Ward Remap, Cynthia Ramirez, LAPA, Scholarship Alert, Joe Baca, Mickey Ibarra, Events, Announcement

          MY OPINION: The coalition of 41 Chicago Aldermen who voted for the "compromise" remap of the 50 wards ought to be congratulated.  By the majority of the Aldermen adopting a new remap of the wards, it will save the Chicago taxpayers the cost of a lawsuit and a referendum election costing $100,000. Politics is the art of compromise. Most political issues are complicated and all decisions are not fair. However, in a democratic society the majority prevails. Ald. Proco Joe Moreno [1st Ward] said the map is fair.In the future the 13th, 14th, 33rd and 38th Wards will become Latino wards because of the increase of the Latino population.  Every 10 years it's a power struggle for incumbent Aldermen to survive in the process of changing the ward boundary lines. The new ward map will not affect the March 20th Primary Election, but will affect the Nov. 6th General Election.

Proco Joe Moreno

          WITH THIRTEEN majority "Latino" wards, our Latino community must wake up and start getting into the habit of voting. For years the most common criticism I've heard is "Latinos don't vote!" It's true. Latino wards, unfortunately, have the lowest number of voters. In the 22nd Ward there are 14,000 registered voters but only 4,000 come out to vote on Election Day. We are losing 10,000 votes, and there is no excuse.
          THIS MUST CHANGE if we expect our voices to be heard and respected. For those of us who are in leadership positions within Hispanic communities, we must unite and get-out-the-VOTE! It is our responsibility to educate our communities on the importance of voting. We must tell our Latino community to vote for the future of their children [para el futuro de sus hijos!].
          CASUALTIES: Two Latino politico casualties Ambrosio "Ambi" Medrano, who lost to Ald. Danny Solis last year, has been remapped into Ald. James Balcer [11th Ward] and Raymond Lopez [15th Ward] is now in Ald. Michael Zalewsk's [23rd Ward]. Last year Lopez lost  in a runoff election against Ald.Toni Foulkes.  Now, Lopez is a candidate for Democratic Committeeman in the 15th Ward.
          QUALIFIED: Cynthia Ramirez is the only Latina woman running for countywide judicial position in Cook County. She was born and raised in Chicago, of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, and grew up in Wicker Park neighborhood. Cynthia attended Thomas Drummond Elementary and Wells Senior High School. She currently resides in the Dunning Square area.
          CYNTHIA received her Bachelor's degree from Loyola University of Chicago in 1986; and her law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School in 1989. Cynthia has more than 21 years of trial and judicial experience in both civil and criminal practice.

Cynthia Ramirez

          SHE STARTED her legal career serving six and half years as an Assistant Public Defender. During this time, Cynthia tried complex criminal and civil matters before the Juvenile Justice, Child Protection, First Municipal and Post Conviction divisions of Cook County Circuit Court. In private practice, she tried criminal and civil matters before the Juvenile Justice, Child Protection, Criminal and Traffic divisions of Cook County Circuit Court. As an Administrative Law Judge, Cynthia presided over regulatory and licensure hearings for more than 13 years.
          ATTORNEY RAMIREZ is a member of the Women's Bar Association of Illinois, Hispanic Lawyer's Association of Illinois and the National Hispanic Bar Association. She is also a parent member of the Friends of Lincoln Park High School.
          CYNTHIA RAMIREZ is rated Qualified by the Chicago Bar Association, Chicago Council of Lawyers, Illinois State Bar Association and the Asian American Bar Association. Rated Highly Recommended by the Decalogue society of Lawyers, Hispanic Lawyer's Association of Illinois and the Puerto Rican Bar Association of Illinois.
          SHE IS rated Recommended by the Cook County Bar Association, Black Women Lawyers' Association of Greater Chicago, Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, Hellenic Bar Association and the Women's Bar Association of Illinois.
          CYNTHIA is endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party, Chicago Federation of Labor, Fraternal Order of Police and the Latin American Police Association [LAPA].
          CPD LAPA: Police Officer Michael Chuchro is of Puerto Rican and Polish descent and is the President of the Latin American Police Association. For the past eleven years, Michael has served with the Chicago Police Department [CPD] and has received two Life Saving Awards, two Department Commendations, forty four Honorable Mentions and five Complementary Letters.

Michael Chuchro

         MICHAEL has been the President of LAPA for the past five years and is an active member of the Hispanic Illinois State Law Enforcement Association [HISLEA] from 1997 to 2010. With HISLEA, he served as an Executive Board Member and Treasurer.
          MICHAEL attended Robert Morris University [RMU] and graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor in Business Administration, 2007. While attending RMU, Michael was listed on the President's Honors List and was inducted into the sigma Beta Delta International Honors society in Business, Management and Administration. After attending RMU, he went on to study at the Morris Graduate School of Management where he graduated with a Masters in Business Administration and a Masters in Information Systems, 2010.
          LAPA PRESIDENT Chuchro said his vision for the LAPA organization is to continue to uphold the traditions of LAPA and move the organization forward by mentoring young Hispanic officers. To work with Hispanic community to develop new relationships and to deliver assistance where needed. "I also want to ensure that LAPA continues to provide for scholarships annually to deserving Hispanics who have entered college to pursue a degree," said President Chuchro.
          LAPA OFFICERS: Ruben Dominquez, Vice-President; Falsino Lerma, Treasurer; Gina Mata, Secretary; Ramon Ferrer, Assistant Secretary. LAPA General Membership meeting will be Tuesday, Feb. 14, 7:00p.m. at Chicago FOP Lodge #7, 1412 W. Washington St. For more LAPA info log on: www.LAPA1961.com
          SCHOLARSHIP ALERT: The HSF/HSBC-North American Scholarship Program is available on a competitive basis to outstanding Hispanic seniors in the 2012-2013 academic year. Application Postmark Deadline is Jan. 31, 2012. Applicants must be a U.S. Citizen, Hispanic heritage, legal permanent resident or eligible Non-U.S. citizen. Have a minimum cumulative grade point average [GPA] of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and have plans to enroll FULL-TIME at a four year U.S. accredited institution in the U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Island or Guam during the 2012-2013 academic year.
          STUDENTS must plan on attending a four-year college or university where they will be a SENIOR in the 2012-2013 academic school year. Must be majoring in one of the following majors: Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, Informaiton Technology [IT/MIS], Management, Marketing, Public Relations. The student must plan to apply for federal financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [FAFSA] beginning January 2012.
for more information call 1-877-473-4636 or e-mail scholar1@hsf.net
          USHLI CONFERENCE: The 30th National Conference of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute to be held in Chicago on February 16-19, 2012 and will be honoring two outstanding Hispanic Americans, Congressman Joe Baca and the Honorable Mickey Ibarra. These two distinguished Hispanic Americans will receive special recognition at the USHLI conference. Congressman Joe Baca and Mickey Ibarra will be honored during the Latino Officials Recognition Luncheon at 12:15 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.

Joe Baca

          CONGRESSMAN Joe Baca has represented the 43rd District in California since 1999. He successfully fought against English-only and anti-immigrant legislation in the House of Representatives. His peers in Congress elected him to serve as Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus in the 110th Congress from 2007-2008. Congressman Baca was the first Latino elected to the Board of Trustees with the San Bernardino Valley College District in 1979. He was elected in 1992 to the State Assembly and became the first Latino Speaker Pro Tem and was later elected to the State Senate in 1998. Congressman Baca will receive the Edward R. Roybal-Henry B. Gonzalez Award for Excellence in Public Service.
          MICKEY IBARRA is President of the Ibarra Strategy Group, a government relations and public affairs firm based in Washington, D.C. He served in former President Clinton's administration as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. He is the founder and Chairman of the Latino Leaders Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to establishing relationships and dialogue on issues important to the Latino community. Mickey Ibarra will receive the USHLI's inaugural Medallion for Excellence in Government Relations and Public Affairs. HSHLI is led by Dr. Juan Andrade Jr.
          TO REGISTER for the USHLI Conference link on www.regonline,com/USHLI30thNational or call 312/427-8683 or email tdeavours@ushli.org

                                                        CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• Sunday, Jan. 29--A benefit fund-raiser for Carlos Claudio's campaign for Judge of the 6th Subcircuit Court of Cook County. Blues Night at Rosa's Lounge, 3420 W. Armitage Ave. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets $25-$50. A fun evening of blues music performed by talented local blues artist Pete Galanis. For more info call 773/417-6114.
• Tuesday, Jan. 31--Fundraiser Reception honoring Cynthia Ramirez, Democrat for Cook County circuit Court Judge, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at 10 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 2300, Chicago. Hosted by Dykema. Donation: $50, Friend: $250, Supporter: $500. RSVP contact Rosa Tumialan @ 312/627-2139. Make check payable to: Ramirez for Judge.
• Tuesday, Jan. 31--Court Advocacy Training, 1160 N. Larrabee Ave. from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Light refreshments. RSVP, ASAP to CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org or call 312/742-5778 and ask for Officer Incaprera. All interested parties are welcome!
• Tuesday, Jan. 31--Join the Honorable Mayor Rahm Emanuel for a Fundrasing Reception honoring Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi at Rosebud Prime Steakhouse, One South Dearborn St., Chicago from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Individual ticket $150. RSVP at rsvp@p2consultinginc.com or cabonargi.com/donate or call 312/854-8018. 
• Saturday, Feb. 11--Sweetheart Dinner Dance sponsored by the Chicago Chapter Latino Caucus at La Casa Puertoriquena, 1237 S. California Ave. from 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Music by DJ Santiago, dinner music by a Special Trio Group. Cash Bar. Donation $15. For tickets call Abel Camacho 773/704-8243, Carlos Feliciano 773/392-5092, Roman Berrios 773/627-9678 or Luis Aviles 773/623-9266.
• Sat., Feb. 25--The Office of City Clerk Susan Mendoza will provide free Kid ID's and Medical ID's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. For more info call 312/286-3405. 
• Wednesday, Feb. 29--"Meet the Candidates" dinner meeting hosted by the Hispanic American Labor Council. Meet State, County and Judicial candidates at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago/Little Village, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mexican buffet/Cash Bar, Open Seating. Donation: $40. Mail and make check payable to Hispanic American Labor Council, 2538 S. Christiana Ave., Chicago, 60623.  
• Tuesday, March 20, 2012--Primary Election.  

Chinatown, Tonya Hammaker, Chevo Razo, LAPA, Cynthia Ramirez, Fernando Valenzuela

Tony Shu, Esq.

          CHINATOWN: U.S. Senator Richard Durbin was the keynote speaker at the Chinatown Business Luncheon held Thursday, January 12, 2012. The luncheon, hosted by Tony Shu, Esq., president of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, was held at the Triple Crown Restaurant in Chinatown and attended by more than 150 people. Ald. Danny Solis [25th Ward] was introduced and gave the opening remarks. Sonia Avalos, Agency Recruiter for State Farm Insurance also made brief remarks. President Shu introduced Sen. Durbin, an eloquent speaker, who touched upon several interesting topics: travelling to China, his Lithuanian mother, sales tax and the internet, for-profit colleges and finally the postal system.
          DURBIN SAID he enjoyed a two week "jaw-breaking" experience in China last year. He reported that in the next five years China will be building fifty [50] new airports to accommodate all types of Boeing aircraft.

Dick Durbin

          DURBIN IS A FIRST generation American. He said his mother immigrated to America from Lithuanian. She left everything behind to come to the United States. "This is the story of many immigrants," said Durbin.
          "ILLINOIS IS LOSING a lot revenue by not receiving sales tax from internet sales," said Durbin. Ten years ago Congress did not want to pass a law requiring sales tax when purchasing through the internet; this was based on the idea that internet sales would remain small. Consumers were expected to pay a sales tax voluntarily. Today millions of people are making internet purchases without paying a sales tax. This system is unfair to businesses on the main streets of America who are required to collect sales taxes. Internet businesses have an unfair advantage because no sales tax is required on items such as CD's, books, shoes, etc.
          FOR-PROFIT COLLEGES: Sen. Durbin told the audience how, for the first time in history, student loans are higher than credit card loans. "Colleges and universities are charging too much for students to receive an education", said Durbin. He told a story of a young woman, studying law enforcement, who unknowingly attended a non-accredited college for five years. After completing her education at the college she applied for jobs at a police department and sheriff's department. She was told her "credits" from the past five years were not acceptable because the college she attended was not an accredited school. The young woman was 28 years old, wasted 5 years on an education that carries no weight in the real world and in serious debt. Durbin said something must be done to weed out these for-profit colleges.

Dick Durbin and Temoc Morfin

          "AMERICA HAS THE BEST POSTAL system than anywhere else in the world. You can send a letter anywhere in America for less than 50 cents," said Durbin. Texting and e-mails has caused our U.S. postal system to lose revenue.
          DURING THE Q & A period, Cuahutemac Morfin, a 25th Ward 30-year resident in Pilsen, took the floor thanking Sen. Durbin for his support of the Dream Act. Morfin asked why Congress has not done more to help homeowners from losing their homes. Durbin responded by saying he has spoken to President Obama about foreclosures but at this time he couldn't give an answer. Durbin received a resounding applause for his remarks. The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce business luncheon was a success. Sponsors of the event were State Farm, Citibank, and AT&T. The Chinatown Chamber is celebrating its 100 year anniversary [1912-2012]
          INTERIM PRINCIPAL: Tonya Hammaker has been appointed the interim principal at Farragut Career Academy, 2345 S. Christiana Ave. in Little Village. She received the full support of the Farragut Local School Council members. LSC members will be following a hiring process for a new full time principal.

Tonya Hammaker

          MS. HAMMAKER is no stranger to Farragut. At Farragut she was a social studies teacher from 2004-2006 and worked as Dean of Curriculum and Instruction from 2006-2010. In the fall of 2011 Tonya accepted an assistant principal position at Austin Polytechnical Academy. At Austin, as assistant principal, Ms. Hammaker worked closely with the principal in transforming Austin from a Level III to a Level II. Her experience at Austin gave her an in-depth understanding of what it takes to drive a school toward a higher level of achievement. After her time at Austin she accepted a position at O'Keefe Elementary as assistant principal gaining experience in the curriculum and learning about the environment  students are exposed to at the elementary level.
          ORIGINALLY from Iowa, Ms. Hammaker received her BA in Psychology at the University of Iowa. She  has a Masters of Art in Teaching and a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership.  For the past 12 years Hammaker has worked on the West Side of Chicago.
          "MY VISION for Farragut is to provide all students with the means to become responsible and productive citizens with strong critical thinking skills. I believe this can only be accomplished with the support of family, community and staff. The bottom line--I would like to see my students have a successful future in the career of their choice and I would like Farragut to be part of the support system that helped them gain the skills for success. I look forward to working again with students, parents, staff and community at Farragut. I believe Farragut is on the right track to improving student achievement and I am glad to be back," said Interim Principal Hammaker.

Eloise & Chevo Razo

          RETIREMENT PARTY: Former police officer, Eusebio "Chevo" Razo's, retirement party was held at the American Legion Hall, 10508 S. Ewing Ave., Sat., Jan. 14, 2012. More than 150 family, friends, policemen, educators, public officials and city workers attended the party. Chevo, dressed in a tuxedo, thanked all of his guests for attending his retirement party. At City Hall, Chevo had worked as executive security [personal body guard] for Mayor Richard M. Daley. Guests enjoyed dinner, refreshments and live music by George Garcia's band, Past Life; a very popular band in the '70's, '80's, and '90's in South Chicago. Comedian Joey Villagomez cracked jokes during the band's intermission. Chevo is now moving on with his life in the teaching field. We wish Chevo well.
          LAPA ENDORSEMENTS: The Latin American Police Association announced the following endorsements for the 2012 Primary Election stating: "After careful consideration the Latin American Police Association [LAPA] is proud to announce their support and endorsement for the following candidates on the March 20, 2012 Primary Election ballot.

• Cuahutemac Morfin, State Representative, 2nd District.
• Jesse G. Reyes, Judge Illinois Appellate Court.
• Joy V. Cunningham, Judge Cook County Circuit Court.
• Diann K. Marsalek, Judge Cook County Circuit Court.
• Maritza Martinez, Judge Cook County Circuit Court.
• Cynthia Ramirez, Judge Cook County Circuit Court
• William B. Raines, Alternate Candidate for Judge. 

          LAPA SAYS, "The above candidates have been endorsed because LAPA believes they will best represent the citizens of the City of Chicago, County of Cook and State of Illinois. LAPA knows they will address the tough issues that affect our neighborhoods, Police Department and our city."
          FUND RAISER: You are cordially invited to attend a fundraiser honoring Democratic candidate Cynthia Ramirez for Cook County Circuit Court Judge Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event is hosted by Dykema at 10 S. Wacker Dr., Suite 2300, Chicago.
          SUGGESTED donation: $50; Sponsorship friend $250 and Supporter: $500. To RSVP or for more information, contact Rosa Tumialan at 312/627-2139 or RTumialan @dykema.com Kindly make your check payable to Ramirez for Judge. Ramirez is endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party.  

Fernando Valenzuela

          MATINEE MOVIE: "Fernando Nation" a story about Mexican baseball player Fernando Valenzuela will be presented this Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Free admission and popcorn. Valenzuela captivated the Mexican community in Los Angeles with his pitching. He became an overnight sensation by "proving with his signature look to the heavens and killer screwball that the American dream was not reserved for those born on U.S. soil." Director Cruz Angeles says, "20 years later, 'Fernandomania' still lives." This is a documentary about Valenzuela, a baseball hero, and the struggle of a Mexican community who were uprooted by the building of Dodger Stadium in L.A. I give it four stars.   

A Tribute, Lisa's Agenda, Rahm's Bluff, Register to Vote, Alivio Event, Valentine Dance, Longoria Affair

Dr. Hector P. Garcia

          A TRIBUTE: This month all Hispanics should celebrate the life and legacy of  Dr. Hector Perez Garcia (1914-1996). Dr. Garcia was a Mexican American physician, surgeon, World War II veteran, founder of the American G.I. Forum, and a tenacious civil rights leader for the Mexican American community nationally. He has earned his place in American history, but few know how significant his work was in the civil rights movement.
          BORN on JANUARY 17, 1914 in Llera, Tamaulipas state, Mexico to Jose and Faustina Perez Garcia. Jose and Faustina home schooled their seven children and instilled the importance of a good education. Dr. Garcia graduated as valedictorian of his high school class and graduated with honors from the University of Texas in 1936. In 1940 he earned is M.D. degree from the University of Texas medical school in Galveston, Texas.
          VOLUNTEERING in 1942 for Army duty during WWII, he served as an infantry officer and a combat engineer officer. He was awarded a Bronze Star with six battle stars for his service on the battlefields. He was named alternate ambassador to the United Nations in 1967, appointed to the United States Commission on Civil Rights in 1968, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor in 1984. He was named to the Order of St. Gregory the Great by Pope John Paul II in 1990. Garcia died July 26, 1996.
          DR. GARCIA'S birthday will be celebrated by members of the Little Village Dr. Hector P. Garcia AMVETS Post 326, Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017, Mexican American Veterans Association [MAVA], Military Order of the Purple Heart and the Little Village Community Council this Saturday, January 14th.

Felix Z. Longoria

          IN CELEBRATION of Dr. Hector P. Garcia memory a free showing of The Longoria Affair documentary will be featured at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Sat., Jan. 14th at 1 p.m. The showing is open to the public. The Longoria Affair, is a film by John J. Valadez of Private Felix Z. Longoria who died fighting the Japanese during World War II. When Longoria's body was sent home to Three Rivers, Texas the only funeral parlor in town refused Longoria's widow, Beatrice, the use of their chapel. The owner said, "the whites wouldn't like it." Dr. Garcia was contacted by the sister-in-law of Beatrice about the refusal of the funeral owner to wake her husband. Garcia sent out telegrams to many elected officials informing them about Longoria and U.S. Sen. Lyndon Johnson responded, became involved and took action.

Lyndon Johnson

          "THE INCIDENT sparked national outrage and brought together two stubborn and savvy leaders, Senator Lyndon Johnson and activist Dr. Hector Garcia," said Valadez. At that time, Lyndon Johnson was a principal at a Mexican elementary school in Cotulla, Texas 60 miles west of Three Rivers. Johnson wanted to make the school the best elementary school in Texas. "I see hunger in their eyes and pain in their bodies," said Johnson. He used part of his first paycheck to buy sporting equipment for the kids at the school, organized spelling bees and a debate club. Lyndon Johnson had served in the Navy and was livid about the Felix Longoria incident and took it personal. By his involvement, U.S. Senator Johnson was instrumental in having Felix Longoria's body buried in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, which overlooks the Potomac River and Washington DC.
          A CORRIDO is sung by Mariachi Santiago Hernandez in the video honoring Pvt. Longoria and his story. Hernandez is the nephew of Commander/Historian William Luna of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia AMVETS in Little Village. "The Longoria Affair" is a historical struggle in Mexican history. Everyone is welcomed and to join in the celebration of Dr. Hector Garcia; a Mexican American Hero.

Elizabeth Hernandez

          LISA'S AGENDA: State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez [D-24 Dist.] is sponsoring two advisory committee meetings to gather input on important state issues. The Women's Advisory Committee will meet Thursday, Jan. 19th at 6 p.m. and the Crime Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, Jan. 19th at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Cicero Public Library conference room, 5225 W. Cermak Road in Cicero. For more information contact Rep. Hernandez's Service Office: 708/222-5240.
          RAHM'S BLUFF: The City Council Hispanic Caucus, under the leadership of Ald. Danny Solis [25th Ward] welcomes Mayor Emanuel's threat to cut the City Council in half--with 25 wards--if the "feuding aldermen can't avoid a $30 million repeat of the 1990 remap referendum."

Danny Solis

          SOLIS SAID: "If it was 25 wards, we would be much better and more fairly represented because you're starting from scratch. This would be welcomed by the [Hispanic] caucus and me." The Hispanic Caucus drafted a ward map with 25 wards to divide evenly the wards between blacks, white and Hispanics. We salute the Hispanic Aldermen in their position. No seden por vencidos!
          REGISTER TO VOTE: The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012 for the upcoming Primary Election scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 2012. You can register at the City of Chicago Board of Election Office, 69 W. Washington St., 6th Floor, or by submitting a mail-in form. Google: Chicago Board of Election, log on "Register to Vote" and download the mail-in form: Illinois Voter Registration Application, Form 275. The completed form should be mailed to the Chicago Board of Election. If you have any questions, you may call the Chicago Board of Election at 312/269-7984.
          ELIGIBILITY TO REGISTER you must:

• be a U.S. Citizen
• be at least 18 years of age by election day.
• live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election.
• not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction; and,
• not claim the right to vote elsewhere. 

          AS A PUBLIC SERVICE:  Mail-in voter registration forms are available at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Saturday .

Carmen Velasquez

          ALIVIO EVENT: Alivio Medical Center is hosting their Una Presencia Activia Celebration 2012 Banquet Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Drake Hotel, 140 East Walton Place. Dinner Chair is Patricia Hemingway Hall, President and CEO Health Care Service Corporation [Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois].  Honored guests will be Janet Murguia, President and CEO National Council of La Raza with the Lifetime Achievement Award and The Honorable Robert Menendez, U.S. Senator, New Jersey with the Warrior Award.
          ALIVIO OFFICERS: President Teresa Fraga, 1st Vice President Esther Corpuz, 2nd Vice President Alejandra Perez-Tamayo, M.D., F.A.C.S., Treasurer Wayne S. Muldrow and Secretary Mary Lebold, RN. Founder and Executive Director Carmen Velasquez.

          VALENTINE DANCE: Jose G. Guerrero, member of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 241[bus driver's Union] and a member of the Chicago Chapter Latino Caucus announced that the Latino Caucus "Sweetheart Dinner Dance", will be Sat., Feb. 11, 2012 at La Casa Puertoriquena, 1237 N. California Ave., 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Cash Bar. Music by DJ Santiago. Dinner music by a special Trio Group. There will be a raffle with prizes. Plenty of street parking.  Tickets: $15 per person. For more information contact: Jose Guerrero 773/283-6599.

YOU'RE INVITED TO SEE:

                               

"THE LONGORIA AFFAIR"

Sat., Jan. 14, 2012

at

Little Village Community Council

3610 W. 26th St. - 1:00 p.m. - FREE

Happy New Year, LVCC Report, Chicago Magazine, Opinion, Eusebio Razo, Valenzuela, Movie Review, In Passing 2011

          HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone. Every New Year marks a new beginning, a chance to make new plans, and accomplish goals which have not been reached because of obstacles, odds and drawbacks of the previous year. With a new year we can all look forward to meeting challenges, creating ideas and making new friends. A fresh start gives us all an opportunity to be effective. I say let's be positive and let's work hard in succeeding in making our communities, our country and our world a better place to live in 2012.

          COMMUNITY REPORT: As President of the Little Village Community Council, I would like to report that in 2011 the Little Village Community Council met several community service goals for needy residents of Little Village. LVCC gave away free food, from its Food Pantry, and free clothing, every Saturday. The Council also sponsored the following events and projects, namely on:  

• Foreclosure Workshop, Sat., June 11.  Attended by 56 people.
• Free Haircuts & manicures, Sat., July 16.   Attended by 157 residents.
• "Back To School" block party, Sat., August 6. Attended by 800 people. Backpacks with school supplies given free to 400 children. Free hot dogs, pop and popcorn.
• Expungement Workshop, Sat., Sept. 17. Attended by 300 people.
• Halloween Party & Haunted House.  Mon., Oct. 31.  Attended by 1,000.
• Holiday Giveaway; Free food baskets & turkeys.  Tues., Nov. 22.  20 recipients.
• Flu Clinic. Free flu immunization shots.  Sat., Dec. 10.  107  recipients.

          ON BEHALF of the Little Village Community Council, we thank all of our sponsors and supporters. We hope to expand these events and projects in 2012.

          CHICAGO MAG: For political junkies, I'm recommending the Chicago Magazine, January issue 2012 featured story titled, "Lawmakers & Lawbreakers." The article, by David Bernstein and Noah Isackson, is an in depth investigation of the relationship between Chicago politicians and gang members. The authors interviewed  more than 100 elected officials, gang leaders, police officials and prosecutors making for a revealing and shocking read.
          FEATURED in the article are Ald. Ricardo Munoz [22nd Ward], former Alderman Helen Schiller [46th Ward], former Ald. Arenda Troutman [20th Ward] and many other elected officials. Little Village community resident Raul Montes Jr., 37, states in the article [he] suspects that Ald. Munoz has "intentionally kept [police blue-light] cameras out [of Little Village] to help protect the gangs--a position shared by several law enforcement sources and Munoz's various political opponents." Montes also says, "Why does [Munoz] oppose cameras so much?" In the article, "Munoz says 26th Street doesn't need taxpayer-funded cameras: 'The business strip should fend for themselves.' " Buy the Chicago Magazine today and read more about Chicago politicians and their relationship the gang leaders.

President Obama

          MY OPINION: Republican Party leaders and their candidates think American people are going to be fooled by their political spin of blaming President Obama for the high unemployment and the down spin of the economy. Americans know the unemployment of American workers is due to the fact that American corporations and manufacturers are outsourcing their goods and services to foreign countries. It is obvious that the Republican leaders in Congress are compounding unemployment by blocking President Obama's Jobs plan which was created to help put Americans back to work. Americans also know the economy went bust because of the unscrupulous practices of  banks,Wall Street traders and lenders left unregulated.  And, again, its the Republicans who do not want millionaires and billionaires to pay their share of taxes.
          FOR EXAMPLE: Last month I went shopping at a large department store to buy a pair of shoes, winter leather gloves and two pairs of pants. For years I have been buying Florsheim shoes because they were made in Chicago by union labor. In the store the clerk showed me a pair of Florsheim shoes and I immediately looked to see were they were made; they were made in China by non-union Chinese workers. I asked the clerk if the store had any shoes made in the U.S.A. His response was, "No, all the shoes in the store were made in China!" I wasn't happy, however, I did buy the Florsheim shoes.
          THE TWO pair of pants I bought were "Dockers". One pair was made by Nicaragua workers and the other pair by Bangladesh workers. The black leather gloves, "Isotoner", were made by workers in India.
The American consumer does not benefit from cheap foreign labor on goods;  American corporations and manufacturers benefit. They are reaping the increased profits from cheap foreign labor. In fact, foreign made products sometimes cost higher. Its been said that "American businesses will not sacrifice profit for patriotism." Who is to blame for unemployment and the outsourcing of American jobs overseas? President Obama? I think not.

Eusebio Razo

          CPD RETIREMENT: My friend Police Officer Eusebio "Chevo" Razo, from my old neighborhood of South Chicago, will retire this month from his job at City Hall. Chevo was born at Mercy Hospital in Chicago on Oct. 31, 1956. His parents were ranchers who came to Chicago in 1952 from Pueblo Nuevo, Guanajuato Mexico.
          CHEVO, raised in South Chicago, graduated from St. Michael's in 1970 and Bowen High School in 1974. He attended St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas from 1974-1978 and graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice. Chevo was hired as a Deputy Sheriff Cook County Correctional Officer in 1978 and was promoted to Sgt. on June 16, 1986. In 1989, he was assigned to Mayor Richard M. Daley's security detail when Daley was elected in 1989.
          IN APRIL 2004, Chevo returned to school and earned a Masters in Education from DePaul University in August, 2007. He is certified to teach elementary from K-8 in the State of Illinois. When Mayor Daley retired on May 16, 2011, Chevo returned to the patrol division and was assigned to 001 Police District on July 10, 2011. He will be retiring from the Chicago Police Department [CPD] on January 16, 2012 and will pursue a teacher career. We congratulate Chevo on his service to the citizens of Chicago and wish him well in his new career.    

Fernando Valenzuela

          BASEBALL HERO: The documentary "Fernando Nation", directed by Cruz Angeles, will be featured at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2011 at 1 p.m. Free admission. It is a story about a Mexican baseball player named Fernando Valenzuela, 20; a captivating pitcher for the Dodgers.
          IN 1962, when Dodgers Stadium was being built in Los Angeles the construction of the stadium uprooted  Mexicans from their homes. The Mexican community reacted by boycotting Dodgers games. The boycott forced Dodgers owners to send their scouts to Mexico to discover a Mexican baseball player in order attract Mexicans to their games. The Dodgers scouts found a young pitcher, Fernando Valenzuela, nicknamed "El Toro" by his fans. Valenzuela, overnight, became a hero to millions of Mexican baseball fans with his pitching, especially his killer screwballs. The video jacket reads: "Director Cruz Angeles relives Valenzuela's impact on the Los Angeles Mexican community". Don't miss seeing this historical event in baseball. It's a four star video.
          MOVIE REVIEW: Over the long holiday break I saw 3 movies but none of them impressed me. First, "Sherlock Holmes, A Game of Shadows" storyline was confusing and the ending was long and boring. However, I like both actors, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law.  I give it one star.  "Mission Impossible", was entertaining, had a lot of action and Tom Cruise did impressive daring stunts. But, I give it one star. "War Horse" began slow and story line was interesting; a love story between a young man and his horse. The War Horse's name was "Joey" and he did an outstanding job of acting. Joey was great in the World War I battle scenes. In a Youtube interview, Steven Spielberg said that four million horses were killed, maimed or died of starvation in World War I. I give War Horse 3 stars.
          IN PASSING 2011: Here are some members of the Mexican community who passed away in 2011. All of them made a contribution to our community and will be missed. Juan Ruvalcava [businessman], Marshal Villanova [Community activist], Tina Medrano [businesswoman], Phil Corderno [businessman & community activist], Edward "Eddie" Rodriguez [Community activist].