Ordinance
WHEREAS, Amanda Calo was born December 21st, 1990; she grew up across the street from Jane Addams Elementary School, where she established herself as a kind, gifted leader amongst her peers and teachers.
WHEREAS, Amanda got her Master's in Teaching at National Louis University; afterward, she became a teacher at the neighboring Gallistel Academy school, proudly heading community gardens, book clubs, and programs like Safe Kids Chicago for many years. Her students absolutely adored Amanda, as she spent every day in her classroom giving her utmost attention and tenderness toward her young learners.
WHEREAS, Amanda's life was tragically cut short when her husband shot and killed her in January 2022. Amanda's story and legacy have spurred conversations regarding domestic violence, survivors of domestic violence, and safety/domestic resources in our community.
WHEREAS, The Network, an organization advocating against domestic violence, the 4th District Police's Domestic Violence Division, and a Mobile Mailbox Library are ongoing projects that have shared Amanda's story and are named in honor of her.
WHEREAS, Amando Calo died on January 24, 2022, at the age of 32, in Chicago; her memory will be an integral reminder of the work that needs to be done to ensure that we can protect victims of domestic violence and keep their children safe. It is necessary to keep Amanda Calo's name in the heart of the East Side community, where it belongs forever.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CHICAGO:
Section 1. Pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, which allows the erection of honorary street name designations, the Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation shall take the necessary action for the standardization of South Ewing Avenue, between East 103rd Street and East 104th Street as "Honorary Amanda Calo Way."
Section 2. This ordinance shall take effect upon its passage and publication.
Sincerely,
Susan Sadlowski Garza, Alderwoman, Ward 10
E 103rd St
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Amanda Calo, a pillar in her community as a devoted teacher to her students and their families, has impacted her East Side neighborhood greatly. She was proud to be an East Side resident and wanted her two children, Eli and Myla, to experience the same tight-knit community she had growing up. Her life was tragically cut short when her husband shot and killed her on January 24, 2022, devastating the entire 10th Ward.
Both inside the classroom and outside of it, Amanda was a proud leader heading community gardens, book clubs, and programs like Safe Kids Chicago for many years. Amanda was an integral piece of the vibrancy and warmth of the community. Born December 21st, 1990, she grew up across the street from Jane Addams Elementary School, where she established herself as a kind, gifted leader amongst her peers and teachers.
After getting her Master's in Teaching at National Louis University, it was no surprise she decided to become a teacher at the neighboring Gallistel Academy school, where she could spread her love and support to the children of her beloved community. Her students absolutely adored Amanda, as she spent every day in her classroom giving her utmost attention and tenderness toward her young learners.
Amanda's absence on the East Side is a profound one. Between her job at Gallistel, her activeness as a mom of two young children, her deep roots of living across the street from one of the largest parks in the 10th Ward, and her brilliant, kind heart—everyone in the community knew her and loved her.
Although her loss was tragic, Amanda's story and legacy have spurred conversations regarding domestic violence, survivors of domestic violence, and safety/domestic resources in our community for years to come. Amanda did not die in vain, and we will continue her legacy by using her story to help others going forward.
The Network, an organization advocating against domestic violence, has shared Amanda's story in hopes of #EndingDomesticViolence. There is currently a billboard over I-90 with Amanda's portrait in honor of her and other fallen victims to domestic violence. The 4th District
Police in the 10th Ward has a Domestic Violence division, it recently was named 'Amanda's House' in her honor. Also, there is a mobile/outdoor mailbox library being set up near the school Amanda taught, Gallistel Language Academy, named after her where books will be free to access.
Amanda's memory will be an integral reminder of the work that needs to be done to ensure that we can protect victims and keep their children safe. It is necessary to keep Amanda Calo's name in the heart of the East Side community, where it belongs forever.
Reasoning for Honoring
Amanda Calo was a pillar in her community, a devoted teacher to her students and their families, both inside the classroom and outside of it, heading community gardens, book clubs, and programs like Safe Kids Chicago. Her kind and loving nature toward the children and her community will remain an internal part of her community. Although her loss was tragic, Amanda's story and legacy have spurred conversations regarding domestic violence, survivors of domestic violence, and safety/domestic resources in our community for years to come.
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF CHICAGO
COUNCIL CHAMBER chairwoman
COMMITTEE ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
City Hall - Third Floor, Room 300 ~T I !
SUSAN SADLOWSKI GARZA 121 North LaSalle Street Budget and Goverrtnfcnt Operations
ALDERWOMAN, 10TH WARD Chicago. Illinois 60602 =J """^■"j! T .
■ '' Workforce Development Office: (312) 744-3078 Education end Child Development
10500 S. Ewing Ave, Floor 1 Ethics and Government Oversight
Chicago, Illinois 60617 Finance
Ward Office Phone: (773) 768-8138 Health and Human Relations
Ward Office Fex: (773) 768-8176 Special Events, Cultural Affairs, and Recreation
ward10Ocltyofchlcago.org Workforce Development
November 28, 2022
Office of Budget and Management
121 N LaSalle, Room 604 l}. Chicago, IL 60602
To whom it may concern:
I, Susan Sadlowski Garza, Alderwoman of the 10th Ward, hereby authorize the Office of Budget Management to withdraw the funds associated with the cost of installation for this honorary street designation for Amanda Calo Way from my 10th Ward's annual menu program budget upon passage of this honorary street designation ordinance, pursuant to Section 2-8-040 of the Chicago Municipal Code.
Susan Sadlowsi Garza, 10th Ward Alderwoman
Printed in House
The Network | Advocating Against Domestic Violence (Connected to Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline Online)
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The Network
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Teacher Killed in Murder-Suicide Was Active in Violence Prevention, Mentored Troubled Kids
Alvarez-Calo was shot and killed by her husband who then took his own life earlier this week Published January 27,2022 • Updated on January 27,2022 at 6:59 am
Amanda Alvarez-Calo remained devoted to her East End neighborhood, and the close bonds she had there, even when her life underwent a dramatic change and a friend tried to convince her to move farther north.
Alvarez-Calo was in the middle of divorcing her husband when her longtime friend Kate Garza her start a "new chapter" — asked her to move to the North Side, closer to her.
"She said, 'I don't know, I just love being part of the East Side community. Everyone knows each other and I love the Idea of my kids growing up in this tight-knit community," Garza recalled her saying.
"She was just really proud to be from here, and really wanted to continue that," Garza said.
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It was the last time they spoke together.
Alvarez-Calo was shot and killed by her husband who then took his own life earlier this week. Their bodies were found in a parked car In the East End neighborhood^ about two miles from where she taught pre-school, authorities said.
A passerby found them around 1:40 p.m. Monday in the 11000 block of South Avenue E, according to Illinois State Police. A weapon was recovered at the scene.
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The husband, state trooper Antonio Alvarez, 30, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. He was a three-year veteran with the state police.
Alvarez-Calo, 31, also died of a gunshot wound to her head. Her death was ruled a homicide.
"She was the most amazing young woman," her godmother, Aid. Susan Sadlowski-Garza (10th), said. "Her laugh was infectious."
Two of Sadlowski-Garza's children, Kate Garza and Tyler Garza, were friends with Alvarez-Calo since they were in the third grade at Jane Addams Elementary, at 108th and Avenue H.
They were so close, she called them "The Three Musketeers."
"Amanda had so many friends, everyone loved to be around her. I can't even tell you. It's Just so tragic... This was her mom's only daughter," Sadlowski-Garza said.
Alvarez-Calo was active in her community and worked in after-school programs, community gardens and the violence prevention group Safe Kids Chicago, Sadlowski-Garza said. "She helped mentor kids on the wrong path," she said. "Everyone loved Amanda."
She cared deeply about her students at Matthew Gallistel Learning Academy where she taught, Sadlowski-Garza said.
Principal Kimberly Nelson released a statement after her death saying "our thoughts are with Ms. Alvarez's family during this difficult time. We are so saddened by this loss and will do everything we can to help you and your child during this extremely difficult time."
CPS' Crisis Management Unit were working with the academy to provide ongoing support and services for students, according to the school's website.
Alvarez-Calo was very close to her family and proud of her Puerto Rican roots, Kate Garza said. The pair stayed close during their time at Whitney Young High School, and when Alvarez-Calo attended DePaul University.
"I only have three brothers. She was the closest thing I ever had to a sister," Kate Garza said.
Alvarez-Calo "was a star, she was like a shining light," Tyler Garza said. "She would walk into a room, everyone would look toward her and a she'd put a smile on their faces."
She had a special way of connecting with people, he said. "She really was one of those special people you remember for the rest of your life. She had such a huge impact on so many people with her outgoing and loving personality," he said.
Alvarez-Calo leaves behind two children, 1 and 4.
Her youngest, Myla, was born during the pandemic and grew especially attached to her mother. "She always said she was attached to her at the hip," Kate Garza said.
Alvarez-Calo was a voracious reader. "She would blow through books," Kate Garza said. Some of her favorites were "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, and 'The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, she said.
Kate Garza said she's considering starting a book club in her honor.
Alvarez-Calo went out of her way to grow and improve herself. When a friend was diagnosed with HIV, she sought out an advocacy class to learn how to support her friend, Kate Garza said.
A GoFundMe page created for Alvarez-Calo on Tuesday afternoon had raised over $70,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Visitation is Monday, Jan. 31, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave.
Funeral mass is 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1, at Our Lady of Nazareth, 11128 S. Avenue G, followed by burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, 801 Michigan City Road, Calumet City.
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CPS teacher killed in murder-suicide was active in violence prevention and mentored troubled kids. 'She was the most amazing young woman'
Amanda Alvarez-Calo was shot and killed by her husband earlier this week in a parked car in the x
East Side neighborhood, authorities said, ab~ ix - ■ —- -
By DavidStruert | Jan25.2022,4:29pmCST chica90:••'':'!' •••••••» '■■<■■■ ><■■■
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Amanda Alvarez-Calo (center) at the 2009 Whitney Young class graduation with friends Tyler Garza (left) and Kate Garza (right). | Provided
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Amanda Alvarez-Calo remained devoted2 bonds she had there, even when her life v convince her to move farther north.
closer to her.
"She said, 'I don't know, I just love being part of the East Side community. Everyone knows each other and I love the idea of my kids growing up in this tight-knit community,"' Garza recalled her saying.
"She was just really proud to be from here, and really wanted to continue that," Garza said. It was the last time they spoke together.
Alvarez-Calo was shot and killed by her husband who then took his own life earlier this week. Their bodies were found in a parked car in the East Side neighborhood, about two miles from where she taught pre-school, authorities said.
A passerby found them around 1:40 p.m. Monday in the 11000 block of South Avenue E, according to Illinois State Police. A weapon was recovered at the scene.
The husband, state trooper Antonio Alvarez, 30, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. He was a three-year veteran with the state police.
Alvarez-Calo, 31, also died of a gunshot wound to her head. Her death was ruled a homicide.
"She was the most amazing young womai ehfcfleopoi**** «M.df;*wi>t.jeepmsc<uit. 1 om> (10th), said. "Her laugh was infectious."
Two of Sadlowski-Garza's children, Kate1 Calo since they were in the third grade at H.
They were so close, she called them "The
Alvarez-Calo was active in her community and worked in after-school programs, community gardens and the violence prevention group Safe Kids Chicago, Sadlowski-Garza said. "She helped mentor kids on the wrong path," she said. "Everyone loved Amanda."
She cared deeply about her students at Matthew Gallistel Learning Academy where she taught, Sadlowski-Garza said.
Principal Kimberly Nelson released a statement after her death saying "our thoughts are with Ms. Alvarez's family during this difficult time. We are so saddened by this loss and will do everything we can to help you and your child during this extremely difficult time."
CPS' Crisis Management Unit were working with the academy to provide ongoing support and services for students, according to the school's website.
Read More
Alvarez-Calo was very close to her family and proud of her Puerto Rican roots, Kate Garza said. The pair stayed close during their time at Whitney Young High School, and when Alvarez-Calo attended DePaul University.
"I only have three brothers. She was the closest thing I ever had to a sister," Kate Garza said.
Alvarez-Calo "was a star, she was like a shining light," Tyler Garza said. "She would walk into a room, everyone would look toward her and a she'd put a smile on their faces."
She had a special way of connecting with people, he said. "She really was one of those special people you remember for the rest of your life. She had such a huge impact on so many people with her outgoing and loving personality," he said.
Alvarez-Calo leaves behind two children, l and 4.
Her youngest, Myla, was born during the pandemic and grew especially attached to her mother. "She always said she was attached to her at the hip," Kate Garza said.
Alvarez-Calo was a voracious reader. "She would blow through books," Kate Garza said. Some of her favorites were "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr, and "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah, she said.
Kate Garza said she's considering starting a book club in her honor.
Alvarez-Calo went out of her way to grow cu*o° "uisu:'nt roli,df';; with Jeep M Sf,",r' diagnosed with HIV, she sought out an ac Kate Garza said.
A GoFundMe page created for Alvarez-Cc $70,000 as of Wednesday afternoon.
Visitation is Monday, Jan. 31, from 2 p.m Ave.
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Amanda Calo, Woman Found Shot bead'With'Illinois State Trooper "Husband In Miirder-Suiridejrfad Been Southeast Side Pre-tfl Teacher
JANUARY 26, 2022 / 7:00 AM / CBS CHICAGO
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CHICAGO (CBS) - A woman who was found shot dead with her Illinois State Police trooper husband in a murder-suicide on the Southeast Side was a Chicago Public Schools pre-kindergarten teacher.
The Chicago Teachers Union reported Tuesday that Amanda Calo was a pre-kindergarten teacher at Matthew Gallistel Language Academy, 10347 S. Ewing Ave., and left behind two children, ages 1 and 4.
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i Another devastating loss for one of our school ) communities as we mourn the tragic death of i Amanda Calo, proud Chicagoan and Pre-K teacher at I Gallistel ES. Amanda leaves behind two children in j Myla (1) and Eli (4). Please find in your heart to | support.
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Chicago Police said at 1:38 p.m. Monday, a witness who was walking by found the bodies of the 30-year-old man and the 31-year-old woman in the car parked in the 11000 block of South Avenue E, a few blocks from the Indiana state line.
Illinois State Police confirmed the man, Antonio Alvarez, was an off-duty trooper. The woman, Calo, was his wife.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's office ruled the deaths a murder-suicide, with Calo being the murder victim. Both died of gunshots to the head.
A GoFundMe has been set up for the surviving children.
In: Murder-Suicide Southeast Side
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