Joe Garcia, Chief of Staff for State Senator Martin Sandoval, (D-Chicago) was the guest speaker at the Clearing Civic League held on May 14 at the Hale Park field house, 6258 W 62nd St.

“Senator Sandoval regrets that he couldn’t be here today,” said Garcia. “Please note that he is currently in Springfield, working hard to make the will of the people the law of the land.” Garcia clearly stated that Senator Sandoval had been working diligently to understand the challenges in the Clearing neighborhood. “Senator Sandoval has only been your senator for 4 months and he has already visited all of the schools and senior clubs within the community. Public safety is a priority and he supports the reallocation of funds to have more police officers on the streets,” stated Garcia.

Senate Transportation Chairman Martin Sandoval (D-Chicago) was pleased to hear the Chicago Transit Board approved an extension of experimental bus service on the #35 31st/35th bus route through October 16, 2013, specifically service that includes 31st Street between Kedzie and Cicero avenues in the senator's district. The extension will allow CTA more time to determine whether the route extension should be permanent. 

"This bus route is absolutely necessity for seniors, students and residents,” said Sandoval. “Access to public transportation is essential to improve the quality of life in Little Village. This bus route must remain permanent.”

“We’re committed to continuing to study this trial service on the #35 and better understand the transportation needs of this area,” said CTA President Forrest Claypool.

Senator Sandoval was instrumental in the initial 180-day experiment that began in September 2012. The Board’s action retroactively approved a 48-day extension added to the original 180-day experiment for a total of 228 days of testing; and it also approves a second 180-day trial of the route extension to begin effective immediately.

The trial service is expected to cost CTA $1.2 million for the full year of operation and will be paid for with federal funds from a Job Access Reverse Commute grant along with local matching funds, which are part of CTA’s annual operating budget.