CeaseFire's message doesn't work in Rogers Park

Banners, bumpers stickers, circle prayers, and orange t-shirts
will not stop the bullets from flying in Rogers Park.

(Rogers Park) - You can bring in every Reverend in the city to Rogers Park, if you want.

It won't make a difference.

You can put as many "orange" shirts on people, until you turn "blue" in the face.

That's not going to help either.

CeaseFire's message to the kids, the kids who's friends are dying from bullets, just doesn't resinate.

On April 10, 2012, at 6 p.m., CeaseFire held one of its protocol circle-jerks, to denounce the recent murder of James Brown.

Brown was gunned down by a 9 mm pistol in broad daylight a week earlier, at 6822 North Ashland.

About 15 actual neighbors attended, along with a sea of CeaseFire "violence interruptors," in their bright orange shirts.

Problem is, the message they should be preaching is to the kids who hung out across the street. Those who know what goes down - and won't snitch.

Not those law-abiding neighbors holding candles, safely protected on the steps of the United Church of Rogers Park.

I personally spoke with a half dozen of these confused teens across the street, while the pastors and religious leaders on the other side of the street were preaching and praying to those who never have carried a gun.

What did the kids tell me? These kids, aged 15 to 19 years-old, "see no hope." And, these kids knew James Brown personally.

One girl I talked with dated the child shooter, James Brown. She knew he shot a kid a couple of years ago, when the two dated as kids at Sullivan High School.

You could see when she talked about it, she still has feelings for him. Why? Because no one at home cares about her. That's what she says.

But, her friends on the street - the street she called "Ashland" - where they all hang out with their friends in the same situation, do.

Her friends on the street cared about her. I could see that as I talked with every one of them. They did care about each other.

She, and her friends, felt the people cross the street, holding a candlelight vigil, didn't. She said it was "all for show." I told her I couldn't agree more.

In fact, most of the kids I was talking to said, "the worst is yet to come." I wanted to ask more questions, but one of the CeaseFire interrupters cock-blocked me, to pass their PR CeaseFire message to them - and scared them away.

I had these kids discussing the hard-core stuff, like why their friends carry and shoot guns at each other?

I asked them if any of them had ever shot a gun? The kids were open and candid. I'll save these stories for the next shooting.

A blow-hard Reverend who didn't even cross the street
to the people he should be preaching to.

Then, the damn CeaseFire interrupter crossed the street and interrupted us. The kids walked away from the 'CeaseFire interruptor' in fear of saying something they shouldn't have.

Who know's why? But, they all know me as "Mr. Brokenheart". One of the kids recognized me right away. Even Cota. They knew my dog, too. They opened up to me, no problem. Once that damn orange shirted CeaseFire chick showed up, they closed like a clam - and ignored her message.

They even laughed about her invading us when she left to do her circle-jerk prayer.

I was there. I listened to them. That's what kids this age want. They want to talk to someone. Not be preached to.

CeaseFire needs to change their method, and how they operate in Rogers Park. Or they'll never get through to these kids.

Kids that see, "no hope."

Two people shot near Howard and Sheridan

Crime tape protects evidence markers
on Sheridan and Birchwood.

(Rogers Park) - 911 callers are flooding the center with 'shots fired' calls around Howard and Sheridan, April 7, at 9:06 p.m.

Update - 9:08 p.m: Now were getting two people shot in the 7300 block of North Sheridan, one in front of a nursing home.

One person shot in the back. One person shot in the foot. Shots came from the north of the location where the victims are.

Update - 9:12 p.m: One victim is mid-twenties. EMS is taking one to the hospital on a stretcher.

Update - 9:14 p.m: Two groups of male/blacks were shooting at each other, according to one witness who's talking with police. One group had a dog with them.

Update - 9:17 p.m: Crime scene started at 7464 North Sheridan, according to the police.

Update - 9:22 p.m: Arrived at the crime scene. What a mess.

Update - 9:29 p.m: Detectives are searching neighbors front yards with flashlights, checking the grass and bushes, as the neighbors are outside asking questions like, "Why?"

Update - 9:40 p.m: The crime scene runs from Howard and Sheridan to Sherwin and Sheridan. Detectives are canvassing the entire area. A couple guns were allegedly found in the alley dumpster according to a witness I talked with. Crowds are gathering across the street.

Update - 9:48 p.m: Looks as if there are two crime scenes. One nursing home at Sherwin and Sheridan and one at Birchwood and Sheridan. The Shewin Manor Nursing Home, 7350 North Sheridan, has crime tape on the stair entrance.

Chicago Tribune report - April 8, 2012: "Two men were shot on the 7400 block of North Sheridan Road in Rogers Park, police said. Both of the men were standing on the street when they were shot and taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston with gunshot wounds, police said. One man, 31, was shot in the foot and the other, 25, was shot in the back."

Man shot on Pratt and Ashland in broad daylight pronouced dead by medical examiner

(Rogers Park) - It's now official. What I've been reporting all day has ended in what can only be described as total shame for our Rogers Park community. 


James Brown, who lives in the 3200 block of North Central Park Avenue, was pronounced dead at 2:40 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office, after being gunned down at 6822 North Ashland Avenue.


Yet, all the internet community on Everyblock Rogers Park can do is bitch to each other under anonymous names, as to why James Brown was where he was at, when he got shot by people in a moving silver 4 door Grand Prix - with Indiana plates on it. 


I don't know which is sadder? James Brown got murdered today in broad daylight - or all the community cared about was property values decreasing.


It's only a matter of time before I'm reporting on some sort of street shrine being placed at the site of the murder. Then, the anonymous internet neighbors will have something else to bitch about.

Man stabbed in back on Pratt

(Rogers Park) - A 21 year old male was stabbed in the lower back April 4, around 8:43 p.m., in the 1500 block of West Pratt. Initial 911 reports said he was stabbed in front of the store at Ashland and Pratt, but the victim was found by police across the street.

The victim said the offenders were two male hispanics - one was wearing a dark hoodie with writing on it.

According to reports, the offenders fled east on Farwell, but police found nothing when canvassing the area.

BLOGNOTES: We also have a 911 caller say there are 20 or so out of control teens causing a disturbance on Howard Street, by the Gateway Mall.

Street robbers on Pratt net $10 and a green 'Sox' cap from victim

Not the actual 'Sox' cap taken.

(Rogers Park) - Wild west shoot-outs by the gangbangers in the middle of the night aren't the only thing Rogers Park residents have to worry about.

There's the little crimes like street robbery from roaming thugs in the middle of the day, too.

On April 4, around 2:55 p.m., four to five male hispanics allegedly robbed a male victim of his black wallet containing $10 dollars - and a green 'Sox' hat in the 1600 block of West Pratt.

No weapon was implied in the robbery.

Our hapless victim said the multiple offenders, who took his stuff on Pratt, fled south on Clark Street, in a 4 door, light blue colored Dodge Neon, with a partial plate number of L54.

The partial plated Dodge Neon is said to be damaged to the right front end, near the headlight. According to the victim, one of the offenders had a teardrop tattoo under his eye.

Chicago police are issuing a "flash on this crime" thoughout the day.

More nuttiness in the neighborhood:

At 3:20 p.m., on April 4, a male black was seen wielding a knife on the street at Winchester and Birchwood.

According to the 911 caller, the offender's alleged knife was possibly a machete. The anonymous 911 caller said he was knife holder was either "high, on something, or mental."

Sign shows progress in Gerber/Hart moving to Rogers Park

A banner now hangs
inside the new gay Library
on North Clark Street.

(Rogers Park) -  On March 24, we first reported Gerber/Hart Library was moving to 6500 North Clark, but questioned why no permits were in place, nor work being done.

Today, we can report progress on one front. Gerber/Hart has put up a "Future Home" banner above the door.

There still isn't any current city construction permit's for work to be done - nor has there been any progress to report on the actual construction and build side of making a world-class Library - a Library that holds Chicagoland's gay history literature and LGBT archival memorabilia accumulated over the past four decades - from various donors, a reality by May 1; other than a plastic banner was placed above the doorway.

Time will tell, as by the end of the month Gerber/Hart will be forced to move somewhere. Brad Tucker, the former President of Gerber/Hart, mentioned in the comments section here, before he deleted it, there is a contingency in place, shall the Library not be ready in time; but didn't explain any further.

Police on hunt for one of the Morse Avenue shooters

(Rogers Park) - In wake of the recent shootings on Morse Avenue, police have a name and very good description of one of the weekend's alleged shooters.

Last night around 2 a.m., they spotted the subject in question on foot in the 1400/1500 block of Farwell. Somehow, the alleged offender eluded the officer.

The officer implied the offender may have a gun. At this time I'm holding out on his name and some of the physical characteristics of the wanted man. Stop back, as this story is still in development.

Shots fired at Morse and Greenview

Two parked cars took on some damage
in last nights wild shoot-out

(Rogers Park) - Around 1 a.m., March 31, gun fire erupted in the 1500 block of West Morse Avenue. Neighbors report hearing 9 to 10 shots, then 6 to 7 shots more.

According to one EB neighbor, Katey, the shots came from "two different guns."

Kshell said, "a silver SUV shot at a black car." Kshell also said he hear shots fired by an individual on foot a few blocks away.

Two innocently parked cars on the North side of Morse were damaged in the shoot-out/crash. A red Ford Escort and a purple Dodge mini-van.

Timothy Killeen, who said he witnessed the crash but not the shooting, said a dark van was shot at Morse and Greenview.

Chase said, "It took the police about 4 to 5 minutes to appear."

Christel Richard said, "I live on Greenview and saw the shooter. It was probably the most scariest thing I witnessed."

According to the Chicago Tribune, no one was hit by the flying bullets. No one was seriously hurt in the crash. But four people did go to the hospital, three females and one male.

The shooter(s) have not been identified.

There is a official police camera mounted high on a pole, on the corner of Morse and Greenview. That taxpayer funded police camera should've captured everything.

That's if it's working?

Friday follow-up: "Oneway" evicted from Mayne Stage

Gang graffiti promptly removed
 by the staff at the Mayne Stage

(Rogers Park) - Yesterday I posted a story about "Oneway" moving into CAPS Beat 2431. I mentioned the run-around I got calling the lame 311 operator on our new buddy, "Oneway".

Finally, I decided it'd be easier to post it on my new blog - "Now in Rogers Park." That's how I things got done quicker than the norn on the "Morse Hell Hole" blog I started in 2003.

Today I can tell you, at least from the Mayne Stage's prospective, "Oneway" is now out.  Four of seven "Oneway" territorial tags in CAPS Beat 2431 have been removed.

Big 'hat tip' to the folks at Mayne Stage.

I've also been in contact with the property manager at Reside on Morse. They've assured me their gang territorial markings will be removed, too.

It's great to see the 'wheels of progress' in motion. Especially so quickly.

Just another wonderful day in, "Now in Rogers Park."

Mayne Stage/Reside on Morse hit with territorial taggings

(Rogers Park) - 'Oneway' has moved in, and he's leaving his mark.

The Mayne Stage/Act One/Mayne Annex, 1328-1334 West Morse, has been hit with territorial tagging in recent days.

So has Reside on Morse, 1340 West Morse.

Six of the seven tags I photographed this morning were on private property, the other on a public pole in the alley next to the two buildings.

A call to 311 put me through the ringer, as when the operator asked if "I was the owner of the building?" -  I said, "no",  she put me on hold; and the phone disconnected after a few minutes.

Instead of wasting all morning trying to get some results through official channels, I'll just post the photographs here so everyone can see who really owns the neighborhood.

Clearly, it's Oneway.

East side of Reside on Morse -Lunt building, 

Car stop pole for Reside on Morse parking lot

Back alley Mayne Stage building

Back alley Mayne Stage building

Back alley Mayne Stage building

Front board-up for Mayne Annex

Telephone pole next to Reside on Morse - Lunt building

Former Gerber/Hart President speaks out on Library move (and more)

Over the weekend I wrote a op-ed piece on the Gerber/Hart library moving (or not) to Rogers Park at the end of April. I received a comment for the former President of Gerber/Hart, Brad Tucker. This belongs as more of a head-line, than just a average comment buried in the comments section.

Craig,

I am surprised you are jumping on Tracey Baim's bandwagon regarding Gerber/Hart’s upcoming move. As an ally of the LGBT community and someone who cares about Rogers Park, I would have expected you to celebrate the fact that Gerber/Hart would be helping build your community. I am curious: Whom have you talked to? What sources have you confirmed? 

As far as I am concerned, Tracey Baim and her reporters have stooped lower than any reporter in the gay press ever has on this one. I don't know if she thinks she can put the library out of business so she can claim it’s collections for her for-profit gay history website or she is now in the business of making up the news, not reporting it. 

During my term as President of Gerber/Hart, I considered Tracy Baim to be a good friend of the organization. Why doesn't someone ask her why she's turned on the Library and is going for blood?

The front-page innuendoes, distortions, and lies reported constantly in the Windy City Times over the past two months are baseless and without merit. Tracey's mother was a respected author and journalist. I’d bet that if she knew what her daughter was publishing and the insidious manner she using in an attempt to destroy the reputation of Gerber/Hart, she would slap her in the face.

Gerber/Hart has been around for 31 years. It's always been a volunteer run organization. Mistakes and have made, but the Library can claim huge victories over the years – including the fact that it's still in business, serving the community and thriving financially. The newly adopted bylaws reflect the fact that the Library and Board members are subject to attacks from all sides. This time it’s from Tracey Baim and the Windy City Times. Next time it may be for copyright infringement because someone looking to make a profit scans and puts Library or Archival materials on a website without author permission. Come on… with friends like Tracey Baim, who needs enemies?

When G/H moved to Granville 13 years ago, there was angst and upheaval in the community also. The space severed us well over the years, but now the Library MUST (I repeat MUST) move.

I promise you in writing that the Library is 1) moving and 2) the decision will prove to be one of the smartest decisions every made by Gerber/Hart. I know what it takes to move a library – we moved Gerber/Hart in one day. I have no doubts that Karen and her volunteers can’t move it in two months.

Yes, I have some insider information. No, I am not going to share it. I care too much about the future of Gerber/Hart to play into Tracey Baim's hate mongering. I just hope she is willing to apologize to Karen Sendziak and Gerber/Hart Library as loudly as she has criticized them. I wonder if Tracey will be willing to write a check for the thousands of dollars in support she has cost the Library at a time when the Library needs community support the most.

From the information I have, I know that Karen Sendziak should be lauded as a heroine, not a villain. Too bad Tracey and her reporters weren’t willing to take the time to find the truth.

Craig, I am over-the-top angry at Tracey Baim and the Windy City Times, but I am also very disappointed in you for helping to spread her insidious gossip and innuendos. 

Brad TuckerFormer PresidentGerber/Hart Library

(P.S. North Community Bank is also moving into 6500 N Clark. I’m not a rocket scientist, but it seems to me that if North Community Bank is moving into the building maybe the owners are getting financing from…. gee, who do you think?)

BLOGNOTES: Brad, thank you for responding with your insight into the library. I know had this been any other blog or blogger, you wouldn't have even responded at all. I thank you for that, also.


I've based my blog post on visiting the location the Library has issued in it's press release. The release states the move will be done by the end of April. Since my visit, I've put in an official inquiry myself. One I won't divulge at this time, as the findings aren't in yet. 


The way I see it, there is way too much construction work to be done at 6500 North Clark. Way, way, way - too much. Work, that at this time, hasn't even been started. 


Nor were there any "official permits" for work to be done posted on the property, as required by the city.


It's not hard to see nothing is being done, or that there is not permits for work to be done displayed on the building. Anyone can go by and look in the windows themselves. Kate Sosin did herself, after reading my report. Then filed a report of my findings without proper accreditation.


I did stop by the Granville Library location on Sunday, after I filed this, and found the volunteers boxing books, preparing to move. That was a positive site to see.


If my findings in the next month come up in favor of this move being completed by May 1, 2012, meaning - if Karen Sendziak and her volunteers can move the library to the location at 6500 North Clark Street by then - I will eat a big dish of 'crow' - as my dad use to say, and report the conclusion fairly here.


I'm not here to trash Karen on how she runs the Library's board meetings or day-to-day operations. I'm here to talk about the Library moving to 6500 North Clark from its current location it's leaving in Edgewater by the end of April.


 I'll leave the "front-page innuendoes, distortions, and lies reported constantly" up to WCT, as you say.

Is Gerber/Hart really moving to 6500 North Clark?

Permits from 2007

(Edgewater/Rogers Park) - With all the gay & mainstream reporters covering the so-called move of the Gerber/Hart Library in the last month or so, like it was some sort of done deal.

Praise was dished out on the various net-boards, everyblock, community websites, facebook and twitter pages - like a bunch of high-school cheerleaders rooting for the home team.

Problem is, did any one of these cheerleading reporters and reports, gay or straight, actually do any digging; other than run their various versions of the library's web press release?

Here's what it said:

"We have now finalized plans to move to our new home. Gerber/Hart Library and Archives will soon be located in Clark Point Plaza at 6500 North Clark Street. We plan on moving at the end of April," said Karen C. Sendziak, president of the library's board of directors.

Here's what happened. I believe too many reporters trying to cover this story drank too much of Ms. Sendziak's kool-aid she was serving up.

Now, in fairness, Kate Sosin, with Windy City Times, has done the most leg-work on the story; questioning the library, the President - and the board members who would actually say they were board members.

Watching the story unfold, you could tell Ms. Sosin was having to "pull teeth" - sort of speak, to get anything solid out of the very reclusive Karen C. Sendziak.

Who know's, maybe that's why all the LGBT reporters chose the press release route?

No water

Here's what isn't being reported - that just doesn't add up.

How can this library, with all its archives, be able to pull off this move by the end of April?

The building has been listed as recently as Feb. 2012 as for sale at $2,750,000. That's a lot of scratch to come up with in this tight market.

Who owns the building right now? How are they able to lease out something long term, something they've just put on the market?

The building is in need of serious work to get ready for the library. Work which isn't being performed at the moment.

It needs walls to create space.
It needs electricity to run light.
It needs to be have access for the handicapped.
It needs restrooms.

All these activities require official work permits from the city of Chicago. Facts are, I couldn't find any active permits posted on the building at 6500 North Clark Street. The one's posted are 5 years old.
   
Talk about permits growing mold. Two of the three permits posted on the property are so old - they've got Daley's name on them.

More facts. The water to the building was cut off due to non-payment in November 2011. (see photo #2)

More questions without answers: Who's helping with the entire movement of the all the Gerber/Hart library's massive archives of over 30 plus years of material? Is Karen doing this herself?

I know for a fact they've got a copy my entire collection of Gay Chicago Magazine's. It took me and two others nearly 3 months to organize and move my archived set from start to finish last year - so I know the enormous task of this undertaking.

One ex-board member, Darryl Vincent, known better in the lgbt gossip community as 'historian' St. Sukie de la Croix, has recently say to gay paper, WCT,  "Jon Henri Damski's collection is sitting outside the bathroom for several years..."

Ms. Sendziak needs to update the community, and not just the LGBT community, on the library's progress. Edgewater and Rogers Parker residents too.

Because now, time is running out on the current lease; and the new home looks far from ready.

This new library needs to look like a world-class public library worthy of what the the city Chicago has to offer its all residents and visitors traveling to Chicago.

Ms. Sendziak, either let us Edgewater, LGBT'rs and Rogers Parker's know what's going on - or you'll need to step aside and let someone else clean up the mess you've created.