UPDATE: The strong opposition by the
residents and business community of Little Village against the public
housing project which Ald. Ricardo Munoz [22nd Ward] wants
to build is falling on deaf ears. Munoz, the Alderman for 21 years,
obviously doesn't care about the youth in the Little Village
community, a predominantly Mexican neighborhood. We must help,
protect, and give our youth a safe haven and, to some extent, give
them opportunities to do more with their lives. Gang affiliation
should not be the only choice, besides too many of our young people
in Little Village have been killed because of gang violence.
ALDERMAN Munoz
has failed to address this issue [gang violence] for the past 21
years. Yes, he has admitted he was a former Latin King which should
make this issue a priority for him in his community. Except it
appears Munoz cares more about housing; he wants a public housing
project in Little Village. But what about the young people who
already live in Little Village? As an ex-gang member and Alderman
shouldn’t Munoz use his influence and community dollars for a more
constructive purpose? The Little Village area needs a youth center,
a soccer field or a park for the children and teenagers. Four years
ago, Munoz promised the community a park. What happened to that
promise?
A NEWS RELEASE:
Mike Rodriguez, Executive Director of Chicago Enlace organization
sent out a news release on Thursday, April 17, 2014 to announce that
“Father” Jose S. Landaverde was holding a press conference at
11:00 a.m. to support Munoz's Public Housing project.
HERE'S WHAT Mike
Rodriguez [Enlace] said in his press release: “Our Lady of
Guadalupe Mission and the community in LittleVillage is calling a
press conference in support of Mercy Housing development for 26th
and Kostner. It is time for affordable housing in LittleVillage. We
are supporting Alderman Ricardo Munoz in this effort to bring
affordable housing to our community because decent, safe housing is a
human right. Those who are opposing this development are
demonstrating a lack of concern for the most basic human rights of
people experiencing poverty, homelessness and marginalization. We
have a dream that this development can be, for African-American and
Latino community, and for all people in homelessness, a place of
dignity where the residents can rebuild their lives, begin to realize
their dreams and potential, and be full and contributing members of
the Little Village Community.”
LANDAVERDE is
not a Roman Catholic priest but of the protestant denomination. He
does, however, wear a white collar. Out of curiosity, I called
Landaverde after the press conference and asked him how many people
attended his press conference. “Eleven [11] people,” said
Landaverde.
THE TRUTH?
Here's what Rodriguez said on Spanish TV Univision: “There
is a housing crisis in Little Village.”
WHAT CRISIS? I have lived in Little
Village for 35 years and I have never seen a Mexican person holding
up a cardboard sign saying, “I'm Homeless”, or standing on a
street corner holding out a styrofoam cup—begging for change.
I've never seen a Mexican person in Little Village sleeping on an Ad
bench, in a doorway, under a viaduct or on a sidewalk. Why? Because
of Mexican pride! It is in our ethnic fiber to work hard and be
self-sufficient. Mike Rodriguez's public statements are
absurd, ridiculous and, more importantly, misleading!
IN LITTLE
VILLAGE, there are plenty of houses for sale and plenty of apartments
“For Rent”. As I said once before, most Mexicans are homeowners.
The Little Village Community Council and HOPE organization advocates
home ownership. Home ownership is the real dream of most parents.
Parents want their children to have a better life then they
themselves have had. This starts with a home and a safe neighborhood.
Safety and security are basic concerns of residents and we should all
strive to make our community a decent and safe place to live!
Bringing in affordable housing is not the way to achieve that goal. I
know it, Enlace knows it, and Munoz knows it!
BOXING: Professional boxer Jose Felix
Quezada was born January 6, 1995 in Chicago. His parents, Jose and
Eileen Quezada, met while his father was overseas in the Marine Corps
in the Philippines. He is the youngest sibling of 3, with 2 older
sisters. His nationality includes Mexican [paternal] and Filipino
[maternal]; proud to represent both. He comes from a boxing family,
his father, Jose Quezada, and his uncle, Julian Quezada, were bother
boxers.
JOSE FELIX
graduated from Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, IL in
May 2013. In sport activities he obtained the rank of 1st
degree black belt in Taekwondo in 2005 and participated in baseball,
football and basketball. He played short-stop with the Merrionette
Park Express Travel Baseball Team and the Oak Lawn Chargers Travel
Baseball Team.
Jose Felix Quezada [black trunks] |
FELIX has over
100 fights in his amateur career. He trains and fights with the
Scottsdale Park Boxing Team [Chicago Park District]. At the age of 8,
Jose was introduced to boxing and has taken on the boxing ambition.
His boxing memorable awards and titles includes State Silver Gloves
Champion [3 times]; Chicago Citywide Champ [3 times]; Regional Silver
Gloves Champ [2 times]; 2009 Silver Gloves ranked #8 in the 90 lbs.
weight division; 2009 National Jr. Golden Gloves Champ.
TWO TIMES runner up for the Chicago Golden Gloves and awarded the 2008
Scottsdale Park Boxer of the year. He began his professional career
with his first professional fight on February 7, 2014. He won with a
TKO in the 3rd round. His boxing record: 2-0 with 2 TKO's. Coach Rick Fornuto said, "Jose is a champ."
MEMORIAL DAY: Officers and members of the Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post
1017, Mexican American Veteran Association [MAVA] and American
Veterans [AMVETS] cordially invite all veterans, families and
community to join them on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th at 10:30 a.m.
at the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza, 26th St. &
Kolin Ave. in Little Village.
AFTER THE
ceremony guests will be served tamales, coffee and cake. For more
information call 773/522-9315 or log on post1017@gamil.com
CALENDAR OF
EVENTS
WEDNESDAY,
MAY 21st—Veteran Job Fair in Cicero hosted by Central State SER
Cicero Workforce Center, 2138 S. 61st Ct., 3rd
Floor, Cicero, IL 60804.
THURSDAY, JUNE 5th—Little Village Rotary Club, 1st Inaugural Gala Event at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago. Fun starts at 6 p.m.: cocktails, dinner reception and installation of officers. Guest speaker: Anita Alvarez, Cook County State's Attorney. Donation $50. For more info purchasing of tickets online: www.littlevillagerotary.org