St. Laurence High School Earns $100,000 Prize in State Farm "Safe Driving" Initiative

St. Laurence High School students are used to their pep rallies ending on a high note, as they rise in unison to sing/shout the Viking fight song and vow to "defend the glory of the black and gold."

But that's not how they would expect to conclude an all-school assembly to observe National Teen Driver Safety Week; so the boys appeared momentarily puzzled today when the school band struck up a rousing march and cheerleaders burst into the gym.

Within a minute or so, they learned the excitement was to celebrate the announcement that St. Laurence is one of just 14 schools across the U.S. and Canada to win acclaim in State Farm's "Celebrate My Drive" initiative---a triumph that includes a check for $100,000.

The student body erupted into cheers and high fives. Virtually every student had a hand in the victory, which was achieved by casting nearly 1,800 votes in the online contest to promote safe driving.

Photo courtesy of St. Laurence High School.

"We are thankful to St. Laurence High School and everyone who came together in September to help rally communities around new drivers," said Todd Hoyt, Vice President of Agency. "Sharing these positive experiences and helping to keep them safe as they explore the road ahead builds stronger communities."







Quick video highlights:





As promised earlier, more video:

Background

State Farm is taking a different approach to teen driving safety by sharing positive driving habits and experiences---rather than some of the more traditional approaches that often scare new drivers.

Across North America on September 15, high school officials, safety advocates, local law enforcement, and government leaders joined with more than 1,400 State Farm agents and tens of thousands of teens and their parents for a celebration of this year's class of new teen drivers.

The company celebrated new drivers at more than 400 Celebrate My Drive events organized in communities large and small – making it North America's largest-ever simultaneous gathering of new teen drivers.

As part of this program, State Farm awarded 14 participating schools each a grant of $100,000. The winning schools were chosen based on an online voting process that took place during the six days leading up to September 15.

Schools will use the grants to fund key safety or other essential projects at the school.

In addition, State Farm awarded 14 teen drivers who attended one of the Celebrate My Drive events a 2013 Chevy Sonic. For more information on the initiative, visit www.celebratemydrive.com.

About State Farm®

State Farm and its affiliates are the largest provider of car insurance in the U.S. and is a leading insurer in Canada. In addition to providing auto insurance quotes, their 17,800 agents and more than 65,000 employees serve 81 million policies and accounts - more than 79 million auto, home, life and health policies in the United States and Canada, and nearly two million bank accounts. Commercial auto insurance, along with coverage for renters, business owners, boats and motorcycles, is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 43 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Garfield Ridge Residents Quiz Aldermen on New Ward Map, City Services and More

Two of the three aldermen invited to appear at Monday night's meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch showed up and fielded questions regarding Chicago's new ward map, racial/ethnic politics, delivery of city services, privatization of public education, criminal activity and more.

Twenty-third Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski and 13th Ward Alderman Marty Quinn attended. Fourteenth Ward Alderman Edward M. Burke did not.

Also fielding questions was Chicago Police Captain Dennis Walsh, representing CPD Eighth District Commander David R. McNaughton.

The Southwest Chicago Post captured video highlights of the meeting---under difficult shooting conditions (a small, crowded room with pillars in the way at times).

The next public meeting of the GRNW will occur in March. Through the winter, the group will continue to post updates on its website (garfieldridgenw.com) and patrol the community; plus, stay tuned to the Southwest Chicago Post for updates on the GRNW and other crime prevention activity in the neighborhood.

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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.

* * *

Burglars broke through the back door of a vacant storefront and then punched through drywall to get inside the adjacent Ted's Jewelers, 5334 South Archer, sometime between 8:00 and 9:30 p.m. Thursday, October 11.

Once inside, they used a blow torch in an unsuccessful attempt to open the store's safe.

The owner, a 53-year-old woman, arrived on the scene at 10:30 p.m. and told police that it appeared that nothing of value was missing.

Police said they were attempting to see if a security camera mounted in the back of a nearby dental office captured images of the crime.

* * *

A burglar alarm apparently scared off a criminal attempting to break into a home near 64th and Normandy at about 11:20 a.m. Thursday, October 11.

Police arrived on the scene within minutes. The offender had fled but had damaged the back door and broken a door window.

The victim, notified by the burglar alarm company, came home and said nothing was missing from his home.

* * *

A 26-year-old Garfield Ridge man was stabbed during a fight on the sidewalk in front of the Orion restaurant and bar, 5772 South Archer.

The incident occurred at 3:06 a.m. Sunday, October 14.

The victim and a friend---a 26-year-old Lemont man---got into an argument with five to six men who approached on foot. After some brief hollering and shoving, the victim said he heard the rear window of his car---a 2010 Nissan Maxima---being smashed.

The offenders then fled south on foot. Shortly after, the victim realized that he had been stabbed during the shoving. He was treated by CFD ambulance and transported to Christ Hospital and Medical Center.

The offenders were described as white Hispanic men in their 20s.

* * *

Burglars forced open the service door of a garage near 53rd and Linder and stole an air compressor.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 74-year-old man, at noon Saturday, October 13.

* * *

An approaching car frightened off three thugs who were attempting to rob a 50-year-old Brighton Park woman as she walked on a sidewalk near 47th and Springfield at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 12.

One grabbed her from behind, another tried unsuccessfully to grab her wallet out of her hands, and a third acted as lookout. They ran away south on Springfield when the car drove by.

The victim described one as a white Hispanic boy, 16-17 years old, short black hair and light complexion, wearing a black North Face jacket and blue jeans.There was no significant description of the others.

* * *

A 21-year-old West Elsdon man was robbed of his cell phone as he walked on a sidewalk near 53rd and Springfield at 9:54 a.m. Friday, October 12.

He told police he was approached by a thug who said "Give me your cell phone. I have a gun."

The robber was described as a white Hispanic man, 23 years old, 5'11 and 170 pounds, light complexion, shaved brown hair, wearing a gray hoodie and blue pants.

* * *

A 24-year-old West Elsdon man was robbed of his cell phone, wallet and book bag as he walked on a sidewalk near 57th and Karlov at 1:25 a.m. Saturday, October 13.

Two criminals approached on foot, brandished a gun and a knife; and after committing the robbery, they met up with two other men. The four then ran south toward 59th Street.

The victim described them as white Hispanic men ages 20-24, wearing hoodies.

* * *

Two crooks robbed a 45-year-old Scottsdale man as he walked home after shopping at a convenience store at 79th and Karlov at about 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 11.

The thugs walked up to him at 79th Place and Karlov. One pulled a small silver pistol and ordered the victim to put down his bag and empty his pockets onto the sidewalk. The victim complied. The criminals picked up his belongings and then ran south on Kedvale.

Stolen was a cell phone, wallet and $1,500 cash, the victim claimed to police.

The robbers were described as black men ages 20-24. One is 5'7 and 130 pounds; the other is 5'2 and 120 pounds.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 811 (see map above), come to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5556 South Merrimac, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 16. If you live in Beats 813 or 833, come to West Lawn Park at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 23. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

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Scottsdale Gangbanger Guilty, Sentenced To 200 Days for Beating Woman on Pulaski

A 23-year-old Scottsdale gangbanger charged with misdemeanor battery and resisting arrest in connection with the July 31 beating of a woman on a sidewalk near 84th and Pulaski, pleaded guilty today and was sentenced to 200 days in County Jail.

(July 31 incident details below.)

Frank Kiriakakis Jr.

Frank Kiriakakis Jr. admitted guilt in Cook County Circuit Court First Municipal District Branch 34, 151 West 51st Street, shortly after 2:00 p.m.

The sentence was reached in agreement with the Cook County State's Attorney's office. The maximum sentence could have been up to a year in jail.

The victim of the beating, still reportedly recovering from her injuries, was in court, accompanied by friends and relatives and supported by about a dozen men and women volunteers from the Chicago Police Department Eighth District Court Advocacy Program.

When Kiriakakis' case was called, the advocates stood up with the victim---filling the entire front row and part of the second row---directly in front of Judge Tommy Brewer. Their presence apparently made an impact on Kiriakakis, who did a double take when he first noticed them, when he was led into the courtroom in olive prisoner garb.

Since Kiriakakis has already been in custody 77 days, he will serve the remaining 123 days of his sentence--with an anticipated release in February of 2013.

Reflecting the severity of the attack, Brewer also attached a "finding of violence" to the misdemeanor crime---which typically makes early release more difficult.

Outside the courtroom afterward, the victim shed a tear of relief that the proceedings were finished and personally thanked the court advocates for their steadfastness and support.

Eighth District Court Advocacy Committee leader Barbara Ziegler, a West Lawn resident, praised the work of her fellow court advocates following the case. "The court advocates were there every step of the way, as always," she said. "These are good people, some of them former crime victims themselves, who understand the importance of standing up in court for justice and of supporting victims through the whole process."

Southwest Siders interested in learning more about possibly joining the volunteer group should read the Southwest Chicago Post profile of them.

~ ~ ~

Original story posted on August 6:

An off-duty Chicago Fire Department captain chased, tackled and subdued a 22-year-old admitted gangbanger who allegedly had just attacked a woman on a sidewalk near 84th and Pulaski at 6:18 p.m. Tuesday, July 31.

The victim, a 27-year-old Palos Hills woman, had just finished work for the day at a nearby chiropractor's office and was walking on the sidewalk. She told police she saw the alleged offender, Scottsdale resident Frank Kiriakakis Jr., walking down the street and yelling into a cell phone.



Kiriakakis reportedly punched the victim in the head, grabbed her neck with both hands and body-slammed her to the concrete. The victim later told police she does not know Kiriakakis and had no idea why he attacked her.

As the victim lay injured, Kiriakakis fled. The off-duty captain, a 52-year-old man, chased him down, tackled him and held him as others on the street called 911 and the Chicago Fire Department station at 8026 South Kedzie.

CFD staff responded to assist their comrade and care for the victim. Police arrived and arrested Kiriakakis. They said that he resisted arrest before being brought under control. Later, at the Eighth District Station, Kiriakakis claimed he was having difficulty breathing. He was transported to Holy Cross Hospital.

The victim was transported by CFD ambulance to Christ Hospital, where she was treated for severe head, neck and back pain.

Kiriakakis was charged with one misdemeanor count of battery and one misdemeanor count of  resisting/obstructing a police officer.

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Are These Curb Bumpouts Necessary?

By Tim Hadac
Managing Editor
Southwest Chicago Post


Traffic calming measures---designed to protect everyone by making motorists drive in a more civilized fashion---have been around in Chicago in one way or another for many years---almost as long as there have been cars and trucks.

But in the last decade or so, they have been popping up all over the city.

The best known are speed humps (typically found on streets) and speed bumps (typically found in alleys). But there are also traffic circles (found in the middle of intersections) and various types of curb bumpouts (which extend protection for pedestrians by funneling vehicular traffic into a more narrow path).

When placed in the right location, traffic calming devices can prevent crashes and damage to property---as well as prevent injuries and even save lives.

Placed poorly, they amount to an annoyance at best and a potential hazard at worst.

The newly installed curb bumpouts at 52nd and Luna fall into the latter category, according to Susan Donner Stacken, who lives right there. The concrete bumpouts---which essentially eliminate several parking spots on an already crowded street---are next door to the front of her house.

So she wrote to the Chicago Department of Transportation:

"I live at 52nd and Luna. The city has just installed some cement islands on the street at the corners.  I would like to know why?  This street has parking issues, and it is also a cul-de-sac; so the traffic is next to nothing to control.  Also, one side of the street has a "No Parking From Here to Corner" sign and then "No Parking/Handicap" sign.  I do not understand who approved this and for what purpose exactly?  It is going to make it a nightmare for the residents of this block. With winter fast approaching, things are going to get ugly around here very soon. The parking spaces these cement islands took up were valuable to the residents. It truly has no functioning purpose. I am requesting that these things be removed immediately!"

After seeing it for myself, I have to say I completely agree with her. If it were my block, I'd be raising hell with the city.

So I asked the Chicago Department of Transportation for an explanation. Here is what they gave me:

"CDOT's Traffic-calming program serves the need for counter-measures intended to either stop, disrupt and/or discourage vehicles from speeding or cutting through residential communities. The program addresses speeding, reckless driving, and other motorist behaviors which negatively impact the quality of life in any community.In the last few years, we have seen a considerable spike in speeding and reckless driving citywide, and it is not so unusual that additional traffic-calming tools may be requested to address the safety concerns that have arisen.  

"A single traffic-calming tool can often address concerns related to speeding and safe pedestrian crossing. Unfortunately, not all traffic problems on residential streets are resolved so easily. In this case, it was reported that pedestrians were being challenged in the crosswalk by motorists entering and exiting the dead-end block, and it was suggested that our department determine alternatives to help resolve the safety concerns. CDOT staff conducted a field evaluation and observed troublesome traffic patterns and behaviors of motorists. Street bump-outs were selected because that particular tool best serves the need of placing a canopy of protection around the vulnerable pedestrians in the roadway while minimizing their exposure to oncoming traffic when crossing the street."

The curb bumpouts, as seen from the SE corner of 52nd and Luna.

Seeking a translation, I contacted 23rd Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski. He replied, 

"The bump outs are a result of a letter I received from residents on the block, of autos driving down the block at a high rate of speed once they realize there is a cul de sac at the south end of the street. CDOT did a study at my request to deal with the problem and suggested the bump outs. I would be open to a petition to remove the cul de sac if that is what the majority of the block wants. I never liked cul de sacs. However, it would have to be approved by Alderman Burke, considering this block will now be in the 14th Ward."

CDOT also said that Alderman Zalewski requested the bumpouts. The request was received by CDOT back in March; and then later approved in May.

Zalewski did not say which residents or how many residents sent him that letter. One? Five? Ten? And he did not say if all households on the block were consulted or even notified.

Susan Donner Stacken says she wasn't consulted, and did not know about the CDOT study or the decision until after the concrete was poured.

Looking south from the southwest corner of 52nd and Luna.

Let me say this: I don't live on the block, but I can't see how cars routinely speed on a block that is already cul-de-sac'ed. And if somehow they do, wouldn't it make more sense to install a speed hump a little south of the crosswalk, so cars would have to slow down as they neared pedestrians? At least that way, you wouldn't eliminate parking spaces.

Or better yet, add and improve markings that warn motorists that Luna is cul-de-sac'ed. Currently, there is one sign on a pole that is partially obscured by a tree in the summer. Didn't CDOT see that when they came out to have a look?

What a mess.

In a time when city government is running hundreds of millions of dollars in the red, shortchanging taxpayers and jeopardizing the public safety with fewer and fewer police, cutting hours at public libraries, closing health clinics, reducing anti-gang graffiti removal services and more---they somehow find funds to pour concrete on a cul-de-sac'ed street.

Stay tuned. This isn't over...

# # #

Three Aldermen to Speak to Garfield Ridge Residents About New Ward Map's Meaning

Alderman Quinn

Chicago's new ward map and what it means for people in Garfield Ridge will be discussed at two public meetings on Monday, October 15.

Thirteenth Ward Alderman Marty Quinn will speak at a meeting of the Garfield Ridge Civic League, set to start at 6:30 p.m. in the library at Kennedy High School.

Alderman Burke

Quinn will then join 14th Ward Alderman Edward M. Burke and 23rd Ward Alderman Michael R. Zalewski at a meeting of the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch, set to start at 7:30 p.m. in the underground meeting room at Wentworth Park.

Alderman Zalewski

"In recent months, a lot of people in Garfield Ridge have had questions about the new ward map or expressed dissatisfaction with it; but it is what it is, and the important thing at this point is to make sure that the three aldermen who will represent our community work together for the good of Garfield Ridge," stated GRNW President Al Cacciottolo at a recent public meeting. "I have already seen quite a bit of evidence to suggest that's exactly what will happen, and we will be well served. But what we're doing Monday is giving the aldermen an opportunity to give us their views directly, and give Garfield Ridge residents a chance to speak with them face to face---not only about crime prevention, but about city services and community improvement in general."

# # #

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.

* * *

Burglars used a brick to smash the front door window at Supercuts, 5851 South Archer, crawled inside and stole $338 in cash from a safe box.



The crime was discovered by a manager when she arrived to open the hair salon at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9.

* * *

A 20-year-old man from Cicero was arrested and charged with misdemeanor battery in connection with an incident that occurred at 6:00 p.m. Monday, October 8 on the sidewalk near 52nd and Pulaski.

Mauricio Moran of 25th and Austin allegedly walked up behind an 18-year-old Gage Park man, grabbed him by the neck, stuck an object into his ribs and said, "If you don't give me your phone, I'm gonna shoot you."

The two struggled and fell to the sidewalk; and then the victim got up and ran into a nearby business. The offender ran south on Pulaski, and the victim pointed out Moran to police---claiming he was the attacker. Police said they did not find a weapon on Moran.

* * *

Burglars forced open the back door of a home near 64th and Laporte and stole a blue-steel revolver, a gold necklace and a pair of silver earrings.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 40-year-old woman, at 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 8 when she came home from work.

* * *

Burglars forced open the front door of a house near 56th and Kildare and stole a TV, a video game console, two watches, a cell phone and a sombrero.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 32-year-old woman, when she returned home after running errands at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 9.

* * *

A 15-year-old West Lawn boy was robbed of his cell phone on a sidewalk near 66th and Hamlin at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 7.

Three thugs approached from behind, pushed the victim against a wall, punched him in the face and went through his pockets.

One then said, "I'll smash your f~cking face in, b~tch. Turn around and keep walking." The victim complied, and the attackers yelled a gang slogan and then ran away in another direction.

The victim described the trio as white Hispanic men about 18 years old, wearing black hoodies.

* * *

A 17-year-old Chicago Lawn boy was robbed of his cell phone and book bag on a sidewalk near 65th and Karlov at 1:11 p.m. Sunday, October 7.

As he was walking, he was surrounded by four offenders, one of whom brandished a crowbar. After the robbery, they fled north on foot.

They were described as white Hispanic men about 18 years old.

* * *

A 26-year-old man was robbed at gunpoint as he walked outside his condominium near 76th and Kostner at 10:20 a.m. Wednesday, October 10.

Two crooks---one brandishing a silver pistol---robbed the victim of his cell phone and $300 cash before fleeing on foot east.

They were described as black men, 20-24 years old, 5'10 and 175-180 pounds, with black hair.

* * *

An 18-year-old Archer Heights man was robbed of his wallet and cell phone as he walked near 45th and Karlov at 4:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 10.

Two teenage thugs rode up on bicycles rode up and blocked the victim's path. They asked him if he is a tagger. When he replied that he isn't, one pulled a black-handled knife and demanded his cell phone and wallet.

The victim accidentally dropped his cell phone; and as he bent over to pick it up, one of the thugs kneed him in the face and then punched him in the head.

After taking his phone and wallet, the pair fled east to Pulaski and then south.

The victim described them as white Hispanic boys about 15-17 years old. The victim said they looked alike and thinks they may be related.

* * *

Burglars kicked in the back door of a house near 62nd Place and Hamlin and stole two laptop computers, a video game console, an iPad, a cell phone, $200 cash, two drills, a leaf blower, a miter saw and $2,600 worth of jewelry.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 46-year-old man, when he came home from work at 3:35 p.m. Wednesday, October 10.

* * *

A trio of teenage thugs robbed a 19-year-old pizza delivery driver outside a home near 48th and Springfield at 10:05 p.m. Wednesday, October 10.

Employed by the Pizza Hut at 5109 South Pulaski, the driver took two pizzas, an order of hot wings and a bottle of pop to the home. At the porch he was met by the three. As one pretended to ring the doorbell, another punched the driver in the ribs and said, "Empty your pockets and give us the pizza." A third thug pulled a knife that had been concealed in his sleeve.

They stole the food and drink, as well as the driver's cell phone and $65 cash, before fleeing.

The victim described them as white Hispanic boys ages 16-17.

Police suspect the three are the same criminals who robbed a 31-year-old Domino's pizza delivery man at the same address at 8:30 p.m. the day before.

* * *

Burglars kicked in the back door of a house near 47th and Lacrosse and stole a laptop computer, a pair of men's shoes and $1,000 cash.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 44-year-old man, when he came home from work at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 10.

* * *

Burglars forced open the back door of a home near 49th and Kedvale and stole a TV, assorted clothing and jewelry, and $1,500 cash.

The crime was discovered by the victim, a 39-year-old woman, at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 10.

* * *

Want to work directly with Chicago Police to prevent crime in your neighborhood? If you live in Beat 811 (see map above), come to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, 5556 South Merrimac, at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 16. If you live in Beats 813 or 833, come to West Lawn Park at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 23. Hear updates on crime in your neighborhood and learn how you can work with neighbors and police to make the community safer and better for all.

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