Zalewski Talks About Proposed Ordinance to "Get Tough" on Taggers, Gang Graffiti

Alderman Michael R. Zalewski

While the fate of his proposed "get tough on graffiti" ordinance is uncertain, 23rd Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski said earlier this week that he is counting on Southwest Siders to help make the case for stronger punishments for those who deface property,

Zalewski's remarks were made at the July meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch (GRNW) organization, held at Valley Forge Park. About three dozen people were in attendance.

Video of Zalewski's comments is posted on the Southwest Chicago Post channel on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/SouthwestChicagoPost

Zalewski's proposed ordinance would increase fines attached to graffiti-related crimes, and it would move such cases away from the Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings and to the Cook County Circuit Court system---which Zalewski said would mean that some found guilty of graffiti offenses would serve jail time in the "Hotel California" (County Jail at 26th and California), as opposed to merely paying fines.

Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch officers

The Chicago Department of Administrative Hearings was created in 1996 to speed up the prosecution of certain violations of city ordinances, including those related to graffiti. Prior to that, many cases went unresolved for months or more because of a severe backlog of cases in court. Zalewski did not speculate on whether moving graffiti cases back to court would slow down prosecution. 

The alderman said that the City Council will hold hearings on the proposed ordinance in August or early September. He implied that passage of the measure is not certain and acknowledged that a number of other alderman may not agree with his idea to stiffen punishments.

* * *

Also at the GRNW meeting,

► Garfield Ridge resident Elizabeth Hayes, a Democratic nominee for Circuit Court judge, gave a brief presentation explaining how the court system handles criminal felony cases.

► All GRNW members and Southwest Siders are encouraged to make plans to attend a two-part crime prevention seminar set for 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 20 at the Kennedy High School auditorium. One part will feature ex-burglars offering tips on burglary prevention; the other will focus on drug and alcohol abuse prevention for teenagers. High school students in need of "community service" hours for school may receive up to four hours' credit for attending the event.

► Ron Koperniak provided an update on the GRNW's Adopt-A-Block program, stating that 20 blocks in Garfield Ridge are now linked to the GRNW with block leaders who share important crime prevention information on a neighbor-to-neighbor basis and who promote a sense of unity and camaraderie on the blocks.

► An update was provided on GRNW efforts to help a local homeowner of limited means near 58th and Neva. The GRNW has secured donated lumber and volunteer carpenters to mend a 15-foot section of dilapidated fence in the back yard. After months of difficulty contacting the woman to gain her consent to perform the free work, GRNW President Al Cacciottolo said the group has made contact with the homeowner, "a very nice woman, a sweet old lady." The work is expected to be done soon.

► An audience member who lives near 55th and Austin said her home had recently been burglarized. She expressed frustration that the criminals responsible were caught on video but not prosecuted because their faces were not visible. She said the thugs are local young men who hang around Wentworth Park. Others in the audience showed signs of recognition; Cacciottolo asked a GRNW board member to confer with the woman after the meeting and work on a solution. 

► Cacciottolo noted that several thefts of potted plants and yard ornaments have occurred recently in the neighborhood, and he expressed puzzlement. "Why anyone would steal potted plants, I don't know. That's crazy. Let's hope they (the plants) die soon," he said, to audience chuckles.

► The crime prevention event at Kennedy High School will serve as the GRNW's August meeting. After that, the next GRNW meeting is scheduled for 7:30p.m. Monday, September 17 at a location to be announced. For more details, visit www.garfieldridgenw.com.

# # #

Crime News Update

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

(Editor's note: Kedzie Avenue is a little east of the area the Southwest Chicago Post covers; but we thought you'd find this incident to be interesting reading.)

A 38-year-old man who reportedly threw a beer bottle into the face of a waitress at the Just One More sports bar, 5332 South Kedzie, was chased out of the bar by angry patrons and beaten up---suffering injuries that led to a Chicago Fire Department ambulance ride to the emergency room at Holy Cross Hospital.

Jose Lopez of the Little Village neighborhood was arrested by police and charged with one misdemeanor count of battery for allegedly throwing the bottle.

The incident occurred at about 12:40 a.m. Thursday, July 12. The bottle hit the waitress, a 35-year-old woman from Brighton Park, in the face and caused bleeding above her upper lip. She later refused CFD medical treatment.

The bar patrons caught up with Lopez across the street from the bar---near a shuttered Tastee Freeze at 53rd Place and Kedzie. While on the ground, Lopez received multiple punches and kicks. By the time police arrived, the patrons had scattered; no one on the scene admitted to knowing anyone who took part in the beating.

* * *

Burglars broke into a home near 57th and Kostner and ripped out copper tubing in the basement.

The crime was discovered by a 26-year-old woman who told police that she had lived there, but was in the process of leaving. She came to the home at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12 and saw the front door ajar, and a broken window in the front door.

She walked inside and said she smelled the odor of a gas leak and heard the sound of running water. In the basement, she and police discovered water gushing from a pipe and the basement flooded with about 14 inches of water.

* * *

Burglars broke through the rear door of a home near 58th and Hamlin and stole a Sony PlayStation 3 video game console, a cell phone, assorted gold jewelry and four bottles of liquor.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 36-year-old woman, when she came home from work at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12.

* * *

Burglars broke through the front door of an apartment near 76th and Kostner and stole a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a printer, a TV, a DVD player, a stereo, a floor safe, assorted jewelry and watches, a knife/fork/spoon set and $2,000 cash.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 57-year-old man who uses the apartment as a secondary residence, at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 11.

* * *

A 52-year-old woman came home from shopping at a store to find the bedroom of her house near 53rd and Harding ransacked, at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, July 11.

She told police that several items were missing, including a laptop computer, two Nintendo Wii controllers, and assorted jewelry.

According to police, there was no sign of forced entry. The victim said that when she came home, the doors were closed and locked.

* * *

Police responding to a call at 3:20 a.m. Sunday, July 15 found a 21-year-old West Lawn man lying on a lawn in front of 6558 South Kolin, about a half-block away from his home, bleeding from multiple stab wounds.

The victim was transported to Christ Hospital and Medical Center.

A witness told police he had heard a loud argument shortly before he saw the victim lying in the grass. The offender was described as a white Hispanic man, 5'10 to 6'0 and 250 pounds, with long black hair and wearing a black t-shirt.

* * *

Burglars broke into a garage near 50th and Kilpatrick and stole a number of auto parts and accessories, including 8 wheels with tires, two condensers, an air blower, a radiator, two seats and seven Camaro mouldings.

The criminals also damaged the victim's 1995 Honda Accord in an unsuccessful attempt to break into the vehicle.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 28-year-old man, at 10:00 p.m. Thursday, July 12.

* * *

A 41-year-old West Lawn man walking home from a bar was robbed at 56th and Kostner by two thugs at 4:00 a.m. Thursday, July 12.

Speaking through an interpreter, the man told police that a man sitting on a front porch called out to him and asked if he had a cigarette. As the victim walked towards him, a second man walked out of a gangway and approached.

The victim said the two men began punching him and stole his wallet---which contained his matricula card. He was later treated for his injuries at Mt. Sinai Hospital. 

He described the attackers as 25-35 years old and of Arab or other Middle Eastern origin.

* * *

Burglars pried open the back door of a home near 65th Place and Springfield and stole two TVs, a portable air conditioner, a glass TV stand and a lawn mower.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 63-year-old man, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, July 12.

* * *

If you live in Garfield Ridge and want to prevent crime and build a better neighborhood, please attend the next meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 16 at Valley Forge Park, 7001 West 59th Street. Scheduled guest speaker is 23rd Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski and judicial candidate Elizabeth Hayes. For more information, visit www.garfieldridgenw.com.

# # #

Crime News Update

Editor's note: The crime news reported by the Southwest Chicago Post---taken directly from Chicago Police Department incident reports---is not by any means an exhaustive catalogue of all crime reported in the Chicago Lawn (8th) District. For example, it typically does not include news of crimes committed in the eastern and southern sectors of the district---because the Southwest Chicago Post's coverage area is primarily the neighborhoods that border Midway Airport and secondarily because including the relatively large volume of crime news from elsewhere in the district would be a logistical challenge. We make this note to offer a little helpful perspective and remind everyone that while crime is definitely a concern in all parts of the district (as it always has been), crime remains relatively low overall in Sector 1. May all of us work together diligently to keep it that way. May all of us also remember that a person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

* * *

A 40-year-old Garfield Ridge man was arrested on Monday, July 9 after he allegedly beat his 65-year-old neighbor.

Martin Dooley was charged with a count of misdemeanor battery. Police had sought charges on a felony count of aggravated battery, because the victim is a senior citizen. However, according to CPD News Affairs, the office of Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez declined.

(Editor's note: The Southwest Chicago Post contacted Alvarez's office on Thursday afternoon for an explanation. Our request was acknowledged quickly; but 24 hours later, we still have not received an explanation.)

The victim, a retiree, was reportedly cleaning up broken glass in and around his daughter's car, parked in front of his home near 57th and Mayfield at 10:28 a.m. According to the victim, Dooley walked over from his home across the street and became aggressive and verbally abusive. He demanded a cigarette and began tugging on the victim's shorts.

He then allegedly threw the victim to the ground, jumped on top of him and began punching him in the mouth. He also reportedly hit the victim in the head with the bucket before getting up and walking back to his house.

Police responding to a "battery in progress" call found Dooley at his home and arrested him without incident.

The victim was bleeding and given first aid by the Chicago Fire Department. His head wound required stitches, according to police, but he refused to be transported to a hospital.

Police said that the day before the attack---Sunday, July 8---Dooley was arrested for criminal damage to property. A neighbor told police that at about 11:30 p.m. she saw Dooley trespassing in the 65-year-old victim's back yard, using a pry tool to force open a basement window, and kicking in the basement window.

He then allegedly walked through the gangway to the front of the victim's home and used the tool to smash the driver's side window of a 2002 Dodge Neon belonging to the victim's 30-year-old daughter.

He was arrested by police shortly afterwards at his home across the street.

(Editor's note: Because Dooley was charged with a misdemeanor offense, no Chicago Police Department mug shot is available.)

* * *

Burglars kicked in the rear door of a residence near 54th and Springfield, ransacked the first-floor and basement apartments, and stole a total of two TVs, a digital camera, a Sony PlayStation 3 video game console, a laptop computer, three gold necklaces, a pair of diamond earrings, a gold watch, 20 Chicago White Sox baseball caps, and $1,000 cash.

The crime was discovered by one of the victims, a 19-year-old woman, when she came home from a dental appointment at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 10.

* * *

A 33-year-old West Lawn man told police that five burglars stole a lawnmower and a tool set from his garage near 59th and Karlov.

At about 3:15 p.m. Monday, July 9, the man ran into 59th Street and flagged down police to report the crime. He described the offenders only as three white Hispanic men and two white women riding in a brown Chevy Blazer.

* * *

Burglars broke through the overhead door of a garage near 54th and Neenah and stole a 25-foot aluminum ladder belonging to a local real estate firm.

The crime was discovered at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 7 by a 60-year-old Garfield Ridge man who manages the property.

* * *

A 46-year-old woman walking outside to check her garage near 50th and Kedvale at 2:15 a.m. Monday, July 9 said she saw a burglar walking out the service door---and fleeing on foot when he saw her.
She told police that the offender had stolen her wallet out of her car, which was parked in the garage. She had left the driver's side window down. In her wallet, she said, were several credit cards, as well as her matricula card.

She described the burglar as a black man, 5'11 and 160 pounds, with black hair.

* * *

If you live in Garfield Ridge and want to prevent crime and build a better neighborhood, please attend the next meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, set for 7:30 p.m. Monday, July 16 at Valley Forge Park, 7001 West 59th Street. Scheduled guest speaker is 23rd Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski and judicial candidate Elizabeth Hayes. For more information, visit www.garfieldridgenw.com.

# # #

Big Band Jazz Swings at Normandy Park

With much of the Garfield Ridge neighborhood headed south to Thursday's opening night of the St. Symphorosa Family Fest, it was easy to forget that there was a great, live performance of big-band jazz going on at Normandy Park.

And almost everyone did. Only about 30 people turned out to enjoy the sounds of Roland Brown and the Merchants.

The Southwest Chicago Post was there to capture the first half hour or so of the concert.

Video highlights are posted on the Southwest Chicago Post's channel on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/SouthwestChicagoPost

If you want to see the band live, they will play from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 25 at Beverly Park, 2460 West 102nd Street. Chances are, we'll be there, too.

For details, call (312) 747-6024.

# # #

Find Treasures at St. Joe's Rummage Sale

Everyone who loves a bargain is invited to a two-day rummage sale that will be held at St. Joseph School's Centennial Hall, 5641 South 73rd Avenue, Summit. (Just a half block west of 57th and Harlem.)

Sponsored by St. Joseph Parish Ladies of the Rosary organization, the event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 20; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 21.

Admission is free to the air-conditioned hall.

“This is one of the best rummage sales in the area. In recent years we've sold everything from fur coats to jewelry to unique collectibles and everything in between,” stated Ladies of the Rosary President Dee Kountis. “With so many people donating this year, I’m sure we’ll have a wide assortment of interesting and useful items at bargain prices. We encourage everyone to get ready to shop and join us at this fun event.”

The Ladies of the Rosary members thank everyone who has donated merchandise for this year's sale and please note that they are still accepting donations from Tuesday July 17th through Thursday July 19th at the school from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m, and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Larger items, like furniture or computers, are not accepted.

All articles of clothing (excluding coats, jackets, suits and better dresses) are on sale for just 50 cents this year.

All proceeds from the rummage sale will benefit the various parish ministries supported by the Ladies of the Rosary.

For more information, call event Chairwoman Geri Paluch at (773) 586-8286.

St. Joseph Parish includes the northern section of Summit and the westernmost section of the Southwest Side's Garfield Ridge neighborhood.

# # #

St. Symphorosa Family Fest: Four Days of Rides, Games, Prizes, Music, Food, Fun...

One of the very best parish carnivals---not only on the Southwest Side but in the entire Chicago area---kicks off tomorrow (Thursday, July 12) at St. Symphorosa Church, 62nd and Austin, and runs through Sunday, July 15.

The St. Symphorosa Family Fest is an annual celebration featuring great sights, sounds, aromas and tastes for people of all ages.

Well over 200 parishioners and other friends of St Sym's are working this event as volunteers to make it a success.

Fest hours are 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.Thursday; 6:00 p.m. to midnight Friday; 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to midnight Saturday; and 1:00 to 10:00 p.m. Sunday.

As always, parking is a bit of a challenge---so walk over, jump on a bus or carpool it. But however you do it, find your way over there for real family fun!

In addition to thrilling carnival rides and fun games of chance and skill, here are some highlights to look forward to:

Food:

** Pizza from both Vince's and Villa Rosa
** Mexican food from El Patron
** Chinese food from Harmony
** Funnel cakes from Corn Shack
** Cool refreshments from Cozzi Cones
** Great selection of hot foods and desserts from The Strawberry Patch, including strawberry and chocolate ice cream sundaes, chocolate-dipped strawberries, cheesecake and bananas. They also will offer fried Oreos, Twinkies and Snickers bars.
** The St. Sym's Kitchen will offer hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, beef sandwiches, soft drinks, and Polish favorites from Joe & Frank's


Merchandise Booths:

(On Austin Avenue, just north of 62nd Street)

** Check out the great merchandise and other prizes you can win in the Family Fest Raffle.
** Chicago White Sox ticket packages, three televisions, overnight stays at luxurious hotels, a $500 electric grill, $250, $150 and $100 Visa Cards and more. Raffle tickets are $5 each (or three for $10). You can put your chances in any one of five special categories to win. Winners will be drawn at 8:00 p.m. Sunday in the Family Tent.


Grand Raffle:

Grand Raffle tickets are $20 each. Multiple prizes, including a $10,000 prize. Drawing will be held at 9:30 p.m. Sunday.



Live Entertainment:

** Thursday (7:30 p.m.): Infinity (Journey tribute band)

** Friday (8:00 p.m.): Maggie Speaks (rock/pop cover band)

          ~~ Also Friday, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., say hi to Southpaw, the Chicago White Sox mascot.

** Saturday afternoon (beginning at 1:00 p.m.) : Old-Fashioned Contests (with prizes)
         
          ~~ Biggest Bubble
          ~~ Worm Eating
          ~~ Seed Spitting
          ~~ Newest and Longest-Married Couples
          ~~ Newest Baby
          ~~ “Minute to Win It” games and more.

          Between the contests, live entertainment by St. Symphorosa School students.

          Performing at 4:00 p.m.: Darla’s Dancers

** Saturday evening (8:00 p.m.): Sixteen Candles (80's cover band)

** Sunday afternoon (1:00 p.m.) : Ainsworth Rose:/Jamaican One Man Band

** Sunday evening (6:00 p.m.): Five Guys Named Moe (classic rock)

Plus, representatives from the Animal Welfare League will be on hand from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, July 15---with pets available for adoption.

"Unlimited rides" wristbands area available for $60 each.

For Family Fest details, call the parish office at (773) 767-1523.

See you there?

# # #

Home Fireworks Display Gone Wrong

In our Southwest Chicago Post editorial of June 30, we wrote:

~ ~ ~

According to a National Fire Protection Association report, in 2010 alone, an estimated 15,500 reported fires were started by fireworks and 8,600 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms.

The report also shows that there are more fires on a typical Fourth of July than any other day of the year. Fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.

The Fireworks report outlines specific statistics regarding how the use of consumer fireworks relates to fire danger including:

• In 2010, fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires, including 1,100 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires, and 14,100 outside and other fires.
• These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in direct property damage.

~ ~ ~

Sadly but perhaps not unpredictably, a home right here on Chicago's Southwest Side---in the Scottsdale neighborhood at 7855 South Kedvale, became a statistic on Wednesday, July 4 when a home fireworks display went wrong.

The fire was called in at 9:19 p.m. According to a Chicago Fire Department spokesman, CFD Engine 15, Engine 64, Truck 31 and Truck 59 responded to extinguish the fire and check for any unexploded fireworks. Also responding were Battalion Chief 20 and an investigations car. No ambulances were requested. From what we have heard, there were no serious injuries---although there certainly could have been, had things gotten worse.

In the end, a garage burned down.

Today a large Dumpster was sitting in the driveway, filled with the charred ruins of the garage.

And here are a few minutes of the explosions and fire, captured on home video by a neighbor and posted to YouTube:





Best to leave fireworks to licensed professionals.

# # #