Thursday, November 24, 2011

Judge Garcia, Free Flu Vaccine, Paul Simon, Union Hall, Movie Review

        JUDGE GARCIA: With the slogan of "Qualifications and Experience Matter," the legal community was well represented at Appellate Court Judge Rodolfo "Rudy" Garcia's Campaign Kickoff Reception. The reception was Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2011 at the downtown law office of Hughes Socol Piers Resnick & Dym, Ltd. 
Attorney John DeLeon, Attorney Juan Soliz, Judge Ralph
Reyna, Ret., Judge Rudy Garcia, Attorney Steve Hernandez 
        CO-CHAIRS of the Lawyer's Committee for Illinois Appellate Court Judge Rodolfo [Rudy] Garcia are Jeffrey D. Colman, John R. DeLeon, Terri L. Mascherin, Kalman D. Resnick, Manuel "Manny" Sanchez and William A. Von Hoene, Jr. Honorary Co-Chairs are Supreme Court Justices [Ret.] Hon. Thomas R. Fitzgerald, Hon. Mary Ann G. McMorrow and Hon. Benjamin K. Miller and numerous judges and attorneys.
        JUDGE GARCIA is seeking election as an incumbent Illinois Appellate Court Judge.  He served in the First District since March 2003 to the present and as a Circuit Court Judge of Cook County from April 1996 to 2003. In November 1996, he was elected from the 14th Judicial Subcircuit. Judge Garcia has written 130 majority opinions, 20 special concurrence with opinions and 17 dissents with opinions. As of August 2011, the Illinois Supreme Court has accepted for review 15 cases in which Judge Garcia issued a written opinion.
Attorney Benetta Mansfield, Attorney Christine Polk Mohr,
Judge Rudy Garcia, Attorney Marcia Lipkin
        IN 2011, The Chicago Bar Association bar evaluation said: "Judge Garcia ....is well regarded for his knowledge of civil and criminal law, writing skills, strong work ethic and diligence." Rudy graduated from the University of Chicago Law School, Juris Doctorate, 1981; University of Illinois at Urbana, Bachelor of Arts Degree, 1976.
         JUDGE RUDY GARCIA is highly respected by the legal community, civic, labor, business, community leaders and organizations. As an incumbent, Judge Garcia deserves to be elected!
       VISIT www.Garcia4Appellate-Court.com. Friends of Rudy, P.O. Box 64322, Chicago, IL 60664-0322. You can contact Rudy Garcia at 312/493-6204 [24 Hours].
         FLU CLINIC: Under the direction of Melissa Ponce, Senior Project Coordinator, Chicago area Immunization campaign, free flu shots [vacunas gratis] will be given to residents of Little Village.
Melissa Ponce
        MELISSA was born in Coahuila, Mexico, raised in San Antonio, Texas and graduated from Northwestern University in 2004. She has worked for Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition, a non-profit organization, for the past five years. The Coalition advocates policy and education on different health issues. Melissa is now applying for her Masters in Social Studies.
        "I WOULD like everyone to know about flu shots. Anyone 6 months or older should get a flu shot every year," said Melissa. The flu virus is transmitted by coughing, sneezing and by touching. "Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and avoid contact with others if they have the flu," said Melissa.
        MELISSA said, "the first defense against the flu is a flu shot." The flu shot will protect you from three different strains or type of flu, but will not protect you from a stomach virus or the common cold.
        THE ILLINOIS Maternal & Child Health is located at 1256 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago.  Melissa Ponce can be contacted at 312/491-8161x33.
        FREE FLU SHOTS will be available at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Spanish speaking staff will be at the flu clinic.
Paul Simon
        IN REMEMBRANCE: Former U.S. Senator Paul Simon was born on Nov. 29th. He died Dec. 9, 2003 at the age of 73 in Springfield, IL. Paul was my friend and I will be remembering him on his birthday next week. I admired Paul because he was a gentleman, a statesman and honest. He was respected by both sides of the political aisle. When I was President of the Chicago Typographical Union No. 16, I made Paul Simon on Honorary Member of the Chicago Local because he already had a Union Card as a  member of the International Typographical Union.  He became an International Typographical Union member while running a small newspaper in Troy, Illinois.
        IN 2001, I invited Paul to be a guest on my TV show, "Political Roundtable" at Cable Access Inc. He agreed to the interview and we talked on my show for one hour. Paul had just come back from visiting Cuba, meeting with Fidel Castro. He said he met Castro at midnight because Castro was busy and he'd like to hold meetings late. Paul said, "We talked for five hours. Topics ranging from the embargo, world events and baseball. Castro liked baseball. And, we talked about the possibility exchanging baseball teams." His interview was interesting and his parting message was directed towards young people to "get involved in politics."
        IN 2003 WHEN I read that Paul was sick and in the hospital, I called to wish him well. He died two days later. I attended his Memorial Service held in the auditorium of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. It was a very moving ceremony. I miss his friendship.

Attorney John DeLeon, Judge Rudy
Garcia, Attorney Steve Wagner
Attorney Raul Villalobos, Judge Rudy
Garcia, Attorney Fernando Bustamante,
Attorney Samuel Briones
       UNION HALL: The Illinois Labor History Society's 2011 Union Hall of Honor is hosting the live show "The Pitmen Painters" on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011. The show will be at the Timeline Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. There are two performances: 4 p.m. or 8 p.m. Reception and induction ceremony into the ILHS Union Hall of Honor is scheduled for 6:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. Reservations are required for attendance. Learn more: www.illinoislaborhistory.org. The $65 ticket price includes a performance. Tickets can now be purchased online www.timelinetheatre.com

Alejandro Romero
         "THE PITMEN Painters" is a story of five British depression-era union miners and their journey to becoming accomplished artists. This widely acclaimed play by the author of "Billy Elliot". Pilsen muralist, Alejandrano Romero, will be honored and inducted into the Union Hall of Honor.
         MOVIE REVIEW: The movie, "J. Edgar Hoover", starring Leonardo DiCaprio and directed by Clint Eastwood is boring and difficult to believe. How did Eastwood know about Hoover's private life? The film takes creative liberty to new heights. Some actors looked (and acted) plastic and the constant flashbacks made the story line confusing. The movie is not even worth "video" time. I give it a big ZERO!   



HAPPY THANKSGIVING!








Thursday, November 17, 2011

Fall Fiesta, Post Office, Remapping, Turkey Dinner, Eva Madrano, Spina Bifida

              FALL FIESTA: State Representative Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez [D-24th District] expressed her gratitude to 200 guests who attended her Fall Fiesta fund-raiser. The Fiesta was held on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 at Paisan's Restaurant in Berwyn. "I am greatly honored by the show of support that I am receiving from everyone in the room, and especially from the Speaker of the House Michael Madigan," Lisa said.
Speaker Michael Madigan & State Rep. Lisa Hernandez 
        MADIGAN praised Rep. Hernandez as a full-time working legislator. "I am asking everyone here to do whatever you can to help Lisa go back to Springfield. She has helped pass bills and sponsored bills. She deserves to be elected by her constituents in the new 24th Legislative District," Madigan said.
       REP. HERNANDEZ explained her new district which includes part of the southwest side of Chicago--Little Village. Rep. Hernandez introduced the following Democratic candidates present: Judge Jean Prendergast Rooney, Judge Jesse G. Reyes, Judge Stanley L. Hill, Ald. Ricardo Munoz, candidate for Clerk of the Circuit Court; Judge Alfred M. Swanson, Judge Diann Karen Marsalek, Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown, Karen Yarbrough, candidate for Cook County Recorder of Deeds and supporter Cook County Commissioner Jeffrey R. Tobolski [16th District]. The General Primary Election is Tuesday, March 20, 2012. Lisa also introduced her husband Charlie Hernandez, Democratic Committeeman for the Town of Cicero.
          ON MONDAY, Nov. 21, 2011, Rep. Hernandez is hosting a College 101 Workshop from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Morton East High School [Senior Cafeteria-2nd floor], 2423 S. Austin Blvd., Cicero. Students and parents will have an opportunity to learn about financial aid resources, college admission and speak with representatives from state agencies and local universities. For more information or to RSVP, call Rep. Hernandez's service office at 708/222-5240.
          POST OFFICE: The Otis Grant Collins Station, formerly known as the Hawthorn Station, 2302 S. Pulaski Road in Little Village is on a list slated to be closed. This Post Office serves the North and South Lawndale communities of zip code 60623.
Otis Grant Collins Station
2302 S. Pulaski Road
        A LETTER POSTED at the entrance of the Collins Post Office by Postmaster Donald Nichols reads: "To the customers of the Otis Grant Collins Station: The Postal Service is considering the closure of the Otis Grant Collins Station for reasons stated in the accompanying proposal. During the 60-day posting period from 10/25/2011 through 12/26/2011 you are invited to provide written comments. Comments will be most helpful if they offer specific opinions and information favorable or unfavorable regarding the potential effect of the proposed change on postal services and on the community. Your comments will be carefully considered and will be incorporated into the official record which will be made public if the proposal is finalized.
           COPIES OF THE proposal and optional comment forms are available upon request at the Otis Grant Collins Station, Cicero Branch and Otis Grant Collins station. If you choose to use the optional comment form and need additional space, please attach additional sheets of paper.
          PLEASE RETURN the comment form to: ELVIRA PEREZ, 433 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60699-9998. For more information, you may call Elvira Perez at 312/983-8047 or write to the above address. Thank you for your assistance." /signed/Donald Nichols, Postmaster.
         THE OTIS COLLINS STATION is in Congressman Danny Davis', 7th Congressional District. However, it also serves Little Village residents in Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez, 4th Congressional District. The Postal Service claims they will save an estimated $2,374,372 over the next ten years by closing the Collins Station. There are 64 craft employees assigned to this unit.
         A MEETING was held on October 25, 2011 with representatives from the Postal Service at the New Mt. Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church, 4301 W. Washington Blvd. to answer questions and provide information to customers.
         THE LITTLE VILLAGE Community Council is requesting that U.S. Postal Service [bilingual] representatives hold a meeting in Little Village for residents to express their opinions. As of this date, no meeting has been scheduled for Little Village residents. I've called Elvira Perez four times and left a message for her to call me. Perez has not returned my calls.

Ald. Rey Colon
          REMAPPING: Ald. Rey Colon [35th Ward] reports in his Ward Newsletter that Latino's represent 29% of the City's population. Since the last census the Latino population has increased by more than 25,000 people. Every ten years after the Census data is released, a "redistricting" process begins which takes into account population shifts. Redistricting of the wards is based on the 1965 Voting Right Act to assure equal representation for constituents in compliance with the "one-person, one-vote" principal.
          REFLECTING the Latino population increase, the City Council Latino Caucus is seeking the creation of 14 Hispanic majority wards. The Latino caucus is pursuing six [6] Hispanic wards on the north side and eight [8] on the south side of the city.
          LATINO CAUCUS MEMBERS are: Ald. Joe Moreno [1st Ward], Ald. Danny Solis [25th Ward], Ald. George A. Cardenas [12th Ward], Ald. Ricardo Munoz [22nd Ward], Ald. Ariel E. Reboyras [30th Ward], Ald. Ray Suarez [31st Ward], Ald. Roberto Maldonado [26th Ward], and Ald. Ray Colon [35th Ward].
          ALD. DANIEL SOLIS, Chairman of the caucus, said the city should have 14 wards with a Latino population of at least 65 percent. It also should have two "Latino-influence" wards, with populations that are 35 percent and 55 percent Latino, he added.
         BASED UPON Latino Census numbers, it is imperative that the Latino Caucus members take whatever action necessary to create the 14 new Hispanic majority wards. Based on our numbers we should be fully represented in the political process.
         WE COMMEND the Latino Caucus members for their foresight and urge them to hold steadfastly to the 14 Latino wards recommendation to the City Council.
        TURKEY DINNER: The Asociacion Pro Derechos Obreros [APO/Workers' Rights Association] and the Mexican-American Veterans Association [MAVA] are inviting veterans, friends and residents of the Pilsen community to join them for a FREE Thanksgiving Day dinner. The free Thanksgiving dinner will be on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Benito Juarez Community Academy, 2150 S. Laflin Ave. [22nd St. & Ashland Ave.].
           SPONSORS and contributors of the Thanksgiving dinner are: Mount Sinai Hospital, Benito Juarez Community Academy, Mexican American Veterans Association [MAVA], AMVETS Dr. Hector P. Garcia Post #326, Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017, Kristopher's Cafe, APO Arts Center, Cafe Jumping Bean, La Casa Del Pueble, El Nopal Bakery, Nuevo Leon Restaurant, Nuevo Leon Barkery, Del Rey Tortilleria, El Trebol Liquors, El Mazcal Restaurante, La Esperanza Restaurante, El Taconazo Restaurante...Kudos to APO and MAVA for their community service.
Eva Madrano
         IN REMEMBRANCE: Eva Medrano [1923-2011] passed away Oct. 27, 2011. She was the mother of former 25th Alderman Ambrosio Medrano, Felix V. Jr., Rodolfo, Adolaria, and the late Ezequiel. She proceeded in death by her husband Felix V. Medrano Sr. Eva was born in Laredo, Texas and graduated from Martin High School in 1950. She married Felix in 1951 and settled down in Chicago that same year. In 1960, Eva and Felix became business owners of their first grocery store at the corner of Grand Ave. & Peoria St. They later moved to another grocery store at Cullerton & Wood St. In 1980, with their son Ambrosio, they became joint owners of Cermak Bowl. Cermak Bowl became the home of "El Centro Children's Bowling League" organized by Michael and Francis Nares. Later, the couple became owner of the Palace Bowl in Cicero, IL. Eva was an active member of the Cicero Bible Church. May she rest in peace. Our condolences to the Medrano family.



SPINA BIFIDA 

ASSOCIATION OF ILLINOIS

TOY DRIVE FOR KIDS
WITH SPINA BIFIDA
SATURDAY, NOV. 26, 2011
2:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Drop-Off @ Aaron’s Sales & Lease
4830 W. Diversey, Chicago
3017 S. Cicero Ave., Chicago
New, Unwrapped Toys,
Age 0-14
Call 773/444-0305 




Thursday, November 10, 2011

Shut Down, Latino Advisory, Day of the Dead, Latino Alliance, Redistricting


            
We salute members in the military and veterans
on this Veterans Day 11-11-11

Reggie 
Gonzales
      SHUT DOWN: Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed 2012 City’s budget will cut funding for the Commission on Human Relations [CCHR]. The cut will shut down eight volunteer Advisory Councils: African, Arab, Asian, Immigrant & Refugee, Latino, LGBT, Veterans and Women Advisory Councils. All staff will be laid off on December 31, 2011.
           LATINO ADVISORY Council Director/Community Liaison is Refugio “Reggie” Gonzales and Council members are Pablo Acosta, Martin Arteaga, Yolanda DeAnda, Rudolph Espinoza, Mark Anthony Flores, Mario A. Garcia, Jr., Victor Garibay, Dr. Ana Gil-Garcia, Mario I. Valadez, Veronica Loewy, Roberto Montano, Adriana Morales, Stewart A. Munoz, Rosalba Priego, Mirtha E. Quintana-Toomey, Luz Maria Solis and Grant Vitale.
             "I HAVE SERVED this city for more than 16 years and my last six years as the Director of Latino Affairs has been challenging.  There is too much to do with limited funds and with a volunteer team. However, every member has been a charitable contributor and a leader of our community.  I wish them well in their future volunteerism tasks and pray that those who have been laid off to continue to give back to the community," said Gonzales.
Maria Silva
DAY OF THE DEAD: Students of Columbia College Latino Alliance hosted their 7th Annual “El Dia De Los Muertos” celebration on Friday, Nov. 4, 2011. Students, family members and friends of the Latino Alliance began the “Dia De Los Muertos” celebration with a procession at 5 p.m. in front of Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. and walked to another Columbia College building at 618 S. Michigan Ave. The William Jones College Prep school band led the procession, marching in cadence with painted “catrinas” faces, playing music. Behind the band were three large catrinas skeletons, guitar and marchers dressed in calavera costumes.
LATINO ALLIANCE PRESIDENT SERAFIN LOPEZ said: “This event signifies remembrance of our [deceased] family members. They are still alive in our hearts.” The program continued in a small Columbia College auditorium that included entertainment by student singers and guitarists, Mexican food and a video presentation. The video featured members of Latino Alliance giving testimony of their upbringing and love for their parents, grandparents and deceased family members.  
      SPECIAL RECOGNITION was given to Maria Silva, a Little Village resident, by Latino Alliance for her generous donation of Mexican food. “I cooked all night,” said Maria. Maria is the mother of Armando Silva Jr., Photo Coordinator for the Latino Alliance. She is a Farragut Career Academy Local School Council [LSC] member and Secretary with the Little Village Community Council. The food Maria cooked was delicious.
      LATINO ALLIANCE officers are Serafin Lopez, President; Alicia Valtierra, Vice President; Uri Brito, Vice President; Denise Perez, Secretary and Edgar Romero, Treasurer.  


            REDISTRICTING: The Chicago Board of Elections 2012 Calendar states: “The City Council for the City of Chicago is charged with the duty of redistricting ward boundaries by December 1, 2011.
            IT IS possible that the City Council, even if it adopts a redistricting plan on or before December 1, 2011, may not make such new ward boundaries effective until after the March 20, 2012 election. Until such redistricting occurs, existing ward boundaries shall apply. The signature requirements for Ward Committeeman found in this calendar are based on current ward boundaries. Watch for further announcements if the City Council adopts a redistricting plan prior to the close of the period for filing nomination papers”.  
            WARD COMMITTEEMAN: Tuesday, March 20, 2012 is Chicago’s General Primary Election. Voters will elect their Democratic or Republican Party Ward Committeeman. Each of the 50 Chicago wards has a Democratic and a Republican Committeeman.
            A WARD Committeeman, elected every four years, is a member of the Central Committee of his or her political party. They are involved in slating of their candidates for elections, fund raising, voter registration, getting out the vote, recruiting election judges and promoting their party candidates at election time.
            A COMMITTEEMAN does not receive a salary. However, they have political influence based on their weighted vote in their respective ward. Some hold two or three political positions.
            ELECTION FILING PERIOD for Ward Committeeman is Nov. 28 through Dec. 5, and requires 500 to 800 signatures to get on the ballot.
                        LATINO WARD Committeemen are: 1st Ward: Jesse Ruben Juarez; 12th Ward: Antonio “Tony” Munoz; 22nd Ward: Ricardo Munoz; 25th Ward: Daniel S. Solis; 26th Ward: Roberto Maldonado; 30th Ward: Ariel E. Reboyras; 31st Ward: Joseph Berrios; 35th Ward: Rey Colon.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Halloween Blast, LV Community, Veterans Day, Fall Fiesta, New Remapping, UNO Fund-Raiser, New Futuro



     HALLOWEEN BLAST: 
More than 1,000 children visited the Little Village Community Council office, 3610 West 26th Street, for candy and popcorn on Halloween. 
A special attraction this year was a Haunted House visited by more than 300 parents with children. A lot of the children were too scared to go into the Haunted House. DJ Jesse Barraza played Halloween music for the children waiting for their candy and popcorn.
             THE LITTLE Village Community Council would like to publicly thank the following  
businesses and individuals who contributed candy or in-kind donations for the children’s Halloween Party: La Preferida, 26th St., Chamber of Commerce, Attorney Michael Hernandez, Cermak Foods, Attorney Juan Soliz, Jason Sigellak [Teacher/Farragut], Walgreens, State Rep. Elizabeth [Lisa] Hernandez, [24TH District]; Mario Martinez, Commissioner Frank Avila Sr., [MWRDGC]Commissioner Michael A. Cabonargi, [Cook County Board of Review], TCF Bank, Victor Franco Jr., Los Candiles Restaurant,  Henry Zabala, [Rico Graphics, Inc.], Henry Gardunio and especially Haunted House designer, Raul Villanova.


LV COMMUNITY Council members/volunteers who made the Halloween Party a success were William Luna, Abe Munoz, Baltazar Enriquez, Danny Farralez, Anna Martinez, Maria Silva, Nibes Guerrero, August Sallas and ten Jesuit Cristo Rey High School students distributed candy and popcorn to the children.
MANY PARENTS expressed their appreciation and thanked the Council members for having a great and exciting Halloween Party. All the children were dressed in costumes and had a terrific time.

VETERANS DAY: Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017 will be holding a Veteran’s Day ceremony on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 11, 2011 [11-11-11] starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza, 26th St. & Kolin Ave. in Little Village. Post Commander, Joe Ramirez, is inviting all veterans and their families to the Perez Memorial Plaza to celebrate Veteran’s Day. “We are expecting a large crowd for this special Veteran’s Day falling on 11-11-11”, said Ramirez.
VETERANS have been working at the Memorial Plaza, giving the plaza a facelift with a newly painted mural, benches, wooden pillars, flags and tree trimmings. The new mural at the plaza has the images of three Congressional Medal of Honor recipients: Manuel Perez Jr., Rodolfo “Rudy” Hernandez and Roy Benavidez; each one is a hero.


                  OTHER Mexican-American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients include: Edward Gomez; Amiroso Guillen; Benito Martinez; Jose Rodriguez; Luciano Adams; Marcario Garcia; David Gonzales; Sylvestre Herrera; Jose Lopez; Jose Martinez; Charles Porras; Cleto Rodriguez; Alejandro Ruiz; Jose Valdez; Ismael Villegas; Emilio de la Garza; Daniel Fernandez; Alfredo Gonzalez; Jose Jiminez; Miguel Keith; Alfred Rascon; Louis Rocco; Jay Vargas and Maximino Yabes.  These men received the CMH medal for their heroism. We salute them for their bravery and pay homage to them on Veteran’s Day.
Elizabeth “Lisa”
Hernandez
FALL FIESTA: Citizens for Elizabeth Hernandez [D-24th District] are hosting their annual Fall Fiesta 2011 fund-raiser in support of State Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez. The Fiesta will be held on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Paisan’s Restaurant, 6226 W. Ogden Ave. in Berwyn. Individual ticket: $125 includes food, soft-drinks, beer, wine and entertainment. For more information to RSVP contact Delia at delia@staterephernandez.com or 312/593-2458.

THE NEW REMAPPING of State Representative districts has made incumbent State Representative Hernandez responsible for South Cicero, Riverside, Brookfield, ¾ of Berwyn and Little Village. Lisa is a product of Little Village being familiar with our neighborhood and our needs. As a respected public official Lisa continues to display leadership with a strong voice. We need her representation in Springfield.

Mayor 
Rahm Emanuel
           UNO FUND-RAISER: Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be the keynote speaker at the 2011 Awards Dinner hosted by the United Neighborhood Organization [UNO]. The event will be held on Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, 200 N. Columbus Drive. Ticket: $450 per person.
            FOR MORE information contact Jacqueline Pena Burke at 312/432-601, ext. 1026.

          MARK YOU CALENDAR: New Futuro is hosting a College Prep and  Expo Fair for Latino families, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the University of Illinois at Chicago [UIC] Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd., Chicago. More than 50 Universities and Colleges will be present. All the activities are FREE. For more info visit: http://www.newfuturo.com/paginas/eventos-gratis or call Ana Maria Soto at 312/909-8063.  New Futuro’s motto is “Creating Brighter Latino  Futures.”