Children’s Museum relocation questions Grant Park’s legal protection
By Carrie Jackson
Special to Inside
For over 170 years, Chicagoans have enjoyed the open lakefront views and sprawling greenery at Grant Park with the comfort of knowing it was protected from urban development. That could change, however, if the City Council approves the proposal by the Chicago Children’s Museum to relocate to Grant Park and construct a $100 million combination museum and field house where a dilapidated field house currently stands.
The non-profit museum, which is headed by a volunteer board of directors, is counting on funding from philanthropic foundations, individuals, corporations and other donors. Allstate Insurance is said to be a big supporter.
Opponents to the move have been very vocal, including Ald. Brendan Reilly, 42nd, whose ward contains the park. Among their arguments is that construction in the park would violate long-standing state Supreme Court rulings to keep the land open.
In 1836, when Chicago public officials were parceling out lakefront land, they opted not to sell the area known as Grant Park and declared it a public ground “a common area to remain forever open, clear, and free of any buildings or other obstruction.” The state Supreme Court has upheld this designation four times in court, including a ruling that the Field Museum could not be constructed on the land. The Art Institute and Millennium Park’s Harris Theater have been allowed, as well as certain shelters, bandstands, and restrooms, which support park activities.
Proponents say that since the museum would largely be underground, very little green space would be lost. Only 9,610 square feet of above-ground park space would be used, although the museum would provide 120,000 square feet of activity areas. The tallest element is the 20 foot glass entrance, which was originally going to be 25 feet. In addition, the architects incorporated a “green roof” which would be more visually appealing. Skylights would bring natural light and views into the museum.
Grant Park is easily accessible by public transportation, and is a short walk to eateries and other attractions of Michigan Avenue.
While most people agree that the museum would be more accessible and better utilized away from its current Navy Pier location, the debate continues as to where it should go. Several sites, aside from the Grant Park options, have been suggested.
Lincoln Park, which already draws crowds to the zoo, conservatory, and lakefront location, could use a boost to the struggling Peggy Notebaert Museum. The area is already plush with waters from North Pond and a nearby harbor that could include many teaching opportunities. Unlike Grant Park, the land is not regulated, so there are many more options. However, with no direct El lines and limited bus routes, it would be not as accessible by public transportation.
Garfield Park also attracts children with its conservatory and special exhibits, and is easily accessible by the CTA green line and the Eisenhower Expressway. Adding the museum would help stimulate the city’s West Side.
Northerly Island attracts people year-round with the Charter One Pavilion and the nearby Adler Planetarium and Museum Campus. There is still plenty of land left to develop that is free from legal protection. Lake views make it somewhat of an appealing oasis.
Prizter Park, located in the heart of the city across from the Harold Washington Library, is easily accessible by several El lines as well as CTA buses. Children could be inspired by the educational opportunities offered by the nearby campuses of DePaul University, Robert Morris College, and John Marshall Law School. The parking lot currently located on that block could potentially be removed to enlarge the L-shaped plot of land. However, a museum would add to the already heavy congestion.
The final location being proposed is the Riverwalk site on Upper Wacker, where the lakefront intersects with the river. It already has plenty of eateries and attractions that draw people in, but again, a museum would just increase the downtown traffic headaches.
Another factor being considered is the benefits of stimulating the economy in a more remote area, such as Garfield Park, or versus focusing on an already thriving area like Lincoln Park, which already has restaurants and other amenities. Many Chicago residents who are too familiar with city congestion are weary of adding new attractions.
While he wants to keep Grant Park open to the public, Graham Wolfson says spots like Lincoln Park would be too chaotic with the addition of a museum. Wolfson, who lives in Rogers Park with his wife Stacey and 15-month old daughter, has not been to the current museum at Navy Pier and would like to see more cultural attractions that are free to the public, like in Washington, DC.
Grant Park has other drawbacks, such as pricy parking garages. However, if the city were to okay the move, people like Ald. Reilly worry the most about the precedent construction would set, and fear there is no such thing as “just this once.”
Developer settles out of court with North Center Blogger
By Peter von Buol
Special to Inside
A Chicago developer and two North Center community activists reached an out-of-court settlement on April 22 in a legal battle that began one year ago after the developer took offense to certain comments the activists had posted on their neighborhood web log northcenterneighbors.blogspot.com. The case was dismissed in court on the following day.
Two days after the settlement, community activist Joy Okon, who along with her husband Tom Okun had been a co-defendant in the lawsuit, posted the following apology to the developer, James Jaeger and his development company JCJ Development, on her neighborhood group’s site.
“In the past, we have made statements insinuating that that James Jaeger and JCJ Development made inappropriate payments to the North Center Chamber of Commerce and that the Chamber gave Mr. Jaeger and JCJ Development special benefits in return. We have insinuated that Mr. Jaeger engaged in “deceptive” and “evil” behavior. We have never had, and do not now have, any reason to believe that Mr. Jaeger ever made inappropriate payments to any organization, nor that he ever received any favorable treatment from the North Center Chamber of Commerce or any other political entity. We never had, and do not now have, any reason to believe that Mr. Jaeger ever engaged in deceptive or evil behavior. We apologize to Mr. Jaeger for any misunderstanding, insult or injury we have caused. We also apologize for any harm we may have caused to Mr. Jaeger, personally or in his profession,” wrote Okun.
Attorney Alex Memmen, who represents Jaeger, said it was especially important for his client to get an apology from the Okuns.
“We always sought an apology in this matter. It was, and continues to be, our contention that the Okuns’ statement injured Mr. Jaeger’s business reputation. The blog seemed an appropriate place for an apology, seeing this is where it all started,” said Memmen, who is an associate at the law firm of Riordan, Donnelly, Lipinski and McKee.
Memmen said the statements made by the Okuns a year ago were actually defamatory statements and therefore not protected by the U.S. Constitution.
“Free speech is [a right] guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. However, there are limitations to that guarantee. One limitation is regard to defamatory language: if you make false statements about someone, and those statements are harmful, you can be civilly liable for slander or libel (in Illinois, the two concepts are merged as “defamation”). The Okons [had] brought a motion to dismiss our claim on First Amendment grounds [and that] claim was dismissed by the court. The court agreed with us that, if we could prove that the Okons made the statements we claimed they had made, the Okons would be liable for defamation,” said Memmen.
In addition, Memmen added he believes the Okons would not have been protected by recent legislation passed by the Illinois General Assembly and known as the Citizens Participation Act.
“It is my opinion that the CPA does not protect any language that is not already protected by the First Amendment. Instead, it provides a more powerful “weapon” for Defendants to dismiss suits that target protected speech,” said Memmen.
Last May, Jaeger’s company had unveiled its plans to build an eight-story building at 1822-40 W. Irving Park and was requesting support for a zoning change from the North Center Chamber of Commerce and nearby residents. At the time, the property only allowed a four-story building. Some residents, including the Okuns, opposed the project because they said the proposed building was too large for the block. Last year, on their blog, the Okuns had claimed Jaeger had made donations to the chamber in an attempt to influence its decision to support the proposed development.
The project as originally planned was not built by JCJ Development because it never received the support of 47th Ward Alderman Gene Schulter. After three community meetings convened by the alderman, a zoning change was granted that allowed the developer to build a five-story building on the site.
To help defray the Okun’s legal costs, their neighbors hosted a fundraiser on April 25 at O’Donovan’s Restaurant at 2100 W. Irving Park and a few days later Joy Okun thanked supporters on her blog.
“Tom (her husband), Harrison (her son) and I would like to “thank” everyone who attended the fundraiser/neighborhood meeting last Friday, 4/25 at O’Donovan’s. Your support and kindness was overwhelming,” posted Okun. “We would like to extend a special “Thank you” to the following people who extended support and guidance during the last 12 months - in light of the lawsuit filed against us: Julie and Will Hobert, [Attorney] Daliah Saper, Carol Jones, Bart and Laura Eilts, Sherri McDermott, Susan Tonon, Tam Dillman, Byron Uxtipo, Margaret and Tomas Aguilar, Al Podorski [and] Pam Fox.”
Memmen said he hopes the settlement will serve as an educational experience for others who are engaged in similar disputes.
“I hope this settlement reminds individuals that there are bounds to what people can [say] in what is, essentially, a political dispute between private citizens. Just because you do not like a proposed development does not mean you can make personal attacks about a developer’s character. It is not uncommon for people to become excited about a cause and that excitement often leads to zealotry. What is important is for people to understand that, just because you are adamantly opposed to something, does not give you the right to make personal attacks against your opposition,” said Memmen.
New firehouse under construction
A new firehouse will be the home of Engine 70, Truck Company 47, Battalion 9 at W. Peterson Avenue and N. Clark St.. The $13 million project is approximately 50 percent complete. This project was first announced in 2000. This fire company has been operating in a 103 year-old building.
CITY BEAT: Contractor selected for Brown and Red Line work
The Chicago Transit Board just approved a $22.8 million contract for repair work and materials that will reduce slow zones on a total of 8,280 feet along the north end of the Red Line and sections of the Brown Line.
Under the terms of the contract, CTA will be able to eliminate 4,700 feet of existing slow zone on the Brown Line between the Belmont and Western stations and 3,580 feet of existing slow zone on the Red Line between the Belmont and Sheridan stations.
“We are continuing our aggressive efforts to invest in our rail infrastructure by replacing deteriorating track and rail ties and eliminating slow zones and improve the travel time for our customers,” said CTA President Ron Huberman. “Our goal is to put the ‘rapid’ back in transit.”
Work to eliminate slow zones includes replacing wood rail ties and old tie plates with 100 percent recycled plastic ties and insulated tie plates; and replacing track. In order to facilitate the work, single tracks and reroutes will be needed. Customers will be notified in advance of any work that impacts service.
The slow zone elimination plan began last summer and through March CTA has removed nearly 25 percent of the slow zones. Through the efforts of replacing rail ties and track replacements, slow zones currently occupy 15.9 percent or 187,911 feet of the entire rail system down from 250,057 feet of track.
F.H. Paschen, S.N. Nielsen & Assoc., LLC, 8725 W. Higgins Road, was awarded the contract through a competitive bid and will perform the work on the Brown Line.
The contractor will supply materials for CTA crews to complete the work on the Red Line. The Brown Line work is scheduled to begin in May and is expected to be completed in December while the Red Line work will begin in May and is expected to be completed in Summer 2009.
43rd ward committeeman stays neutral in presidential race
By Rick Tiller
Special to Inside
More than 100 local activists turned out April 29 at the Lincoln Park branch of the Chicago Public Library for a meeting hosted by 43rd Ward Democratic Committeeman Michele Smith.
Smith, elected committeeman Feb. 5, divided her time at the meeting evenly between stumping for the local party and hosting featured speaker Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Anita Alvarez, while sidestepping questions of whether she supports the candidacy of N.Y. Sen. Hillary Clinton or Ill. Sen. Barack Obama.
At the meeting, Smith posted CLINTON and OBAMA signs on the back of the meeting room to organize Dem. supporters by presidential candidate to recruit volunteers for upcoming primaries. She denied a preference for either candidate.
“As the 43rd Ward’s committeeman, I’m supporting the party’s slated candidate for President,” she said. “And if you think I’m getting dragged into that fracas, you’re very much mistaken.”
Smith added, laughing, that “if you want to know who I support, check out who I donated money to… I contributed to both.”
Smith also sought volunteers as both the ward’s 150 Democratic election judges and members of the ward’s Board of Directors. Smith described the board as one of planners for the ward, which has the distinction in the city of boasting a 40 percent turnover every five years.
Her guest that evening was career prosecutor and Democratic state’s attorney candidate Anita Alvarez, who repeated her claim that the office is better in the hands of a prosecutor and not of a professional politician.
Alvarez—like Smith, an outsider to the political organization of Mayor Richard Daley—boasted of winning the nomination after she “never ran for anything before in my life.”
Alvarez is building her campaign around plans to improve the office with changes to Domestic Violence court such as rooms to separate victims from defendants. She also supports systems in which prosecutors get copies of 911 tapes in time for the suspects’ bond hearings, expansion of the mortgage fraud and identity theft division and building a combined Public Integrity and Financial Crimes group.
“We need financial expertise in that group,” she said. “Right now, it’s made up mostly of just former police officers.”
Asked what kind of answer she would provide to gun violence among schoolchildren, Alvarez said she wants to trace the guns “to the source and hit them where it hurts, in the wallet.”
“Whoever provides the guns doesn’t live in the city,” she said. “He’s not selling to kids in the city. He’s living out in the suburbs, snug and safe from the violence.”
Alvarez began her career as a social work student who became enamored of criminal justice courses that led her to the LSAT and law school, thinking she might become a probation officer. Entering the state’s attorney’s office in 1986, Alvarez has worked in domestic violence and juvenile courts, among others, and prosecuted three of the now-notorious, politically connected Special Operations Squad police officers.
Alvarez won a surprise victory Feb. 5 for the Democratic nomination in a crowded field and faces Republican County Commissioner Tony Peraica in the fall.
Disney school hosts library week
Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, Kathleen Hagstrom, principal, Walt Disney Magnet School, Paul Whitsitt, CPS director of libraries and Joan Schenck, Disney librarian held a CPS kick-off of National Libraries week Monday, April 14 at the Walt Disney Magnet School, 4140 N. Marine Drive.
White talked to fourth grade students about the importance of libraries and his duties as State Librarian, as well as his life and his role as Secretary of State.
The library at Disney, which has been reconfigured and redone in the past two years, hosted Libraries Week from April 14 to April 18.
City wins $153 million grant to reduce traffic Bus-only lanes part of congestion battle plan
Mayor Richard Daley and U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters last week announced the city will receive $153 million in federal grant funds to be used for the purpose of reducing traffic congestion.
The city will use the money for a program that combines building the first 10 miles of a proposed dedicated Bus Rapid Transit system of more than 100 miles with a parking pricing strategy aimed at encouraging motorists to come to the Central Business District outside the normal peak hours.
“As we all know, a modern public transportation system is essential to the future of our state, our region and our city. It is vital to our economic security and to our ability to recruit new businesses and create new jobs. It provides an alternative to cars and to the traffic congestion and air pollution they bring with them,” Daley said at a news conference with Secretary Peters. Senator Durbin participated in the event by teleconference from Washington, D.C.
“We believe this program represents a unique approach to reducing traffic congestion that combines Bus Rapid Transit with a parking pricing strategy. We believe it will be a model for other cities,” he said.
The money for the project comes from federal funds available for congestion reduction demonstration programs. The city expects to complete the project by 2010. It must be approved by the City Council and the CTA Board.
With the grant, the city will implement several projects.
They say they will build 10.2 miles of dedicated Bus Rapid Transit Service in key corridors and implement “Peak Period Pricing”, which would apply parking surcharges to peak period users of on-street metered parking and loading zones, and also off-street parking facilities in the Central Business District.
They also plan to establish a fee system to help manage on-street loading zones downtown.
The on-street peak period pricing will be implemented through a long-term concession agreement with an experienced private sector parking manager, Daley said.
“As I have said several times in the past few weeks, the CTA needs to continue its commitment to focusing on improving the quality of service it provides to riders day by day,” Daley said.
The mayor said the two components are complementary.
“The parking pricing encourages drivers to come downtown outside the peak hours or take public transit. The Bus Rapid Transit service will give commuters a more modern and faster alternative to driving as well as better connections with rail lines. The result is less congestion and less pollution.
“We’ve always tried to lead by example. Our willingness to implement a new concept such as peak period pricing is what convinced Secretary Peters to make this grant,” Daley said.
“It’s a way to provide the speed and reliability closer to rail service without the costly infrastructure. Both Los Angeles and Vancouver have seen bus ridership increase after they introduced BRT,” he said.
And, the Bus Rapid Transit service will use the new articulated hybrid buses the CTA is buying, reducing air pollution, he said.
“Secretary Peters and I have met many times in Washington during the past two years to discuss ways we can help expand and strengthen the CTA,” Senator Durbin said.
“With Chicagoans spending nearly an hour and half commuting to and from work, we talked about the need for federal funding to lay the groundwork for modernizing and improving public transportation in Chicago. “Today’s announcement will do just that, with newer buses, more connections to rail, quicker travel times and less congestion on Chicago’s roads,” Durbin said.
“We have the second largest transit system in the country. A million people a day ride the CTA buses, and too many of them are stuck in traffic,” Mayor Daley said.
The first 10.2 miles of the Bus Rapid Transit will be established in key corridors to be determined.
In addition to fewer stops, features of Bus Rapid Transit include dedicated lanes, next-bus arrival information and rear door and prepaid boarding.
Traffic Signal Prioritization will extend a green traffic light or shorten a red traffic light by several seconds when it senses a bus approaching an intersection. This will help improve speed of service, officials say.
Ultimately, the network of more than 100 miles will connect with key destination points such as employment centers, shopping destinations, rail stations, and significant CTA transfer points.
Clearly, there is much to do to improve the transportation quality of life for our residents, and this grant gives us the opportunity to put in place a very creative plan, Daley said.
“The problem of traffic congestion in metropolitan areas is severe and worsening, but we don’t believe we have to live in gridlock forever. “The project we’re announcing today will make our city more sustainable, strengthen our public transportation system and reduce traffic congestion.
New ZIP code announced
Some residents residing in the 60622 and 60610 zip codes will be assigned brand new ZIP codes starting in July.
The Post Office says the need for new ZIP codes are needed due to the “dramatic growth in Fort Dearborn and Wicker Park.”
More than 13,200 homes in the 60610 ZIP code on Chicago Avenue and south of that street will be relegated to 60654.
Also, 10,553 addresses with the ZIP code 60622, east of North Ashland Avenue, will be assigned 60642. Addresses on North Ashland Avenue will retain their 60622 ZIP code.
Customers will receive mail addressed to the old ZIP code for one year after the new one kicks in.
Minor league game slated for Wrigley Field
Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg will return to the Wrigley Field dugout as a minor league manager on Tuesday, July 29 when his Single-A Peoria Chiefs host the Kane County Cougars in an official Midwest League contest.
The game will begin at 7:05 p.m. and is believed to be the first minor league contest in the ballpark’s 94-year history.
The “Road to Wrigley” will include an array of activities for children of all ages and an atmosphere filled with traditional minor league attractions within the Friendly Confines.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ryne Sandberg and our Peoria ballclub to Wrigley Field,” said Cubs Chairman Crane Kenney. “This game will provide our minor leaguers with their first Wrigley Field experience and give our fans a chance to see future Cubs, like our No. 1 pick from last year, Josh Vitters, at an early stage in their careers. We hope the Road to Wrigley becomes a summer tradition at the Friendly Confines.”
Fans attending this first-of-its-kind event at Wrigley Field will have the opportunity to participate in a number of traditional minor league ballpark activities, such as dizzy bat races, t-shirt tosses and the opportunity for all kids 14-years-and-younger to run the Wrigley Field bases at the end of the game.
Fans will also be entertained between innings by the mascots of both teams and an assortment of other fun characters who regularly perform at Peoria Chiefs games and several other ballparks.
Sandberg, who was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, leads the Peoria Chiefs into action for a second season. In his first year as a minor league manager in 2007, Sandberg posted a 71-68 mark. His last Wrigley Field appearance in uniform was on September 21, 1997.
“This is a great opportunity for all involved - the players, Chicago Cubs, Peoria Chiefs, Kane County Cougars and especially the fans,” said Peoria Chiefs President Rocky Vonachen. “It gives fans a chance to see baseball’s stars of tomorrow as well as the fun and affordability of minor league baseball within the Wrigley Field experience.”
Peoria became a Cubs’ Single-A affiliate in 2005 and is located approximately 165 miles southwest of Chicago. Kane Country is affiliated with the Oakland Athletics and is located a little more than 40 miles west of Chicago.
Several happenings occur at zoo
By Tracy
Yoshida Gruen
Special to Inside
It has been anything but quiet this month at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
A 42-year-old chimpanzee, Donna, was euthanized after she fell into a coma after an annual physical exam. Donna was anesthetized while she was given the exam that lasted just over 30 minutes. They put her in an area of the ape house to wake up, but her heart had stopped.
“She has been with us for about 40 years,” said Sharon Dewar, Lincoln Park Zoo’s director of public relations. “The median life of a chimpanzee is 31.7 years. She was a geriatric animal.”
Doctors tried to revive Donna for about an hour with CPR. When they realize they wouldn’t get her back, zoo officials decided that euthanasia was the best action to take.
A pathology team determined no immediate causes of death, but more detailed tests could take several weeks.
In other zoo news, a plaque in honor of Stuart Levine was removed from the polar bear exhibit. Zoo officials say that the plaque was removed because he didn’t follow through with his donations pledges.
“He didn’t fulfill his pledges to us,” commented Dewar, who said the plaque had been up for several years.
Dewar said they always take a look at outstanding pledges and try to work with their donors. Levine had pledged $1 million in 2003, to be paid over out over several years. However, Dewar said he had not made a payment toward the pledge for several years. Since he served on the zoo’s board in the 1990s, he was given some flexibility.
Dewar said that they felt it wouldn’t be fair to others who may want to make donations if they left his name on the plaque.
“It’s in a pretty prominent location,” said Dewar.
The timing of the plaque removal may have left some people wondering if there was any other motivating factor its removal.
Levine has been recently in the news for court testimony about his drug use and kickback plotting in the corruption trial involving Tony Rezko. Rezko, a politically connected businessman, was questioned for a $3.5 million payment he received through Lebanon from a billionaire who was born in Iraq.
Dewar said Levine’s testimony had nothing to do with the removal of his name from the plaque.
Park District limits pesticides in parks
Each spring, park patrons may see dandelions growing in their neighborhood parks throughout Chicago, signifying a healthy, chemical-free park. The Chicago Park District is partnering with the Department of Environment and Safer Pest Control Project to offer park visitors a safer and healthier park by limiting the use of pesticides throughout the district.
Close to 90 percent of Chicago parks avoids the use of chemicals that are sprayed to control weeds. This is done in an effort to minimize the impact on our environment.
“Residents can control weeds and get a naturally beautiful lawn without pesticides, which carry potential risks to human health and water quality,” says Rachel Rosenberg, Executive Director of Safer Pest Control Project. “A natural lawn will help reduce disease and pest problems safely, which can over time save time and money as an extra added benefit to your family.”
“We are asking everyone to consider natural alternatives to chemicals for maintaining landscapes,” said Environment Commissioner Suzanne Malec-McKenna. “Options for a healthy and vibrant garden include choosing species that are adaptable to our climate, utilizing natural fertilizers, and implementing an Integrated Pest Management program.”
The Chicago Park District mows turf grass to keep weeds down. Following natural lawn care basics, the Park District keeps the grass three inches high. This allows the roots to grow strong and access water deep in the ground. As a result, the taller grass naturally shades out some weeds. With the reduction in use of chemical weed killers, dandelion flowers grow back quickly, oftentimes overnight. Therefore, the sight of dandelions indicates grass that is healthy and safe for all park patrons to play on.
“The Park District is partnering with the Department of Environment and Safer Pest Control Project to keep our Chicago parks a healthy place for everyone to enjoy,” said Tim Mitchell, Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO. “We are encouraging all Chicago residents to follow the Park District’s example and use more natural lawn care techniques that keeps your lawn safe and healthy.”
These officials advise people to water deeply and infrequently. This encourages deep root growth. One inch per week is ideal. You can easily measure that amount by placing a cup in your yard while watering. When your sprinkler fills it one inch deep, your watering for the week is done. Water early in the morning to minimized disease problems.
They also say to keep lawns mowed at three inches or higher. This will increase the root strength and naturally shade out weeds. Don’t mow lawn unless it needs it. This creates healthy grass that can withstand drought and stay green longer.
The use of organic fertilizer is also encouraged. Commercial fertilizers easily wash away, polluting nearby lakes and streams. Many contain toxic weed killers. Choose an organic fertilizer to capture and deliver nutrients in the lawn throughout the growing season. Keep grass clippings on the lawn as they are an excellent natural fertilizer.
Proper lawn care maintenance naturally eliminates most weeds. Annual reseeding gives grass an advantage over weeds. Avoid using pesticides, as they can harm other beneficial living things such as bees, birds and fish. The right tool makes quick work of weeding. After pulling weeds, use grass seed and soil to fill in the hole.
Soldiers get free bus and train rides
The Chicago Transit Authority started giving military personnel free bus and train rides on May 1.
On February 5, the Chicago City Council passed an ordinance to provide free rides for active military personnel and disabled veterans on the CTA. The CTA is developing a military service pass, which will be an identification card similar to those used to allow senior citizens to ride free, and plans to introduce the card this summer and expand the program to allow disabled veterans to also ride free.
Should military personnel have any questions or experience any problems, CTA bus operators and customer assistants are available to assist and address any questions.
POLICE BEAT:
Copper cable taken from lightpoles
There were two instances of copper cable being stolen from streetlights last week. Police say this crime has been an ongoing problem in the area. Between May 3 and May 5, 350 feet of wire worth $5,000 was taken on the 900 block of Agatite Ave. The criminals opened the bottom of a light pole, pulled out the wire, attached it to a vehicle and then pulled out all the cable by driving away.
The second case of the same crime occurred between May 4 and May 5 on the 900 block of W. Sunnyside Ave. In that instance, 175 feet of wire worth $2,500 was nabbed. When called May 6, Chicago Streets and Sanitation Bureau of Electricity Spokesman Matt Smith didn’t get any information about this but he said that theft of public property such as this is probably not limited to Chicago only.
An April 30 article in the Los Angeles Times says “The rampant theft of copper and other metals in Southern California has begun hitting Inland Empire freeways hard, leaving motorists in increasing danger as traffic signals and lights in underpasses and rest areas have gone dark, law enforcement and Caltrans officials said Tuesday.” Raw copper can earn scrappers about $3 a pound. The article notes many of the thieves appear to be proper workers wearing official-looking apparel.
19 & 20
Prostitute: He didn’t pay me so I set the fire
A woman, 47, who lives at 5443 N. Winthrop Avenue said a prostitute was responsible for arson May 1. The woman said her neighbor in the next apartment asked her to help him because there was a woman in his apartment who refused to leave. The woman then walked out of the Bosnian neighbor’s place shortly after midnight and said “he didn’t pay me, so I started the fire” and walked out of the building. A 13-year-old boy was injured in the fire. Several were displaced.
Thieves steal seats out of car
A restaurant manager, 32, got a rude awakening when she walked to her car May 4 at 10:05 p.m. on the 900 block of W. Gunnison St. She discovered that thieves had broken in her car and cut it apart disassembling the vehicle. They stole her two front car seats and a big chunk of her dashboard. In addition, her laptop computer was also taken from the 2002 Honda convertible. Elaborate pry tools were likely used, police suspect. The auto alarm was cut as well.
Shoplifter lucks out
A shoplifter, 32, caught stealing at 4:10 p.m. April 27 at Walgreens, 5627 N. Lincoln Avenue, avoided punishment when the store manager refused to file a complaint. The manager said the reason he would not sign the complaint is the store is closing in two days. Police asked him a second time to file the complaint and he said no again. The shoplifter, of the 6300 block of N Rockwell Street, was observed walking out of the store without paying and she was followed out of the store by an employee and off-duty officer. She did not have any warrants out for her arrest.
Female armed robber arrested
A woman, 46, was arrested for a felony armed robbery at 10:55 a.m. May 3 on the 5500 block of N. Winthrop Avenue. The victim, 74, who lives on the block, was approached by three people who tried to start a conversation but he couldn’t understand them. At this point, the woman began choking him and scratched him on the face and neck. A witness observed this, walked up and told her to stop. The woman then put a knife to the man’s neck and said she wanted his money. She then grabbed his wallet which had $900 in American cash, $45 in Euros and his Ids and pictures. Two other men were standing by acting as lookouts during this robbery, according to the police report. The woman than fled with the wallet. The victim relocated to 1049 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue and called police. Then, an officer was flagged down and was told the story by the witness who was acting as a translator. The woman then was spotted, pointed out and apprehended. She has a May 9 court date and prosecutors have approved felony charges.
Man pulls knife in dry cleaners
A man entered a dry cleaners on the 5600 block of N. Lincoln Avenue and asked for a shirt. The employee, 57, then went to look for the shirt, but the customer followed her through the divider. The woman then saw the man had a knife so she got scared, started screaming and ran to the side door. The victim’s son works next door and arrived to help so the man ran away.
Camera taken from synagogue
A synagogue on the 5000 block of N. Kenmore reported a high-end “Eiki” video camera worth $15,000 missing May 1.
Man beats woman in car, takes $400
A 46-year-old assembly worker was driving his coworker, 29, on the 5400 block of N. Lincoln Avenue when he suddenly hit her in the head and took $400 from her coat pocket. She exited the Ford and he tossed her belongings out the window and drove away North on Lincoln. A warrant has been issued.
Knife fight
A man, 35, stabbed an unemployed Evanston man, 35, after an argument at 11:04 p.m. April 26 at his home on the 5600 block of N. Winthrop Avenue. The man “grabbed a steak knife and stabbed the victim multiple times in the chest, arms and back of his head. The victim managed to disarm offender and slash him once in the forearm,” according to a police report. Both were treated at Weiss Hospital.
Copper stolen
A resident of the 5600 block of N. Virginia Avenue reported that someone stole three to ten feet of copper down spouts from his home at an unknown time There is no estimated value.
Kid’s jacket taken at soccer game
A girl, 11, was playing soccer at Pierce School, 1460 Gregory Street at 1 pm. April 26. In order to play the game, she put her coat down and it was taken. It had a cell phone inside.
Suspicious aviation student observed
Police spoke to Yousif Nazir Al-Huwaidi, 23, a student at Embry Riddle Aeronautics School in Daytona, Florida and Younis Al-Huwaidi, 20, of Atlanta May 6.
The two were sitting in a 1999 Ford parked in a closed gas station at 5601 N. Lincoln Avenue at 2:47 a.m. The gas station had been burglarized in the past. The subjects told police they were “using their GPS” to look for a cheap motel. Several motels were located within 100 feet from that location however. The men said they were on vacation. Police filled out and transferred information notification reports.
Burglar takes social security card
A man, 59, reported that someone entered his residence on the 1000 block of Hollywood Avenue April 27 and took a Buffalo Nickel, a Kennedy Dollar, a Parker Pen and his social security card.
Cafe Bong burglarized
Burglars broke into Cafe Bong, 5706 N. Clark St., May 5 and stole $350 from the cash register.
Thieves steal Vodka
Two men in their 20s stashed five bottles of Grey Goose Vodka in their coats and fled the Jewel-Osco store on the 5500 block of N. Clark St. April 27 at 11:51 a.m.
Homeless man suspected of burglary
A waitress, 25, returned home from work May 5 to find her I-pod, $1,500 in jewelry, her ID and $20 cash missing from her apartment. The rear window was shattered and covered in duct tape. Police suspect the burglar put the tape on the window in an attempt to muffle the sound when breaking the glass. Neighbors said that a thin homeless man, about 40, with a beard had been seen hanging around the rear stairs of the building lately.
18 & 23
Man punched,
bit by boyfriend
A server, 30, was punched and bitten by his boyfriend, 25, at 3:40 a.m. May 3 at 4180 N. Marine Drive. The server went to the boyfriend’s house to pick up some things and the two got into a heated argument. The boyfriend then punched the server and bit him on the face. He was taken to Weiss Hospital where he was treated and said to be in good condition.
Auto parts removed
A designer, 55, reported the catalytic converter was removed from his 1997 Toyota on the 800 block of Buena Avenue sometime between April 28 to April 30. This is the latest in a string of such cases. Another converter was also reported taken from a 2001 Jeep May 2. It was parked on the street on the 2500 block of N. Stockton Drive.
Train rider chases thieves who
snatched I-pod
A software developer, 21, was riding on the CTA Brown Line May 2 at 6:50 p.m. He was listening to classical music on his I-pod with his eyes closed as the train pulled into the Addison station. His I-pod was then grabbed from his hand and two people, about 17 years of age, ran away. The victim chased them out of the station, east on Addison and then south on Wilton Avenue where he lost sight of them. Taken was a white 80 gig I-pod filled with classical music worth more than $300.
Uptown gang member armed with club
Police received notice of possible drug dealing and gang activity at 7:45 pm. Thursday, May 1 on the 900 block of W. Windsor Avenue. Officers went to the location and saw a man “carrying a wooden club/ bludgeon in the low ready position upon the public way. Subject is affiliated with the Vice Lord street gang,” according to a police report. The subject, 18, lives on the 800 block of W. Sunnyside Avenue. He has a June 16 court date.
Ex-boyfriend hijacks email, enters empty apartment
A man, 25, broke up with his Uptown student girlfriend, 21, of the 800 block of W. Buena Avenue in Feb. They had lived together and he returned the keys to her apartment at that time.
The angry man then hijacked her email and sent out harassing emails to several people. Then, on May 2, the woman entered her apartment and found beer in the fridge and mud on the carpet. She was advised to change her locks. No further emails have been sent. The derogatory emails accused the woman of being overweight and homosexual and made negative statements concerning their past relationship.
Woman, 84, dies on Lake Shore Drive
A woman, 84, died April 30 on the 2900 block of Lake Shore Drive at midnight. She was last observed by her caretaker three hours earlier. She was suffering from breast cancer, a chronic heart condition and dementia. Her husband, 85, was on the scene with police. The medical examiner released the body to the family physician who will sign the death certificate.
Woman hits man
in head at bar
At 2:30 a.m. on May 3 at the bar Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted Street, a Michigan woman, 22, with a shooting star tattoo on her hip, struck her former roommate, 21, of the 1000 block of W. Loyola Avenue, in the head with a glass cup during an argument. She has a May 23 court date. The man, who has a Michigan ID, refused medical attention and said he would transport himself to the hospital.
Buena Park coffee
shop burglarized
The popular Dollop Coffee Company storefront coffee shop at 4181 N. Clarendon Avenue was burglarized May 3. An unknown person used a rock to break the glass in the front door. The burglar then entered the coffee shop and grabbed the cash register, took it outside, removed the contents and dumped the register in the garbage can outside. The exact total amount taken was not known, but is estimated at $71.
Gunman takes wallet
An engineer, 39, was mugged at 2:08 a.m. May 3 on the 900 block of W. Cornelia Avenue. The robber, who was wearing a black hoodie, grabbed the man’s wallet after displaying a blue steel handgun.
Olympic boosters to host 6-week China greeting
The Chicago Olympic Games promotion group Chicago 2016 announced last week its participation in an amateur sports festival as part of the countdown to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
The festival, named the Chicago Chinese Community Greeting Beijing 2008 Athletic Meet, aims to promote the Olympic Ideals and involve Chicagoans in sport.
Chicago 2016 is working closely with the Chinese Community, one of more than 26 ethnic communities located in Chicago, to host this amateur sports series. There are nearly 100,000 Chinese Americans living in the Chicagoland area.
The Chicago Chinese Community Greeting Beijing 2008 Athletic Meet is a series of Olympic-related sport events, including Athletics, Football, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Badminton, Tennis, Table Tennis, Canoeing and Swimming.
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies will take place in Chicago’s Chinatown Square on May 10 and July 12, and Chicago 2016 staff and Chicago-area Olympians will take part.
During six-weeks in between, one sporting event will be hosted each weekend. Various athletic clubs and Chinese student associations have been invited to compete in these sporting events.
Chicago 2016 Chairman and CEO Pat Ryan said, “In the months leading up to the Olympic Games, this is a great opportunity for Chicagoans of all ages to participate in sport and learn about the ideals and values of the Olympic Movement.”
Chicago is honored to be competing for the privilege of hosting the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games alongside Prague, Tokyo, Rio, Baku, Doha and Madrid, bidding to host the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Chicago’s Olympic bid lacks federal support and involves much smaller dollar figures than the other cities, however.
How did plants survive winter and late spring?
By Nick Urhausen
The impact of a long, especially cold winter on outdoor plants will be felt long after the last snowflake has fallen. Any plant trying to make it through last winter was severely tested. Many perennials which are planted in our hardiest zones may not make it because the temperatures were those of an even colder zone, one father north. Some examples would be Asiatic lilies and hardy hibiscus. Rose bushes, even those properly winterized with mulch, may have found the cold too much and were severely damaged or even dead. In areas heavily populated with rabbits, it would not be surprising to find dead branches on buses where rabbits ate the bark off the bottom of the branches. For those who live on busier streets, road salt may have been thrown onto the lawn and severely damaged it.
Another impact of a cold winter is that it usually segues into a cold spring. A cold spring is not quite as damaging as a cold winter. Overall, the word that characterizes the impact of a cold spring is “lateness.”
Trees, bushes, and perennials will all leaf out later than normal. It could be late by a few days or even a few weeks. For example, a peony that blooms on Mother’s Day may not bloom until Memorial Day because it sprouted out two weeks later than usual. Sometimes this leads to panic when a favorite plant isn’t sprouting on time. So, its important to not disturb a plant that is not greening up because it could be a case of lateness and not severe damage or death.
A late spring also means that it might be wise to hold off on planting tender annuals for a little longer than usual. The last frost in Chicago usually occurs around May 15th. Other than peony’s violas, osteospermums, and a few other cold tolerant plants, it would be wise to wait until Mother’s Day on May 11 before planting most annuals and even then one should take a wait and see attitude. Don’t think it’s safe to plant just because you see flowering annuals at the local supermarket or home center. Better safe than sorry.
One last impact of a cold winter and a late spring is that it really increases our appreciation for all the green plants in our world. After so many dark, cold, grey days, we are all eater to see plants burst to life and surround us with their beautiful flowers and vegetation.
Urhausen Greenhouses is located at 6973 N. East Prairie Road, Lincolnwood.
Neighborhood Notes
Lake View Lincoln Square Ravenswood Uptown
Business networking and loans at Hull House
Loan Options for Small Business & Networking Event. Do you want to learn more about how to finance your startup or business expansion? A panel of representatives from conventional and alternative loan programs will discuss different ways to secure a business loan. This workshop and the networking event are on Wednesday, May 21, at the Uptown Center Hull House, 4520 N. Beacon Street, Chicago, 60640. The networking event is from 5:30-6:30 p.m., and the workshop is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. To register, call Curtis Roeschley at (773) 561-3500, ext. 215, or go online.
Edgewater Chamber of Commerce holds annual event
You are invited to join us Tuesday, May 20, as the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce celebrates it’s Annual Meeting & Elections Luncheon. Come enjoy a delicious lunch with Edgewater’s most distinguished leaders, vote for the Chamber’s next Board of Directors, and cheer for this year’s recipient of the prestigious “Pride of Edgewater” Award at the Breakers at Edgewater Beach, 5333 N. Sheridan Road.
From 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. there will be registration and networking; from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. will be lunch and entertainment and 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. will be the time for an award ceremony.
The chamber is offering a variety of sponsorship packages, “with one to fit every budget.”
Contact is Sheli Lulkin at (773)561-6000 or info@edgewater.org for a detailed description. Tickets are $50 each, and are available by cash or check at the Chamber office or online. Each attendee will receive a special “goody bag” full of promotional items donated from Chamber member businesses. Also, the Pride of Edgewater Award is presented annually by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce to a person or organization who has made a significant contribution to the improvement of the quality of life in Edgewater.
Starting a Business: Business Basics, Free Event
The Illinois Small Business Development Center at Hull House presents a free workshop for those who want to start a small business, including advice for checking the feasibility of business ideas, the basics of writing a business plan, and other business start-up procedures and resources. It’s on Wednesday, May 14, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Center Hull House, 4520 N. Beacon, Chicago, 60640. To register, call Curt Roeschley at (773) 561-3500, x. 215, or go online.
Learn the Benefits of Local Food May 14
“Benefits of Locally Grown Food” will be held Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave.
Join us in learning about the benefits of locally grown food with the Angelic Organics Learning Center. The program will provide an overview of the current food system with ideas for rebuilding it here in Chicago.
Chicago River Day slated May 10, Work and Festival on Tap
Join 4,000 volunteers to work along the banks of the Chicago River for Friends’ 16th annual Chicago River Day.
The event will be held Saturday, May 10. The workday will be from 9 a.m. to Noon and a festival will be held from Noon to 3 p.m.
Friends welcomes individuals, families, schools, corporate teams, and community groups to take part in Chicago River Day.
Activities include litter pick-up, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, planting native seeds, water-quality testing, river-focused art projects, and more.
River boosters urge people to go to chicagoriver.org and click on Chicago River Day. There you will find “Find a Site.” Pick your favorite location and call the site captain to let them know you are coming. There are over 60 locations to choose from.
All volunteers receive a t-shirt and are invited to the Chicago River Day Festival for a free barbeque lunch, an environmental fair, and the opportunity to share your stories with other participants. The Chicago River Day Festival is at River Park, 5100 N. Francisco and is open to the public.
Gold Coast Lincoln Park Loop Near North
Meeting for retirees, Wise Use and Disposal of Medications
Lakeview east AARP Chapter #4178 meets at the John Merlo Library 644 W. Belmont on Monday May 12 at noon, An informative lecture by Tom Wheeler, pharmacist-Illinois Advocate Hospital will be “Wise Use and Disposal of Medications.” General public invited.
Chicagoland High School Film Festival 2008
The fourth annual Chicagoland High School Film Festival will be held at the Latin School of Chicago, 59 W. North Blvd. Friday May 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
About 200 student filmmakers are set to participate and more than a dozen films will be chosen for this year’s event. The film festival provides young filmmakers with an opportunity to come together and share their love for film. An expert panel of judges will be on hand to critique and provide advice to students. Past judges have included, former head of the Illinois Film Office Brenda Sexton, WBEZ film critic Jonathan Miller, and Hollywood producer Albert Berger.
All student film submissions have been filed. For more information about the film festival, tickets, and submission requirements, e-mail filmfest08@gmail.com or go to www.chicagolandfilmfestival.org.
Free film event offered detailed video history
Come and share in the sights and sounds of 40 years ago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention.
Chicago Film archives and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs present “Out of the Vault: Year of Confrontation” at the Chicago Cultural Center, Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E. Washington, May 16 at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
Out of the Vault: Year of Confrontation revisits the turbulent week in August 1968 when the Democratic National Convention turned Chicago into the frontlines of a larger political and social conflict.
The world had already experienced the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Robert Kennedy, the May uprisings in Paris, the brutal quelling of the Prague Spring and intensifying bloodshed in Viet Nam. Occurring under the watchful cameras of the news media, the protests and riots in Chicago shocked the nation and further polarized the opposing forces of authority and protest.
Chicago Film Archives is honored to present the premiere of three newly preserved prints from the Film Groups’ Urban Crisis series.
The Right to Dissent: A press Conference by the Film Group, 1969, is a 16mm preservation print with sound. It is eight minutes long.
This film examines the struggle between citizens’ right to express their political views and the limits regulated by the City of Chicago. As the right to dissent collides with the suppression of political expression to preserve order, the violence that erupts becomes inescapable.
Social Confrontation: The Battle of Michigan Avenue is also from
the Film Group in 1969 with a 16mm preservation print in sound, black and white and 11 minutes.
On Wednesday afternoon the legal gathering of demonstrators at Grant Park turns into an unruly scene of teargas and swinging nightsticks when a line of police officers charge the crowd. It further captures the hostile clashes in front of the Conrad Hilton and the ensuing war of words on the Convention floor.
Law and Order Vs. Dissent takes place at a press conference on Thursday, August 29 when a spokesman for the Chicago Police Department attempts to influence the media coverage of the previous night’s violence. Incorporating interviews with Mayor Daley and various representatives of the police, this film closely examines methods of propaganda and political spin.
Finally, there will be the DVD of What Trees Do They Plant which
is mastered from an original broadcast tape shown in 1968, therefore having a different image quality from the preserved films from the Urban Crisis series..
It was made by Henry Ushijima Productions for the City of Chicago and in 1968 and is 60 minutes from the original broadcast 2” tape
In response to a perceived imbalance of the media’s coverage, the City of Chicago hired Henry Usijima, an industrial filmmaker in Park Ridge, to make this film for television distribution in a hurried 5 days. Barely two weeks after the end of the convention the program screened on 140 stations across the nation. Appealing to the moderate middle of the road viewer shocked by the images of the convention, it focuses on the violent intentions of the protestors and ties them to international communist forces through interviews with police officers harmed in the disturbances, news footage intended to indict protesters with their own words, and secret police surveillance films.
City workers may get rewards to generate extra municipal revenue
Mayor Richard M. Daley announced today the city will implement a series of steps recommended by his “21st Century Commission” aimed at better managing government and reducing spending.
Included among the proposals, which Daley said he has asked his senior staff to put in place, are offering rewards to employees who generate ideas that improve services or generate new revenue; increasing the transparency and accountability of government by posting key performance measures online more frequently; further improvements to the city’s certification process allowing some building owners to self-certify by submitting their own inspection documents for the City’s review; merging functions in the human services area to eliminate duplication and provide more wholistic service; developing an integrated approach to job training and centralizing the management of the City’s real estate to optimize its value.
“We believe that taken together, these steps will save millions of dollars in the years ahead. Equally important, they will improve services for the people of Chicago,” Daley said in a news conference held at City Hall.
“We’re taking these steps not because we’re in a bad economy, even though that is what we are faced with. We are taking them as part of my commitment to better manage government and deliver services more efficiently day in and day out to protect our taxpayers,” he said.
Daley established the “21st Century Commission” last fall to review the fundamental scope and structure of city government as it exists today and make recommendations for how to better manage it, provide the new or different services Chicagoans will demand in the decades ahead and do it all more efficiently to protect taxpayers.
The recommendations represent preliminary ideas, with more to follow in coming months.
Daley pointed out that since he has been Mayor, city spending has been cut by more than $2.5 billion and the savings re-invested in improving the neighborhoods and quality of life across Chicago.
Chicago has embraced new management practices, emerging technology and out-of-the-box thinking to deliver more efficiently the services that people demand and taxpayers support, the Mayor said.
“Just a month ago, we anticipated a downturn in city revenues because of the nation’s weakening economy, and cut spending by another $20 million,” Daley said. “We cut non- personnel spending by 3% across the board, instituted a hiring freeze on non-safety personnel, limited non-safety overtime, reduced non- essential travel and encouraged managers to take a voluntary furlough day,” he said.
“Today’s steps are part of the goal I set early on of a government that is smaller in size and greater in performance,” he said.
The city plans to step up efforts to encourage and empower employees to generate new ideas, including ways to cut costs, improve services and generate new revenue.
Common in both the public and private sectors, thriving employee innovation systems are a low cost method of developing new approaches that can improve services or management processes, increase revenues or decrease expenditures, lead to significant efficiency gains and improve employee morale.
The employee innovation system will provide meaningful rewards to City employees, and will serve as the incentive for new thinking.
The city also wants to increase the transparency and accountability of government by more frequent posting of key performance measures online.
This is an emerging best practice among cities around the nation and includes the publication of key efficiency, effectiveness, budget and performance measures. These measures include things such as response time to fulfill neighborhood service requests, customer satisfaction with certain City services and improving the timeliness of invoice payments.
The city also wants to take the necessary steps for our Minority and Women Business Enterprise Programs to move toward universal certification of applicants. In the meantime, they plan to work toward relying on certifications from other organizations such as the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the National Minority Supplier Development Council, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, in an effort to help streamline our current certification process.
The ultimate goal of universal certification is to remove the city from the cumbersome process of certifying each business, a process which sometimes delays the ability of a company to participate in contracting.
The goal is to allow more companies to participate more quickly in the city’s contracting process.
It builds on the city’s effort to further reform the procurement system that the City Council addressed April 9 by passing Daley’s proposal to use alternative contracting methods such as “design-build” and “construction management at risk” for construction projects in an effort to increase the participation of minority-owned firms on city-funded projects.
Increasing the efficiency of building inspections by allowing some building owners to self-certify by submitting their own inspection documents for the City’s review, provided they have met city standards for construction and safety and the owners understand there will be harsh consequences for failure to comply.
Currently, annual building inspections are conducted on-site regardless of the age or condition of the property. A document review and self-certification process for some buildings would allow the city to focus on higher-risk buildings in the city, where more significant problems might be uncovered and addressed.
The city also plans to “improve the effectiveness of the services” by merging into one department the operations of the Departments of Human Services, the Office of Domestic Violence, and programs focused on Prisoner Re-Entry, Veterans’ Assistance and the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness.
Currently, there is considerable overlap among these departments and programs, and centralizing functions will allow the city to better direct and manage people’s requests and deliver services more effectively.
This consolidation will help the City provide a more wholistic, client-centered approach to the services we provide to our most vulnerable residents.
Further, Daley said he has asked the 21st Century Commission staff to help develop an integrated approach to job training to assure the city is preparing its workforce for the jobs of the future.
“As we look down the road, areas such as transportation, the technology industry, the health care industry and the hospitality industry will need workers who are uniquely qualified to meet their demands,” he said.
Finally, Daley said he has asked the Commission members to help the city centralize the management of its real estate to optimize its value, a step that can potentially save the city millions of dollars a year.
“Today, the city has a $1 billion real estate portfolio and we can do a better job managing all of our holdings and capital improvements. I’ve asked the Commission to explore the idea of creating a centralized office of Real Estate Management that would allow us to make better strategic decisions about our range of real estate assets,” he said.
“Taken together, the steps we’re announcing today, will place Chicago in the forefront of implementing best practices drawn from both the public and private sectors. Through these steps, we’re improving the management of government, we’re cutting costs and operating more efficiently.
3,500 participate in recycling event
Twenty thousand pills, 4,500 feet of fluorescent bulbs, 13,000 gallons of paint and 143 old lawn mowers were dropped off at an electronics and household chemical recycling event held on Saturday, April 19 in the 47th Ward.
The event was held in the parking lot of DeVry University, where more than 3,500 individuals were able to recycle old computers, monitors, and other electronic devices. In addition, participants were able to properly dispose of used oil, paints, pesticides, and medicine.
Preliminary statistics show that over 13,000 gallons of paint were collected, along with 440 gallons of pesticides, 4,500 feet of fluorescent bulbs, 20,000 pills and 600 pounds of batteries. In addition, 143 old lawn mowers were dropped off and kept out of area landfills.
Rain barrels and compost bins were available for purchase during the event. Over 350 rain barrels and 250 compost bins were distributed. Due to the high demand for these items, the Department of Environment is currently working on providing more sale options for local residents. 75,000 pounds of computer equipment was donated.
The hundreds of used computers that were collected will be going to support poor schools in Chicago through the Computers for Schools program.
“This event is another example of how committed 47th Ward residents are to creating a greener community,” stated Alderman Gene Schulter (47th). “I am very excited about being able to offer these types of recycling options. 47th Ward residents are always looking for options to make our neighborhoods more green.” The event was co-sponsored by both the City of Chicago Department of Environment and the Illinois Environment Protection Agency.
Spring concert at Horner Park May 16
In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, the Horner Park Jazz Band will present a special concert on Friday, May 16 at 6:30 p.m. at Horner Park, 2741 W. Montrose Ave.
The evening concert will feature pieces from “A String of Pearls” by Glenn Miller, along with select works by Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Duke Ellington. This family-friendly concert is free. Light refreshments will be served.
The Horner Park Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Don Sadofsky, park district music instructor, was originally formed as a small ensemble and presently has about 20 members who come from all walks of life.
The 30th Anniversary concert performance will feature Robert Ojeda, former trumpet player and arranger for the Count Basie Orchestra, Bob Centano, who toured with Tex Beneke, Les & Larry Elgart, and Bill Porter, trombone player who played with Frank Sinatra. In addition, piano and guitar students, friends, and past musicians of the Horner Park Jazz Band will also be featured.
“We invite all former members of the jazz band to bring your horn and sit in on this special performance,” said Don Sadofsky. “This is a very exciting time for us and we look forward to continuing the tradition of creating and teaching music to Chicagoans of all ages and backgrounds.”
The band primarily performs big band jazz greats, such as Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Count Basie. Most recently the band has performed at Northerly Island, the Hines VA Hospital for our veterans, and the park district’s summer concert series.
They have been featured on WBEZ radio and Cable TV. The band has a recording entitled “Horner Park Jazz Band: Live at Portage Park.”
From additional information on this performance or Horner Park activities call the park at 773.478.3499 or visit the park district website.
Oak Street Beach contaminated by aAsbestos?
By Peter von Buol
Special to Inside
A Northern Illinois-based environmental group, the Illinois Dunesland Preservation Society, is asking for Chicago’s Oak Street Beach to be retested for possible asbestos contamination.
Despite the group’s call for additional testing, Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, the director of communications and marketing at the Chicago Park District, told Inside the park district’s beaches remain safe and added all previous tests followed the guidelines of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Asbestos is a name given to six different fibrous minerals amosite, chrysotile, crocidolite, and the fibrous varieties of the minerals tremolite, actinolite, and anthophylite that occur naturally in the environment.
Except for chrysotile, all belong to the amphibole family of minerals. While all forms are considered hazardous, and all can cause cancer, amphibole forms of asbestos are considered more hazardous to health than chrysotile, according to the web-site of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
A report published in 2006 by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago, had found asbestos at the popular Chicago beach as part of a study which compared the asbestos levels among numerous beaches throughout the state. The study had been conducted so the researchers would have a comparison for the asbestos levels found at Illinois Beach State Park. The Northern Illinois beach is close to the site of a former industrial complex which at one time had manufactured asbestos products and is assumed to have higher than normal levels of asbestos.
According to the executive summary of the report released two years ago, “The Oak Street Beach results were excluded as background [a comparison] because the sand sampling results indicated greater concentrations than other beaches and would have masked the analyses that are fundamental to this study,” wrote public health researchers Salvatore Cali, Peter Scheff and Dr. Rosemary Sokas.
Jeff Camplin, who since early 2003 has been a consultant to the Illinois Dunelands Preservation Society, said Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan convened a state “task force” to investigate asbestos levels at Illinois Beach State Park after he had a written a report that had described higher than normal levels of asbestos at the northern Illinois beach.
“Attorney General Lisa Madigan appointed a task-force in July 2003 to investigate my charges. The task-force was to compare areas we said were polluted with asbestos to those who were merely “background [normal]” areas. Oak Street Beach was [thought] to be a “background” area. Oak Street Beach ended up having the highest level of the deadly amphibole asbestos contamination along with the statistically high levels in Waukegan and at Illinois Beach State Park,” said Camplin.
Camplin said he believes the asbestos found at Illinois Beach State Park and Oak Street Beach come from the same source.
“My group believes the asbestos found at Oak Street traveled down from Zion. The shape of Oak Street Beach was designed to “capture” the sands moving from the North,” said Camplin.
Prolonged exposure to asbestos (especially to the lungs) is hazardous to your health but according to the web site of the E.P.A., no studies have been conducted that have measured the short-term effects of the minerals on animals or humans and therefore it is impossible to conclude what would happen to someone who has been exposed to levels found on Illinois beaches.
Note: This article also appeared in the April 30 issue of Inside Lincoln Park.
Lawmaker and Hip-Hopper urge Chicago to stop violence
State Representative John Fritchey (D-Chicago), joined by Grammy-nominated hip hop artist and activist KRS One last month to discuss the urgent need to stop the violence against school children in Chicago.
With the number of Chicago Public School student murders having increased to 243 so far this school year, the two men stated that greater awareness, education and community involvement are immediately needed.
“I am proud to work with KRS One, a man with a 20-year track record of working to stop the violence that has led to student deaths becoming tragically routine,” said Representative Fritchey. “Instead of spending so much time debating where to put a new children’s museum, we should be figuring out how to get our kids to and from school without getting killed. Being a student should not be a life or death proposition.”
KRS One formed the Stop the Violence Movement, a non-profit organization deeply rooted in the hip hop community, with a mission to advance an ongoing series of movements to diminish global violence through education, critical dialogue, grassroots organizing and direct action.
During his three-day stop in Chicago, he will be lecturing at Crane High School and Stagg Elementary School, holding a town hall meeting, and attending other events to talk about ways to change the culture of violence that is taking the lives of our students.
“In the midst of mass turmoil, we cannot afford to stand still,” said KRS One. “We must use our influence to raise awareness, heal and move toward truth and solutions. Apathy is no longer an option. We must stop the violence.”
Rep. Fritchey echoed the sentiments, stating “This is not a south side issue; this is not a west side issue; this is an issue about too many children in our city killing each other. People of every color, from every part of Chicago, need to come together and say enough.”
Art curator retires
The Art Institute of Chicago has announced the retirement of David Travis, the Chair of the Department of Photography, effective June 30.
Travis began his career at the Art Institute as an assistant curator of photography in the Department of Prints and Drawings in 1972 and was a full curator in 1975, when the Department of Photography was officially established.
James Cuno, President of the Art Institute, said, “David Travis has had a long and extraordinarily productive career at the museum, and it is impossible to conceive of the department here without his imprint. As the leader of the department for more than 30 years, David has built a very deep collection, overseen the renovation of the photography galleries and vaults, developed a conservation program, and produced widely respected scholarship. We wish him the best as he moves on to devote more time to writing and lecturing.”
Travis has organized and presented more than 150 exhibitions of photography at the Art Institute in his 36-year tenure.
Concert rocks the house
By Tracy Yoshida Gruen
Special to Inside
Enthusiastic fans packed the House of Blues on Thursday, April 17 at the sold-out concert featuring Rachael Yamagata, Sara Bareilles and the opening band, Raining Jane.
Singer-songwriter, Yamagata, known for her unique, raspy, soulful voice and truthful lyrics, performed songs from her album Happenstance that hit stores in 2004, such as “Worn Me Down” and “Be Be Your Love.” She also gave fans a peak into her new highly-anticipated album with an a cappella performance of “Elephants”, from her upcoming album scheduled to be released in July.
“I missed you guys,” Yamagata told her fans.
Yamagata is no stranger to the City of Chicago. She was the vocalist for a Chicago funk-fusion band, Bumpus, for about six years. Yamagata decided to launch a solo career that has involved collaborating with artists such as Jason Mraz and touring with Mandy Moore. TV fans have heard her music in hit shows such as the OC, One Tree Hill and ER. Her songs often conveying a great deal of emotion have also been featured in movies such as Elizabethtown and The Last Kiss.
“I’ve certainly got a lot of fan response when I check MySpace about people saying they found me through a show or a movie,” she commented. “It can give you tremendous exposure.”
In addition to giving Yamagata initial exposure, being a part of Bumpus undoubtedly got her creative juices flowing.
“I joined them when I was in college and stayed with them for a number of years,” said Yamagata, who attended Northwestern University. She started writing poems here and there when she was 12 years old. “I didn’t’ get serious about it until I was in Bumpus.”
“I love Chicago,” said Yamagata, who lived in nine different apartments in the city and worked at three different Sushi restaurants. “I had a really good residency.”
Schubas is one of the most memorable places Yamagata performed at in Chicago.
“It was awesome and it was instrumental in getting me signed,” she shared. The Metro, House of Blues and Parkwest have also been some of her favorite local places to hit the stage. During her couple days in Chicago, Yamagata planned to spend time with members of Bumpus and have dinner at one of the Sushi restaurants she used to work at. She said it is fun to ride around with her friends, saying, “This is where my car was towed or this is where I broke up with so and so.”
Yamagata, of Japanese, Italian-German descent, has been busy traveling and performing music on the road and has developed a true love and passion for touring.
“I finally feel like I’m coming back to life again,” she shared. “I have kind of a traveler’s soul. It inspires me and gets me energized.”
The inspiration for her new album comes from traveling and chronicling observations through her experiences and various relationships, from business to romantic relationships, and even the loneliness that is part of the whole experience.
Following Yamagata’s performance, singer-songwriter Bareilles was greeted with the screams of her fans the second she stepped foot on the stage.
In 2004, Bareilles released her first studio album, Careful Confessions and signed a contract with Epic Records in 2005. In late 2007, Bareilles opened several shows for Maroon 5 and James Blunt.
Her hit song, “Love Song,” has been climbing the charts and this past December it hit the top 10 of the Billboard 100. She has performed the song on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and on the Today Show.
On Sara’s website, she wrote, “Songwriting is the most sacred thing in my life. It’s how I process my world……all of them come because I can’t imagine what else to do with my head and the things that are in it besides write songs.”
This summer she will be touring with Maroon 5 and the Counting Crows.
At the concert, fans enthusiastically sang along while Bareilles rocked the stage with her upbeat pop songs and soulful voice. She also performed a song, called Clementine, with Raining Jane, an eclectic folk-rock band from L.A. composed of four female musicians who opened the show. They entertained the audience with their powerful voices accompanied by unique instruments such as the sitar.
Egypt — The World’s Largest “Open Air Museum”
By Lois A. Lowe
Special to Inside
There may be discussion about what the oldest architectural remnant of Western Civilization is and where it’s located. Whether scholars nominate the ancient burial mounds of Bru Na Boinne in the Boyne Valley of Ireland, Stonehenge on the Salisbury Plain in England, or the step pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara in Egypt, they would all agree on one thing. Egypt is the greatest repository of ancient monuments and architecture in the Western world.
As climate changes caused once nomadic tribes of hunters and herders to morph into farmers and form agricultural settlements, clusters of population sprang up along the Nile River. To manage the affairs of these ever growing communities the first written language, hieroglyphics, developed around 3250 B.C. About this time the country polarized into two opposing political factions or kingdoms -- one in the north (known as Lower Egypt) with Memphis as its capital, and the other in the south (known as Upper Egypt) with Thebes (now Luxor) as its center. The unification of these kingdoms in 3100 BC was the creation of the world’s first nation state and the beginning of a building boom of temples and tombs of overwhelming proportion.
Almost everywhere you look, there is some reminder of the ancients. From an elevated eight lane highway, past multistory apartment structures and the hum of the lives of Cairo’s population of 18 million people you can see the Great Pyramid. Along Alexandria’s Mediterranean harbor fragments of it’s Greek and Roman heritage are being reclaimed from the sea, and, temple after temple comes into view as you cruise the Nile River.
Egypt’s treasures are of a scope and scale so enormous it is daunting thinking about where to begin. Since most visitors fly into Cairo it’s a good place to start. A visit to the Egyptian Museum can give you an overview of history from their vast collection of 270,000 items -- 120,000 of which are currently on display. The artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb are the pride of their collection, and worth a visit in and of themselves. There are other significant pieces from every era - starting with the Narmer Palette, dating from 3100 BC and the unification of the two kingdoms, to a white alabaster head of Alexander the Great sculpted during the Greco-Roman period.
Another must in Cairo is a trip to the Giza plateau. Nearly 5,000 years ago this spot was chosen to become the royal burial grounds for the kings of Lower Egypt. In less than a hundred years three pyramid complexes were build to serve as tombs for their dead god-kings, with satellite pyramids and stone tombs nearby for the king’s close family and the royal court.
The largest, or Great Pyramid, was built between 2589-66 BC for the 4th Dynasty king Khufu, is 755 feet long on each of its four base sides and was originally 482 feet high. This and all the other pyramids in this complex were encased in polished stone, however, later pharaohs and subsequent conquerors mined most of this skin for their own purposes, leaving us with what was the rough stone underlayment.
The symbol of royalty and guardian of this site is the colossus of Khafre, otherwise known as The Sphinx. It was carved from a natural rock spur, stands 65 feet high and 240 feet in length, and has long been considered a wonder of the civilization known for its architectural achievements. A visit here might include an afternoon observing The Sphinx, pyramids and tombs, followed by a camel ride around the plateau, and culminate in a viewing the sound and light show after sunset.
Not far out of Cairo are the ruins of the ancient capital of Memphis and the necropolis (cemetery - literally, city of the dead) of Saqqara, the centerpiece of which is the step pyramid of Djoser. This step pyramid is the prototype for the pyramids at Giza and all the others that followed. It was the first monumental structure to be built entirely of stone in the 27th Century BC and marks an unprecedented leap forward in architecture. Before that royal burials had been in underground rooms covered with low box-like mud brick “mastabas” constructed at grade. The step pyramid resembles a square wedding cake with each stone tier, or mastaba, smaller than the one below. The next improvement to this design was to fill in the saw tooth exterior to create the smooth pyramid shape we’re familiar with today.
After visiting the archeological sites in and around Cairo, as well as its museums and souks, many travelers opt for a Nile River cruise. In the 19th Century Egypt was considered one of the most exciting and exotic destinations for travelers. Passengers would board a steamer in Cairo for the three week journey to Aswan. Today you can fly to Luxor in an hour and explore it, the Valley of the Kings, Aswan and the other temples of the Upper Nile from a modern floating hotel complete with air conditioning, and satellite TV.
Most of the temples, pyramids and tombs of ancient Egypt were religious in nature. Pharaohs were considered gods, their burial places had religious significance and the temples they built were dedicated to them and the pantheon of other gods that protected them and guided them in their conquests.
The size and grandeur of these monuments was meant to instill fear in the hearts of any enemy that would dare question their power. To these pharaohs, bigger was better, and the longer they ruled the more time they had to memorialize themselves and their accomplishments and outdo those that had governed before.
This has all accrued to our benefit as we stroll thru the Temple of Karnak in Luxor, with its forest of 134 columns representing papyrus flowers or along the avenue of ram headed sphinx that once lined the entire 1.2 mile route between the Temple of Karnak and the Temple of Luxor.
The remote and barren Valley of the Kings lies on the east bank of the Nile across from Luxor and was the burial site of the kings of the Upper Kingdom from 1500 BC. By burrowing deep into the limestone mountainside, in an undisclosed location, the pharaohs hoped to avoid grave robbers stealing the priceless possessions that were buried with them. This was not to be the case and of the 62 tombs found to date, all but three had been looted. One of these three was that of “King Tut,” discovered by Howard Carter in 1922, with all it’s contents in tact.
The tombs themselves remain, however, and every inch of their dramatic vaults, chambers and corridors are adorned with ritual paintings of their inhabitant’s afterlife journey through the underworld, as a kind of guidebook for the king. Descending into the burial chambers in the Valley of the Kings is not for the claustrophobic, but the murals that detail the everyday life of the pharaohs and what he (or she) thought would be necessary in the next gives us a window into their world.
Down river, the temple at Dendara had been buried in the sand for hundreds of years until it was unearthed in the 19th Century. It remains remarkable intact with an astronomical detail on the ceiling displaying the sun-god Ra sailing his sacred barge across the sky and all the temple’s stone surfaces covered in hieroglyphic inscriptions.
Another temple, Kom Ombo, is totally symmetrical with two entrances, two halls and two sanctuaries, because of its dedication to two gods -- the falcon god and the local crocodile god. There is even a mummified crocodile on site, found in the nearby crocodile necropolis.
A forty-five minute flight from Luxor, brings you to the Great Temple of Abu Simbel and the adjoining Temple of Hathor. Hewn from a solid cliff, the 108 foot high facade of the Great Temple is adorned with four colossal enthroned statues of Ramses II wearing the double crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. The smaller adjacent temple, dedicated to the goddess Hathor, was built by Ramses to honor his favorite wife, Nefertari. This UNESCO cultural heritage site was cut from its previous location and physically lifted and moved up and away from the waters of Lake Nasser. Had it not been for that Herculean effort a great treasures would have been lost to the lake’s waters when the Aswan Dam was completed in the 1970s.
These are a few of the architectural and archeological gems waiting to be explored on a holiday in Egypt. They are just a sampling, the rest of the adventure needs to be tailored to personal interests and tastes. While the vote for the “Cradle of Western Civilization” designation is still to be tallied, there can be no doubt that Egypt is, indeed, the world’s largest open air museum.
First-ever free, live Simulcast of an Opera
Don Giovanni to be projected direct from
Harris Theater to the stage of Pritzker Pavilion
By Sheila Swann
The Reluctant Critic
Chicagoans can experience the first outdoor, large screen, live simulcast presentation of an opera in the city’s history. On Friday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m., Millennium Park will offer a free and live broadcast of Chicago Opera Theater’s presentation of Mozart’s most beloved opera, Don Giovanni, direct from the Harris Theater to the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. An audience of potentially 11,000 viewers will be able to see this contemporary rendition of Don Giovanni live under the stars from both the seats and the Great Lawn of Millennium Park.
By presenting the first live simulcast of an opera in Chicago, through this public/private partnership, Chicago will now join the visionary ranks of a select list of other opera institutions in major cities in the United States which have presented live simulcast presentations of operas, including The Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the Houston Grand Opera, the Washington National Opera in Washington, D.C. and the San Francisco Opera.
“Since its inauguration in July 2004, Millennium Park has become an internationally-renowned destination for year-round cultural programming for residents of Chicago, the surrounding community, and those visiting the city,” said Lois Weisberg, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. “The City of Chicago is proud to continue to present superlative programming free of charge to Chicagoans. The first-ever live opera simulcast in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion will place Chicago in the company of other leading cultural cities in the United States and is a testament to our continued commitment to making the arts accessible to all.”
Chicago Opera Theater specializes in fresh interpretations of classic operas in order to make the story as universal and relatable as the day it was first performed hundreds of years ago. Don Giovanni is no exception, taking place in a modern day, decadent nightclub where the themes and characters are easily familiar to a contemporary audience.
A stunning visual reproduction of the images from inside the Harris Theater will be shown on the stage of the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The production will be sung in Italian with large-scale English subtitles shown on the screen. A revolutionary two-part sound system will be used to give a three-dimensional auditory experience. The Don Giovanni cast will grace the Pritzker Pavilion stage immediately after the show to take their bows in front of the thousands in Millennium Park.
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