Governor Cuomo Announces Creation of Task Force to Train Technicians for Jobs in the Auto Industry

Excelsior Automotive Technician Task Force Will Develop Educational Programs to Train Workers for Specific Car Manufacturers

  During the opening of the New York International Auto Show at the Javits Center in Manhattan New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the creation of a new task force that will develop programs for training auto technicians and enabling participants to directly transition into the industry. 

"One of the things we're going to do here in this state is change our education system, where the State University of New York is going to offer specialized training in tandem with the manufacturers so that you can go to school and come out as a Nissan-certified technician or a Honda-certified technician or a BMW technician," Governor Cuomo said. "We have over 75,000 technician jobs that are good jobs, high-paying jobs, and we want to educate New Yorkers for those jobs right here in New York. This new task force will set us on that path." 

Many current vocational programs offer a generalized technician program, however training that is more specific offers benefits to both students and companies. Typically, auto manufacturers require a unique training program to teach prospective technicians how to work on their vehicles. This work is currently happening at several SUNY schools where they are working with automotive companies like Subaru, Tesla and Toyota.

We have over 75,000 technician jobs that are good jobs, high-paying jobs, and we want to educate New Yorkers for those jobs right here in New York. This new task force will set us on that path said Governor Cuomo.

The Task Force will convene stakeholders from the automotive, labor, manufacturing and academic arenas to address the following areas in the marketplace:

• Improve the current automotive technician curricula at the secondary and higher education levels to ensure it is keeping pace with technology;
• Identify and improve current training models and facilities to ensure they reflect modern workforce needs;
• Replicate and scale best practices and educational models to reach dealers and potential technicians in online space;
• Develop and implement professional development programs for teachers and college professors to ensure they are aligned with market needs;
• Create new veteran and women specific campaigns to broaden the diversity of the workforce;
• Develop and invest in new re-training programs and apprenticeships to enable new and older workers to continue their careers; and
• Explore options with correctional institutions to create an automotive technician reentry program.

Castle Hill Little League Easter Bash

President Christina Martinez of The Castle Hill Little League (with the Bunny Ears) and two of her officers from the organization. 

  The rain already stopped as the Castle Hill Little League Easter Bash began. It was inside the Gym of the Holy Cross School on Castle Hill Avenue where 100 children came to get a face tattoo, Easter photo, watch a magic show, and receive a basket full of fun from the Easter Bunny.  

Above - Gianna Maldonado gets her face tattoo put on.

Below - Tristan Diaz shows off his completed face tattoo.

Above - There was a magic show for the children.

Below - The Magician makes a bird appear in front of the children.

The Easter Bunny was on hand to help give each child a basket filled with fun.

Easter Bunny Visits Allerton Avenue

  The Easter Bunny was spotted on Allerton Avenue today in front of the Sanz located at 815 Allerton Avenue. With the Easter Bunny were the PS 89 Panther girls, local businesses and residents, and officers from the 49th Precinct to make sure the Easter Bunny was safe from those looking to have him for supper. 

Above - This Easter Bunny wanted to stay real close to officer Hernandez from the 49th Precinct.

Below - The Easter Bunny checks to see how he came out in the selfie.

Above - A group photo of the Easter Bunny, PS 89 Panther Girls, and the two NCO officers from the 49th Precinct.

Below - Even Grace Lovig felt like a kid again getting her picture with the Easter Bunny.

Members Of Violent Bronx Gang Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

Adonis Ramirez, a/k/a “Frenchie,” is Charged With Murder in Aid of Racketeering

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 11 members and associates of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew with various racketeering, firearms, and narcotics offenses, and charging an additional three defendants with narcotics and firearms offenses.  ADONIS RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Frenchie,” is also charged with a September 28, 2017, attack on Charles DelToro that resulted in DelToro’s death on October 4, 2017.

Eight of the defendants, ADONIS RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Crazy,” a/k/a “Locotron,” JONATHAN ESPINAL, a/k/a “Twin,” DERIAN DEL CARMEN, a/k/a “Mel,” ELVIN PEREZ, a/k/a “Choco,” YISANDER RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Bean,” MARIO DELOSSANTOS, and DANIEL GONZALEZ were taken into custody last night and this morning.  They will be presented and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses later today.  Five of the defendants, ADONIS RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Frenchie,” DAVID GARCIA, a/k/a “Clippa,” BRANDON ESTEVEZ, a/k/a “Boppy,” JONATHAN MALDONADO, a/k/a “Tego,” and LOUIS RIVERA are currently incarcerated in state custody on other charges, and will be presented at a later date.  JEFFREY ESTEVEZ, a/k/a “J,” was already in federal custody, having been previously charged in federal court with narcotics trafficking.  JOSUE SANCHEZ, a/k/a “V,” remains at large.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Deborah A. Batts.  

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, members of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew wreaked havoc in the Bronx, engaging in brazen acts of violence, including murder and multiple attempted murders, as well as narcotics trafficking.  Thanks to the extraordinary work of the NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

The 2200 Morris Avenue Crew was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in the Bronx.  Members and associates of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of their gang, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.  Members and associates of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew enriched themselves by selling drugs, such as heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana.  

The Indictment charges BRANDON ESTEVEZ, ADONIS RAMIREZ, GARCIA, RODRIGUEZ, ESPINAL, DEL CARMEN, JEFFREY ESTEVEZ, MALDONADO, PEREZ, YISANDER RAMIREZ, and SANCHEZ with participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  Count Two of the Indictment charges ADONIS RAMIREZ with the murder in aid of racketeering of Charles DelToro.  Counts Three and Four charge BRANDON ESTEVEZ, MALDONADO, and PEREZ with participating in an attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a shooting of a rival gang member on February 11, 2018, and a related firearms offense.  Counts Five and Six charge JEFFREY ESTEVEZ with participating in an attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a shooting on May 25, 2018, and a related firearms offense.  Count Seven charges DEL CARMEN, MALDONADO, and RODRIGUEZ with attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a stabbing that occurred on June 19, 2018.  Count Eight charges ESPINAL with attempted murder in aid of racketeering.  Counts Nine and Ten charge SANCHEZ, YISANDER RAMIREZ, GARCIA, and DEL CARMEN with attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a shooting that occurred on March 24, 2019, and a related firearms offense.  Count Eleven charges all of the defendants with a narcotics trafficking conspiracy.  Count Twelve charges all of the defendants with possessing and using firearms in furtherance of the narcotics trafficking conspiracy charged in Count Eleven. 

Charts containing the names, ages, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.  He also thanked the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their assistance in the investigation. 

The charges contained in the Indictments are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ (24) ADONIS RAMIREZ (24) DAVID GARCIA (19) ADONIS RODRIGUEZ (24) JONATHAN ESPINAL (25) DERIAN DEL CARMEN (23) BRANDON ESTEVEZ (24) JONATHAN MALDONADO  (22) ELVIN PEREZ (24) YISANDER RAMIREZ (21) JOSUE SANCHEZ (25)	Life in prison
2	Murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	ADONIS RAMIREZ	Death or mandatory minimum of life in prison
3	Attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO ELVIN PEREZ	10 years in prison
4	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearm was discharged 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO ELVIN PEREZ	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
5	Attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ	10 years in prison
6	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearm was discharged 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
7	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	DERIAN DEL CARMEN JONATHAN MALDONADO ADONIS RODRIGUEZ	20 years in prison
8	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	JONATHAN ESPINAL	20 years in prison
9	Attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	JOSUE SANCHEZ YISANDER RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA DERIAN DEL CARMEN	10 years in prison
10	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearm was discharged 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	JOSUE SANCHEZ YISANDER RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA DERIAN DEL CARMEN	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
11	Narcotics trafficking conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ ADONIS RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA ADONIS RODRIGUEZ JONATHAN ESPINAL DERIAN DEL CARMEN BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO  ELVIN PEREZ YISANDER RAMIREZ JOSUE SANCHEZ MARIO DELOSSANTOS (52) DANIEL GONZALEZ (22) LOUIS RIVERA (53)	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
12	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a narcotics trafficking crime 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ ADONIS RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA ADONIS RODRIGUEZ JONATHAN ESPINAL DERIAN DEL CARMEN BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO  ELVIN PEREZ YISANDER RAMIREZ JOSUE SANCHEZ MARIO DELOSSANTOS DANIEL GONZALEZ LOUIS RIVERA	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of five years in prison

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

Police-involved Shooting in the 34 Precinct, Upper Manhattan

The following information is preliminary and may be subject to change as the investigation progresses.

At approximately 4:30 p.m. April 18th, members of the 34th Precinct Anti-Crime Unit responded to a shots-fired call — which also caused a ShotSpotter activation — at 187th Street and Wadsworth Avenue, in the 3-4 Precinct. Upon arrival at that location, officers observed and approached a male who matched the description given in the 9-1-1 call. The suspect then runs with a gun in his hand, and an officer pursues on foot, leading to a parking lot on Broadway — north of 187th Street. The suspect then runs to the rear of the parking lot and takes a position behind the last parked car. Our officer takes cover behind a vehicle — three cars away. The suspect then fired three rounds at the police officer, who is struck in the right armpit. The wounded officer fires back one time. At the same time this is happening, the officer's partner, also a 3-4 Precinct Anti-Crime officer, drives his unmarked police car into the parking lot. He gets out and takes a position in front of the car. One bullet fired by the suspect goes past this officer and through the windshield of the police car. This second officer then fires three rounds at the suspect. The perpetrator was struck one time in the chest, and was transported to Columbia-Presbyterian — where he was pronounced deceased at 5:10 p.m. Our wounded officer was brought here to Mount Sinai-St. Luke's, where he is being treated and is currently in stable condition. We visited with the officer and his family just a few minutes ago. He is in good spirits, and the NYPD family stands ready to do all we can to assist in his full recovery.

Governor Cuomo Announces Bronx Civic Center as $10 Million New York City Region Winner of Second-Round Downtown Revitalization Initiative

State to Collaborate With New York City Regional Economic Development Council to Revitalize the Bronx Civic Center Downtown Neighborhood

Part of Governor's Comprehensive Approach to Transform Communities Into Vibrant Neighborhoods and Boost Local Economies

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the Bronx Civic Center neighborhood in the South Bronx will receive $10 million in funding and investments as the New York City winner of the second round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. As in the first round of the DRI, one downtown from each of the state's 10 regional economic development regions will be selected as that region's DRI winner and will benefit from $10 million in state investment to revitalize the area, marking another overall state goal to target $100 million in funding and investments to help communities identify catalytic downtown projects to boost the local economy. 

"Downtown revitalization is critical to strengthening our communities, driving business growth, and attracting and retaining the next generation of leaders in New York," Governor Cuomo said. "These investments in South Bronx will establish a solid foundation for continued growth throughout the region and provide stronger, more viable communities for generations to come."

The Bronx Civic Center neighborhood includes the area bounded by 144th Street on the south, 165th Street on the north, the Harlem River on the west and St. Ann's Avenue/East-Third Avenue on the east. Weighing the eight criteria below, the New York City Regional Economic Development Council reviewed the South Bronx's proposal for downtown revitalization, together with the proposals from other participant communities from the New York City region, before recommending the Bronx Civic Center neighborhood as its nominee for winner:

• The downtown should be compact, with well-defined boundaries;

• The municipality, or the downtown's catchment area, should be of sufficient size to support a vibrant, year-round downtown;

• The downtown is able to capitalize on prior or catalyze future private and public investment in the neighborhood and its surrounding areas;

• There should be recent or impending job growth within, or in close proximity to the downtown that can attract workers to the downtown, support redevelopment and make growth sustainable;

• The downtown must be an attractive and livable community for diverse populations of all ages, including existing residents, millennials and skilled workers;

• The municipality should already embrace or have the ability to create and implement policies that increase livability and quality of life, including the use of local land banks, modern zoning codes and parking standards, complete streets plans, energy efficient projects, green jobs, and transit-oriented development; 

• The municipality should have conducted an open and robust community engagement process resulting in a vision for downtown revitalization and a preliminary list of projects and initiatives that may be included in a DRI strategic investment plan; and

• The municipality has identified transformative projects that will be ready for implementation with an infusion of DRI funds within the first one to two years.

The Bronx Civic Center neighborhood second-round DRI win entitles the area to benefit from $10 million in state funding and investments that will revitalize the area and generate new opportunities for long-term growth. The Bronx Civic Center neighborhood in the South Bronx now joins Jamaica, Queens, which was the New York City region's winner in the first DRI round.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, "These investments in South Bronx will establish a solid foundation for continued growth throughout the region and provide stronger, more viable communities for generations to come."

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul said, "This begins a new chapter in the Bronx Civic Center area's economic success story. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative award will infuse one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country with new energy, bolstering connectivity between neighborhoods, job creation and improved quality of life. I look forward to seeing this vibrant area of the Bronx thrive."

ESD President, CEO, and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "With its rich diversity, emerging markets, and strong community-driven development, the South Bronx is prime for vibrant, local economic growth and this Downtown Revitalization Initiative will catalyze that momentum and bring much-needed resources to the South Bronx." 

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said, "As a lifelong resident of this vibrant community, I know firsthand that the Bronx is one of the New York's greatest treasures. After years of championing transformative investments, I am excited to see the changes and opportunities that we have been able to provide for our families and visitors. Today, with this downtown revitalization award we will usher in the next wave of growth that will make the Bronx a better home and destination for all to enjoy." 

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo said, "This critical funding will help the economic renaissance that this region has seen to new heights. By investing in our neighborhoods, we will help push our borough's commerce and economic growth to new levels. I thank Governor Cuomo for being a staunch ally to New Yorkers and for investing in our communities, helping them to thrive for years to come."

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. said, "The Downtown Revitalization Initiative is designed to transform traditional downtown neighborhoods into even more vibrant communities. This program will help shape the future of the South Bronx, and make the communities surrounding this institution and others even greater places to live, work and raise families. With this funding, the South Bronx will have the opportunity to reach its full potential using community-based efforts to strengthen our neighborhoods. My office greatly appreciates Governor Cuomo's continued commitment to The Bronx, and I look forward to working with local stakeholders to implement this DRI."

Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, "Thanks to the Governor's Downtown Revitalization Initiative and the dedication of Bronx leaders who helped secure this funding, our neighborhoods will receive the attention and investments they need to develop and thrive. This $10 million award will help our community provide stronger neighborhoods and a more robust economy for the next generation."

Michael Brady, Executive Director, Third Avenue Business Improvement District / former Master Planner, South Bronx, said, "Working collaboratively to revitalize our downtowns is the cornerstone of forward thinking economic development policy. The Governor's initiative, combined with the work of local Bronx officials and South Bronx community based organizations, like the Third Avenue Business Improvement District, strengthens the economic fabric of our neighborhoods and provides an entry point for small businesses to thrive. The Third Avenue District is the heart of the South Bronx commercial corridor and is delighted to have the opportunity to work hand in hand with State and Bronx leaders to transform the Bronx's oldest commercial district." 

Bronx Civic Center 

The South Bronx is one of New York City's most rapidly evolving areas. Neighborhoods like Mott Haven, Concourse Village, Melrose and Morrisania have undergone dramatic, grassroots and community driven transformation. The South Bronx is booming with private and public investments in affordable housing, cultural facilities, retail and other sectors.  Many local policies enabled this growth of activity, such as the South Bronx Initiative and Melrose Retail Strategy, and the resultant Lower Concourse rezoning. The Downtown Revitalization Initiative will harness this energy by focusing on the Bronx Civic Center area, the heart of the Bronx that ties these diverse neighborhoods like the Hub and 149th Street and the Grand Concourse by Hostos Community College together. The strategic investment plan and DRI investment will spark waves of additional economic activity, uplift a lower-income community, and demonstrate best practices in protecting the economically vulnerable from residential displacement.

A Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize the Bronx Civic Center will now be developed with up to $300,000 in planning funds from the $10 million DRI grant. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders, and other stakeholders will lead the plan development process, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan for the Bronx Civic Center will examine local assets and opportunities and identify economic development, transportation, housing, and community projects that align with the community's vision for downtown revitalization and that are poised for implementation. The Bronx Civic Center Strategic Investment Plan, as well as the plans developed by the other nine DRI winners, will guide the investment of DRI grant funds in revitalization projects that will advance the community's vision for its downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state's $10 million investment. Plans for DRI's second round will be complete in early 2018.  

For more information on the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, go to: www.ny.gov/programs/downtown-revitalization-initiative

Attorney General James Leads Multistate Coalition In Ongoing Efforts To Protect Critical JAG Funding

  Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of six other Attorneys General in filing a brief in her suit against the Trump administration’s efforts to punish so-called “sanctuary” jurisdictions by putting immigration-related conditions on the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant program (Byrne JAG), a federal law enforcement grant.  

“The federal government does not have the authority to unilaterally strip funding from local law enforcement for political gain,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “Our cities and states know best how to protect those in their jurisdiction and should not be strong-armed into enforcing policies that will only work to undermine public safety and security. We will continue to fight against these political attacks and ensure our communities are protected.” 

In November 2018, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled in favor of New York and the other plaintiff States in the suit, concluding that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) lacks the authority to condition these vital public safety funds on compliance with the new immigration-related conditions. The District Court also permanently enjoined DOJ from imposing the new conditions on the Byrne JAG awards, and directed DOJ to restore the nearly $25 million in FY 2017 Byrne JAG grants that New York and other plaintiff States were entitled to by federal statute, without the unlawful immigration-related conditions. The Trump administration appealed that decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. 

The other plaintiffs represented in the suit include the Attorneys General of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Washington. 

NATIONAL PUERTO RICAN DAY PARADE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MAKES INITIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS  ON ITS PLANS FOR THE 2019 CELEBRATION

Loíza is honored municipality in Puerto Rico, and Houston is honored stateside community Chi-Chi Rodríguez to attend the Parade’s 4thAnnual Golf Outing  to raise funds for the NPRDP Scholarship Program Groups interested in participating in Parade and 152nd Street Cultural Festival can apply online at NPRDPinc.org

With just under two months before this year’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade (NPRDP) marches up New York’s Fifth Avenue, the Board of Directors made its first set of announcements about to the 2019 cultural celebration. This year’s Parade is dedicated to the municipality of Loíza, in Puerto Rico, which is celebrating the tricentennial of its founding, in 2019. Located approximately 15 miles to the east of San Juan, and home to a population of 30,000 loiceños, Loiza boasts a rich, heritage of predominantly Afro-Puerto Rican influence whose customs and traditions that have added dimension and diversity to the broader Puerto Rican identity and experience. “We Loiceños are honored to receive this distinction from the Puerto Rican community in the diaspora, said the mayor of Loíza, the honorable Julia M. Nazario Fuentes. “We are preparing a magnificent sample of our cultural attractions for the Parada, as an important part of the celebration of the 300 years of the founding of the parish of Loíza; although the settlement of our ancestors on the banks of the Rio Grande de Loíza dates back to even longer ago. This summer will be spectacular, with the rumble of Bombain the streets of New York. We hope to see you all en La Quinta!” Joining Loíza in this year’s dedications is the PuertoRican community in Houston, Texas, selected as the 2019 Honored Stateside Community. Houston is home to Texas’ largest Puerto Rican community, roughly 25,000 people that account for 25% the state’s Puerto Rican population. Primarily a mix of people coming directly from Puerto Rico and others that relocated from New York, Houston’s Puerto Rican community has along history of achieving distinction in many fields, including medicine, education, engineering and public administration.  “We are thrilled that the NPRDP has chosen to highlight the Houston Puerto Rican community in this year’s Parade,” said Nicolás Kanellos, Director of Arte Público Press and leader of the Houston delegation. “Among those in the contingent representing Houston in the parade will be Puerto-Rico born soprano and Artistic Advisor for the Houston Grand Opera, Ana María Martínez, the highest appointed public official, Edgardo Colón, and a float with a number of the writers Arte Público Press publishes.” Kicking off the 2019 NPRDP event calendar is the annual golf outing, which is dedicated to former professional golfer and 8-time PGA champion, Juan Antonio “Chi Chi” Rodríguez. Recognized as the first Puerto Rican to be inducted to the World Golf Hall of Fame, Mr. Rodríguez will be honored as one of the Parade’s Lifetime Achievement Honorees. The 2019 NPRDP Chi Chi Rodríguez Golf Outing will take place on Thursday, May 9 at Pelham Bay Golf Course, 870 Shore Road in the Bronx, beginning at 11:15am. Details on participation, sponsorship and the day’s agenda are available on the “Golf Outing Page” of the Parade website, NPRDPinc.org/golf-outing.   The NPRDP is now accepting participant applications for the 2019 Parade. The Board of Directors welcomes groups interested in celebrating Puerto Rican culture, history and traditions, and all contingents and floats must have cultural elements as part of their presentation. Those interested in participating should visit the “Floats & Contingents” page on the Parade website, NPRDPinc.org/floats, for additional details and instructions for completing an online application.  Applications are also being accepted for artisans, community groups, vendors and sponsors wanting to participate in the 152ndStreet Cultural Festival on Saturday, on May 25 from 11am to 5pm. Set on the corner of 152ndStreet and Jackson Avenue in the Bronx, the family-friendly festival will featurelive musical performances, dancing, celebrity appearances and a children’s pavilion with arts & crafts, storytelling, and face painting. Additional event details and instructions for completing an online vendor application can be found be found at NPRDPinc.org/152nd-street-festival.  The 2019 National Puerto Rican Day Parade will take place on New York City’s Fifth Avenue from E 43rd Street to E 79th St, Sunday June 9, starting at 11am. The celebration will be broadcast live on WABC-TV (Channel 7 in NYC) and streamed online at www.abc7ny.com. The television broadcast will begin at 12pm through 4pm. For more information about the Parade and the NPRDP Scholarship Program, visit www.nprdpinc.org.