June 26th, 2026
Dear Neighbors,
I hope all dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, mentors, and father figures who help guide, support, and inspire the next generation in the 30th Ward had a great Father’s Day.
We also want to thank Street and Sanitation Department and our Ward Supt. Pete for the storm clean up. They have been putting in countless hours of overtime to clean up tree debris from the back to back storms that we’ve had this month. We also want to thank everyone for their patience/normal forestry operations delayed due to storm clean up.
There are multiple summer activities this weekend! We are hosting our annual 30th Ward Summer Bash this Saturday, June 27th, from 10am - Noon at Parkview Playlot. We are also co-sponsoring the Chopin Park Advisory Council Summer Bash this Saturday, from Noon-8pm at Chopin Park. We are also thrilled to have the Hermosa Carnival happening at Riis Park this weekend. It opened this past Wednesday and is a classic summer carnival! Finally, St. Ferdinand Parish Summer Fest is taking place until Sunday.
Many of you are familiar with the Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse - they have great programming for adults and there are many 30th Ward kiddos that are Garden Buddy class alumni. Friends of Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse is fundraising to build a permanent outdoor classroom! Learn more about the plans here or stop by one of the Kilbourn Park July Concerts!
Sincerely,
Ruth Cruz Alderwoman, 30th Ward |
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To read this newsletter in your preferred Language: Follow this link, click on the newsletter you’d like to read, and select your language from the drop-down menu in the top-right corner. You’ll be redirected to a Google Translate page, where a blue drop-down menu in the top-left corner lets you choose your preferred language. |
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We are partnering with the Chicago Police Department to offer catalytic converter etching and painting to make it traceable. The event is first-come, first-served, and it starts at 8am on Saturday, July 18th. |
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Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse - Exciting Updates
We met with Friends of Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse to learn about their plans to build a permanent outdoor learning space. Stay tuned for more information about how to support their efforts! |
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DACA 14th Anniversary
We joined Congressmembers Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), and Danny Davis (IL-07), along with local public officials, for a field hearing and press conference on Pathways to Citizenship for DACA recipients. |
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Irving Park Garden Walk
Thank you to everyone who joined the Irving Park Garden Club’s Annual Art and Garden Walk on Saturday, June 13th. Visitors enjoyed beautiful neighborhood gardens, discovered incredible work from local artists, and connected with neighbors throughout the community.
We’re grateful to the gardeners, artists, volunteers, and guests who made this event such a success. Until next year! |
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Puerto Rican Peoples Day Parade
We had an amazing time celebrating the Puerto Rican Parade with our community! We were honored to participate in the parade, meet residents, and enjoy the vibrant culture, traditions, and energy that made the event so special. |
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Illinois Single Payer Coalition Event
Alderwoman Ruth Cruz recognized for sponsoring and successfully shepherding the Medicare for All resolution through Council in March. |
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Community Yard Sale - 5500 W Henderson
We stopped by the community yard sale at 5500 W Henderson. If your block is interested in hosting a multi-family garage sale, reach out to our office to see how we can simplify the application process! |
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VA visits the 30th Ward
The VA visit provided an opportunity to support veterans, learn about their experiences, and recognize their service to our country. During the visit, he assisted veterans in accessing various VA benefits and resources available to them. It was a rewarding experience that reinforced the importance of giving back to those who have served our nation.
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GIPNA Father’s Day Pancake Breakfast
We were flipping pancakes alongside GIPNA: Greater Independence Park Neighborhood Association volunteers for their annual Father's Day Pancake Breakfast! |
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Welcome Intern Sandra
The 30th Ward is very excited to welcome our spring intern Sandra, back as a summer intern! You'll be seeing Sandra at the 30th Ward Office and at 30th Ward events this summer - make sure to stop and say Hi! |
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Welcome Intern Pavle
The 30th Ward is thrilled to welcome our summer intern, Pavle! You'll see Pavle around the 30th Ward Office and at various 30th Ward events throughout the season. |
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Senator Guzman Mobile Office Hours
Staff members from Senator Guzman conducted mobile office hours to help residents with Snap Benefits, All Kids and Family Care Health programs, Department of Aging programs, unemployment insurance, and Medicaid applications.
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Walk The Block
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Walk the Block along the Diversey and Central corridor. We appreciate the Chicago Police Department (CPD), our community partners, local business owners, and residents who came together to provide community safety information. It was encouraging to see so many community members participate, ask thoughtful questions, and show their commitment to making our neighborhood a safer place for all.
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Metropolitan Community Resource Fair
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an incredible Community Resource Fair!
Families had the opportunity to explore more than 30 local and citywide resources for infants, children, and adults, connecting with organizations dedicated to supporting our community. It was wonderful to see so many people learning about essential services, accessing valuable resources, and building new connections—all in one place.
From free giveaways and exciting raffles to snacks and smiling faces, the day was filled with community, support, and fun. Thank you to all of our partners, volunteers, and attendees for making this event such a success. We look forward to seeing you at the next one.
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Check out these opportunities to meet with Alderwoman Cruz and 30th Ward staff outside our normal office hours! |
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Immigration & Know Your Rights |
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The Northwest Side has seen an increase in ICE activity in recent weeks. Northwest side elected officials are closely monitoring the detentions and working with impacted families. Our office has know your rights literature, yard signs, and whistle kits available to anyone who would like one. For real time updates on confirmed ICE Activity on the Northwest side you can follow Northwest Side Rapid Response of social media. |
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The Northwest Side Rapid Response team has created a Whistle Alert Response Network (WARN) to help warn vulnerable neighbors when there is confirmed ICE activity in the area. To learn more, or sign up see below. |
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| | Our office will continue to share reliable updates and connect residents with Know Your Rights and immigration resources. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you or someone you know needs support. |
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The Youth Committee Corner
Welcome back to The Youth Committee Corner! For those that missed me in the last newsletter, I’m Kevin, an intern with the 30th Ward office who currently goes to Cornell University in New York studying Atmospheric Sciences (Meteorology) and I am the writer on the corner hoping to amplify youth voices, highlight the awesome things summer interns have done in the community, along with sharing some fun (yet important!) facts about the weather.
In these past two weeks, interns have gone through the ward spreading word about the 30th Ward Summer Bash, which gave many of us a great opportunity to meet the many residents we serve and provide an opportunity to bring everyone together. In addition, we have been learning about the many services the 30th Ward Office has to offer as well as how to assist residents in matters such as garage sale permits, block party applications, 311 services, and so much more!
To end it off, many of us will be beating the heat this summer by going to the numerous beaches on Lake Michigan our city has to offer. However, did you know that Lake Michigan also has rip currents that can be just as strong and dangerous as ocean currents? In fact, Lake Michigan also has many “structural rips” that are most active and generated by piers and breakwaters that can form even on days with relatively small waves! As a result, it’s extremely important to understand what to do when you get caught in one, especially since freshwater makes you less buoyant and causes you to work harder to stay afloat compared to swimming in the ocean. So, when you find yourself getting pulled further and further from the sandy beach, remain calm and swim parallel to the beach until you are completely out of the current’s pull, and then make your way safely at an angle back to shore!
Remember, rip currents can reach speeds of up to 8 feet per second (5.5mph), which might not seem much, but is faster than most Olympic swimmers and can pull even the strongest swimmers offshore, so stay informed and let others know!
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Streets and Sanitation Reminders
Due to the observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 3, garbage and recycling collection schedules will be adjusted during the following two weeks. Residents are asked to place their trash and recycling carts out one day before their regular collection day and leave them in the alley until their route has been serviced.
Residents can view their regular garbage and recycling collection schedule by visiting chicagorecycles.org
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Block Party Season
Are you planning on hosting a block party this summer? You can stop by our office to pick up your application packet or download it from the 30th Ward Website. Please don’t forget to send the flyer that will be shared with neighbors to advertise the block party when you submit your application.
We are also excited to announce that the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) Jumping Jack Portal is now open. The Jumping Jack (inflatable bounce house) is available, free of charge, to Residential Block Parties within the city limits from Saturday, May 24th through Sunday, August 31st. This program is first-come, first-serve, so if you already know the date of your 2026 block party, apply early! Sign up here. |
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Do you live in State Senator Robert Martwick’s district? You can submit a request to have them visit your block party with snow cones! Don’t know what district you live in? You can look it up here. |
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Forestry Reminders
Tree Trimming: Chicago residents no longer need to submit a request for an individual tree to be trimmed. The Bureau of Forestry’s goal is to operate weekly in every ward during the tree trimming season (generally April - December), barring any emergency weather incidents. Trees will be posted with signage in advance of tree trimming. If there is a tree in your parkway that you are concerned about, please reach out to our office to let us know.
Tree Removals: The City of Chicago will only remove a tree from the parkway if it is dead, dying, or diseased. If there is a tree in your parkway that seems unhealthy, please reach out to our office so we can request an inspection. Once it is inspected and forestry determines that it is dead, dying, or diseased it will be scheduled for removal.
Tree Emergencies: If a large branch or tree comes down during a storm please call our office to report it. If the debris is smaller than a desk you can report directly to 311. Call us anytime with questions!
Tree Planting: If you are interested in having a free tree planted in your parkway you can Submit a request through 311. Take advantage of this opportunity to beautify your neighborhood, improve air quality, and add more greenery to Chicago’s streets! |
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Belmont/Central Corridor Activation Program
The Belmont/Central Corridor has been selected for the Neighborhood Retail Activation Program through the Mayor’s Office, BACP, and our office.
This initiative will help revitalize our commercial corridor and support 2023 and 2024 storm-impacted areas in Austin, Belmont Cragin, and West Garfield Park.
For more information, visit: Chicago.gov/BACPRetail |
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DCASE Grants Available
Apply for a Neighborhood Access Program (NAP) grant to fund arts and cultural projects in your community. It's easy to apply! Submit your idea by July 1, 2026, at noon CT. Visit ChicagoCulturalGrants.org to attend an application assistance workshop and apply. |
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Proposed Sale of the Parking Meter Lease
This past Thursday I attended the City Council Committee on Finance as a non-member, for a subject-matter hearing on the potential sale of Chicago Parking Meters, LLC (CPM). The company, which holds a 75-year lease of the city’s parking meters, is proposed to be sold by its current ownership group to Stonepeak Partners, a private-equity firm out of New York.
My three main takeaways from the meeting:
A lack of transparency and communication by the Johnson Administration. We learned that City Council did not receive full details of the mayor’s potential bid to purchase back the parking meter lease for billions of dollars. Administration officials also continue to insist that they are bound by a confidentiality agreement with CPM related to that potential bid, even though CPM leaders confirmed during the hearing that they have fully released the City from any such restrictions. It was only through information disclosed by Stonepeak senior general manager James Wyper that we learned that the City was prepared to bid $3.3 billion—the first time we learned the actual amount of the bid. Many of us on the City Council do not feel that we have had anywhere near enough time – or enough information – to enable us to adequately review this proposal.
Concerns about investments held by Stonepeak. Stonepeak Partners owns Omni Air, which provides services to the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, for deportation flights of immigrants and migrants, with disturbing reports of deplorable conditions and mistreatment of people on some flights. Stonepeak also owns a shipping company that transports Russian oil and gas, aiding that nation even as it wages a war of aggression against Ukraine. In both cases, Stonepeak’s representative James Wyper argued that these relationships with ICE and Russia were already in place when Stonepeak bought the existing businesses, and that the company has attempted to reduce its involvement but is limited by contractual agreements. Many alders, myself included, were not moved by these arguments, as deportation flights and Russia were already controversial at the time Stonepeak bought these firms.
Nothing for Chicago residents. Neither the seller nor the potential buyer has offered to make any changes to the concession agreement that would aid Chicago residents or the City. I am frankly astonished that these companies would expect the City Council to, in effect, approve the parking meter deal for a second time under the existing terms, knowing how unpopular the deal is with residents. CPM has already earned back twice what the owners paid for it but expects Chicagoans and the City to keep paying and paying and paying more. The current owners and Stonepeak (or any other potential buyer, should Stonepeak drop out) MUST be prepared to make this deal better for Chicagoans.
The Committee on Finance has not yet scheduled a vote on the proposed sale, but it is likely to come up in the next several weeks. The owners contend that the Council must act by July 24, but that may not be a realistic deadline. If a vote of the City Council were held today, I do not believe we would approve the sale.
I will continue to fight for a better parking meter deal for Chicago residents.
Bird-Friendly Buildings Toolkit Released!
Chicago sits on the Mississippi Flyway, one of the busiest bird migration routes in North America. Over 250 bird species migrate through Chicago. Birds use the lakefront, ponds, parks, street trees, and all other vegetation as resting and feeding stops during migration—they’re Chicago residents, too!
Download the Make Your Building Bird Friendly Chicago toolkit at [bit.ly/bfdguide]bit.ly/bfdguide to learn more about what you can do to prevent bird collisions. 🐥❤️🪟
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Food Resources
The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map of locations where you can find food assistance: |
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The 30th Ward office has a supply of pantry essentials. If you or someone you know is in need we can provide a bag of groceries, no questions asked. Stop by our office anytime during regular business hours. |
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The Northwest Home Equity Assurance Program recently launched a Flood Mitigation Rebate Program for members. If you are interested in becoming a member or applying for this program please reach out directly to NWHEAP at 773-622-0700. |
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The City of Chicago’s Homegrown Assistance Program is now accepting applications. Check out the flyers below for more information and visit here to learn more about potentially life changing program. |
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Resources For Job Seekers |
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The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County will be at the 30th Ward office on the third Thursday each month. The VACCC is a county-based veterans service organization that assists honorably discharged veterans and their dependents who live in Cook County, Illinois. It focuses on both immediate emergency support and benefit navigation to help veterans access the resources they’ve earned. If you or someone you know needs help in the meantime, you can reach out to the VACCC directly at 312-433-6010. |
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Resources for Students and Their Families |
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Engaging with the Chicago Police Department
There are a variety of ways to engage with the Chicago Police Department. Here are upcoming opportunities - including CAPS meetings, Conversations with a Commander, and District Council meetings. If you are unsure of the police district or beat that you live in you can look up that information here. |
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Have you visited us at 5418-A W. Belmont Ave? Stop by and say hi! Here are our hours: Monday: 9am-7pm Tuesday: 9am-5pm Wednesday: 9am-4pm Thursday: 9am-5pm Friday: 9am-3pm Second Saturday each month: 9am-1pm |
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Meet Alderwoman CruzJoin us Monday night from 5-7pm to meet Alderwoman Cruz. Share ideas, concerns, or feedback directly with the Alderwoman - no appointment needed! |
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Connect with your Northwest Side Elected Officials Need help finding out who your state elected officials are? You can look up that information here. |
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