PeoriaStory

Gangster or good guy? Or both?

MACOMB, IL -- One upon a time, a small town guy and his friends made a documentary film about a neighboring small town with a notorious past.  It’s called The Bootlegger, and it’s terrific ,  very well done and fascinating. 

I bought a DVD at the Macomb, Il. Heritage Days event and watched it last night.  Macomb is the home town of director Ryan Walker and pals.  The film is based on a prize winning book The Bootlegger by retired Western Illinois University English professor John Hallwas, who is interviewed and brings valuable context to the story.

As Hallwas points out, the story is not only about the bootlegger himself but about his hometown, Colchester, Illinois, and its coal mining, bootlegging past.

The bootlegger, Henry Kelly Wagle, is said to have killed a wife, and was himself murdered in 1929, likely by a rival bootlegger. At the same time, people in Colchester loved him for his good deeds, and are not shy about saying so.

The film sets the context for these dramatic events, with photos and video from then and now, woven together in clever and original ways to show places and artifacts.

 The Bootlegger is good enough to merit a POV spot on PBS.  Let’s hope we hear more from its director and his colleagues.  

The film's website has a link to allow watching on line, and a way to buy the DVD.

-- Elaine Hopkins

High Drama on Riverfront Park

PEORIA, IL -- Here's David Berry's report on the June 27 Peoria City Council meeting:

The June 27 Peoria City Council meeting was much anticipated and well attended. The future of the controversial River Trail Apartment Complex was up against the death penalty, and a packed house of concerned citizens waited tensely for the outcome. Dozens of opponents to the proposed destruction and development of the cherished green space held aloft “Save Riverfront Park” signs and were given a rare opportunity to address council during debate.

Other business city business before the vote was vital and anticlimactic. At roll call, At Large Council Reps Beth Akeson and Eric Turner were not present. This is the second consecutive meeting Mr. Turner has missed. This writer hopes that health is not an issue and wishes him well. Both members’ absence was a concern for opponents of the River Trail project, as they were perspective “no” votes, on the matter. Akeson soon arrived and served as the driving voice of opposition to the proposal.

Unusually, there were no Proclamations or awards given at the meeting’s start and proceedings got right to business.

Appointments to 24 City Commissions consumed much of the Consent Agenda. A HUD HOME FUNDS grant was awarded to Habitat for Humanity Greater Peoria Area for the construction of three “new, affordable, single family, owner-occupied homes” located at the 900-1000 blocks of NE Monroe St.

This grant was later objected to by 1st District Council Rep. Denise Moore. She requested the approval be pulled until the July 25th meeting, due to legal concerns.

First Readings included a discussion between City Staff and At-Large Council Rep Beth Jensen, concerning new regulations on Administrative Hearing Officers. Staff contended that new software was the only change and Jensen wondered aloud if any other changes may be needed to improve efficiency.

Item 17-171 funded the reallocation of 2016 Emergency Solutions Grant to the South Side Office of Concern. This fine organization provides essential services to the city’s homeless.
http://ssocpeoria.org/

Peoria’s youth needs were addressed as well. The Peoriacorps Program was staffed, and a $205,000 grant was awarded to the Apprenticeship Plus Youth Program.
https://peoriacorps.wordpress.com/
https://www.illinoisworknet.com/youthnofo

A request for a special use ordinance at 2726 W Lake St. was next on the agenda. The building is currently a hotel and its owners wished to add an assisted living center adjacently. Fourth District Rep. Jim Montelongo urged denial of the request, based on limited access to medical vehicles. The ordinance was voted down.

The “main event” of the evening was Item 17-205 of Regular Business. An up or down vote to continue the much debated River Tail Apartment Complex was emotional and surprising.
http://www.pjstar.com/news/20170626/are-peorias-river-trail-apartments-at-crossroads?rssfeed=true

In a rare move, Akeson requested that citizens be allowed to address Council during debate and before the vote. Residents were given a hard two minute limit to comment. Eleven citizens took to the opportunity. Members of the Peoria Park Board, Sierra Club and the Peoria Boat Club (among others) waxed passionately against the destruction of public park land. No citizen lobbied in favor of the development.

Council Rep. Moore continued her push for the project, while Jensen spoke of her use and love of the park. She also reminded the room that Peoria already has a $6 million budget shortfall and cannot afford the added taxpayer expense of the project. Both Jensen and Akeson emphasized the abundance of vacant buildings in the nearby area, which could easily be converted to luxury living space.

During the floor debate Akeson was the most outspoken. She cited numerous concerns with the development agreement, and emphasized that “we are obligated to the tax payers, not the developer.”

She utilized the 2009 Cub Food debacle as an example of tax payers being left on the hook for poorly crafted development agreements. Other unresolved issues surrounding the development, she articulated, included: the replacement of volleyball courts, Peoria Boat Club access and the lack of any survey by the developer, which indicates a market for the apartments.

Members that commented mentioned the fact that Peoria is likely to be sued, regardless of the outcome.

The most surprising statements came from newly elected At-Large Rep. Zach Olyer. After campaigning with the endorsement of local environmental groups, on the tacit promise of stopping the project, he launched into a criticism of information provided to him by citizen groups.

Clutching pieces of paper, he labeled as misleading, the rookie lawmaker energetically changed his stance and strongly endorsed the park’s destruction. Equally surprising was silence from 3rd District Rep Tim Riggenbach, who previously supported saving the park. He flipped his vote to “approval” with no explanation. Many residents voiced disappointment with both Councilmen, after the proceedings.

The extension of the project was approved by a 6-4 vote. Voting “Yes” was: Ardis, Ruckriegal, Moore, Cyr, Riggenbach and Olyer. “No” votes were cast by Jensen, Montelongo, Grayeb and Akeson. December 29th is the next deadline. Continuation of the purchase option will now costs tax payers nearly $23,000, on top of the $200,000 already blown on the project. The city also awaits a federal ruling on the matter, before more action can be taken.

With much of the air let out of the chamber, Regular Business continued.
Anchors Away (4100 Willow Knolls Rd) was granted a Class B liquor license, by unanimous vote.
The City’s Financial Report was discussed as the Council realized that a large portion of the City’s $200 million budget remains in limbo, while the IL General Assembly remains paralyzed and budget-less.

City Manager Patrick Urich said that state funding has a $75 million impact on our expenses. He added that Peoria’s pension obligations rise 8% annually, and much remains unclear.

Denise Moore continued her commitment to encourage racial equality in city contracting by quizzing city staff on the racial diversity of work crews contracted to the Pioneer to Townline Rd extension. Staff revealed that 30% of workforce will be female, but no racial diversity component existed in the selection process. In her push back Moore wished that “in the future, others can take up this cause.” The selection process was approved unanimously.

In the Citizens Opportunity to Address Council one prominent citizen spoke eloquently on “public trust.” She stressed the need for newly elected Council Reps to understand that they may not always get the full facts on city issues from city employees. She implored them to “look into it” and find truth on their own.

Council mainstay Mr. Sierra, who has addressed every meeting for years, summed up the night with the perfect quote, concerning the River Trail vote: “You guys messed up.”

Link to full agenda and minutes, when available:
https://peoriail.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx

-- David Berry

Riverfront Park loses again

PEORIA, IL -- The Peoria City Council for the fifth time has re-upped its contract with a developer to destroy Riverfront Park with upscale apartments.

The vote was 6 - 4, and took place at the June 27 meeting after a lengthy special comment session.  A recording of the comments is posted below. 

The vote was a downer for Friends of Riverfront Park, which has worked hard to educate the public about the dreadful apartment project.  The public showed up at the meeting (thanks everyone) but the council isn't listening to the public. 

One newly elected member, Oyler, told voters he was opposed to the apartments but at the meeting defended them them with an error-laced commentary. Here is what I wrote on the Journal Star's website story:

Oyler's comments were full of errors. Memorials won't be touched? Not true. There will be no space left for people to gather for programs at the memorial sites. Better access to the lake from the swapped property? Not true. It floods, and there is a similar access next to Detweiller Marina now. ETC. Oyler said he was opposed to the apartments when he was running for office. Now he's for them. Remember that when he runs for reelection. 

So Oyler is a liar and hypocrite.  Others who voted to destroy the park: Cyr won his council seat by one vote.  His opponent was against the apartments. Mayor Ardis, Mr. Twittergate, would never have been reelected without a weak opponent, and he barely won anyway. Moore has taken council money for her private business. Riggenbach's only reason for voting is cowardice, fear of Ardis. He says to  let the National Park Service decide. His family reportedly opposes the apartments. That leaves Ruckriegle, the 'partner' of the powerful Peoria County Board chairman who depends on union support.

The unions favor the project because they want the work, but the apartments could be built at many vacant properties near the park and riverfront. They should shut up and help find an alternative site. It doesn't look good for unions to support taking away a valuable public park that taxpayers bought for the public, to be given to a developer. 

For more on Riverfront Park, see the category in the list on the right side of this page and FORP's Facebook page.

 Here are the comments:

Download PCC 6-27-17

-- Elaine Hopkins

We won!

PEORIA, IL -- We won the FOIA lawsuit against the IDNR.  Here's the news release:

FRIENDS OF RIVERFRONT PARK PREVAILS IN FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT LAWSUIT AGAINST  ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

            Friends of Riverfront Park (FORP) has won its Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).

            The lawsuit contended that IDNR improperly withheld documents needed by FORP to analyze Peoria’s application to transfer Riverfront Park land to a private developer for upscale apartments.  That application is pending with the National Park Service, which must approve it after review by IDNR.

            Judge Peter Cavanagh of the Sangamon County Circuit Court ruled in favor of FORP on June 19, 2017, and the IDNR released the documents on June 22, 2017.  

            "We repeatedly asked IDNR for documents we need to see if the proposed sale of Riverfront Park by the City is in compliance with federal regulations. IDNR stonewalled us for three months, so we had no choice but to sue," said plaintiff Elaine Hopkins, secretary of FORP.  "We are gratified the judge agreed with us, upholding the public's right to know what government agencies are doing behind the scenes," she added.

            The lawsuit was filed on May 15, 2017 in Springfield, IL circuit court and sought expedited treatment because the Peoria City Council is expected to decide whether or not to extend the due diligence expiration date at its June 27 meeting, to meet a June 30, 2017 deadline.

            FORP was represented by Attorneys John Myers and Donald Craven of Springfield. 

            Copies of the court filings, and the documents themselves, are available on request from  Ms. Hopkins at her e-mail address below.  

            For further information on the efforts to save Riverfront Park in Peoria from the apartments, see the FORP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/riverfrontparkfriends - 30 -

TAKE ACTION NOW: SAVE RIVERFRONT PARK

PEORIA, IL -- Forward this to everyone who might be interested!

Save Riverfront Park!

 

Peoria City Council will be voting Tuesday, June 27th on whether to extend the River Trail Development agreement for sale of Riverfront Park. This is the 5th extension of the due diligence issues with the developer.

 

We Need Your Help!

 

1. Email and/or phone City Council members! LIST IS BELOW. Ask them to Vote NO on the River Trail Development agreement extension.  Talking  points: 

     -  the city park land is worth more than the selling price being paid

     -  once this public property is sold the city has lost control of this prime riverfront area forever

     -  the replacement property is less acres and not of equivalent open space value and use

     -  business-wise the cost numbers don't add up: the project is now estimated at $32 million (up from $28 million);

         two years of the TIF are gone; the apartments are now described as "market-rate" and not luxury apartments.

        

Selling Riverfront Park is the wrong thing to do for the future of Peoria. There are many places needing

development and investment downtown other than our public park. City Council should vote

to represent the public and not to please the current lame duck Mayor and Chicago area developer. 

 

2. Attend the Tuesday, June 27th 6 p.m. Peoria City Council meeting to show continued public support for saving Riverfront Park! 

This is at Peoria City Hall, 419 Fulton St.,4th Floor Council Chamber. 

 

3. Write a Letter to the Editor that development needs to happen in a lot of places but not in Riverfront Park, or make a donation to 

Friends of Riverfront Park to help with Legal Defense expenses: Friends of Riverfront Park  
 
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/riverfrontparkfriends/

Or mail a check to Friends of Riverfront Park for litigation, c/o 1825 E. Maple Ridge, Peoria, IL 61614.

 

 

Crowding four, 4-story apartment buildings, parking lots and a new street in the north end of Riverfront Park will forever alter this park and destroy future benefits this open space can provide for generations to come. The land will be lost to the public. 

 

The National Park Service (NPS) has not indicated if they will approve the park land sale and proposed replacement land.

City Hall has had to correct information and mapping sent to NPS and also had to re-do property appraisals to meet NPS guidelines. Discrepancies in city claims and Friends of Riverfront Park concerns about the sale and proposed replacement properties remain.

The underlying principal is still the same and that is to Save the Park for the People!   A NO vote by the council next Tuesday means the end of the apartments.

 

 

PLEASE! Take Action Now!
FORWARD this to anyone who might be interested, including Facebook pages. (Please forgive duplicates)

 

City Council Member List to Contact:  Vote NO on the River Trail Development Agreement:

Eric Turner  (Council Member at Large)
Home: (309) 339-8896
Cell (309) 253-2489
E-Mail: [email protected]

Zachary M. Oyler  (Council Member at Large)
Cell  309-214-0640
EMail:  [email protected]

Sid Ruckriegel  (Council Member at Large)
Cell 309-857-8000
Email: [email protected]

Denis Cyr  (5^th District Council Member)                                                                                                                                   Cell 309-214-0626
EMail:[email protected]

Jim Montelongo  (4th District Council Member)
Cell (309) 213-1581
E-Mail: [email protected]

Tim Riggenbach  (3rd District Council Member)
Cell (309) 369-5233
Voicemail: (309) 494-8991
E-Mail: [email protected]

Denise Moore  (1st District Council Member)                                                                                                                          Cell  (309) 213-6628
E-Mail: [email protected]

Jim Ardis  (Mayor)                                                                                                                                                                          City Hall Phone: (309) 494-8519
E-Mail: [email protected]
Cell (309) 678-4758

THANK these Council Members for Their Support and Consistent Voting to Save Riverfront Park!

Chuck Grayeb  (2nd District Council Member)
Cell (309) 213-6629
E-Mail: [email protected]

Beth Akeson  (Council Member at Large)
Cell (309) 696-7530
Voicemail (309) 494-8689
E-Mail: [email protected] or [email protected]

Beth Jensen  (Council Member at Large)
Cell  (309) 863-0160
E-Mail: [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fake news

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

Understanding “Fake News” with News Literacy Discussion Series

               Peoria Public Library will host four community discussions, moderated by Dennis Anderson, Executive Editor of the Peoria Journal Star,  on how we discern whether a news item is legitimate and how “fake news” influences society, in June and July.

               These free discussions will take place Wednesday, June 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Peoria Public Library Lakeview Branch; Monday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. at Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch; Monday, July 17 at 6:00 p.m. at Peoria Public Library North Branch; and Saturday, July 22 at 1:00 p.m. at Peoria Public Library Main Library. All are open to the public.

               The discussions, which are supported by a grant from the Illinois Humanities Council will also encourage participants to talk about how fake news influences civility and democracy in our society and how we can avoid being influenced by it.

Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations.  Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations or our funders. - 30 -

Peoria City Council June 13, 2017:AWOL

PEORIA, IL -- Here's guest columnist Dave Berry's report on the Peoria City Council:

With three weeks since the Council’s last gathering, there was a concerted lack of interest in City affairs by its elected representatives. This past Tuesday night, the body struggled for quorum, with five of eleven voting members not present. Mayor Jim Ardis and At-Large Rep Sid Ruckriegel accompanied the City Manager in a visit to Washington D.C. At-Large Reps Beth Akeson, Eric Turner and Fourth District Rep Jim Montelongo were expectantly absent. The rump session was a disappointing showing for democracy and dedication to Peoria’s citizens.

Second District Rep Chuck Grayeb presided as Mayor pro tem and did a fine job juggling all his duties and dolling out “Proclamations.”

Heart of Illinois Harvest was recognized for 25 years of fighting waste and hunger in Peoria. HOIH is a not-for-profit food rescue program that transports surplus food to local agencies for free distribution to those in need on a daily basis.

Two items were pulled from the “Consent Agenda”, by First District Rep Denise Moore and At-Large Rep Zach Olyer. Item 17-162 was deferred after Moore requested more information on the $500,000 contract to continue the N. University/ Pioneer to Townline road. As she has in the past, Moore pressed the Public Works Director for evidence of racial diversity in the contractor’s workforce. The Director agreed to bring this information at the next meeting. Unfortunately, the absence of this project’s biggest critic, Akeson, led to no debate on the actual need to spend any more money on this controversial project.

Moore’s consistent pursuit of racial equality in all city contracts is important, but would be unnecessary if she simply created legislation that attaches penalties to contractors that do not comply with City diversity regulations. This point was pounded home, by representatives of the NAACP, during the “Citizens Address” portion of the meeting.

Olyer pushed to defer the City’s proposal to enact a 30-day waiting period before and any building demolitions. At-Large Rep Beth Jensen wondered if 30 days was enough time for the public to review proposed demolitions, while Olyer looked to have more detailed language, aimed at protecting buildings from salvage.

Peoria’s small business façade improvement program was utilized by Quad Cities Consolidated (1919 N. Knoxville). They received a $5,000 grant.

In “Unfinished Business” Wisconsin Tap (1918 N. Wisconsin) was denied a liquor license, after not completing the documentation needed for such a classification.

“New business” included Jensen pressing City staff for information on the upcoming American Water buyout and Moore plugging a new open air market in the First District.

The recent uptick in gun violence was then addressed by Peoria Police Chief Jerry Mitchell. Citing that the rate of gun crime is consistent with our five year average, he stated that the PPD best response is to increase patrols and traffic stops in high crime areas. He also stressed the need for more education on the dangers of illegal fireworks and opportunistic nature of car and garage break-ins.

The “Citizens’ Address” portion was dominated by the proposed destruction of Riverfront Park and racial diversity in city hiring. “Friends of Riverfront Park” was well represented.

Two prominent citizens reminded the Council that a vote concerning the continuation of a contract to build luxury apartments on valuable and environmentally sensitive public parkland looms on June 27th. They urged the council to vote down this continuation. They recounted that this park is currently used by the Peoria Public Schools, for nature education and by many groups for celebrations. Its importance as a habitat for monarch butterflies was emphasized as well. Future litigation was also mentioned. The process to complete this destruction and construction was promised to be long, costly and unpopular. One quote stood out: “no responsible government gives away a park.”

Three citizens spoke passionately about the city’s lack of racial diversity in construction contracting. One citizen spoke of a recent “listening session” with young people. They expressed disappointment in the lack of diversity in the work crews of city projects. Statistics were also cited: “6.6 million dollars of the city’s 11.6 million dollar budget is taken up by four contractors, who do not meet the city’s diversity goals”. A solution was offered. The city needs only to attach penalties to contractors who do not meet preset goals for workforce racial diversity. These monies can be used to bridge the skills gap, with training programs for economically disadvantaged residents. - 30 -

Glen Oak overcrowding and other issues

PEORIA, IL -- The District 150 Peoria Public School board heard complaints about overcrowding at Glen Oak School and other issues at its June 12 meeting.

Activist Terry Knapp began by speaking at the public hearing on the budget.  He recounted the closure of six schools and the building of two large schools, Glen Oak and Lincoln, which now are crowded. Rather than walk to school, most students now must be bussed.

Then there was the closing of Woodruff High School, scattering the students away from their neighborhoods and causing gang and other issues in the schools. "Busing is not healthy," Knapp said, and the costs have risen, affecting the budget. Research would have revealed these problems, he said.

Jeff Adkins Dutro, of the Peoria Federation of Teachers, said the public needs an update on  Glen Oak School

Here is a recording of the comments.

Download D150 Jn 12 17

The public comments featured Knapp and others. Knapp noted that high school alumni associations give thousands of dollars in scholarships each year. The 80th anniversary of Woodruff High School will be celebrated with an event on Sept. 9 from 1 - 3:30 pm, he said.

Knapp also congratulated the board on summer school. "The demand is there," he said. It should be expanded to high school, he added.

Activist Sharon Crews asked the board to waive fees on 1,496 pages of documents she seeks, which would cost $216.  Her comments are  reproduced below. She later was told that the district staff is doing similar research, and she should confer with them.

Sevino Sierra suggested the board shift travel funds to repair the schools. Three Glen Oak teachers and staff members spoke about overcrowding at the school. One noted that fire department signs on maximum capacity have vanished.

Here is a recording of these comments.

Download D150 Jn 12 17 2

The board and superintendent responded to some of the comments.  Here is a recording of these comments.

Download D150 Jn 12 17 3

Here is the Journal Star's story on the meeting.

 -- Elaine Hopkins

 Here are the comments of Sharon Crews:

I recently wrote a FOIA request asking for attendance records for all 3^rd, 5^th, and 7^th graders for 2016-17 to show how many days each student was absent and whether the absences were excused, unexcused, or due to suspension or for some other reason. I asked to coordinate these attendance records with an account of which students did or did not pass to the next grade.

Because teachers have no choice but to repeat material to help absentees catch up, I do believe parents have a right to know the extent to which absentees in their children’s classes slow the progress of learning. If students returning from absences do not receive this attention, they will take up even more learning time by creating discipline problems. Even though there has been significant good news about improved attendance, I have little doubt that there is still enough significant chronic absenteeism to slow teaching and learning considerably.

Do you as board members consider this data to be relevant and of interest to you? Does the administration give you such data on a regular basis—for each student, each grade, each school, etc.? Do you believe teachers, parents, and the community have a right to have access to this data?

I assume you understand that most of the data that you receive is raw data, which is defined as data that has not been processed for use. Raw data is what I get through my FOIA requests. For several years now, I have requested raw data on many topics. That raw data doesn’t do me or you much good in the form in which I receive it. I can’t download the data and then put it in a more meaningful order—for instance, in this case from the student with the most absences to the student with the fewest absences. Understandably, I should not be allowed to tamper with the data; therefore, to make the data usable for me, I spend many, many hours re-entering all the data into my computer before I can put it in the order that allows for conclusions to be drawn.

I willing spend my time working with the data. Of course, we have to pay to obtain this data—at a rate of fifteen cents per page. More often than not, Terry pays for the data that I request. However, for this particular request, there are 1,496 pages at a cost of $216. The data has been collected but not run off yet. I am here tonight to beg you to give me this data. Of course, I would pay for the three reams of paper that would be required. Please remember that the news could be very good or bad or both. If good, you can certainly take credit; if bad, you can inform parents how much work is to be done—and enlist their help. Of course, you do not need me at all, but you do need the data. Staff at the board rooms could more easily organize data in meaningful ways and put it on your website—and it must be both the good and the bad. In fact, organizing data in-house is the best idea. Also, college students working on their masters could well be interested in working on these projects as well as the alumni project that I have suggested. Thank you for your consideration.

While I am sure there is value in offering summer school to primary and middle school students and pleased to see how many students wanted this opportunity, I do not believe that this effort replaces a high school summer school that offers all required subjects to Peoria Public School students and students from surrounding area schools. Also, how did you find money for K-8 summer school but can’t find it for high school? - 30 -

Hate speech, hate events

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER FORUM ON HATE SPEECH

7 p.m. Aug. 29, 2017, Bob Michel Student Center, Bradley University

Co-sponsored by The Community Word & Bradley University Department of Sociology & Social Work; African American Studies Committee; and Intellectual & Cultural Activities Committee

The Southern Poverty Law Center documented more than 1,000 hate incidents and hate crimes during 10 days in early November following the presidential election. The hate continues and, in fact, seems to be escalating worldwide.

To examine and promote understanding of this climate, Community Word and Bradley University’s Department of Sociology & African American Studies Program are co-sponsoring a free public forum with Lecia Brooks, outreach director at Southern Poverty Law Center, to discuss the rise in hate groups and hate crime. Lecia Brooks will discuss what people can do to combat hate.

A panel of four members of the Peoria community will be part of this public forum. Panel members include: Rev. Marvin Hightower, Peoria Chapter NAACP; Imam Kamil Mufti, Islamic Foundation of Peoria; Rebecca Carlson, Jewish Federation of Peoria; Sonny Garcia, Illinois People’s Action. The moderator is TV journalist Garry Moore.

“The swastika has reappeared in ways we have not seen before,” Brooks said, noting that teachers in kindergarten through grade 12 have reported they have never seen such a sharp rise in expressions and acts of hate. Children are repeating rhetoric from the campaign and using it as racial slurs.

Southern Poverty Law Center has tallied hate crimes and found most were committed against immigrants, followed by Black, Muslim and LGBT groups. The swastika was the next leading hate category and is used as an expression of anti-Semitism and as a symbol of white supremacy.

Southern Poverty Law Center has identified 917 hate groups in the United States. In Illinois, there are groups in Bloomington, Canton, Springfield, Rockford and outside of Peoria.

SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER is a nonprofit founded in 1971 to fulfill the promises of the civil rights movement and apply America’s founding democratic principles to all people. Priorities include: combating hate, teaching tolerance, protecting the rights of children; seeking justice, immigrant justice, LGBT rights and criminal justice reform.

Lecia Brooks leads the Southern Poverty Law Center’s outreach efforts on key initiatives and social justice issues. As outreach director, she frequently gives presentations around the country to promote tolerance and diversity. She also serves as director of the Civil Rights Memorial Center in Montgomery, Ala., an interpretive center designed to provide visitors to the Civil Rights Memorial with a deeper understanding of the civil rights movement.

She joined the SPLC staff in 2004 as director of Mix It Up at Lunch Day, a Teaching Tolerance program designed to help break down racial, cultural and social barriers in schools. Previously, she worked for 12 years in a number of capacities for the National Conference for Community and Justice in its Los Angeles office. She is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University.

This event is free and open to the public. - 30 -

Single payer healthcare - it's still alive

PEORIA, IL -- From a news release:

The Greater Peoria League of Women Voters will discuss Single Payer Healthcare at its Drinks and Dialogue event, 5:30 – 6:30 pm on Wednesday, June 21, at the Lariat Steakhouse, 2322 W. Glen Ave., Peoria.

Luan Railsback, a Peoria-area activist who has been advocating for single payer healthcare for over a decade, will review the pros, cons, and misconceptions of Single Payer Healthcare, and discuss insurance costs for individuals and business owners.

Not a day goes by without hearing about healthcare in the news. Affordable Healthcare, American Healthcare, Medicare, Universal Healthcare: which is truly the most affordable, provides the most medical coverage, while also limiting overwhelming costs for business owners and individuals?   

The event is free and the public is invited. Refreshments are available for purchase.

Drinks and Dialogue is offered on the 3^rd Wednesday of the month, starting at 5:30 pm and ending promptly at 6:30 pm, always at a local restaurant, to discuss local, state and national topics relating to approved LWV positions, aimed at ‘Making Democracy Work.’

The League is a non-partisan, issues oriented, volunteer, member-directed organization committed to open, responsive and effective government brought about by informed, involved citizens with membership open to both men and women in Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties. For more information, go to www.lwvgp.org.

***