As of January 1st, recreational consumption, possession, and sales of cannabis products are legal in the State of Illinois.

Consumption in public is illegal. This includes streets, parks, and areas adjacent to dispensaries. Consumption on private property is permitted, subject to the discretion of the property owner. Cannabis may not be consumed in any vehicle, regardless of whether it is running. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal and constitutes a DUI. Cannabis may not be consumed in any vehicle, regardless of whether it is running.

While cannabis is legal in Illinois, it remains illegal under federal law. Cannabis purchased in Illinois cannot be transported to another state. Cannabis may be purchased at licensed dispensaries

Additional Information:

Hear candidates for State’s Attorney of Cook County and their plan for bringing forward community safety solutions. Lexi Sutter, Emmy Award winning journalist and Gold Coast resident will moderate.

7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
First St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
1301 N. LaSalle Dr.

Candidates that will be answering questions during these Community Forums are:

Christopher Pfannkuche – January 21
Bob Fioretti – January 22
Pat O’Brien – January 30
Bill Conway – February 12

Chicago Animal Care and Control have been conducting searches in multiple lakefront neighborhoods for coyotes on the loose. After the capture of one coyote, DNA tests are underway to determine if a coyote captured on Chicago’s North Side is the same animal that attacked a 6-year-old boy in Lincoln Park. That test is expected to take weeks to complete.

The animal was captured after being chased by Chicago police and animal control officers for several blocks. It was shot with a tranquilizer dart and taken in an animal control van to the animal rehabilitation center, where it will be held until the DNA tests are completed. Eventually the coyote will be relocated outside the city.

If you find injured or trapped wildlife, wildlife that poses an imminent hazard to public health or safety, or wildlife in your home, please contact 311 and Chicago Animal Care and Control will respond. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is authorized by the Wildlife Code to manage wildlife and regulate the taking of wildlife in Illinois.

The best protection you can offer to your pets is to never leave them unattended in a park or yard (even with a fence – coyotes are excellent jumpers) and always keep dogs on a leash when walking them. It is also the law that your pets must be leashed in parks or on sidewalks, with the exception of specially designated dog-friendly areas (DFAs).

For more information on coyotes, please read the Coyote Management and Coexistence Plan prepared by Chicago Animal Care and Control.

Source: Alderman Hopkins 2nd Ward Newsletter – January 13, 2020

Chicago’s free Christmas Tree Recycling program kicked off January 4th at dozens of parks across the city, including one in the 42nd Ward! The benefits of recycling/mulching trees are twofold: nutrients from the trees are preserved and given back to the soil, while tons of valuable organic material is diverted from landfills.

The program runs from January 4th through the 18th and accepts only live/natural trees (no garland or wreaths) without flocking. Because the trees are mulched, all tinsel, ornaments, lights, and stands must be removed. Plastic bags used for transport should also be removed before putting trees in the stalls.

The mulch that’s created from the Christmas Tree Recycling program is used in local parks to protect and nourish plants and soil. Mulch will also be made available to Chicago residents, free of charge, starting January 6th at six park locations.

2020 Tree Recycling Locations (in or near the 42nd Ward)

In 2019, over 17,000 trees were composted, just through the City’s program. Those efforts diverted an estimated 620,000 pounds from landfills and gave our soil some love instead.

Help spread the word about the Christmas Tree Recycling program and consider taking a neighbor’s tree along if you have space. Let’s make this year the program’s most successful year yet!

RNRA encourages residents to attend the CAPS Beat Meetings.