| 33RD WARD WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - September 04, 2026 |
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| Translate // Traducir // 번역하다 |
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| Dear 33rd Ward Community, |
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| This has been a heavy week, as the presence of ICE has been ramping up. We have had at least 2 confirmed cases of our neighbors being abducted. The need is clear for more neighbors to re-engage with the rapid response networks and school patrols. I’d like to use this time to remind our community about some important resources.
The lowest barrier to entry is joining the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN). This is a channel on the Telegram App that is able to broadcast warnings when rapid responders have identified known ICE agents or vehicles and believe they are about to start detentions. This is a one-way messaging channel, so it won’t be overwhelmed with discussions. It also means that the people who join the channel are not able to “see” one another, so you can still remain anonymous to everyone except the small group of trusted curators who send the broadcast. To join WARN, you just need to download Telegram and click this link.
It is also helpful to follow the Northwest Side Rapid Response Network. You can follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Much like WARN, this is another way to stay aware of ICE’s presence and help reshare their notifications to alert more community members.
In the event that you encounter ICE, it is important to be aware of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). They have a family support hotline: 855-435-7693. ICIRR’s hotline can be used to report suspected ICE sightings and to connect with resources if someone has been detained. You can also visit this page on their website to find Know Your Rights information translated into several languages, and find links to sign up for training events for Migra Watch and more.
If you have dealt with violence from ICE, please contact Kulis & Assoc for a free consultation to see if you are in a position to file a lawsuit against ICE. We need these lawsuits filed to push the Cook County State's Attorney to investigate ICE after the terror of Operation Midway Blitz. The law firm would provide representation for free. Call (312) 580-1830.
Lastly, our office is stocked with free whistles which we are happy to share with neighbors. While Trump spends millions and billions to terrorize our neighborhoods, as our city, state, and federal infrastructure crumbles, our best hope is to stick together, wear a whistle, and watch out for each other. What Chicago has proudly proven, time and time again, is that we love each other and we keep each other safe.
But I’d like to end on a story of inspiration from one of our dearly departed immigrant neighbors. Last year, the world lost a true trailblazer, Zehra Masood, at the age of 78. She was the sort of person who lived a life of struggle and poetry, becoming a mechanical engineer at a time when the field was dominated by men. Growing up in Hyderabad, India, she moved to Chicago in the 1970s.
I’d like to quote her family member who described her impact after moving here.
In Chicago, Zehra built a distinguished career as a sole engineer in the male-dominated fields of the 1970s and 80s. When a chief engineer once told her to get him coffee, she famously replied, "I’m an engineer, not your secretary." She refused to wear skirts, which were required for females in that era, instead wearing the sari, the traditional Indian garb. Her talent and resilience led her to major Chicago engineering firms, including Harza, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Holabird & Root. Her work shaped the city's skyline, with her designs contributing to iconic projects such as the Sears Tower and the John Hancock Center, as well as numerous Chicago Transit stations (Brown line Kimball, and Kedzie, and Francisco). Even after retirement, she continued her work through her own firm, Zehra Consultants. |
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| | With this in mind, it was my honor to help Zehra’s family to secure an honorary sign for her on Wilson Ave, between Sacramento Ave and Whipple St where she had lived. Honorary signs are not just symbolic. They remind us of the history of the people who cleared the paths for us and made the world more beautiful. It was such a pleasure to join her family as they honored her memory and celebrated all that she has built. I hope that as you pass by the sign on Wilson Ave, you’re inspired to learn more about Zehra Masood, and about all the neighbors who have shaped and reshaped our community into the beautiful tapestry that we know today. |
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| Thank you for doing this work with me. Please take a moment this week to help out a neighbor in need. You can always contact my office if you have any questions. We are here to help.
In solidarity, Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez 33rd Ward Alderperson |
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| Ongoing Donation Collection for Unhoused Neighbors During these hot summer days, our unhoused neighbors are in extreme need of a few essential items. We are currently accepting donations of any non-perishable food items, including bottled water, hand fans (battery powered), and bus cards.
Donations can be dropped off at the 33rd Ward Office during business hours. If you would like to coordinate a special drop-off time, please reach out to 773-840-7880. We are not requesting donations outside of the above list. Donations can also be made to: Albany Park Mutual Aid | PRP Shower Connect Wish List |
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| | 33RD WARD OFFICE INFORMATION |
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| | | | Event details are listed in the newsletter below. September 09 — Farm Concert with The Arab Blues from 4pm - 6:30pm. Suggested donation $20, payable at gate. BYO-chair to Global Gardens at 4815 N Sacramento! RSVP September 12 — Blood Drive at Christ Lutheran Church, 4541 N Spaulding, 9am - 1pm September 12 — Manor Music Crawl, various locations, 10am - 7pm, Schedule September 15 — Chicago Film Screening of No Country for Mothers at 5:30 – 8pm, Independence Branch Public Library, 4024 N Elston Ave. Tickets
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| | | Ronan Park UpdatesIn March, we have received many residents from the former Legion Park encampment into our ward as they wait for their assigned housing. I understand that this encampment has caused great concern for many neighbors. When this community moved into our local park, my office began working in close, daily collaboration with many local organizations, mutual aid groups, nonprofit agencies, and government partners to ensure that our neighbors most in need receive the care, attention, and resources they deserve.
For updates, please check in on our website. |
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| Immigrant Rights and Deportation Defense Resources: If you see immigration enforcement or suspect immigration enforcement, first call the Family Support Network (FSN) at 855-435-7693. We encourage you to save this number in your phone. |
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| VOLUNTEER WITH THE WARD OFFICE |
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| Volunteer with the 33rd Ward OfficeJoin us in strengthening our community! We are excited to offer a range of community engagement opportunities with our office. Whether you’re passionate about connecting neighbors or eager to make a positive impact, we’d love for you to volunteer with us. Help us build bridges and foster a stronger, more connected community. Your involvement can make a real difference.
Our office maintains several programs for neighbors to come together to care for each other and to learn about resources available to our communities. You can sign up to volunteer with our office by filling out our volunteer form by clicking here. |
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| Liquor Moratorium SurveyOur office is requesting feedback on a request to lift the liquor moratoriums on a portion of Montrose Avenue to allow a new business to apply for a license at 3451 W. Montrose. The feedback will inform the alderman's decision. Feedback will be open for at least one week. Details of the business and the proposal can be found in the google form, here. |
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| 33rd Ward Spring and Summer resources: Clean and Greens: Please email [email protected] to request resources to help clean up your block, like garbage bags, grippers, and gloves. Street Sweeping began April 1. You can view our interactive sweeping schedule and map by clicking here. To apply for a block party permit, please fill out this form. You can also get small whistle kits for your neighbors if you wish to include them in your block party festivities to encourage safety and support in your community during these difficult times. To apply for a yard sale, please stop by our office or fill out this form.
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| | Neighbor NightNext Neighbor Night: Monday, September 14 at 4747 N Sawyer Ave
Neighbor Nights offer appointments with the Alderperson between 4:30-6:00pm by appointment only. Call or email our office for an appointment at 773-840-7880 or [email protected]. Appointments will be offered in 15 minute segments, with the final time slot at 5:45pm.
The Neighbor Nights are an effort by the 33rd Ward Office to create opportunities for organizations in our ward to teach neighbors about their work and help people get involved. If you would like to coordinate an event related to your organizing work with an upcoming Neighbor Night, please reach out to our office. |
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| Sage BrigadeThe Sage Brigade needs volunteers to help pack groceries for seniors. This is a commitment of 2 hours a month, once a month, in person, at the Irving Park Food Pantry. If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected] with the subject line: SAGE BRIGADE VOLUNTEER FOR FOOD PANTRY. Someone from our office will follow up with you! |
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Join the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN)Looking for a lower-risk way to help protect your neighbors from ICE? The Northwest Side Rapid Response Network is launching a new neighborhood-based, people powered alert system. To join the Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN), download the Telegram app on your phone. Then, join the channel using this link. WARN is open to everyone, so please don't hesitate to share. |
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| | | INFRASTRUCTURE ANNOUNCEMENTS |
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| 2026 Street SweepingStreet Sweeping season will officially begin on April 1st. Here is the interactive map our Ward Superintendent made to keep track of scheduled street sweepings! |
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| ChiStreetWorksWondering what construction is taking place near you? Try the ChiStreetWork tool which allows you to view all the construction work happening anywhere in Chicago. The ChiStreetWork tool allows you to view all the active and permitted construction work taking place near you. You are also able to opt into updates to receive real-time notifications related to construction work. |
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Street Resurfacing Project with Pedestrian Improvements Anticipated Start Date: August 10, 2026 Anticipated Completion Date: September 30, 2026 Location: North California Ave. from W. Byron St. to W. Montrose Avenue.
The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement as needed for ADA and drainage compliance, pavement patching, milling and paving the existing asphalt pavement, and striping. During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work.
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| Street Closure Notice - Kimball and AinslieDuration of the project - 6 weeks Closure July 13 - August 24 (start of school)
(CDOT) is expected to begin work on seven street renovations on Monday, July 13. One of the renovations will be a raised intersection at Kimball and Ainslie, which will require a detour for six weeks. The raised intersection will be both a beautification update as well as a way of increasing traffic safety at the intersection. The work will also include the installation of curb extensions, detached bump-outs, and detached concrete bike lane medians, ADA ramp reconstruction, sewer work, asphalt resurfacing, signage and pavement markings.
To help you plan for this, please note that temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically installed as required. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please leave a message for CDOT at 312-722-6590 and someone will return your call.
[UPDATE] Due to weather delays, the project is ongoing. However, the streets have reopened to traffic for school hours. |
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| Alley ReconstructionThe Mayor’s Office, Alderperson Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez, and the Chicago Department of Transportation are pleased to announce the reconstruction of an alley in the 33rd ward. Please know that alley construction is scheduled to begin July 29, 2026. No alley access will be granted after July 29, 2026, please make accommodations to relocate your cars out of the garages. There will be saw cutting and minor asphalt demolition taking place July 27 & 28, 2026 but garage access is still permitted and allowed during those 2 days.
The alley is bounded by Wilson Ave and Montrose Ave, and by Sacramento Ave and Richmond St. Once started, construction is expected to take approximately six (6) weeks, weather permitting.
Due to construction, the following changes will occur: During construction, residential garbage will be curbside and we ask that the homeowner relocate cans to the front of the property. There will be no access to the alley for approximately six (6) weeks depending on the weather conditions. Barricades will block all entrance to the alley. Homeowners are advised to seek alternative parking.
This project will be managed by the Public Building Commission of Chicago. If you require any additional information regarding this project, please contact Capitol Cement Company, Inc. at 773-478-2200.
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| Grid-Based Tree TrimmingThe Bureau of Forestry is no longer receiving individual tree trimming requests and has shifted to a grid-based maintenance schedule similar to the street sweeping schedule. You can view the map here. If you’re worried about the immediate safety of the area around a given tree due to its conditions, you can reach out to 311 or our office so the appropriate service request can be made. |
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| | ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RESOURCES |
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| Chicago Front Yard Survey
Research is being done by a University of Oxford DPhil (PhD) student from Chicago. They are exploring how residential green space can reduce local flood risk, and how we can encourage the adoption of better practices. This survey is aimed at households within the city of Chicago who have a front yard. Complete the survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card!
Complete the survey here |
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| Neighborhood Market Grant ProgramMayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched a new grant program designed to support small business owners and farmers market operators, providing funding to strengthen local food systems and expand access to fresh, healthy food across the city. Through the Neighborhood Market Grant Program, one-time grants will be provided to small food businesses operating in priority geographies across Chicago.
The program will focus on businesses that are both economic anchors and food access points in neighborhoods historically impacted by disinvestment. Applications in English are available as of Friday, August 28 and applications in Spanish will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2. Applications will be accepted through Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Small business owners and market operators interested in applying can find eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application materials by visiting Chicago.gov/BACPRecoveryPlan. |
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| | Bickerdike Apartments Waitlist Openings
Monday, August 31, 9:00am Apply here |
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| Blood DriveChrist Lutheran Church's quarterly blood drive is coming up! Every donation has the potential to help save multiple lives in our Chicagoland area hospitals. Patients undergoing cancer treatments, surgery, trauma care, and other medical emergencies depend on volunteer blood donors every day.
Walk-ins are welcome anytime, or save time by preregistering here. Enter through the side door at 4541 N Spaulding Ave.
Saturday, September 12 9:00am - 1:00pm Christ Lutheran, 4541 N Spaulding Ave |
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| | Manor Music Crawl
Performances in the 33rd Ward: 2pm - 4500 Block of Francisco - Richard Bandini 3:15pm - 4450 N Mozart St - John Postlewait - Original & Americana covers 3:15pm - 4539 N Francisco - The Pippins - Vocal choir performing Renaissance madrigals to celebrate summer. Hear cheerful songs in English, Spanish, German and more 5:15pm - 4544 N Francisco - John Buck -Original Songs and Classic Covers
Saturday, September 12 7:00am - 10:00pm Full Schedule here |
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| Chicago Film Screening of NO COUNTRY FOR MOTHERSNo Country for Mothers explores the culture wars surrounding American motherhood and the growing national movement to reunite moms across divisions and win the kind of support families actually need.
Tuesday, September 15 5:30pm-8pm
Independence Branch Public Library, 4024 N Elston Ave
Tickets |
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Disaster Loan Outreach The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will establish Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) for residents and businesses impacted by the severe storm that occurred on June 10, June 11, and June 17, 2026, to apply for low-interest loans.
Online Applications To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email [email protected] for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is September 8, 2026. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 12, 2027.
Note: All impacted residents, regardless of where they live can go to any Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) site, even if it is not their Ward, county or municipality. Each location will have a Spanish translator available. |
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| Impact for Equity — Property Tax AppealsThe property tax appeal system in Cook County is complex and difficult to navigate, so few homeowners appeal and even fewer succeed. Impact for Equity has developed a set of checklists and resources to simplify the process and empower homeowners to challenge inequitable property tax practices. (Available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog at this website.) |
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| Get Medicaid FactsThe Cook County Medicaid Impact Workgroup, a coalition convened by Cook County Health, has launched “Get Medicaid Facts," a new website and communications toolkit designed to help people understand upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and what steps they can take now to keep their coverage. These resources come at a critical time. Federal policy changes are expected to significantly impact Medicaid, and an estimated 400,000 Illinois residents could lose coverage in the coming years if they are not prepared or informed.
https://getmedicaidfacts.com/ |
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| | | Our 33rd Ward Office maintains resources pages on our website as a helpful starting point for anyone that needs support. We are also available by phone call or email to help you explore any options that work best for you.
If for any reason our office is unavailable, please call 2-1-1 or visit www.211metrochicago.org. 2-1-1 is a hotline that is staffed 24/7 by trained resources navigators to help you find information and programs related to a wide variety of needs including utility billing relief and housing assistance. |
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| Albany Park Mutual Aid - Free StoreLocated at 3000 W. Lawrence
Hours: Mondays 5-9pm, Wednesdays 5-9pm, Saturdays 12-4pm
You can learn more about Albany Park Mutual Aid, support their work, or find help at www.albanyparkmutualaid.com. |
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| The 33rd Ward Office Has a Notary on Staff
If you are in need of notary services, our team is happy to help. Please reach out to [email protected] or give us a call at 773-840-7880 to set up an appointment. |
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| Free Narcan and Drug Test Strips Available at Our Ward Office
They are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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| Free Gun Safety Locks Available at Our Ward OfficeLocks are available free of charge by visiting our office at 4747 N Sawyer Ave. |
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| Connect with our local Chamber of CommerceSign up for the Albany Park Chamber of Commerce newsletter by clicking here. |
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| | Monthly Newsletter for “Service Members, Veterans, their Families, and Supporters”We are happy to feature the following community-managed resources guides for service members, veterans, their families, and supporters including events and services for veterans in Chicago and surrounding municipalities. Please email: [email protected] to be added to their monthly emails. You can view this month’s updates, a calendar, and fliers by clicking here. |
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| | | Meet our 33rd Ward Office Staff Jonathan Nagy, Chief of Staff Rebecca Rios, Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Zoning and Housing Kenneth Barrios, Director of Policy and Communications Abraham Espino, Director of Business Services Camila Garcia, Neighborhood Services Intake Coordinator Ariana Aguilar, Neighborhood Services Representative Eric Ramos, Ward Superintendent
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