Melee near Ford City mall results in 19 arrests

Kids gone wild!!   

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-02-24/news/chi-police-respond-to-ford-city-mall-disturbance-20130223_1_ford-city-mall-mall-officials-mall-minutes

" About 4:45 p.m., a large group of disruptive teens ran yelling through the mall, which is located at 7601 S. Cicero Ave., according to a mall official

Officials closed the mall minutes later, but the chaotic scene continued outside, where police found between 100 and 200 people damaging vehicles in the shopping center's parking lot, according to a police report.

Many of those involved ignored orders to disperse, and police arrested 19 people between the ages of 13 and 18, according to police."

This type of pandemonium occurs frequently on the West Side, yet it rarely gets reported.  I've  witnessed a few right in front of  my home.   I suppose it's only news worthy when it  happens in "other neighborhoods".  This is what happens when problems in certain areas get swept under the rug, they start to resurface in other areas.  I predict you will see more of this.

How does the saying go?  "Chickens coming home to roost"

CPS threatens to close 129 schools, most on West and South Side, West side parents fight back

http://www.suntimes.com/news/education/18187995-418/129-cps-schools-at-risk-of-closing-west-side-parents-vow-to-fight.html

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/02/14/1186970/-The-West-Side-of-Chicago-says-NO-to-school-closings

"The West Side took it on the chin Wednesday in the list of Chicago Public Schools at risk of closing — but residents who packed a CPS hearing vowed not to give up the fight.

A few hours earlier, Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett had released a list of 129 vulnerable schools, mostly from the South and West sides. The schools she will in fact close in June all are among the names on this list, but not all on the list will close. She encouraged communities of schools on the list to testify at the second round of CPS hearings before she announces her final decision by March 31. "

I realize that many of these schools are underutilized, some  are not even at half  capacity.  I also acknowledge that most of these schools are providing subpar education.   What I don't understand is that while the city is planning on closing 129 schools, they are moving to open 100 more.   This makes me wonder if the true motives are less about efficiency and education and more about privatization and politics. 

http://www.wbez.org/news/education/100-new-chicago-schools-5-yearsagain-99276

http://www.wbez.org/news/proportion-privately-run-chicago-public-schools-increase-104303

Something tells me that these hearings by CPS, just like the CAPS meetings,  are nothing more than a Kangaroo Court.  I suspect that in the end the West side will get the shaft, we are after all, the city's red-headed step child.  Another example of City Hall serving up the West side as some sort of sacrificial lamb to further their agenda.  For decades the West side has gotten the short end of the stick when it comes to infrascruture, political clout, and basic city services.  Is it any surprise that education would be any different. 

Police bust another open air drug market in Lawndale

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130210/north-lawndale/police-drug-bust-north-lawndale-nets-heroin-pcp-pot

I cam across this story yesterday about a drug bust in North Lawndale

"Police announced the arrest of 19 people involved in a "gang-controlled drug market" late last week.

Along with the arrests, police seized a car and quantities of PCP, heroin and cannabis, according a statement released by the Chicago Police Department.

Police received complaints from community members about drugs sales near 13th Street and South Christiana Avenue in the city's North Lawndale neighborhood. After undercover officers performed a number of narcotics purchases, police were able to identify 20 people involved in the "drug market," according to a statement"

Anyone familiar with the West Side knows the prevalence of open air drug markets. Heroin and crack are openly sold on dozen of street corners and alleys.   Rampant drug sales is one of the biggest complaints residents have.  As someone who leans libertarian I'm conflicted when it comes to drug dealing.  On the one hand I feel that in a free society adults should be allowed to do with their bodies as they choose.  On the other hand, as a resident of the west side I see the destruction it has on individuals, their families, and their communities.  The drug market fuels the gang violence and is probably the biggest contributor to the drive by shootings and quality of life.  For peace loving people living near a drug market, life becomes unbearable.  Drug addicts roam aimlessly like zombies and break into cars and homes searching for money to support their habit.  Gangbangers/dealers overtake an entire block and rule it like ruthless warlords.  It's truly an urban nightmare, not  much different from  some apocalyptic dystopian sci-fi movie.  

This drug market was a few blocks from my home.  Everytime I've driven by it I've witnessed guys slinging dope.  Although I'm happy it was shut down, I realize that nothing more than a Whack-A-Mole.  The police strategy to combat drugs is  nothing more than an endless cat and mouse game.    The reality is that drugs on the west side are a symptom of a  greater problem and until the problem is addressed, the drugs will persist.  In a society where money is king, and  a segment of our populaton  have virtually no chance of earning a decent wage, the lure of easy money is too tempting to resist.  Couple that with mass hopelessness and dyfunction, and it's pretty much guaranteed you will have rampant drug dealing.

Despite this, the decent residents of 13th and Christiana will have a few weeks of normalcy. 

Everyblock abruptly shuts down

Without warning,  Everyblock announced that it will exist no more.  For those not familiar with Everyblock, it was a website devoted to neighborhood information.  Viewers could access all types of data ranging from neighborhood news, real estate listings, community meetings,  crime stats, and announcements.   It was really a great resource.

During the last aldermanic  election there were many heated discussions.  You had some characters posting on there. Sometimes it would get out of hand (veiled threats and downright insults) but it was entertaining as hell.  Various candidates also  posted regularly.  It was a great way to spread news and stay connected with your neighbors.  Too bad NBC decided to shut it down.  Man that sucks.

Oh well, as the saying goes, two tears in a bucket, mother fuck it.