The Little Village Community Council plans to open a mental health clinic to address the psychological effects of violence and trauma in the neighborhood.
A 16-year-old on juvenile probation opened fire into a busy street after seeing a rival flash gang signs, hitting his intended target in the back but also allegedly shooting 8-year-old Melissa Ortega in the head.
"It worked this time. It doesn’t work all the time," said local Ald. Mike Rodriguez. But "like Melissa’s mother, I have hope. I refuse to be the victim of just the thoughts of doubt and despair. . I believe in our community. I believe in us."