Attorney General James Reminds New Yorkers to be Cautious in Charitable Giving for Los Angeles Wildfire Relief

 

AG James Urges New Yorkers to Beware of Sham Charities and Make Sure They Are Giving to Trustworthy Organizations

New York Attorney General Letitia James provided guidance to New Yorkers looking to support relief efforts as wildfires continue to burn across the greater Los Angeles area. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) warns that New Yorkers should be wary of sham charities attempting to take advantage of their concern and encourages everyone to take steps to ensure they are giving to legitimate charitable organizations. 

“In the midst of terrible natural disasters such as the wildfires impacting the greater Los Angeles area, scammers often take advantage of generous acts in exchange for personal gain,” said Attorney General James. “While it is inspiring to see so many New Yorkers eager to help, I encourage them to be cautious of sham charities that prey on people’s generosity and ensure that they are giving to trustworthy organizations and groups. We will continue to do everything we can to support victims of this terrible tragedy and I urge anyone who experiences any issues when donating to contact my office.”

Fraudulent organizations can try to take advantage of New Yorkers’ good intentions, especially following natural disasters. Given the significant impact of wildfires, it is essential for New Yorkers to be informed as they seek to help. The OAG offers the following tips to ensure donations are safe and effective:

• Solicited by Email? Find Out Who Is Soliciting. If you receive a solicitation by email, find out who is behind that email address. Contact the charity whose name is in the email or visit its website to find out if the email is really from the charity. Do not give personal information or your credit card number in response to an email solicitation unless you have checked out the charity. 
• Be Careful When Giving Through Social Media or Other Fundraising Sites. Before giving through social media or fundraising sites, research the identity of the organizer of the fundraising efforts and ask the same questions you would of a charity. Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes may not thoroughly vet those who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should take a close look at the site’s FAQs and Terms and Conditions to see what fees will be charged. Also, don’t assume that charities recommended on social media sites, blogs, or other websites have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself to confirm that the charity is aware of the campaign and has given its approved permission for the use of its name or logo. If available, sign up for updates from the campaign organizer to keep abreast of how contributions to the campaign are being spent.
• Check Before Giving. Donate to charities you are familiar with and carefully review information about the charity before you give. Check a website like https://disasterphilanthropy.org/ to find out which charities are at the aid forefront. Most charities are required to register and file financial reports with OAG's Charities Bureau if they solicit contributions from New Yorkers. Check OAG’s website for financial reports of charities or ask the charity directly for its reports. 
• Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and individuals your donation will support. Find out more than just the cause. Find out what organization or entity will receive the money and what programs it conducts or what services it provides. Find out how much of the organization’s budget supports its mission. All charities have administrative expenses, but be wary if these costs outweigh the amount spent on relief.
• Look Into Newly Formed Organizations Carefully. Often, in the aftermath of tragedies, new organizations emerge to meet community needs. While most of these organizations are well-intentioned, and some may provide innovative forms of assistance, some may not have the experience or infrastructure to follow through on their promises, and some may turn out to be scams.
• Exercise Caution Before You Text a Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message.
• Don't Give Cash. Give directly to the charity either by check made payable to the
  organization or through the charity's website.
• Be Careful About Personal Information. Be cautious before giving credit card or personal information over the phone, by text message, or via the internet. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization to which you give such information and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.
• Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work or that a fundraising or charitable scam is taking place, please file a complaint with the Charities Bureau, or call 212-416-8401. 

Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Proposes First-in-the-Nation Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters

Command Headquarters Will Unite and Support More than 100 Local, State and Federal Agencies

Under Governor’s Hochul’s Leadership, Funding for the State’s Crime Analysis Centers has Tripled and Expanded to 11 locations Across New York State

Governor Hochul Proposes Additional Funding To Expand Investments in Crime Prevention Technology and Equipment for Local Law Enforcement Agencies

As part of her 2025 State of the State agenda, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed creating the nation’s first-ever Crime Analysis Joint Special Operations Command (CA-JSOC) Headquarters to help fight crime and coordinate intelligence sharing among hundreds of local, state and federal law enforcement entities. Governor Hochul will propose expanded support for intelligence and agency coordination, and will secure additional funding for crime prevention technology and equipment to provide resources so local police departments and sheriffs’ offices can continue driving down crime in New York State, building off last year’s record funding for law enforcement technology.

“Public safety has been one of my top priorities since day one, and I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure that all New Yorkers and their families feel safe,” Governor Hochul said. “By prioritizing coordination, intelligence sharing and investing in the latest technology, we are ensuring law enforcement agencies across the state have the resources and tools they need to prevent crimes and safeguard the future of our state.”

Expand Support for Intelligence Sharing and Agency Coordination

The Crime Analysis Centers (CACs) are vital to crime prevention and public safety in New York, with staff responding to requests for services from local police and prosecutors and providing hot-spot analysis, real-time investigative support and other assistance to law enforcement statewide. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, CAC funding has tripled, and the network has grown to 11 centers, which are supported by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, since taking office Governor Hochul has made foundational investments in cybersecurity to help protect New Yorkers against growing digital threats. Governor Hochul established New York State’s Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC) to serve as a 24/7 cybersecurity hub to coordinate responses to cyber threats.

To build on these successes, Governor Hochul will propose creating the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters (CA-JSOC). This first-in-the-nation headquarters will unite and support more than 100 local, state and federal agencies to track crime trends, share intelligence, and coordinate responses in real time, further enhancing public safety across New York State.

Invest in Law Enforcement Technology Funding

Last year, Governor Hochul provided record funding for the Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) grants, supporting agencies statewide in acquiring critical technologies and equipment to enhance crime prevention. To ensure law enforcement partners continue to have access to the tools needed to protect New Yorkers and strengthen public safety, Governor Hochul will secure additional funding LETECH grants, which are administered by DCJS.

State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “I want to commend Governor Hochul for her continued investments in public safety. This new joint operations center expands on the close partnerships we have built with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, which is critically important as we fight the constantly evolving threats to public safety.”

The U.S. Department of Justice recently recognized the Crime Analysis Center Network with an Excellence in the Field of Criminal Justice Award, one of six presented by the federal agency. About 210 crime analysts, investigators and other law enforcement personnel – funded by DCJS or assigned by partner local, state, and federal agencies – staff the Centers located in Albany, Broome, Erie, Franklin, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, and Suffolk counties, and Manhattan. More than 350 law enforcement agencies in 59 counties allow the centers to access records management systems, which include arrests, reported crimes, accident reports, traffic tickets and other calls for service; domestic incident reports; parole and probation records; and public surveillance camera systems, among other data and information sources.

Staff at the Centers analyze and compile data and information in response to requests for service, providing real-time investigative support to officers as they are responding to reported crimes; analyses of emerging crime trends, crime patterns, and calls for service that inform officer and resource deployment; and detailed briefings that provide investigators with leads on specific cases they are handling. Their work has allowed law enforcement agencies to solve homicides, car thefts, retail crime rings, and remove illegal guns from communities across the State.

Last year, Governor Hochul announced that she secured $127 million to police departments and sheriffs’ offices outside of New York City for new technology and equipment to prevent and solve crimes and improve public safety. The Governor secured funding in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget to fund applications made by 378 law enforcement agencies.

Police departments and sheriffs’ offices are using the funding to purchase new technology and equipment to modernize their operations and more effectively solve and prevent crime. The grants support a variety of equipment and technology, including but not limited to license plate readers, mobile and fixed camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, software, unmanned aerial vehicles, gunshot detection devices and smart equipment for patrol vehicles and police officers. More than half of the total funding was used to support license plate readers (22 percent), body-worn and patrol vehicle equipment (20 percent), and public safety camera systems (17 percent).

About The Division of Criminal Justice Services

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the State's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; providing support to police agencies handling missing persons cases; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, formerly known as Twitter.

Wave Hill Weekly Events (Jan 30 – Feb 6) | Drop-In Sunday's & Digging into Science

 

The stillness of the crisp air gives us time to admire the small joys of life. Destress and become inspired in the small ways we care for ourselves and each other. Wave Hill invites you to hold space for the artists that turn to the beauty of the gardens as part of their creative process for their work and contribute your own unique perspective of nature around you! 

 

 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk  

Sun, Feb 2, 1:00PM – 2:00PM  

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required.     

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. 

 

 

Family:  

 

Family Art Project: Digging into the Science of George Washington Carver 

Sat, Feb 1, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Sun, Feb 2, 10:00AM – 1:00PM  

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

In honor of Black History Month, we’re learning about George Washington Carver, a black scientist who faced many challenges. We’ll find out how soil affects the food we eat by making colorful still-life creations using some of the things Carver studied, like dirt and dried beans. 

At 11:30am families can enjoy a storytime of ‘Black is A Rainbow Color’ by Angela Joy, in the Gund Theater, all ages welcome. 

 

 

Art: 

 

Winter Workspace 2025: Drop-In Sunday 

Sun, Feb 2, 1:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required 

The Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday series provides an opportunity for Wave Hill visitors to deepen their connection with the arts and their experience of the garden by learning how artists are drawing inspiration from our site. During this event, visitors can mingle with participating Workspace Artists in their studios, ask questions, and learn about their creative practice. Each Sunday a different group of three or more artists participates.  

This event is for visitors of all ages. 

 

 

Wellness: 

 

Forest Bathing in the Winter Landscape 

Sun, Feb 2, 12:00PM – 2:00PM 

Registration required.   

Bundle up and explore Wave Hill’s serene winter landscape using all your senses. Awaken your mind and body on a forest bathing walk through the winter gardens with certified nature therapy guide Cindy Olsen. Benefits include boosts to the immune system, cardiovascular strength-building, stress reduction, improvement to cognitive functioning, and deepening connections to nature and the self. This event is for adults only. 

 

Warming Winter Yoga 

Sun, Feb 2, 11:00AM – 12:00PM 

Registration encouraged. 

Join us for our first ever Winter Yoga series! Held in the beautiful space of Armor Hall, the flow of each session is inspired by the frosty winter weather. While sheltered and warm, we'll be surrounded by a panoramic view of our Conifer Slope and majestic trees, offering an inspiring winter backdrop. This new series is one you won't want to miss! 

 

 

WINTER HOURS STARTING NOV 1: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Shuttle Service Free from Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

The City of New York and Queens Borough Public Library Settle Federal Claims That the Hunters Point Branch Failed to Comply With the Americans With Disabilities Act

 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced a settlement agreement with the Queens Borough Public Library (QBPL) and the City of New York (the City) to resolve violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) at the Hunters Point Library Branch of the QBPL (the HPL Branch).   The ADA applies to QBPL because it is a “public accommodation” as defined by Title III of the ADA and to the City because it is a “public entity.” Title II and Title III of the ADA require that newly constructed public accommodations are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments.

“The design and construction of the Hunters Point Library Branch of the Queens Borough Public Library blatantly violated the ADA’s requirement that individuals with disabilities have equal access to public accommodations,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This settlement agreement ensures that access.  My Office will continue to enforce the ADA and its protections against discrimination for people with disabilities.”

The HPL Branch, located at 47-40 Center Boulevard in Long Island City, Queens, was designed by Steven Holl Architects pursuant to a contract with the City.  Construction was completed in the fall of 2019.  Among the library’s unique architectural features is a two-story high, five-tiered mezzanine area intended to house HPL’s periodical and adult fiction sections.  However, only the top and bottom tiers are accessible to individuals with mobility impairments, in violation of the ADA.

The United States conducted an ADA compliance review in December 2019 of the HPL Branch shortly after it opened.  That review identified approximately 95 violations of the ADA’s accessibility requirements which the City and QBPL have now agreed to remediate.  Among the work that the City and QBPL will perform is construction of a platform lift from the fifth tier to the fourth tier of the Mezzanine area and a skywalk/skybridge to the third tier.  The platform lift and skywalk/skybridge will provide stair-free access to the third and fourth tiers.  QBPL will not house any portion of the HPL collection on the second tier of the Mezzanine Tiers so long as that tier remains inaccessible to people with mobility disabilities. 

Additional remediation will include creating wheelchair accessible spaces in the children’s area and the rooftop terrace. Under the terms of the agreement, all remediation work will be completed within five years.

Former President of Asphalt Paving Company Pleads Guilty to Bid Rigging

 

Seventh Individual Pleads Guilty in Ongoing Investigation of Collusion Involving Michigan-Area Asphalt Industry

The former president of a Michigan asphalt paving company pleaded guilty for his role in a conspiracy to rig bids for asphalt paving services contracts in Michigan.

According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Timothy Baugher, former president of Pontiac-based Asphalt Specialists LLC (ASI), conspired with F. Allied Construction Company Inc. (Allied), and employees from those companies to rig bids in each other’s favor. Baugher participated in the conspiracy from July 2017 through May 2021.

This guilty plea is the 10th in the Antitrust Division’s ongoing investigation into collusion in the Michigan asphalt paving industry. Baugher’s former employer, ASI, and another former ASI executive also pleaded guilty for their participation in the conspiracy with Allied in January 2024. Allied and two of its executives previously pleaded guilty in August 2023 for their participation in the conspiracy. On Aug. 15, 2024, ASI was sentenced to pay a fine of $6,500,000.

Under the terms of the conspiracy, the co-conspirators coordinated each other’s bid prices so that the agreed-upon losing company would submit intentionally non-competitive bids. These bids gave customers the false impression of competition when, in fact, the co-conspirators already had decided among themselves who would win the contracts.

“Americans deserve to pay a fair, competitive price to fix transportation infrastructure,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The division and our law enforcement partners will continue to hold accountable executives who cheat consumers by undermining the competitive process.”

“Fair and open marketplace competition is essential in providing consumers and taxpayers the integrity expected in procuring contracts funded with public dollars” said Special Agent in Charge Anthony Licari of the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General, Midwestern Region. “Corporate executives who collude to fixing prices and rigging bids will be held accountable.”

“Activities related to bid-rigging and collusion do not promote an environment conducive to open competition which harms the consumer,” said Executive Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cleevely of the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. “The guilty plea in this case represents a win for all law enforcement agencies who investigate those who engage in this type of harmful conduct to ensure that justice is served."

Baugher pleaded guilty to one count of violating Section 1 of the Sherman Act. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $1 million criminal fine for the charge. The maximum penalty for corporations is a $100 million criminal fine. The fine may be increased to twice the gain derived from the crime or twice the loss suffered by the victims of the crime if either amount is greater than the statutory maximum fine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

This guilty plea resulted from an ongoing federal antitrust investigation into bid rigging and other anticompetitive conduct in the asphalt paving services industry being conducted by the Antitrust Division’s Chicago Office and the Offices of Inspectors General for the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Postal Service.

Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258 or visit www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.