Media Coverage Of Uptown's Horrible Halloween

• Chicago Breaking News confirms the homicide, and that it's the person who was shot at Sunnyside and Sheridan who passed:  1 Killed, Four Wounded In Separate Uptown Shootings
• CBS2:  Three Critically Wounded in Uptown Shooting
• Chicago News Report:  Marlos Canteberry Shot & Killed in Uptown
• CBS2:  5 Dead, 21 Hurt in Halloween Weekend Shootings
• Sun-Times:  Shots While Trick-or-Treating in Uptown <---[NEW]

Happy Halloween From Uptown's Gangbangers: Five People Shot, One Dead

We're combining these two posts into one.  This is what we know:

1) at 5:15, three people, including a 13-year-old girl, were wounded at Magnolia and Montrose.  They were taken to Childrens Hospital, St. Francis and Illinois Masonic in serious to critical condition.

2) Later this evening, more shots were fired at 1010 Sunnyside.  At least one person was wounded.  It was later confirmed that one person died, Marlos Canteberry.

Around 9pm, the police were called to make a body removal at Illinois Masonic.  We're not sure from which of the two shootings the death resulted.  But one person is dead as a result of the shooting on our streets today, and let's not forget the person who was struck inside his home at Malden in the wee hours of the morning.

At least five people were shot, and one died, in the last 24 hours.  It makes us ill.  Our thoughts and sympathies are with those who lost, or came close to losing, someone they loved tonight; and with those who were traumatized by what should have been a fun evening turning into a night of bloodshed and terror.
________________________________________________________

We're receiving multiple reports of shots fired at 5:15 this afternoon.  What a lovely image : trick or treaters running for cover from gang gunfire.

"I live in the 4400 block of Magnolia.  I just heard 9 or 10 gunshots that appeared to come from the corner of Magnolia and Montrose.  This all happened at 5:15 pm.  I saw one younger black man running up Magnolia (white t-shirt, dark jeans).  I called the police immediately and gave them the description.  Police, paramedics, and fire crews showed up within 3 minutes.  I looked out my window to see trick or treaters hiding behind cars and trees on Magnolia.  This all happened in plain view of multiple children and families in broad daylight."

In other news, Ald. Shiller was quickly on the scene, expressing her concern for the children of our neighborhood and promising to work with the police in taking steps to end the violence that has plagued her ward all year.  Okay, we're lying on that last part.  Trick or treat!

Update:  We hear the police are putting up red police tape.  Not sure what this means, but we have our suspicions it's not good.  A commenter reports that he thinks the victim was being covered up.

Update 2:  We're hearing from people at the scene that someone was hit, but it was minor.  This is all speculation.  Just passing along what we're hearing, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Update 3:  CBS News is reporting that three people, including a 13-year-old girl, were critically wounded.  Story here.

Update 4:  A police officer tells us in the comments that red tape marks the inner perimeter of a crime scene and has nothing to do with type of injuries.

Update 5:  It grieves us to say that several sources have told us that the victim who was taken to Illinois Masonic has died.  Police radio reports have gone out for a body removal from the hospital.
________________________________________________________

Posted at 8:30 PM:  "Now we're hearing that there are blue lights and police tape around Sheridan and Sunnyside.  Anyone got any information?  We've heard this from three people now, no details."

from the comments:

ChiTownPhilly said... I can confirm that there is yellow police tape blocking sunnyside off from sheridan halfway to broadway. There were four squads on the scene at about 7/730, looking around the scene. I did not talk to a police officer, however, the security guard at Jake's said that there was a shooting and, possibly two people hit. He also said that the suspects and or/victims all ran towards Clarendon Park. It is all heresay, but given the day's events, is very plausible.

Victoria Rice said... I live right off Sunnyside and Sheridan and heard 2 gun shots around 630-7 o'clock, shortly after (within minutes) several cop cars, fire truck and ambulance were on the scene, still don't know what happened. Makes me want to move though...

just some guy said... Fire dispatched to clean the sidewalk around 8:30. The street is open now, but there was red tape blocking the sidewalk on the north side of the street between the alley and Sheridan

Things That Go Bang In The Night

Don't these fools know that Halloween is a time to pretend you're something you're not every other day?  Sadly, the colder weather hasn't stopped the gunfire on our streets for Halloween weekend.

• "My friends and I were walking East on Wilson at Malden and heard at least 7 gunshots on the street. This was at about 12:45am. It seemed as though they were right across the street from us (by Godfather's) where there was a large group of men hanging out a couple of doors east of Godfather's. After the shots ended, we heard lots of yelling, then it went silent.  As soon as we heard the gun shots, we ducked down into a stairwell and called 911 immediately. Within 30 seconds of hanging up, the first squad car showed up. Within the next 2 minutes, at least 4 more squad cars were on the scene. I have to commend that effort, but I'd also like to feel safe when I'm making a late night run to 7-11. I hope no one was hurt."

We're not sure if this is a different incident or not, although we suspect it's two accounts of the same shooting.  It was sent to us shortly after 1:15 a.m.

• "6-8 shots fired at Wilson/Malden.  Lots of bangers (dozen or so) running south toward Sunnyside, yelling in a disorganized panic (sounds like they're taking roll call, making sure everyone's okay).   P.D. on scene within 4 minutes.  Now there's an Ambulance, and P.D.'s taping off from street to 4555 N. Malden."
• "Another group of shots fired off in the distance 5 minutes after first volley."

And at 3:15am: 

• "Did anyone else just hear four shots, a pause, and then four more shots?  I live near Kenmore and Wilson, and it sounded like it happened around Wilson and Broadway.  I called 911 and now I'm hearing sirens.  How sad is it that after this summer, I now wake up when I hear shots and automatically start counting them so I know what to tell the 911 operators?"

Update:  Chicago News Report is saying that the 1:00 shooting involved a victim who was shot inside his home.  The victim is not cooperating with the police (typical  behavior when it's a gang shooting).  Read Chicago News Report for more details from the scanner.

Where Am I Located?

Name the location of this ornate urn/emblem and win the admiration of your neighbors.

Wonder If He Knows Someone?

Not bad work for someone who admits he barely finds the time to vote.  Politics makes for strange bedfellows, indeed.

According to Greg Hinz in Crain's,

"Also joining Team Rahm, as an outreach adviser, is restaurateur Sam Toia, the campaign confirms. He's best know for his alliance with Alderman Helen Schiller (46th) and other lakefront progressive types."

Budget Hearing Last Week At Truman

We didn't know there was a CTA Budget hearing last week in our 'hood, because we had a few things to say!  Here's a brief synopsis, courtesy of the Going Public blog.  At least someone brought up the lack of accessibility at Wilson.  We'll see if that mighty $3 million overhaul does anything about the situation.

Positive Loitering Tonight, 7-8PM (Halloween Edition)

From the Uptown Chicago Commission...

Please join your neighbors for another evening of Positive Loitering from 7-8 PM at the corner of Leland and Sheridan. Although the evenings have turned cooler, our friends at Inspiration Corp and Cafe Too! have graciously offered to provide hot coffee and tea to keep you warm. A fresh batch of puppy treats from Soggy Paws will be available to keep your canine companions happy.

The event is being sponsored by the Uptown Chicago Commission and all are encouraged to attend. As always, the police are aware of our efforts and encourage neighborhood participation.

First 15 kids to join us tonight in Positive Loitering will get a "Starter Bag" of Halloween candy.  Bring your adults, too!

Say It Loud, Say It Proud

Looks like the finishing touches are going up on the Clark Streetscaping, like this street marker at Leland just outside Chase Park.   Looking very nice, in our opinion.

$10 For $20 At El Ranchito

Taqueria "El Ranchito" at Clark & Leland is featured in today's Daily Deal Chicago (similar to Groupon). If you've been hankerin' for some enchiladas, check out this link for the great deal.

Hurry! As of this posting, there is only about 12 hours left to purchase!

Report Card Time

The 2010 Illinois School Report Cards are out and a reader writes:
"I certainly hope these numbers are wrong (for Uplift High School) cuz the way I see it, the longer kids are there, the worse their scores get. 7.5% of 11th graders meet the state standards in math. 7.5%. By those results, most students wouldn’t know how to evaluate these tables."

Broadway & Sunnyside, Now & Then

Hat tip to the Uptown Chicago History blog for linking to Michael Finnestad's family ancestry blog showing this great photo from 1920 of the "Terminal Garage." The garage was owned by Finnestad's grandfather and stood at present-day Broadway and Sunnyside. After doing a bit of research on one of our favorite sites, "Historic Aerials," we learned that this building stood just about where Target's main entrance is today. The building directly to the south of it is the Arcadia Ballroom.

Halloween Pub Quiz At Crew Friday Night

Demolished Island

Sidewalk and street repairs continue. The concrete expanse directly in front of Borders (Broadway & Racine) has been demolished as well as the traffic "island" in front of Pancake House. We assume this has something to do with emergency vehicle access but maybe someone else is "in the know."

Howl-O-Ween At Puptown

Enjoy a Halloween celebration with your canine pals at Puptown.

Rumor has it that the contest judges will include some local politicos.

As always, click the picture for a larger version.  And check out the Calendar of Events on the sidebar for other local Halloween festivities.

Reminder: Trick-Or-Treating With BPN

Care To Decipher This?

The basketball hoop at Broncho Billy Playlot at Sunnyside and Magnolia has been tagged. Whether it is gang-related or not is up for debate.

The Monster Slice Is Here

Papa Ray's pizza and wings restaurant opened this week at 4757 N Sheridan.  Please drop by for some 'za and show your support for this new family-owned Uptown business.

Book Signing At Borders on Friday

Borders Uptown plays host to Darlene Quinn, the award-winning author of “Twisted Webs” this coming Friday, Oct. 29, from 3-6pm.

A baby girl is stolen, and tightly woven webs of deception encase her and two families for eight traumatic years. “Twisted Webs” unravels the mystery of the abduction with cunning literary style and a “knockout ending.”  Read the full description here.  Anyone who enjoyed Borders best-sellers such as Kathryn Stockett’s “The Help,” Tana French’s “The Likeness” or Robert Goolrick’s “A Reliable Wife” will be delighted with the electrifying story Darlene Quinn creates in “Twisted Web.”

Quinn is also the author of “Web of Power,” which won the 2009 Indie National Excellence Award for Fiction. She has been honored as a National Best Book Award Finalist for fiction.  Borders Uptown welcomes you to visit with Darlene Quinn this Friday, Oct. 29, from 3-6 p.m., and as always, thank you for shopping at Borders!  -- Nicholas Taylor, Sales Manager, Borders in Uptown

Abandoned Truck Needs Attention

A reader sends in the following photos and info:
"This truck has been abandoned for over 6 months in the parking lot at Winthrop and Lawrence. I have called it into 311 to no avail. Now it has become a homeless shelter (the driver's side window "wing" is busted for easy access) and graffiti magnet. Can u post and see if we can get this hazard out of our neighborhood?"

Another Brawl At Leland & Sheridan

From YouTube at 3:23pm this afternoon:
"Huge brawl after school got out at Uplift. They were using downed tree branches, a crobar, trash cans, and some large wooden planks as weapons. Lots of yelling and screaming. After calling 911, one police car came, drove around in a circle and left despite the fact innocent bystanders and concerned citizens were pointing in the direction of the major players in the fight ... I know some of us neighbors have tried to get a permanent police car stationed there after school ... maybe the more people that push for it, the sooner it will happen."

Marking Their Territory

A reader sends in the following photo from Leland and Malden:
"I am no gang expert, but after a quick "google" I am sure that our local bangers are marking their territory and dissing each other in the process. I saw your posting on Facebook about the gang graffiti so I thought I'd check it out for myself. There is a lot of it! I saw gang tags in red spray paint reading, "BPSN" which I assume stands for Black P. Stone Nation, as well as "GDK" for Gangsta Disciple Killer on sidewalks near Wilson and Malden and Leland and Magnolia. The photo I sent shows the mailbox on the corner of Leland and Malden in front of the Cornerstone Building on the SW corner, which was also tagged with "BPS Fuk The Rest." I called 311 and hope my neighbors will too."

Planters Gotta Go

A reader sends in the following pic and info:
"I know in the whole scheme of things this is pretty small. I am very pleased with how the Clark streetscape is turning out. I am not happy with seeing those old beat-up planters that have been in front of El Ranchito Mexican in the 4600 block of Clark return. They have been filled with dead trees and trash for the past 5 years at least. The workers moved them to the opposite side of the street while work was progressing but now they have been moved back in front of the restaurant. I hope they are on the way out!"

Safe Passage For Uptown Kids

News from Meg Gillman:
"Safe Passage is a city-wide program that involves neighbors in ensuring that children go to and from school safely. Residents place a Safe Passage Neighborhood Watch sign in a front window and, when they are home, look out the window in the morning and in the afternoon to monitor children walking to and from school. If there is a problem, neighbors should call 911. To register for a Safe Passage sign, residents provide name, address and phone number to a CAPS Youth Coordinator or Organizer. We do not check the background of people who display the sign; we just want to know where they are being displayed. The signs do NOT indicate that a location is a safe place to seek help.
This is in contrast to the Safe Haven program for businesses. Businesses that display the Safe Haven sign have been checked by the Police for criminal background and proper licensing and have signed a contract with CAPS agreeing that people in distress can come in for their safety until Police respond to the owner's 911 call.
Safe Passage monitors MOVEMENT. Safe Haven provides a LOCATION of refuge.
Please direct any questions and requests for Safe Passage signs to me at (312) 742-0991. Thank you!"
Meg Gillman
CAPS Youth Services Coordinator

Meet The Candidates At "The Spot"

A reader tips us off to this event:
"Thought UU readers might want to drop by The Spot (4437 N. Broadway) this Wednesday night at 7 p.m. to visit with Governor Quinn, Sheila Simon, Toni Preckwinkle and other Democratic candidates."

Uptown Storm Damage

Looks like the awning on the Chase branch at Lawrence and Winthrop was a casualty of the high-winds that moved through Uptown overnight. How's your section of Uptown looking?

Another Uptown Halloween Event

Margate Halloween events: ($5 admission cost at door)------At Margate Fieldhouse, 6pm

October 28, 2010—Haunted Drive In—family friendly for younger kids—hot dogs, popcorn, candy bag and the movie is Casper

October 29, 2010—Haunted Drive In-- for Teens only (will be hosting kids from other parks as well).----Hot dogs, pop corn, candy, beverage and the movie is Twilight

For more Uptown Halloween-related events, check out this post

Do The Time Warp At Wild Pug

Sunnyside & Hazel, 1959

Here's a great photo that is available for purchase (the high-def version) on eBay. It shows the Assyrian Congregational Church on the corner of Hazel & Sunnyside that still stands today.

"Some Ting Wong" With Peoples Gas

A reader sends in the following pic and info:
"Peoples Gas is drilling into the street where Gordon Terrace intersects with Sheridan Road, just south of Buena and they marked the area needing attention to be sure to only drill where necessary.

Please see attached photo because it gave me quite a chuckle this morning."

Painting The Town

A reader came across a cluster of artists at Broadway and Leland earlier today. Nice work! Anyone know where they were from and if their creations will be displayed?

Halloween Inspired Art At Tattoo Factory Gallery

Greening The Mall

The re-emerging Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association spent part of last Saturday hard at work in the Sunnyside Mall, putting in plants (kindly donated by Christie Webber Landscaping) and doing some positive loitering of their own.

See the before, during and after photos here and learn what they're doing to make their part of Uptown safer and better for all residents.

If you live within their borders (Wilson/ Broadway/ Malden/ Montrose), we urge you to get involved and work with your neighbors to make Uptown the sort of place you want to see it become.

A Word Of Warning

A reader from the Clarendon Park area writes about an incident earlier tonight that involved an unauthorized person getting into her building.  It's also been mentioned at recent CAPS meetings:  Intruders are getting into buildings, stealing packages from the lobby or burglarizing the residences.  If you see or suspect anything suspicious, don't hesitate to call 911.

"I'm hoping you can remind all Uptown Update readers to be very cautious when buzzing people into buildings.  Tonight at 8pm, I heard a man buzz each apartment in my building at 848 W. Agatite.  Someone let this man in, and he proceeded to sneak through our building, quietly attempting to enter each apartment, including my own.  Thankfully, I believe everyone's doors were locked.  I called 911 and the police arrived about 8 minutes later and escorted this man out.  Please remind people to be very aware of who they let into their buildings; by being careless with buzzers, you could be putting your property, neighbors, and yourself at risk. 

This man was about 5'8", Hispanic, overgrown hair, and was clearly intoxicated."

Maybe Someday

A reader writes: "This is how it should've been for our beloved Wilson Red Line station. Note the beautiful new facade on the North/Clybourn station in Apple's promotional photography. The newly rehabbed station even gets its own dedicated thumbnail photo."

Yellow Is A Color In The Rainbo

Anyone know why there are bright fluorescent yellow and orange trees in the lot next to Rainbo Village, just north of Lawrence on Clark?  Part of the streetscaping?

Ald. Shiller Unhappy With IG's Cost-Cutting Ideas (But She Hasn't Even Heard Them Yet)

The Gang of Fifty (otherwise known as the Chicago City Council) hasn't shown the city's Inspector General a lot of love.  They've repeatedly voted against giving him the authority to look at their own dealings for signs of corruption or financial wrong-doing.  Now the IG's come up with some cost-cutting ideas for the City during its worst ever financial crisis.  And he's not telling the City Council what his suggestions are, not even a hint, until Monday's budget hearing.

This isn't settling well with the aldercritters, who are on their collective high horses, even though they haven't yet heard any of his suggestions about how the city might dig its way out of the deep financial hole our elected representatives have put us in.

According to the Sun-Times,

“It’ll be presented to us as being a criticism of what we’re doing, [that] clearly we’re screwed up. Why can’t we do it that way and put us on the defensive before we even can read it and know if that’s true. That is crazy,” said retiring Ald. Helen Shiller (46th).

Well, here's a clue, Ald. Shiller:  The City's finances are screwed up.  Totally and completely.  Thanks to creative funding of, oh, let's see, your bloated $100,000,000.00-plus Wilson Yard TIF, your idea that property taxes should go for fish farms instead of to schools and police, and your failure to vote against selling off the parking meters, among other things.  Yet when someone comes up with a plan that may potentially save the City some big bucks, you and your buddies are insulted instead of grateful that there may be a way out of this mess you've created.

At least give the guy the courtesy of hearing what he has to say before you toss your hair ribbons to the ground and stomp away.

Wild Pug To Close October 27

We're very sorry to hear that the rumors of the Pug's demise are true.  Time Out Chicago says there's no official announcement yet, but Wednesday's schedule reads "Say Good-bye To Wild Pug."

We're sad to lose a locally-owned business that has been so involved with the community.

CircEsteem Gala Tonight

click to enlarge

You can read more about Uptown's CircEsteem at its website here; there's more on WBEZ.

Positive Loitering Tonight, 7-8 PM Sheridan & Leland

From the Uptown Chicago Commission...

Please join your neighbors for another evening of Positive Loitering from 7-8 PM at the corner of Leland and Sheridan. Although the evenings have turned cooler, our friends at Inspiration Corp and Cafe Too! have graciously offered to provide hot coffee and tea to keep you warm. A fresh batch of puppy treats from Soggy Paws will be available to keep your canine companions happy.

The event is being sponsored by the Uptown Chicago Commission and all are encouraged to attend. As always, the police are aware of our efforts and encourage neighborhood participation.

Bring a friend, bring a dog, bring a friend's dog! Just come out and join your neighbors!

Just One Weekend Left For Early Voting

A reminder that early voting for the November 2nd election ends October 28th.

So you've just got one Saturday left.

Head on over to Truman College (or any other polling place of your choice) between 9am and 5pm, Monday through Saturday, to cast your votes.

Come Hear Peter Holsten Speak Of His Success

Just $45 for lunch and a presentation on creating mixed-use developments:

"Holsten Development is recognized as a leader in affordable housing developments and completing projects with innovative financing structures. The Wilson Yard Development in the Uptown neighborhood was completed in July by Holsten Development with a new Aldi supermarket, a 180,000sf Target store, 30,000sf of retail space, and 198 units of affordable family/senior housing. The Wilson Yard Development redeveloped the former CTA facility at Wilson and Broadway and fulfilled the community desire for affordable housing and retail services."

If you go, be sure to ask this leader in affordable housing developments about how his "innovative financing structures" squeezed in

• the "brand spanking new inside and out" rehabilitation of the Wilson El station
• the movie theatres (without which the housing "couldn't be built" because the financing was "inextricably connected")
• the home ownership component originally promised to the renters
• the empty storefronts added to Broadway's retail corridor
• how $30 million in TIF financing ballooned into more than $100 million
• the 24 units of market rate housing and 50 units of artist housing that he promised in "Phases II and III"

If there's time, ask how much Holsten Development made off this project, in which very few promises were kept.  A leader in his field?  Guess it all depend what definition you're using.

Kids' Halloween At Chase Park On Saturday

click to enlarge

Racine Returning

Here's a shot from yesterday afternoon showing the progress that has been made on re-opening Racine (between Wilson and Sunnyside) to patrons of the Truman Parking Garage.

Where Am I Located?

Name the location of the doorway that this ornamentation surrounds and win the admiration of your neighbors. Our readers have been too clever lately so we came up with something that might stump you all! Good luck!

Pugtoberfest At Wild Pug

Uptown Farmers Market

According to the sign on Weiss Hospital's fence, the last day is October 28.

According to Business Partners' latest newsletter, the last day is October 21.

In either case, the Uptown Farmers Market is coming to a close.  Drop by between 8am and 1pm for autumnal produce.

A Good Question

A reader writes in with the following question:
"Now that Ald. Shiller has decided not to run for re-election, who are her die-hard supporters, i.e. COPWATCH, her office workers, and JPUSA, throwing their support behind? I think that knowing this info will affect my vote in February for sure! Any ideas?"

Uptown CSA Taking Orders For November Baskets

From Uptown CSA's Rae Mindock:
Thanks to all for your support of Uptown CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). We’ve had many compliments on the market baskets, salad greens, and eggs. Uptown CSA will begin to take orders for November Market Baskets on October 22nd, between 5 and 8 pm at Cafe Too. Information on the CSA and how to place orders is available at www.uptowncsa.org.

2 Charged With Using Taser To Rob Uptown Woman

via Chicago Breaking News:
A Dunbar high school student and a man were charged with using a Taser to rob a woman in the Uptown neighborhood, police said today.

Linda Warner, 18, of the 7300 Block South Peoria Street, and Tony Windmon, 20, of the 6700 block of South Marshfield Avenue, were charged late Tuesday with armed robbery with a dangerous weapon, police said. They are expected to appear in bond court today.

The robbery happened about 2:35 a.m. on the 1300 block of West Argyle Avenue when Warner, a Dunbar Vocational Career Academy High School student allegedly walked up to the woman while holding a Taser, police said. Continue Reading

Aldermanic Forum Thursday: Meet James Cappleman

click to enlarge