"Don't Mess With My Tacos" Milwaukee Common Council Prohibits Food Trucks Along W. National Ave.

The Milwaukee Common Council has again restricted food trucks at another city street corridor from S. Layton Boulevard (S. 27 Street) westward to the city limits along W. National Ave. in the 8th Aldermanic District. 

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 27, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Common Council (MCC) approved resolution #181572 that was introduced by Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan from the 8th Aldermanic District to include the prohibition of parked vehicles from selling articles where prohibited. Donovan claimed during a Public Safety and Health Committee (PSHC) hearing that parked vehicles selling articles along W. National Ave. were not parked properly due to the accumulated snow on the street parking lane and vehicles were parked wayout and close to the West and East traffic flow lanes. What Ald. Donovan didn't say during the PSHC hearing on February 14, was that he was actually targeting a popular taco food truck at the 3700 block of W. National Ave. Since, the targeted taco truck vendor wasn't at the hearing to oppose the resolution, it passed the Committee unopposed.
Also, there is no history that the taco truck in question has ever been cited by Milwaukee police for being parked wayout into the East and Westbound traffic flow.

The #181572 resolution, which was approved Tuesday by the MCC prohibits any parked vehicles from selling articles including food trucks from S. Layton Boulevard (S. 27 Street) westward to the city limits along W. National Ave., which the Asian Improvement Business District corridor starts at S. 32nd to S. 39th Streets along W. National Ave., according to the South Side Comprehensive Plan (SSCAP) approved in 2009 by the MCC. In 2009, the Milwaukee Department of City Development created an advisory plan called the SSCAP, which at time didn't include food trucks in the corridor. The SSCAP only promoted a business growth for an Asian Improvement District and apparently lacked any recommendation to promote Latino businesses in that particular corridor, but today it's called Silver City Neighborhood. Asian businesses stayed stagnant and the stretch remained mixed, that included several Latino restaurants at the corner of S. 35 and W. National and one Taco food truck at the 3700 block of W. National Ave.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned the real motive behind the resolution that Ald. Donovan proposed and helped pass in the PSHC. He claimed that the Taqueria Arandas (tacos and tortas/sandwiches Mexican style) food truck stays stationary at one place for at least 10 hours per day instead of moving around every two hours as the registered permit allows. The Arandas taco truck operator says that he been at the same spot for at least 10 years and is now prohibited in that corridor, which will affect his customer base.

According to Donovan's legislative aide, Patty Doherty, in a response to Justin Bielinski, a former Aldermanic candidate in the district, who then posted her response in his Facebook account revealed the actual motive behind Donovan's resolution and it wasn't because parked vehicles were selling articles close to the traffic flow lanes as Ald. Donovan wants everyone to believe including other aldermen, but according to Doherty, she claims that complaints have been made and released the following statement, "Dear Justin,

Most of the complaints were over the phone, but maybe it would just be easier to go over the situation and what steps we took from beginning to end. The first call I got was from a landlord on the 3700 bl. of W. National Ave. whose commercial tenants were concerned about a huge ice dam that had formed in front of their organization. I have attached the picture. DPW took the picture when I sent them out to address the complaint. The tenants said the leak was coming from a food truck that parks in front of their organization every day for about 10 hours a day.

In response to the ice, I sent Sewer Maintenance and the Health Dept. The Health Inspector verified that the truck was leaking water and issued orders for them to get it fixed. It was also determined at that time that there was a slow underground waterline leak that was also causing the ponding, and the freezing. I then got the contact info for the owner of the food truck and I gave him a call and talked to him about the water and also the complaint from the businesses on that side of the block about the fact that he parks there all day every day and that the people coming to their businesses/organizations have nowhere to park. I asked him to refrain from parking there at all for a few days while the City tried to get rid of the ice dam and after that, I reminded him that he had to follow the posted parking rules, which state 2 hour parking.

A few days after that I got a call from the brother of the food truck owner. His brother called because his English is better and he wanted to make sure they understood the complaint. I talked to him about the need to respect the other people trying to do business at this building and went over the parking rules with him – rules that are given, in writing, to all applicants for food truck vendor licenses. He argued with me saying they were unfair, especially in winter when not all parking spots are open due to snow. I told him that when we receive a complain like this, first we verify it through parking enforcement, which we did, but I requested that they just ask him to move and not ticket him. Once the complaint of all day parking was verified, I – personally – reached out to the owner to try to work things out without having to resort to any type of enforcement. In this case, it didn't work. Over the next week, I received almost daily calls from the LL saying his tenants are still complaining and that the food truck is still parking there all day.

At that point, we requested that parking citations be issued, and they were. I didn't make the request daily because I wasn't trying to hurt the guy financially, we were only trying to get him to be reasonable and comply. He did not, and I continued to get calls. Now the LL was getting upset and asking how long before this office could actually do something about this. I don't blame him. That's when we turned to using legislation to fix the problem. I'd also like to add that I told all of this to the food vendor's brother and said that the very last step, and one we don't want to be forced to take, is to ban trucks from the street. I can't explain why they refused to follow the parking rules, but it is what it is, and that's a shame. They are still allowed to park just around any corner, on a side street, but only for 2 hours at a time. Those are the rules for any food truck anywhere across the City unless they obtain a special event permit.

I have been told that the truck now parks further west on National Ave. possibly in West Milwaukee. I really don't know what else we could have done here, and is it really so awful to require food truck vendors to follow the rules and be fair to others in the community? We also had a complaint from a business owner on 30th and Lincoln about a food truck. The truck was parking outside of this tavern at bar time and staying until 3 a.m. This meant that customers stayed in the neighborhood, outside, eating food from the vendor. The complaints were numerous and many from neighbors (loud music from cars, loud voices, lots of litter). The police went out on noise complaints from neighbors and the bar owner was worried that he'd be blamed for the neighborhood nuisance when it came time for the license renewal. I called the owner of the truck and explained the problem and what do you know, he understood and stopped the 3 a.m. business plan. That's how things should work. I honestly feel bad that that's not how it went on National, but it's not like he lost his license, he just has to park around the corner or down the street."

It seems that the MCC has been restricting and prohibiting food trucks including taco trucks from certain streets, which in many cases tend to be main and busy streets and avenues around Milwaukee. Food trucks provide a variety of good tasting food at an affordable price for their customer base.

Now, the Milwaukee Common Council is targeting taco trucks along W. National Ave. under deceptive claims by Ald. Donovan, who some are saying might not seek re-election and most likely face a backlash in his district, which has a large Hispanic voting base. Also, Alderman José G. Pérez who represents the 12th Aldermanic District has food trucks in his district as well. Ald. Pérez voted along with Ald. Donovan and 12 other aldermen to prohibit food trucks along W. National Ave. in the Silver City neighborhood.
The #181572 resolution passed by the MCC is also discriminatory because it doesn't prohibit food trucks East of W. National Ave. from S. Layton Blvd. (S. 27), which includes Ald. Pérez Aldermanic district. Mayor Tom Barrett is expected to sign it into municipal law.
Ald. Donovan has a history of being anti-food truck supporter in his district, especially taco trucks. According to Common Council records, Donovan has banned at least 6 food trucks on W. Greenfield Ave, W. Lincoln Ave. and W. Mitchell Street including the latest taco truck along part of the W. National Ave. business corridor in the 8th District. Donovan holds the record of banning the most food trucks in the City. 

Food truck vendors around Milwaukee should be given an option to apply for an additional petmit to allow longer periods of stationary time at certain locations under a proposed legislative resolution that any member of the MCC can introduce.

Don't mess with my tacos...

José A. Guzmán, Candidate For Alderman Officially On The Ballot For The Waukegan 2nd Ward Aldermanic Primary Election

Aldermanic candidate Guzmán was targeted for elimination from the Tuesday, February 26, 2019 Primary Election ballot simply because of an allegation that he failed to secure his candidacy nomination papers with a paper clip to prevent any tampering.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 26, 2019

Waukegan, Illinois - The Illinois Supreme Court granted José A. Guzmán (Dem.), a stay after he filed for the court to rule against an appellate court ruling on Friday that prevented him from being placed on the ballot legally for failure to secure his nomination papers with a mere paper clip in his filing as a candidate for the 2nd Ward Aldermanic race in Waukegan. 

Guzmán sued the Municipal Officers Electoral Board of the City of Waukegan, Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham, Chairman, Larry Tenpas and Janet Kilkelly, as Members of the Municipal Officers Electoral Board and Janet Kilkelly, as City Clerk in Waukegan.

In the lawsuit, Guzmán claims that he placed a paper clip to secure his nomination papers and several photos were introduced showing that a paper clip was under the nomination papers. The argument for the City Election Board was that they couldn't determine, if the paper clip was removed by a clerk and then the papers filed without the paper clip placed to secure the papers.

Guzmán is officially on the ballot and votes cast for him will count, according to the Illinois Supreme Court ruling. Guzmán is challenging the Democratic Incumbent, Alderman Patrick D. Seger for the nomination. If Guzmán would have been kept from the ballot, Seger would have been nominated for a second term as a Democrat.

The winner in 2nd Ward Aldermanic Primary Election race will face the Independent candidate, Sylvia Giles on the April 2, 2019 General Election.

Female Napa County Sheriff Deputy Jarecki Kills Undocumented Armed Suspect Who Shot At Her First During Traffic Stop

Undocumented suspect who was previously deported multiple times attempted to kill Napa County deputy during a traffic stop.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 23, 2019

Napa, California - On February 17, 2019,  Napa County Sheriff Deputy Riley Jarecki who made a traffic stop of a red Honda at around 11 p.m. at the 1100 block of Henry Road in Napa, California was shot at by suspect Javier Hernandez-Morales, 43, a Mexican national who re-enter the U.S. illegally and had been previously deported multiple times, according to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE claims in a press release statement that, "This incident may have been prevented if ICE had been notified about any of the multiple times Javier Hernandez-Morales was released from local custody over the last few years."

Morales had a stolen .22 Caliber revolver in his possession and fired the first shot at Deputy Jarecki from the driver's side. Deputy Jarecki immediately went around the back of the vehicle and fired at least 15 shots into the passenger's side window killing the Hernandez-Morales in the driver's seat.
Deputy Jarecki was not injured in the shooting incident, according to the Napa County Sheriff's Office (NCSO). A body cam video was released by the NCSO showing the deadly shooting incident between Deputy Jarecki and Hernandez-Morales.

Milwaukee Community Activist Rodolfo G. Martinez Passed Away

Martinez was a well known community activist and worked at MATC Student Services until he retired in 2005.

Milwaukee, WI - Retired educator, Rodolfo G. Martinez, 70, known fondly on the south side of Milwaukee as "Tato" or "Rudy," passed away on February 20, 2019. 

Born and raised in Cotulla, Texas, Martinez proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and over the years participated in various veteran's activities and organizations in Milwaukee.

As an activist, organizer and candidate, he was very instrumental in the formation of the La Raza Unida Party (RUP) in South Texas. An alternative to the one-party system in Texas, the RUP was established in 1970 to initiate social, economic, and political change for Chicanos through local and state politics. Martinez was also a contributing writer, poet and illustrator for Nosotros: El Pueblo, a La Raza Unida Party newspaper published in Cotulla, Texas.

In the early 1970's, Martinez and his wife Thelma, moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin where they raised their children Rudy and Amarilis.

Martinez became involved in the Latino Civil Rights activist movement in Milwaukee for higher education, job opportunities for Latinos at local breweries and veterans rights. In addition, Martinez was instrumental along with other educational activists who advocated for the Latino enrollment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) after the August 27, 1970 UWM Takeover that eliminated the practice discrimination that kept Latinos from enrolling.

Martinez was also a Co-founder of the Wisconsin American GI Forum.

In the early 1980's, Martinez graduated from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee Urban Education Program.

1987-2005 Martinez worked in student services at Milwaukee Area Technical College in various positions related to migrant education, community outreach and multicultural services. He also served as the advisor of the Latino Student Organization and was a proud member of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Local 212.

He is survived by his wife Thelma and daughter Amarilis, an English Instructor at Milwaukee Area Technical College, as well as his three brothers Raul, Roberto and Ricardo.

Funeral services for Rodolfo G. Martinez will be at the Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin

Visitation:  Thursday, February 28, 2019, from 9:30 AM to 11:15 AM.  

Funeral Service at 11:30 AM. Burial to follow at St. Adalbert Cemetery 3801 South 6th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53204

Posted by H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 22, 2019

Milwaukee's Southside Fatal Shooting Victim Identified As Johnny Rivera

Rivera was the victim of an alleged fatal drive-by shooting in Milwaukee's Southside.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 20, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Jonathan "Johnny" Rivera, 36, was fatally shot around 7:00 p.m. near the 2400 block of W. Maple Street in connection with a drive-by, according to family members. Police are conducting a shooting and homicide investigation.

No suspects have been arrested in the case.

State Bills For Boot Proposal To Immobilize Unregistered Vehicles Lobbied By City Of Milwaukee

The City of Milwaukee and Mayor Barrett pushing to enact state legislation for law enforcement and authorized entity to place immobilized device (boot) on unregistered vehicles on the highway and roadways.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 20, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Wisconsin State Senator Lena C. Taylor (D-Milw.) who opposes a boot system (immobilization device) in the City of Milwaukee reported that Mayor Tom Barrett and the City of Milwaukee are once again lobbying to pass State Assembly Bill 2 and State Senate Bill 4 relating to motor vehicle immobilization devices for statewide use. The boot device or mechanism immobilizes a motor vehicle by locking around a wheel, thereby making the motor vehicle inoperable, according to the state bills.

If both bills are passed in the state legislature, it would authorize a county, municipality, or university to enter into a contract with a person that authorizes the person to immobilize motor vehicles.

A S-Government Operations, Technology and Consumer Protection Important Actions committee hearing concerning SB 4 was held on Tuesday.

Senator Taylor was instrumental in previously killing the boot device bill when it was covertly introduced by Mayor Barrett and is working to do so once again. "I don't like the boot system. I killed it once and would love to kill it again.  I only know ONE person that has lobby for this - Mayor Barrett," Sen. Taylor posted on her Facebook account.

The City of Chicago in Illinois uses the boot to immobilized vehicles for traffic infractions.

Popular Milwaukee Hairstylist Alfonso Muñoz Calixto, aka, "La Movida" Death Ruled Accidental

La Movida's death ruled accidental, his body was discovered at his apartment in late January, which many in the LGBTQ community, family and friends mourned his untimely death.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 18, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Monday, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office (MCMEO) confirmed that Alfonso Muñoz Calixto, aka, "La Movida", 46, was the victim of a combined drug intoxication. The MCMEO determined that the cause and manner of death for Muñoz Calixto was "Acute Mixed Drug Intoxication (Cocaine, Heroin, and Ethanol) Manner of Death: Accident", according to toxicology results.

Muñoz Calixto, was also known as Arturo Rios, "Poncho", who used the Drag Queen stage name Cassandra Muñoz, including singing karaoke for entertainment gigs, and a very charismatic and popular flamboyant Latino hairstylist in Milwaukee. La Movida was reported deceased on January 31, 2019 at his residence. A friend discovered the body and notified police. 

La Movida was originally from the City of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. La Movida was a very friendly individual who was a well known transvestite and liked to dance cumbia and to party well. He also was in touch with his feminine side and a proud member of the LGBTQ Latino community in Milwaukee.
La Movida became well known for his hairstyling career with the Paul Mitchell Hair Styling Salon formerly known as Fashion Impressions in the South Side of Milwaukee. He also volunteered in many local Latino events and did complimentary hairstyling jobs for young girls and women including males participating in pageants.

La Movida was known to advocate for LGBTQ rights and also marched for comprehensive immigration reform.

Last weekend, with the outpouring support and donations from the Latino LGBTQ communities from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Chicago, Illinois including friends, his body was returned to Mexico for final interment and family funeral services.

Tejano Legend Vocalist Joe Ernest Salas Puente "JP" From El Grupo Sueño Passed Away

RIP/QEPD

Tejano Legend Vocalist Joe Ernest Salas Puente "JP" From El Grupo Sueño Passed Away 

Joe Ernest Salas Puente, 52, aka stage name, "JP", the lead vocalist of the Tejano band JP y Sueño and Los Big Katz passed away on February 14 in Houston, Texas. JP began his Tejano singing career in 1984-85 with the group Lighting, then Lumbre, Aventura, Josefa, Avizo and Grupo Fuerte.
JP was hospitalized in early February for health complications and later passed away.

Funeral services for Joe Ernest Salas Puente will be at:

The Compean Funeral Home, Main Chapel, 2102 Broadway Blvd., Houston, Texas 77012 on Thursday, February 21, 2019.

Visitation: 4p.m. to 9p.m.

Rosary: 7p.m.

Funeral mass at the Compean Funeral Home, Main Chapel: Friday, February 22, 2019 at 9a.m.

Interment: Santa Teresa Morales Cemetery, 912 Buschong Street, Houston, Texas 77039

Music video: https://youtu.be/FCg0DvzOUoI

Posted by H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

Toni J. Rivera-Joachin Resigns As CEO Of The Centro Hispano In Milwaukee

Joachin notified all the employees and staff members of the Centro Hispano that she had resigned effective next week.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 15, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Friday, Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) learned that Toni J. Rivera-Joachin, the President and CEO of the Centro Hispano (Council for Spanish Speaking) had announced her resignation to the entire staff and employees of the Centro. No further information was available about her future plans and what led to her sudden resignation from the Centro Hispano. 

Also, no information from the Centro Hispano Board of Directors spokesperson has been made public in regards to who will become the new interim director of the Centro after Rivera-Joachin's unexpected departure.

In Loving Memory Of Maria E. Vargas

In Loving Memory Of Maria E. Vargas

Milwaukee, WI - On Friday, February 8, 2019, Maria E. Vargas, 65, the daughter of Francisco Vargas (deceased) and Anastacia Vargas who was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico passed away peacefully accompanied by family.  Maria's sisters include, Rosa Talamantes and Minerva Vargas (deceased), brothers; Jesús Vargas, José L. Vargas (deceased) and Rogelio Vargas.

Surviving daughters: Leticia Mata (Joe R. Mata), Verónica Garza (Noe Sanchez Villa), Christy W. Juarez (George Roman), Rebecca Juarez (Rey Crespo) and son, Gregorio Garza III (Shelly Smith).

Grandchildren: Lorraine Mata, Joe Christopher Mata, Cassandra Mata, Ilani J. Roman, Viviana Sanchez, Noe F. Sanchez, Isaac Crespo, Aurelio Smith, George Roman Jr., Danny Crespo, Mathew E. Roman and Liam C. Roman.

Great grandchildren: Isaiah Mata, Truly E. Mata, Rene Terrazas, Mercy R. Mata and Nevaiah Mata.

Maria arrived in Milwaukee in 1987. She worked alongside tavern owners, eventually opening her own tavern "Mi Mexico" in the Southside of Milwaukee.

Maria was a beautiful daughter, an amazing mother and loyal friend who always shared her laughter, kindness and love. She was a true Cowboy fan.

Maria as business owner in Milwaukee was well known among other local business owners and would continue to work with tavern business owners in the area. She was a vibrant and well respected woman that raised four daughters and a son. Her family roots originated in Mexico with strong ties to Texas and Oregon,  which she always instilled in her family.

Maria will be greatly missed by family, relatives, grandchildren. great grandchildren and friends.

Funeral services for Maria E. Vargas will be held on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at the Witkowiak Funeral Home, 529 W. Historic Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204.

Vigil from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. including prayer and following interment at the Forest Home Cemetery, 2405 W. Forest Home Ave. in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Posted by H. Nelson Goodson

Jordan Paul Fricke Charged With 1st-degree Intentional Homicide For The Death Of TEU Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner

Fricke confessed to being a small scale marijuana dealer and using an AK-7 pistol to shoot multiple times through an opening of his kitchen door, despite hearing someone yell "Police".

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 10, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Sunday, Jordan Paul Fricke, 26, was charged with three felony counts in connection with Wednesday's homicide of Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, 35. Fricke was charged with one felony count for 1st-degree intentional homicide while using a dangerous weapon (if convicted, Fricke is facing life in prison, without the possibility of parole and an additional 5 years for using a dangerous weapon), one felony count for 1st-degree recklessly endangering safety with use of a dangerous weapon (if convicted, Fricke is facing up to 12 years and 6 months in prison and a $25,000 fine), one felony count for maintaining a drug trafficking drug house (if convicted, Fricke is facing up to 3 years and 6 months in prison and a $10,000 fine). A cash bond of $1 million was set for Fricke.

According to the criminal complaint, Fricke confessed to being a small scale marijuana dealer and using an AK-7 pistol to shoot multiple times through an opening of his upper flat unit kitchen door, despite hearing someone yell "Police". The TEU officers were executing a "No Knock" search warrant at Fricke's duplex when Officer Rittner was shot once in the left side of the chest with an AK-47 pistol while attempting to breach a kitchen door with a ram. Fricke fired four shots through an opening at the door missing two other officers and striking Rittner once in the chest. Fricke immediately surrendered to police. 

Police investigators recovered an AK-47 semi-automatic pistol, four spent cartridges and one unspent cartridge on the kitchen floor including 8 additional weapons and multiple parts to assemble assault rifles at the scene.

Fricke's girlfriend told police that she and Fricke were sleeping when they heard loud banging noises and when they got up, Fricke went to kitchen and grabbed his AK-47 pistol and she could hear someone yell "Police, Search Warrant" multiple times before Fricke shot through the door. Fricke told police that he only heard someone yell "Police", but he didn't think it was police and fired multuple shots though an opening at the door caused by a ramming police tool, until an officer came through the door pointing a rifle at him. He had his hands up and was arrested by police.

Fricke is also accused of buying and having associates engage in strawbuying weapons at gunshows and later selling the weapons for a profit.

The criminal complaint states that $3,000 in cash was recovered from a safe, but it didn't mention, if any drugs were also recovered at the scene.
Also charged in the case was Marlon Tirado, 23, who was taken into custody along with Fricke. Tirado and Fricke allegedly asked other associates to buy guns (straw purchasers) at gun shows and then sold them to others, a police informant told police, according to the criminal complaint. Tirado was charged on Sunday with two felony counts, one count for possession with intent to sell THC (marijuana) and one count for maintaining a drug trafficking place with count including a second and subsequent offense. If convicted on both counts, Tirado is facing up to 3 years and 6 months in prison and $10,000 fine for each count. Tirado has a cash bond set at $7,500, according to court records.

Fricke became a target of an investigation for selling drugs and guns after police arrested a felon on December 27, 2018 for having a 9mm Ruger, cocaine and ecstasy on him at the 2400 block of S. 5th Place. Police did a background check on the seized weapon and discovered the Ruger had been purchased by an associate of Fricke just 13 days before it was recovered from a felon. Police learned from informants that at least 13 to 15 weapons were bought by a "straw purchaser" within 4 to 5 months. Straw purchasing is when someone else with no criminal record buys guns or weapons for another person.

Last Wednesday, Fricke was taken into custody in connection with the homicide of Milwaukee Police Officer Rittner at the 2900 block of S. 12th Street. Officer Rittner, a 17 year police department veteran was shot and fatally wounded around 9:17 a.m. when his TEU unit was executing a "No Knock" search warrant at Fricke's residence and was taken to Froedtert Hospital where he later passed away.

Officer Rittner is the third officer killed in the line of duty within the last 8 months.

Criminal complaint:

Demonizing Individuals That Have Been Killed Ignites Controversy In Milwaukee Targeting WISN 12 News And The Milwaukee Police Department

The Milwaukee Police Department and City of Milwaukee Alderman Donovan have lashed out at WISN 12 News for posting a news article about a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Rosales who became a victim of a beating by a cop in 2017 and claiming that multiple Milwaukee police officers including deceased Officer Rittner had lied and filed false police reports to cover up incident.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 9, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - In many cases around the U.S. including Milwaukee where an unarmed person of color has been killed by a cop, many police departments, sheriff's departments, including other state and federal law enforcement agencies are quick to demonize the deceased victim before being laid to rest without extending any respect for families grieving, especially families of color. In this case, WISN 12 News was targeted by the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) in a press release for posting a news article that was deemed "tasteless (with) no academic value" simply because it reported that deceased Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner, 35, was named in a federal civil rights lawsuit filed on behalf of Rafael Rosales on January 24, 2019 that claimed and named multiple police officers including Officer Rittner of lying and filing false police reports in the beating case that resulted in the resignation of Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Gasser who was charged with three misdemeanors, later sentenced to 14 days in jail, 18 months probation, 200 hours of community service and fined $500 for kicking Rosales, a carjacking suspect in the face after surrendering, breaking his nose and causing an epileptic seizure and almost died while handcuffed as other officers stood by celebrating his arrest. According to MPD press release on Friday, that Officer Rittner was the first cop to render help for Rosales when he went into a seizure, but it failed to mention, if Rittner reported the illegal act by then Officer Gasser to supervisors. Why didn't the Milwaukee police officers at the scene reported the Gasser kicking incident to MPD supervisors, were they exercising the Blue code of silence to cover up for one of their own? The filed federal lawsuit will no doubt raise the question and copies of the alleged filed reports by the following officers, James Filsinger, Michael Gasser, Kim Lastrilla, Thomas Marcus, Matthew Rittner, Michael Schwandt, Joseph Scheuring, Adam Stahl and Damon Wilcox will be scrutinize for any false reporting.

None of the Milwaukee police officers named in the Rosales civil rights lawsuit reported the illegal act to police supervisors at the time. Greenfield police officers later reported Officer Gasser's kicking incident to the Milwaukee Police Department Internal Affairs and an investigation was launched.

Today, the MPD nor the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission have a "Zero Tolerance Policy" for lying or filing false police reports by cops, if intentionally caught lying, the officers are not fired, but kept in the department creating a liability in cases.

The MPD confirmed on its Facebook account that it had requested for WISN to remove the tasteless article that named Officer Rittner in a federal civil rights lawsuit, which WISN management immediately removed the news article causing a backlash from the community at large including the African-American and Latino communities, which felt that the MPD and WISN are using double standards, which only demonize Black unarmed victims killed by cops by bringing up their criminal backgrounds and any alleged wrongdoing to justified and create public opinion for the killing of an unarmed victim of color. Other Facebook users called it selective when convenient censorship of the free press.

Also, City of Milwaukee Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan, a Southside Milwaukee Common Council member lashed out at WISN as well in his Facebook account and posted, "media's sick, constant war on cops". It seems, Alderman Donovan himself would have preferred for WISN not to report that police officers are actually named in a recent filing of a federal civil rights lawsuit against them including the city and any media source that reports it is in war with cops. So far, only Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has reported the MPD's press release and the federal lawsuit naming Milwaukee police officers. The rest of the local and national mainstream media have yet to report on the MPD's claim that WISN reported a tasteless article with no academic value. 

Tory Lowe, a local Black activist posted a Facebook video criticizing the MPD for lashing out at WISN and also criticized WISN for removing the news report naming Officer Rittner in a federal civil rights lawsuit. Lowe says, since WISN removed the news report in question, then WISN should also remove all the news reports demonizing unarmed people of color killed by cops. He also commented that a vigil held for Officer Rittner yesterday, a majority in attendance were White indicating how segrated the City of Milwaukee is today. 

The majority of Milwaukee police officers serving today in the department under Police Chief Morales including its diverse command staff are well respected, have valor, proven integrity, honesty, professionalism and do put their lives on the line every day.

Officer Rittner, is considered a war time veteran hero who served his country in the military and lost his life on Wednesday in the line of duty while executing a warrant with the Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU). Jordan Paul Fricke, 26, was taken into custody in connection with the homicide of TEU Milwaukee Police Officer Rittner at the 2900 block of S. 12th Street. Officer Rittner, a 17 year police department veteran was shot and fatally wounded around 9:17 a.m. when his TEU unit was executing a search warrant at a residence and attempting to enter the home. When Fricke fired several shots through the door and struck Officer Rittner who was taken to Froedtert Hospital where he later passed away.

The MPD release an outdated photo of deceased Officer Rittner.

Fricke was the target of illegal guns and drug sales and the TEU was executing a warrant at the time of the shooting, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. No information has been released by police to confirm, if in fact drugs and illegal guns were found at the home other than the weapon used by Fricke to kill Rittner.

Fricke's family members posted on Facebook that several dogs were also killed by the TEU when police entered Fricke's residence and that Fricke's name was not on the warrant, but included a name of another suspect. Police haven't released any information to confirm, if several dogs were shot at Fricke's residence or if the warrant had another name, but Police Chief Morales during a press conference stated that Fricke was the target of a warrant being executed by the TEU.

Fricke was booked on Friday at the Milwaukee County Jail facility and bond is set at $500,000, pending charges, according to the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office.

26-year-old Suspect Arrested In Connection With The Homicide Of TEU Milwaukee Police Officer Matthew Rittner

Milwaukee police have arrested a suspect in connection with the homicide of TEU Police Officer Rittner.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 6, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Wednesday, Jordan P. Fricke, 26, was taken into custody in connection with the homicide of Milwaukee Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) Police Officer Matthew Rittner, 35, at the 2900 block of S. 12th Street. Officer Rittner, a 17 year police department veteran was shot and fatally wounded around 9:17 a.m. when his TEU unit was executing a search warrant at a residence and attempting to enter the home. When Fricke fired several shots through the door and struck Officer Rittner who was taken to Froedtert Hospital where he later passed away. Fricke was the target of illegal guns and drug sales and the TEU was executing a warrant at the time of the shooting, according to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales. No information has been released by police to confirm, if in fact drugs and illegal guns were found at the home other than the weapon used by Fricke to kill Rittner.
 Officer Rittner is the third officer killed in the line of duty within the last 8 months. Police arrested a woman along with Fricke at the scene. Fricke is facing homicide charges.
Officer Rittner was named in a federal lawsuit filed in 2019 by Rafael Rosales claiming that multiple Milwaukee police officers had lied and attempted to cover up that former Officer Michael Gasser had kicked him while handcuff in August 2017 and had suffered an epileptic seizure in back of a police squad car in Franklin. The lawsuit also claims that other officers present celebrated Rosales arrest and then lied in their police reports about what had happened to Rosales in order to cover for Gasser.
The attorneys for Rosales included new dash cam video in the federal lawsuit filed on January 24, 2019 where it showed Officer Gasser attacking Rosales while handcuffed and other officers present who did nothing to stop the attack and then laughed about it, including filing false reports to cover up the incident. Greenfield police officers reported Gasser's attack to the Milwaukee Police Internal Investigation Affairs, which launched an investigation. Currently, police officers that are caught making false police reports and lying to cover up an illegal act by another officer are not fired, but kept in the department, which later become a liability. All police officers that are caught making false reports and lying should be immediately terminated by the Milwaukee Police Department and Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission.
The Milwaukee Police Officers named in the federal lawsuit are James Filsinger, Michael Gasser, Kim Lastrilla, Thomas Marcus, Matthew Rittner, Michael Schwandt, Joseph Scheuring, Adam Stahl and Damon Wilcox. Gasser resigned from the police department and was charged in the kicking incident. He pleaded guilty for three misdemeanor charges and was sentenced to 14 days in jail, 18 months probation, including 200 hours of community service and was fined $500, according to court records. Court records also show that Fricke had two citation incidents of being intoxicated, under age drinking and has no criminal record.


Update: The Milwaukee Police Department (MPD) confirmed that it requested WISN 12 News to remove a news report that also says that a federal civil rights lawsuit was filed against the City of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee Police Department, which named and claimed that deceased Milwaukee Police Officer Rittner and multiple officers had lied and filed false police reports to cover up about then former Police Officer Gasser kicking Rafael Rosales while handcuffed, when he had surrendered to police after a carjacking chase that ended in Franklin. Officer Rittner was among the officers named in the lawsuit when Gasser kicked Rosales in the face, breaking his nose and then was placed behind a police squad car where he had an epileptic seizure and almost died. The incident was video recorded. None of the officers present at the scene from Milwaukee reported the illegal act by Officer Gasser to any police supervisor, until Greenfield police officers reported the incident to the Milwaukee Police Department Internal Affairs. MPD received a backlash from the public in their Facebook post about WISN. MPD is now accused of censoring news not favorable to them, especially breaking protocol by commenting on a pending litigation matter, which the Milwaukee Common Council, the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission and the City of Milwaukee Attorney's Office including the Mayor's Office will now face a similar public backlash, if they support MPD's decision to release such a statement admitting to requesting a news article to be removed.
Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) has also reported about the filed Rosales federal civil rights lawsuit naming the Milwaukee police officers including Officer Rittner in the case and HNNUSA does not remove or censor any news article reporting on a filed federal civil rights lawsuit, which the public has a right to be informed of such litigation, especially involving a local, state or federal law enforcement agency or department.

City of Milwaukee Alderman Robert "Bob" Donovan posted on his Facebook account that the "media's sick, constant war on cops" in relation to WISN 12 News reporting about Officer Rittner being named in a federal civil rights lawsuit.

Tribute To Flamboyant Hairstylist, La Movida By The LGBTQ Community Helped Raise $1,839 In Funds At VIP Lounge Special Event For Funeral Expenses

Members of the LGBTQ community from Milwaukee, Chicago and allies came together to give a final special tribute to La Movida at the VIP Lounge in Milwaukee.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

February 4, 2019

Milwaukee, WI - On Sunday, members of the LGBTQ community from Milwaukee, Chicago and allies held a final tribute to La Movida, a charismatic flamboyant hairstylist who passed away unexpectedly on Thursday in Milwaukee. The final tribute was held at the VIP Lounge in the Southside of Milwaukee where live Drag Queen (talented and artistic males impersonating females) show performances were provided by Omar Pomales, Reynaldo Alberto, Fredy Brookyln, Alexandra Rosales, Francheska, Fiqueroa Tañon, Gio Guzman, Valeria Valadez and other performers. 

According to Ana Muñoz de Calderón, the sister of La Movida on Monday confirmed when contacted by Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) that $1,139 was raised in tips for the performers and $700 was donated during the performances, which all the proceeds including tips were given to the family for the funeral expenses. Another $710 was collected at D'Pelos Barber Shop, according to De Calderón. De Calderón says that the money raised will help pay for funeral services at the following funeral home, Rozga-Walloch Chapel, 4309 S. 20th St. in Milwaukee for the visitation at 1:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and a prayer service will follow at San Juan Paul II-St. Alexander Church, 1568 S. W. Holt Ave. for La Movida on Friday, February 15, 2019 in Milwaukee. La Movida's remains will then be transported to Acapulco, Guerrero, México for the final funeral service and burial.
De Calderón and La Movida's family are still waiting for the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's determination to what caused La Movida's untimely death.

If anyone would like to donate any funds to La Movida's funeral expenses, the contact number for De Calderón is 414-975-2353 or anyone is welcome to stop by at the D'Pelos Hair Salon at 2847 S. 13th Street where La Movida worked in Milwaukee to drop off a cash donation. All funds donated for La Movida's funeral expenses will be used for the costs incurred, according to De Calderón.

Last Thursday, 46-year-old known as, aka, Arturo Rios, "La Movida", "Poncho", who also used the Drag Queen stage name Cassandra Muñoz, including singing karaoke for entertainment gigs, and a very charismatic and popular flamboyant Latino hairstylist in Milwaukee was reported deceased on January 31, 2019 at his residence. A friend discovered the body in the morning and notified police. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office responded to the scene.

La Movida's actual name was Alfonso Muñoz Calixto, originally from the City of Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. La Movida was a very friendly individual who was a well known transvestite and liked to dance cumbia and to party well. He also was in touch with his feminine side and a proud member of the LGBTQ Latino community in Milwaukee.
La Movida became well known for his hairstyling career with the Paul Mitchell Hair Styling Salon formerly known as Fashion Impressions in the South Side of Milwaukee. He also volunteered in many local Latino events and did complimentary hairstyling jobs for young girls and women including males participating in pageants.