Petition Tag - chicago

Chicago Cubs 5-13.

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Alderman Burnett and Taxman Corp. are planning a community meeting at 6pm on 2/26 at the Merit School (38 South Peoria - corner of Peoria and Monroe) to discuss the proposal of a 22-story apartment tower to be built on the southeast corner of Green and Madison (just behind Mariano's).

Simply put, we do not support a 22-story building west of Halsted as this building height fails to preserve the neighborhood feel of the West Loop and goes against prior 'Near West Side' plans.

This is NOT the same development that was approved in 2011, but instead a change in the original plans as the developer is now seeking approval for residential vs. the original plans for a hotel (which was to bring jobs to the community) and building 22-stories which would be the tallest building west of Halsted.

Critical items that residents should be aware of:
* A 22-story building would be the first building over 12-stories tall west of Halsted.
* By not voicing your opinion you will be agreeing to a different, more congested West Loop that will change the neighborhood feel of the West Loop as it currently exists west of Halsted.

For reference and history for the vision of the West Loop, please click link below - "Near West Side Plan - Part 2." See pages 57-59 as it clearly illustrates how this 22-story building will go against what the West Loop community and developers have adhered to the for last 12+ years.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/near_west_side_plan.html

The West Loop Community Organization (WLCO) voiced its concerns about the new proposal: "we would not approve that height."

http://www.chicagorealestatedaily.com/article/20130130/CRED03/130139994/neighbors-balk-at-proposed-west-loop-apartments

This petition is not against new building and development in the West Loop. In fact, we encourage further development of the West Loop - but strongly feel that development should adhere to what all developers and owners have honored for over a decade. This petitions stands for:

* Maintaining the momentum of the West Loop as it has been progressing for the last 12+ years and keeping height restrictions in place for development west of Halsted.
* Showing Alderman Burnett and the developer that we, the residents, do not support a 22-story building.
* Supporting a 12-story building that would adhere to the look, feel, community, history, and legacy of the West Loop.

The West Loop is a very special place. Protect it signing this petition to show you you are in favor of a 12-story development (max height). Let's voice our concern and speak our minds about the significant congestion, overcrowding and new precedent that a building exceeding 12-stories would bring to our beloved neighborhood.

PLEASE SIGN THIS PETITION AND ATTEND THE MEETING ON 2/26 AT 6PM AT THE MERIT SCHOOL TO VOICE YOUR OPINION.

Pass this along to everyone that you know in your building or immediate vicinity as we work to build critical mass and be heard as a residential group.

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Brianna Gardner was a 22 year old woman who was brutally killed early Monday morning, August 13th of 2012 at the Whitehall Hotel in Chicago.

The media is so busy concentrating on what she did in her profession, the attention of finding her killer or reporting any new information has been distracted.

The media reported on August 16th that they arrested a man in connection with her murder, but no charges have been filed.

But since then, NOTHING HAS BEEN REPORTED!

The media are slandering her name. The media didn't have the decency to use pictures that showed who she was. Instead they decided to use inappropriate ad pictures to show what she did for a living.

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Skatepark plans were removed from the Daley Bi-Centennial grounds in the first quarter of 2012. The skateboard community is greatly disappointed by this.

There are only two concrete skateparks in Chicago, 1) Wilson in Uptown and 2) 31st Street Park on Lakeshore Drive.

The increased media on the sport has created a surge of new skateboarders across Chicago. The upward trend in skateboarding has rendered the Wilson park overcrowded.

Poor construction and masonry has made the 31st street park dangerous and unskateable, particularly for young children who may just beginning to learn.

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Not only did 2011 see the sudden death of Joe Gentile, but the removal of intelligent programming and music from weekdays (and even parts of the weekend).

It is totally unfair to get rid of Angry White Male, Job Talk, John DiVita's Morning Show, and other programming that made WJJG an amazing radio station.

Mancow should not be on at all. He is incoherent and his show does not belong on a community radio station like WJJG. Michael Savage should be aired in two hours or removed too, and sent back to WIND.

If you believe that WJJG should continue with original programming and music during weekdays, please sign this petition. This is an outrage and we need to keep whatever we have left of special radio stations like WJJG.

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Plastic bags pose a serious danger to birds and marine mammals that often mistake them for food. Thousands die each year after swallowing or choking on discarded plastic bags.

The issue is that polyethylene - the polymer that makes up plastic - never dies. It may break into smaller pieces, right down to the individual polyethylene molecules, but it simply doesn't fully degrade.

Finally, producing plastic bags requires millions of gallons of petroleum that could be used for transportation or heating.

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I firmly believe that Chicago can host the 2012 United States Grand Prix.

The United States has not seen a Formula 1 race on its soil since 2007. The USGP in Austin is on the verge of being canceled. The Grand Prix of America in New Jersey is is still two years away. There is a massive amount of interest in Formula 1 in the United States - and Chicago is the perfect place to host it.

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Most often when a child is abducted, the media will be reluctant to air a story about the alleged abduction of a child.

Currently, there are no Television networks or media outlet that have a talk show that can shed the light on Child Abduction and the emotional effects that It has on parents and what can be done to educate others on prevention and to shed light on the horrific event that destroys families everyday (Stranger or Parental) abduction.

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The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) needs our voice to 'BE HEARD'. With close to 1million South Asians living in Chicago and surrounding suburbs there is a great need for our community to have a 24x7 FM radio station. Our programming will include music hits, latest global news from the India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. From interactive session and academic discussion to casual talk and gossip, nostalgic old Bollywood to latest hits, we are on a mission to help better the community by providing public resources and help.
Upnageet™ will offer - free advertisement for non-profit organizations, free air time for addressing youth issues, free resources, advertisement for local business, Celeb guests, and talk shows.

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Hemp is a valuable plant that could replace paper and various other products that cause massive environmental damage.

This along with the horrible jailing of people for simply smoking pot must stop. Our economy could benefit greatly as well.

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On the entire west side of Chicago, there is no place made available for baseball players to train or hone their skills. Every Chicago Park supervisor has closed the door on the idea of providing time and space in their facility because basketball is the primary focus of the athletic community.

We are seeking support from those who understand the discipline and life skills that are offered through the game of baseball.

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Tax increment Finance Districts (TIFs) are a hidden property tax that hits every tax payer in Cook County. They are controlled by the mayors and city councils of each municipality. There are over 420 TIF districts in Cook County.

In 2009 they diverted over $838 million AWAY from the units of local government that rely on property taxes to operate and INTO slush funds that are almost impossible to monitor and track ($519 million from the City of Chicago. $706 million in 2010!). They are a source of hundreds of millions of dollars of sweetheart private deals that fund pet projects and line insider's pockets.

TIFs need to be abolished completely and any remaining funds in TIF accounts should be turned over to the local units of government that SHOULD HAVE gotten that property tax revenue in the first place.

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Silvio Rodriguez is on a historic tour of the U.S. and Chicago was to be a stop. But, Chicago has been omitted from the list of cities on the tour announcements!

Silvio, you have many fans in one of the greatest music cities of the world. Sweet Home Chicago. Come and see for yourself. No nos falles.

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Chicago wants to be the greenest, healthiest city in America, but two old dirty coal-fired power plants in the city continue to pump soot and global warming gases into our air.

Cutting soot pollution will reduce asthma attacks, chronic bronchitis, heart attacks, lung cancer and strokes caused by particulate matter pollution. The young, the elderly and those living closest to the plants are most at risk. Reducing global warming pollution will significantly cut Chicago's carbon footprint - keeping Chicago in the running for the 'Greenest City in America.'

Help to Secure a CLEAN FUTURE for Chicago!

Mayor Daley and Aldermen: Clean Up the Power Plants Now!

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The Remember Me Foundation work to ensure that all children who are murdered are remembered though a headstone or memorial, this time we have hit quite a hurdle! Please read on to see why!

Oncwanique Tribblet was choked, suffocated, her arms and feet chopped off and cooked, then fed to animal, her trunk was placed into a bucket and her dissolved in battery acid then poured her down the drain! Her head was blended and flushed! Oncwanique was missing for six months before she was noticed as missing! Her killers are due to be released in just 18years and 38 years! She has NO memorial to honor her life that she had! We want to change this!

We want to name La Follette Park Playground after Oncwanique! She spent her short life just around the corner! This is the best way possible to honor her. WE NEED YOUR HELP! Sign the petition and invite your friends too please!

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Mayor Richard M. Daley is set on Chicago hosting the 2016 Summer Olympics. No Games Chicago is a grass roots coalition of social justice activists from across the city who believe this is a terrible idea for our city.

We see three major reasons to oppose the Olympic bid:

(1) Financial - the Federal government, State of Illinois, Cook County and the City of Chicago are all broke. The games loose billions for the host city. Montreal hosted the 1976 Summer Games and took 31 years to pay off their debt. London is hosting the 2012 Summer Games and are already $9 billion over budget. Chicago is famous for corruption, incompetence and massive construction overruns. The Olympics would bankrupt the city.

(2) Environmental - The venues for the 2016 games are slated to be built in our public parks. We don't want priceless public parks destroyed and taken off line for years for the sake of a private party. We don't see the sense of building almost $1 billion in sports facilities and then tearing most of them down. Chicago needs more open land and park space, not less.

(3) Moral - We see the Olympics as a massive land grab and an effort to gentrify the near south and west sides of the city. Poor and working class families who live near the proposed venue sites are worried about land speculation, gentrification and loosing their homes. They should worry, because that's what happens when the games come to town.

Learn more at http://www.nogameschicago.com.

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The Chicago Bears are among the few franchises that do not currently have cheerleaders. This has not always been the case. From 1977 to 1985 the official cheerleaders for the Chicago Bears were the Honey Bears. They cheered at all Bears home games and performed at halftime.

Papa Bear Halas was actually the one that came up with the "dancing girl", as he called them, and said that the Honey Bears would be around as long as he was alive. After his death in 1983 the McCaskey family decided to end their relationship with the Honey Bears, declining to renew their contract following the Bears' Superbowl XX Championship.

Isn't it time that one of the leagues original franchises have cheerleaders again, and return to glory? Its the way Papa Bear would have wanted.

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While traveling these Great United States of America, I've discovered Boston, the city I love, to be on par or to surpass many a major city in terms of culture, fashion, history, education, and diversity. What do these cities posses that Boston lacks? The case could be made for better roads, cleaner subways, or costlier housing. However, I believe that one glaring knock on Boston's national and international reputation is its early-to-bed nightlife.

For a city so vibrant, so rich, and so young, closing times affect people from all walks of life who find themselves in Beantown: tourists, college students, businessmen and women, musicians, professional athletes, and so on. To better compete economically with other major cities, as well as opening doors to greater investment and diversity, Boston should push its closing time back to one comparable with other great cities, 5 A.M. .

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The Chicago Southside Irish Parade was established in 1979, by two families, the Hendry and Coakley families, with a vision. They envisioned their community coming together to celebrate their Irish hertiage, values and traditions. Who would have thought it would have evolved into what it is today?

Could they have foreseen that over 300,000 people would join in the celebration of our heritage? That this day would become one of the most looked forward to days of the year? That attending the parade would become a tradition passed down through generations, that spans over three decades?

We need to preserve the Southside Irish Parade!

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The DeJohnette Commission Academy is a 32 week curriculum program. Parties involved are The DeJohnette Commission Academy and The McDaniel Foundation. The Commission has a goal to integrate and format an informal educational experience that allows students to make meaningful connections and discoveries beyond the walls of the classroom.

Currently the academy is a self funded program. The DeJohnette Commission Academy's goal is to obtain sponsorship. The long-term condition of The Commission Program is to interact with and engage all students of the Chicago Public School District with the Commission program. The Commission will enhance students of the public school system by ensuring the development of essential tools for students to remain successful and become business professionals.

The commission academy has also promoted parental interaction via constant outreach activities such as its annual Parent Appreciation Day. The McDaniel Foundation integration plan is to provide resource information to our youth by way of the Internet, radio, post cards and flyers.

Through our website radio talk show, Free resources Radio, we have retained community support and involvement.

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Are you ready to transform Chicago?

We’ll take that as a yes! Our mission is to give Chicago 100% free wireless internet. Become informed and sign the petition now if you believe you, residents, tourists, businesses, the CTA, the 2016 Olympics or anyone else in Chicago will benefit from:

• Free wireless internet throughout the city.

• Free instant access to updated weather, news, date, time and stock market information.

• Free walking and CTA directions and location lookup with the option of sending results to your cellular phone.

• Instant public announcements such as Chicago City events, Amber Alerts, homeland security updates, oncoming emergency vehicle information and more.

• Advertisements that can be quickly edited and changed to get the best ROI for customers.

Now you’re most likely thinking one of two things:

I want to learn more about this 100% free wireless internet thing.

Or

Rock on! I want 100% free wireless internet in Chicago right now.

If you thought the first then we suggest taking a look at our website freeinternetchicago.com. If you thought the second then you rock and sign the petition now.

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Scott Ramsoomair, famed creator of the hit Web-Comic VGCats(c) has never come to Chicago for a convention.

By signing this Petition you encourage him to come to either Anime Central(ACEN) or WizardWorld.

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The city of Chicago is broke. In December of 2008 the city is running a $469 million deficit. The city, county and state government is overrun with corruption and incompetence. Basic services are being cut back and our infrastructure needs repair.

We can not afford to sink billions into the Olympic games. The London games of 2012 are already $6 billion (pounds) over budget. If Chicago wants to claim and hold the title of "world class city," let's find more sensible and sustainable ways to get there.

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The people of Chicago were not involved in the decision to pursue the Olympics and do not want the financial and human rights cost that comes with the Olympic games.

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Update (Posted October 11, 2010)

A Terry Kath Tribute Concert was held in May 2010 at Taft High School. It featured special performances by original Chicago drummer: Danny Seraphine, Kenny Cetera (Peter Cetera's younger brother) and legendary producer Jim Guercio. A plaque with Terry's picture was presented to the school which now is on display outside the music department. To view photos of it, feel free to visit the tribute website: www.terrykathtributeconcert.com.

We are continuing to push for Terry's official induction to the Taft HOF. Help us do that by encouraging other fans and friends to sign the petition AND by joining the official Cause page on facebook: http://www.causes.com/causes/246685?m=4e2f81c3

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UPDATE (Posted May 19, 2009)!

On Thursday, May 15 the Taft Alumni Board met to decide two things: a) changing the criteria for election to the hall of fame, and b) voting on this year's hall of fame inductees.

First item for consideration was whether or not to change the criteria regarding allowing deceased alumni into the hall of fame. That passed overwhelmingly with a 7-2 vote. Now all worthy, whether living or deceased, can be inducted.

Then the board voted on the nominees. There were 12 on the ballot. The first eleven were voted on verbally. Unison "yay's" were taken...no official way to count them and no "no's" were asked for. The first 11 all got in, even though several were not qualified in the past.

The 12th name on the list was Terry Kath (Taft class 1964), co-founder of the rock group Chicago. Instead of a verbal vote as was done for the others, his was held by "Secret Ballot." He lost by one vote.

The board did say that a plaque of Mr. Kath could be put on the music room door. That's nice and maybe even better, but we are wondering why he's good enough to be honored that way and not with the hall of fame? And why is he considered a notable of Taft in other places, such as the Chicago Public Schools Alumni page and not at his own school?

Compared to the others up for induction, Mr. Kath had equal if not more qualifications to be inducted. This egregious break in the traditional voting methods clearly shows bias against this particular candidate. If something isn't done to correct this now, it surely will happen again. Some get in with little to no discussion, while others are singled out and "raked over the coals."

We are glad the critieria has changed so deceased can now be inducted. However, we are continuing our fight to see that Kath gets the recognition he deserves.

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FOR TAFT ALUMNI:
If you are a Taft Alumni, please include that and the year you graduated in the comment section of the petition. To be notified of updates and/or events related to this at Taft or the area surrounding the school, make sure to include your email address on the same screen where you put your basic information. Email addresses ARE NOT made public.
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UPDATE:
Since the petition’s posting on October 9, an alumni officer has supplied more details regarding the hall of fame criteria.

1. In addition to the Hall of Fame, there is a Book of Honor which celebrates the lives of those who are deceased.

2. The Hall of Fame requires its inductees to be living persons. One of the purposes of the Hall of Fame is to introduce to Taft students to those alumni of high values and accomplishments (not necessarily "famous" people) that they can look up to and speak to, and see that they come from the same beginnings at Taft as do their students.

3. The nomination criteria is not a secret, nor is there a conspiracy among the officers. TAA publishes the nominating criteria when it is timely prior to each induction in our TAA newsletter for the benefit of all of our members. This occurs approximately every four years, however, beginning with this induction, the information will also be published permanently on our website, as our bylaws are already.

Regarding Terry Kath specifically, “he and all other deceased alumni are disqualified for no reason other than their deaths. If the criteria were to change in the future to allow the induction of deceased alumni, only then would their individual qualifications be evaluated.”

Taking the above into account, WE still feel that ALL deserving alumni should be honored as a whole whether living or deceased. It’s a way to be proud of the school’s rich history.

While the officer claims that most young folks are rarely inspired by the deceased, we beg to differ. Every one of us can attribute our attitudes, our feelings, our beliefs, our passions and our inspirations to not only the people who are still in our lives, but to the vast historical body of intellect that is part of our collective history, whether it is in music, politics, writing or any other endeavor we have chosen to pursue.

Why put the deceased in what is essentially a book of the dead? Plus, if the above criteria is not changed, then those on the Hall of Fame list would have to be removed when they are no longer living.

This is only the beginning of changes that need to made not just for Terry but for the benefit of all future Taft graduates.

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Update #2
"In attempting to make this petition as accurate as possible, and to eliminate any falsehoods or statements that might be misleading, we would like to state that while the original description/background of the petition claims that 'Terry pioneered the hammer-on harmonic guitar technique' we need to clarify that it was culled out of several postings on the internet. We acknowledge that that technique is actually TWO different styles of playing, and there is debate whether or not Terry "pioneered"either. This is an apology for misleading anyone by not doing more thorough research." The statements referring to the above have been removed.

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Background/Description

Beginning in 1989, Alumni Officers of Taft High School in Chicago, IL initiated a “Hall of Fame” to recognize former students “who exemplify the best of Taft,” as well as “bring honor to the name of Taft High School through their accomplishments in their careers, personal achievements, service to others, leadership and courage” (taken from the TAA website: http://www.taftalumni.org/Taft_Hall_of_Fame/HOF_Index.htm).

According to a recent conversation with a Taft Alumni Officer, the criteria also state that those nominated and/or inducted must be "living". (NOTE: NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO OBTAIN THE TAA HONOR AWARDS CRITERIA IN WRITING. SO FAR, THE OFFICERS WHO HAVE ACCESS TO IT HAVE NOT MADE IT AVAILABLE.)

Taft High School has a terrific history. That’s why the school should recognize as many of their distinguished graduates as possible. Those who were a part of it and made contributions should be celebrated, whether living or deceased. One of the former students who deserves that honor is Terry Kath/Class of 1964.

Terry Kath (January 31, 1946 - January 23, 1978) went from being a self-taught musician to being a co-founder, lead guitarist and vocalist for one of the top selling bands of all time: Chicago. His brilliant guitar skills give the rock edge to classic hits such as: “25 or 6 to 4,” “Feeling Stronger Everyday,” and “Questions 67 & 68.” His fiery guitar combined with Chicago’s brass gave the band its signature sound.

Kath’s voice was equally as vital to the classic Chicago sound. “Color My World,” “Make Me Smile,” and “Wishing You Were Here” are just a few of the hits that feature his unique, soulful voice. In total, Kath performed on eleven Chicago albums from 1969-1977 all of which earned at least gold certification. He was considered the onstage “leader” by his fellow band members on numerous sold out tours.

Kath’s talent paved the way for Chicago’s tremendous success. Chicago has earned over 120 million in record sales and is the second top-selling American band of all time (behind the Beach Boys). Sadly, Terry Kath passed away in 1978 from an accidental, self-inflicted gunshot wound. Yet, his memory lives on in the music that continues to Color Our World today.

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This weekend (3/29/08) the 20th Chicago Public School student fell victim to gun violence this school year. This comes after the record and heartbreaking number of students that were killed last year.

Every election cycle safer streets is a major issue yet major legislation or programs aimed at reducing crime rarely ever come up for a vote.

Politics can not be allowed to get in the way of protecting our children.

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Amy Jacobson got fired from NBC5 Chicago because of being at the Stebic's family house.

She was their only to obtain story info, and nothing illegal happened.

She is a very respectful reporter, and MANY enjoy her very in-depth stories.

Without her, NBC5 is not going to be the same. We need her back.

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From: The Windy City Times

Last week, during a short debate on the House floor regarding a bill that would make it easier for transgender individuals to obtain a new birth certificate, three Illinois representatives decided to make a mockery of the issue.

Rep. Bill Black, R-Danville; Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mohamet; and Rep. Art Turner, D-Chicago, joked and made comments, such as Black comparing non-surgical sex changes to voodoo and comparing transgender people to animals ( the debate following an item about neutering deer for population control ) . The Associated Press reported that Black’s remarks were greeted by hoots from colleagues.

In an e-mail to Windy City Times, John Peller of AIDS Foundation of Chicago said, “The debate on this bill yesterday was one of the most offensive I have ever seen in the state Capitol.”

The bill, HB 1732, failed by a vote of 78-32 on April 17. The bill’s sponsor was Rep. Sara Feigenholtz, D-Chicago, who expressed to the media afterwards that she was ashamed of her colleagues.

The legislation would have amended the Vital Records Act so a new birth certificate could be obtained by an individual after receiving an affidavit by a physician that states he or she has undergone medical treatment ( surgery or hormonal ) . This would make it easier for those who have received treatment outside the U.S. Current Illinois law requires an affidavit by a U.S. doctor who performed the treatment.
For more visit... http://www.wctimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=14675

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April 19, 2006

Abrade Technologies, Inc. has applied for a permit to operate a hazardous waste facility in East Chicago.

The City Council has voted "no."

The Lake County Waste Management Advisory Board has also voted "no."

Abrade has filed suit against both the City Council and the Lake County Board.

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January 4, 2006

Chicago Police Officer Alvarez of the 24th District Rogers Park, Chicago, IL. This officer should be arrested and charged with assault and battery, false arrest, malicious prosecution, filing a false police report and attempted murder. My neighbor witnessed these event's and the OPS of Chicago has completed an investigation and still no charges have been filed against this officer.

Your average everyday citizen living in Chicago has no rights under the constitution, I was beaten, threatened with torture, falsely arrested and told by the arresting officer "You do not have any fucking rights", as it turns out he was right.

Here it is several months later and I am still kicking and screaming and fighting for the justice that was denied me on 1/27/05.

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