To my 26th Ward neighbors,
Last week I attended my first City Council meeting. The City Council voted to approve a new slate of 20 committees and committee assignments. I will be serving on the Education & Child Development, Housing & Real Estate, Health & Human Relations, Public Safety, Transportation & Public Way, Zoning Landmarks & Building Standards and Immigration & Refugee Rights committees. I will also serve as the treasurer of the Latino Caucus. I look forward to working on and passing legislation that will serve in the best interest of the 26th Ward and our City.
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We hosted our first Ward Night last week. It was so nice to meet with caring residents who came with concerns and solutions - as we strive to build a better 26th Ward collective efforts are key. Our next Ward Night will be Jun 12, 2023 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm (by appointment only), please email info@the26thward.org to set up your appointment.
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In an effort to continue to build our partnerships, I toured Casa Central’s transitional living program, La Posada. We discussed the need for housing and wrap around services as we continue serving our unhoused neighbors and asylum seekers. Palenque LSNA celebrated their 61st Annual Congress, continuing their legacy of liberating spaces through neighborhood action. I was excited to celebrate alongside Palenque. Partnerships are key to community building and I intend to continue supporting organizations that support everyday people.
We started our weekend with the Hermosa Meet and Greet hosted by Hermosa Neighborhood Association (HNA), held at Right Bee Cider Brewery. In addition to touring the brewery, we discussed how we could continue supporting our small, community businesses in Hermosa. I am thrilled to be in partnership with HNA and as we visualize a more vibrant business community.
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I was honored to keynote the Unite ALL Chicago Stop the Violence event on Saturday. I watched graffiti artists spray beautiful pieces, young people tell their life stories through poetry and hip hop, small businesses vending to the community, and neighbors enjoying the weather and each other's company. Community safety and providing safe spaces for young people to express themselves is one of my priorities.
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This weekend we have many opportunities for you to volunteer and benefit from community resources. On June 2nd, we are hosting our community cleanup, we will meet at the southwest corner of North Ave and California at 2pm. On this day we will also be hosting, alongside Rep. Lilian Jiménez and Sen. Aquino, our Family Resource Fair at Stowe Elementary from 4:00pm to 6:00pm where we will provide a space for young people to be celebrated as the school year ends. There will also be resources for adults. On Saturday, June 3rd I will be co-hosting a Wellness Fair on Paseo Boricua - we will have zumba classes, A1C and blood pressure exams, healthy cooking demos and more. Centering community care is my priority and we will work everyday to ensure that we are building a healthier and welcoming 26th Ward.
In partnership,
Your 26th Ward Alderperson, Jessie Fuentes
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Join us for a Dia Del Niño Summer Celebration and Resource Fair held on Friday, June 2nd 2023 from 4pm - 6pm at Stowe Elementary School (3444 W. Wabansia Ave). The fair will include games, face painting, and resources that range from housing and financial aid to immigration and legal resources.
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With the changes to the ward maps came changes to the city street cleaning schedule. Click the following link to find out when your street is getting swept: www.wethesweeple.com. You can also subscribe for regular reminders. The next street sweeping dates are Thursday June, 1st through Friday, June 2nd.
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The West Side of Francisco Avenue from Division Street to Thomas Street will be closed on Friday, June 2nd, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
If you have any questions, concerns or special needs, please contact the Location Manager, Liz Goldsmith, at (773) 577-0034.
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Street Closure: Bank of America Race
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The Bank of America Chicago 13.1 will take place this Sunday, June 4, 2023. This notice is informing you of street closures and traffic restrictions during the event, so you can move through the affected areas with as little challenge as possible.
Streets in your neighborhood may be closed to traffic as an anticipated 8,000 participants pass through the area starting at 6:30 a.m. and continuing to 10:45 a.m.
Please refer to the course map for streets on the course that will be closed to traffic (bold line on map). A comprehensive list of street closures and their approximate reopening is available at chicago13point1.com/streetclosures.
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Street Closure: The Puerto Rican People's Day Parade
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The 45th Puerto Rican People’s Day Parade will take place on June 10th at 2pm on division street between Campbell to Sacramento. During the parade, Division Street between Western Avenue and Humboldt Boulevard, along with all intersecting cross streets, will be closed to car traffic.
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Serve on the 26th Ward Advisory Zoning Committee
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Alderperson Jessie Fuentes is creating a new 26th Ward Advisory Zoning Committee which will meet regularly to review zoning requests and provide a diverse range of perspectives.
Those interested in serving on the 26th Ward Advisory Zoning Committee should submit the interest at www.bit.ly/zoning26.
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Ward nights are an opportunity to meet with Alderperson Fuentes to talk to her about any local or city issues. Ward nights will take place every Monday from 5pm - 7pm. Ward night meetings will be by appointment only and on a first come, first served basis.
If you’d like to meet with Alderperson Fuentes during ward night, please call or email the ward office at 773-395-0143 or info@the26thward.org. The ward night schedule for the next few weeks is as follows: 6/12, 6/26, 7/10, 7/17, 7/24 and 7/31.
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The 26th ward office (currently located at 2511 W Division St) will be closed on Monday, June 5th, 2023 due to a staff training. While the office is closed, please send requests and inquiries to info@the26thward.org.
We are currently in the midst of configuring a voicemail system. As we await its activation, kindly direct any requests or inquiries outside of office hours to info@the26thward.org, or feel free to reach out to the office once more at your convenience at (773)395-0143.
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Fiestas Patronales Information
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The City of Chicago is currently accepting donations through an Amazon Wishlist set up in partnership with Instituto del Progreso Latino. Items purchased through this wish list are directly donated to all City new arrival shelters. To donate, visit: chi.gov/WishList.
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