Ald. Scott Waguespack June 19, 2020 Update
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Greetings!
This past Wednesday, the City Council
passed a resolution to recognize Juneteenth
. On June 19,
1865, Union soldiers went to Galveston, Texas to proclaim and enforce that
enslaved peoples were free - over two years after
President Lincoln signed the
Emancipation Proclamation.
While
that date is set in time over 150 years ago, the racism of slavery in our country never disappeared. We all must work together to end the racism that still exists in our country. We all must work to end the racial and economic segragation that continues to divide communities. I will remain committed to the changes we need to move us forward, to educate our children about what is right and to fight the racism that persists. To learn more about our history that isn't in school books, you can read more about
Juneteenth here
.
Many people in the ward have been looking for ways to support other Chicago residents throughout this time. The Women’s Caucus of City Council is hosting a supply drive to help women and families across Chicago. The drive will support families who have limited access to formula, diapers, wipes, and more. Drop off locations are accepting donations this week (see details below!). If you’d like to make a financial contribution, cash donations can be made to Restored Hope via Paypal: bit.ly/W2WDonate. Thanks for helping!
Many people have called or emailed about having off duty police officers in CPS public schools. The contract is a CPS contract and the resolution to change the contract or void it is going to be heard in the City Council education committee. Alternatives to police in schools is an option so LSC's will be asked to review thoe options across all schools. I do support security in schools if it can be done by private security hired by LSCs and principals. The City Council is also reviewing community oversight ordinances that include CPAC and GAPA, and we expect to have the additional oversight of the police department pillar in place. The federal consent decree calls for community oversight and was a commitment that the City needs to fulfill. For more information on the community engagement through the Consent Decree, you can read the
IPCE Report on Consent Decree Community Engagement (PDF) or the
discussion of community oversight in the Consent Decree documents here. The Progressive, Black and Latino Caucuses are working on the CPAC and GAPA ordinances to pass the required oversight panel.
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This week the lakefront, 606 and other parks are opening, as well as
bars with limited seating. It is still
imperative to wear masks and keep your social distancing in play. The COVID-19 virus has not been eilminated and will not be until there is a vaccine that can be used worldwide. This virus, like any other,
spreads quickly and across any political boundary in a flash. PLEASE take precautions and wear your mask when on the trails, or in public or private places where you are outside your family circle. The latest update on Chicago's COVID-19 statistics and information are
available here.
Have a good weekend,
Scott Waguespack, Alderman
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Juneteenth
I'd like to share an excerpt of a statement from Black staff members at
Chicago Votes,
a non-partisan, non-profit organization building a more inclusive democracy by putting power in the hands of young Chicagoans. They have been part of the movement to recognize that Black Lives Matter and that we all need to recognize and do what we can to help end racism all around us. They are a great organization trying to make change from the ground up. You can learn about their work
here.
If you want to know more about voting, you can also go to
Chicagoelections.gov.
*****
On June 19th, 1865, a Union Army general made the proclamation in Texas that the enslaved were free. This date is now known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day, and it is celebrated, as an unofficial holiday in America, to commemorate the abolishment of slavery.
Though slavery, in its traditional form, has come to an end; the ritual of racial capitalism has continued
since we were first stacked atop one another like meaningless cargo in the belly of slave ships traveling across the Atlantic.
America has yet to reconcile the shameful, devilish, animalistic industry of slavery.
America continues to traumatize, lock up, kill, and capitalize on Black bodies. Until being Black in America is safe and full reparations are paid, the process of healing can’t even begin.
Black people have been enslaved in America longer than we have been free...just an FYI
Today, we celebrate the strides we have made since being brought to the United States in bondage and given nothing from the United States when we were supposedly set free
. We have overcome every obstacle thrown our way and have become the most influential pillar of American culture. Our music, our hair, our clothes, our talents, our dances, and our bodies are our nation’s obsession. We are a resilient, badass people full of love and joy, and no amount of hatred can take that away from us.
*****
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Vote By Mail
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a measure into law to expand the number of Illinois voters who cast their ballot in the 2020 presidential election by mail. Read more details about the law
here
.
This is a great time to remind voters that they can
apply to vote by mai
l online
.
Ballots will start being mailed on
Sept. 24 and must be postmarked by Election Day.
To find our if you're registered to vote,
click here
. If you are not, there are several ways to register including online.
Click here
for that information.
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Tenant Protections
The Chicago City Council
approved an innovative relief package that will provide substantive protections for tenants
and minimize the number of evictions across the city due to the unprecedented COVID-19 health and economic crisis. The COVID-19 Eviction Protection Ordinance requires landlords to make good faith efforts towards resolutions with tenants before moving ahead with an eviction filing, including offering repayment plans and third-party mediation. The ordinance requires landlords filing evictions, due to nonpayment of rent against tenants who have coronavirus-related financial hardships, to wait for a seven-day “cooling-off” period in addition to the regular five-day notice period. After the “cooling-off” period, landlords must show the court that they have engaged in good faith efforts to reach a reasonable alternative to eviction, including mediation, payment plans, or other options before an eviction can proceed.
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The 606 (aka Bloomingdale Trail) and Lakefront Trails
Will Reopen on Monday
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The 606 & Lakefront trails will reopen starting on Monday for outdoor activities. Due to
COVID-19 and the fact that we are only in Phase 3 of reopening, the City is asking residents to keep it moving. Both the 606 and Lakefront trails will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. There will be social distancing ambassadors along the trails to make sure residents and visitors are not congregating and to encourage them to keep moving. Anyone on the trails is required to wear masks and maintain 6' of social distance. Read more on the
Chicago Park District website.
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The Annual Wicker Park
Garden Fundraiser
The Annual Wicker Park Plant Sale Fundraiser was cancelled due to COVID Restrictions. Friends of Wicker Park is close to making their $12,000 annual budget. They have already raised $7,000, but could use your help
!
You can donate by
clicking here or send a donation by mailing a check to
Wicker Park Garden Club, Attn.: Doug Wood, 1322 N. Claremont #2, Chicago, IL 60622. Friends of Wicker Park is a 501c3 non-profit.
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City of Chicago Announces Eligibility Expansion for COVID-19 Testing at Six City Run Sites
The City of Chicago today announced a citywide eligibility expansion for residents to get tested for COVID-19 at six City-run testing sites and is encouraging anyone who has had a recent high-risk exposure to be tested, which includes participation in protests that have happened throughout the city and country over the past several weeks.
The City is also encouraging all residents to continue self-monitoring as the City continues to cautiously reopen and residents continue prudently expanding their social circles. These new measures aim to ensure that any Chicago resident in need of testing can be accommodated and further increase the amount of testing per day citywide.
Diagnostic testing for COVID-19 is free for all residents and available based on the eligibility requirements below. The City strongly encourages anyone who thinks they may need to be tested to visit one of the sites. Workers onsite can accommodate several language needs in order to provide the best experience and educate residents coming to the testing sites. No questions will be asked about citizenship status, and no documentation related to citizenship will be requested. The data collected for testing appointments whether online or
onsite and returned from the tests will only be shared with the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Health.
The testing sites open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and are located at:
• Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy
• Horizon Science Academy – Southwest
• Dr. Jorge Prieto Math & Science Academy
• Kennedy King College
• Gately Park
• Columbus Park
Any Chicago resident should be tested at the early onset of these symptoms:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Mild or moderate difficulty breathing
• Sore throat
• Muscle aches or body aches
• New loss of taste or smell
• Nausea or vomiting
If you don’t have any new symptoms, you should get tested if you had a recent high-risk exposure, which includes any of the below:
• Recent contact to someone who has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19
• Recent high-risk exposures, including close contact with many other people in a
large group gathering or crowd
• First responders or other essential workers with potential recent exposures
All City-run sites can accommodate testing for healthcare workers and first responders who are more frequently exposed to COVID-19. However, it is important to note that testing criteria and guidelines may be different for healthcare workers and first responders.
Workers should follow guidance from their employer to determine eligibility.
Getting tested is the best way to know if you have COVID-19, and the City strongly encourages anyone getting tested to schedule an appointment online if possible. Knowing if you have the virus can help to best ensure health needs are met and allow for preventative actions earlier on to keep others safe and prevent further spread. To learn more about the City’s six testing sites or to register to get tested please visit
chi.gov/covidtesting.
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City of Chicago selects CURB to manage the City’s Centralized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxicab Dispatch Service
Please be advised that the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and Curb Mobility, LLC (CURB) have entered into a contract for CURB to manage the City’s Centralized Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) Taxicab Dispatch Service.
Beginning July 1, 2020, passengers can request a WAV taxicab ride by calling
1-888-WAV-CABS (1-888-928-2227)
or by downloading the CURB app. Passengers will also be able to make in-app electronic payments for their rides via the CURB app. For more information, including steps on how to download the CURB app, visit
gocurb.com/ChicagoWAV
.
PACE Taxi Access Program (TAP) certified paratransit passengers may download the CURB app to request dispatch service. However, they should follow the protocols of the TAP
User’s Guide
, which requires TAP passengers to swipe their card in the card reader in the back of the taxi to deduct a ride at the end of the trip.
CURB’s proposal was selected through a competitive bid process. The selection was made by a committee including representatives from BACP, the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), and the Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). The selection committee was advised by additional representatives from MOPD, the Department of Assets, Information and Services (AIS), WAV taxicab drivers, and WAV passengers who use wheelchairs. CURB’s proposal was selected due to their ability to elevate the customer service experience for WAV taxicab passengers by allowing passengers to use electronic payment methods within the CURB e-hailing app. CURB’s proposal is based on streamlining the dispatch process through integration with equipment currently in Chicago taxicabs and through the CURB app. CURB’s selection was also based on their extensive experience in mobile apps, dispatch technology and call center services.
The City of Chicago WAV Taxicab Dispatch Service concept has been in place for nearly 20 years. In 2013, the City of Chicago established the first contracted WAV Taxicab Dispatch Service to provide rapid, on-demand taxicab services for passengers with disabilities. In 2019, 82,000 rides were provided through the centralized WAV taxicab dispatch service, and passengers were connected to rides within 18 minutes. Passengers who use wheelchairs may continue to call 1-855-928-1010 to request a WAV taxicab in Chicago until June 30, 2020.
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The Chicago Women's Caucus Supply Drive
Many people in the ward have been looking for ways to support other Chicago residents throughout this time. The Women’s Caucus of City Council is hosting a supply drive to help women and families across Chicago, women to women, ward to ward.
The drive will support families who have limited access to formula, diapers, wipes, and more. Drop off locations are accepting donations this week.
If you’d like to make a financial contribution, cash donations can be made to Restored Hope via Paypal:
bit.ly/W2WDonate
. A $65 donation would purchase one Care Package of supplies with formula for a family. A $45 donation would purchase one Care Package without formula.
Pick up will be announced separately. Request a Care Package at
bit.ly/w2wdrive
or by text 312-869-9793.
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Summer Events
The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (DCASE) announced a slate of new and reimagined summer events including at-home dance parties, drive-in movies, virtual concerts, and community meals for frontline workers. DCASE will produce more than 150 events this summer. Many of these programs support the local music industry during the Year of Chicago Music — now extended into 2021. Additionally, DCASE shared new guidance for large outdoor events across the City of Chicago, cancelling all permitted special events through Labor Day.
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Logan Square Farmers' Market Needs Volunteers
The Logan Square Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help run one of Chicago's favorite weekly events. If you're interested in volunteering, please
fill out this form. To learn more about the market,
click here.
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Outdoor Dining Legislation
Two ordinances were approved by the City Council t
o remove regulatory burdens and provide much-needed support to Chicago’s businesses impacted by COVID-19. The first ordinance will make outdoor dining easier during phase three and ensure establishments can operate as quickly and safely as possible by taking the following measures:
- Reduce the fees for Sidewalk Café permits by 75%, which would apply retroactively to all permits issues this year. Businesses who have already been granted a permit will receive a refund.
- Extend the boundaries of Sidewalk Cafés into the public way in front of a neighboring establishment, provided that the neighbor is not a retail food or liquor establishment. Cafes must extend continuously, cannot block the door or window of a neighboring property, and plans for extended cafes must be submitted as part of the application, with insurance coverage including the entire extended footprint.
- Expedite the permit process by removing the requirement for Sidewalk Café permit applications to be submitted to City Council before issuance. This will preserve the local alderman’s ability to approve applications on the front end while removing a regulatory burden that can add 30 days to the issuance timeline.
The second ordinance temporarily legalizes the sale of pre-mixed cocktails for pick up or delivery in the city. This ordinance will allow for cocktails to-go in Chicago with health and safety measures in place based on provision of the recently passed State Law:
- Pre-mixed cocktails must be sold in a sealed and tamper-evident container.
- Cocktails can only be sold by bars and restaurants, not liquor stores.
- Cocktails must be labeled and cannot be delivered by third-party delivery services.
The City created the CHIBIZ alerts to notify Chicago’s businesses of emergency situations that may impact their operations. Interested businesses can text “CHIBIZ” to 67284 or register at
chicago.gov/chibizalerts
.
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Bars & Taverns Outdoor Service
Starting this past Wednesday, bars, lounges, taverns, breweries and other drinking establishments that sell alcohol for on-site consumption without a Retail Food License were able to open for outdoor service only. Liquor establishments that are reopening must follow the
industry guidelines
, which includes health and safety restrictions similar to those that restaurants have been following since June 3. Establishments with a Tavern License are eligible for an
Expanded Outdoor Dining Permit
through which they can expand into private property, including parking lots.
These establishments may also participate in the City's "Our Streets" plan to close streets for outdoor food and beverage service. Applications for street closure must be submitted by chambers, Special Service Area agencies, business service organizations, or three or more establishments. At least 50 percent of participating establishments must serve food.
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Learn the ABCs of Analytics at next Tuesday's
Marketing Mania
Sponsored by the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce, Marketing Mania is a four-part educational workshop series designed with the small business owner in mind. This weekly series will provide you with the tools you need to create a marketing strategy for your business in the COVID-19 era. Covering topics from social media strategies to Google Analytics, this series will address both the strategic and tactical aspects of marketing your business.
This session will cover the ABC's of analytics. This program will be a live walk through of the Google Analytics platform and how to read relevant/ important data showing business owners what to track and how to read the data.
Tuesday, June 23rd, 9-10AM
Zoom Webinar
These workshops are FREE for members, $10 for non-members. For questions or for more information contact Becca at
[email protected]
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Upcoming Free Educational Workshops for Businesses
Wednesday, 6/24 at 3:00 PM Webinar
The Power Is In Your Pivot: Series 2
Presented by ChiBizHub
This webinar is the second in a series that will convene a panel of business owners and ChiBizHub resource providers to share insight on how they've pivoted their businesses during COVID-19. The webinar will provide an overview and tips on how these businesses have remained relevant and gained a new customer base and skills amidst the pandemic to keep their businesses alive.
Click here
to register for the Wednesday, 6/24 Webinar.
Highlighted Previous Workshops
- To view Accounting in Quickbooks, click here.
- To view BACP Webinar: Fair Workweek Schedule Changes and Exceptions, click here.
- To view BACP Webinar: Fair Workweek Right to Rest and Other Rights, click here.
- To view Reopening Chicago: Retail Service, click here.
- To view Reopening Chicago: Food Service, click here.
- To view Reopening Chicago: Health and Fitness, click here.
- To view Reopening Chicago: Personal Services, click here.
- To view Overview of Chicago's Reopening Plan for Businesses (Spanish), click here.
- To view Overview of Chicago’s Reopening Plan for Businesses, click here.
- To view Small Business Capital and Coaching During the Recovery, click here.
- To view Resources Small Businesses During the COVID Pandemic, click here.
- To view Workers' Rights and Resources During COVID-19 - Spanish, click here.
- To view Workers' Rights and Resources During COVID-19 - English, click here.
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Chicago Northside AARP Community Meeting
with David Orr
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UPDATE: Zoom
CAPS Meetings
Some CAPS meetings are being switched to Zoom at this time. As we get information on the schedule and how to connect, we will post it here.
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14th Police District
Commander Melvin Roman
2150 N. California
Sgt. Adam Henkels
312-744-1261
18th Police District
Commander Daniel O'Shea
1160 N. Larrabee
Officer Tom Baker
312-742-5778
19th Police District
Commander Chris Papioannou
850 W. Addison
Sgt. Tracey Williams
312-744-0064
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Latest Public Health Guidance Links
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Additional Links with COVID Related Information
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Alderman Scott Waguespack
2657 North Clybourn
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-1330
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