AustinWeeklyNews_091323

Congressional run for Melissa Conyears-Ervin in question

Campaigning would be like running “with an anvil around her foot,” one analyst said.

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Accusations of ethics violations and misconduct could thwart Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin’s bid for U.S. Re p. Danny Davis’ (D-7) congressional seat before she even got started, political analysts said.

Campaigning would be like running “with an anvil around her foot,” said Chicago political consultant Delmarie Cobb.

“You’re starting out with an issue, a ne gative issue,” she explained.

But “there are certain standards that you have to live up to when you become an elected official,” she said. “I always tell my clients that it’s not whether you did something right or wrong, it’s the perception of the right and wrong.”

And Re p. Davis, 82, is a tough act to beat

“If you’re running to say that you’re better than an incumbent, and the incumbent hasn’t necessarily had any scandals, the only issue you’re running on is age, you got to prove that you’re going to be a better congressman than the one who is in the office,” Cobb said.

A city program that delivers food to people with disabilities in Austin has been extended six more months.

given funding by the Greater Chicago Food Depository.

“We had sort of this consensus that

Gun storage inf mation sh ld co from school, D97 pa

A new state law permits schools to share such information

By AMARIS E. RODRIGUEZ Staff Reporter

Residents in Oak Pa rk are calling on the elementary school district to commit to informing families about how to properly store firearms.

Oak Park School District D97, however, isn’t budging. At least not yet.

“We are probably already sharing infor mation in the best way possible,” said Superintendent Ushma Shah.

D97 has no policy requiring that infor mation is distributed directly from the district on safe firearm storage. However, Shah said, that does not mean they do not take firearm safety seriously.

According to Shah, D97 works alongside community partners such as the Oak Park Police Department and the Oak Park Health Department, to ensure families receive that information.

Information on safe firearm storage also has been shared through district outlets, such as their newsletter and social media platforms, said Shah, adding they also shared information on the free firearm lock giveaway held by the police and health departments in May.

But for some local parents, that is not enough.

Local Moms Demand Action member Jenna Leving Jacobson has been advocating for D97 to join the movement and pass a resolution pledging to provide safe gun storage information to district families.

Jacobson, a district parent of two children, presented a petition to the board of education during their school board meeting in early August. The petition, which had 378 signatures, demanded the district “use their uniquely influential position with parents and families, to share life-saving information about secure gun storage.”

Despite nearly two years advocating for this change to occur, Jacobson said the district has not taken action.

“This is a public education campaign,” Jacobson said. “This isn’t legislative advocacy;

this is just sharing information.”

The push for schools to be part of the conversation also stems from the role they have played providing essential public health information since the beginning of the pandemic as many districts related important information on COVID, including active cases in the schools, directly to families.

“We became used to getting public health information from the schools,” Jacobson said. “There was a new attunes to health and safety. It feels like people are more likely to read their emails from the schools, to listen to the schools, and to be connected to the schools.”

A new state law that went into effect in January permits school boards and other boards in charge of educational institutions supported by the state of Illinois to provide safety education such as safe gun storage.

In the bill, “safety education” means and includes safety in the home, including safe gun storage.

Other topics include safety in and around school buildings, safety in connection with recreational activities, and CPR information for students in middle school. According to Everytown, a nonprofit that advocates for gun safety and against gun violence, safe

PROVIDED

storage includes storing guns unloaded, locked, and separate from ammunition.

It’s not clear which districts near Oak Park have passed such resolutions or are considering them. However, a River Forest District 90 re presentative said they do not have such a policy

But the issue is not unique to Illinois. School boards across the country are adopting resolutions as advocates press them to distribute information to families about how to safely store their firearms. While many school boards across the country voluntarily pass such resolutions, others are seeing new laws mandate their participation. For example, districts in California have no choice this year but to do so after lawmakers required that all local educational agencies communicate safe firear m storage to students, families, and communities through a required annual parental notification.

Sobering statistics

According to Moms Demand Action’s website, a grassroots movement working

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Local Moms Demand Action, headed by Jenna Leving Jacobson, during the Oak Park July 4th parade last year.

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Children living in subsidized housing are eligible for free

Chicago Housing Authority residents can pick up free children’s books at appointments

By FRANCIA GARCIA HERNANDEZ Staff Reporter

Children in Austin and across Chicago who live in subsidized housing can pick up free books, a gift from the National Book Foundation.

At least 32,000 free books are available for f amilies who live in Chicago Housing Authority’s public housing sites or who receive rental assistance through Housing Choice Vouchers, commonly referred to as Section 8.

Families can find a selection of books spanning all ages and interests, including books for babies and toddlers, young children and young adults. Near half of the books feature characters representing people of color and diverse communities, including African American, Latino, Asian and LGBTQ+ characters and themes, said Kristen Hamer,

CHA’s director of corporate and external partnerships

On Chicago’s West Side, families who have an appointment at the CHA’s satellite office can pick up books for their children at the time of their appointment. Books also are also distributed through the CHA’s summer programs and CHA’s property management offices and satellite offices

Families cannot make an appointment solely to pick up books; however, they can pick up free books and coats at the CHA’s upcoming “Operation War m” event. The event is open to all families who have at least one child on their lease born on or after Jan. 1, 2009. At the Oct. 21 event, the CHA will distribute 12,000 books and other resources to families who benefit from public housing Registration is required.

The initiative stems from a national partnership between the National Book Foundation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The “Book Rich Environments” program’s goal is to get as many books as possible in the hands of children and families who receive housing benefits, said CHA CEO Tracey Scott in a news release.

To re gister for the “Operation Warm” event, visit https://coats.thecha.org

With dolphin research Brook eld Zoo bring science to local teens

The River Forest and Austin teens spent eight months studying wild dolphin populations with researchers

By STACEY SHERIDAN Senior Reporter

The Midwest is probably the last place one might think of for studying wild dolphin populations, but two local teenage girls spent eight months doing just that.

River Forest’s Daaniyah Mirza and Natalia Diaz, of Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, were two of eight students to work alongside scientists as a part of the Marine Mammal Research Expedition through the Chicago Zoological Society, the non-profit that operates the Brookfield Zoo.

Participants in the free educational fellowship trained throughout the eightmonth period, meeting in-person at the zoo every Saturday in January and then virtually in the months after. The extracurricular program ended last month with a weeklong trip to Sarasota, Fl., where they conducted field research.

During their trip to Florida Mirza, Diaz and their peers in the fellowship program spent as many as eight hours a day on boats alongside Katie McHugh, Randy Wells and their research team. McHugh and Wells staf f and senior scientists, spectively, of the Chicago logical Society and based the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. Wells serves as direc tor of the Sarasota Dolphin search Program.

While at sea, fellows tasked with monitoring wild dolphin populations. Each boat typically had three or four fellows on board and the fellows rotated

photographing wild dolphins, filling out the dolphin sighting paperwork and taking temperature of the water. The young scientists experienced firsthand how research must sometimes be changed to a environmental factors.

“What I found interesting is that they starting to record temperature to see if dolphins can still find sanctuar in those cooler, deeper temperatures be cause of the rising water temperatures in Florida,” said 17-year-old Diaz, a senior Jones College Prep. “Right now, they ing some of the highest water temperatures down there.”

Until recently, the research team only took the water’s temperature at surface-level, according to Diaz, but while the fellows were there, the team began taking the temperature at the bottom of the ocean, as well as at the top, with each dolphin sighting

The fellows did not get to see the results of their findings, however. Their week in Florida ended before they could conduct analysis of the temperature data, but the fellows did manage to log in some hours at the lab while there. They learned to identify dolphin species and document the physical features of individual dolphins. Just as no two humans have the same scars, no two dolphins have the same scrapes.

The researchers also taught the young scientists how to navigate their database, so the information acquired in the field can be used in different situations, such as changes in dolphin behaviors.

“Had they noticed a difference in behavior of the dolphins based on all the data points they’ve collected, they could trace it back to what was happening in that area,” said Mirza, an Oak Park and River Forest High School graduate.

Should the researchers discover such a scenario as boats overcrowding waters, pushing dolphins out of an area, researchers can then call on people by to change their behaviors, Mirza explained.

Now a freshman studying gy with a specialization in ecology at Loyola Unirsity Chicago, Mirza told nesday Journal working directly in the field with proessionals was “amazing.” ome have as many as 15 ears of experience working with these wild dolphins, making them able to identify icular dolphin’s materandmother

“Just hearing them being so inspired about their work was really nice,” Mirza said.

Before going to Florida,

the fellows took specialized training, examined adverse human influences on wild dolphins and studied research methods and the natural history of the bottlenose dolphin. Each fellow also created independent research projects.

Diaz, an aspiring veterinarian, conducted hers on environmental literacy and convergent evolution, such as dolphins and sharks both having pectoral fins, despite never sharing a common ancestor. For Mirza’s, she looked at the symbiotic relationship between environmental betterment and marine animals, focusing on how echolocation can gauge the effects of environmental damage on sea creatures. She also studied how likely people are to change behaviors when presented with evidence of climate change’s impact on marine life

Their projects, as well as their hard work, delighted Chris Conner, manager of the King Conservation Science Scholars program. Conner worked with Mirza and Diaz throughout the Marine Mammal Research Expedition, a fellowship within the Brookfield Zoo’s wider King Conservation Science Scholars program, which is funded by King Family Foundation.

“I’m absolutely proud of them,” Conner said of the teens. “They’re dedicated to what they’re learning but they’re also pouring into us valuable information about what exactly young people are willing to do for our environment.”

CZS-SDRP/NMFS PERMIT #26622

Natalia Diaz (right) taking bottlenose dolphin identi cation photos.

CZS-SDRP/NMFS PERMIT #26622

Daaniyah Mirza (le ) doing dolphin n identi cation.

2023

GLOBAL PEACE PICNIC

GROCERY

Two monthly deliveries from page 1

this delivery program.

Such a service is critical to the community. Households in the Chicago area with an adult member who has a disability are nearly three times more likely to be food insecure than households whose adult members have no disabilities, based on 2015 U.S. census data.

In a sur ve y last May, progr am pa rticipants identified mobilit y, wait times and transpor tation as the top three barriers in a ccessing local food pantrie s, F riend said.

“In-home delivery can address all three at once,” Friend said.

Participant receive two food deliveries each month. The first delivery includes 40 to 50 pounds of foods such as protein, dairy, shelf staples and some produce.

The second delivery includes 15 to 20 pounds of produce from local food vendors

Forty Acres Fresh Market and Dion’s Chicago Dream.

with Disabilities.

In-home delivery has also created 38 local jobs, another “incredible” outcome of this program, Arfa said. Local residents –from Austin and Garfield Park – are employed by the food delivery program.

Employing locals helps build trust for residents who open their doors, and their kitchens, to the delivery crew that visits them twice a month.

Vivery Community’s technology attempts to meet participants where they’re at. Nearly 50% of participants respond to monthly surveys shared via text. The data helps measure program impact and better deliver food to residents.

“A crucial component of this prog ram is collecting re gular feedback from participants to make sure that we are truly meeting the unique needs of our neighbors in a meaningful and dignified manner,” said Kate Maehr, Executive Director and CEO of the Greater Chicago Food De pository.

PROVIDED/VIVERY

Monthly deliveries include 15 to 20 pounds of fresh produce to increase access to nutritious and high-quality food.

During the past six months, the program distributed 27,000 pounds of food from four local food pantries.

The program “is a blessing” for residents who can’t get to a nearby food pantry, said Austin resident Vernia Palmer. She is one of those who received food deliveries under the program.

Program participants also have re ported in surveys that they value the fresh, highquality and nutritious produce delivered to their home

This is a critical component because it provides access to “food options and good produce,” said Rachel Arfa, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Of fice for People

T he Mayor’s Of fice for People with Disabilities and the Community Safety Coordination Center want to expand the pilot prog ram to serve 1,000 people citywide in the future. This pilot offers a model that should be re plicated in different communities, Arfa said. Not only does it reduce food i nsecurity for some of Chicago’s most v ulnerable populations. It demonstrates that investing in community progr ams leads to local jobs creation, wh ich in tur n help decrease food insecurity in the neighborhood, she said.

IDEA LA B

In the meantime, Austin’s program participants will not have to wor ry about getting to their nearest food pantry or standing in line for a long time.

“We’re able to ke ep the program model intact as it is for these 100 participants, Friend said. “We’re thrilled.”

Pookie’s Crack Cake is positively addictive

Ihave been year ning for a slice of caramel cake.

When I reached out to my favorite person who bakes it, he told me he gave up baking during COVID and has yet to return to it. I asked if he had any recommendations for anybody else who bakes a mean caramel cake? Unfortunately no, he responded. He’s not a fan of anyone else’s caramel icing. And that I can understand. His caramel icing is fantastic. Soft and creamy with a silky smooth texture.

Now before I get a million emails telling me that I could have gone to the local grocery store and gotten a caramel cake from Angelica’s bakery, I have some sad news to report. Their main location at 175th and Kedzie has closed shop — with no explanation. What’s a sista to do?

I reached out over Facebook asking for recommendations for people who bake caramel cakes. The first recommendation sounded fantastic. However, after contacting the woman, she stated that she makes her cakes with “edibles” or alcohol. Her dessert treats are not “child friendly.”

I began to resign myself to not being able to get a caramel cake for the occasion I needed it. But one of my friends posted a review a few weeks ago about a bakery she had gone to: Pookie’s Crack Cake. The photo that accompanied her post looked delicious. Plus the jaunt

to 105 E. 47th Street (home of the for mer Abundance Bakery) is pretty easy once I get on the expressways. So of f I went. The bakery is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. ‘til 6 p.m. (or until all the cakes sell out).

I went on a Thursday and got there around 1. Pickings were slim. T he owner told me the caramel had sold out around 11:30, so I tried the peach crack cobbler. The cake was moist and the peach topping was tasty. But I really wanted caramel.

As I monitor Pookie’s Crack Ca kes over Facebook, it appears he’s been selling out his entire supply well before closing time. So this past Thursd ay when it was kind of raining, I got out there 10 minutes before opening time. By 11 a.m., there were at least 10 people in line. I was able to get a couple of the caramel cakes and a butter pecan crack cake. They were excellent and lived up to all the hype I had been reading.

T he ba ke ry has been getting a lot of media cove rage. News re por ts state that the bake ry sells 2,000 cakes a week/400 a day, give or take. This past S und ay, he sold out his entire of ferin g in just 40 minutes!

So feel free to give them a try and let us know your review. And if you’ re a ba ke r, it ’s time to go into business and open one up

Former Aldi site proposals feature shops, housing and green roofs

Project aims to revitalize “gateway” to West Gar eld Park

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The city is inviting West Garfield Park residents to share their takes on the two finalist proposals to redevelop the for mer Aldi site, and to nominate someone who would help pick the winner.

Aldi abruptly shut down the West Garfield Park location near Hamilton Boulevard/ Madison Street intersection, one of only two grocery stores in the neighborhood, in early October 2021. Since then, the city acquired the building and the commercial buildings on the entire 3800 block of Madison Street and invited developers to come up with proposals for a mixed-use development that would include a new grocery store, affordable housing and public recreational spaces.

Both finalists have West Side connections

TruDelta, and the Garfield Gather team in cludes the West Side United collaborati

The Westgate Partners proposal has smaller residential component, up for it with more c larger grocery store space of more recreational amenities

The Garfield Gather also has a plaza, and it is the more expensi of the two.

With the finalists selected, the partment of Planning and De the proposals up for public review. It is expected to choose a finalist by next year, with the goal of getting the construction started in 2025 and having commercial and residential components up and running by 2027.

The project is part of for mer mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Invest South/West initiative, which seeks to develop vacant sites in disin-

team will be encouraged to apply for federal low-income housing credits – something that both Westgate and Garfield Gather indicated they will do — which would require them to the housing affordable for at least 30 Affordability is based on the Area Median Income for the Chicago re gion.

Garfield Gather’s proposal is the physienser of the two, with six-story, 69-unit building on the east end, and a five-story, 32building on the west end. Both would etail spaces on the first floor. A single11,689 sq. ft. grocery store and an 11,700 public plaza would be located in the e. Overall, the development would have 52 one-bedroom units, 40 two-bedroom units and nine three-bedroom units.

According to the development presentation, the team wanted to avoid “having any hard edges” and make it comfortable and elcoming. The two buildings would both green roofs. The team identified several usinesses that would use the commercial spaces, mentioning Little Italy-based TayTacos and West Garfield Park-based Tidy Up Experts cleaning service, and they lanned to reach out to the community to find more local vendors.

estgate Partners’ proposal is taller and more visually striking. The nine-story, 72unit east building features looming, cubelike “icons” that house community rooms

and windows of widely varying sizes. According to the proposal video, the team wanted to break away from grid-like patterns that define traditional apartments The Duplex, a Black-owned Logan Square restaurant, would open a second location in 3,000 sq. ft. ground floor space, with outdoor dining space partially filling the 10,000 sq. ft. plaza facing the Madison/Hamlin intersection. It will include five business incubator storefronts, and the four-story, 16-unit west building on the west side would feature a 10,900 sq. ft. grocery store and a 2,900 sq. ft coffee shop on the first floor. According to the presentation, Beverly-based Afro Joes Coffee & Tea expressed interest in using the coffee shop space. The middle building would have a tenant-only outdoor rooftop deck.

Westgate estimates that its proposal would cost $78.1 million, while Garfield Gather’s proposal is estimated to cost $86.4 million. The winning proposal would get at least $20 million in city funding.

DPD is inviting residents and business owners to give feedback. They are also inviting the community to nominate “evaluators” – community members who will be part of the panel that will help pick a winner.

To re view the proposals, submit feedback and nominate evaluators, visit bit.ly/3Zfbwea

SCREENSHOT

Aerial shot of Westgate Partners’ proposal, as seen from Hamlin Boulevard.

SCREENSHOT

Gar eld Gather’s design, looking west on Madison Street

CONYEARS-ERVIN Ethics reviewed

from page 1

Simply issuing denials won’t cut it, she added. If Conyears-Ervin stands any chance of succeeding, she needs to address the issues directly.

Another analyst ag eed

“This kind of scandal makes it difficult [ fice] because unless she her name any political spend most of about those alle Dick Simpson, professor emeritus of p University of and for mer Gr Media columnist.

He added that such alle tions would make it hard to raise money, successful campaign.

The problem stems from a 2020 letter the city fany Harpe of staff, treasurer emplo fired in what they

The story was first Tribune last w

The letter said that among other things, Conyears-Ervin used her employees to organize her daughter’s party and to be her

GUN STORAGE Crisis out of control

from page 3

toward measures that protect people from gun violence, most school shootings occur after firearms are taken from their home or a relative’s home.

Research backs that up. According to a 2019 analysis by the U. S. Secret Se rvice National Th reat A ssessment C enter c alled Protecting A merica’s Schools, 41 incidents of targeted school violence in K-12 schools reviewed from 2008 to 2017 showe d that “most attacke rs used firearms, and firearms we re most often acquired from home.” T he assessment also said most of the firearms we re ke pt un-

bodyguards. They also accused her of hiring politically connected individuals for positions they weren’ t qualified for, pressuring a bank to give a loan to a third party on a building that houses her husband’s, Ald. Jason Ervin (28th), ward office, and using city resources to support churches connected to her and Ervin.

According to the letter, Conyears-Ervin hired a for mer Chicago police officer to act as assistant to the city treasurer – a job that required financial training that the ex-officer – and had him act as her security guard.

ConyearsErvin hired Gina Zuccaro, who objected to nominating ral candidates Ervin in 2019, assistant. ged that the treasurer pressured BMO the banks ts deposWest Garrd, to give a building where aldermanic office was located he city ended up settling with Harper mer mayor Lori elease of the letadministration

ustin Weekly Conyears-Er-

“I have never, nor will I ever abuse or misuse taxpayer dollars and breach the public trust,” she said. “I treat my responsibility to

secured. In other situations, the attacke r ga i ned a ccess to the secure firearm usually ke pt in a safe or case

According to the Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit led by families whose loved ones were killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting in 2012, an estimated 4.6 million American children live in a home where at least one gun is ke pt loaded and unlocked.

Here at home, in June 2022, a six-year-old boy in Forest Park shot of f his finger after accidentally discharging his uncle’s gun, which was stored in a bag in the closet.

In Oak Park, an OPRF student was charged with a Class 3 felony for possession of a weapon on school grounds and a Class 4 felony for aggravated use of a weapon after he was found with a loaded handgun on school grounds in May 2022.

“We feel so helpless with gun violence,”

the citizens and taxpayers with the utmost respect. I am proud of the way our team helped small businesses survive during the pandemic and how we have invested in underserved, struggling neighborhoods during these past four years.”

She did not address questions about her political future.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the Chicago Board of Ethics investigated the complaints, but dropped it after the settlement was reached. However, the board has added the discussion of the letter to the agenda for its upcoming Sept. 11 meeting.

The allegations come as Conyears-Ervin is considering running for Davis’ seat in the 2024 Democratic primary. She for med an exploratory committee in April. According to the most recent available campaign filing, Conyears-Ervin raised $283,436 as of June 30.

Cobb said that the fact that the allegations ended in a settlement gives them credibility.

“The fact that you had some of the for mer employees who claim that there was abuse in her office, and there was a settlement lends some credence that this took place,” she said.

“It certainly will affect the campaign,” she added, “because the fact that the settlement was made, and there was effort by the previous administration, Lori Lightfoot, to keep the terms of the settlement under wraps.”

West suburban support in question

Simpson noted that while Conyears-Ervin and her husband have a significant political machine and base of support on the West Side, the 7th District extends far beyond that.

“[Voters] out at UIC and Oak Park are particularly sensitive to the issues of corruption — and those are places where she’d

Jacobson said. “It is a crisis out of control in this country. There is so much that needs to be done that it is hard to feel empowered to get it done when you are just a mom. Arming ourselves and our community with information feels empowering to me.”

During the public comment portion of the August board meeting, Jacobson addressed the board.

“This community wants you to do all you can to keep our kids and their educators safe,” Jacobson said. “It is quite baffling that you wouldn’t do all you can to prevent kids from gaining access to guns, whether to bring them to our schools, or harm themselves or someone else at home.”

But whether D97 will send information from their own accord to families is up to the board of education, Shah said.

Board of Education President Gavin Kearney told Wednesday Journal the board is

like to get voters,” he said.

Austin activist Kina Collins, who is running for the third time, pounced on the allegations, arguing that Conyears-Ervin is unsuited for the role.

“Politicians who think and act like the rules don’t apply to them should not hold public office,” she said. “As a lifelong resident and candidate for the 7th congressional district, we deserve a representative who will honor the basic tenets of democracy: integrity, transparency, and accountability.

These allegations are damning, unless the City Treasurer addresses them sufficiently and a thorough exculpatory investigation is conducted, I do not believe she is fit to serve in any capacity let alone in the U.S. House of Representatives.”

While Collins trailed Davis when she first faced him in 2020, she gave him the toughest challenge in decades in 2022, earning 45.6% of the vote. She has already earned endorsements from four Oak Park village trustees and some of the aldermen representing the area around the UIC campus.

Davis spokesperson Tumia Romero said that the U.S. Representative had no comment on the matter

Cobb and Simpson both said that the charges wouldn’t necessarily hurt Conyears-Ervin if she decides to stay city treasurer. She won reelection in 2023, and she won’t face voters again until 2027.

“There’s plenty of time for the situation to change and for her to do things that will cause people not to focus on those allegations,” Simpson said.

“The fact that she got into office recently gives her time to rehabilitate her reputation,” Cobb said.

committed to sharing the information but they are looking into what would be the most effective channel of communication.

“I do think it’s something to consider,” Kearney said, adding however, that for it to be a resolution they vote on, the board would need to research what appropriate wording would be.

“One thing is to make it as specific as you can without making it too specific.”

Kearney added that it was important for D97 to clarify that just because they don’t “memorialize” their pledge to share information, that does not mean they aren’t doing their part.

“Some f olks think that because we do n’ t have a p oli cy that we do n’ t shar e info rm ation or are against sharing info rm ation,” Kearney said once agai n stressing the district’s suppo rt of saf e firear m storag e.

MELISSA CONYEARS-ERVIN

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF UPLAND MORTGAGE LOAN

TRUST A Plaintiff, -v.BOSCO CREDIT II, LLC, PERRICK ROBINSON, STATE OF ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Research Assistant in the Village Manager’s Office. This position will perform a variety of duties including assisting in coordinating aspects of equity and inclusion projects/initiatives, some data collection, data entry and analysis, synthesizing information, report writing, and presentation of results to stakeholders. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website https://www.oak-park.us/ your-government/human-resources-departments.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

POLICE RECORDS SUPERVISOR

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Supervisor in the Police Department. This position will manage, supervise, plan and coordinate the activities and operations of the Police Records Division Support Services Bureau, within the Police Department including records maintenance and management services; and coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oakpark.us/yourgovernment/human-resources-department

First review of applications will be September 22, 2023.

COMMUNITY SERVICE OFFICER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Community Service Officer in the Police Department. This position will perform a variety of public service, customer service and law enforcement related duties and responsibilities that do not require the services of a sworn police officer; and to perform a variety of administrative duties. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oak-park.us/ your-government/human-resources-department. Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

Ceiling Fans

Installed

POLICE RECORDS CLERK

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Police Records Clerk in the Police Department. This position will perform a wide variety of specialized clerical duties in support of the Police Department including processing and maintaining documents, correspondence and coding reports; and to provide information and assistance to the public. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oak-park.us/ your-government/human-resources-department.

PART-TIME ELECTRICIAN’S HELPER

Experience or not. Retired person or person looking for extra cash

Call for more information. 708-738-3848

FARMERS MARKET MANAGER

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Farmers’ Market Manager in the Health Department. This position manages the strategic planning and operation of the Oak Park Farmers’ Market; develops sustainable food strategies; and provides health and nutrition education, programming and promotion for the Village. During the Market season, this position would manage the internal staff and contractors needed to operate the Market, provides staff level support to the Farmers’ Market Commission, and manages vendor relations. The Market season runs from May through October, with the Market itself held outdoors each Saturday. During this time, the work week for this position is Tuesday through Saturday. Year-round, this position will provide nutrition education programming for the community in collaboration with the Health Education and Nursing divisions. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website at https://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application. Open until filled.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

LLS10967. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-

SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. Meaghan J. Diaz de Villegas, Esq Lender Legal PLLC 1800 PEMBROOK DRIVE, SUITE 250 Orlando FL, 32810 407-730-4644

GARAGE/YARD SALES

Defendants 2022 CH 09804 4843 W KAMERLING AVE CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 17, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on September 28, 2023, 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:

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED MILITARY ITEMS: Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys. Call Uncle Gary 708-522-3400

HOME SERVICES

Commonly known as 4843 W KAMERLING AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-04-217-0060000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $171,224.66.

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.

For information, contact Meaghan

J. Diaz de Villegas, Esq, Lender Legal PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 1800 PEMBROOK DRIVE, SUITE 250, Orlando, FL, 32810 (407) 7304644. Please refer to file number

E-Mail: mjdiaz@lenderlegal.com

Attorney File No. LLS10967

Attorney ARDC No. 6340688

Attorney Code. 100346

Case Number: 2022 CH 09804

TJSC#: 43-3124

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 09804 I3227938

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION MATRIX FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ENRIQUE S. GONZALEZ; JANETTE GONZALEZ; JULIE FOX AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ENRIQUE S. GONZALEZ; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, Defendants, 22 CH 11919

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Monday, October 2, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 16-27-414-017-0000. Commonly known as 2741 South Karlov Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1691186882 ADC

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3227760

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

TANYA WILLIAMS AKA TANYA A WILLIAMS AKA TANYA

ANN WILLIAMS AKA TANYA A. HERNANDEZ; THOMAS QUINN AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR KATHERINE F. HERNANDEZ; UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS; Defendants, 22 CH 1438

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-27-415-001-0000.

Commonly known as 2701 South Komensky Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family resi dence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by sub section (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Sale funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The

property will NOT be open for inspection. For information call The Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., 1771 West Diehl Road, Naperville, Illinois 60563. (630) 453-6925. 1491188743

INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3228188

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE CIM TRUST 2020-R2, MORTGAGE BACKED NOTES SERIES 2020-R2 Plaintiff, vs. ROMONA DE LA GARZA AKA

hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth below, the following described mortgaged real estate:

P.I.N. 16-26-424-044-0000.

Commonly known as 3050 S Drake Ave, Chicago, IL 60623.

The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Mr. Matthew C.

Abad at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Altman, Strautins & Kromm, LLC d/b/a Kluever Law Group, 200 North LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (312) 236-

-v.-

UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF HAROLD FISHER, DECEASED, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, IRENE FISHER, JULIE FOX, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE TO HAROLD FISHER, DECEASED

Defendants

2022 CH 00327

4213 WEST JACKSON BOULEVARD CHICAGO, IL 60624

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 11, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 12, 2023, 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

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. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case

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.

For information, contact MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, ONE EAST WACKER, SUITE 1250, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 651-6700. Please refer to file number 22-005028. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-

SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. MANLEY DEAS KOCHALSKI LLC

ONE EAST WACKER, SUITE 1250 Chicago IL, 60601 312-651-6700

E-Mail: AMPS@manleydeas.com

Attorney File No. 22-005028

Attorney Code.