Happy Friday Neighbors!

I hope the end of the week finds you and your loved ones in good spirits. Tomorrow, as many of us are heading downtown for the No Kings Rally, I think about the opportunity, power, and community shown in the fact that so many folks are willing to step out and make their voices heard. I also think about what that can mean here in the 40th Ward. It reminds me that our community has done so much together––we overcame COVID, we banded together (and still do) in light of political and actual attacks by the Federal government. The connection and relationships we build bring us together and keep us safe. It grounds me, even as we see the challenges ahead.

What also grounds me is how precious life is. On that note, I am heartbroken and full of sorrow as I think of Sheridan Gorman, a promising 18 year old Loyola student whose life was taken from her family and all of us by a gunman. I have my own children, and I can only imagine the agony and anger that Sheridan’s family is feeling knowing they lost their child to violence. I hope that justice will be served swiftly and thoroughly, even as we know that no justice after the fact can take away the grief and loss that her loved ones are experiencing.

As we learn more about the suspect, the fact that he was undocumented has been used to further divide people. Let me be clear: ANY individual who commits a crime should be held accountable to the full extent of the law. There is no excuse or justification for this crime, whether it was committed by someone who just came to this country or was born here. We have laws in this country, and there are penalties for violent crime, including jail and deportation for those who are found guilty.

But those who want to use a crime committed by an undocumented person to criminalize anyone else that shares that identity should look to our nation’s history to see where that leads. During World War II, that thinking led to hundreds of thousands of people being imprisoned in camps, to pay for the crimes of a country they did not commit. We are repeating that history in this moment, as children and families are imprisoned in horrific conditions for committing no crime at all. No good comes of weaponizing a trauma against people who are not responsible for it. It does nothing to alleviate the trauma this family is undergoing: it only multiplies it.

These are challenging times and we need each other to make it through them, as our people face social, political, and economic pressures that keep us all down. Together we lift each other up, and I will always stand with those whose spirit is pointed in that direction. I stand with my sister Maria Hadden as she and her hardworking team faces attacks and threats so extreme that they have to close their ward office.

I feel fortunate that even in the darkest of times, our neighbors lift each other up, and it is my honor to create and share opportunities to do just that

As we build and complete public plazas like Elise Malary Plaza and Ainslie Arts Plaza

As we create housing for the unhoused like the Haven on Lincoln.

As we celebrate some good old American past time opportunities like the Winnemac Park opening game to celebrate the new turf ballfield.

As we share ways to volunteer like delivering food and meals for those in need along with A Nourishing Hope tomorrow morning.

And as we convene city wide at the rally tomorrow.

Always know that we are more powerful together, and that we can keep us safe and find our liberation together. I look forward to seeing you this weekend. Thank you for the opportunity to serve and lead, I am grateful for it and rejuvenated by it and by you!

Yours in Service and Community,

Andre Vasquez

Lincoln Avenue Streetscape

The second and final phase of the Lincoln Avenue Streetscape Project is nearing the finish line! Contractors are currently working on finishing up the Ainslie Arts Plaza and modernizing the Western Avenue traffic signal.

The installation of the Western/Ainslie traffic signal has been delayed due to a car accident that damaged a mast arm. While contractors assess the situation and alternatives, installation is on hold and traffic operations in the intersection will remain as is.

Ashland Resurfacing & Traffic Signal

Construction on Ashland Avenue from Montrose to Foster is once again underway! Contractors are currently installing bus pads.

The installation of the Ashland and Berwyn traffic signal is also in progress, and contractors expect that the signal should be operational in the next 2-3 weeks.

Celebrate Trans Visibility with CTC!

Join CTC and community partners at upcoming events to celebrate and create space for trans wellness, advocacy, and community building:

• Thursday, March 26 | 11am-4pm: Life is Work's Trans Day of Visibility Observance

• Friday, March 27 | 10am-4pm: Chicago Voices for Empowerment with CTC and CCHR

• Monday, March 30 | 6-7:30pm: LGBTQ+ Mental Health Policy and Legislation Town Hall

• Saturday, April 4 | 1pm: Rally for Trans Visibility with CTC, Equality IL, Trans Upfront, and Life is Work

  
  

For more information, visit the Chicago Therapy Collective website!

LSRCC International Women’s Day Market

International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the historical, cultural, and political achievements of women. To honor the hardworking women-owned businesses in the Lincoln Square Ravenswood area, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce will be hosting their 5th Annual International Women's Day Market at Artifact Events (4325 N. Ravenswood Ave) on March 28th and 29th from 11am to 5pm. The market will feature pop-up shops curated by local, women-owned businesses selling unique products from jewelry, beauty products, home goods, food, drinks, and more.

Live Civic Energy Workshop - West Ridge

Join Jahmal Cole from My Block, My Hood, My City for a West Ridge Civic Energy Workshop is next Saturday, March 28th at 4:00PM located at Let's Crepe! (2607 W. Peterson Ave). Founder and CEO Jahmal Cole will share what he is doing across the city, bring ideas from other neighborhoods and listen directly to your neighborhood's ideas. If you have not already done so please RSVP here and fill out the community asset assessment form which will help us gather data on Chicago neighborhoods, which we will analyze and then return to you for your use.

Pushing 40: Exhibition of 40 Collage Works

Chicago artist and Andersonville resident Kelly Boner will present “Pushing 40” an exhibition of 40 collage pieces created between 2019-2026 at the Clark Street Trading Post in partnership with the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. An Opening Reception will take place from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27 at Clark Street Trading Post, 5706 N. Clark Street. The exhibition runs through July 31.

“The Observed and The Imagined” at 6311 Arts

Edgewater’s newest art center, 6311arts, will present The Observed & The Imagined, opening Saturday, March 28 with a reception from 6–9 p.m. Visitors to the opening night reception will have the opportunity to meet the artists, connect with fellow art enthusiasts, and experience a range of contemporary work in an approachable neighborhood setting. The show runs from March 28th 2026 – April 26th, 2026 at 6311 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL. The event is free and open to the public.

West Andersonville Community Garden Spring Cleanup

Join West Andersonville Neighbors Together (WANT) for a Spring Clean Up at the West Andersonville Community Garden! Volunteers will be gathering on Sunday, March 29th from 9:00am-12:00pm on the east side of Ravenswood and Summerdale.

Free Induction Cooking Class!

On March 30th, from 6:00pm-7:00pm, the Chopping Block and 40th Ward Environmental Board are hosting a free induction cooking demo! With induction cooking on the rise, now is the perfect time to get familiar and comfortable with this powerful and efficient method of cooking. Spend an hour with a chef as they demo two recipes that utilize different heat and cooking times, so you can see first hand how precisely and evenly an induction burner operates. This event will also discuss all of the energy and safety benefits and cover compatible cookware. You’ll learn just how easy it is to prepare your favorite recipes using an induction burner. There will also be a raffle, with prizes including induction cooktops and compatible pans. RSVP here!

Free Comics and Creatures Class

Green Briar Park is hosting a Comics and Creatures class from Apr 3, 2026 - Jun 5, 2026 at 2650 West Peterson Ave. Ages 9-13 are welcome, and class is free. Develop and design unique characters to create stories, comics and zines! Use your own characters as a jumping off point to design and sew 3D stuffed fabric figures, monsters and more! Use fabric and basic sewing techniques to embellish your one-of-a-kind plushies with stitching, buttons and sequins. Register Here!

Northtown Garden Society April Meeting

On April 2 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm, Northtown Garden Society is hosting Gina Iliopoulos, advocate for environmental equity, to present on the evolution of Keeler Gardens. at Warren Park, 6601 N Western Ave. Learn more at www.northtowngardensociety.org

Public Safety Updates

Hi Neighbors,

This week, the seven-member Commission was finally able to schedule a date with Superintendent Snelling for a Special Hearing.The hearing will take place Tuesday April 2nd, at 6:30 PM at Thomas Kelly Prep High School (4136 S. California Ave).

While we appreciate that the Superintendent is finally appearing before the Commission, hopefully to answer questions regarding Midway Blitz, it’s important to note that this is not the hearing District Councilors requested nor what the community has been demanding.

Earlier this week, Mayor Johnson stated in a press conference, after waiting over 60 days for new guidance for CPD from his executive order, that CPD does not need to adjust its response to ICE and CBP, effectively rendering his executive order meaningless.

These performative gestures by both the Mayor and our police accountability oversight agency only deepen community mistrust toward law enforcement and city leadership.

We remain hopeful that this will be the first of many public hearings to ensure that CPD continues to fully comply with the Welcoming City Ordinance and that our communities are protected.

The Commission is requesting that community members submit questions to ask Superintendent Snelling. And although this meeting falls both on Passover and Holy Thursday, we hope that the community can show up and continue to engage.

In local news, the 17th District Commander reported that an arrest has been made in connection with the criminal sexual assault that occurred late last year in Ravenswood Manor. We appreciate the efforts of the officers involved in advancing this case and helping bring justice to the victims.

Yours in Service,

Deirdre O’Connor

CCPSA Special Meeting

On January 8, 2026, the Commission held a public listening session to create space for community members to share concerns around potential collaboration between CPD and federal immigration enforcement, including ICE and CBP. Commissioners heard clearly from residents was that they wanted and needed the Superintendent to be part of this conversation.

In response, the Commission will be holding a special meeting with Superintendent Larry Snelling to discuss CPD’s current policies and practices related to interactions with ICE and CBP during federal immigration enforcement.

• When: April 2, 2026, 6:30 PM

• Where: Kelly High School (4136 S California Ave)

The Commission will also be collecting community questions through an online form—questions must be submitted by March 30 to be considered as part of the meeting!

Free Vehicle Theft Prevention Devices with 20th District

On March 28 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, the 20th District is hosting Safety Saturday Vehicle Theft Prevention at 5400 N. Lincoln Ave. The first six community members will receive a free vehicle theft prevention device. Learn more by call 312-742-8770 or emailing [email protected].

Public Safety Trends

Overall, violent crime is down 11.9% in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year! Citywide, violent crime is down 8.3%. See below for a breakdown of citywide and 40th Ward statistics across all categories.

We had the pleasure of meeting with CTA leadership this week!