Happy Friday Neighbors,

Yesterday, our Chief of Staff Cat Sharp and I were honored to attend the Mather High School graduation for the class of 2026! As we sat and watched the students cross the stage, some of our very own student interns proudly took their steps into their next chapter in life. I want to shout out and congratulate Melina, Gilberto, Derek, Katy, Krishna, and Benart! I have seen their leadership firsthand and there is so much to be proud of.

Two of those graduates made history: our very own Angelique Guzman was recognized for her academic performance. Angelique is already making history as the City of Chicago’s youngest Public Official, the Youth Commissioner for the Community Commission on Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA)! Her leadership, brilliance, independence, and fairness are qualities that I look forward to seeing on the Commission.

Ricardo Hernández-Navarrete also graduated yesterday, to the joy and relief of so many in our community. This past March, Ricardo and his mother, Liliana, were arrested at what was supposed to be a routine immigration check-in. Instead of playing soccer and preparing for graduation, Ricardo was separated from his family, shuttled between detention centers, and even put in solitary confinement for a period of time. I am deeply grateful for all of the neighbors, public officials, and members of our community who raised funds for legal support, and brought attention to the injustice that was done to his family. Ricardo was released this past Tuesday. On Wednesday, he got to play in a soccer tournament, and on Thursday, he walked in his high school graduation. I had the chance to welcome him back and to let him know how much our whole community loves and supports him and his family. While his ability to walk in his graduation should never have been in question, it is a testament to Ricardo, his family, and our community that so many people came together to fight for his release, and it was a joy to celebrate with him and his family.

I mention these particular graduates, because during times like these, it can be easy to dwell on our challenges, and difficult to find joy and justice. So when we do find them, we have to celebrate them. I’m so glad we were able to that this week.

We also have even more cause to celebrate here in the 40th Ward Office as this past week it was announced that the charges against all of the Broadview Six have been dropped! Thankfully, our Chief of Staff Cat’s charges from this trumped-up case had already been dropped. But I am relieved that the charges for all protestors have been dropped, and that a partial measure of justice has been achieved. But there is still more work to be done: Judge April Perry described shocking misconduct by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and more is expected to be released in the coming weeks. Considering the impact this has had on the lives of the Six, their relatives, friends, and supporters, we should all continue pushing for the truth to come out, and justice to ultimately be served.

This Sunday, at Ainslie Arts Plaza, we will be hosting a Community Karaoke event and Birthday Jam from 7:00-9:30pm! I’m considering it a mic check and test run for when we start to do more live events there. Come by if you can––I’d love to see you there!

Yours in Service and Community,

Andre Vasquez

Elise Malary Plaza

We are thrilled to announce that a contractor has been chosen for the Elise Malary Plaza, and we expect work to begin in June! If you missed the pre-construction meeting we held earlier this week, you can check out a recording here.

Ashland Avenue Resurfacing

Crews are working on concrete flatwork from Montrose to Foster, including the removal and installation of sidewalks, bumpouts, and curb and gutters, and installing new drainage structures. They anticipate beginning to mill the pavement from Foster south to Montrose as early as next week! Traffic lane closures will continue as needed to facilitate this work, so please allow additional time for your commute!

Small Business Spotlight

Congratulations to the newest 40th Ward Business, Nail Bar by Manal (5026 N Lincoln Ave)! We had the opportunity to attend the ribbon cutting this past week, and we’re so excited to have them in the ward.

Winnemac Fourth for All: Volunteers Needed!

On July 4 from 10 AM to 10 PM, the Winnemac Park Advisory Council is hosting the third annual Winnemac Fourth for All at Winnemac Park (Damen/Foster/Leavitt/Argyle). This free event will include a disc golf competition and course; a Chicago Metropolitan Baseball Association game; food trucks; family and kid activities; music; a yoga class; vendors and entertainers; and Full Moon Jam as the evening performance.  

There are many tasks associated with pulling off a big event like WFFA. Some happen before and after July 4, though most people are needed on the day of the event. On our volunteer form, we have two-hour shifts with a description of likely tasks that will need to be addressed (keeping in mind that our needs that day will be dynamic). If you are able to lend a hand, please sign yourself up for a shift using the WFFA Volunteer Signup Link. A member of the WFFA committee will contact volunteers in the coming weeks to discuss planning. All volunteers will receive an exclusive WFFA 2026 t-shirt! See this link for more information! 

Friends of Budlong Woods Library Spring Book Sale

On Saturday and Sunday, May 30 & 31, the Budlong Woods Library is hosting the Friends of Budlong Woods Library Spring Book Sale at 5630 N. Lincoln Avenue. The Friends of the Budlong Woods Library is hosting a spring book sale. All proceeds support materials, services and programming of the Chicago Public Library Budlong Woods Branch. Any questions? Please visit or call the branch at (312) 742-9590.

Block Party Andersonville (at Hollywood Beach)

Show up, throw some wood, make new friends. Block Party is a free, casual Kubb tournament built for Andersonville's queer adults (allies welcome) to gather and meet new people on the lawn by Hollywood Beach. Sign up solo or request a buddy, get randomly paired into teams, and spend the afternoon on the lakefront. Saturday, May 30, noon to 4 PM. Register at this link.

Warren Park Advisory Council Annual Planning Meeting

On Sunday, May 31, 2026, from 9:00am-12:00pm, the Warren Park Advisory Council hosting its annual planning meeting at the Warren Park Fieldhouse, 6601 N. Western Avenue, Chicago. We would love to hear your ideas on how to improve our park, including discussions on programming, fundraising, and general improvements. Space is limited due to room size, to RSVP please email [email protected] with Annual Planning Meeting in the subject line.  We hope to see you on the 31st!

Public Safety Updates

Airbag Theft Prevention

Protect your vehicle! Airbag thefts are on the rise, primarily targeting Honda vehicles. CPD recommends taking the following precautions:

• Add strong, visible deterrents

• Use a heavy-duty steering wheel lock

• Park in well-lit areas

• Install alarms in your vehicle.

20th District Safety Saturday  

Join the 20th District CAPs office for another Safety Saturday this Saturday, May 30th from 9am to noon at 5400 N Lincoln Ave. First TEN community members who reside in district boundary to arrive will receive a FREE Vehicle Theft Prevention Device for their Honda, Acura or Nissan vehicle.

Public Safety Trends

Overall, violent crime is down 12.2% in the 40th Ward for the year so far compared to last year! Citywide, violent crime is down 7.5%. See below for a breakdown of citywide and 40th Ward statistics across all categories.

It was an honor getting to recognize Memorial Day with our veterans and neighbors at Rosehill Cemetery. Thank you to everyone who came out!

Congratulations to everyone who graduated from the Si Se Puede Centro Romero adult education program!