* Sending A Message?

Toni noticed this on her way to work and couldn't help but think of me. The 24/7 Howard-watcher sent me a couple of classic neighborhood photographs. Look at the pile of (human or dog?) crap that was left in front of the DevCorp North doorway. Is someone sending DevCorp a message? Or couldn't they find a alley in time?

You know, if they really wanted to find out who did this, they could review all that fancy security video they claim to have on Howard Street.

I'm adding it to my collection. Thanks Toni.

* 105-Unit Rogers Park Complex Sells for $7 Million

By Carlise Newman

CHICAGO - The dilapidated East Rogers Park neighborhood is hoping to get an aesthetic makeover with Inverbrass Funds’ purchase of a 105-unit property at 7301 N. Sheridan Rd. The locally based company paid $7.3 million for the 65,885-sf building. The nine-story structure also includes 6,000 sf of ground floor commercial space, which is currently divided into four commercial units. The buyer, Ayman Khalil of Inverbrass, plans to lease this space to local and regional credit tenants that will help continue the revitalization of Rogers Park community.

“A number of the neighborhood’s rental buildings have been lost to condo conversions,” Khalil says. Khalil has completed the majority of its renovation and plans to maintain the building as a rental property. Since January 2006, occupancy at the property has increased by 40 apartments, marking an increase from 30% to 65% occupied.

Douglas Fisher and Matthew Welke of Northbrook-based Essex Realty Group brokered the transaction and represented the seller, Robert Yassan of locally based Rany Management. Fisher and Welke also secured and represented the buyer.

“The building was an eyesore for Rogers Park because as the overall neighborhood was turning, its condition negatively affected the surrounding area and attracted the wrong type of tenants,” Fisher tells GlobeSt.com. “The seller didn’t have the money to renovate, and there were a number of violations against the building.”

Khalil cleared out undesirable tenants and cooperated with the city to repair and remove all dangerous elements of the property. The building was constructed in 1923 by architect Benjamin Marshall, co-founder of architectural firm of Marshall & Fox, best known for Chicago landmarks such as the Blackstone Hotel and Theatre and the Drake Hotel.

* Registered Sex Offender Violates the Law

When it comes to violating the law, Arron Snowden of 1515 West Morse Avenue takes the cake. Arron you see, signed a document stating he would not live with-in 500 feet of a school, playground, or any other facility providing programs or services exclusively directed toward persons under 18 years of age.

Well our neighbor Arron, who was convicted of 4 counts of rape, didn't measure out the distance between his new pad and the Howard Area Community Center's Youth Zone at 1527 West Morse just a couple of doors down the street. I tried to call John Fitzgerald the director of HACC, but he didn't seem to concerned to return my call.

If you see Arron, which one of my loyal readers has, he's 5 foot 10 inches tall and weights 220 lbs. Arron has been spotted hustling up on the ladies (a DevCorp North employee) at the soon to be demolished Top Hat Lounge.

The police have been contacted.

* Rumble @ the Alderman's Office

Another Reader Submitted E-Mail


Craig:

Not sure if you heard about the goings-on outside Joe's office today... I didn't know anything about them ahead of time myself, but I was picking up my mom around noon (ironically, we were going to Best Buy in Evanston to shop for laptops) and we heard some loud shouting coming from the north somewhere (Mom & Dad live at Chase & Greenview.) It sounded like "We want jobs! We want jobs!" or something like that.

Mom and I both needed some caffeine so we went by Charmers Cafe for some coffee before driving west. All the commotion was right outside Joe's office, about 200 or so people, almost all African American.

At first it seemed like a 100 percent anti-Joe demonstration, because of the "We Want Jobs!" chant, which soon became "We Want Jobs! Fuck Joe Moore!"

Then I realized that, no, this was actually a rumble between two groups...an anti-Joe faction which had bussed in from somewhere (West Side, maybe?) and some pro-Joe folks too.

The anti-Joe group had white T-shirts that said "Don't Box Us Out" or something like that, while the pro-Joe group had pink signs that said "Honk If You Want a Living Wage," or something like that.

They were pretty loud and pretty vocal and I wondered if a fight was going to break out. Joe emerged from his office briefly looking very pissed off. The cops came--at least 10 squads and a paddy wagon--but didn't make any arrests, they seemed to be more just observing.

I'm not sure if they ever actually gave an order to the anti-Joe group to disperse, but after about 1/2 hour the "Don't Box Us Out" folks got back in their bus and the pink-sign folks cheered loudly.

What I don't know, maybe someone can find out...was "Don't Box Us Out" a planned demonstration that maybe someone from Joe's office found out about, then marshalled his forces for a counter-demonstration? Or did the anti-Joe folks suddenly organize when they heard about a pro-living-wage rally at Joe's office? I would tend to think the former, because the T-shirts were much nicer and looked more professional than the pink signs. I could be wrong.

I'd love to dig a little deeper, but I'm going on vacation on Thursday and starting grad school as soon as I get back so I really don't have any time to investigate. Maybe you or someone else can?

I took a couple photos with my cell phone. They're not great because, well, they were taken with a cell phone, plus it was rainy and a little dark. The first one, "Rumble on Greenview," is of the rumble in action, you can see everyone mixing together, most of the folks in white T's were the anti-Joe group (though a couple folks from the pink-sign faction were wearing white "Joe Moore" T's). The second photo, "Joe's supporters," is of the pink-sign faction after the "Don't Box Us Out" group had gotten back on the bus.

Thought you'd want to know, & that you'd want the photos too. Do whatever you want with them...to my knowledge there were no news outlets present, but I could be wrong on that too. There were at least no obvious news cameras/trucks/etc.

Chris

* Morse Avenue In the News Again

"Crime is down - Crime is decreasing." Everytime I hear Alderman Moore or Kevin O'Neil say this line, I want to just throw up.

Please Alderman, tell us the truth for once. Morse Avenue is a Hell Hole and you can't do anything about it.


Dry cleaning employee beaten on North Side

By Dan P. Blake
Tribune staff reporter

August 29, 2006, 4:37 AM CDT

A 62-year-old employee of a Rogers Park dry cleaner is hospitalized this morning after a teenager assaulted him during an altercation over a clothes pick-up, Chicago police said.

The attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. Monday when the 17-year-old boy came into the Cameo Cleaners dry cleaning shop and couldn't provide a ticket for clothes that he claimed were his, Rogers Park District Capt. Howard Denk said.

When the employee of the store at 1349 W. Morse Ave. refused to hand over the clothes, the boy struck him in the face.

"He didn't have a ticket and when they wouldn't give (the clothes) to him he punched the man in the nose," Denk said, adding that the man fell back and struck his head.

Paramedics took the victim to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston where he was treated for lacerations to his head and was being held for observation, police said. His condition was not available this morning, but Officer David Banks described his injuries as "not major."

A 60-year-old woman, thought to be the victim's wife, witnessed the attack and told police the boy was about 5 foot 6 inches, and weighed 160 pounds, Denk said.

The clothes were not stolen from the store, police said, and no arrests have been made.

Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune

* Alderman Treats Park Like A Parking Lot

Reader Submitted E-Mail
Photo by: Mike

Dear Craig-

On Sunday JoMo held a picnic in the park. All his buddies disregarded parking rules and drove in the park and parked there cars instead of finding a spot legally on the street. Does JoMo think he is above the law? There were cars everywhere on the park grass. Is this JoMo's sad little joke warning us this is the future of RP. Our park is turning into a highway because of JoMo. How can we stop this from happening again Craig?

Signed, A Upset Park Lover

Dear Upset Park Lover,

I see you didn't send your problem issue to the other guy. I feel your pain. See, Aunt Jan and JoMo want to spend your taxpayer dollars to build Lake Shore Drive right near where those cars are parked in the photo. That's the real plan even though they won't tell you that.

You ask how can we stop this from happening again? It's simple, In November 2006, don't vote for Aunt Jan, and In 2007, vote JoMo out of office.

Thanks for reading,

Craig

* Chef Caught Selling Fatty Liver

According to the Sun-Times, someone ratted out chef Rick Spiros at Block 44 for selling Foie Gras. Now the City Health Department spokesman Tim Hadac said the 311 complaint will trigger a letter to Block 44 "reminding them of the law and letting them know we expect compliance."

Why is the Health Department wasting taxpayer dollars for this administration costs to the taxpayers? Don't they have more important things to do? I say make Alderman Moore write the letter himself and hand deliver it to 4365 N. Lincoln personally.

It's his law, let him go around the city enforcing it.

* Patrick Smage Stuns Everyone... (but me)

First off, I gotta say, this has been the best weekend. Ever!

For those who have followed the "Broken Heart" know my cousin and I compete in off-road motorcycle competition. And you should also know Patrick, Noel's son is a rising star on the pro circuit of our sport.

All year Pat has finished last in the pro class, but every event the little kid inched closer to the top riders in North America. At 16, the other's know Patrick is someone to watch out for, they just didn't expect it to be so soon. This weekend the competition just saw the rising star fly right past them. O.K., with that lead-in it's almost anti-climactic.

Here is the industry report on Patrick.

Here is a short summary I posted the night of the victory. I could have done a better job, I know, but we really were having a some celebration party.

Here is my day two report before heading back home to a real mess. I'll tell you about that soon. But, did I mention? This has been the best weekend. Ever!

Watch out world, here we come!

* Fagus Shuns the 49th Ward Voters Wishes

It seems like we continue to bend over and take it. Some may call it a slap in the face. Either way, David Fagus once again screwed the people who voted at the polls. According to the Sun-Times, the committeemen from the 49th ward brought in the troops to vote for Todd Stroger for Cook County Board President during Saturday nights Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization endorsement session.

Can anyone say David Fagus is out of touch with his 49th ward constituents?

* Heading East

If you don't see me around my booth this weekend at the Glenwood Art Fair it's because I'll be in Rhode Island.

Have a safe weekend everyone.

* 4 Shots Fired this Morning

Instead of waking up to a clock alarm, or the thunder and lightning sounds from the rain storm, I woke up this morning to 4 shots that sounded like they came from a gun. From what I could judge, the gun shot sounds came from the 1300 block of West Morse about 5:50 a.m. I called 911.

* Dry Cleaning Stolen From Car

Craig:
I'm a regular reader of your blog, and I was hoping you might post something for me. On Monday PM or Tuesday AM someone stole the dry cleaning from our car, at Ashland & Rogers. They got away with a bunch of my husband's dress shirts, a few of his suits, and some dresses of mine.

The clothes were not designer brands and pretty conservative, and I sort of doubt whoever took them will have any interest once they realize what they got. I don't think the clothing has any street or resale value.

That being said, I'm wondering if our stuff is lying in a heap in some alley or park around the neighborhood. Would you mind posting something about this on your blog?

I'm not holding my breath, but it would be really wonderful if we could get some of the clothes back. I'm also curious about if other neighbors have had recent car break ins. They took larger-sized dress shirts in white and blue, some grey dress pants, some business suits, a white skirt and two black dresses, one silk and the other linen.

I can be reached at: llihac70@yahoo.com

Thanks much,

Missing Some Clothes

* The Bar's Always Open in Front of the Block Building

Sorry I had to go back to downloading photos in flickr today making them much larger. Still, these photographs are here to tell a sad story. A story of trash in front of the Block building. This is the wasted left-overs from the choir boys who just doing nothing but loiter in front of the building. This is a common occurrence. Let's look closer at what doing nothing but hanging out causes.

A close up shows two - broken pint Meyers rum bottles, a broken Hennesy bottle, half full coke bottle, a half dozen empty beer cans, pizza containers and assorted paper wrappers.

This is what is left behind when these angels just loiter. Let's not forget the pee and shit in the alley.

* Let's Go To Court

When it all comes down to it, it being Foie Gras, here is what the battle is all about.

Local governments are empowered under the Illinois constitution to deal with local problems. All of the foie gras sold in Chicago restaurants is lawfully produced in other states or countries. None is produced in Chicago. So, the City Council ban on restaurant sale is not designed to address any local problems, such as how animals are treated in Chicago. Since local governments are empowered by the Illinois Constitution to deal only with local issues, this ordinance is unconstitutional.

What do I think? Starting today Alderman Moore should try this case himself - on his own dime, not the taxpayers. Let's tie this case up in the courts for the next 8 months.

* August 2006 CAPS Beat 2431 Notes and More

CAPS meetings. Why don't more people attend these community get-togethers? It seems like the same 15 people with three or four new faces added each month. The new ones rarely return. And come to think of it, who really would? We spend the first 15 minutes getting numbed by mindless, statistical numbers that don't mean a thing. After the numbers are crunched up, then subtracted, then divided - the beat facilitator will finish the subject off by saying "Crimes Down."

Just once, I'd love to hear them be honest and say, "Sorry guys, we're in a gang war zone. The gangs are fighting over turf and we can't do anything about it."

* Tony at J.B. Pizza said the Block building at 1340 West Morse is worse than ever. I wonder if he reads the Hell Hole? Anyhow, the open air drug market salesman, (well Tony didn't call them that) are swarming the building and when the police drive by they wander down to his business to hide. Once in a while, they will stop in for a slice pizza, then throw their container on the sidewalk for good measure, but mostly they drag their feet and wait for the police to drive by.

* Tony also mentioned they (the gangs) hang across the street at Morse Gyros and the parking lot to Magic video. Tony, like me, feels his calling 911 all the time make him personally feel like a pest to the police. I feel Tony's pain. I too feel the same way making all my 911 calls that rarely get solved.

* Tony said ever since the Morse Pod #19 police camera went up on the west side of the Morse EL, the gang activity has moved to the east side of the tracks. Tony said a police camera right in front of the Morse Gyros would be effective.

* With the school year starting again, Katy Hogan is looking for after school walkers to help her with "rinky dink patrol" around the Field School/CSMA School and the Ashland area from Pratt to Lunt. She lost a couple walkers because they moved out of the danger zone. If you join, CAPS will give you a award. Or at least they did last year.

* Oh, by the way, 911 call counts are up this month. Last month there were 1100. This month there were 1322. No, I didn't make 200 - 911 calls to get the figure higher. I did call a few more times than I have recently. This was just in CAPS beat 2431. The smallest of all CAPS beats.

* Out of 90 units in the Block buildings, (1340 West Morse & 1345 West Lunt) there are 12 eviction notices pending according to the Alderman's office.

* Mr. Block is retiring.

* Official July 2006 CAPS 2431 Notes

Minutes, July 17, 2006, beat meeting

Officiates:

Kevin O’Neil, CAPS Beat Facilitator.

Minutes recorded by Jayne M. Hoffman.

Below is a recap from the meeting. Meeting notes are paraphrased. Quotations are marked accordingly.

I. Welcome: introductions and announcements.

7:03pm: Kevin opened with comments. Kevin welcomed everyone. Neither Sgt. Cooper nor the representative from the Alderman’s office could be here this evening.

Kevin: The 24th District Advisory committee holds a fund pool containing monies donated by Allstate Insurance for safety programs. We decided to purchase personal-safety devices for the beat meeting attendees. We’re also giving away “The Club,” (anti-auto-theft device). There will be a drawing to give away four at the ending of the meeting, so hold on to those numbers given to you at the door.

II. Arrest data and ICAM report. Click here to go to June crime stats. For ICAM reports, click here.

Kevin reported the city council passed a new gang loitering ordinances, requiring that offenders warned to disperse must stay away for eight hours now. Previously, they had to stay away for three hours.

Kevin extended Sgt. Cooper’s challenge from the last beat meeting to call 911 and be persistent by following up and maintaining communications with the police.

III. Updates on problems from last meeting.
The building owner of 1301-03 Morse/6932-34 Lakewood: nothing new at this time.

1237-43 W. Lunt: Kevin: Mr. Alex Mindea owns this building. A team of citizens has been addressing this problem building since last summer. This group took a break through the winter, and has begun moving forward since spring to compel Mr. Mindea to clean up his building. We brainstormed and came up with a sizeable list of suggestions to discuss in a meeting with Mr. Mindea at the Alderman’s office.

We pulled statistics and discovered that there were about 155 calls for service (911 calls) last year to his building. This contrasts greatly to a nearby building with just 13 calls for service in the last year.

Click here for details of demands on Mr. Mindea and his response.

Kevin: We have made some progress. A citizen who lives at 1237 Lunt confirmed that some things have improved in the building. She knew the previous owner and stated that earlier, Mr. Mindea was not screening tenants. Now he is. He has planted some flowers, and secured the front gate. He said that he needed some support from within the building to help in witnessing the issues going on so he could evict these people. The 1241-43 addresses have been the primary source of problems.

1345 Lunt/1340 Morse: Citizen: her son is afraid to leave the building because he’s been targeted by aggressors who hang out on the Lunt side. Kevin: the building manager is Harris Block. This building has problems similar to those at the 1237-43 Lunt. Service calls have also been high: 174 calls at 1340 Morse, and 138 calls on the Lunt side, which works out to approximately 1 call every 2 days for a year.

We asked Mr. Block for many of the same things as we asked Mr. Mindea: criminal background checks and credit checks, etc. He was not requiring security deposits, and promised to begin doing that as well as change his advertisements to commensurate with the new policy. Some security lights weren’t working. Are they replacing the sensors? Citizen: No. Kevin: Chris Hill, the on-site caretaker, and present at the meeting, has offered to sign complaints for people who witness illicit activities.

Click here for details of demands on Mr. Block of the 1345 W. Lunt / 1340 W. Morse buildings, and his response. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Aug. 8.

1345 Lunt/1340 Morse (cont’d). Citizen: I’ve had several people from these buildings harassing people and hopping the fence into my yard. What do I do when I file a report? Officer: we can arrest for illegal trespassing. You would need to sign a complaint, and to go to court.

Kevin: “I recommend that you call [911], and provide your name.” Also, if you give the police your telephone number, they will call you when they have the perpetrators in sight or arrested. Officer: We’ll call you back, so when we hit the area, you can tell us what (and who) to look for. We need you to give as much information describing the perps, how many there are, and what they are doing.

Citizen: “What kind of protection do you offer citizens?” Officer: there are court advocates who will go with you. More than half the time offenders don’t want to bother to show up for court, and an arrest warrant is issued.

Kevin: You can also call me and I’ll go, or call the 24th District and someone will go to court with you. Kevin: “When I’ve called [911], the police would meet me in a safe place near the crime scene … In my experience, perps have prior arrests or warrants already.” Each time I’ve gone to court, the defendants have never appeared. For example, I called on one perp. who was turning tricks in my back alley. They arrested him for simple assault since he threatened me, which would only hold him for a few hours. I went to court and he didn't show up. However, he had an outstanding warrant for a more severe crime and the judge required $5,000 bail. He was arrested a few days later and the perp sat in jail for two weeks since he could not make bail.

IV. Identify new problems.
Citizen: expressed concern that he’s witnessed more drug dealing on the 1300 block of Lunt lately than in his 18 years living there. Kevin and Officers asked if he was calling 911 whenever he witnesses drug deals and other illicit acts taking place. Citizen: stated that he signed a report and went to court once, but the perpetrator did not do any time. He said that he’d call file a report if the criminal actually receives punishment: “a slap on the wrist” doesn’t qualify as punishment. Officer: street drug deals are difficult to arrest because by the time we arrive at the scene, the perpetrators have finished and fled. Kevin: we have been targeting the problem rental buildings on that block of Lunt. If we get rid of the bad tenants, the crimes will go as well.

1212 Lunt/7000 Sheridan: This complex is at the northwest corner of Sheridan and Lunt streets. Citizen: perps hang out on the Lunt side and harass women passing by. Prostitutes also hang around at the Lunt side: there were two prostitutes fighting not long ago.

Citizen: 1424-32 Farwell, Bil Mar building. She mentioned problems with dealing around the building. Kevin asked for residents and neighbors to come together and work on this building as other neighbors have done on the abovementioned Lunt and Morse buildings.

Citizen: I’ve seen people urinating in the parking area of a building, but didn’t call 911 because it was on private property. Police: The act can be called in as indecent exposure when on private property. Other citizens came forth with complaints about an increase in urinating in various areas of Loyola Park, especially in the grassy regions to the west of the bike path.

V. Other items of business.
* Kevin: as announced at the beginning of this meeting, we are raffling off several auto locking mechanisms, “The Club” and will do so after the announcements.

VI. Announcements.
* The Chicago Bike Federation (CBF) is hosting a family fun ride this weekend, and Ceasefire will also be there. Flyers were passed.
* “Stop the Falls” coalition formed to address the problem of children falling out of windows. The average is two-three accidents a week. Flyers were passed.
* Jayne: apologized and made a correction regarding last month’s meeting notes having forgotten to insert her own query about the distinction between, and to have “walk” and “march” defined.
* Jayne: affirmed Kevin’s previous comment regarding Sgt. Cooper’s wish for all citizens to act persistently in calling 911, and to follow through with the police. Implicitly we need to transform our perception about where our role ends and the police’s role begins. They should mesh extending relationships and increasing camaraderie with the police.
* Kevin: we had 18 people at the last community walk. It was a good turnout. The next walk will be on Friday, August 4. We meet in front of 1340 W. Morse at 7 pm.
* Kevin: go to www.caps24.org and click on Beat 2431to peruse the meeting notes.
* An officer was injured in a squad car accident in Beat 2413 in July. Bruce will bring cards for signing at the next meeting.
* What is gooning? It’s beating up someone for the sake of the beating, no theft or robbery takes place. It usually involves juveniles beating up an adult. Approximately two-three years ago Rogers Park had a problem with teenagers under 16 years old. Police say no goonings of this type have been reported in Rogers Park in the past year. Citizen: They are happening, but are not being reported. Kevin reminded everyone to report all crimes so we know what's happening in the beat, and get proper police resources to handle crime problems.
* Tuesday, August 1 at 7 pm: National Night Out. Beat 2431 and a couple of other CAPS beat areas get together and give away ice cream. Location: Morse and Clark streets.
* The next beat meeting is, Monday, August 21.

* CAPS Beat 2431 Monday

* Alderman Moore Runs Business Out of City - Part 3

MEDILL NEWS SERVICE: BY STEVEN STANEK

Santa Fe Mayor David Coss and San Francisco Supervisor Tom Ammiano were greeted with a "warm" Chicago welcome Thursday as they met with a barrage of questions in an ad-hoc City Council meeting on living wage laws.

As is customary for discussions on the controversial "big box" ordinance, which calls on Chicago retailers of more than 90,000 square feet to eventually pay workers $10 an hour plus $3 in benefits, the session quickly devolved into a bare-knuckles debate with several aldermen demanding the stage and interrogating the guests like they were witnesses in a courtroom.

Advocate and opposition groups in the audience frequently erupted with cheers and jeers during the more than two hours of questioning.

Coss and Ammiano were summoned by Ald. Joe Moore (49th), the bill's primary sponsor, and Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th) to testify about the success of wage laws in Santa Fe and San Francisco and also to calm nerves of jittery aldermen shaken by threats of major retailers to cancel construction plans.

Both men said they were under similar pressure when the laws passed in their cities two years ago. As they hurled tough questions, aldermen also voiced concern the Chicago so differed from the other two cities that it was not fair to compare the cities' varying wage laws.

"My ward is about the size of Santa Fe," Ald. Bernie Stone (50th) told Coss.

Santa Fe, with 65,000 residents within city limits, has a population equal to that of most wards in Chicago. Outlying areas like Evanston and Skokie, which border Stone's ward, are actually bigger than Santa Fe, a city largely isolated from suburban populations. The closest suburban community to Santa Fe is nearly three miles from of the city center.

Stone, who supports building big box outlets here, seized on that point Thursday, saying that large retailers could easily build stores just outside Chicago's city limits, while they could not in Santa Fe. "I can step across a line and be in 3 cities," he said. "A competing commercial development can be built right across the line. It's not like going two or three miles."


Aldermen who oppose increasing the living wage for big box employees pointed to a variety of other differences between Chicago, Santa Fe and San Francisco--from the average household income and property tax rates to school funding, the cost of living, and even the crime rates--as reasons why wage laws in other cities cannot be used as a litmus test for Chicago.

Alds. Dorothy Tillman (3rd) and Howard Brookins, Jr. (21st) said Santa Fe'sethnic make-up, which includes only a small African-American community, made it incomparable to Chicago.

"Good morning and welcome to Chicago," Tillman said to Coss. "What is the racial breakdown of your city?" According to Coss, Santa Fe is about 45 percent Hispanic, 8 percent Native American, 40 percent Caucasian. Less than five percent of the population is African American, he said.

"Has your city ever experience 'white flight?'" asked Brookins. "Do you understand that is difficult to attract certain retailers to -- I'm not going to say urban areas -- I'm going to say black areas? Are you familiar with that phenomenon?" Coss said that the "phenomenon" is not one he deals with in Santa Fe.

Ald. Billy Ocasio (26th), a strong supporter of the ordinance, took a shot back at Tillman and Brookins when he got his turn to take the floor. "Let me just inform my colleague, Ald. Tillman, that African Americans are not the only ones who live in poverty," Ocasio said, noting the financial struggles of many Hispanics in the city.

The heated exchange between aldermen brought to the surface the deep fissures the ordinance has created in the council. "And I apologize that some of the people here have been trying to bully you," Ocasio added, speaking to Coss.

Aldermen also learned of big differences between the wage laws in San Francisco and Santa Fe the ordinance that passed through Chicago City Council last month.

In Santa Fe, for example, the law applies to stores of 25 or more employees, regardless of business sector, and does not include benefits. Workers were paid $8.50 an hour when the bill first passed in 2004 and the rate increased to $9.50 an hour this year.

In San Francisco, which has an urban landscape, population and ethnic diversity closer Chicago's, the living wage applies across the board to nearly all businesses--no matter their size or industry--and includes part-time workers.

The San Francisco law was originally aimed at employers of 10 or more workers, but it was modified to apply to all businesses with at least two workers. Any company that would be subject to the federal minimum wage must now pay the city's living wage of $8.85 an hour, an amount that increases by the year.

After the meeting Coss said he was unfazed by his hour-long shelling. "I thought they were very cordial," he said with smile. "They're elected officials at a public hearing, they can ask whatever they want. I won't judge whether they were the right questions or the wrong questions - on point or off point."

Although the living wage bill already passed in 35-14 vote, some aldermen say that Moore called the meeting to combat threats of a mayoral veto and to stem the tide of politicians who might changing sides.

Blognotes - Part #1: "We've got more work going [on] downtown in one block than . . . those cities combined. One block -- not two blocks or three blocks," Mayor Daley said. "They should go back and help their own cities.

Blognotes - Part #2: Alderman Moore should go back to his own ward and help his own people.

* Shots Fired - With Bonus Coverage - Hold Up

Reader Submitted e-mail:

Four shots heard on Ashland in alley between Ashland and Paulina, Touhy and Estes at ~ 12:30 a.m. Thurs.  No other sounds.  Looked out windows, saw and heard nothing.  Approx. 5 mins later police all over the place. Bus called, sits in alley for long time, eventually leaves but no sirens. (Does that mean the vic is dead?)  Crime scene tape extended all around parking lots in alley.
 
I would have gone out to take pics but am in jammies, and, well, there's some creep running around with a gun.

Reader translated crime: Tourists Held Up at Knife Point

Tuesday early morning - 2ish, in front of the Heartland Cafe. Two, what seemed to be Dutch tourists, were held up at knife point and had their money and passports taken. Very little details. After all, it was two in the morning in front of the Heartland Cafe.

* Alderman Moore Runs Business Out of City - Part 2

The Wall Street Journal, (one of my favorite pieces of reading material) came out with this juicy little quote on Alderman Moore.

"Alderman Joseph Moore clearly doesn't think very far ahead, if he thinks at all."
The Wall Street Journal
Big Box Rebellion
August 16, 2006: Page A - 10

How can the Wall Street Journal, a newspaper some 1000 miles away, know our Alderman Moore better than the 3000 plus fools who vote for him every election cycle?

* It's a Political Kinda Day

From the moment I woke up and walked Cota yesterday, I figured it was going to be a political day. Little did I know how right I was.

First, I ran into The 'Other Guys' wife collecting signatures at the Lunt Avenue side of the Morse Avenue El stop for the other guy's Aldermanic campaign. She asked if I cared to sign - I politely declined. Heading back the other way Anne Sullivan was covering the Morse Avenue side for The 'Other Guys' wife.

O.K., that seems mild enough, but when I got home, more Aldermanic campaigning was waiting in the mailbox.

The most noticeable thing that caught my eye this time was Alderman Moore's campaign sent me a political 'Back to School' picnic invitation which included a 10 year old photo of the Alderman wearing knee high socks.

Yes indeed, the Alderman has already started sending out expensive glossy style campaign mailers. He can't send us the important stuff like CAPS updates, or zoning change updates in the mail, but campaign material, he spares no expense.

Next to the Alderman's way early campaign mailer was a envelope from The 'Other Guy'- Not the citizens for The 'Other Guy', but the The 'Other Guy' himself. Seems The 'Other Guy' wanted to send me his D-2's. How nice of him for sending this, but why? Maybe The 'Other Guy' wasn't getting enough blog press now that Gary Fuchie quit blogging?

Anyhow, here's what stuck out. The 'Other Guy' raised $5,851.94. The 'Other Guy' spent $4,480.17.

Big Donors: No shock here I guess. It's suburban folks. After all, he's a suburban banker. One resident named Farina Chaudry, a student from Villa Park gave $1,500.00 and one McHenry resident named Robert Tobiaski, who is retired gave $1000.00. These two make up nearly half of the funds raised. I doubt I've ever seen these two on a neighborhood walk or a 49th ward clean and green?

Big Receiver: Campaign manager Annie Sullivan made just under $1,750 dollars. She has collected nearly half of what was spent. So when you hear her talk nice about Don, remember, she is getting paid to say these things.

Biggest disappointment: Michael Harrington can give money to The 'Other Guy', but can't pay off his own campaign debt. Here's a guy who owes money from a 2003 campaign. Can you say poor fiscal management?

* Morseland Resale Shop Creates Major Mess

Hi Craig - I just took these photos last night. This stuff (from the Morseland Resale Shop 1445 West Morse Avenue) has been sitting on the Morse since 1pm yesterday. The whole neighborhood was picking through it. Right in front of the cops. Now, it's a big mess. - Mike

Blognotes: My guess is the store got evicted for not paying rent Mike. Looks like we lost another retail outlet in Rogers Park and added another vacant storefront.

FYI: The Block building at 1345 West Lunt Avenue looks the same way today. Someone got thrown out and all their belongings are scattered all over the neighborhood from people pilfering the un-guarded contents. Now, it's a big mess.

* Block Building At All Time Worst

It's been a little over a year since a few neighbors got Alderman Moore's office involved in the slum-like problems at the Block building. In that time period, the conditions have slowly gotten worse. You read the horror stories. Some of you may have even been a victim. Like Dan Sullivan who supports Alderman Moore and Don Gordon. He owns the property accross the street. He alleged the gangs hanging out front of the Block building broke two of his windows.

Now, after nearly a half dozen meetings, it's clear the Alderman has NO power to get a slumlord like Block to fix his building. Forget running the gangs off the property that don't belong there. Little things like planting some flowers and removing three month old dead bushes (pictured above) just can't get done. These things make the neighborhood better. Mr. Block and Alderman Moore can't seem to get this done.

The Alderman has ZERO power to getting CTA or city services to do maintainence, like trimming trees along Glenwood. This would help light the street.

The Alderman has no power asking the Chicago Police Department to follow through on stake-outs the police promised the community a year ago. This would catch the drug dealing by the Block building. That's if they really want to catch them?

What does the Alderman have the power to do? Run retail out of the city. Now look, beside Wal-Mart and Target, now Lowe's Home Improvement is thinking of not building stores. If Alderman Moore keeps running retail out of the city, by the time someone does get around to some building improvements at the Block building, they will have to shop in the suburbs to get their supplies, losing the city of valuable sales tax.

Blognotes: After looking at the ugly dead bushes (pictured above) for three months, I removed them myself yesterday. If the trees along Glenwood don't get trimmed soon, I'll get a 12 foot ladder and chainsaw, then I'll do that job myself too.

* Political Consultant/Office Cleaner

Frazier, Wayne
7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $572.52
2/28/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Frazier, Wayne
7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $572.52
3/14/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne
7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $351.68
3/28/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $351.68
4/11/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $351.68
4/20/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $401.92
5/10/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $415.00
5/10/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $30.00
5/15/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $401.92
5/23/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $502.40
6/12/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $1,120.00
6/19/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $1,120.00
6/26/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $527.52
1/12/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting fee

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $80.00
1/13/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore office cleaning expense

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $376.80
1/27/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

Citizens for Joe Moore
Frazier, Wayne 7415 N. Winchester
Chicago, IL 60626 $439.60
2/9/2006 Expenditure
Citizens for Joe Moore political consulting

* Raising Some Money

From January 1st to June 30th the Citizens for Joe Moore had 163 itemized Individual contributions totaling $112,950.00.

His available funds at the close of the reporting period are, (6-1-06) $156,845.48.

While I'm here giving you quality information at a click of the button, for the other guys, they are going to spend more time collecting $49 dollars each and not enough time campaigning on issues.

Any comments on who's giving Alderman Moore what? Like Dan Sullivan playing both sides of the fence.

* CAPS Beat 2431 'First Friday Walk' A Failure

Friday night - 7p.m. The location - 1340 West Morse Avenue: This time I purposely didn't flyer for this CAPS event. This time I purposely didn't post the information on the blog about the CAPS Beat 2431 - first of the month walk. This time six people showed up. CAPS 2431 beat facilitator Kevin O'Neil - Jayne M. Hoffman, the CAPS 2431 minutes note-taker, (she showed by accident, she was getting off work from the EL) - Eve Brownstone a Rogers Park historian - James Ginderske, (I saw him at a coffee shop and informed him a hour earlier) - Cota and myself. Cota is my trusty, four legged friend, she counts. So, instead of walking this month, the small, yet very determined group - positive loitered on the north-east corner of Morse Avenue and Glenwood for 45 minutes. Is this what happens when I don't take charge?

On the other side of the street, in front of Morse Gyros, a half dozen Open Air Drug Market salesman watched us with keen eyes. Under the Morse Pod #19 - blue police camera, four to six panhandlers were openly drinking their booze on the sidewalk.

So, it only took two - 'first Friday of the month walks' before the neighborhood residents had enough of trying to make beat 2431 a safer place with these feel good - neighborhood walks. Is this what happens when I don't take charge?

Blognotes:

To Lady on Farwell and Greenleaf Annie who said this panhandler doesn't drink, well shocking enough, she was seen with a 24 .oz beer can in her hand during this event. The cans contents were seen being poured in her mouth.... by her own hand.

For two months now the Alderman's office promised to have the overhanging branches from the trees trimmed along the North Glenwood area from Morse Avenue to Lunt. The branches block the light from the street lamps causing the area to be dark and unsafe at night. This project has been all but ignored. Safety doesn't seem to be a high priority of Alderman Moore and his staff.
Police @ Block Building

More Block building problems. Here is a picture from 5:30-6:00 PM yesterday (one hour before the CAPS walk) sent to me from a loyal reader. From what he could see, one black male was in hand-cuffs and placed against the Block building fence. There was one ATV officer, two police squad cars on the scene. The ATV was parked on the sidewalk. All the officers were looking over the Block building fence trying to find something.

A night of walking one month ago.

* It's Been One Year Already?

Tomorrow night marks the first year anniversary of Eidolon Art Studio; and they are pleased to invite you to attend their art opening featuring new works by:

Angela Scalisi: Photography, mixed media and diabetic works of art.

Tara Noftsier: Photography.

Sarah Carson: Claywork, ceramics and pottery.

Tory Ortschied: Lighting design.

Kevin Kalom: Leatherwork; whips, crops.

Michael Cianfrani: Screen printing, batik, and photography.

Hilesh Patel: Painting, spray paint, watercolor, stencil; canvas, wood, metal, paper & other objects.


Live Music with Christine Cozza (guitar), Bridget Donegan (violin) and Sean Reidy (upright bass).

And of course, food and refreshments will be provided to keep everyone pleasantly chilled.

Saturday - August 5, 2006, 7-10pm
eidolon art studio
7001 N. Glenwood
Chicago
773-381-5462

Redline El, Morse stop, exit north on Lunt, across from the Heartland Cafe

p.s. - Yes, they have air conditioning.
p.p.s. - Yes - you should forward this to others.

* Alderman Moore Runs Business Out of City

Not happy that his 49th ward is suffering from no economic development, Alderman Moore just crippled another part of the city's economic engine with his fancy 'Big Box' ordinance.

Alderman Moore's first casualty wasn't Wal-Mart, it is Target. According to the Chicago Sun-Times today, Target is pulling the plug and not going to build a store in the city.

Not only is the 34th ward going to suffer, most likely the 46th ward will suffer with the Wilson Yards project expecting a Target too. Funny thing, like some coward, Alderman Shiller didn't vote on the 'Big Box' issue - showing no backbone to the cause. Now Shiller's not talking to the press.

So, forget about no Wal-Mart and no Foie Gras, they aren't the issues today. But it does make you wonder... Who's next Alderman Moore? Who are you going to force out of the city next? Oh, I almost forgot. If you keep this up, you're going to force us taxpaying homeowners out of the city with higher property taxes, right?

* Promises - Promises - Promises

As Alderman Moore keeps telling the world media "what my ward wants," regarding the Big-Box ordinance, (FYI: It's a week old already) comes these already in the hopper - public works projects.

Can anyone tell us when the Alderman's 'Golden Shovel - Groundbreaking Ceremony' will be for the Morse Avenue Streetscape?

Blog Bonus Points: Tell us when the Gale Fieldhouse project will start?

Extra - Extra: How about when the new Fire Station on Clark Street - When will that project start?

* Inside the Numbers

Yesterday while Alderman Moore was sponsoring a gangsta rap picnic in Gale Park, the Block building was again ground zero for a good old fashioned shit kicking, courtesy of the tenants and their friends that hang out there. I caught the tail end of one such beating yesterday.

Around 4:30 p.m., a male took a nice enough beating to frighten his girlfriend. She was crying hysterically. Why? Her boyfriend's mouth was swollen, he had a bloodied lip and his white shirt also took in some blood stains. 911 was called.

Speaking of 911 calls, the Block building at Lunt and Glenwood (1345 West Lunt) had three such 911 calls yesterday. Three that I know of. Gun shots - gang dispersal- assaults. See, these Block buildings produce a lot of 911 calls according to the Chicago police 911 records. More than a normal building should. I'd like to give you a side-by-side comparison...

... I'd like to tell you how many 911 calls, but Kevin O'Neil, the Alderman's trusty CAPS side-kick won't allow me. He has threatened to ban me from anymore 'insider' meetings if I divulge the numbers. They are secret numbers and these secret 911 call numbers aren't allowed for public use according to Kevin O'Neil.

The only thing missing from the secret back room deal was the smoke.

* Shots Fired - Twice this Morning

This morning about 4 a.m. I was awakened by what sounded like four or five shots fired. The sounds were coming from the 1400 block of West Morse Avenue area. This wasn't firecrackers. It was much louder and a more consistent sound - like a gun.

Then again at around 5:10 a.m., three loud shots echoed off the canyon like buildings in my alley. Clearly, these sounded like gun shots coming from Lunt or Morse. This time I woke from the bed and called 911. This being near the time I get up anyhow, I dressed and took my dog for a walk. As I got outside, I was greeted by a Loyola University Campus police officer asking me if I heard shots fired. He was in the 1300 block of West Lunt.

* A Opt Out Plan

"The ability of aldermen to opt out of the [Big Box] ordinance for their wards makes sense," Mayor Daley said.

"Why not?"he asked. "If [Ald.] Joe Moore believes he does not want a big box, fine, I understand that. They don't have to have them in their wards."

"But aldermen who are desperate for development and jobs for their constituents should be able to pursue them, the mayor said.

Updated:

* Today Alderman Moore pulled off one of the biggest stunts the city of Chicago has seen in recent memory. And won. Forget Foie Gras. Forget diapers on horses.

* His ward suffers greatly with poor or no economic retail with Gateway Mall, Howard Street and Morse Avenue. (We don't include crack in this survay.)

* He helps support a slaves wages under Special Service Area tax #19 and # 24 with the janitors pay wages.

What do you think?

* Single Family Home Teardown Craze Continues

a paid promotional appearance by Hanna Architects Inc
188 W. Randolph
Ste 1825
Chicago, IL 60601
$1,000.00
3/10/2006 to Citizens for Joe Moore

Tonight at the Morningside Senior Home located at 1250 West Morse, Alderman Moore's office held a informercial to inform us Peter Sterniuk will be demolishing the single family home at 1309 West Lunt (photo above) and replacing it with 8 - 3 bedroom condos (drawn below).

As Peter said, "We're not here to negotiate!" Nice way to start meeting with your new neighbors Mr. Sternuik.

The meeting was to start at 7 p.m., but as of 7:15 p.m. when I left the Alderman never showed up. The architect John Hanna hadn't arrived either. Word was Alderman Moore was grandstanding in front of the news media downtown regarding the all important Rogers Park 'Big Box' issue.

The Alderman wasn't around leaving second tier 49th ward Aldermandic assistant Michael Land to fill in on the infomercial. Mr. Land was more gentle in this deal. Like the good cop bad cop routine. According to Land, "We wanted to let you know when the wrecking ball swings!" Well thanks Michael. You're a big help. Asked why the Alderman wasn't there himself and why there was no Russian translator, Mr. Land replied, "No comment, I can't comment on that!" Like I said, he was a big help.


Here are the plans. Looks like every other plan we've seen coming from the Alderman office lately. Too much cinder block and concrete. Too little parking spaces and green space.

When asked by one of the 12 people in the room if there was a Russian translator, Mr. Land replied "No, sorry." Given the fact six of the twelve spoke only Russian, that was a fair request to ask.

Like I said, at 7:15 p.m., knowing this was just a 'done deal' anyhow, the 'other guy' running for Alderman and I left. We had enough. We had better things to do than sit though a infomercial that wasn't translated in Russian.

Plus, both of us knew we were not going to buy. Only a Alderman could afford these prices.

* Mama's Fish Closed

One of our more seedy businesses on Morse Avenue closed last week as Mama's Fish at 1334 West Morse Avenue fried it's last meal. Personally, I'm not even sure there really is a Mama. I've never seen her. All I saw was open air drug market salesman hiding inside her stinky fish joint when the Chicago Police drove by.

I've been waiting for this day to come for a long time. Good riddance Mama.

* Could this Be The Kiss of Death?

It's come up again. A pay raise for City Council. In 2003, the Alderman voted themselves a 15% raise. That's right, they voted themselves a hefty raise and they didn't ask us.

Now these Alderman are at it again. Just three year later, these greedy little taxpayer pickpickets will approval another pay raise for themselves. Again without asking us. Can anyone say enough is enough?

* Store Break-In.... Again

Lunt Avenue Food Mart Gets the Smash and Grab Routine

I'm counting three times this year. I don't have time to find the links to the previous stories posted here, maybe someone else does. Here's how it went down...

...The same store, the same MO. Brake the window in the middle of the night and enter. This time the store owner is guessing - 2 a.mish.

Items taken. Pre-paid phone cards, cigarettes, money, lotto tickets, blunts and chips. Like I said, the same MO.

Early this month at the Special Service Area commissioner meeting, our crack professional neighborhood care specialists on the Special Service Area #24 commission led by Kimberly Bares at DevCorp North are putting a program together to bribe business owners who have gated windows to remove them. And they want to use Special Service Area tax money to do it with no less.

Who in their right mind wants to risk losing everything to these break-in artists for a few Special Service Area Tax dollars? This store owners running out of things to steal.

* Candidate Avoids Union Bug

I got a e-mail from someone asking if I was spying in on Don Gordon and his French fundraiser last night. See, the 'other guy' held a $150 a plate fundraiser to mock Alderman Moore last night. According to Toni Duncan and her blog, the campaign office built with-out displayed permits was pretty lively and had a spy in a red car keeping track of who was coming and going. Lucky me, I don't own a red car, so it wasn't me. Thomas Westgard has a red truck though. Does that count? Anyhow, I went by this morning to view the leftovers. This is what I found.

Take a look see at the 'other guys' new poster. Forget the silly slogan for now. That's for another time. Take a look at the printers union bug. You ask yourself, "what am I talking about Craig?" I'm talking Unions. Every REAL candidate uses a Union printer. That's just how it's done. You don't ask questions. You find a Union printer-with a bug to print your campaign material. Don't go asking for union contributions, or even taking money from a union worker now. Then you're double cheating the union guy.

Well, from the above -chincy printed, non-union bug poster, Gordon avoided the Union printing company to save some bucks. Looks like he cut corners, again. Is that who you want running the ward? Someone who's going to cut some corners to get something cheaper that falls apart quicker and has to be replaced again?

Not me. I like it done right the first time.

Blog-Sidebar: Funny thing, Toni must have had a change of heart? Toni, over a couple of occasions I've talked with her mentioned to me she would'nt contribute to a candidate's war-chest. Now Toni's attending every political fundraiser and calling herself a "social butterfly? " It looks more to me like she's becoming a "political junkie," padding the kitty of every candidate running against her 49th ward fief. At last night's hefty fundraiser price, ($150) she really must want to see this fief removed.

James, you're next.

* CAPS Beat 2431 Monday - Attend and Win

Don't forget, CAPS beat 2431 meeting is Monday night.

Personal Blognotes: I want to thank everyone for their concern on last nights knife stabbing. I'm going to live. Yes, I pressed charges and will be taking this case through the system, the legal way.

Blog-help: I'm asking for help. According to Neil, the owner of Duke's, this Mike has taken a swing at him a time ago. I'm not trying to tell the owners of Duke's how to run their business, but I believe they should call 911 the next time Mike comes in the bar.

If the police can't catch him soon, I'll be snapping a photo of Mike and will post it on the Hell Hole.

The knife assault at Duke's -6920 N. Glenwood report number is HM-473813

On a more upbeat blognote: I'll be blogging light these next eight days. With the Gay Games in town, every paper in the city has turned gay for eight day. I'm sure you've already noticed. I decided to do something a bit different with the Magazine information flow to keep up with the big boys. Being in charge, I can now make those tough decisions. I created a daily update, the way only I can.

Feel free follow the Gay Games from our staff at Gay Chicago. Kicking things off is our own Sergeant Cooper.

* Mike the Knife

Tonight at 8:50p.m. a man with a knife named Mike stabbed the one and only, Mr. "Broken Heart" of Rogers Park.

That's right folks, I got poked. With a knife. In the stomach.

Did it hurt? What do you think after being stuck with a knife in the stomach?

Then... the chump ran. Like a coward.

I think I have a few people who don't like me. Not to mention Mike the knife.

Blognotes: Yes, I called 911.

* Lame Duck Commissioners Approve DevCorp as Special Service Area Provider

There's over 600 residents and 200 property owners in the district, yet with a mere five yeas, DevCorp North was voted in as 2007 Sole Service Provider for Special Service Area Tax #24. But not without Kimberly Bares prodding the rubber stamp group along to vote her way before one of the commissioners (Matthew Brokhaw) left early.

At stake is a quarter of a million dollars of taxpayer money. I wasn't allowed to hold or take home the documents, so I was forced to look over the shoulders of another commissioner. If Alderman Moore were around he would have told me I could break my neck stretching it that far out.

Back to the vote, Katy Hogan, Alan Goldberg, Ora Harris, Matthew Brokhaw and Stella all voted yes to allow DevCorp North to continue to collect over $100,000 dollars in fees for running the $250,000 budget. Amazing these so-called neighbors allowed this boondoggle to happen.

Basically, these five neighbors, Katy Hogan, Matthew Brokhaw, Alan Goldberg, Ora Harris and Stella just wasted a quarter of a million dollars of money. Not a single one studied the budget closely. They were given a sheet and followed the dots. No imput was really given. Everything comes from the City of Chicago, Dept of Planning. These five were just window dressing to a puppet show.

I wanted to single these neighbors out because they are the ones who could have just as easily voted No on the single question and gone on with their lives. Gone on to not having to relieve a babysitter or make an excuse on why they couldn't attend the meeting.

Oh, by the way, where were the other commissioners on this important vote?

Blognotes: Even though they don't have a businesses on Clark Street, Katy Hogan and Matthew Brokhaw had the prime spot booth spaces at the Clark Street Fair. Was that because they were SSA commissioners? Was it favoritism? Was it clout?

Cry-cry-cry baby Katy Hogan complained they (Heartland Cafe) got jipped on not having prime space at the south end of th fair. She claimed no one was really going north and visiting the Heartland booth at Touhy she cried. Is that what Special Service Area commissioners do, gripe over where ther booth is?

Katy Hogan also complained that the Morseland gets to sell beer at the Glenwood Arts Fair. Gee, even with the clout and patronage they have getting these prime gigs, they still want more. Clout and patronage with your tax dollars at the local level. It all leads to Alderman Moore.

* Grave-Watcher

"All I can suggest is that I believe Martin Luther King is probably rolling in his grave."

Alderman Joe Moore
Chicago Tribune
July 12, 2006

* More Fiber Please

Someone needs to work on their nutrition intake. When I woke up this morning to walk the dog, this is what I found by my door step. This was one stinky shit.

Of course, anyone sane enough wouldn't take a runny crap in the public alley and leave it sitting behind for everyone to see - and smell.

These outdoor shitters should be forced to clean up the mess - like we have to clean up after our dogs.

This isn 't the first time I experienced this action at my door step. This part of the alley between Lunt and Morse produces lot's of strange sights, sounds and smells.

* Nursing Home Near Small Park Harbors Child Sex Offenders

Here's a guy who claims to know the ward "like the back of his hand." Under Alderman Moore's nose comes this. A three-story nursing home at 1512 West Fargo is housing four child sex offenders. Not only is the house for convicted child molesters, it's about half a block from Dubkin Park at 7442 N. Ashland, where kids play.

Full story, click here.

* Taxing Us Through the Roof and Out of the Neighborhood

Reader Submitted

Dear Representative Osterman,

I am writing about the property tax increase that your constituents will be facing when we receive our tax bills next year. Unless something is done by state, county, and city officials – and done quickly – many residents will be forced to leave neighborhoods they have long resided in and contributed to.

According to my calculation, based on a recent Chicago Reader article, my property taxes are subject to an increase of approximately 105% over 2005.

Aside from the fact that it seems utterly outrageous for local governments to get a 105% raise at my expense (I certainly haven’t seen a 105% rise in my salary in the last 4 years), it is further insult that I am effectively being penalized, to the point that my husband and I may have to sell our home, for being one of the people who helped make Rogers Park the halfway livable place it is today.

We bought our home in 1991 when people were still largely fleeing the neighborhood. Over the past 15 years we have renovated, we have picked up tons of garbage deposited by people who think it’s fine to dump garbage from their cars and as they walk the city sidewalks. We have suffered thousands of dollars in property damage to our fence (which we’ve rebuilt so many times I’ve stopped counting) and our cars. Our house has been burglarized, our front yard torched. We have kindly shoved snow from our walk and from our older neighbors’ sidewalks nearly every time it snows. We have tried to frequent, as much as possible, local businesses. We stayed and suffered the drug dealers and their addict customers, the nursing homes that are now more halfway houses than elder care centers. We have opened our yard to the neighborhood for the Rogers Park garden walk. We’ve stayed through the closing of Grandpa’s restaurant on Touhy, the tapas restaurant on Sheridan, Foodstuffs on Morse, the Jewel on Morse, the closing of the diner on Morse and the hardware.

While some new businesses are opening in Rogers Park (Poitin Stil, Gruppo di Amici, Dagel & Baly, Morseland, Rogers Bark), I don’t think it’s far off the mark to say that there may be less businesses in Rogers Park today than there were in 1991 (or at minimum there has been no increase). By virtue of a real estate bubble (that may or may not sustain itself into the future), the value of our real estate has increased beyond reasonable increases that could have been expected due to renovations and time. In short, the county is now demanding 105% more money from us not because the county or state did anything, not because our neighborhood has substantially improved in the last four years and our quality of life here is better, nor because we’ve sold our home and realized a significant gain, but because of a real estate bubble!

Increased home valuations (and their subsequent assessments) are nothing more than vapor. My home may or may not be worth $X at any given point in time, but it is certain that any increase in its value will not be enjoyed until the house is sold. Between yesterday, today, and some point in the future when it may be sold the value is likely to fluctuate at any given point – maybe up, maybe down. But until it is sold the increased value is nothing more than a paper gain. Paper gains, as we all know, are transitory and can disappear in the blink of an eye. This is the case for all property owners. Yet, state and local governments have determined that I, and others like me, should pay 105% more than four years ago because real estate has increased in value.

Even the federal government doesn’t tax paper gains such as the increased value of one’s mutual fund until one sells! How is it that we can be taxed at the state level for unrealized gains?

Such increases are likely to force out long-term residents. In an especially fragile community like Rogers Park, a mass exodus of people, particularly at a time when the real estate market is softening, could be ruinous to the community and lead to depressing prices. Think it can’t happen? But it has happened to any number of communities across the U.S. over the years – Connecticut, southern California, Texas, just to name a few. Bubbles burst and when they burst the more fragile get hurt the most. Further, such increases are a slap in the face to long-time residents and send a message that our politicians prefer we not live in a community for any length of time. Rather, we should be churned out so that other, more flush residents can take our place and provide more revenue to government. Surely, you will object to my claims but how can a taxpayer see it otherwise?

I am dismayed by the lack of real movement on the part of our elected officials to do something meaningful and lasting that will provide relief to the middle class taxpayers of Cook County. Such lackadaisical efforts to date seem to show a complete lack of regard for voters, almost to the point of scorn. Is it that the elected officials of Illinois are simply out to get as much from taxpayers as possible, consequences be damned? But there will be consequences – and not just to the future job security of elected officials (any politician who thinks that voters will not remember a 105% increase in their property tax bill during the next election cycle is deluding themselves; this is serious pain that will not be forgotten).

People will be forced to move. Perhaps they will stay in Cook County but odds are that many will look to move out of county, perhaps out of state. When the tax burden becomes too great, people leave for more kindly environs. Chicago now has a 9% sales tax; Illinois income taxes us 3%, and our property taxes, if left untended, will be some of the highest in the country. Tennessee, on the other hand, has no income tax and property tax rates are a fraction of Cook County tax rates; their sales tax is negligible. While I love Chicago, as I am sure others do, is my love for the city worth 105% more today than yesterday? I’m not sure that it is, particularly if I have to do without or save less money for retirement to continue to reside here.

Representative Osterman, I am sure that you work very hard, and you are no doubt in the same position as all north side property owners. Given that I’ve not seen any serious movement on the part of politicians to address this grave matter, I can only assume that our elected officials can afford the increase. Good for those of you who won’t feel these significant increases. But many of us will not be able to afford it, and we will be forced to sell and move. If the point of this exercise is to make Chicago and Cook County a gated community where only those earning in excess of hundreds of thousands of dollars can afford to live, then by all means the property taxes should be left as they are. I imagine that it won’t take terribly long for those of us with somewhat less income to flee the area. Perhaps we will be long gone by the time of the next elections since, conveniently, we won’t be receiving our tax bills until after the 2006 elections. In looking over the Illinois bills presented in the last two years, I see a lot of spending and appropriations but little in the way of restraint or in tax relief. It’s depressing. Government appears to have become a revenue-generating, drunk on spending beast with few politicians interested in stemming runaway spending and costs, particularly in Illinois. Meanwhile, our neighbors to the south and east offer kinder terms that have enticed many people and businesses including Nisson.

If you and your colleagues in the state assembly care about the home owners of northside Chicago, then you will take serious and meaningful action as quickly as possible. Sponsoring a bill along the lines of Prop 13 in California would be a good start. If such a move seems too radical, then an increase in the exemption is certainly in order. Surely this issue is just as important as any of the bills you have sponsored over the last few sessions.

Sincerely,

A Rogers Park Neighbor

Writer blognotes: A note on the tax increases to RP residents: Is our neighborhood 105% improved from 4 years ago? Is there 105% less crime such as vandalism, muggings, b&e's, shootings, gang activity? Or is it about the same (and in some pockets, worse)? Have we seen a 105% increase in the education of the children of the neighborhood? Do we experience 105% more city and county services? Are our roads 105% improved from 2002? Do we have 105% more police than in 2000? Take a moment to ponder whether our neighborhood is "worth" the same as, say, Lincoln Park, because RP residents will be paying property taxes at the same level as LP and even Evanston homeowners in 2007.

Renters, think this issue doesn't concern you? Do you think your landlords are going to eat these property tax increases? These increases will be passed to you, and in fairly short order. Your rent will start to look a lot like LP rents also. Or, your rental options in RP will dry up even more when your landlords toss in the towel and sell or finally go condo. As for new businesses - well, they too will see rent increases. Will fragile, growing concerns be able to absorb the increases? Or will big rent increases push them over the edge? Will we be able to attract new businesses, particularly since we're barely able to get any now? What kinds of new businesses will be able to afford the increased rents with the much lower (than Lincoln Park or Wicker Park) foot traffic? If you were Dagel & Baly could you afford a $400/mo increase in your rent, or, for that kind of money would you be better off closing shop and heading south or north?

Blognotes: I talked with Representative Osterman on Sunday and he promised to work on this very important issue. Representative Osterman told me he is going to co-sponsor a bill to cap the property tax increase. Between the lines, this tells me there WILL BE a increase. Unlike Alderman Moore who openly supports higher taxes through Special Service Area taxes and higher user fees, Representative Osterman wants to put a stop to the overwhelming burden we face as taxpayers being "nickled and dimed" to death. We all must keep the pressure on Representative Osterman. Our elected official is only as good as his deeds, not words.

* Power Breakfast - Updated, Everyone's Right

A day after the Sorich conviction, Alderman Moore is having a power breakfast with another powerful political figure at the Heartland Cafe as picked up by Mr. Paparazzi Press. (I know it's not Mayor Daley and President Bush eating birthday cake together, it's the best the Hell Hole can do.)

So, here is the weekend question to ponder. Knowing the feds are chomping at the bit to get to the mayors office and unseat a very popular Mayor.

Are these two....

a.) Discussing ways to overthrow the Mayor first?

b. Discussing ways just to save their own skin and stay in office as Alderman?

c.) Discussing ways to dupe the public into believing the ever changing Wilson Yards project is not going to look like the Gateway Mall debacle.

Bonus points by naming the other breakfast diner. With the clues b and c, it should be a "no-brainer", as Jeff-O would say. Triple bonus points on the correct answer, why the third person is yawning?

Blognotes: Check out the guy in the updated photograph. He's now listening in. A spy maybe?

* Free On Bond

by Julie Segraves

Sayyid Qadri (pictured above) of 6600 N. Seeley, was charged with home invasion July 6, after a string of violence which left one man shot, on the Fourth of July.

According to police, at approximately 7:40 pm on July 4, Castillo Rodriguez, 48, was sitting in his car with friends at 1623 W. Columbia, when Qadri, 23, allegedly pulled up and threatened to shoot him.

Rodriguez pulled out and Qadri allegedly followed him, fired several shots, and shattered his rear window. The bullet found its mark and Rodriguez was shot in the back.

Qadri then took off and parked his car. He went to the home of the second victim who was alone and out on her back porch. She saw the defendant coming up the back stairs with his hand on a black gun he had in his waistband.

He grabbed the victim and forced her into her apartment. Detectives from the 24th District were touring the area, armed with a description of Qadri’s vehicle.

Qadri saw the detectives from the window and forced the victim to the floor. He wiped off his gun and hid it under her mattress. He then told her to act like they were together. Detectives saw him from the window and he was taken into custody.

The State’s Attorney office has filed charges of home invasion, a Class X felony, against Qadri. If he is convicted these charges carry a sentence of 6 to 30 years in prison.

According to police within the last few years he has been arrested numerous times using several different spellings of his last name. The State’s Attorney’s office has confirmed a conviction for delivery of cannabis, though they only verify Cook County convictions.

Police sources say Qadri has multiple tattoos including one of Diablo on his back. He is reported to be a Latin King.

Area 3 is investigating the shooting incident and charges have yet to be filed. Qadri is currently free on bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 11 in Branch 42.

* A Night of Walking

Last nights 'Night of Walks' began with a CeaseFire Walk/March/Rally/Ground Cleansing/Circle Prayer. The attendance was dismal. Other than the usual players, there were less than a half dozen neighbors involved. I must admit, I do draw tears every gosh darn time we circle pray over a senseless shooting. FYI CeaseFire, I could do with-out the ground cleansing routine. Seems a bit overboard.

As we were heading to the next walk, the newest guy running for Alderman, his sidekick Frankie and I came across this sign covering up a 'No Parking' Sign. Can you imagine if someone gets towed over this stupid promotional stunt? What excuse would they use? What idiot would do such a thing covering a no-parking sign? Parking is at a premium someone could get caught short or shot. Heck, the CeaseFire event we just attended was over a alleged parking space. Someone shot someone over a parking spot.

The CAPS Beat 2431 walk had about a dozen walkers and a few dogs as you can see. A couple of notes. Our beat facilitator Kevin O'Neil got to witness first hand the look-outs of the Block building. These are part the security force the gangs have in controlling the building.

The alleged (so I'm told by a source) Ashland Viking Nation (AVN gang) made a open air drug market sales right in front of the CAPS walkers at Morse Avenue, between Wayne and Lakewood on the south side of the street. 911 was called at 7:52 p.m with the descriptions of the salesman and his big bodyguard/ringleader. The gang grew in size to about a half dozen as we watched them in front of Morse Gyros at 8:00p.m. as no police arrived. Kevin O'Neil suggested we go across the street and disrupt the activity at 8:04 p.m. One walker said the gangs were laughing at us. The walker said they gangs were snubbing their noses at us. At 8:05 p.m the gang started to disperse like they knew someone was coming. Almost like they got tipped off. At 8:06p.m a undercover car drove by. At 8:10p.m. another CAPS walk ended.

* Back to Back Stop Crime Walks

A pair of walks is scheduled tonight. So shall we walk? One on short notice, the other, not so. That's the theme. Walk! Walk! Walk! Walk for safety. Walk for health. Walk for exercise.

It begins with a CeaseFire March/Rally/Walk/Ground Cleansing/Circle Prayer at 6 p.m. Columbia and Clark Street, in response to the shooting in the back.

After all that we head over to the Block Building on Morse Avenue (1340 West) for the second annual '06 - First of the Month - Friday evening walk. (See the above generic Hell Hole walk flyer everyone so much loves to tease.) I was responsible for last months CAPS walk flyering, yes this is true. This month someone else was to do this chore. That didn't happen, hence the generic model is again gracing the neighborhood. (A shout out to RP Neighbor who helped again in this months flyering.)

This month Tom and Frankie from the "Newest Guy" running for Alderman didn't go out alarming the neighborhood with flyers about some false pretense gooning walk. So crowds may be low.

FYI: This month we will not be using any noise making devices like last months mobile PA system, sorry Toni. It turned off one of the walkers in beat 2431. The walker questioned the method of chanting during the walk. The walker felt it was more of a march instead of a walk. She didn't post that on the CAPS-24 website.

Blognotes:

Flyering yesterday in the 1500 block of West Farwell I came across a 5 man - sidewalk dice game with loads of cash being tossed around. As I walked by the group of gamblers, I handed one a CAPS flyer. Seconds later I called 911 with the discriptions of the players involved and the location of the sidewalk game. I told the 911 officer one should be easy to spot. He's holding a CAPS flyer along with money and dice.

One month ago.

* Block Building Used as Hide-Out

Not only do the open air drug salesman use this 1345 West Lunt Avenue (The Block Building) vestibule to escape from the police, so do the alleged gooners and destruct-o's in CAPS Beat 2431.

Yesterday afternoon, I heard three 911 calls were made. One said some kids in red and white basketball jerseys were hitting cars with baseball bats on Lunt around 3:45 p.m.

Later a 911 call comes in saying a gang dispersal is needed at 1355 West Lunt. They are wearing red and white jerseys.

A couple of hours later, a young feminine type of male, (gay) was being beat up by a group of youths wearing white tee-shirts and red basketball jerseys.

What's my point? The common factor? The alleged perps all ran to this 1345 West Block building (pictured above) to get away from the police. Guess what, the police can't do anything while they are hanging out in this vestibule. That's what they told me, I'm not making it up.

It's like a "stay out of jail card" as long as this management and the Alderman allow this "hanging out' to happen.

So, in one year, nothing has changed with Mr. Block. His building is still the ground zero for most all Hell Hole activities.

And he's still in denial, along with Alderman Moore.

Blognotes: The front of the 1345 West lunt building has two lights not working in the vestibule. The handrail to the steps was broken in the last couple of days and my one of my neighbors is so fed up with the illegal activity, he has allowed me access to his view (as seen above) to record the chaos, even though the Block building has it's own camera and the police have been invited to stake out this building from across the street.

* Alleged Shooter Gets Caught

Exclusive "Broken Heart" Photograph

July 4, 2006 - 7:30 p.m:
The 911 call comes in as a man shot in the back. That's right folks, shot in the freaking back. Location - North Shore and Clark. He's driving a blue Forerunner. Next thing you know we got another call saying a green Caddy has been abandoned at Columbia, east of Clark, west of Ashland. It's a foot chase, the possible shooter is now on the run. I'm on this one.

Soon as I arrive at Columbia, just west of Ashland at the alley, BAM, there I am. Face to face with a few detectives, a few uniformed officers, a Sergeant or two and Commander Rottner. Oh, and let's not forget, the steely eyed-alleged gunman!

That's right, it didn't take long for the Chicago Police Department to get their alleged perp (pictured exclusively above) in their hands, or shall I say hand-cuffs. That was according to a sergeant I know, who was on the scene.

Blognotes:

* To protect the identity of the arresting detective, I've cropped him out of the photograph. I take enough heat from these guys already, I don't need them hassling me for exposing their identity.

* The shooting victim is 48 years old. (Name withheld at this time.) He is in stable condition at Illinois Masonic.