Ward News / Noticias del Distrito

 District Block Clubs Conventions in the 12th Ward

CAPS has scheduled Block Club Conventions for District 009 on

August 30th ,11:00a.m.-1:00p.m. at McKinely Park (2210 W. Pershing) and for District 010 on July 12th at 9:30-11:30am at Douglas Park (1401 S. Sacramento). For all residents interested in block clubs, either exisiting or potential this a great chance to assemble your club and attend these conventions.

12th Ward and Water Department working on new project

Alderman Cardenas wants to inform the community of infrastructure improvements that will be taken place over the next few months. The Alderman also wants to let you know that the 12th Ward Office is well aware of these improvements and will be paying close attention to them and working closely with the Water Department, and you, the resident, to make sure the projects run quickly and efficiently. Specifically, a new water main will be installed on W. 43rd St. from South Rockwell to South Western Boulevard.  These neighborhood improvements are necessary and help keep the 12th Ward modern and running smoothly.   Please feel free to contact our office at any time for questions or concerns regarding these improvements.

City of Chicago Treasurer to hold Small Business Expo

City Treasurer's Office will be holding a Small Business Expo on Friday, August 1st, 2008 at the New UIC Forum located at 725 West Roosevelt Road. The Expo provides a unique and exiciting opportunity to connect each particpant to lender and government agencies. In addition, workshops are offered to assist in planning, marketing and financing a small business. Every year the City Treasurer focuses on a distinctive theme and our theme for this year is franchise enterprise. We will have workshops that explore the opportunities and challenges that come with being a franchisee. Workshops will also be offered in Spanish. More information can be found on the City Treasurer's website.  

 Paying your City of Chicago Water Bill

The City of Chicago Department of Water Management would like the residents of Chicago to know that they are understanding of the current tough economic times, but these tough times have brought on a rise in deliquent and unpaid water bills. That being said the Department of Water Management is willing to work with any and all residents to help facilitate the on time payment of their bill in order to avoid any interruption in service.  Below is a list of places in which you can pay your water bill and if you go to the city of Chicago Water Management website you will be able to find ways in which to lower your water bill. 

Help our city go green by picking up your CFL bulbs today

The 2008 Smart Bulb Program in partnership with the 12th Ward Public Service Office is offering CFL Lightblubs (maximum of 4 bulbs per household) for households in the 12th Ward. By using a compact fluorescent lightbulb, you can elminate 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the life of the bulb and also save money on your next light bill. In order to recieve the bulbs come into the 12th Ward Public Service Office located on 2458 W. 38th St., sign the Take 5 Pledge and recieve up to 4 lightbulbs for your household.

1000 Healthy Kids & Families Campaign  

On Saturday, June 21^st, a large group of community partners and Resurrection Health Care will participate in an effort to enroll 1,000 children in the Illinois All Kids health insurance program. Hundreds of volunteers will be stationed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at enrollment locations throughout the Chicago area to assist state-certified agents in helping families apply for All Kids insurance coverage as part of the 1000 Healthy Kids and Families Campaign.  This campaign is the beginning of a long-term effort to try to eliminate the plight of uninsured children in Illinois.

In Illinois, every child is eligible for some form of public health insurance. However, an estimated 376,000 Illinois children still are not enrolled in All Kids and therefore have only limited access to quality health care.  If approximately 1,000 children were enrolled in the All Kids program every day, all children in Illinois would have health care coverage in one year.

The 1,000 Healthy Kids & Families Campaign aims to galvanize health care providers, churches and community organizations around the state to advocate for long-term solutions to the health care coverage crisis and to continue enrolling eligible children and families into public health programs. Below is a link to find out more information and also the locations in which children can be enrollment.

http://www.1000healthykids.org/programs/healthy_kids_campaign.cfm

Above are a list of the types of city stickers and thier prices, if you are unable to read these prices or have further questions please follow the link to the City Clerk webpage

  Museums this Summer!

*See Chicago's sites for FREE this summer!*

The following museums are offering free admission to their campuses on the  dates listed below:

                *Adler Planetarium*

*http://www.adlerplanetarium.org

Free Admission: June 15-20

*Art Institute of Chicago*

Target Free Summer Evenings: Thursdays and Fridays from 5:00-9:00 p.m.

(From Memorial Day to Labor Day)

*Chicago** Children's Museum

*http://www.chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Kraft Free Family Night: Thursdays 5:00-8:00 p.m. (Free Admission for

Everyone)

Target Free First Mondays: First Monday of every month: Free admission only

for ages 15 and under.

**

*Museum** of Contemporary** Art

*http://www.mcachicago.org

Free Admission: Tuesdays

*Museum** of Science** and Industry *

Free Admission: June 17-22

*Shedd Aquarium*

*http://www.sheddaquarium.org

Free Admission: June 15-20

*Please note that parking and special attractions may require additional

fees. *The Office of Student Involvement is not responsible for any changes

in the museum schedules. Please check the websites above to plan your

visits.

  National LULAC Health Commission Hearing and Health Fair

Sunday, June 8, 2008

10 A.M.-3 P.M.

2200 S. Marshall Boulevard

(Corner of Marshall Boulevard and Cermak Road)

Free Screenings for Diabetes, Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure, Asthma and much more!

Take on journey on the Artery Explorer!

The Artery Explorer is a multi-sensory motion simulator that takes people on a virtual tour of the arteries and illustrates the importance of vascular health.

Sponsored by:AstraZeneca  

5th Annual Bike the Boulevard 

This is the fifth year the Alderman Cardenas has held the Bike the Boulevard and each year it continues to get bigger and better! Alderman Cardenas is calling on the 12th Ward to come out and bike. Can't bike? Not a problem, we will be having refreshments, food, and goodies as well as representatives from City agencies and other useful companies in attendance.  And the best part of all, bring in your registration form to be entered into a raffle in which we are raffling off over 30 bikes! After this long winter, we all want to get out and enjoy the city's summer events. So come out and bike, or just come out and talk with your neighbors. Either way will see you at the Home Depot and Remember A Family that Pedals Together, Stays Together! 

Hispanic Heritage Organization is hosting the annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest

THe Hispanic Heritage Organization is hosting the annual Hispanic Heritage 2008 Essay Contest. The Hispanic Heritage Organization, founded in 1994 to enhance education and cutural awareness for Hispanic and non-Hispanics each year celebrates Hispanic Heritage month (September 15th through October 15th) by hosting a variety of events.

This year's essay topic is "How I would develop a plan for immigration." Essays may be written in English and Spanish. The contest is to open all students in the State of Illinois from grades 4 through 12th and college and adult education students. 17 winners will be selected. Entries must be submitted on or before Monday, June 30, 2008. Winners will be announced on Friday, September 5, 2008 during the Opening Ceremony at the Palmer House Hilton, Chicago. For information or an entry form please call (312) 819-1502 or to download a copy click below.

Chicago Public Schools Announces Capital Budget Hearings

The Department of Operations will begin the planning process for the construction and renovation of CPS schools over the next year, in preparation for the 2009 Capital Improvement Program. CPS encourages the students, staff, public officials and citizens of Chicago to attend one of the six public hearings to submit any comments as input into the planning process. The regional hearings are not limited to question concerning schools within that particular region. Each hearing will be open to all capital questions pertaining to any of the Chicago Public Schools. Public hearing sites are accessible for people with disabilities. Sign language interpreters will be present. Listed below are the locations and times of the hearings.

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Walter Payton College Prep H.S.

1034 N. Wells Street

Region 3

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Andrew Jackson Language Academy

1340 W. Harrison Street

Region 4

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Pershing West Middle

3200 South Calumet

Region 6

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Morgan Park H.S.

1744 W. Pryor Avenue

Registration is from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

AT EACH LOCATION

Hearings will begin at 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 p.m

 City Treasurer invites constituents to take advantage of services and programs

City Treasurer Stephanie D. Neely would like to invite citizens of the 12th Ward and the City of Chicago to take advantage of services and programs that they have available. On August 1st, 2008 the Treasurers' Office will hold a Small Business Expo at UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt). The goal of the Small Business Expo is to provide technical assistance to current and provide technical assistance to current and prospective small business owners through a range of FREE workshops  and networking opportunities. The exhibitors will be lenders and government agencies that can assist individuals on planning and marketing their new or small existing businesses. For additional information, call 312-744-3365 or follow the link to the Tresurer's website

Come Out and Play! Chicago Park District offers Summer Day Camps 

The Chicago Park District has began registering for their Summer Day Camps. Online registration began on  April 16th and you can register at all park locations begining  April 21st. The Chicago Park District provides each of their camp participants with lunches and/or snacks. For more information please visit their website at http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/, or call 312-742-PLAY.

            12TH WARD FORUM ON EDUCATION

• KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE

• WAYS TO FACILITATE A NEW COMMUNITY SCHOOL

• DEVELOPING PROGRAMS TO FACILIATE BOTH BILINGUAL AND SPANISH SPEAKING STUDENTS

The forum will be held at:

McKinley Park Elementary School

2744 W. Pershing Road

April 21^st at 6:00 p.m.

The forum will cover various educational issues in order to develop programs and a community school that addresses the needs of 12^th Ward. We seek to unite parents, students and friends to discuss the issues that are important to us as residents of the 12^th Ward. Please join us and help our community move in the right direction together.

Come Out and Discuss!

Alderman Cardenas a guest on Comcast Newsmakers

Alderman Cardenas was a recent guest on Comcast Newsmakers which will air on CNN Headline News during the week of Monday, April 28th, 2008 through Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 5 minutes before the hour (:55) each day the segment will air several times. Tune in!

The Chicago Public Library Presents Money Smart Week April 21-26

Money Smary Week is a series of Financial Literacy Programs in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The Money Smart Week program designed to make the journey to home buying less confusing by providing you with a step-by-step approach to home ownership. Registration is not required, and all events are open to the public and are available in both English and Spanish. The Harris Bank Home Buyers Workshop will be held Monday, April 21st at 6:00 p.m at the Back of the Yards Branch Library located at 4650 South Damen Avenue.

  City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Unveils Different Color "No Parking Signs"

TEMPORARY STREET SWEEPING SIGNS TO BE COLOR CODED Monday -Blue, Tuesday -Red, Wednesday-Yellow, Thursday -Green, Friday -Orange Beginning April 1st the Chicago Department of Streets & Sanitation will take a new, higher visibility approach to posting temporary no parking signs for street sweeping on residential streets. Rather than putting up the familiar orange temporary no parking signs to caution motorists not to park on that side of the street when street sweeping will take place, the new temporary signs will have a similar look but will now be color coded for the day of the week that sweeping will take place. Monday will be Blue, Tuesday will be Red, Wednesday will be Yellow, Thursday will be Green and Friday will be the familiar Orange Sign. This will make our signs easier to see and will cut down on confusion over the day in question. Since we already have our residential sweeping schedules posted online, these signs will act as a final required reminder not to park at that site when we plan to sweep.

To view these schedules and our new signs, or for additional information, visit our homepage at www.cityofchicago.org/streetsandsan .

12th Ward Alderman George Cardenas - Residential and City Sticker Sales

The Chicago Vehicle Sticker sales season is just around the corner. The office of the City Clerk Miguel Devalle and Alderman George Cardenas are joining together to make it more convenient for you to purchase your city sticker.

12th Ward Public Service Office

2458 W. 38th Street  

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

9:00 am-5:00 pm

For more information on the sticker event please contact our office at:

Location: 12th Ward Public Service Office

              2458 W. 38th Street  

              Phone: 773-523-8250

              Fax: 773-823-8440 Fax:

              Web: http://www.12thwardnews.com/

Smaller Passenger (P) under 4,500 Ibs......................$ 75.00

Larger Passenger (LP) 4,500 Ibs or more.................. $120.00

Senior (S) (65 and over)..........................................$ 30.00

For more information

Click on the link listed below

http://www.chicityclerk.com/licenses/2008%20Price%20Chart.pdf

Join Alderman George Cardenas and The Department of the Streets and Sanitation For the Annual Clean and Green

Let's join together to clean our neighborhood !!!! We'll meet at the Ward Yard  and distribute  Brooms, Rakes, and Shovels for the day activities!!

              When: Saturday, May 17, 2008

              Time: 9:00 am

              Meet at : 12th Ward Yard

              3559 S. Maplewood Avenue

For More Infomation Call the 12th Ward Public Service Office at 773-523-8250

Affordable Neighborhoods Expo

Mayor Richard M. Daley, 12th Ward Alderman George A. Cardenas, and The Chicago Department of Housing Present the 2008 Affordable Neighborhoods Expo:

Intrested in Buying a Home in Chicago ?

Learn How the City of Chicago Can Help !

Want to Know How Can You Prevent Forclosurer?

• Meet with Realtors, lenders, contractors and more
• Discover City-sponcored mortgages and home repair loan
• Forclosure prevention services and financial counseling

Saturday, April 26 - 10am - 2pm

Southwest Region Expo

Maria Saucedo Academy, 2850 W. 24th Blvd.

(Enter the Parking lot on 23rd Pl.)

Expo Is Free of Charge

Weatherization kits will be provided

to attendees while supplies last

For more Information

Call 311 or visit www.cityof chicago.org/housing

 The City of Chicago - Opening the Affordable Living

New Red Light Enforcement Cameras Installed in the 12th Ward

The Red Light Enforcement Program has been shown to reduce accidents and red light violations at intersections equipped with the cameras, making motorists and pederstrians measurably safer. Cameras are scheduled to be installed at the following intersections:

• Western Blvd and Pershing Rd
• California Ave and 35th St
• Kedzie Ave and 31st  

Cook County Board of Review reopens property tax appeal process

With some Chicago homeowners recieving higher property tax bills then last fall, Mayor Daley has asked that the Cook County Board of Review reopen the appeals process. The Cook County Board of Review has agreed and will hold a special appeals period from March 17,2008 and March 31,2008. During this period property owners can file an appeal by contacting the Board of Review directly at:

Cook County Board of Review

County Building, Room 601

118 North Clark Street

Chicago, Illinois 60602

(312) 603-5542

http://www.cookcountyboardofreview.com/

In addition to the Cook County Board of Review, the Chicago Tax Assistance Center (CTAC) staff are avaiable at the address below between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday to provide assistance filling out the appeals forms:

The Chicago Tax Assistance Center

City Hall, Room 100

121 North LaSalle Street

Chicago, Illinois 60602

(312)744-1000

Join the Chicago Department of Consumer Services for Nation Consumer Protection Week-March 4-7

The Chicago Department of Consumer Services will have an informational booth setup on the 1st Floor Lobby of City Hall from 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. on March 4th to 7th. During this week the Department of Consumer Services will be informing the public on ways to Prepare, Prevent, and Protect againist consumer fraud. Some of the main topics will include learning how to avoid: home repair fraud, mortgage fraud, indentity theft, immigration theft, and internet fraud. For more information, visit their website at www.cityofchicago.org/consumerservices or call 311.

Chicago Botanic Garden announces 4th annual Job Fair

On Tuesday, March 18th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Chicago Botanic Garden will hold its 4th annual Job Fair. This year, there will be over 170 seasonal openings that last anywhere from 4-8 months. The Chicago Botanic Garden invites you to stop by and learn about their career opportunities as well as their spring/ summer seasonal positions. For more information please visit the Chicago Botanic Garden website at ww.chicagobotanic.org/jobs. Resumes can be e-mailed to employment@chicagobotanic.org.

Alderman Cardenas and the 12th Ward Endorses Clinton for President, other candidates

CHICAGO, IL - On Monday, January 28, 2008 Alderman Cardenas (12th Ward) announced that he would be endorsing Hillary Clinton as Democratic Nominee for the Primary Elections taking place Tuesday, February 5th. Cardenas sited among many reasons for his endorsement, that Clinton gives the Democratic Party the best chance in the Presidential Elections. "She is ready to lead our country now; she has the necessary experience to bring some stability to our economy, the experience to implement immediate economic measures in the short and long term." What has taken place in other parts of the country has not determined a clear frontrunner in the Democratic Party. Alderman Cardenas would like to encourage everyone to come out and voice their choice for a presidential candidate. "We need to realize that the decision is a very important one, it is our civic responsibility "said Cardenas.

At the local level, Alderman Cardenas is supporting Dick Durbin for U.S Senator, Edward Acevedo for State Representative, 1st District, Tony Munoz for 12th Ward Committeeman, Anita Alvarez for State's Attorney, Dorothy Brown for Clerk of the Circuit Court, Joseph Berrios for Cook County Board of Review, Anne M. Burke for Supreme Court Justice, and Jesse Reyes for Judge of the Circuit Court.

"Please join me in supporting these candidates next Tuesday" Alderman Cardenas.

12th Ward Official Voting Places (February 5,2008)

Precinct#

1. Spry School - Basment Hall - 2400 Marshall Blvd

2. Burroughs School-Rm 002-006 -3542 S. Washtenaw Ave

3. National Guard - Exile Hall- 2417 W. 43 St

4. *Immaculate Conception Church - 4400 S. Fairfield Ave

5. Shield School - Basement - 4250 S. Rockwell  St

6. Los Comales Rest-West Dining R- 3141 W. 26 St

7. Hammond School - Auditorium - 2819 W. 21 PL

8. Everett School - Hallway- 3419 S. Bell Ave

9. Back of the Yard - BR LI -Meeting- 4650 S. Damen Ave

10. *Immaculate Conception Church - 4400 S. Fairfield Av

11. Evangelist Christian - 3401 W 38th Street

12. Davis School Annex- Multi Purpose R-3050 W. 39 PL

13. Chicago Ward Yard -Meeting Rm-3559 S. Maplewood Av

14. *National Guard - Exile Hall- 2417 W. 43 St

15. Los Dos Laredos Rest - Dining Rm - 3120 W. 26 St

16. Davis Square Park -Learning Center- 4430 S. Marshfield

17. Senior Suites of New City -Dining- 4845 S. Western Bv

18. Washtenaw Park - Field House- 2521 S. Washtenaw Av

19. National Guard - Exile Hall- 2417 W. 43 St

20. Not Assigned Yet

21. *Balzekas Chrysler Plymouth - East - 4030 S. Archer 

22. General Boys/Girls Club - Ba- 2950 W. 25th St

23. Grace Community Church- Classroom 4155 S. Rockwell

24. *Balzekas Chrysler Plymouth - East- 4030 S. Archer 

[(*) Dual Polling Places]

Chicago Early Voting Polling Place Locations

Date: January 14 - 31, 2008

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday - Board of Election Commissioners Office ONLY

9 - Noon (No Ward Locations are open on Sunday)

Fechas: Enero 14 - 31, 2008

Horas: Lunes a Sabados  9 a.m. a 5p.m.

Domingo - SOLAMENTE en la Oficina  de la Junta de Elecciones de 9 a.m. hasta mediodia ( Ningun lugar de Districtos estara abierto los Demingos)

12th Ward - Back of the Yard Library  4650 S. Damen Ave

11th Ward - Mc Kinley Park                2210 W. Pershing Rd

14th Ward-  Archer Heights Library    5055 S. Archer Ave

22th Ward-  Piotrowski Park               4247 W. 31st St

25th Ward-  Chinatown Library           2353 S. Wentworth Av

Board of Election Commissioner 69 W. Washington Street

 Question? 312-269-7900   TTY 312-269-0027 

http://www.chicagoelections.com/

Cook County Board of Review
Appeals Period Open for South Chicago Township 

The Cook County Board of Review has currently opened the appeal process for South Chicago Township all property owners in this township are urged to file their appeals. The appeal period runs from January 7 - February 11, 2008. Should you have any questions please contact us. 

In order to assist homeowners in township of South Chicago, Alderman Cardenas along with Commissioner Joseph Berrios, Cook County Board of Review have put together a Property Assessment Appeals workshop. This workshop will provide details on the appeals process. Cook County will be present to assist in filling out appeals forms. The event will be taking place Thursday, January 24, 2008 at Our Lady of Fatima, 3845 S. California Av. from 6:00 - 8:00pm.

12th Ward
5th Annual Christmas Santa Shop

  When: Thursday, December 20, 2007

Where; Lady of Fatima Church

3845 S. California Avenue

Time: 3:00 - 7:00 PM

Come out and get your free picture taken with Santa Claus and Enjoy the holidays spirit with your fellow 12th Ward Neighbors.

Gift will be given for children ages 12 and under. Children

must be present with parents.

• Must be a 12th Ward Resident
• Must bring a proof of address with photo ID
• Must verify the children's identity (Medical Card, Birth Certificate, Insurance Card, School ID)

No Exceptions

Question? Please call the 12th Ward Public Service Office at

773-523-8250

Illinois Housing Development Authority,Homeowner Outreach Day.  

The Illinois Housing Developement Authority is bringing mortgage loan providers, local housing assistance groups and state agencies together in one place to help homeowners who are struggling to pay their mortgages.

homeowners will set up one-on-one meetings with lender and then have opportunities to attend workshops of their chioce. These 30- minute workshops will include :

• What to do when mortgage is Too Expensive
• How forclosure Works and What You Can Do 
• One-on-One Sessions With Lenders.
• Barrower Beware: How to Refinance

Chicago - Southside: Tues, December 4th, 2007  3-7pm

Chicago - Northside: Sat, December  8th, 2007 9-2 pm 

For more information visit

www.ihda.com

Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Chicago Department of Water Management's would like to invite you to the Prime and Subcontractors Networking Session.

CDOT and DWM is providing a  forum for prime contractors to meet some of the many MBE and WBE companies doing business  in the Chicago area. In this one-on-one setting. participants can also learn more about each other -- contracting needed services offered, areas of expertise, and the like. You can also learn more about city contracting opportunities in the coming year for CDOT and DWM projects.

CDOT and DWM are confident this session will build on the success of past city outreach efforts, including  CDOT - sponsored  networking session held last year. Chicago has strong track record of promoting minority - and woman- owned businesses, and we are committed to doing even more. CDOT and DWM hope you'll be able to attend this important event. 

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

10 a.m. - noon

South Shore Cultural Center

7059 S. South Shore Drive, Chicago

• Learn more about bid packages
• meet potential general contractors
• Learn more about subcontractoring opportunities 

Concrete  Asphalt  Water/Sewer  Landscaping  Electrical

Architectural   Earthwork

For more information: call CDOT at 312-744-3600 or Email cdotnews@cityofchicago.org

O'Hare ModernizationProgram

City of Chicago Constuction And Aviation Industry Job Fair

Alderman George Cardenas would like to notify the 12th ward residents, to get the first opportunity to apply and attend this job fair for  O'Hare Modernization Program (OMP) and the Chicago Department of Aviation (DOA) will co-sponsor a City of Chicago Constuction and Aviation Industry Job Fair on

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

8:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center

5555 N. River Road, Rosemont,IL  

The City of Chicago Constuction And Aviation Industry Job Fair is an  Opportunity for job Seekers to meet  with firm currently providing Services to O'Hare, Midway or on the OMP in variety Of Professions. Last year, more than 650 job seekers were on hand to meet with over 50 companies companies, city department and trade associations. We anticipate an even greater turnout this year.

Additionally, representatives from the Chicago Department of Human Resources will be atending to assist job seekers interested in applying for Positions with the City of Chicago.

For More Information Contact Cathy Kwiatkowski OMP Coordinator of Special Projects at 773-462-7320

Simplicity Cribs Recalled Due To Failures Resulting in infant Deaths

Alderman George Cardenas would like to inform the Parent, if you curently own one of these following crib for your Children, listed below. Please contact Simplicity Inc. toll free at (888) 593-9274 or login to http://www.simplicityforchildren.com/.

The recalled Simplicity Crib models include: Aspen 3 in 1 , Aspen 4 in 1. the recall also involves the following Simplicity Cribs that used theGraco logo : Aspen 3 in1, Ultra 3 in 1, Ultra 4 in 1, Ultra 5 in 1, Whitney and Trio. The recalled crib have one of the following model numbers, which can be found on the envelope attached to the matttress support and the label attached to the head board: 4600, 4605, 4705, 5000, 8000, 8324, 8800, 8740, 8910, 8994, 8050, 8750, 8760 and 8996.

Prevent a risk of foreclosure

The Department of housing has been working Closely with Neighborhood Housing Services and lenders on our HomeOwnership Prevention Intiative (HOPI) to assist homeowner at risk of foreclosure.

The HOPI program has has helped save more than 1500 homes from foreclosure since 2003, while offering Counseling to more than 5,500 families. Unfortunately, not all homeowners who are having trouble paying their mortgage contact  their lender or seek help.

In an effort to reach out to these homeowners and assist them, the City of Chicago and the City Tresurer's Office are conducting a series of Borrower Outreach Days at Chicago Park District facilities in and around communites that have been hardest hit by foreclosures.

The goal of these Barrower Outreach Days is to connect Chicago residents with resources designed to help prevent the foreclosure of their home. Services will include loadn work-out sessions with lenders and counseling agencies; access to free legal assistance on foreclosure issues: information about mortgage refinance options and information about the City's financial literacy programs.

The date for Borrower Outreach Days are as follows:

Saturday, October 20.2007- 9:00a.m. to 2:00pm

Marquette Park Field House, 6734 S.Kedzie Avenue

Saturday, December 1, 2007 - 9:00 a.m. to 2:00pm

Humboldt Park Field House, 1400 N. Scramento Boulevard

Thursday, January 10, 2008 - 3:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.

Tuley Park Field House, 501 E. 90th Pl

Department of Aviation Residential Sound Insulation ( Contractor Open House on Opportunitie to bid )   

Alderman A. George Cardenas would like to imform small business owner and City of Chicago certified M/W/DBE/ACDBE firm on contracting opportunities with the Chicago Airport System.

Anticipated Annual Purchase & Installation :

30,000 + Window, 115,000 + Window Trim, 6,800 + Prime & Storm Doors, 200 + A/C Systems.

Trades Involved In Residential Sound Insulation:

Carpenters, Electricians, Sheet Metal Workers, Laborers, Drywall Installers, Tapers, Painters.

Annual Contracts:

The City of Chicago annually will be advertising for bids on 300-500 home unit price contacts for the folllowing work.

• Midway- 1,000 homes
• Ohare - 500- 1,000 homes

When:

10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. Thursday, October 4th, 2007

Where :

Aviation Administration Building, Blue Landings Break Room, 2nd Floor, 10510 West Zemke Road, Chicago IL 60666.

CTA Fare Changes And Bus Route Eliminations, Due to Insufficient State Funding. (Effective on September 16)

TYPES

Cash - No Transfer $2.50 (Bus)

           NO Transfer $3.00 (Rail)

Matell Toy Recall list 

Alderman George A. Cardenas Would like Parent to be aware, if your children own any of these toy listed below. To find out more detail , you may click on any of the hyperlink listed below.

9/4/2007

• GeoTrax^TM Engine (2 products)
• Barbie® Accessory Sets (7 products)
• It's a Big Big World^TM (1 product)

8/14/2007

• "CARS" Sarge Character (2 products)

8/1/ 2007

• Fisher-Price (multiple products)

8/14/2007

• Polly Pocket^TM Play Sets (multiple products)
• Batman^TM Magna Play Sets (4 products)
• Barbie® and Tanner^TM Accessory (1 product)
• Doggie Daycare^TM Play Sets (multiple products)
• Shonen Jump's One Piece^TM (1 product)

CDOT New Street Improvement Project

Beginning the week of Aug 27th, construction crew will start work on a  CDOT WPA Improvement Project On Whipple Street From 27th Street to 28th Street and 28th Street from Whipple Street to Sacramento Avenue. Street under Construction are closed to all traffic except emegency vehicles for a period of approximately thirty calendar days. Property owner are not assessed for these improvements.

TRAFFIC IMPACTS

• During construction, Parking and Lane Reductions will occur.
• Temporary " No Parking " Signs will let you know when to move your Vehicle.
• The Street will be fully reopened upon substanitial completion; however, additional parking restrictions may occur.

OVERRALL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Full reconstruction of the roadway pavement consisting of six inches stone su- base, seven- inches concrete base course and three- inch asphalt overlay
• The installation of new curb and ADA accessibility ramps.
• The adjustment of existing  and the installation of new storm water catch basins to improve drainage.
• The removal and replacement of existing drivewayaprons, alley returns and courtesy and carriage walk.
• The installation of new residential street lighting.
• All Parkways are regraded and sodded. Trees are planted at locations recommended by the City's Department of Streets and Sanitation/Bureau of Forestry.

Alderman George Cardenas and other local dignitaries join in Fifth Third Bank celebrating the grand opening of the McKinley Park Branch

On Friday, August 17th marked a symbolic day for both the McKinley and Brighton Park communities as the ribbon cutting of the new McKinley Branch Bank took place signaling the official opening of the McKinley Park Branch. The arrival of Fifth Third Bank is just one more sign that this area is developing and best of all is providing financial options to all the residents in the community. Fifth Third is definitely a welcomed addtition! 

The Firth Third Bank McKinley Park Financial Center is located on 1950 W 33rd Damen (corner of Damen and 33rd Street). This brand new full-service facility is equipped with ample parking, a three lane drive thru, and a team of bilingual professionals that are fluent in Spanish and Cantonese. Services include everything from checking/savings, mortgages/loans, investments, and safety deposit boxes.

El centro bancario de Fifth Third Bank en McKinley Park esta ubicado en el 1950 W 33rd St (en la esquina de la calle 33 y Damen). Esta nueva sucursal cuenta con un amplio estacionamiento, un drive thru, y un equipo de profesionales bilingues. Los servicios incluyen todo, desde cuentas de cheques/ahorros, hipotecas, prestamos personales/auto, inversiones, y cajas de seguridad.

Boat Launch in Brighton Park 

This boat lauch facility named Park No. 530 is currently under construcion at 3100 S. Western Avenue. This boat launch is the first such facility to be constructed on the Chicago River. This project is being underaken by the Chicago Park District in a land lease agreement withe the Metropolitian Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. The facility will include a concrete boat ramp, a floating dock, asphalt parking lot and landscaping.  The project is currenlty under construction and is due to be completed in late November. For more information please contact the 12th Ward Public Service Office  

Alderman George Cardenas to Appear on CAN TV's "Political Forum"

 Alderman George Cardenas of the 12^th ward will appear on CAN TV's live call-in "Politcal Forum" program Wednesday, August 1, 2007 from 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. on cable channel CAN TV21  in Chicago. Community residents are encouraged to call in during the show with their question or comments. "Political  Forum" is produced as a community service of CAN TV. CAN TV21 reaches 400,000 cabled homes or million potential viewers in Chicago.

CAN TV Provide coverage of events relevant to the local community and gives every Chicagoan a voice on cable television by providing video training, facilities, equipment

and channel time for Chicago residents and nonprofit groups, CAN TV's five local, noncommercial cable channels CAN TV19,21,27,36 and 42 reach more than a million viewers in the city of Chicago. For more information call (312)738-1400 or log on http://www.cantv.org/

Chicago Public Schools In Ward Have Been Improved

Alderman George would like to share the great news to our residents, reguarding the schools in the ward have done an excellent job on the standardized tests!  Citywide over two-thirds of public schools improved this year. Last year, over 95% improved and over the past 6 years the system as a whole has come a long way towards closing the achievement gap with the State of Illinois.  Local schools test results below:

Chicago Low-Priced Gas Station In our Nieghborhood

Alderman Cardenas and the City Of Chicago would like to intorduce you to the new Low-Priced Gas Hotline : (312) 742-4GAS or log on to the web site  www.cityofchicago.org/consumerservices

• Enter your zip code or the zone to find the lowest priced gas station.
• Recived the result of the gas station s offering the lowest prices in your zone reported by consumers.

Chicago of Public Health (CareVan) to visit

Alderman Cardenas would like to inform our resident regarding to the July 2007 schedule for the Chicago CareVan. The CareVan is a joint venture of the Chicago Department of Health and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to bring immunization services directly to schools, Head start and Child Care centers, and community events. The hours of operation may vary daily, so check the schedule to confirm hour of service. The CareVan services are are available to any child who is in need of immunizations. Please note that families seeking immunization services may be referred to any of the locations listed on the schedule.

To see these days of event in our ward, you may click on the calendar of our site.

For more information you may also call (312)746-6122

Traffic Signal Modernization

Alderman Cardenas would like to inform you that a Traffic Modernization project , made available to our ward through the Federal Highway Administration funds, which will take place in our ward at the following location(s).

Damen Avenue and 47^th Street (currently in construction)

                     Kedzie Avenue and 25^th Street

Contruction is schedule to begin Summer/Fall 2007. Please be aware that during construction, an interruption in normal traffic flow may occur at the above mention location(s). However two- way traffic will be maintained at all times.

What is it ?

• Replacement of older obsolete traffic signal by way of reconstruction.
• Replacement of older 8 inch diameter traffic signals with new 12 inch diameter lenses.
• Installation of traffic signal heads on overhead mast arms.
• Installation of improved signal phasing and timing.
• Installation of light - emitting diodes (LED's) in place of incandescent Bulbs.

Benefit

• Newer equipment is more reliable/
• Improved traffic signals with larger diameter lenses are brighter and provide increased visibility.
• Relocation of traffic signal heads onto overhead mast arms put signal indications directly in front of the driver and driver line of sight.
• Signal timing and phasing can provide for turn arrow movements and "all red" clearance intervals between conflicting movement of traffic.
• ADA compliant sidewalk ramps.

Results

• Lower crashing rate .

Illinois Department Of Labor Passes New Minimum Wage Increse

Alderman Cardenas would like to inform you that the General Assembly passed and Governor Blagojevich signed into law SB1268 (Public Act 941072) which increases the state minimum wage from $6.50/ hour to $7.50 /hour effective July 1, 2007. The minumum wage will increase by an additional .25 in each of the following three years to $7.75 on July 1, 2008; $8.00 on July 1, 2009: $8.25 on July 1, 2010.

South Claremont & West 23rd Place Water Main Improvement.

Alderman George Cardenas is pleased to inform you of new Water Main
projects in the 12th ward. The water main construction will be held at area of South Claremont Avenue - West Bross Avenue to West 35th street and West 23rd Place - South California to South Marshall Boulevard. These water main improvements will increase the water availability of fire protection and domestic use. Which will benefit our safety to have a better and secure neighborhood.

The Claremont Avenue - West Bross Avenue to West 35th street - The construction will commence late July 2007 with the completion of the water main projected for late October 2007 and restoration for late November2007. The Department of Water Management, will be installing 1,525 feet of 8 inches water main with a complete service connection.

West 23rd Place - South Marshall Boulevard to South California Avenue - The construction commence in July 2007 with completion of the water main projected for late August 2007 and restoration for late September 2007. The Department of Water Management, will be installing 876 feet of 8 inches water main with a complete service connection.

Alderman Cardenas announces securing funds for new park in Little Village community

Brighton Park to Get $2 Million Dollar Water Main Improvement

When complete the project will benefit the area bounded from 39th Street (Pershing Rd.) on the south, 36th Street on the north, Rockwell Street on the east and Albany Avenue on the west. This area will provide better drainage and the reduced risk of flooding.  The project is just one of the many improvements that Alderman George Cardenas has fought to bring into his community. “After talking to Water Management officials we identified that this water main needed to be replace. The infrastructure in this city and in this community needs to be updated, especially when you realized that the last time this water main was improved was 1889” said Cardenas.

4th Annual Senior & Community Service Fair A Total Success

“When we received the news about Peoples Gas & ComEd raising their prices we had to take a proactive approach in providing seniors with the necessary health services” Alderman George Cardenas said.  Organizations that participated in this years event included State and City agencies with one purpose in mind, ensure that the residents of the 12th ward have access to the many different programs and assistance provided by these agencies. “We are prepared to assist our residents with all their needs for the up coming winter season”, Cardenas said.

Boulevard Beautification Program 

Alderman Cardenas teams up with Assessors’ Office for Property Tax Assessment Workshop

Alderman George Cardenas Secures $30,000 in Scholarships for first Graduating Class of Community Links High School.

Alderman George Cardenas secures $10,000 to help fund adult education school at Immaculate Conception Church

Alderman George A. Cardenas Launches 12th Ward Youth Initiative

Alderman’s Cardenas philosophy is, “OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE and only by working together as a Community can we improve our way of life in our Communities”.
The Alderman’s goal is to reach out to all Youth, and assist them in reaching their full potential, by providing them and their families with Tools, through Education, Intervention, Guidance and Community Awareness, as well as to restore the Balance of Justice by building Bridges and Partnerships with Communities, Churches, Schools, Law Enforcement Agencies and Community Organizations. For more information contact Sarita Villarreal, Youth Outreach Coordinator at 773/523-8250.

Block Parties

As summer nears and festivities begin, Alderman Cardenas would like to remind the residents of the 12th Ward that Block Party applications may be picked up at the Public Service office. Reservations for the jumping jack, the Canine Unit and Fire Engine, are on a first come, first serve basis. So be sure to visit the Public Service Office for these forms.

12th Ward Seniors and People with Disabilities Update

Alderman Cardenas reminds 12th Ward Seniors and People with Disabilities to take advantage of all City Services offered to them through the Public Service Office
The office has been working with the Department of Aging as well as other City and State agencies to provide you with the best information and updates possible in reference to city services offered. Some of these services include: Disabled Placard, Senior Medical ID, Emergency Identification Bracelet, Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption, Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze, Illinois Home Energy Assistance Program, Senior Save Program and Circuit Breaker/Pharmaceutical Assistance. For more information contact our Senior Services Coordinator Maria Chavez at 773-523-8250.