Several readers e-mailed to inform us that not only did CBS2 cover Friday's gang fight on the 5 PM news today, the coverage is also featured on the front page of the website.
for the next round when Ald. Shiller goes before the CDC next Tuesday asking for another $54 million of taxpayers' money.We read, and many of us expressed opinions about, Helen Shiller's belated response to the violence plaguing Uptown, from murders to street brawls. The Lake Effect News has come out with a powerful editorial/open letter to the alderman entitled Shiller's Reponse: Too Little, Too Late.
Ald. Shiller: "In each of my five re-election campaigns, the strategy of my opposition has 
followed a now familiar pattern: ... polarizing the community at every opportunity."
Lake Effect News: "You’re also right when you say that the neighborhood is polarized. Why, Alderman Shiller, do you think your neighborhood is so much more polarized today, 22 years into your ward “leadership?” During the 2007 aldermanic campaign, your supporters went to Uptown’s affordable high rise buildings and passed out a letter that implied your opponent was a member of the Ku Klux Klan. The name of your own chief of staff, Denice Davis, appeared as a co-signer of that shameful letter. The same letter took random comments from web sites, scandalous comments made by ordinary people about your opponent. Those comments were presented in that letter as though they were made by your opponent or by people connected with his campaign."
Read the entire editorial here. It's frank, it's honest, it's the voice of many constituents who feel disenfranchised by Ald. Shiller's lack of recognition. Lake Effect News has printed a gutsy and heartfelt piece that made us proud and angry at the same time when we read it. Kudos to Lorraine Swanson for speaking up, loudly and forcefully, about the sad state of Uptown's "leadership," where ordinary citizens, state representatives and senators, and volunteer groups have to take the lead because the alderman can't find the time or make the effort to ensure that the people she's paid to represent can remain safe. "Stuff happens."
This video was taken yesterday afternoon just about a block north from Joe Gray's infamous video at Sheridan and Leland. Excellent response from the police, within 30 seconds we are told.
Update: This is probably the incident someone wrote in about here. Bike thrown in street - check. Lots of swearing - check. At least one person with bat in hand - check.
Thanks to a reader for the photos of the positive loitering. Click for larger versions.
In case anyone still thinks positive loitering is simply a symbolic gesture, a few reminders that it's really vital for residents who want safety to be out and about:
- Uptown Men Charged For String of Robberies (Lake Effect News)
- From the comments: "My roommate and I were driving to the dog park at about 4:45 this afternoon when we witnessed the start of more fighting on the corner of Lawrence and Sheridan. A bike had been thrown into the street, at least one person had a bat in hand, and there was a lot of swearing going on. I immediately called 911 as we quickly turned the car around. Luckily I was able to wave down a police car on Leland. What is it going to take to get that area cleaned up?"
Put out the Bat-signal! Everday super-heroes are needed to walk the dog, weed the lawn, hang out in front of your house, and make your presence known on Uptown's streets. That's how we take them back - be there more than the thugs are, and call the cops when you see trouble.
Take a flashlight, take some friends, and take back your neighborhood. Maybe a riot isn't that big a deal to Ald. Shiller, but ... it is to those of us who live here and love our community. See ya tonight! (A reader spoke to the folks at Mickey D's, and parking in the lot is allowed.)
Walking away only demonstrates contempt for the folks who hired you in the first place. Waiting ten days to speak about the matter, then reiterating to your own constituents that you felt perfectly justified in walking away from them, just makes matter worse.And welcome to our world...
I'm sure "ensure" is meant here, unless the Alderman intends to take insurance out on various city officials. Of course, the rest of the sentence is a grammatical train wreck anyway, so why quibble? Well, maybe one quibble--minutes? You mean 46th Ward aldermanic staff doesn't attend CAPS meetings in person?Read all about it here. (The illustration above was posted by a reader to UU's Facebook page; it's a word cloud of her statement, with the size of each word corresponding to how often it was used.)
Alderman Shiller released a statement today regarding "recent events" on her website, a full two weeks after the fact, but better late than never. Read it here.
- There was a repeat performance earlier this week, around Sheridan/Lakeside and Sheridan/Lawrence. 
According to neighbors, there was a huge and immediate police response to a very frightening situation. What is it that these idiot rioters don't understand about "The world is watching"?
- Uptown's brawls made CNN. Don Lemon's report on "Chicago's Deadly Streets" on Saturday, August 22, featured the taped violence. See it here (although the clip was much longer on the actual show.) It was shown again on Tuesday.
- The Lake Street Lookout blog, which has dealt with local violence issues of its own, ran an Open Letter to Our Uptown Neighbors, concluding with: "As that one resident types this Editorial, she would like to commend the residents of Uptown for standing up, joining together and fighting for their neighborhood. Your Lake & Halsted neighbors applaud you! Violence can only continue if unchallenged. KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT!"
- Chicagoist offered an faux apology (a la Daley):
"ALDERMAN HELEN SHILLER: I thought those rowdy young men were having a good time. I thought it was some sort of new crazy dance the kids do these days. I didn't know I've allowed my ward to degenerate into mob violence. Sorry about that!"
- Videographer (and non-aldermanic candidate) Joe Gray blogged: "What I learned from my adventure in citizen journalism"
A reader sends in the following pic and info:
"Thought you would be interested to know that the future business you featured a while back in the ground level retail space of Vis Vitae at Clark & Leland is moving along. I took a photo of the interior. I really like the flooring they put down.
Eddie Hwang and his business partner own "Chava." Eddie says he hopes to be open in a few weeks. There's also a new restaurant next door to that -- which will be named "Blue Ocean." It's a large space painted in blues and purples. It will feature Japanese cuisine with a nice lounge."
The reader who submitted this photo says: "Come on, Uptown! Now now that's cold! (taken at Kenmore and Montrose)"
North Uptown neighbors who had become accustomed to wonderful service by their mail carrier, Mark Reuben, took up the cause when Mark was laid off under dubious circumstances. While no one was privy to all the details -- no comment from the post office -- all were determined to rally for good service, a novelty at times in 60640.
While it's not an issue of violence, or aldermanic malaise, it's an issue of service and a demonstration of neighborly caring about -- literally -- the man on the street. The matter is going before the US Postmaster in DC.
We'll see... in the meantime, kudos for neighbors banding together and insisting upon the good mail service due to them and to all of Uptown. http://www.suntimes.com/news/brown/1721275,CST-NWS-brown18.article
Nearly a year ago, UU reported on the "Ripple Effect" from the 46th Ward, causing the residents of the adjoining wards to go to their own aldermen to keep the 46th's problems from spilling over into their areas. Now another example, from a gay blog in Boston, of all places:Gerald Farinas, a frequent poster on the Facebook page, is particularly troubled by the recent violence. In addition to the attacks in Lake View, he points to recent rioting and shootings in nearby Uptown as a sign of what he feels is to come should the current situation not improve. [...]
He also expressed frustration with the current leadership in the area - particularly Alderman Helen Shiller in the 46th Ward [Uptown and north Lake View,] whom he noted has not been present at any CAPS meeting. And she has avoided publicly discussing the crime trend. [...] "[Shiller’s] inaction and policies that breed poverty and crime in her ward is going to affect all of us in Lake View, too. And I think it already is."
for a movie in Clarendon Park, 4501 N Clarendon. This is a perfect opportunity to pack a picnic, play a game of Bocce Ball on our very own Bocce Ball Court and enjoy an incredible movie, FREEDOM WRITERS, based on a true story of young woman who takes on her first teaching assignment in a high school located in a California community much like Uptown. Movie starts at dusk, come early. (Hint: Perfect timing to walk over to Wilson/Sheridan for the positive loitering at 11pm afterwards.)
It looks like the end of the line for The Majestic Store at Broadway and Leland.
A reader notes that the Sheriff has posted a seven-day eviction notice from the CTA on its window.
Let's hope there's a happy ending - a rehab of this lovely old building - rather than just another empty storefront on Broadway. It deserves better, and looks particularly shabby next to its newly spiffed-up neighbor, the Uptown Broadway Building.
We already knew about these...
And now thanks to CBS2, we know the newest catchphrase that Ald. Shiller's staff use for the taxpayers who make their jobs possible...
(UU explained a couple years ago what a "Bad Apple" really is. Click here.)
We have to wonder if the apples, grapes and nuts will end up having the last laugh.
It's time again to Experience Uptown! This annual event is hosted by WAMA (Wilson Area Merchants Association) and takes place for four days this year: September 10th through 13th. Nearly 40 local merchants are participating. Buy a wristband for $10, and get discounts during those four days at places like Fat Cat, Fresh Harvest Market, Crew, Body Fit Athletic Club and more, more, more. Click on the images above to see the entire list of merchants and where to get your wristbands.
Bring your dogs, bring your significant other, bring your enthusiasm! Show up to demonstrate your belief that our streets belong to those of us who want a safe and healthy neighborhood. Please take a flashlight with you for the walk. (click on the poster for a larger size, and please distribute to your neighbors.)
The 23rd District Court Advocates monthly meeting is tonight (August 25, last Tuesday of the month) from 6-6:30 pm. If you're interested in becoming, or learning more about being, a court advocate, please plan to attend. It's in the Community Policing office, on Halsted just north of Addison.
The Chicago Department of Public Health sent us this press release Monday:
Here's a link to the CBS2 story:
... and that's just the mailings.
Several readers have written in now about an apparent collapse (sewer?) in the alley near Sunnyside and Dover.
"Big commotion at SW corner of Dover and Sunnyside. No less than 12 full size CFD vehicles, assorted CFD SUV's, quite a few CPD. Clark St. blocked off between Wilson and Montrose. Sunnyside blocked off as well. I asked someone what was going on. A plumber was doing some work. I'm guessing in the basement. Some type of cave in occurred. Wasn't able to stick around."
Please add any other info or updates in the comments.
Update: Chicago Breaking News Center has all the details here.
Update #2: A reader sends in a photo showing emergency crews on the scene of the collapse.
Update #3: The Lake Effect News covers the story in-depth here.
A reader found this on the web and sent it to us under the heading "From the Uptown 'You Just Can't Make This Stuff Up' File...":
Not a single word about the recent violence.
A reader cautions: Just saw a Honda Fit parked near Kenmore and Buena with two back tires missing. The car is sitting on ONE milk crate. Please remind readers to call 9-1-1 if they see any suspicious activity around cars and it's not a bad idea to buy locking lug nuts. It's about $10 shipped on Amazon.
Sadly, it's been over a year since the murder of Francis Oduro, just across the street from Alderman Shiller's office. No official statement was ever made by Alderman Shiller. Chicago Police and Crime Stoppers are wanting your help in bringing Oduro's murderer to justice and are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Read all about it at the Tribune.
Update: Read and watch "Crime Stoppers Seeks Killer of African Immigrant" via CBS 2
Update 2: See the video here.
Two media appearances over the weekend for Uptowners talking about the recent events in our part of town:
- James Cappleman will appear on Outside the Loop radio, airing Friday night at 6pm on WLUW 88.7-FM Chicago, and podcasting afterward at OutsideTheLoopRADIO.com. (OTL has featured extensive Uptown coverage over the years; we look forward to another interesting show).
Update: The podcast is already up and can be accessed here (at the bottom of show #152, under the heading "Uptown: WTF?"). The mp3 file can be downloaded here, as well. James's segment comes up around the 19:10 mark. He talks about why residents are angry, points out (correctly) that it was the media who mobbed Ald. Shiller on Monday, and makes an announcement.
- Joe Gray, the videographer of the gang violence video, will appear on NBC5's "The Talk" on Sunday, at 7:30am. The show is a local program that looks back at the week's most-discussed topics. If you're not an early riser, well, that's why there's TiVo, TiFaux, and VCRs, right?
Some excitement of a different kind, all happening this Saturday: 
As the photos here (taken by a reader) demonstrate, there were so many residents concerned about the safety situation in our community that they were literally spilling onto the streets for Beat 2312's CAPS meeting. What came out of that?
That it's a partnership. The cops can't do it alone. Neither can the community. As one resident said, "These are our streets. We have to use them. They're ours, and we've allowed them to be taken over. Time to take them back."
Some suggestions:
For more about the CAPS meeting, and what happened, and what will happen, check out the coverage in the Lake Effect News:
Keeping Up the Momentum... and
...Putting On the Heat
Regarding the crime issues in the Winthrop/Winona area:
"We're looking to have the meeting for Winthrop residents and owners next Wednesday the 19th at 5:00 p.m. here at the ward office. We will have representatives from Woodland (CHA), Stuart Miller (developer/owner of 5054 N Winthrop), and CAPS. If this is the meeting time, can we get representatives from the block/block club to attend? Please pass this on to anyone else on the block.
Thank you, Dana Fritz, 48th Ward Aldermanic Aide, Public Safety"
"My office has received a number of calls from concerned constituents about the two most recent attacks that took place early this morning. We have had ongoing safety issues in the Belmont-Sheffield Area for years and have been working closely with the police to mitigate the problems and build solutions. It is my belief that we have the resources to handle the issues of loitering, prostitution, drug dealing and more recently robberies, however sufficient resources are not on the street during the midnight shift when these crimes are being committed.
[...] My office will continue to work with police, CAPS and residents. We are setting up additional Safety Seminars and CAPS meetings to address these issues and we have been on several late-night walks with police and residents - as recently as last Friday’s midnight walk. Information is also regularly updated on our website at www.44thWard.org and through our e-news blasts to the community.
I am committed to doing all I can to address these issues and am confident that working together with the community, businesses, police and CAPS we can improve safety in this area.
Sincerely, Alderman Tom Tunney, 44th Ward"
Compare and Contrast with the response in the 46th Ward:
"That you play it over and over again and make a big thing about it as though there isn't a [police] response, or somehow that is representative of every evil there is, stuff happens. We have a very big city with a lot of activity going on,... and none of us exists on an island. We've had a very good response by the police, and I think we will continue to do so. It's just a small group of people trying to get me out of office." Ald. Helen Shiller, 46th Ward. (Chicago Tribune)
Not your usual CAPS meeting. Press vans outside. Cameras and microphones inside. So many attendees that the meeting room was filled to capacity 15 minutes before the scheduled start time, so it was taken outside, to the very street where the "gang riot video" was shot six days earlier. We saw the reports at 10pm on Channels 2 and 5, and will post the links as soon as they're available. If you see any coverage, please post in the comments.What's behind the gangs, shootings and murders in Chicago? As violence continues to spiral out of control, we want to hear your stories.
Have you been a victim of crime in Chicago? Do you have a solution?
Share your stories, pictures and video and they could be featured on a CNN Special Report. Don Lemon takes us to the heart of the problem -- "Chicago's Deadly Streets" on Saturday, August 22, at 10pm.
UU Note: Uptown's gang riot video has already been posted there...
Kristyn Hartman, CBS 2 reporting:
