cabos is the ideal place to view migrating gray whales as they give birth to their calves in the warm coastal waters. Visitors can see these gentle giants up close with a whale-watching excursion by boat readily available in the harbor.
Water sports
Los Cabos offers a plethora of outdoor activities including some of the world’s best sport fishing. Cabo San Lucas has become the official Marlin Sport-fishing Capitol of the World, but many other species of fish also swim abundantly. During peak summer months, the waters are perfect for scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking or surfing- for every level of expertise.
Golf
The Los Cabos area, in the span of a few short years, has become one of North America’s hottest golf destinations and it’s no wonder. In addition to the many tournaments that take place in Los Cabos, some of the top names in golf have designed outstanding courses in the region. The magnificent terrain is comparable to that found in Arizona and California desert golf courses. What sets Los Cabos apart is the presence of the Sea of Cortez, a sparkling water-wonderland of incredible hues reaching as far south as the eye can see. The sunny climate is very consistent and allowing for uninterrupted leisure at any of the 12 nearby courses. Most golfers find that their primary hazard to be trying to focus on the golf shots, not the views.
Dining
As Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos evolve, so does the variety of culinary experiences. Our Apple Vacation included all meals but many folks will still venture to search out dining experiences. Los Cabos’ restaurants speak with many accents. Fine Italian, European, American and pan-Asian eateries thrive in diverse and delightful settings. Fresh seafood is the big draw, prepared every way imaginable. Dress up or down, relax, and indulge your palate. Savor the simplicity of a fresh fish taco or go all out and do the town. No matter what you crave the restaurants in Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos have it.
Airport transportation
Apple Vacations provided transportation to our resort but taxis are abundantly available in Los Cabos. At the airport the collective taxi (a small nine-passenger van) costs about $12 per person to Cabo San Lucas. There are larger buses available for about $12 per person. We didn’t need to rent a car on this trip because the local taxis and buses easily filled our needs. If you do want a car be sure to get Mexican insurance before crossing the border, as your U.S. insurance is not valid in Mexico. The roads are narrow, so be careful and watch out for the cows!
Alderman reviews first year in office
BY STACY JEZIOROWSKI
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
One year has passed by since insurgent newcomer Scott Waguespack defeated incumbent Alderman Ted Matlak as 32nd ward alderman 4,179 votes to 4,058 in the April, 2007 elections.
So how does Waguespack rate his first year in office? Many of his campaign promises have come true; others are still in the works. But Waguespack is not slowing down. He says he has many new things in store for the 32nd Ward.
Zoning has been an ongoing issue since the Matlak administration. In the fall, Waguespack introduced a pamphlet of development guidelines. Other wards are currently adopting similar guidelines. Since their implementation, ward residents have been receptive and feel it is important in terms of holistic community development. More changes have been made to that code. Any changes made to the zoning code and proposed construction must be approved by the community and the alderman’s office. Community group forms are available at the 32nd ward office.
Waguespack is also concerned with the increase in the Cook County sales tax.
“The first place people come is to their alderman,” Waguespack explained. “I’ve heard many people say they will be leaving the county to go shopping.”
The answer, he believes, lies in property tax reform.
Using this winter’s unusually high snowfall as an analogy, Waguespack explained how taxes should be raised.
“Government has to, every few years, raise taxes,” he said. “People expect that.”
As a result of the snow, many potholes were created and costs increased, resulting in the spending of extra money.
“Those costs are expected, but people do not expect to get socked with a high sales tax.” Oversight of expenditures is the answer, Waguespack believes. Seeing where all of the money goes and how it affects the tax payers is important in managing funds and keeping taxes low.
In city council, the alderman is getting ready for hearings on development issues and the quality of new construction. Owners who have been affected by poor workmanship will be speaking. They have either lost money on the resale of their units or have had to move out during rebuilding.
Chicago Transit Authority funding was an issue the alderman worked on as well. At first, he was against the proposed bill, but after asking questions as well as suggesting tweaks to the plan, he voted in favor of it.
“Oversight of the money for the real estate transfer tax was important,” Waguespack said. “Until city hall had responsibility for the $65 million in funds, I wasn’t going to vote for it.” The money made from the tax has to go though city budget hearings in October, with the Chicago Transit Authority proving where they spent the funds.
Waguespack believes that free rides for seniors are a mistake. Before becoming alderman, Waguespack worked at Berwyn city hall. In Berwyn, Waguespack started a program to help the senior citizen population. “The number one issue was the ability to get around, whether it is their own vehicle or public transportation,” he said. “I believe the majority of people would pay if it was going toward improvements.”
Aware of rising environmental concerns and a sagging economy, Waguespack is advocating green technology. He has found money in the budget to modify waste removal. Residents north of Diversey Avenue will have new blue bins from the Department of Streets and Sanitation in place by July, while residents south should have bins in place sometime next year.
Waguespack is also looking to introduce a green incentive zone into the 32nd ward. By working with the existing zoning code and tweaking green build code, he hopes to create an incentive zone to attract businesses. A tax break will most likely be the incentive. New developments will comply with Leadership in Energy Environmental Design standards. That is the nationally recognized green building rating system used by the United States Green Building Council. Zoning codes will not be drastically changed for the project.
Waguespack believes by building an incentive zone, Chicago can increase it’s place in the market for green technology.
“This will also create new long-term jobs,” said Waguespack. “There are thousands who have the skills that fall into the production of green technologies. You don’t need a degree in engineering to assemble a solar panel.”
Looking ahead to the possibility of Chicago hosting the 2016 Olympics, Waguespack would like to see green technology used on the construction of the Olympic Village. “If written in the code for Olympic planning, Chicago could host the first ever green Olympics.” Parking zones are changing across the 32nd ward. After meeting with chambers of commerce, neighborhood groups, Destination Damen and other community groups, he deciding to consolidate the original 15 zones into six. Changes will take effect on June 1 when new stickers are issued. Residents will see changes in phases. Ward businesses will benefit from the changes, as more street parking will be available for those without customer lots, he said.
“Many people don’t know that the ward has to pay upfront for stickers,” Waguespack said. “Ward money pays for them until the money is generated.” Fewer types of stickers means less money to front from ward funds.
Anyone with questions regarding the new parking zones or any other ward concerns, either call (773-248-1330) or stop by his office at 2657 N. Clybourn Avenue. For ward updates, you can sign up for newsletters via e-mail, or pick up a hard copy at the office.
NEIGHBORHOOD NOTES
Lake View - Lincoln Square - Ravenswood - Uptown
Scholarship lunch
The 11h Annual Leaders of the Future award scholarship will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 8 at the Chicago Brauhaus, 4732 N. Lincoln Avenue. Checks reserved for the Neighborhood Boys & Girls Club, 2501 W. Irving Park Road.
Business fair
A Chicago Public Schools small business opportunity fair will be held April 11 at Walter Payton High School, 1034 N. Wells St., from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. CEO Arnie Duncan speaks at 3 p.m. Vendors will have a chance to meet people from Chicago Public School’s purchasing department there.
Wrigley run
Participate in the 11th annual Wrigley Start Early Run on Saturday, April 19, in Chicago’s Lincoln Park, benefiting Prevent Child Abuse America and Voices for Illinois Children. Featuring 5K and 10K runs, a 5K Pledge Walk and Free Kids Dash for kids 8 and under. Meet NBA great BJ Armstrong and enjoy an appearance by the Berenstain Bears. Collect pledges to raise additional funds for the charities and win great prizes, including a portable DVD player for those who raise $1,000 or more. For more information, call 773/868-3010 x227.
Jazz
In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble presents “A Triumph of Trumpets” at 8 p.m. Friday, April 11 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 East Randolph on the southeast corner of Chicago’s Millennium Park. The fourth in the Chicago Jazz Ensemble’s American Heritage Jazz Series, the concert features trumpeters Randy Brecker, Tom Harrell, Lew Soloff and Terell Stafford, all showcasing a variety of styles in Jazz as well as how the trumpet’s role in Jazz has evolved over the past century.
Faddis and jazz aficionado Neil Tesser kick off the evening with a conversation about the artists and their music from 7 p.m. to 7:30 pm. In addition, a Master Class with guest artists Randy Brecker, Tom Harrell, Lew Soloff and Terell Stafford is offered at the Concert Hall of the Music Department, 1014 S. Michigan Avenue, at Columbia College Chicago on Thursday, April 10, from Noon to 2:30 pm. The Master Class is free and open to the public and will be moderated by Jon Faddis.
“To stand on the same stage and play trumpet with my great friends and colleagues - Randy, Tom, Lew and Terell - is a privilege and a thrill,” said Jon Faddis. “While we all have our different styles, we are looking forward to this special opportunity to play together. Each guest is bringing his own arrangements, and the concert is going to be a blast.”
Film about forgiveness
A viewing and discussion of the film “The Power of Forgiveness” by Martin Doblmeier focuses its lens on a broad-based movement developing at the intersection of religion and science that sees forgiveness as a tool for personal and spiritual transformation.
The film includes interviews with people from many faith traditions, with those who are conducting forgiveness research and with doctors, psychologists and psychotherapists who discuss the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of forgiveness and the toll that withholding forgiveness can take on one’s health and well-being. Free. For more information, contact Rev. Jacki Belile at 773.655.4357 or livingwell@rcn.com. Event led by Rev. Jacki Belile at Living Well Ministries home in the facilities of St. James Presbyterian Church, 6554 N. Rockwell. Enter at the upper level entrance on Rockwell. Tuesday, April 22 and April 29:
Literally sexy
Spring is here, and libidos are hatching. Forget the oysters, try a late night variety show focused on all things sex - Literally Sexy - burlesque, drag, bondage, erotica, comedy - all in one hot night Friday, April 11 at 10:30 pm, at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue.
This alluring evening includes a variety of Chicago’s freshest performing artists such as GayCo Productions, The Neo-Futurists, The Flaming Dames, 2nd Story, Arlene Malinowski, and Time Out Chicago’s sex columnist Dr. Debby Herbenick. The evening, hosted by Chicago’s own femme fatale, David Cerda of Hell in a Handbag Productions will be flowing with cocktails, music, and wine samples from Naked Winery. Plus, shop the arousing wares of G Boutique.
Sketch Comedy Fest
A “Celebration of Chicago Sketch Comedy” featuring Schadenfreude of Chicago Public Radio will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, April 14 at Steppenwolf Theatre 1650 N. Halsted.
Edgewater Historical Society Fundraiser
April 18, Friday from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm, The Edgewater Historical Society is holding their Annual Fundraiser at the historic Edgewater Beach Apartments, 5555 N. Sheridan Road, in the Pool Terrace Area. Donation per person of $40 in advance - $45 at the door. Parking available in the EBA garage for 25 cars; parking fee is $5 per car, please pay the attendant. We will have great food, music and our Silent Auction. Join us for our 20th Anniversary and to honor the late EBA resident and our friend and Treasurer, Marie Morrissette. Send advance reservation check and name and number of attendees to EHS, 5358 N. Ashland, Chicago IL 60640.
Choir visit
An A Capella Choir from Pella, Iowa visits Queen of Angels for mass Saturday, April 12 at 5 p.m, 4412 N. Western Avenue.
Author discusses
new book
Magical realism author Isabel Allende discusses her new memoir “The Sum of Our Days” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 9 at the Swedish-American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St.
Gold Coast - Lincoln Park - Loop - Near North
Step up to the plate
With the start of baseball season, the city is hosting “Step up to the Plate at Play Ball, Chicago!” on Tuesday, April 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Daley Plaza, Washington and Dearborn Streets.
This celebration unites fans of the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Kane County Cougars, Windy City Thunderbolts, Joliet Jackhammers and Schaumburg Flyers as they begin their seasons in Chicago. Free activities include batting cages, speed pitch, appearances by former players and giveaways.
Play Ball, Chicago! is presented by the City of Chicago, Mayor’s Office of Special Events.
Film row archives
During the 1930s and 1940s, the U.S. Government produced a significant number of films intended to document and dramatize the experiences of Americans during the depression and New Deal eras.
The 75th Anniversary of the New Deal Film Festival, featuring 13 of these films, will have its Midwest premiere at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema on Wednesday, April 16. For more information on the free, all-day, public event contact Erin McCarthy at 312-344-7296 or emccarthy@colum.edu. Space is limited and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
The films, part of the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration in Washington, D.C., were produced between 1933 and 1949. The first showing of the collection was on March 15 at the National Archives.
As part of Columbia’s presentation of the festival, historians and film scholars will examine the evolving definitions of and relationship between documentary, advocacy art and propaganda. They will discuss the depiction of history in media and critique the screened film collection in relation to those themes.
The April 16 program at Columbia College Chicago will be screened in three parts: morning session will include films concerned with Urban Life and Culture; the afternoon screening looks at films made about the WPA public works projects; and the evening program tackles the topic of Land and Environment. A reception between the afternoon and evening programs will feature the Swing Doctors performing live music by Django Reinhart.
Art expo April 12
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and the Chicago Department of Housing present the fifth annual Creative Chicago Expo, connecting business, space, housing, and cultural resources with individuals and organizations in all artistic disciplines, including music, film, fashion, theater, dance, visual arts, design and new media. This day-long event features exhibitors representing all aspects of buying and leasing space, plus Neighborhoods Seeking Artists, and an array of workshops and seminars for organizations, and individuals. The Creative Chicago Expo began in 2003 as an affordable housing expo for artists. It has grown into a popular showcase of resources, programs, and tools for artists in all disciplines as well as an intensive opportunity to connect with peers and potential collaborators. Chicago is the only city with a “Creative Expo” created specifically for the 80,000+ artists living and working in the city today.
It will be held from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St. Free.
Bird workshop
A birding workshop presented by the Chicago Park District will be held April 5 at 9 a.m. at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 North Cannon Drive.
It’s never too late or too soon to start birding. Learn how to use binoculars, better spot birds, and look for specific characteristics. Free, but pre-registration is required. Call 312-742-5039.
Poetry reading
On Wednesday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m. a poetry reading will be held at 1014 S. Michigan Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
The Columbia College Chicago English Department’s end-of-the-year send-off reading features poet Alice Notley--flying in all the way from Paris just for the event--and award-winning poet Rachel Zucker.
For the fifth and last reading of the spring season, the Columbia College poetry department has saved the best for last, presenting a reading with two immensely successful female poets, whose poems touch on everything from war to motherhood.
Lecture on climate change
In a sweeping visual journey, National Geographic Executive Editor Dennis Dimick will bring to the stage the highlights of National Geographic’s feature stories and the most recent scientific reports documenting climate change to explore what we as communities and individuals can do to halt the destruction and reverse the trends at April 15, 7:30 pm at the James Simpson Theatre, the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
Newberry library history seminar
Professor Peter Mancall, an expert on the American Revolution, presents a free seminar as part of The Newberry Library Seminar in Early American History and Culture. The seminar format assumes that all participants have read an essay in advance, and that all who request the paper will attend the seminar. Please do not request a paper unless you plan to attend. To request a copy of the paper, please email scholl@newberry.org. For more information, call 312-255-3524.
The seminar will be held at 5:30 p.m. on April 17 at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St.
100 Modern Poems by Women
Joseph Parisi, editor of “100 Essential Modern Poems,” and Kathleen Welton selected poems by women writing over the past 150 years in the English language. Included are Emily Dickinson, Audre Lorde, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Marge Piercy, and Sylvia Path as well as lesser known writers. A book signing follows the talk April 10 at 6 p.m. at the Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St.
Plans for nine-story parking garage unveiled
BY PATRICK BUTLER
SPECIAL TO INSIDE
Plans for a 1,136-space parking garage and a student activities center just south of the Truman College campus, 1145 W. Wilson, has come under fire recently.
The nine-level garage would be located next to the Red Line tracks with the four-story student center next to homes and apartments just to the west – a situation Katherine Boyde called unacceptable but probably inevitable at this point.
Boyde, the president of the Uptown Neighborhood Council who lives 60 feet from the proposed project, said her 2,000-member group representing the area between Foster, Western, Irving Park and the lakefront decided to focus on TIF reform instead of fighting the parking garage after learning part of the garage’s funding would come from the Wilson Yard TIF. Tax Increment Financing is a municipal funding tool that uses part of the property taxes generated in specially-designated commercial districts for uses ranging from infrastructure improvements to job training – but not for any construction costs except for affordable housing.
While questioning whether TIF funds should be used to build a parking garage for a tax exempt institution, Boyde said later that she is even more disturbed that the decision was made without much community input.
But at the same time, she praised Truman College for addressing many of the community concerns raised at a town meeting last July and holding a March 24 followup meeting, and wished Ald. Helen Shiller (46th) and the Chicago Planning Department had done likewise.
They did, replied Shiller, who said she had called both the March 24 meeting and another public hearing last July, but had Truman College organize and run those meetings.
Other UNC concerns included the impact the parking garage would have on the already-congested neighborhood and whether it makes sense to encourage people to drive to Uptown with the Wilson Avenue el station and several major bus routes across the street, Boyde said.
One local resident praised the improvements saying it is good to help students, but he also hopes for benefits for himself..
“More parking? How can you be against that?” asked Mike Flosher, 30, of Uptown. “I think it’s great. Once it’s done, I’ll be able to drive over to the El, drop off my car there and go downtown. It will be awesome.”
Lynn Walker, Truman’s acting president, said the Uptown campus has the most students (15,000) of any school in the City College system. According to a study by Walker Parking Consultants (no relation to the Truman president), 77 percent of the school’s faculty drive while up to 58 percent of the students use public transportation to get to classes.
It has not yet been decided whether the garage would also be available to neighborhood visitors and residents on weekends and off hours, Truman spokesman Clifton Daniel said.
CTA President Ron Huberman said his agency is already working on plans for a new Wilson Avenue elevated station to replace the existing 1923 building.
Shiller said the project is expected to be approved by both the Chicago Plan Commission and the City Council by July and that construction could begin immediately after that.
Most of the funding will come from a $30 million City Colleges bond issue and $12 to $14 million from the state, said Shiller. Truman is also asking for $10 to $11 million in TIF money. The Illinois Capital Development Board will be the project manager, Shiller said.
She added that the parking garage/ student activities center will be LEED-certified by the U.S Green Building Counsel that will “add a lot to the college, create a lot of opportunities and allow for better coordination of student services and activities.”
State targets flavored cigarettes and alcohol energy drinks
New State Sen. Heather Steans (D - 7th District) is sponsoring legislation this year to keep flavored cigarettes and alcoholic energy drinks out of the hands of kids.
Senate Bill 2825 would ban the sale of flavored cigarettes in Illinois. Public health experts say minors are particularly attracted to the cigarettes, which come in varieties ranging from vanilla and chocolate to honey, fruits and mint.
“Flavored cigarettes are inherently appealing to kids,” Collins said. “By packaging them like desserts, and disguising their taste, the sale of flavored cigarettes has effectively created a loophole in current laws against advertising tobacco products to minors.”
Steans’ Senate Bill 2472 would similarly prohibit the marketing of “alcopop” energy drinks to kids, and require better labeling on bottles and cans to distinguish them from non-alcoholic beverages.
“As with any beer, wine or liquor, energy drinks that contain alcohol should not be marketed to minors. These drinks are becoming increasingly popular, and we must do our part to protect the health of our children.” Steans said. “In addition, these products must be identifiable. With today’s packaging and labeling standards, it is virtually impossible to tell an alcoholic energy drink from a non-alcoholic one when you set them side by side,”
Both bills were passed this month by the Executive Committee. The measures now head to the full Senate for approval.
“Flavored cigarettes and so-called “alcopop” energy drinks are encouraging more kids to experiment with alcohol and tobacco,” Collins said. “The colorful packaging and flashy advertising mask the inherent dangers of smoking and drinking. It’s important we take steps now to protect our children from the lure of these unhealthy products.”
New German center director starts work
A celebration was held to commemorate the final work day for Dank Haus Executive Director Wally Rozak March 28.
The party took place on the sixth floor of the Dank Haus German Language School, 4740 N. Western Avenue.
Wally has accepted an offer to return to work in the economic development field in the nearby Uptown neighborhood where he worked for a number of years. Rozak will still participate on a limited basis with one or two of our committees, according to Dank President Dagmar Freiberger. Pizza and German beer were served.
On Rozak’s recommendation, Nicki Dombrowski has been hired as a part-time Visiting Administrative Director to keep basic operations moving along in the front office. Dombrowski’s has a background in accounting, operations, and event management.
Program: mail in used electronics to be recycled for free
The U.S. Post Office is kicking off a new recycling plan where people may mail-in used up printer cartridges electronics, cell phones, digital cameras, and mp3 players for free to be recycled.
All they have to do is pick up the free, pre-paid postage envelopes from the post office, fill them with used electronics and place them back in the mail to be recycled.
Within three years, industry experts predict that up to 130 million mobile phones will be thrown away each year in the United States. This waste contains harmful toxic chemicals such as arsenic, beryllium, copper, lead, nickel, and zinc.
This pilot program is being introduced in the Chicagoland area along with nine other areas throughout the country.
The free, postage-paid “Mail Back” envelopes are available in Post Office lobbies.
Alderman Gene Schulter (47th Ward) and Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley (10th District), in conjunction with the United States Post Office, introduced a new recycling service last month.
Postage for the program is paid for by Clover Technologies Group of Ottawa, Illinois, a company that takes old inkjet cartridges, laser cartridges, and small electronics works on them and then sells the new product.
The company has a zero waste landfill policy which assures program participants that their old electronics will not end up in area landfills.
The “Mail Back” envelopes are also available in the offices of Schulter, 4237 N. Lincoln Avenue, and Quigley, 1057 W. Belmont Avenue.
Schulter and Quigley support for this program is a continuation of their ongoing efforts to bring more green initiatives to the City of Chicago and Cook County. Last year, Schulter was pleased to bring the Blue Cart Recycling Program to the 47th Ward.
“The residents of the 47th Ward are excited about recycling and always challenging me to help create more opportunities for the community to really lessen our impact on the planet,” states Alderman Schulter.
Commissioner Quigley added “I fully believe that the residents of Cook County want to be environmentally friendly. And I believe it is my job as a Commissioner to make being ‘green’ as easy and accessible as possible. So when I learned about the ‘Mail Back’ program I recognized this as a worthwhile program for which I am excited
to advocate.”
Lincoln Park anti-war group to host event
On Tuesday, April 8, the Lincoln Park Neighbors United for Peace will host a screening of the film “Blackwater Invades Illinois” at the DePaul Art Museum, 2350 N. Kenmore at 7 p.m.
The film features Jeremy Scahill, author of the new book, “Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army.”
The program will include a discussion with Bill Barclay of the Oak Park Coalition for Truth and Justice.
On display at the Museum is the Abu Ghraib Detainee Interview Project; Artist Daniel Heyman has drawn former prisoners at Abu Ghraib during interviews and incorporated their testimony into his images.
According to the Lincoln Park Neighbors United for Peace, Blackwater Corporation employs private armies throughout the world, including Iraq, Afghanistan and in the aftermath of Katrina. Scahill describes Blackwater as a “politically connected private army that has in effect declared its forces above the law.” Blackwater has won nearly $1 billion in government contracts. Its 7,000 acre Moyock, North Carolina headquarters has been called the world’s largest private military base. Blackwater has been under Congressional investigation for subcontracts in Iraq for two years and civil litigation for wrongful deaths of four of its employees in Iraq.
Now Blackwater is opening a training facility in northwest Illinois in a wooded area called “The Site,” 150 miles west of Chicago near the town of Mount Carro.
Lincoln Park Neighbors United for Peace say there are more than 100,000 contractors in Iraq, and half of them are armed and they are exempt from the statistics and laws of the military while many are hired through a new division within the Department of Commerce so that they do not even appear in the Defense Department Budget, the group says.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 312.9272689 or lpnu@netlumina.com
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Writer: pollution board should implement new water quality standards
Since we were established in 1979, Friends of the Chicago River has worked to improve the Chicago River for the benefit of the people, plants, and animals that live in our watershed. Part of this work includes our effort to advocate for improved water quality throughout the river system.
The Illinois Pollution Control Board is currently considering new water quality standards that will result in a cleaner Chicago River. Recommended by the Illinois EPA after five years of study, the proposed standards will result in a much cleaner river and be a tremendous benefit to the people that use the river and value clean water. We believe this change represents a generational opportunity.
We are encouraging anyone interested in having a healthier Chicago River to submit a public comment to the Illinois Pollution Control Board. We have added a page on our website that includes instructions for filing a public comment and more information about this process and the proposed standards.
John Quail,
Director of Watershed Planning
Friends of the Chicago River
Students get a taste of Korea in preparation for visit
A dinner took place at Solga Korean Restaurant, 5828 N. Lincoln Avenue, for participants of the “International Experience” to Seoul, South Korea. The trip was conceived by the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University, 3325 W. Foster Avenue.
Given that Korean food is quite different from typical American fare, those in attendance used the dinner as an opportunity to educate themselves in the art of Korean food and have the opportunity to sample popular Korean dishes.
In addition, Lee Sundholm, professor of economics, gave a short overview of South Korea’s history, politics, and business environment.
Dr. Ho-Youn Kwon, director of the center for Korean studies, also attended. He was the group’s guide on the trip from March 4 to March 12. A few Korean-American also attended and shared their experiences with the group. These folks included Leah Bayorgeon, who is currently an admission counselor at North Park; Jin Lee, who works in the finance department at North Park; and Soon Hong and his wife. Soon is a graduate of North Park’s MBA program and founder and owner of the Korean Merchandise Center.
Thanks to Hong, the event was covered by Channel 41 KBC-TV. Several attendees were interviewed, including Christopher Nicholson, director of graduate admission; Dr. Kwon, Dr. Sundholm, and two of the trip’s participants, Tina Maliwanag and Melissa Hamming. In addition, the cameraman took footage of the group as they ate dinner and listened to Professor Sundholm’s presentation.
In addition to Nicholson, Kwon, and Sundholm, eight students and spouses are participating in this trip to Seoul, which includes tours of Samsung Electronics, the Korean Stock Market, Nanta Theater, KIA Motors, and more.
Ernie Banks statue unveiled
A host of dignitaries were on hand Monday morning for the Cubs opening day when a new statue of “Mister Cub” Ernie Banks was unveiled.
Hundreds attended the statue unveiling on Clark Street at 10 a.m. March 31 to honor the two-time National League Most Valuable Player who sported a Cubs uniform from 1953 to 1971.
Banks, 77, said it is nice to know that “long after I’m not here, I’ll still be here.”
“This is a miracle my friends,” Banks said. “Seeing this statue reminds me of my mom who only made it to he third grade and my dad who only made it to the sixth grade. They may not have been educated but they taught me a great lesson: to be satisfied. They were satisfied with their life and they taught me to be satisfied. When I played day games at Wrigley Field, I was truly satisfied.”
Cubs President Crane Kennedy said Banks “delighted fans with his stellar play and cheerful disposition.”
A host of dignitaries were on hand to honor the Hall of Famer including former Cub ace Ferguson Jenkins, Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich, State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, Sen. Pres. Emil Jones, House Speaker Mike Madigan, Ald. Tom Tunney (44), Rev Jesse Jackson and Duchy Carray.
“This is a tremendous honor for you Ernie, I just wish it happened 10 or 15 years ago,” said Slugger Hank Aaron. “You were a great ambassador for baseball and you still are a great ambassador for baseball.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Better signs needed for street sweeping
To the Editor:
One of the top issues I advanced as an aldermanic candidate during last year’s elections was the problem of inadequate street-cleaning notification. Recently, the Department of Streets and Sanitation announced it will implement multicolored signs to deal with the problem.
The city’s solution, piloted over the last year, involves posting a different color-coded sign for every day of the week. I suppose they imagine that making signs in designer colors somehow will increase compliance. Their solution sparks little confidence in me that they even understand the problem, while it gives a pass to the system that causes the problem in the first place: that signs are often not posted enough in advance.
If anything, most of the new signs are even less reflective than the orange ones and will be less visible, thus actually exacerbating the ticketing problem. The new cameras on board the trucks presage an even more draconian future. Inadvertently blocking street-cleaning efforts is not a dangerous crime like running a red light, and the city’s notification is so haphazard that it is no wonder people are getting tickets.
A flashing-light concept I had drawn up in 2006, to give both three-day advance warning of street cleaning and an indication of when the truck had passed your street, was implemented backwards in last year’s pilot by the city. They refuse to follow my advice to have the light begin flashing in advance to warn parkers. As a result, the product will do nothing to reduce the number of ticketing victims.
The best solution is really the simplest: some brave alderman must introduce an ordinance to force ward superintendents to actively notify residents at least 72 hours in advance, and to be accountable for it. Currently there is no such law, so a widespread tendency is to put signs up the night before or to rely on static permanent signs. Giving earlier warning will make it a lot easier to avoid the tickets. But the cynical side of me says that this is the last thing the city wants.
Peter Zelchenko
Former 43rd Ward aldermanic candidate
Congressman calls for more domestic spending
Says Iraq War funds should be brought home
U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-5) held a press conference downtown last week to highlight Congress’s plan to “take American families in a new direction.” After spending billions on the war in Iraq, Emanuel believes that investment in America’s infrastructure, education, and economy are long overdue.
“After spending more than $40 billion to rebuild Iraq,” said Emanuel. “It’s time to invest in America again and rehabilitate our nation’s ailing roads, bridges and critical infrastructure.”
Emanuel critiqued the Bush Administration’s priorities, pointing out that we have spent $44.8 billion rebuilding Iraq and while the Iraqi government is running a budget surplus, here at home we are $3.8 trillion dollars in debt.
“President Kennedy once said, ‘to govern is to choose’ – and it’s time to choose American investment – it’s time to start investing in Chicago again,” said Emanuel. “It’s time to rebuild our roads, bridges and schools. And it’s time to help give workers looking for a job and families struggling to hold on to their homes the tools they need to succeed.”
In Iraq, the United States has refurbished 20 hospitals, built 80 new clinics and 60 more are planned. And for 29 days of spending in Iraq, we could fully fund the Children’s Health Care program or for two days in Iraq, we could build a new hospital emergency room here in Chicago, the congressman said.
In Iraq, President Bush has rehabilitated 6,700 schools and retrained 60,000 teachers. In America, President Bush wants to cut programs that improve teacher training by $100 million, according to Emanuel.
Meanwhile, $350 million dollars, or roughly one day in Iraq, could make up the Chicago Public School’s deficit, he says. In Iraq, we’ve built five airports and ninety-six rail stations; while here in Chicago, with a fraction of that investment, the U.S. could fund the CTA and Metra’s shortfalls and finish the deep tunnel sewer project.
Cathedral hosts art discussion series
St. James Episcopal Cathedral is slated to host “Community Concerns in the Visual Arts” a four part series of panel discussions explores socially conscious artistic practice in Chicago.
The free public programs will bring together panelists from the city’s arts organizations for a series of discussions, with questions and answers.
All programs in the series are on Tuesdays in April from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. James Cathedral, on the corner of Wabash Avenue and Huron Street, and are free to the public. Doors will open at 5:30 pm.
The series will use the Keiskamma Altarpiece on view March 27 through May 11 at St. James Cathedral following a U.S. tour as a starting point for the first presentation, and a backdrop for the next three discussions. The altarpiece is a remarkable work of community art created by 130 people, predominantly women, in rural, poverty-stricken, AIDS-affected Hamburg, South Africa. It is a 14 by 22 foot work done in embroidery, beadwork, and photography on three layers of wood panels, combining stories of the loss
of community members with a message of hope for the future. The work provided solace in the face of suffering and grief, and much-needed income, for the artists.
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