There were Lights, Cameras, and a lot of Pretty Girls on Castle Hill Avenue this afternoon. Why were they there is the question. The signs on the poles said that filming was going to be done for Devarage. Was it a scene for a movie. television show, or a music video? One thing for sure was that no one on the set was saying anything, just that they signed non-disclosure statements. There were hints however that it might be a Jennifer Lopez video.
Monday, July 30, 2018
ASSEMBLYMAN DINOWITZ ENDORSED BY NEW YORK LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS
Assemblyman Dinowitz received the environmental advocacy group’s endorsement for the 81st Assembly District in 2018 after receiving high ratings in their inaugural state legislative scorecard in 2017.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz received an important stamp of approval from one of the leading environmental advocacy organizations in New York State as he garnered a coveted endorsement from the New York League of Conservation Voters for his Assembly re-election campaign.
Assemblyman Dinowitz has been a leader on important environmental legislation throughout his tenure in Albany including tax credits for hybrid and electric vehicles, green roof tax credits, and prohibitions on smoking in parks and other public places. He has also co-sponsored numerous legislative efforts to combat climate change including the NYS Climate and Community Protection Act (A.8270), requiring a fully clean energy system by 2030 (A.5105), and creating a permanent environmental justice advocacy group (A.2234).
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “I am proud to receive an endorsement from the New York League of Conservation Voters, and I am proud of my environmental record over the course of my tenure in Albany. Too often, decision makers are short-sighted as they value temporary economic gains over long-term ecological destruction. Conserving our environment and combatting the effects of climate change are among my top legislative priorities – not for my benefit, but for my children and grandchildren who will inherit the world that we leave them.”
Amanda Septimo Receives Support of CSA, Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club
DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION TO SEND VOLUNTEERS TO AID DETAINED IMMIGRANT FAMILIES AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER
Administration will recruit City staff to provide pro bono legal services at detention center in Texas
Mayor de Blasio today announced a multi-agency public-private project to provide pro bono legal assistance to families facing detention at the southern border. The Administration is recruiting City staff—attorneys and licensed clinical social workers—on a volunteer basis to travel to Texas for a week to help address the immense need for legal assistance. Travel expenses will be covered by donations to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City.
“The Trump Administration has repeatedly violated the fundamental human rights of families fleeing violence and seeking refuge in our country,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The federal government has reunited some of the families it broke apart, but parents and their children are now together in family detention centers at the border. New Yorkers have showed these children overwhelming support, and my Administration is taking the next step in addressing this crisis by recruiting volunteers to help families access the humanitarian protections they deserve. New York values demand that we act to ameliorate this inhumane situation.”
“New York City will continue to fight for families detained at the border under this inhumane policy,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “In addition to the trauma these unnecessary detentions have caused, there is the great expense of legal services. New York City will send clinicians and attorneys to help families at the border navigate this crisis and get the competent legal counsel they need. I am proud of the generosity of New Yorkers, and enthusiasm of our volunteers for this effort.
“The Trump Administration is now attempting to pressure detained immigrant families to surrender their legal rights. After all the confusion and chaos they have instigated, we’re mobilizing to tackle the immense need for pro bono legal help,” said Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Detaining families and forcing parents to navigate a complex legal landscape for themselves and their children alone is wrong. With this volunteer group, we aim to support immigrant families exercise their legal rights, putting New York values in action.”
“New Yorkers have once again answered the call to support those in need, and the Mayor’s Fund is proud to play a role in helping bridge the good will of private funders and the reach of government. As families are reunited, they will have to navigate an incredibly complex immigration system with little to no support. Today, we can say that through the generosity of New Yorkers and private partnerships, more families facing detention will receive the legal help they deserve,” said Darren Bloch, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York.
Hundreds of migrant children remain separated, continuing the unnecessary trauma meted out by the Trump Administration’s policies and practices. Under federal court order, many separated children are finally being reunited with their parents. However, some of these children have been brought to family detention centers, reuniting them with their parents but re-introducing the trauma of detention.
After the trauma of forced separation, many immigrant families continue to face horrific conditions in immigration detention. In addition, immigration law is extraordinarily complex, and detention only adds to the complexities of pursuing immigration relief, including applying for asylum. The de Blasio Administration—including the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, Law Department, Administration for Children’s Services, NYC Health + Hospitals, and Department of Social Services—is joining with the pro bono legal community to provide additional resources for these families.
Organized by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), the City volunteer group of approximately 15 individuals will travel to Dilley, Texas from September 9 to September 15 to work with the Dilley Pro Bono Project, a partner of the Immigration Justice Campaign. From September 10 to September 15, the volunteers will work at the South Texas Family Residential Center in Dilley, Texas to assist in this pro bono work. MOIA and the Mayor’s Fund are also exploring private partnerships to cover costs of airfare, travel, lodging, and meals for the City volunteer group. The need for legal assistance at detention centers like the one at Dilley is immense, according to local and national partners, so the de Blasio Administration is stepping up to help.
Since the unaccompanied migrant children (UAC) crisis in 2014, New York City has played a leading role in addressing the needs of migrant children who have come to our city. The de Blasio Administration took the unprecedented step of stationing City staff at Immigration Court in order to enroll UACs in public school and Medicaid. In addition, the Administration helped establish the Immigrant Children Advocates’ Relief Effort (ICARE)--a public-private partnership between the City Council, the Robin Hood Foundation, and New York Community Trust--to provide immigration legal help for UACs facing deportation. More recently, as the Administration learned about the crisis of separated children placed in New York City, the City mobilized to help ensure these children were receiving proper care. Working with federally-contracted foster care providers, advocates, and legal services providers, the City assisted addressing the needs of these children, including by offering health care, recreational activities, and offering immigration legal help to these children and potential sponsors. The City will continue to aid separated children in any way we can.
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Salamanca Using Children as Pawns in 87th A.D. Race
Word has come from 87th A.D. State Committeewoman Barbara Brown that Councilman Rafael Salamanca will be withholding monies to State Committeewoman Brown for a back to school event where children get backpacks and school supplies. This is because Councilman Salamanca does not want State Committeewoman Brown's running mate for the position of 87th A.D. assembly member Sergeant John Perez to be at that event. Councilman Salamanca is supporting one of the two women (a staffer of former Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda or a nurse) running against Sergeant John Perez.
Councilman Rafael Salamanca is using children as pawns in an effort to strongarm State Committeewoman Brown. 87th A.D. Candidate for assembly Sergeant John Perez wrote the following letter to Councilman Salamanca on the matter of using children for political gain.
Dear Council member Salamanca,
I cannot say that it is an honor nor a pleasure writing this letter however, my message to you will be clear and definite. I received a call from my State Committee Woman Ms. Barbara Brown, on July 27, 2018, shortly after she had reached out to you requesting funding to provide underprivileged children in the district with school supplies.
I was more disgusted by the response you gave to her saying that If you provide funding for school supplies “John Perez cannot be at the distribution event”. She did inform me of the entire conversation but, the statement quoted stands out the most. The fact that your decision to fund this community most vulnerable children is contingent upon her dis-association with me displays poor moral judgement and the absence of leadership and integrity.
I, affirm my commitment to this community and I, will personally fund this event under the Roslyn Johnson Democratic Club Banner. I have discussed this with Ms. Barbara Brown and several members of this community to include church leaders and business owner in the immediate area, and it has been agreed.
Your decision is purely selfish, political in nature and not in the best interest of this community.
-John Perez-
Candidate for Assembly, 87th A.D.
WSK SCOTT STRINGER GOES AGAINST THE ONLY 2 DOMINICAN STATE SENATE MEMBERS
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Councilman, Rubén DÃaz Sr.
District 18 Bronx County, New York
You should know that tomorrow, Monday, July 30th at 12 noon I am supposed to appear in front of the New York City Council Ethics Committee. The Ethics committee is composed of five Council Members – Chairman Steven Matteo, Margaret Chin, Vanessa Gibson, Karen Koslowitz, and Stephen Levin. They want me to respond to questions (according to a complaint filed against me) regarding the content of my weekly column, “What You Should Know”.
One of those columns in question was written by me on April 1st, 2018 entitled “Scott Stringer Goes Against The Only 2 Dominican State Senate Members” which, in the name of transparency, I am reprinting today in its entirety.
And here is what you should know today:
Scott Stringer goes against the only 2 Dominican State Senate Members
You should know that apparently, it seems that the New York City Scott Stringer does not like Latinos, especially Dominicans to occupy state elected office.
It is important for you to know that all of the seven members in the “New York State Senate Independent Democratic Conference” are facing primaries from other Democrats supported by the Senate Regular Democrats headed by Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins.
Since 2010 Senator Jeff Klein broke away from the “Regular” Democrats and created the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC). Since then Senator Klein has been joined by six other dissatisfied senators, thereby creating an alliance with the Republicans and Governor Cuomo. As a result of said alliance, the IDC members obtain benefits for their respective districts while the “Regular” Democrats are left out in the cold not acquiring any benefits.
The IDC is made up of a pretty well balance ethnic composition. Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, David Valesky and Tony Avella are Caucasian. Senator Jessie Hamilton is African American and Marisol Alcantara and Jose Peralta are Dominican.
Rumor has it that Mr. Scott Stringer has joined those who hate to see the members of the “IDC” bringing the bacon to their districts while the rest are being left salivating and angry to see how impotent they have become.
Rumor also has it that Mr. Stringer has seen the opportunity to divide and get even with the Dominicans for past rifts between him and the Dominican Leadership.
So, like a warrior that hungers for vengeance, Mr. Stringer has decided to support candidates against the only two Dominicans (Alcantara and Peralta) leaving Jeff Klein and his White Senators out of Stringer’s firing range.
Remember my dear readers all the seven (7) members of the (IDC) all of them have primary challenges……All of them.
Scott Stringer, owes an explanation to the Dominican Community. Why is he supporting candidates that are challenging the only two Dominicans? Why is he not supporting those candidates that are running against the other members.
On the other hand I must ask myself where are the voices of those so called Leaders of the Dominican Community?
This is Councilman Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.
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from:Diaz, Ruben <RDiaz@council.nyc.gov>
date:Sun, Jul 29, 2018 at 9:59 AM
subject: SCOTT STRINGER GOES AGAINST THE ONLY 2 DOMINICAN STATE SENATE MEMBERS
mailed-by:
council.nyc.gov |
EDITOR'S NOTE:
1 - The proceedings of this hearing must be made public so that the public can see Councilman Diaz's innocence.
2 - Because of her recent Silent March for Peace and other involvement with Councilman Diaz, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson should recuse herself from this matter.
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Comptroller Stringer Releases Analysis of New York City’s Fiscal Year 2019 Adopted Budget
City received one-time surge in tax revenues in FY 2018, but stronger surpluses needed in the outyears
A one-time infusion of income tax revenues in FY 2018 helped the City balance the $89.16 billion Adopted Budget for Fiscal Year 2019, according to a report released today by New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. The Comptroller’s report on New York City’s Fiscal Year 2019 Adopted Budget reiterates the need for long-term attention to the City’s out-year gaps and the need to align spending and revenue growth – as Comptroller Stringer renewed his call for a robust four-year City savings plan and for agencies to contribute more to efficiencies.
“I congratulate the Mayor and City Council on a balanced FY 2019 budget that funds many important priorities for our City, from raising the bar on education to relieving the burden of transportation costs for low-income New Yorkers,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “Our City’s economy is strong, but we have many needs that make it more urgent than ever to prepare for the future. There is no question – bringing spending into line with revenue growth and bolstering reserves is necessary for enshrining our progressive values and policies for the next generation. From preserving our affordable housing stock to improving our mass transit infrastructure, our City is facing looming challenges that will require long-term investment. That’s why, just as we have a four-year financial plan, we must have a four-years saving plan. It’s one tool for ensuring the strong financial footing of our City for years to come.”
Key findings in the report include:
- The City’s adopted budget is essentially flat over last year, down by 0.5 percent. However, accounting for prepayments and reserves, spending for FY 2019 will increase $2.9 billion, or 3.2 percent, from last year’s spending levels, to $92.36 billion;
- Expenditures are projected to grow an average 1.7 percent annually in the remaining years of the Plan through FY 2022, driven by spending on salaries and wages, debt service, health insurance, and other fringe benefits; and
- The Comptroller’s analysis projects a small surplus in FY 2019 of $151 million, and larger budget gaps of $4.18 billion, $3.84 billion, and $3.42 billion in FY 2020 through FY 2022.
Based on the Comptroller’s projections, the City has enough funds available that the roughly $4.2 billion gap in FY 2020 could be largely balanced through the use of budgeted reserves and surpluses in the Retiree Health Benefit Trust.
However, Comptroller Stringer continues to urge the City to do more to prepare for future uncertainties. An economic downturn could lower revenues below current projections – limiting the City’s capacity for relying on past surpluses to plug future gaps. With the possibility of economic turbulence ever-more likely, especially with the growing threat of destructive trade policies, higher tariffs, and depending on the Federal Reserve’s manipulation of short-term interest rates, it is critical that the City continue to add to its reserves.
The report additionally analyzes two developments that occurred later in the budgeting process – the NYCHA consent decree and District Council 37’s labor settlement with the City.
Comptroller Stringer also announced that unaudited preliminary returns for the City’s pension funds were 8.7 percent, above the actuarial target of 7 percent, and bringing the average annual rate of return since 2014 to 7.2 percent. These preliminary numbers may be revised up or down in the coming months.
To read the Comptroller’s full report on New York City’s FY 2019 Adopted Budget, click here.
Wave Hill Events August 9‒August 16
Thu, August 9 Stories in the Garden
Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories—classics and more—will come to life through interactive book readings, sing-alongs and movement. Programs are held outdoors. Rain cancels. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM
Thu, August 9 Evening Garden Walk
Enjoy a short evening stroll in the gardens with a Wave Hill Garden Guide. Free with admission to the grounds. Serene Thursday event.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 6:30PM
Thu, August 9 Summer Stargazing
Prepare for the Perseid meteor shower, this summer’s most anticipated celestial show! Look up and get ready for an out-of-this-world experience with Irene Pease, sidewalk astronomer and science educator. Learn what it takes to be an amateur astronomer in New York City, get oriented to the night sky, test out a telescope in the garden, and observe the starry night high above Wave Hill. This program is rain or shine, with an indoor presentation only in the case of rain. Adults and children 12 and up welcome. $25. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited.Serene Thursday event.
MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 8−9:30PM
Sat, August 11 Family Art Project: Be a Bee
Join us for this classic Family Art Project. Outfit yourself with wings, antennae, a pollen cup and a kazoo to hum with. Buzz around in a hive of six-sided cells and forage in the flowers. Join in a bee parade and do a bee dance in a cardboard hive. Parade at 12:30PM, weather permitting. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
Sat, August 11 Bees and Beekeeping Info Station
Chat with beekeepers, try on beekeeping gear, peek inside a hive and learn fascinating facts about honeybees. Free, and admission to the grounds free until noon. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM−3PM
Sat, August 11 In The Shop: HoneyGramz Honey Tasting
You’ll be amazed at the complex flavors of different varieties of honey! Sample a few, then purchase your favorite to take home. Honey Weekend event.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−4PM
Sat, August 11 Candle-Making Drop-in Workshop
Try your hand at creating an assortment of beeswax candles to take home and enjoy. Materials fee: $15 per kit, which includes enough to make several candles. Admission to the grounds is free until noon. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM−3PM
Sat, August 11 Garden Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM
Sat, August 11 Honey Extraction Demonstration
Drop in and see the sticky process of extracting honey from the comb with our resident bee experts. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON−3PM
Sat, August 11 Gallery Tour
Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Ecological Consciousness: Artist as Instigator continues Wave Hill’s efforts to examine the ways that artists engage in ecological projects that present a call to action. The exhibition documents environmental art that explores persistent problems throughout New York City. In the Sunroom Project Space, Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall’s installation uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Working collaboratively since 2015, Dasgupta and Marshall’s work explores the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. In the Sun Porch, Katie Westmoreland’s presentation of kinetic tapestries responds to the space’s architecture, evoking the patterns cast by sunlight through trees and plants. Her immersive installation utilizes the passing light and shadow patterns of the day as active mediums in her work, calling attention to the sun’s enduring, inspirational qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
Sun, August 12 Summer Birding
Naturalist Gabriel Willow contributes his extensive knowledge of diverse bird species and their behavior on these walks through the gardens and woodlands. Observe the plants, insects and habitats at Wave Hill that make it so appealing for such a wide variety of birds. Birders of all levels welcome! Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds. NYC Audubon Members enjoy two-for-one admission.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 9:30AM
Sun, August 12 Family Art Project: Be a Bee
Join us for this classic Family Art Project. Outfit yourself with wings, antennae, a pollen cup and a kazoo to hum with. Buzz around in a hive of six-sided cells and forage in the flowers. Join in a bee parade and do a bee dance in a cardboard hive. Parade at 12:30PM, weather permitting. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM
Sun, August 12 Bees and Beekeeping Info Station
Chat with beekeepers, try on beekeeping gear, peek inside a hive and learn fascinating facts about honeybees. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM−3PM
Sun, August 12 In The Shop: HoneyGramz Honey Tasting
You’ll be amazed at the complex flavors of different varieties of honey! Sample a few, then purchase your favorite to take home. Honey Weekend event.
PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM−4PM
Sun, August 12 Candle-Making Drop-in Workshop
Try your hand at creating an assortment of beeswax candles to take home and enjoy. Materials fee: $15 per kit, which includes enough to make several candles. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM−3PM
Sun, August 12 Honey Extraction Demonstration
Drop in and see the sticky process of extracting honey from the comb with our resident bee experts. Free with admission to the grounds. Honey Weekend event.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, NOON−3PM
Sun, August 12 Family Nature Walk
Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Registration is not required. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 1PM
Sun, August 12 Garden Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM
Mon, August 13
Closed to the public
Tue, August 14 Garden Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM
Tue, August 14 Gallery Tour
Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Ecological Consciousness: Artist as Instigator continues Wave Hill’s efforts to examine the ways that artists engage in ecological projects that present a call to action. The exhibition documents environmental art that explores persistent problems throughout New York City. In the Sunroom Project Space, Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall’s installation uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Working collaboratively since 2015, Dasgupta and Marshall’s work explores the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. In the Sun Porch, Katie Westmoreland’s presentation of kinetic tapestries responds to the space’s architecture, evoking the patterns cast by sunlight through trees and plants. Her immersive installation utilizes the passing light and shadow patterns of the day as active mediums in her work, calling attention to the sun’s enduring, inspirational qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM
Thu, August 16 Stories in the Garden
Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories—classics and more—will come to life through interactive book readings, sing-alongs and movement. Programs are held outdoors. Rain cancels. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM
A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.
HOURS Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.
ADMISSION $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.
PROGRAM FEES Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.
Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/ getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm
DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.
Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.