Criminals Are Their Own Worse Enemy

This is short Hands Across Howard success story.

In early 2008, a car was stolen on Dobson (half a block of Howard in Evanston), according to EPD, the thief, last name Ellison, eventually crashed into another vehicle and then reversed crashed into a Chicago Police Dept (CPD) vehicle at the intersection of South and Chicago (Evanston). After a short foot chase Ellison was apprehended by Evanston Police officers. Charges were filed by CPD. Ellison is a resident of Evanston.

Ellison, who is 21, received 2 years probation. Many neighbors were upset by this sentence, which they took as no more than a slap on the wrist.

This week, Ellison was sentenced to 7 years in prision for violating parole by engaging in armed robbery and, you guessed it, stealing another vehicle. (Editorial: I think his parents should be forced to do community service as well.)

Edited by author 07-23-2009 09:41 PM
All,

You may have noticed that the Park Playground Shower Rain Head thing, has been running 24/7 for almost 2 months now. Community volunteers measured the flow rate and to their dismay learned that the combined water flow is:
25 gallons a minute.
1500 Gallons an hour. $4.88
3600 Gallons a day. $117.22
and 1,080,000 Gallons a month. $ 3516.48 *2= $7033.

In two months well over 2,000,000 gallons have been poured down the drain.
The Park District IS a metered account. The COST of that water is $3.256 per 1,000 gallons. We all pay that via our lovely property taxes.

If this inexcusable, outrageous, egregious, waste of resources bothers you on any level, particularly given today's heightened sense of conservation, you may wish to contact these people to voice your concern.

Park Supervisor, Barbara Devers, 773.262.5835
Area manager (her Boss) Derrick Martin
Derrick.Martin@ChicagoParkDistrict.com
Regional Manager Matt Marino (His boss)
matt.marino@chicagoparkdistrict.com

The park district, including these three here, are fully aware of the problem, and in actual fact they were notified officially in multiple face to face meetings and e-mails of the situation. I am of the belief that the problem will be attended to as soon "as the part comes in". However, it really should have been fixed, or at least turned off long ago.
Please let them know MANY people care, not just the one or two that interface with them regularly.
Thank you, and see you around the park!

Thanks to all who voiced their concern to the Park District.
Today the Park District Plumbers fixed the outdoor playground spray heads.
Either enough time, or enough pressure was brought to bear on powers that be, to get it fixed.
The plumbers showed me the work order. It was dated today, and they claimed this was the first they had heard of the problem....

Fingers crossed that it stays fixed.

Great news Scott.

This issue turned out to be a hot button for lots of people. Scores of residents, including the aldmerman, sent me copies of e-mails they forwarded to park district personnel. Many noting that this is not the time to waste either water or money. Thanks for posting the info.

Edited by author 08-01-2009 11:38 AM
Stand with your neighbors on Monday, August 3, to oppose hate and bigotry! Notorious bigot and demagogue "Rev." Fred Phelps and members of his Westboro Baptist Church will be picketing at Congregation Emanuel, 5959 N. Sheridan. Although attention is what this group is seeking, its message of hate and bigotry cannot be ignored. Please arrive no later than 11 am. Rabbi Michael Zedek is calling for a non-confrontational protest.

Phelps is coming from Kansas to protest "the existence of Jews" and I'm sure he'll have something to say about "fags" as well.

If you're available on Monday, please come to counter Phelps' protest. Rabbi Zedek and Ald. Mary Ann Smith are calling for a peaceful counter protest. This will attract media attention and I think we need a large turnout to show how unwelcomed Phelps' message is. Thanks.

WHEN: Aug. 3, 11 am (sharp)
WHERE: 5959 N. Sheridan, Congregation Emanuel

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, Y2Y in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, June 09 in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Not sure what is going on, but just got home and the police have birchwood blocked off from Ridge to Hoyne.

Received your e-mail. Half the challenge is whether the Police will charge the 15 year old as an adult. Does anyone know where the 'foot shooter' is from at this point? The Evanston incident was practically on the northwest side of Evanston about 3 1/4 miles away nearer to Church and Dodge.

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, Y2Y (YTD) in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, Y2Y (M2M). Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Reported Crime Incidents & Arrests, August 09 in Beat 2424. Source: CPD Clearmap

Edited by author 09-14-2009 07:48 AM
Crime Stat Overview

For the 8 months ended August 2009, crime remained unchanged from 2008 in police beat 2424. Good news, since crime was slightly up in the 24th District, according to news reports.

Areas of concern are: burglary, battery (domestic and other), and robbery. While robberies are up, thefts are down.

Robbery is defined as "The taking or attempting to take anything of value under confrontational circumstances. Usually involves a weapon (gun, knife, etc.); also includes vehicular hijacking.

Theft is defined as "The unlawful taking of property." Picket-pocketing, purse-snatching, and stealing from a retail establishment are examples of theft.

While there is a slight increase in battery, assault (the threat of battery, bodily harm) is down.

Remember, whether on your block or down town, be aware of your surroundings. Call 911 if you feel you might be in harms away.

Does anyone have any interest in creating a dog park at Potawattomi Park? Does anyone want to convene over the idea or get ideas from others, who have created dog parks within parks? There was talk at a 2424 CAPs meeting of an area within Potawattomi Park that was suitable for a dog park, but under-utilized. Any thoughts?