Comments for Gazette Chicago http://www.gazettechicago.com/index An independent community newspaper since 1983 Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:22:51 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Comment on Police and community leaders combat crime in Chicago’s 9th District by Corey Blake http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2010/01/police-and-community-leaders-combat-crime-in-chicagos-9th-district/comment-page-1/#comment-493 Corey Blake Sat, 02 Jan 2010 11:22:51 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=1480#comment-493 This is an exciting article. It's great to see Jarmusz getting involved at the community level. If police only focus on the crime and not the prevention, we'll never win this war. Bravo to Jarmusz for getting in the game and working with the neighborhoods. As the CEO of the From the Barrio Foundation, I'm working with at-risk youth and their families both within the school and prison systems. They are smart young men and women and they want more for their lives but often see themselves as locked in, as trapped in the gang lifestyle. We have to work on shifting their perspective to wanting something different so they can overcome the great obstacle of walking away. It's a life threatening obstacle, so imagine how much work we have to do to help a young person overcome their fear of leaving the gang to then move them into a more productive lifestyle. We have to not just want to punish these people; we have to take the time to care about them as individuals. That's the ounce of prevention... You can bet I'll be contacting BYNC to let them know about our program. Thanks for covering this. Corey Blake, CEO From the Barrio Foundation, www.fromthebarrio.com. This is an exciting article. It’s great to see Jarmusz getting involved at the community level. If police only focus on the crime and not the prevention, we’ll never win this war. Bravo to Jarmusz for getting in the game and working with the neighborhoods. As the CEO of the From the Barrio Foundation, I’m working with at-risk youth and their families both within the school and prison systems. They are smart young men and women and they want more for their lives but often see themselves as locked in, as trapped in the gang lifestyle. We have to work on shifting their perspective to wanting something different so they can overcome the great obstacle of walking away. It’s a life threatening obstacle, so imagine how much work we have to do to help a young person overcome their fear of leaving the gang to then move them into a more productive lifestyle. We have to not just want to punish these people; we have to take the time to care about them as individuals. That’s the ounce of prevention… You can bet I’ll be contacting BYNC to let them know about our program. Thanks for covering this. Corey Blake, CEO From the Barrio Foundation, http://www.fromthebarrio.com.

]]> Comment on Pete’s Fresh Market coming to West Haven community by dhark01 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/09/pete%e2%80%99s-fresh-market-coming-to-west-haven-community/comment-page-1/#comment-489 dhark01 Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:22:54 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=627#comment-489 Pete's Market sells a lot more than produce...good job doing your research Matt. Fresh Market is just the name. You should go inside one, they sell everything a regular grocery store sells. Pete’s Market sells a lot more than produce…good job doing your research Matt. Fresh Market is just the name. You should go inside one, they sell everything a regular grocery store sells.

]]> Comment on Pete’s Fresh Market coming to West Haven community by Matt http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/09/pete%e2%80%99s-fresh-market-coming-to-west-haven-community/comment-page-1/#comment-486 Matt Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:28:55 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=627#comment-486 A 14 store chain with 10,000 employees? Sorry, but that's not possible. Even 1,000 would be unlikely. Also, their own website only lists 7 locations. Congrats to the community for getting what they wanted. When all the fervor dies down, they may come to realize that a produce market isn't a grocery store, and that their diets are unlikely to begin consisting solely of fruits and vegetables. The placement of this specialty market fails to address the problem of this area being a "food desert". The residents will still need to travel for non-produce items. This seems to be yet another example of an alderman's ego overriding the true need of his constituents: an affordable, one-stop grocery store. A 14 store chain with 10,000 employees? Sorry, but that’s not possible. Even 1,000 would be unlikely. Also, their own website only lists 7 locations.

Congrats to the community for getting what they wanted. When all the fervor dies down, they may come to realize that a produce market isn’t a grocery store, and that their diets are unlikely to begin consisting solely of fruits and vegetables. The placement of this specialty market fails to address the problem of this area being a “food desert”. The residents will still need to travel for non-produce items.

This seems to be yet another example of an alderman’s ego overriding the true need of his constituents: an affordable, one-stop grocery store.

]]> Comment on Michael Phillips, businessman and father of four, dies suddenly at age 50 by John Phillips http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/06/michael-phillips-businessman-and-father-of-four-dies-suddenly-at-age-50/comment-page-1/#comment-485 John Phillips Wed, 12 Aug 2009 14:41:45 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=256#comment-485 My sincere condolence goes out to the Balbo Phillips' Family for the sudden loss of their son and brother. God Bless Him. My sincere condolence goes out to the Balbo Phillips’ Family for the sudden loss of their son and brother. God Bless Him.

]]> Comment on Balcer orders City to paint over mural on private property by concerned bridgeport resident http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/07/balcer-orders-city-to-paint-over-mural-on-private-property/comment-page-1/#comment-483 concerned bridgeport resident Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:50:22 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=274#comment-483 I live in this area of Bridgeport and have lived in BRidgeport my whole life. Let me say first that I appreciate the artists and the art that they bring with them to this area, and I hope that they keep moving here. But I do not support anything that may incite violence. The gangbangers have terrorized this area of Bridgeport since before I can remember, and putting up a mural that depicts these cameras as a hinderance on society only provokes them to keep acting out. They see this as support from the incoming artists, and the last thing that you should be doing is supporting these domestic terrorists. Do you think any of us like these cameras? No one likes being watched, but when public safetey is compromised by these gangbangers it becomes an unpopular necessity. Like I said, I live here, and I have a child that I do not allow to walk down the street alone because of the gang violence. The area where that blue light camera is installed was a war zone before it went up. The gangbangers would throw rocks at your car if they didn't know you. Without this camera and the police activity the artists would not be allowed to ride their bikes down Morgan without being attacked. I know that in the artist community it gives you some sort of street "cred" to dust up controversy, but if you really wanted to be "provocative" why don't you paint a mural that makes fun of the gangbangers, and supports the residents of Bridgeport? It's their fault that we have the cameras in the first place, so lash out at them and not the alderman, the police, and the residents of the longtime residents of Bridgeport. I live in this area of Bridgeport and have lived in BRidgeport my whole life. Let me say first that I appreciate the artists and the art that they bring with them to this area, and I hope that they keep moving here. But I do not support anything that may incite violence. The gangbangers have terrorized this area of Bridgeport since before I can remember, and putting up a mural that depicts these cameras as a hinderance on society only provokes them to keep acting out. They see this as support from the incoming artists, and the last thing that you should be doing is supporting these domestic terrorists. Do you think any of us like these cameras? No one likes being watched, but when public safetey is compromised by these gangbangers it becomes an unpopular necessity. Like I said, I live here, and I have a child that I do not allow to walk down the street alone because of the gang violence. The area where that blue light camera is installed was a war zone before it went up. The gangbangers would throw rocks at your car if they didn’t know you. Without this camera and the police activity the artists would not be allowed to ride their bikes down Morgan without being attacked. I know that in the artist community it gives you some sort of street “cred” to dust up controversy, but if you really wanted to be “provocative” why don’t you paint a mural that makes fun of the gangbangers, and supports the residents of Bridgeport? It’s their fault that we have the cameras in the first place, so lash out at them and not the alderman, the police, and the residents of the longtime residents of Bridgeport.

]]> Comment on 25th Ward fights gangs in wake of local shootings by indigenous.xicano http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/07/25th-ward-fights-gangs-in-wake-of-local-shootings/comment-page-1/#comment-482 indigenous.xicano Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:18:46 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=272#comment-482 I need a proof reader. Sorry for all the typos. My e-mail is pete @indigenous-xicano.org I need a proof reader. Sorry for all the typos. My e-mail is pete @indigenous-xicano.org

]]> Comment on 25th Ward fights gangs in wake of local shootings by indigenous.xicano http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/07/25th-ward-fights-gangs-in-wake-of-local-shootings/comment-page-1/#comment-481 indigenous.xicano Fri, 03 Jul 2009 15:26:30 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=272#comment-481 Gangs seem to have always been a fixture in Pilsen. I recently was reading a first hand account from someone who started a Polish street gang in the area of 19th and Paulina during the 1920s. They were called the 19th Streeters. Even the name is all about territory and turf. Humans are territorial animals.We see that played out everyday in multiple arenas all across the globe. It is played out by the street gangs in our inner-cities as well. I applaud the members of the community who are standing up and trying to come up with answers to the problem. I applaud the alderman as well. There are no easy answers to tough problems. I knew and greatly respected the alderman way back in the day (mid 70s) when he was involved with trying to better the lives of the youth in the community This was before I dropped of the ledge and became a very violent street gang member and leader. It is easy to get swallowed into the lifestyle, especially when one feels as if his/her options are limited and there is no hope. Kids need hope. We need not only programs but we need dedicated people who know how to connect with the youth. We also need parents who nurture and guide their children through the hazardous mazes of life. I moved to Utah as a fugitive from justice in 1979. I carved out a new and better life here in Utah, and I eventually turned myself in to the authorities. I now have a Masters in Social Work. Sadly, I grew up with many who did not have the same positive occurrences in their lives as I have been blessed with. I have had far too many acquaintances killed from street gang violence or spiritually maimed by long prison sentences. Prison plays a great role in the life-long indoctrination into street gangs. It is understandable how and why that happens. The comment about multi-generational gang members is true, sad, and confusing. How can a child have a chance when their parents never evolved past their anti-social self-identification as gang bangers? Most of us grow beyond our self-identity we embraced as a teen,, but some never get past the sense of pride and machismo driven by different perceptions of respect. At least from how we may perceive it. The granddad gangster sees it differently. It is vital to remember and understand the thought process in order to make sense of it and to create genuine connections with the gang members. Everyone needs a sense of belonging. Everyone needs a "tribe" to belong to and to reciprocate the benefits of membership in the "tribe." There is a bonding that occurs on a the most basic level of survival in prison. For one with a deeply embedded sense of loyalty, it is a family that they belong to and not a street gang. How many of us would give up there family? One thing I learned as a gerontologist is that when working with clients with alzheimers, one must place themselves in their mind set or else much will not make sense. It creates avenues where it is possible to understand the actions and thought patterns of the client. This principle be applied to all populations? Basically, it is the adage of walking a mile in someone's shoes. When we can better understand the "why" and "how" then we can have hope for answers for the tough questions such as "What types of interventions are there in this tough situation?" or " How do we end the cycle of the multi-generational transmissions of the life-style of gang banging?" I love my life in the relative safety of Utah. The outdoor opportunities here are incredible.I have a deep, spiritual connection with the desert here.My life was saved by fleeing here. I was basically on death row in Pilsen. It was a matter of short time before I would have been a forgotten statistic. I have been blessed. But if the alderman, or anyone else, could miraculously provide me a temporary free small space in Pilsen to work out of, and to sleep in (on a cot) I would move back there to add my experiences and energies with the others who are moving towards trying to connect with the new generation of street gang members. I would do it for free. I think I can help the community members change the life of at least one youth. I would like to be part of that village. pete@indienous-xicano.org Gangs seem to have always been a fixture in Pilsen. I recently was reading a first hand account from someone who started a Polish street gang in the area of 19th and Paulina during the 1920s. They were called the 19th Streeters. Even the name is all about territory and turf. Humans are territorial animals.We see that played out everyday in multiple arenas all across the globe. It is played out by the street gangs in our inner-cities as well.

I applaud the members of the community who are standing up and trying to come up with answers to the problem. I applaud the alderman as well. There are no easy answers to tough problems.

I knew and greatly respected the alderman way back in the day (mid 70s) when he was involved with trying to better the lives of the youth in the community This was before I dropped of the ledge and became a very violent street gang member and leader. It is easy to get swallowed into the lifestyle, especially when one feels as if his/her options are limited and there is no hope.

Kids need hope.

We need not only programs but we need dedicated people who know how to connect with the youth. We also need parents who nurture and guide their children through the hazardous mazes of life.

I moved to Utah as a fugitive from justice in 1979. I carved out a new and better life here in Utah, and I eventually turned myself in to the authorities.

I now have a Masters in Social Work.

Sadly, I grew up with many who did not have the same positive occurrences in their lives as I have been blessed with. I have had far too many acquaintances killed from street gang violence or spiritually maimed by long prison sentences.

Prison plays a great role in the life-long indoctrination into street gangs. It is understandable how and why that happens.

The comment about multi-generational gang members is true, sad, and confusing. How can a child have a chance when their parents never evolved past their anti-social self-identification as gang bangers? Most of us grow beyond our self-identity we embraced as a teen,, but some never get past the sense of pride and machismo driven by different perceptions of respect.

At least from how we may perceive it.

The granddad gangster sees it differently. It is vital to remember and understand the thought process in order to make sense of it and to create genuine connections with the gang members.

Everyone needs a sense of belonging. Everyone needs a “tribe” to belong to and to reciprocate the benefits of membership in the “tribe.” There is a bonding that occurs on a the most basic level of survival in prison. For one with a deeply embedded sense of loyalty, it is a family that they belong to and not a street gang. How many of us would give up there family?

One thing I learned as a gerontologist is that when working with clients with alzheimers, one must place themselves in their mind set or else much will not make sense. It creates avenues where it is possible to understand the actions and thought patterns of the client. This principle be applied to all populations? Basically, it is the adage of walking a mile in someone’s shoes.

When we can better understand the “why” and “how” then we can have hope for answers for the tough questions such as “What types of interventions are there in this tough situation?” or ” How do we end the cycle of the multi-generational transmissions of the life-style of gang banging?”

I love my life in the relative safety of Utah. The outdoor opportunities here are incredible.I have a deep, spiritual connection with the desert here.My life was saved by fleeing here. I was basically on death row in Pilsen. It was a matter of short time before I would have been a forgotten statistic.

I have been blessed.

But if the alderman, or anyone else, could miraculously provide me a temporary free small space in Pilsen to work out of, and to sleep in (on a cot) I would move back there to add my experiences and energies with the others who are moving towards trying to connect with the new generation of street gang members.

I would do it for free. I think I can help the community members change the life of at least one youth.

I would like to be part of that village.

pete@indienous-xicano.org

]]> Comment on South Loop to get fieldhouse, indoor playground facilities by claudea http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/07/south-loop-to-get-fieldhouse-indoor-playground-facilities/comment-page-1/#comment-480 claudea Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:24:08 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=285#comment-480 Great, the south loop gets a fieldhouse and an indoor playground, while over here on the near west side we have to fight to get the basics, like a grocery store. We have to fight for safe housing, we have to fight not to glamourize felons, we have to fight to get CHA to play by the rules...we just have to fight. Ahhh...to only dream of a new playground, much less indoors....in fact to only dream of a safe playground where drug dealers don't rule it. To quote Man of Lamancha...to dream the impossible dream.... Great, the south loop gets a fieldhouse and an indoor playground, while over here on the near west side we have to fight to get the basics, like a grocery store. We have to fight for safe housing, we have to fight not to glamourize felons, we have to fight to get CHA to play by the rules…we just have to fight. Ahhh…to only dream of a new playground, much less indoors….in fact to only dream of a safe playground where drug dealers don’t rule it. To quote Man of Lamancha…to dream the impossible dream….

]]> Comment on Bridgeport’s Stearns Quarry Park to open Memorial Day weekend by AnthonySuarez http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/05/bridgeport%e2%80%99s-stearns-quarry-park-to-open-memorial-day-weekend/comment-page-1/#comment-479 AnthonySuarez Fri, 29 May 2009 17:38:10 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=206#comment-479 I really enjoyed the portion of the park that was open over Memorial Day Weekend. I wonder if the park district plans to install fountains for drinking water, and I noticed that there are no trash cans anywhere and there appeared to be trash about the area? This is a great addition to Bridgeport and plan many more visits. I really enjoyed the portion of the park that was open over Memorial Day Weekend. I wonder if the park district plans to install fountains for drinking water, and I noticed that there are no trash cans anywhere and there appeared to be trash about the area? This is a great addition to Bridgeport and plan many more visits.

]]> Comment on Mike Hughes: ‘On a mission from God’ by MarkV http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/2009/04/mike-hughes-%e2%80%98on-a-mission-from-god%e2%80%99/comment-page-1/#comment-477 MarkV Thu, 23 Apr 2009 21:18:12 +0000 http://www.gazettechicago.com/index/?p=197#comment-477 Helping young people is what Mike Hughes does best! He was one of my most influential high school football coaches at Ridgewood on the northwest side in 1979 and 1980. After college, I helped him for a season at DeLaSalle in the mid-80s. Great story! Mark Vruno (former All State QB) Bartlett, IL Helping young people is what Mike Hughes does best! He was one of my most influential high school football coaches at Ridgewood on the northwest side in 1979 and 1980. After college, I helped him for a season at DeLaSalle in the mid-80s.

Great story!

Mark Vruno
(former All State QB)
Bartlett, IL

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