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Dear Neighbor,
On Saturday, January 24, our nation witnessed another person being killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during heightened federal immigration operations in the state. Alex Jeffrey Pretti was a 37-year-old intensive care nurse for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. He was shot multiple times by a Customs and Border Protection agent after recording their activities and while trying to assist a community member who was pushed to the ground by an agent. This incident comes after the killing of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis just two weeks before, and the deaths of seven other people at the hands of ICE this year alone.
Later that Saturday afternoon, hundreds of neighbors came together in Logan Square at the Illinois Centennial Monument in the 35th Ward to protest the killing of Mr. Pretti and ICE’s terror in our communities. In downtown Chicago and across multiple neighborhoods, tens of thousands of people came together in mourning and protest as well. Additionally, our Northwest Side Rapid Response group collected hundreds of donations from community members to share with grassroots organizers in Minneapolis as they work to continue defending their communities. Senator Graciela Guzman helped deliver those donations this week.
On Tuesday, the City Council held two important committee meetings related to ICE. In the Committee on Health and Human Relations, we heard testimony from legislators, legal experts, and community members directly impacted by the federal government’s mass deportation campaign and their disregard for civil rights and liberties. This included heartbreaking testimony from leaders in Minneapolis who have been on the front lines protecting the constitutional rights of our immigrant neighbors, as well as community members who have been working on the ground here in Chicago and on the Northwest side to support our immigrant communities.
Later in the day, a joint committee meeting was held between the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Committee on Police and Fire to discuss and pass an ordinance proposed by my colleague, Alder Jessie Fuentes, which would modify the powers and duties of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability to include conducting investigations into complaints made against members of the Chicago Police Department for alleged violations of our Welcoming City Ordinance. I am a proud cosponsor of this ordinance, and was happy to hear testimony from community members regarding its importance. Now more than ever, transparency and accountability regarding our sanctuary city law need to be strengthened. I also continue to join the demand to abolish ICE.
Lastly, if you or someone you know is a recipient of SNAP benefits (food stamps), please note that new work requirements will go into effect starting on Monday, February 1. You can learn more information about these changes below in our Ward Updates section.
As someone who grew up in a low-income household that relied on SNAP benefits, I know the importance of this program and find it shameful that the federal government will make it harder for families to access food, especially at a time when the cost of living and wealth inequality are impacting our most vulnerable families. You can find a local food pantry by visiting the website of the Greater Chicago Food Depository here.
As always, please contact our office if there is anything we can do to help you. Stay safe and stay warm!
Sincerely,
Anthony J. Quezada Alderman, 35th Ward
Community Resources: Food Bank Locator and SNAP Updates Utility Billing and Relief Immigration Resources | Family Support Hotline 855-435-7693 Parking Ticket Relief Tenants Rights Resources
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| | | Beginning February 1, SNAP recipients will experience changes to eligibility requirements, which may result in a loss of benefits related to work requirements for some recipients. To find more information on your benefits and to see if you may be affected by these changes, you can visit this SNAP Work Requirements Screener.
Additionally, new restrictions have been placed on some SNAP benefits for some immigrant neighbors who were formerly eligible for SNAP. You can find more information on those changes here.
If you receive SNAP benefits, do not meet new requirements, and do not qualify for an exemption, your benefits may expire by May 1st of this year. SNAP participants can visit IDHS’s website for up-to-date information and to find food locally. |
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| | The Emergency Heating Repair Program (EHRP) provides direct assistance to owner-occupied properties in the City of Chicago, helping homeowners repair or replace their furnace or boiler heating systems. Qualified contractors perform the work at no cost to the homeowner with funding provided through the Department of Housing (DOH). The assistance is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Apply here. |
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| Chicago Park District Participatory Budgeting
The Chicago Park District (CPkD) is launching a Citywide Participatory Budget (PB) process to deepen community engagement, increase transparency in public spending, and strengthen resident trust in park planning and resource allocation.
Through this initiative, residents, park users, and community stakeholders will be invited to submit specific park improvement ideas for parks across the city. CPkD will evaluate the ideas for viability and then group the ideas submitted into broader project categories. Community members will then vote on which broader categories they would most like the Park District to prioritize for funding initiatives.
The winning category or categories will guide how CPkD allocates the PB capital funds. Projects submitted by individuals within the winning category will be evaluated for the feasibility of the proposed scope and the availability of funding to complete the project. As many feasible projects as possible will be implemented with the funding available. Following a PB model ensures that implemented park improvements reflect the collective priorities of Chicago’s communities. For more information and to submit a project idea, visit the Chicago Park District’s PB page.
Hermosa Community Tree Planting Day
The 35th Ward Office is working with Openlands, an organization that works to protect our natural areas and our tree canopy, the 26th Ward Office, the Office of Cook County Commissioner Jessica Vasquez, and Nixon Elementary on a tree-planting day on April 25th. We are working to identify Hermosa-area residents who are interested in having a tree planted in front of their home at no cost. Trees help our communities by reducing the urban heat island effect, cleaning the air, and absorbing rainwater.
The Hermosa neighborhood area has been identified as a high-priority area for tree planting, given its relatively low canopy coverage. On April 25th, we will come together to take action for our community!
If you are a Hermosa resident who would like a tree planted in front of your home or would like to lend a hand volunteering on April 25th, please email [email protected]. If you would like a tree planted in front of your home, but you do not live in the Hermosa community, please contact the 35th Ward Office for assistance at [email protected] or by call/text at 773-985-3510.
Snow Clearing
Residential and commercial properties are required to clear snow from the sidewalks adjacent to their residence or business by 10 am of the following day if the snow falls overnight, or 10 pm if the snow falls during the day. You can find more information on responsibilities around snow removal here. When clearing and applying salt to sidewalks, consider using products that are safe for our four-legged friends! Some salt products can be harmful if ingested and irritate paws. Using a pet-friendly option can help keep neighborhood pets safe and, in some cases, be less damaging to concrete or the environment. |
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| Upcoming Community Events |
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| Ward Night Our next ward night will be Monday, February 2nd, 2026. To schedule an appointment to meet with the Alderman, please email us at [email protected] or call us at (773)-985-3510 during our hours of operation (9am - 5pm, Monday through Friday).
The following Ward Night will be held on February 23rd. Similarly, if you would like to make an appointment, please contact our office! |
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| Community Food Pantry Date: February 5th Time: 12:30 - 1:30 pm Location: St Nicolai United Church-Christ at 3000 N Kedzie Ave Food will be given away in a first-come, first-served basis. No ID required. |
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| | Join the 17th District Council on Tuesday, February 10 at Roosevelt High School (3436 W Wilson Ave, 60625) for their monthly public meeting that will feature a resource fair and presentation in support of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The Resource Fair will occur 4:00-6:00 PM, followed by the DC17 meeting and presentation at 6:30 PM. |
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| | 35th Ward Office Phone Number: 773-985-3510 35th Ward Office Email: [email protected] DSS recycling and garbage schedule: chicagorecycles.org Parking Zone Lookup: http://smartchicago.github.io/zone-parking/ Snow Plow Tracker: https://plow-tracker-chicago.hub.arcgis.com/ Street Sweeping Schedule: 2025 Street Cleaning Schedule Street Sweeper Tracker: www.cityofchicago.org/sweepertracker Street Sweeper “We The Sweeple” App: https://www.wethesweeple.com/Elected Official Lookup: https://chicagoelections.com/en/your-voter-information.html Backyard service rodent abatement: (312) 746-5230
35th Ward Staff Scott Jaburek - Chief of Staff Alberto Cuevas - Ward Superintendent Sara Rodriguez - Neighborhood Services Director Chas Sirridge - Policy Director Juan Cardenas - Neighborhood Services Advocate |
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| | Palenque LSNA is participating in the upcoming spring semester’s session of After School Matters with a youth leadership program. Palenque Leadership Institute is a program for high school students ages 14–18 that focuses on leadership development and civic engagement, amongst other activities.To sign up and to get more information, please visit their website here. |
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| | Applications are now open for three upcoming vacancies on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA). Commissioners serving on the CCPSA are nominated through the District Council’s Nominating Committee (The Committee) and appointed by the Mayor. Applications will close on Friday, February 6, 2026. While any proven leader can apply and be selected, this year's process provides a unique opportunity for young people given that two of three vacancies must be filled by youth ages 18 to 24. Ideal applicants are those who: Have resided in the City of Chicago for at least the five years immediately preceding appointment; Have at least five years' combined experience in one or more of the following fields: law, public policy, social work, psychology, mental health, public safety, community organizing, civil rights, or advocacy on behalf of marginalized communities (applicants between ages of 18 to 24 are except from this requirement); Have a reputation for integrity and a history of leadership and community involvement; Have a demonstrated ability to engage effectively with all who have a stake in public safety and policing; Have a demonstrated ability to work in groups in a collaborative manner that reflects sound judgment, independence, fairness, and objectivity;
Visit tinyurl.com/INFO-CCPSA2026 to sign up and learn more. To access the application and all the relevant materials, visit ccpsa.chicago.gov. Any inquiries or comments can be directed to [email protected]g |
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| Public Safety (CAPS) Meetings CAPS meetings are an opportunity for residents to meet with the Community Engagement officers of their local police districts to discuss public safety concerns in their neighborhoods. The 35th ward includes portions of the 14th, 17th, and 25th districts of the Chicago Police Department. Visit the CPD website to find your beat.
Beat 2522 Thursday, February 5th, 6:30 pm Blackhawk Park 2318 N Lavergne |
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