Anita Alvarez, Feria de Salud, 12th Ward "Bike the Boulevard", Mexican Civic Society, Champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

Anita Alvarez

          MEETING WITH ALVAREZ: Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez held a meeting with her Hispanic Advisory Council Tuesday, June 12, 2012 in the Steve Neal conference room in her office at 69 W. Washington St., Chicago. Chairman of the Hispanic Advisory Council is Attorney Martin R. Castro. Castro has held this position since Cook County State’s Attorney’s Richard “Dick” A. Devine created the Hispanic Advisory Council in 1996. Castro is also the Chairman of the Illinois Human Rights Commission and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.

          SERVING on Anita Alvarez, Cook County State’s Attorney Hispanic Advisory Council is Ed Arroyo, Freddy Calixto, Martin R. Castro, Salvador A. Cicero, Neusa Gaytan, Michael J. Hernandez, Jose Isaid, Rafael Malpica, Roxanne Nava, Martha O’Bryan, Maria-Teresa Roman, Victoria Romero, August Sallas, Lupe Sanchez, John B. Valencia, Blanca Vargas and Tito Vargas.  

Martin R. Castro

          THE HISPANIC Advisory Council meets quarterly to hear a report by Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez; and the concerns in the Hispanic communities by Council members. Alvarez reported that in December she appeared in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. to argue a case regarding the use of DNA as evidence in criminal cases. “I thought I was back in law school because I had to read a lot of cases to prepare myself for the Supreme Court. Before I could begin making my points before the court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor immediately began asking me questions, and the other justices followed after her. I was nervous and it was a frightening experience, but an honor to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. Not every lawyer or prosecutor has that opportunity,” said Alvarez.

          ALVAREZ also reported on the new Illinois RICO law which goes after gangbangers as criminal enterprises; sex trafficking, consumer fraud cases and investigation into violence during the NATO summit. Christine Chan, Deputy Director, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office announced the reception hosted by the Cook County State’s Attorney and LGBT Advisory Council 3^rd Annual Pride Celebration & Awards ceremony Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. For more info call 312/603-8710.

          IN RECOGNITION of Hispanic Heritage Month Anita Alvarez, Cook County State’s Attorney and the Hispanic Advisory Council will be hosting the 20^th Annual “El Humanitario” Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19^th St. RSVP by October 1, 2012 at 312/603-8710.  

          FERIA DE SALUD: A Health Fair/Feria de Salud will be held this Saturday, June 23^rd from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26^th St. Co-sponsor of the Health Fair is St. Anthony Hospital.  Free admission. 

          SERVICES PROVIDED: 

• Blood Pressure
• Diabetes Screening
•  WALKS Clinic
• Community Wellness Program
• Senior Wellness Information
•  Giveaways. For more info: 312/286-3405. 

George A. Cardenas

          BIKE RIDE: Ald. George A. Cardenas and the 12^th Ward Public Service Office invite you to its 9^th Annual “Bike the Boulevard” Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting at Home Depot Parking Lot, 4555 S. Western Boulevard. 

          THE BIKE BOULEVARD ride is open to everyone 11 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration kickoff begin at 9:00 a.m. FREE hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, games and entertainment will be provided for the entire family. Plus a free bike raffle. Last year’s event attracted approximately 200 bikers. Neighborhoods in the 12^th Ward are Little Village, Brighton Park and Back-Of-The-Yards. 

          A BIKE RODEO for kids 10 years and under will take place at the Home Depot parking lot. All children must wear a helmet. The Chicago Department of Public Health will offer school physical and immunization for all kids. Kids must bring their shot records.

          TO PRE-REGISTER, contact the 12^th Ward Public Service Office, 773/523-8250 or visit the Ward Office at 2458 W. 28^th St., Chicago. 

          REINADO 2012: Evelia Rodriguez announced the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois is accepting applications from young women as candidates for Queen for 2012-2013 Mexican Indepdendence Day celebration. 
          QUALIFICATIONS are as follows:
                Between the ages of 18 and 25
                Unmarried and childless
                Mexican [or of Mexican descent]Bilingual 
          THE ELECTION of the Queen and two princess  will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago in the month of August. The crowning of the Queen will be at El Grito celebration in Grant Park. Presently, there are 20 participants vying for the honor. 
           YOUNG WOMEN, [senoritas], can register their candidacy now with the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois, Inc., 5503 W. Cermak Road, Cicero 60804, main office: 773/376-8445, or 708/704-6249. Deadline is Saturday, June 23, 2012. 
          THE CHAMPION: Julio César Chávez, Jr., 26, won by a TKO victory in the 7^th round against challenger Irish boxer Andy Lee Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas. Chavez  retained his middle weight title with his power punching and lots of body shots suffered by Lee. It was an outstanding performance by Chavez. 

Andy Lee and Cesar Chavez Jr. 

          CHAVEZ spoke Spanish during an interview with Larry Merchant, 81, at the end of the fight saying, “I had leg cramps throughout the fight,” “but I feel great carrying the [Chavez] name and to make history in the world.” Fight announcers said it was a tough fight for Andy Lee who took a lot of power shots from Chavez.
           HE IS THE undefeated Mexican professional boxer and the current WBC Middleweight Champion of the world. Chavez is the son of Legendary Boxing Champion Julio César Chávez, Sr. and is the older brother of Welterweight Omar Chávez.