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■ Tensions over migrants grow PAGE 2

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Pilgrim church goes big with Black History Month celebration

The church, celebrating its 150th anniversary, will hold a 2-day extravaganza

Silver Screen Dreams

By DEBORAH BAYLISS Contributing Reporter

Oak Park’s Pilgrim Congregational Church is gearing up for a big culture- filled Black History Month celebration as it also marks its 150-year anniversary.

“This is a celebration of our Blackness,” said Josephine Simmons, a long-time member of the church who planned the Black History Month event. “It’s three-pronged. We’re going to celebrate the gifts of our young people with song and dance.

We’re going to celebrate entrepreneurship…our Black and indigenous people of color vendors in our community. We’re going to talk about health from the perspective of the need for attention on See BLACK HISTORY on page 7

STORY BY BOB SKOLNIK, PAGE 6 PROVIDED

Jada Buford

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2 Austin Weekly News, January 31, 2024

Tensions grow among city, state, federal government over influx of migrants Lawmakers begin offering proposals to address recent arrivals

By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois

Tensions rose again this week between Gov. JB Pritzker’s office and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson over how to handle the tens of thousands of people who have arrived in the state since August 2022 via buses or planes sent from Texas.

The most recent back-and-forth between the two came in response to the city’s recent shift in its migrant strategy: away from building new shelters or even increasing capacity of existing shelters, instead focusing on getting migrants out of shelters and into other forms of housing.

The state had previously committed $65 million to building a shelter in Chicago in November – an effort that has still not come to fruition.

“I’m deeply concerned,” Pritzker said Monday. “We do not have enough shelter as it is in the city of Chicago. The city has not told the state where they would like us to put our resources. We can’t help if they don’t identify those locations.”

Johnson’s administration is gearing up to enforce the city’s 60-day eviction policy at Chicago’s shelters. Enforcement of that policy was initially delayed due to dangerously cold weather but is set to go into effect next week.

“If the federal government cannot adequately deal with the housing issue for tenured Chicagoans and our new arrivals, then Chicago and Illinois should be prepared to rescind the offer to host the DNC.” REP. KAM BUCKNER D-Chicago

CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS FILE PHOTO BY JERRY NOWICKI

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson speaks to reporters in Springfield during a visit to the Capitol in April 2023, shortly after winning the Chicago mayoral election.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Johnson suggested that the state build shelters outside of his city.

“The state of Illinois can build a shelter anywhere in the state of Illinois, the state does not have to build a shelter in Chicago,” Johnson said.

Johnson also said Wednesday that he did not think his administration was at odds with Pritzker.

Within city government, Chicago’s shelter policies have drawn criticism. Thursday, a group of 16 city aldermen penned a letter asking the mayor to walk back the eviction policy.

“To stand by the decision to impose 60-

day limits on shelters without addressing these systemic issues leaves new arrivals without options for housing or shelter,” the aldermen wrote. “This situation simply should not be acceptable.”

Beyond Chicago, Pritzker joined eight other Democratic governors earlier this week in a letter to President Joe Biden and congressional leadership asking for more federal coordination of resources to help migrants.

“While political motivations continue to delay the negotiations, our economy, states and localities are bearing the brunt of the shortcomings of the existing immigration system,” the governors wrote. “Therefore, as you return to Washington to resume work on

critical federal funding measures, we strongly urge Congress and the Administration to quickly negotiate an agreement on a border security legislative package.”

In addition to Pritzker, the letter was signed by the governors of New York, Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New Mexico.

Conflict between the states and the federal government is also coming from the other side of the political aisle. Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered Texas officials to allow federal agents to access the state’s border with Mexico. Texas sued See MIGRANTS on page 4

Austin Weekly News, January 31, 2024

Garfield Park’s Save A Lot could reopen in March The store was shut down in 2022 after a rat infestation and was then closed in early 2023 for a renovation that was supposed to take 10 weeks.

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Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Amaris Rodriguez Special projects reporter Delaney Nelson Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Digital Media Coordinator Brooke Duncan Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks Columnists Arlene Jones, Aisha Oliver Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

By TREY ARLINE

Designer Susan McKelvey

Block Club Chicago

A West Side Save A Lot that’s been closed for most of the past two years could finally reopen this spring.

Owners of the shuttered Save A Lot, 420 S. Pulaski Road, are aiming to reopen in March following long-promised and delayed renovations, said Mike Tomas, Garfield Park Community Council’s executive director. A firm opening date isn’t set, Tomas said.

The store is owned by Ohio-based company Yellow Banana, which has taken over multiple South and West side grocery stores to renovate and reopen them. The Garfield Park council will be in contact with the new owners every week for updates on the store, Tomas said at a community meeting Wednesday night.

The store will also work with other small businesses like The Hatchery to operate as food vendors within the store, Tomas said.

The store, under its old ownership, was closed by the city in February 2022 because it was infested with rats. It was the only grocery store in West Garfield Park at the time, rendering the neighborhood a food desert.

Yellow Banana took over the Save A Lot’s business license later that month and briefly reopened the store. The company then closed the store in spring 2023 to launch a $2 million renovation.

The renovation was supposed to take 10 weeks, with a permit for interior and exterior renovations being granted March 24, 2023, according to building records.

Yellow Banana owners Joe Canfield and Michael Nance told neighbors in July the Pulaski store would receive upgrades

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Sales & Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

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The Save A Lot at 420 S Pulaski Road, which was closed in February 2022. such as refrigeration units, on-site security, specialty carts for older people and customers with disabilities, security cameras, signs, decor and a rebuild of the building’s front facade.

Renovations at a Yellow Banana-owned store in Auburn Gresham are also months behind schedule, and a South Side community leader told Block Club in November that has led to the delays for the West Garfield Park and West Pullman stores, as well.

Yellow Banana has been approved for $26.5 million in TIF funding and tax credits to improve six Save a Lots on the South and West sides. The West Garfield Park location is getting more than $2 million in renovations, owners previously said.

Establishing a new grocery story has been a major priority for Garfield Park stakeholders after the former Aldi’s at 3835 W. Madison St. was closed. In place of a permanent grocery store, the Garfield Park Community Council has opened pop-up stores to continue serving the community.

The shuttered Aldi’s in West Garfield Park will be redeveloped into a new building that will include affordable housing and a grocery store.

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4 Austin Weekly News, January 31, 2024

André 3000 to perform at Garfield Park Conservatory

The legendary rapper-turned-flutist will perform his album, ‘New Blue Sun,’ at four shows throughout the city.

By TREY ARLINE Block Club Chicago

André 3000 — frequently revered as one of the greatest rappers of all time — will perform three nights in Chicago for his flute-heavy album, “New Blue Sun.” André 3000, born André Benjamin, will perform at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Garfield Park Conservatory, as well as Feb. 12 at Thalia Hall and Feb. 13 at the Salt Shed. His first tour as a solo act, the performances will feature collaborators Carlos Niño, Nate Mercereau, Surya Botofasina and Deantoni Parks.

Tickets for the performances went on

MIGRANTS

Lawmaker tensions from page 2 the federal government last fall after border patrol agents cut razor wire the state had put up, but the court upheld previous decisions that give the federal government sole responsibility for border security.

On Wednesday, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has directed the busing program that has brought roughly 35,000 migrants to Illinois, invoked the U.S. Constitution by declaring that the number of migrants at the southern border constitutes an “invasion” of the country and referencing states’ “sovereign interest in protecting their borders.”

“That authority is the supreme law of the land and supersedes any federal statutes to the contrary,” Abbott said in a statement. “The Texas National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and other Texas personnel are acting on that authority, as well as state law, to se-

sale 10 a.m. Wednesday. The Garfield Park Conservatory shows sold out, and pre-sale tickets for the Thalia Hall show are gone, though limited walk-up tickets will be available the day of the event, according to promoters.

It is not clear if the Salt Shed tickets have sold out as they are not listed as available on promoter Empty Bottle Presents’ website. More information on available tickets can be found on the website.

As one half of the legendary hip hop duo OutKast along with Big Boi, Benjamin’s return to music shocked fans in a number of ways. “New Blue Sun,” released in November, is his first album after nearly 20 years

of sporadic guest appearances on other artists’ songs and albums. Benjamin’s new record also lacks his voice.

Instead, the album is a 90-minute instrumental record featuring flutes, ambient noises and percussion instruments, with his vocals nowhere to be found.

Song titles such as “I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album But This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time,” give some insight into his creative direction. The song is the longest song to ever chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

cure the Texas border.”

This week also saw several state lawmakers offer possible responses to the influx of migrants.

Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, penned an op-ed proposing that city and state policymakers use the fact that Chicago is set to host the Democratic National Convention as leverage to force federal action on immigration.

“If the federal government cannot adequately deal with the housing issue for tenured Chicagoans and our new arrivals, then Chicago and Illinois should be prepared to rescind the offer to host the DNC,” Buckner wrote in a piece for the Chicago Tribune.

But backing out of hosting the DNC is unlikely, as contacts with vendors have already been signed and federal law enforcement agencies are already setting out their plans for the event.

“The Democratic National Convention provides an unparalleled opportunity to invest in communities across Chicago,” Natalie Edelstein, a spokesperson for the host committee said in a statement responding to Buckner’s proposal.

Edelstein also noted that the host committee is working with city, state and local part-

ners to “ensure a safe and successful event.”

Buckner is a member of the House of Representatives “New Arrivals Working Group,” an informal group of lawmakers recently convened by House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside. That group will likely be an important part of potential funding discussions for the state’s migrant response this spring. While the governor’s office is anticipating a $1.4 billion surplus in the current year which ends June 30, next fiscal year is facing a projected deficit of $891 million.

The state has so far spent or allocated more than $600 million on programs relating to the recently arrived migrants, according to the governor’s office, including a $160 million package through the state’s Department of Human Services announced in November.

Earlier this month, Pritzker said he brought up a potential supplemental spending plan to legislative leaders in Springfield, but those conversations have so far yielded no proposals.

Some Republican lawmakers, meanwhile, have asked Welch to hold public hearings on the migrant situation.

The Illinois Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative Republican state representatives, said they attempted to tour shelters in Chicago but were turned away.

While the Monday letter to Welch from Freedom Caucus members characterized the influx of migrants as an “ongoing illegal immigration crisis,” many of the people bused to the state from Texas are seeking asylum which generally means they can legally stay in the U.S. Rep. Adam Niemerg, R-Dieterich, a member of the Freedom Caucus, said he and his colleagues hope to engage downstate Illinoisans on the issue.

“Transparency in government at any level is important,” Niemerg said.

THE COLBERT SHOW/ YOUTUBE

Andre 3000 will play four shows in Chicago in February.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

Austin Weekly News, January 31, 2024

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Teen ‘America to Me’ is now behind the camera

Jada Buford is seeking donations to defray costs of master’s degree project

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Jada Buford got a lot of screen time in America to Me, the multipart documentary made by local filmmaker Steve James about Oak Park and River Forest High School that aired on Starz in 2018.

But even then, Buford preferred being behind the camera to be on screen. Now 25, Buford is finishing up a master of fine arts degree in film at Columbia University in New York City. She is working on her thesis film, titled Sing a Black Girl

Jada Buford

PROVIDED

Jada Buford Song. The film is the last requirement she must fulfill to receive her degree in May. Sing a Black Girl Song will be a short film, about 10 minutes long, is about three preteen Black girls who have a sleepover.

“It’s a story that was inspired by my girlhood,” Buford told the Wednesday Journal in a telephone interview.

Buford, who grew up in Galewood neighborhood and River Forest, said that sleepovers are important events for preteen girls.

“For most preteen girls, sleepovers represent a significant aspect of growing up,” Buford said, adding that sleepovers can be a safe haven for girls where they can laugh, cry, sing and dance.

“Sleepovers for me, I felt like, were pivotal safe havens for girlhood,” Buford said.

The movie, which will be filmed in Harlem, will feature three girls, ages 11 and 12. Buford said that the PROVIDED film will focus on the sometimes-awkward transition

from young girl to young woman.

Buford is the writer and the producer of the film that will feature both documentary and narrative elements.

The film will be directed by Danielle Therese Dougé, a 2022 graduate of the Columbia film school, who also grew up in Galewood and met Buford at Columbia.

Buford plans to shoot the film in February and expects to complete the movie in time to graduate in May. But producing a movie, even a short one, is not cheap. She needs money to pay her director, film crew and other production and postproduction costs. She is trying to raise $12,000 toward the estimated $15,000 cost of making the film.

To raise funds, Buford has turned to Seeds&Spark, a crowd funding platform that focuses on film and storytelling. Those interested in making a donation to support the making of Sing a Black Girl Song can donate at https://seedsandspark. com/fund/sing-a-black-girls-song#story. You can follow the progress of the film on Instagram at @singablackgirlsong.

After the film is completed, Buford plans to show the film in Oak Park or River Forest, perhaps this summer.

Buford was a senior at OPRF during the 2015-16 school year and was one of the students that the filmmakers followed and chronicled. She made her first film as a senior at OPRF and has made four other short films, including one about hair.

After graduating from OPRF in 2016, Buford attended Columbia College in Chicago for one year before transferring to Howard University. At Howard, she majored in media, journalism and film communication and received her bachelor of arts degree in 2020.

Buford’s mother, Telisa Felder, now lives in Forest Park.

Austin Weekly News, January 31, 2024

BLACK HISTORY

Entrepreneur spotlight from page 1 healthcare in our community.”

Themed “Showcase of Black History, Culture and Entrepreneurship, the free, two-day event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, February 24 and 25 at Pilgrim at 460 Lake Street.

Austin youth are included among the talent showcases that also feature the Just Cause Dancers from Forest Park.; the Betty Shabazz Kuumba Soul Singers and Drummers; Uniting Voices of Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir).

“The people who will be performing are just amazing,” Simmons said. “They’re ages five to maybe 12 or 14 and they are so disciplined.”

Along with song and dance, attention will be paid to health matters during the event with area hospitals and other integrative health care providers and practices COURTESY OF IMANI SPENCER partnering for the event.

Children’s book author Imani Spencer.

“I was determined that we would bring in the two hospitals in Austin, right on the edge of Oak Park,” Simmons said. “I Essential Oils LLC, is one of the vendors reached out to Loretto [Hospital]. I know taking part in the event. Actively engaged a couple of people there, but I had to con- on social media, the upbeat entrepreneur vince them that it was important that works hard and rarely misses an opportuthey be a part of this and also West Sub- nity to bring attention to her products as urban [Hospital]. We’re very blessed that well as others.

“Opportunities like these are especially those hospitals agreed to get involved and important to Black entrepreneurs because are now very excited about it.” a lot of us don’t know how Free clinical services into start a business nor do we clude cardiovascular, blood have the finances to start one, pressure screening, women’s “ Bonds said. “Throughout health discussions. our history, banks have been Black History Month is an opknown not to loan Black entreportunity to honor the achievepreneurs money to start a busiments of African Americans, ness. Also, these events give us which includes Black-owned an opportunity to introduce businesses. Highlighting them our products to the [public] beis also an opportunity to point fore deciding if starting a busiout the ongoing challenges ness is something we want to many of them face.

Black-owned and other busi- KEENA RENEE BONDS do.”

Imani Spencer, Simmons’ nesses/vendors from the surdaughter and Black children’s rounding communities, which include Austin will be on hand to sell and book author, also will take part as a vendor at the event. With The Kink in My Hair and showcase their products and wares.

“Most of them are working full-time The Kink in My Hair, Too, Spencer writes jobs,” Simmons said of the vendors tak- to empower Black children and recognize ing part in the event. “They have a passion their coily, kinky hair is something to be for what they’re doing. We’re not going to proud of.

For more information about the Black charge anybody to come in. Vendors also History Month celebration, contact Joseare not charged a fee to take part.”

Keena Renee Bonds, owner of Spread phine Simmons at 773-206-9485 or email or the Love Body Butters and Scrubs with her at josimmons234@yahoo.com.

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9

When snap judgments fail

riving home from work through Galewood Friday night, I was chatting with my sister in Ohio about her new kitten when I passed two figures to my left. One was on the ground at the corner of Oak Park Avenue and Belden, struggling. The other, a woman, looked in shock and desperation at passing cars — an urban deer in headlights. I turned around at Medill and when I stopped, I found a man in the mud, still struggling to get up. The woman was gone.

“I’ll call you back,” I told my sister, sure all would be over and fine in, say, 10 minutes.

I was wrong. In half that time, my cocky self-assuredness unfolded into an illustration of Chicago’s systemic failures and the staggering complexity of being human.

I stopped my car at the crosswalk, flashed my emergency lights and got out to check the man. “Sir, are you all right?” I asked.

He was crouched, blood running from under his blue baseball cap, splashing, three, two, one on the sidewalk before he grasped my elbow to pull himself up — not quite upright, but enough so I could see ribbons of blood from the right side of his head to his chin.

“Sir,” I said. “I need you to sit down.

You’re ok. You’re safe.” A small man, he came up only to my chest. He looked at me with eyes the color of the mist under the streetlights. Shockingly colorless.

“I’m calling 911,” I said.

He grew alarmed. No. No. No, he said, again and again, flailing his arms. I held his elbow. “Sir, it’s ok. I’m here.”

I dialed 911 and a dispatcher answered before I heard it ring. The man tugged at my arm as I held him steady and tried to explain to the woman that I was with an injured man. “Do you need an ambulance?” she asked. “Yes, I think so,” I said. She transferred me to Chicago’s fire department.

As I waited, I saw the blue lights of CPD down the street. I waved, certain the officers were looking for us. But they drove by.

The new dispatcher flung questions at me: Is he injured? Do you know him? Is he drunk?

By now, the man had stumbled to my car, more to support himself than to flee.

He didn’t smell like alcohol. I asked him: “Are you drunk?”

“Yes,” he said. “No.” “Do you want help?” The dispatcher had me ask that.

“No,” he said.

For her, the call was over.

He was a drunk who declined help. “Ma’am, we do not have to come out to help a man who declines medical treatment. He’s an adult.”

White-hot anger flashed in my brain.

She was not nice. I was not nice. I told her he was 70 or 80 years old, and he appeared to be confused, not drunk. She pushed back: We have him on a recorded line saying he doesn’t want help. And as we argued, he grew more agitated, shuffling to the driver’s side of my car as if he were going to get in. “You could flag down a police car,” she said. “I did.” I am sure I growled. “No one stopped.” All the while, she could hear me try to prevent the man from stepping into oncoming traffic. He didn’t look, just walked.

Exasperated, she said: “Well, are you going to stay with him?” “Why do you think I called?” I said.

Like magic, the police dispatcher was back on the line asking me to describe the man. He is a small man, I began, and watched him shuffle across Oak Park Avenue, dressed in a denim jacket with a sherpa collar and blue jeans longer than he was tall and wider than his girth.

Mystery kept them at his hips. He had never let go of the tattered CVS bag tied so tightly at the top.

And here I was, standing in my Banana Republic wool jacket in the rain in the middle of a crosswalk with my iPhone at my ear, arguing with the powers who are supposed to save us while I watched a bleeding man pivot at the corner like a

wind-up toy, unsure of which direction to turn.

The dispatcher said police would come to conduct a wellbeing check. I know what those odds are. Last year, a Chicago Tribune analysis of 2022 data found that it took police in the 25th District 10 minutes or more to respond to a call – but that’s only for the most urgent cases. Later in 2023, an Inspector General report showed that no one knows what the true response rates are because half of recorded 911 calls didn’t include the time of an officer’s arrival after a call was made.

Powerless, I left.

In the car, I called my sister. Tell me about kittens, I said.

But the white-hot rage never went away.

Consider this: None of us knew what was wrong with the man. Not me, not the dispatchers, and maybe not even himself.

For whatever reason, he was confused, he fell, he was bleeding. According to the National Institutes of Health, six in 10 people with dementia wander. Could that have been him? He also hit his head. More than 32,000 people ages 65 and over die from falls, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates. It’s not always instant, and early intervention can sometimes help.

Dementia patients can’t give consent.

And in some cases, intoxicated people can’t, either. For example, it’s legal to cut those off who have had too much to drink in bars and restaurants. They can’t consent to drink more, even though they are adults. Illinois State Police are permitted to intervene with cases in public spaces and can authorize that the person be taken home or to a medical facility.

And Chicago’s Emergency Management Services policies and procedures permit EMTs to assess people to determine whether they are able to give consent.

They stipulate agencies that can be called for help and permit responders to transport people who resist medical treatment

ERIKA HOBBS Editor

to the emergency room after all other methods of persuasion have failed.

In this case, no one even tried. In the five minutes between the time I dialed 911 and I got back into my car, one person made the snap decision that it was ok to let an injured man, drunk or not, suffer.

At home, as I was washing my hands, I realized I’d never asked him his name.

All I said was “I’m here. It’s ok.” I can tell the two people in my family with dementia I got you and they calm down. But this man didn’t know me from Adam. A name. A simple, human gesture. Had I not treated him like something to be saved rather than someone to help, maybe the results would have been different.

We all failed him: Me with my bravado in thinking I could make Chicago’s police and fire departments do what no one else has been able to achieve, and in making decisions for a stranger. And then there were those who vowed to serve and protect. Indeed.

Police-bashing is too easy, but that doesn’t mean people never need help.

If policing in this country is ever fixed, let’s hope they don’t forget about folks like this one, small man. People with addiction, people with dementia, people of color and people without papers are all still people, despite the labels we affix to them. They all deserve attention and compassion.

To him, I ask forgiveness. I should have asked you your name. I hope you’re safe from whatever you were wandering from.

If there’s a next time, I pray you find a much stronger elbow than mine to cling to and that an even stronger one never lets you go.

Join us!

We’re looking for fresh, new voices from the West Side. Interest in writing commentary for us?

Email editor Erika Hobbs at erika@growingcommunitymedia.org.

10 Austin Weekly News, January 31, 2024

I

Nonprofits should be inclusive, transparent

n the heart of Austin, the landscape is changing rapidly, with millions of dollars pouring into nonprofit organizations and churches, shaping the community’s future. As a longstanding resident of Austin, I want to share my personal experience of witnessing this influx of funds. I hope my perspective sheds light on a disconcerting reality: the funding often fails to reach the residents, leaving the community struggling and unimproved. In my 25 years in Austin, I have observed a lack of real impact, raising questions about the accountability and transparency of the nonprofit sector.

The nonprofit sector in Black communities like Austin has transformed into a booming business, fueled by donations often driven by narratives of trauma porn. Despite the promises of investment in underserved communities, the decision-makers and drivers

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of development are typically community-based organizations and churches.

Major developments over the past few years have been spearheaded by these entities, but the benefits seem to circle back to them rather than uplifting the community as a whole. I want to call for a restructuring of operations, emphasizing the need for accountability and genuine community engagement.

One of the striking issues I would like to address is the acquisition of land and property by nonprofits and churches, leaving large portions of the community undeveloped and lacking essential institutions. Yes this article challenges the prevailing norms of leadership,

highlighting the disconnection between those in power and the actual voices of the residents.

I advocate for a radical change in how the community operates and propose the creation of an Austin Residents Council to empower and protect the community. As Austin grapples with these challenges, it becomes evident that real change requires a collective effort to ensure that the people, not just the buildings, thrive in the face of this invisible investment.

One of the things I have learned from studying the dynamic of Austin is that community engagement has been reduced to passing out fliers and surveys. That is lazy and unacceptable in

AISHA OLIVER

a community with a population of over 90,000. There is no way we should be discussing multimillion-dollar projects with 30-50 people — 30.2% of Austin’s population is under the age of 19 and 20.8% is between 20 and 34.

Yet you rarely see these age groups at the table when decisions are being made for this community. They are not being engaged, but the narrative is they are just not showing up. Much of the Black population is being left out of pivotal conversations about moving the needle in Austin. The saying goes that “Ppeople who profit from your ignorance will not educate you.” We have to make sure that we are not being left in the dark concerning our community.

If you’re interested in creating an Austin Residents Council that is formed, built and operated by residents, please email “Interested in ARC,” Root2fruit. youth@gmail.com.

Shoplifting is a serious crime

rowing up, I always heard how California was 20 years ahead of the rest of the country, an advanced society. It was the state that began “right turns on red.”

In 1969, they were so progressive they instituted “no-fault divorce.”

Fast forward and, effective Nov. 5, 2014, Proposition 47 became law.

Henceforth, anyone who took merchandise during regular business operating hours and if the value of said merchandise was less than $950, the crime was no longer a felony but simply a misdemeanor. They even gave it the specific crime name of “shoplifting.” The consequences were such that shoplifters would simply get a mild naughty-finger wave as opposed to the prior slap on the

butt of a felony along with appropriate jail time.

Sadly, as with most legislation proposed by myopic folks, the California legislators never thought of the unintended consequences of their actions. It didn’t take long for the criminal element to start stealing $949 or less worth of stuff.

Businesses had to put a lot of everyday items like toothpaste, deodorant, and laundry detergent under lock and key. Even underwear and socks are now locked up. It’s so bad that Walgreens locked up the frozen pizza and ice cream.

AUSTIN WEEKLY NEWS

My cousin lives north of Oakland in a relatively safe area but she worries. Recently she took a late-night trip to the grocery store. Prior to parking, she waved down the security car and told him she had luggage in the backseat and could security keep an eye on it because she feared her windows being broken.

The security guy agreed and had her park in a handicap spot which was more highly visible and better lit.

The governor of California is finally seeing the errors of Proposition 47. Shoplifting has become an organized business. Teams of indi-

ARLENE JONES

viduals would go into stores and steal everything in sight to be resold for profit. There are some new proposed laws to combat the devastation that Proposition 47 has caused. One of the new laws would allow repeat offenders to have their crimes combined even if the amount was under the $950 threshold.

The same situation is happening here in Illinois. Our Illinois legislators need to pay heed to what’s been happening in California, especially in light of the SAFE-T ACT. It took California 10 years to recognize the stupidity of their decisions. We are headed in the same direction. Hopefully it won’t take our legislators that long to see the errors of their ways and amend some laws.

Email your letter to the editor to: erika@growingcommunitymedia.org Or mail to: Austin Weekly News, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302

AustinWeekly News, January 31, 2024 11

PUBLIC NOTICES BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT Bouncing Boy A.R. arrived on the 8th day of September 2006 to the parents Rashad and Angelea Rhodes.

Weighing 8pounds and 18inches long at 10:15pm Advocate Hospital.

Published in Austin Weekly News January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2024

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT Beautiful baby Girl E.R. arrived on the 20th day of November 2009 to the parents Rashad and Angelea Rhodes.

Weighing 7 pounds and 61 inches long at 8:37pm. Trinity Hospital.

Published in Austin Weekly News January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2024

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT Baby Girl L.R. arrived on the 27th day of February 2008 to the parents Rashad and Angelea Rhodes.

Weighing 6 pounds and 15 inches long at 6:30pm Trinity Hospital.

Published in Austin Weekly News January 31, February 7, 14, 21, 2024

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com RBLandmark.com ForestParkReview. com AustinWeeklyNews.com PublicNoticeIllinois.com

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION 2007-3 Plaintiff, -v.DONALD MCNEAL A/K/A DONALD TAMEL MCNEAL A/K/A DONALD MC NEAL Defendants 2022 CH 11381 1433 SOUTH MILLARD AVENUE CHICAGO, IL 60623 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on May 31, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 7, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1433 SOUTH MILLARD AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60623 Property Index No. 16-23-121-0230000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 22-12416IL_835453 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 2022 CH 11381 TJSC#: 43-2518 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2022 CH 11381 I3233648 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BAYVIEW FINANCIAL MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH TRUST 2006B, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-B Plaintiff, -v.-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE WILLIE IKUOMOLA, LAURENA LACEY Defendants 18 CH 04927 2735 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD CHICAGO, IL 60612 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on November 27, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 28, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 2735 WASHINGTON BOULEVARD, CHICAGO, IL 60612 Property Index No. 16-12-421-0090000 The real estate is improved with a brown brick, three story multi unit home, no garage.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL, 60602. Tel No. (312) 346-9088.

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLC One North Dearborn Street, Suite 1200 Chicago IL, 60602 312-346-9088 E-Mail: pleadings@mccalla.com Attorney File No. 20-03635IL_608465 Attorney Code. 61256 Case Number: 18 CH 04927 TJSC#: 43-4423 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 18 CH 04927 I3236733

is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required

by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-22-07415 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2023 CH 01255 TJSC#: 44-83 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2023 CH 01255 I3237202

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF GREAT LAKE FUNDING I TRUST Plaintiff, -v.L & M REMODELING CORP, ROY LEON MOORE, CITY OF CHICAGO Defendants 2023 CH 01255 1640 S PULASKI ROAD CHICAGO, IL 60623 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 5, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 26, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1640 S PULASKI ROAD, CHICAGO, IL 60623 Property Index No. 16-22-407-0380000 The real estate is improved with a commercial property.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

12 Austin Weekly News, January 31, 2024

Deadline to be included in the 2024-2025 lottery: March 18, 2024 The lottery is scheduled at 9:00 am on March 20, 2024 at Catalyst Circle Rock

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