Tag Archives: Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza
Mr. Pulgar Goes To Washington
Herbert Pulgar and his controversial city sticker artwork
Without ever being printed, nor making it on to the windshield of any car, Herbie Pulgar’s Chicago city vehicle sticker artwork is the most famous city sticker ever.
Pulgar’s artwork was the original winning design in last year’s city sticker design contest organized by the City Clerk’s Office each year.
But just after winning his award and receiving the requisite media attention, concerns over whether the artwork contained gang related symbols erupted and Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, who’s office handles administering the city’s vehicle sticker program made the tough, but proper decision to not use Pulgar’s design.
A media maelstrom ensued, and the story went from local to national very quickly.
After offering the honor of appearing on 1.3 million windshields to the contest’s runner-up and having her ultimately decline, the Clerk decided to design the 2012-2013 sticker in-house.
But just when Pulgar and his controversial design were finally, mercifully fading from Chicago’s collective memory, the controversy re-emerged this week.
Online Sales For Chicago City Stickers Start Monday
Nearly a full month earlier than last year, starting Monday, Chicago drivers can purchase their annual city vehicle stickers online via the City Clerk’s website.
Traditionally, city sticker sales have started June 1st, a date which kicked off a month of sales, followed by another two week grace period ending July 15th. Drivers who had not purchased and displayed their new city sticker on the windshield of their vehicle risked an expensive parking ticket.
However, since adding an e-commerce option for city stickers purchases to its website, the Clerk’s office has been trying to promote web sales by giving drivers a head start on vehicle sticker purchases if they buy online.
Last year, online sales began May 20th, about a week and a half before in-person sales normally begins.
But this year, the City Clerk’s office is extending the city sticker sales season by nearly six weeks by beginning online sales today, with in-person sales starting May 1st.
City Sticker Winners Honored At City Hall
Herbert Pulgar poses with his winning city sticker artwork
Herbie Pulgar was four when a candle caught his shirt on fire, burning a good portion of his body.
“I was all on fire and I was all burnt up,” explained this year’s winner of the City Clerk’s annual city sticker design contest. “My mom and the firefighters saved my life and I’m thankful for that right now.”
Pulgar spoke of his earliest first hand experience with the fire department during a short speech at City Hall Thursday morning after receiving his $1000 saving bond for his winning design honoring firefighters, policemen and all of Chicago’s first responders.
“It’s so coincidental that our grand prize winner has this background,” said City Clerk Susana Mendoza about Pulgar.
Get Out The Vote For Next Year’s City Sticker
10 Student Finalists Announced For Sticker Design Contest
Gage Park Senior Michael McCray artwork is one of 10 finalists in this year's city vehicle sticker contest
Since it’s going to be stuck to your car’s windshield for 12 months, you might as well cast your vote.
Now is the time to do it as voting opened Sunday for the public to choose the design for the 2012-1013 Chicago city sticker.
Each year, the Chicago City Clerk’s office gives drivers a chance to vote to choose one of the ten design finalists in its annual City Vehicle Sticker Art Design Contest. The winner will become next year’s city sticker.
In its 17th year, which allows Chicago high school students a chance to see their artwork on nearly every car registered in the City of Chicago, had nearly 240 entries this year from 44 different schools.
“The art contest is a great way for our students to be involved in their city government,” said City Clerk Susana Mendoza “Last year more than 20,000 Chicagoans voted on their favorite city sticker design. Each of our students worked very hard on their creations and I hope all Chicagoans take a minute to visit our website and cast a vote for their favorite city vehicle sticker!”
