Happy Friday Neighbors,

I hope that this week’s newsletter finds you and your loved ones in good health and spirits. I am grateful for our community, grounded in the truth that we rise together as neighbors and We Keep Us Safe.

This past Wednesday marked the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks by Hamas, which marked the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and I am grieving today for 1,200 people killed that day and since.

All of these lives were precious and irreplaceable, and deeply mourned by those who love them. I am holding all of these lives—both those that were lost, and those who are left to pick up the pieces—in my heart.

The devastation of the past years has been so incalculable that it can be difficult to look at directly in the face. The war in Gaza has killed over 74,000 Palestinians, and the Israeli government's actions led by Prime Minister Netanyahu in Lebanon have so far claimed over 8,000 lives—all of them just as precious, just as irreplaceable, just as deeply mourned.

It's hard to have hope in a time like this.

It's also hard not to abandon each other's and our own humanity, when we're on either side of a conflict that seems endless. But it's in times like this that it's most important for us to fight for each other's humanity, knowing that acknowledging the suffering and loss of another does not invalidate our own. I am holding the pain of everyone impacted by these events in my heart, and hoping for a peace that I believe is still possible, if we're willing to work for it.

Now more than ever, we need the U.S. to double down on seeking a diplomatic resolution that ensures both Israeli and Palestinians can live side by side in peace, with security and self determination for all.

Recent Public Safety Incidents

Though we have had an overall year over year decline of violent public safety incidents in our community, we have also a small but significant number of recent shooting incidents, and as always, I and our office are committed to keeping you informed and partnering with all public safety departments, organizations, and resources to best serve our neighbors. In the past two weeks, there has been:

1) a shooting incident on the 5500 block of N Lincoln (no one shot) - a suspect is in custody

2) a shooting incident in the 50th Ward at Rosemont and Rockwell that left a 14 year old shot and in critical condition - a suspect is in custody

3) a shooting incident that occurred last night by the 5900 block of N Fairfield where someone was struck but thankfully is in stable condition. CPD is investigating,

Although some have been outside of our ward, their proximity is concerning. As a father of two, my heart breaks for the family of Anas, the 14 year old student who was struck in the 50th Ward incident, who is currently in the hospital. He and his family are a part of the Rohingya refugee community, and need our help. A link to his GoFundMe is HERE. I ask that neighbors who are able to help do so.

We are in regular communication with the 20th and 24th police districts to get a sense of progress in investigations and a plan to address the activity. As they are investigating cases, and have information that can be shared publicly, we will share with you. We are also engaging in conversations with the District Councilors for 24th and 20th District, with local Community Violence Intervention groups and other local organizations to see what resources can be utilized. Public safety is our number one priority, and as these conversations develop, we will keep you updated. We want our neighbors and kids to be and feel safe. If neighbors have any relevant information, please contact Area 3 Detectives at 312.744.8261.

We are also currently working to schedule a community meeting with stakeholders and the aforementioned organizations/public officials/departments.

Public Safety Solution: Smart Streets Citywide Expansion

In the latest City Council update, my office is also addressing public safety concerns that affect pedestrians, seniors, children and cyclists as we introduced an ordinance expanding the Smart Streets Pilot citywide! It is being heard today in the Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety.

The Smart Street Pilot is a program where cameras affixed to city vehicles and CTA buses captures vehicles blocking bike lanes, bus lanes, crosswalks, and other infractions. Warnings are then issued before a second incident triggers a ticket. In looking at results of the pilot, a majority of neighbors who receive a ticket do not get a second one, which indicates a change in behavior that helps in making our streets safer for those walking and riding bikes in our community.

The Smart Street pilot was initiated under Mayor Lightfoot as a result of our office pushing to increase fines for violations and a better enforcement system. We do this work in memory of Lily Shambrook, who was taken from her family at age 3 due to a lack of safety measures in bike lanes, in memory of Riley O’Neil, a Chicago Department of Transportation employee who worked to improve bike safety, and in the commitment to make our city safe for all. It is my hope that the pilot expansion passes out of committee today and out of city council next week.

It’s People’s Budget Time!

In the ward, we have our People’s Budget in motion! The People’s Budget is our annual initiative where neighbors vote on projects to support with MENU funds. Next week, the voting will go live and continue until the end of the year for 40th ward neighbors and 40th Ward students aged 14 and up.

We have more information to come, but I wanted to make sure it was on your radar! You can learn all about our 40th Ward People’s Budget HERE.

A PURRfect CATurday to go Meow-tside!

The Bowmanville Cat Tour is this week, following the success of the Lincoln Square Cat Tour. It isn’t quite Apple Fest crowd numbers, but we saw hundreds of neighbors visit our favorite feline friends across the 40th, which was truly a joy to witness. I anticipate tomorrow will be even bigger and look forward to crossing paths with our neighbors. See you this weekend!

Yours in Service and Community,

Andre Vasquez, 40th Ward Alder

Filming Notice: 5458 N. Ashland Ave

Dear Residents,

A DePaul University Student Production will be filming scenes for a student short film in your neighborhood on Sunday, October 11th. In order to park essential vehicles and equipment, streets in your area will be posted as a NO PARKING/TOW ZONE, but open to traffic, during the following dates/times:

• Sunday, October 11th, 8:00AM – 10:00PM on the south side of W Catalpa Ave from N Ashland Ave to 1615 W Catalpa Ave.

Crews will NOT block driveways, loading zones, fire hydrants, bus stops, or disability access parking zones. If you have any additional questions regarding this filming, you may also contact the Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415, or on-site contacts:  Audrey Weber at (860) 999-2029 and Tara Kumara at (720) 862-8513.

Murphys Law Comedy: Friday Night Wind Down

On Friday October 9, from 6-8pm, Murphys Law Comedy is hosting "Friday Night Wind Down" - A free Comedy-Variety Showcase, at Ainslie Arts Plaza! The event will feature stand up comedy favorites, musicians, a special dance performance, and more! The event is free to attend and there will also be an optional opportunity to make a donation supporting the work of Refugee One.

A Purrfectly Spooky Caturday in Bowmanville

The Lincoln Square Cat Tour will be hosting another cat tour this October in Bowmanville on October 10th from 3-5pm! You can view the tour map at this link!

Salsa Moves and Latin Grooves: Senior-Friendly Latiné Heritage Celebration

On Tuesday, October 13 at 11 AM, the Budlong Woods Library is hosting Salsa Moves and Latin Grooves for Seniors at 5630 N. Lincoln Ave. Instructors from Latin Street Music & Dance will guide a fun, beginner‑friendly lesson using light, easy‑to-follow steps that can be adapted for all mobility levels. Interested neighbors can register online at this link!

Lincoln Square GreekTober Fest

St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church invites neighbors to enjoy authentic Greek food, pastries, Greek music and dancing at their annual GreekTober Fest! Dine in or carry out. Saturday October 17, 3 PM - 10 PM and Sunday, Oct 18 12 PM to 9:00 PM. Located at 2727 W. Winona, between Budlong School and Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital.

Crystal City: America’s Last Concentration Camp

On October 17th, 2026, from 1:00-3:00 PM, the Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) invites you to visit a special exhibit coming to their Legacy Center this month. Crystal City: America’s Last WWII Concentration Camp is a traveling exhibit that tells the story of wartime incarceration in South Texas.

The Crystal City Family Internment Camp in Texas was the location at which Japanese, German, and Italian immigrants and their children in Latin American countries were incarcerated during World War II, the period in which the United States government also imprisoned immigrants from Japan, Germany, and Italy, as well as American citizens of Japanese ancestry.

This exhibit, developed by the Crystal City Pilgrimage Committee, covers topics related to daily life within the Crystal City prison camp. Through individual family narratives, it explores the journeys of Japanese American, German American, and Latin American internees before and after the war. At its core the exhibit raises important questions about citizenship, ethnicity, and belonging during a time of domestic and international conflict.

Openlands Neighborhood Tree Walk

Get to know the trees in the neighborhood! Join neighbors on Saturday, October 17th to tour of some of the community's notable trees, identify some trees that do well in urban areas, and learn the basics of being a better tree steward. The tour will be led by Openlands Tree Keeper, landscape architect, and Greater Rockwell Organization (GRO) corner gardener Sarah White. Interested neighbors can meet at 10am at Jacob Park- 4674 N. Virginia Avenue.

What Makes us Stick, An Artist Walk

On Sunday, October 11th 11:00AM-1:00PM, the Good City Group is hosting What Makes Us Stick, an artist walk. This walk explores the idea of a "sticky street," an urban zone intended to allow pedestrians to linger and enjoy, sometimes designed by blocking auto traffic, sometimes developed organically by neighbors. Following Lincoln Avenue, a street that circumvents Chicago's rigid grid on it's own meandering diagonal, we will traverse spaces intended both for foot and auto traffic and engage in sensory activations that help us understand how our bodies are drawn to or repelled by the urban architecture and street design.

LIHEAP Income Guidelines Have Changed!

If you were over the income last year, it may be time to apply again. Were you denied LIHEAP last year because your household income was too high? There’s an important change this program year. LIHEAP income eligibility has increased to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, which means some Cook County households that did not qualify last year may now be income eligible.

If your heating costs are included in your rent, you may qualify for Cash Assistance. As a BONUS, if your household pays for electricity, you may also qualify for additional assistance for your electric bill. If you think you might be eligible, you can learn more at this link.

Ainslie Autumn Arts Fest

Join the Ainslie Arts Plaza Committee for the first Ainslie Autumn Arts Plaza in Ainslie Arts Plaza (4836 N Lincoln Ave) on Saturday, October 17th from 11am to 3pm. Featuring the Lincoln Square Music Crawl, performances and a dance class by Synapse Arts, a digital drum circle, and chalk art. Want to support great events in the plaza? You can donate here.

Public Safety Updates

Overall, violent crime in down 1.3% in the 40th Ward for the year 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. You can visit the City of Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard to learn more!

We had a great time cutting the ribbon at Vamos Martial Arts!

Thank you to the Department of Water Management and neighbors for joining us to discuss the upcoming Ravenswood sewer main project!