Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Viva Chavez, Cesar E. Chavez Birthday March 31st, American Hero Chavez, UFW Union, Little Village Rotary Club Networking, Passport Day, Fraternal Order of Wildcats Banquet, Calendar of Event, Chavez Quote

American Hero: Cesar E. Chavez

        VIVA CHAVEZ: Union leader and labor organizer Cesar Estrada Chavez’s [1937-1993] birthday is Monday, March 31st. Chavez was born near Yuma, Arizona on March 31, 1927. He died April 23, 1993, in San Luis, Arizona. Cesar Chavez was an American farm worker, labor leader and civil rights activist and the founder, with Dolores Huerta, of the United Farm Workers [UFW] in 1972.
           A MEXICAN-AMERICAN Chavez dedicated his life to organizing the farm workers. As a farm worker, Chavez knew the plight and the suffering of the farm workers under the growers. Low wages, no benefits, unsanitary conditions and the dangers of pesticides to workers’ health.
August Sallas & Cesar Chavez
          AS A UNION organizer, Chavez used nonviolent tactics to bring attention to the plight of the farm workers. His weapons were marches, boycotts, picketing, strikes and several hunger strikes.
          IN 1968, Chavez fasted for 25 days to promote the principle of nonviolence. In 1970 he went on a fast of “thanksgiving and hope” to pre-arranged civil disobedience by farm workers. He also led a successful national strike and boycott of California lettuce.
          IN 1972, Chavez fasted in response to Arizona's passage of legislation, which prohibited boycotts and strikes by farm workers. Chavez made famous the slogan “Si, se puede” [Yes, it can be done]. He is a labor icon and an American Hero. There are many schools, streets, buildings, and even a ship named after him. The Post Office in Pilsen is named after Cesar Chavez and a commemorative U.S. Stamp was issued honoring Chavez.
          MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL signed a City Proclamation commemorating Monday, March 31, 2014 as “Cesar E. Chavez Day” in Chicago, and “encourage all Chicagoans to recognize his important contributions to workers' rights.”
          CESAR CHAVEZ movie is opening in theaters on March 28th. Viva Chavez!
         

          NETWORKING
: The Rotary Club of Little Village is inviting Little Village residents and businesses to their networking event. The event, to kick off the Spring, will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop at 3032 S. Cicero, Cicero, Illinois. Attendees are asked to please RSVP to the littlevillagerotary@gmail.com or call Ernest Espinosa 214/907-9759 or visit the Rotary webside at www.littlevillagerotary.org
          PASSPORT DAY: Do you need a U.S. Passport Book? U.S. Citizens can apply for a U.S. Passport Book at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St., Chicago, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014. No appointment necessary. Adults first time applicants [age 16 years and older] Form DS 82 and all minor applicants [Under age 16] Form DS 11.
          ADULTS Passport book application requirement: Original birth certification, plus the original of one of the following: Valid Driver’s License, Valid State or Government Identification, or valid Military Identification. Two photos 2x2 inches. Photos must be on a white background. Photos must also be recent, within one month. Minor original birth certification plus two photos. Photo Service will be provided on Passport Day.
          COST of U.S. Passport Book: Adults $110, plus execution fee: $25; Minor $90, plus execution fee: $25; Adult Passport Card: $30, plus execution fee: $25. Expedited Service cost: $60, plus execution fee: $25; passport book overnight delivery, $14.85.
          BUSINESS people are encourage to attend this U.S. Post Office event to learn how to use the many services of the Post Office.
          ALL FEES: Exact cash or personal checks, money orders payable to either “Department of State” or “U.S. Postal”. First come, first serve at the Little Village Community Council office for passports. Doors will be open at 9 a.m.
  
          A CELEBRATION: The Fraternal Order of St. Francis Wildcats will be celebrating its 76th Anniversary annual banquet on Saturday, April 12, 2014 at the Lexington House, 7717 West 95th St., Hickory Hill, IL. Individual tickers are $65 each, which includes open bar, full-course family meal and entertainment by the Latin Satin Soul and DJ Larry Villareal & “L” Productions.
          FOR MORE INFORMATION or banquet tickets contact Al Martinez 773/896-7733.
CALENDAR OF EVENT
          THURSDAY, APRIL 3rd—Little Village Community Council and HOPE is hosting a community meeting at Blanco Y Negro Restaurant, 4043 W. 26th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Topic: Public Housing Project. Invited residents of Little Village and Ald. Ricardo Munoz [22nd Ward].
          QUOTE: "Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot UN-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid anymore. We have seen the future and the future is ours." 

                                                                                  --Cesar E. Chavez

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Vote Josina Morita, Democratic candidate for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, Vote Tony Munoz for Democratic Party of Illinois State Central Committee, 4th District, Rotary Club Networking Reception, Passport Day in Little Village, Happy St. Patrick's Day, Viva "Los San Patricios"

Josina Morita & August Sallas
          VOTE FOR Josina Morita, Democratic candidate running for Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) in the Democratic Primary, Tuesday, March 18, 2014. She is an urban planner and understands the issues of water management, infrastructure and accessibility, which are crucial issues for the region. Josina said, “Unlike oil, there is no substitute for fresh water. We must manage this precious resource well for this generation, and the next”.  
          JOSINA IS the Director of the United Congress of Community and Religious Organizations, a multiethnic alliance of community organizations working together across 30 communities in Cook County. She serves on the State of IllinoisRacial Profiling and Data Oversight Board, the Asian American Employment Plan Council, and the City of Chicagos Commission on Equity.  She sits on the boards of the Woods Fund of Chicago and the Asian American Action Fund of Greater Chicago. 
          IN 2007, Josina was named one of Chicagos “35 Under 35”, fighting racism and poverty, by the Community Renewal Society. In 2012, she was elected as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention and was selected as a Jim Edgar Fellow and a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow.
          IN 2013, Josina received the Emerging Leader Award from the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform and the Breaking Barriers Award from the Chicago Foundation for Women. Josinas human rights and social justice work has been recognized by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and the Japanese American Citizens League. 
          JOSINA HOLDS a Masters in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a B.A. in Sociology and International Race Relations from Pitzer College. She is a very energetic, intelligent person and deserves to be elected a Commissioner to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District. Josina is endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party, AFL-CIO, Hispanic American Labor Council and numerous organizations. Give Josina Morita your VOTE! And tell your friends. Log on www.friendsofjosina.com and contact her at 773/562-9559.
           
Antonio "Tony" Munoz
"Leadership You Can Trust!"
          VOTE TONY: State Senator Antonio “Tony” Munoz [D-1st District] is a candidate for the Democratic Party of Illinois State Central Committee - 4th District in the Democratic Primary Election March 18, 2014. Tony, a loyal Democrat, is standing up for OUR Democratic values and a strong leader within the Democratic Party. As an Illinois State Senator, Tony holds the position as Assistant Majority Leader and is highly respected within the Democratic Party.

 DEMOCRATIC WOMEN LEGISLATORS FOR TONY MUNOZ
Left to right: 11th District State Representative Ann M. Williams,
20th District State Senator Iris Y. Martinez, 4th District State
Senator Tony Munoz, 24th District State Representative
Elizabeth Hernandez and 21st District State Representative
 Silvana Tabares 
          AS A VETERAN, Tony Munoz fights for benefits for the veterans, seniors, schools and neighborhoods he represents. State Senator Tony Munoz said: “Fighting for the rights of all people and breaking down barriers to opportunity are the core principles of the Democratic Party. As Assistant Majority Leader in the Illinois State Senate, I fight every day to improve the lives of our people with better jobs, easier access to healthcare and safe school for our children. As the Democratic State Central Committeeman – 4th District, I will take that fight to the Republicans and work tirelessly to support Democratic candidates and Democratic principles throughout Illinois.”  Tony will be a strong voice for the district and for the Democrats who he will represent. PUNCH 42 VOTE ANTONIO “TONY” MUNOZ.
          SAVE THE DATE: The Rotary Club of Little Village is inviting Little Village residents and businesses to their networking event. The event, to kick off the Spring, will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2014 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop at 3032 S. Cicero, Cicero, Illinois. Attendees are asked to please RSVP to the littlevillagerotary@gmail.com or call Ernest Espinosa 214/907-9759 or visit the Rotary webside at www.littlevillagerotary.org  
          ERNEST ESPINOSA is the incoming President for the Little Village Rotary Club. He will be installed in June at Mi Tierra Restaurant in Little Village.
          PASSPORT DAY: Do you need a U.S. Passport Book? U.S. citizens can apply for a U.S. Passport Book at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St., Chicago, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2014. No appointment necessary. Adult first time applicants [age 16 years and older], Form DS 82; all minor applicants [Under age 16], Form DS 11.
          ADULT Passport book application requirement: Original birth certification, plus the original of one of the following: Valid Driver’s License, Valid State or Government Identification, or valid Military Identification. Two photos 2x2 inches. Photos must be on a white background. Photos must also be recent within one month. Minor Passport book application requirement: original birth certification plus two photos. Photo Service will be provided on Passport Day.
          COST of U.S. Passport Book: Adults $110, plus execution fee: $25; Minor $90, plus execution fee: $25; Adult Passport Card: $30, plus execution fee: $25. Expedited Service cost: $60, plus execution fee: $25; passport book overnight delivery, $14.85.
          ALL FEES: Exact cash or personal checks and money orders payable to either “Department of State” or “U.S. Postal”. First come, first serve. Little Village Community Council office doors will be open at 9 a.m. 




HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY
VIVA "LOS SAN PATRICIOS"

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Vote Early, Your Vote Counts, Election March 18th, Re-Elect "Toni" Berrios, Housing Matters, LV Community Meeting, YouTube

            
VOTE EARLY: The Democratic Primary Election is Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Early voting began March 3-15 at 51 Chicago sites. All sites are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call the Chicago Board of Elections at 312/269-7900.
           RE-ELECT: State Representative Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios [D-39th District] is seeking re-election in the March 18, 2014 Primary Democratic election. She is serving her sixth term in the Illinois General Assembly as the 39th District State Representative. Her district, on the North side of Chicago, includes parts of the Avondale, Belmont, Cragin, Hermosa, Logan Square and Portage Park neighborhoods.        
          
Center: State Rep. Toni Berrios surrounded by friends.

              REPRESENTATIVE TONI BERRIOS continues to serve as a full-time legislator with a proven record of advocating for issues that are important to the residents of the 39th District. Representative Berrios is very aware and involved with education issues in Illinois. She has fought for many after school programs and for better wages for teachers. She has worked hard on House Bill 3872, H.B. 3027, H.B. 3718 and H.B. 4420.
           REPRESENTATIVE Berrios co-sponsored House Bill 3872, which was initiated by a mother whose special needs child was abused and assaulted by his bus driver and aide. In an attempt to prevent this horrific incidence from reoccurring and find liability of those responsible, HB3872 will require recording devices, both visual and audio, on public school buses that transport special needs children. This bill will protect children.
           REP. BERRIOS supported the efforts of protecting the health of adolescents provided by HB 3027. This bill requires that if a public school offers sexual health education in grades 6-12, then the curriculum must be medically-accurate and age-appropriate. She also sponsored the Minimum Wage Law, House Bill 3718, which would raise the minimum wage for workers across the state this year. “It is a disservice to our society when thousands of workers are working full-time hours, are still living below the poverty line,” said Berrios. If passed, the proposed bill will steadily increase the minimum wage incrementally to $9.25 per hour on October 1, 2014, $10 per hour on July 1, 2015, and $10.65 per hour on July 1, 2016.
           STATE REP. “Toni” Berrios filed legislation House Bill 4420 allowing all workers to access paid sick days. The law would require employers with 20 or more employees to offer paid sick time to their employees regardless of their full-time or part-time work status. This legislation proposes that for every 40 hours an employee works, their employer must grant them a minimum of one hour of paid sick time, with a minimum of 2 sick days per calendar year.
                       ENDORSEMENTS: Rep. Berrios is endorsed by the Democratic Party, State AFL-CIO, Hispanic American Labor Council. Give Maria Antonia “Toni” Berrios your VOTE!          

LV COMMUNITY MEETING: A Little Village Community meeting was held Thursday, Feb. 27, 2014 at Epiphany Church hall. More than 100 residents of Little Village attended the meeting, which was hosted by the Little Village Community Council and H.O.P.E.
           THIS WAS the fifth [5th] Little Village community meeting that Ald. Ricardo Munoz [22nd Ward] has missed. Munoz has been invited to speak on the Public Housing Project on 26th St. & Kostner Ave. which he wants to build. Not only does Munoz refuse to attend the community meetings; but he fails to give a reason why he won’t attend the meetings.
           A DOZEN speakers at the Epiphany meeting expressed their complaints against Ald. Munoz. The complaints range from not answering phone calls, never in his office, ignores the needs of the residents, to being inaccessible and difficult to get an appointment with. “We have to vote him out of office,” said a resident. The people cheered. The residents in Little Village opposed the public housing project.
           MUNOZ’S PUBLIC housing is of no benefit to the Little Village neighborhood. The following is what Little Village needs on 26th St. and Kostner Ave.:
[1] Youth Center.
[2] Senior Social Club.
[3] State of the Art park.
[4] Soccer Field.
[5] Mexican Cultural Center.
[6] Mexican Museum
[7] Military Museum
[8] Vocational Trade School 
 [9] Strip Mall with retail stores or service establishments. 
 [10] Cinema Theater         
            ANOTHER COMMUNITY meeting is being planned in Little Village for the month of March.  Click on YouTube: Stop LV Public Housing Project.