Hello Neighbors,

Welcome back to our community newsletter! I hope you all had a fun Halloween. It was great to see so many neighbors out despite the cold weather (and snow!)

In this week’s newsletter, you'll discover the latest updates on our activities, ongoing improvements and cleanup initiatives in our ward. Exciting events, and loads of engaging fall programs for all ages.

Should you have any questions or require assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. Our team is here to support you, addressing the needs and concerns of the residents in the 30th ward. It's always a privilege and honor to serve our vibrant community.

Sincerely,

Alderwoman Cruz

30th Ward Community Zoning Committee

Join the 30th Ward Community Zoning Committee and Shape Your Neighborhood’s Future!

Are you passionate about your community's growth and development? Do you want to actively participate in decisions that will shape the future of the 30th Ward? We invite you to become a part of our vibrant and dedicated 30th Ward Community Zoning Committee!

Click the link below.

Community Zoning Committee Sign-Up Form

Participatory Budgeting Continues

Participatory Budget is a democratic process by which community members decide how to spend part of a public budget. Residents work together to generate ideas about improvements they’d like to see in the 30th Ward, then vote on which project they wish to see funded.

Idea Collection Questionnaire

Click this link below to be taken to our questionnaire to vote on Alley and Street fund allocations, provide your specific ideas to projects, and become a PB Community Representative!

PLEASE NOTE: If you participated in any of the previous 3 town halls, or have voted in the questionnaire already, you are ineligible to vote again in the questionnaire. However, you are still encouraged to send your specific ideas on ward improvements to our 30th ward email below.

Participatory Budgeting Questionnaire

First Halloween!

A little snow and some cold weather couldn’t stop a great Halloween in the new 30th Ward! I had so much fun with you all. It was so nice to see our neighborhoods connected and celebrating together.

And if you’re curious about some of the costs of my pirate costume, the earrings were only a-buck-an-ear.

Clean Up at Camras!

One of my staffers, Jerome Genova, attended the Camras Cleanup event this past week on my behalf while I was in Budget Hearings. It is a great lesson to instill in our ward’s youth that civic pride and care for your community is of great importance, and that anyone can make a difference where they live, even just outside your door.

New Landmarks in the New 30th Ward

The 30th Ward had TWO houses recognized by Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development and the Commission on Chicago Landmarks at the 2023 Preservation Excellence Awards.

The 30th Ward is filled with incredible architecture - from Old Irving Park to The Villa to the rows of iconic Chicago Bungalows. It was a pleasure to see our neighbors recognized for their painstaking rehabilitation of two historic houses in the 30th Ward.

30th Ward First Annual Trunk or Treat!

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate Halloween in the new 30th Ward! Thank you Congresswoman Delia Ramirez and State Representative Will Guzzardi. Additional thanks to all who volunteered their time, their cars, and for helping the new 30th Ward celebrate spooky season - We couldn't have done it without you!

Polish Heritage Celebration

It was an honor to attend a celebration of Polish Heritage with Mayor Johnson this past week. I could not be prouder to represent the Polish community of the 30th Ward. Chicago would not be what it is if not for the rich history and culturally significant contributions made by the Polish community.

Upcoming Events!

30th Ward Shred-a-Thon!

Saturday, November 4th from 9am - 1pm.

Chicago Academy School Parking Lot (6034 W. Roscoe St.)

Have any documents that need shredding? The new 30th Ward is hosting our first shredding event. Save the date for November 4th!

Information Session

Thursday, November 9th at 7pm.

Northwest Community Church (5318 W. Diversey Ave)

Join me and my colleagues to find out how you can save money on utilities and fight climate change through the option of switching to all electric. Hope to see you there!

Special Olympics Chicago 2023 Evening Reception

The Old Post Office (433 W. Van Buren St.)

Wednesday, November 29th from 5:30pm - 8pm.

Enjoy an evening celebrating our incredible Chicago athletes and the people who help us make a difference in their lives. Tickets are $125 which include heavy appetizers and drinks. All proceeds support athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Chicago.

For more information, please see the button below.

SpecialOlympicsChicago.org

Free Fall Family Health Fair

Saturday, November 4th from 9am - 12pm

Kosciuszko Park (2732 N. Avers Ave)

Please come by this Saturday to Kos. Park for free vaccinations, blood pressure checks, oral health exams for kids, and free health resources!

Small Business Safety Seminar

Saturday, November 4th - 9:30am - 11:30am

4801 W. Belmont Avenue

Are you a small business owner? Please consider attending this safety seminar, where you can learn about check washing, counterfeit bills, wire fraud, armed robbery safety, and active shooter training.

To RSVP, please email October 25th to nina@portageparkchamber.org

City Civics Day

Saturday, November 4th, 2023 - 9:30am - 4:30pm

Epiphany Center for the Arts (201 S. Ashland Avenue)

Join the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for a free, day-long celebration of civic involvement and community connection.

Click the link below to register.

Free Winter Weekdays

Don’t miss your chance at free admission tickets for the Art Institute!

Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays

November 27th - December 22nd.

Free Tickets Information

Helpful Information!

Emergency Heating Repair Program

The Chicago Department of Housing Emergency Heating Repair Program enrollment opens today. You can apply through 311 or at the link below:

Apply Here

Daylight Savings Ends this Sunday

Friendly reminder - this Sunday, the 5th we will be turning our clocks back 1 hour!

World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

How would you improve safety for Chicago mobility? Be sure to submit a video or voice recording to cdot.safe@gmail.com by November 11th.

What traffic safety message would you like to see on a bumper sticker? Message directly to CHICAGOSAFE on Instagram here:

You have until November 11th to send your direct message to CHICAGOSAFE on Instagram. Please click the link below to be directed to their page.

CHICAGOSAFE (Instagram)

Suicide & Crisis Hotline - Dial 988

Mental health is crucial for overall well-being, enabling individuals to cope with stress, fulfill their potential, and contribute meaningfully to society.

It is the foundation for emotional, psychological, and social stability, emphasizing the importance of understanding, promoting, and maintaining good mental health for everyone. If needed, please see the link below for resources.

Mental Health Resources

Donations Needed!

30th Ward Office: 5714 W. Belmont Ave

My office will be accepting donations throughout the fall and winter season. Clothing in all sizes needed and welcomed! Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

We have been collecting donations for some time now and have been coordinating the pick-ups and drop-offs of these items, which are so needed at this time. I am proud to represent a community that is willing to give so much to those who need it.

Picnic Permits On Sale for 2024

On November 15th, picnic permits for 2024 will go on sale. In person reservations start November 16th at 8am, but online applications are strongly encouraged.

Click the button below to start your application!

Apply Online for Picnic Permits Here

Tree Planting Sign Up Form

Interested in a tree planting? Sign up for one in the QR Code above!

Upcoming CAPS Meetings

Please see the flyer above for information on the next CAPS meetings in the 16th, 17th, and 25th Police Districts. Don’t forget, a safer ward starts with you!