Governor Hochul Announces Swimming at Jones Beach and Wading at Robert Moses State Parks to Resume

Two Long Island State Park Beaches Reauthorize Ocean Access After Dangerous Surf Conditions Ease; Localized Restrictions May Be in Place If Warranted by Surf Conditions

Swimming at Hither Hills State Park Remains Prohibited Due to Proximity to Hurricane Erin and Continued Dangerous Surf Conditions

New Yorkers Encouraged To Sign Up for Emergency Alerts via NY-Alert To Receive Real-Time Weather and Emergency Alerts During Hurricane Season  

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced swimming will resume at Jones Beach State Park and knee-level wading at Robert Moses State Park now that rough surf conditions and flooding resulting from Hurricane Erin have mostly subsided. Visitors may encounter restrictions in place at individual beach locations if there are unsafe localized conditions.

“We are are glad to reopen swimming at Jones Beach now that most conditions have improved, but surf conditions remain a concern at Robert Moses State Park where only knee-level wading will be permitted due to strong undercurrents and rip currents forming, and unsafe conditions persist at Hither Hills State Park where swimming will continue to be prohibited,” Governor Hochul said. “Sincere gratitude goes out to our emergency services teams for their response efforts and to beachgoers for their understanding.”

State park lifeguards and staff will continue the responsible monitoring of potentially dangerous surf, rip currents and coastal flooding over the weekend. Additionally, officials ask visitors to remain cautious and abide by any restrictions in place at various beach field locations within Jones Beach and Robert Moses. Timing for the reopening of swimming at Hither Hills State Park remains uncertain as the park’s proximity to Hurricane Erin creates unsafe surf conditions for swimming.

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Our teams on Long Island, including staff, lifeguards and Park Police, have approached this week’s extreme weather event with the utmost professionalism and care. They put our patrons’ safety first. While we are eager to have safe swimming resume at Jones Beach and wading at Robert Moses, State Parks continues to urge beachgoers to remain alert in the water and follow guidance from lifeguards and park staff.”

For information on swimming at state parks across New York, visit parks.ny.gov/recreation/swimming.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Emergency Alerts via NY-Alert for real-time weather and emergency alerts at alert.ny.gov.

 

Permits Filed for 632 Eagle Avenue in Melrose, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 632 Eagle Avenue in Melrose, The Bronx. Located between East 156th Street and Westchester Avenue, the interior lot is near the Jackson Avenue subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Israel Tishler of Revamp NYC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 40-foot-tall development will yield 7,176 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 11 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 652 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a 20-foot-long rear yard.

Ariel Golshan of AG Engineering is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

DHS Condemns Rioters’ Violent Assault on ICE Law Enforcement in San Francisco

 

DHS arrests U.S. citizen who assaulted ICE officers and threatened law enforcement yelling at agents, “I’m going to go after your family,” and “I’m going to stab you.”

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement after a group of 15-20 violent rioters in San Francisco, California assaulted, grabbed, punched, and pepper sprayed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement. 

On August 20, ICE agents were conducting targeted immigration enforcement at 100 Montgomery Street. As law enforcement attempted to carry out its sworn duties, anti-ICE rioters surrounded and assaulted four federal agents outside the building. The agents sustained injuries from pepper spray deployed by rioters and a jammed finger.  

One individual, Adrian Guerrero—a U.S. citizen—was charged with assaults and destruction of federal property. According to court filings, Guerrero slashed the tire of a government vehicle and threatened to stab a law enforcement officer.

While standing arms length from the officer, Guerrero made repeated threats against stating: “I’m going to f**k you up,” “I’m going to go after your family,” and “I’m going to stab you.” 

At the time of his arrest, Guerrero was in possession of the black knife and the patterned headscarf and orange-tinged goggles visible in the attack. 

“Our brave ICE law enforcement are now facing a 1000% increase in assaults against them as they risk their lives to arrest the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens. These acts of violence are fueled by sanctuary politicians' rhetoric vilifying our law enforcement,” said Secretary Noem. “We will not and have not let this violence stop us or slow us down. Everyday our law enforcement continues to enforce the law and arrest the most depraved criminals including pedophiles, terrorists, murderers, gang members, and sexual predators.”

U.S. Federal Protective Services and San Francisco PD were notified and appeared on the scene to help clear the area. 

The Trump administration is once again implementing the rule of law. DHS encourages Americans with a commitment to public safety, national service, and upholding the rule of law to apply today to jumpstart a fulfilling career in federal law enforcement with ICE: join.ice.gov.

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Governor Hochul Announces Continued Swimming Suspension on Long Island Ocean Beaches

Swimming Remains Prohibited at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills State Parks After Damage and Unsafe Conditions from Hurricane Erin

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that swimming remains prohibited at Atlantic Ocean state park beaches on Long Island. Unsafe surf conditions resulting from Hurricane Erin continue. There is also considerable beachfront flooding which requires beach facilities to begin floodwater assessment and removal.

“Safety is New York’s top priority and during this hurricane season, we must ensure that beachgoers aren’t put in harm’s way,” Governor Hochul said. “While Hurricane Erin has left the area, we are unfortunately unable to lift restrictions due to flooding and rough surf along our Long Island coast. We hope to resume swimming in the coming days once conditions improve.”

State Park lifeguards and staff found potentially dangerous high surf, rip currents, coastal flooding and beach erosion earlier this week and determined conditions were not safe for swimming. After continued monitoring, it was determined to not resume swimming at Robert Moses, Jones Beach, and Hither Hills State Parks. All three Atlantic Ocean beaches experienced significant tide levels, with extensive flooding at the Jones Beach beachfront and areas at Robert Moses and Hither Hills.     

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “I’m grateful for the quick and extensive beach and water assessment and monitoring from our Long Island regional staff, lifeguards and Park Police that keep our visitors safe. We urge park visitors to follow all directions from lifeguards and park staff as we continue to assess flood damage and dangerous swimming conditions.”

 

Teacher’s Aide at New York City Public School Charged With Child Pornography Offenses

Defendant Possessed Thousands of Videos and Photographs Depicting Sexual Abuse of Children 

At the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Alejandro F. Santos was arraigned on an indictment charging him with transportation of child pornography and possession of child pornography.  Santos was arrested on a complaint in July 2025.  At the time of his arrest, Santos was employed by the New York City Department of Education as a teacher’s aide at a public school in the Bronx for children with disabilities.  This proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Vera M. Scanlon. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI New York), and Francis J. Russo, Director of New York Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), announced the charges. 

“The defendant, who held a position of trust as a teacher’s aide in a New York City elementary school, is charged with possessing photos and videos depicting horrific sexual abuse of children,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “Our Office is committed to identifying and prosecuting individuals like the defendant who possess such images, which contribute to the depraved market for child pornography and the victimization of vulnerable minors.”

“The details of Alejandro Santos’ alleged crimes are among every parent’s worst nightmare. This defendant worked closely with young kids nearly every day over the course of 23 years. Protecting minors from individuals like this defendant is not only paramount, it’s personal. I implore any person who believes they have information related to crimes involving Santos to contact authorities as soon as possible,” stated HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Patel.

“This case underscores the vital role CBP plays in identifying potential criminal activity during border inspections,” stated CBP Director Russo. “Our officers are dedicated to protecting the public, safeguarding our children from exploitation, and collaborating with partner agencies to ensure thorough investigations are conducted.”

As alleged in court filings, on July 15, 2025, Santos arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport on a flight from the Dominican Republic. While proceeding through customs, Santos was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers pursuant to a law enforcement alert based on information that the defendant was likely in possession of child sex abuse material.  Santos was escorted to an inspection area and provided the officers with his iPhone.  A subsequent examination of that phone revealed thousands of photographs, videos and other files depicting the sexual exploitation of children, including infants and toddlers.  Santos has worked for the New York City Department of Education for 23 years.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of transporting of child sexual abuse material, Santos faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment and maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. 

Anyone with information about criminality involving the defendant should contact HSI New York at hsinyhumanexploitation@hsi.dhs.gov

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Watson Morgan

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the deaths of Bronxville Police Department (BPD) Sergeant Watson Morgan, his wife, Ornela Morgan, and their two sons, who were pronounced dead on December 30, 2023 in New City, Rockland County. After a thorough investigation, which included a review of physical and forensic evidence, including ballistics analysis, OSI concluded that Sergeant Morgan was solely responsible for the deaths of himself, Ornela Morgan, and their two sons. Therefore, OSI has no basis to seek charges against any living person.

At approximately 12:16 a.m. on December 30, 2023, a BPD Lieutenant called the Clarkstown Police Department (CPD) for a welfare check on Sergeant Morgan after he did not show up for his scheduled 11:30 p.m. shift on December 29. Upon arrival at Sergeant Morgan’s house, CPD officers found the lights on and the window blinds closed. Officers knocked on the front door, got no response, and entered the home through the unlocked front door. When officers entered the home, they discovered the bodies of Sergeant Morgan, Ornela Morgan, and their two sons.

A full review of the evidence supports the conclusion that Sergeant Morgan was solely responsible for the deaths of himself, Ornela Morgan, and their two sons. There was no evidence of forced entry to the home, and no evidence indicating that any other person was involved. Officers recovered four shell casings and a pistol in the house registered to Sergeant Morgan. Ballistic evidence was consistent with Sergeant Morgan’s pistol, and DNA evidence confirmed Sergeant Morgan’s DNA on the pistol. Therefore, OSI concluded there is no basis on which to seek charges against any living person in this matter.

Former California Superior Court Judge Charged with Sexual Assault and Obstruction Offenses

 

The Justice Department announced that a federal grand jury in Fresno, California, returned a five-count indictment charging former California Superior Court Judge Adolfo Corona, 66, with federal offenses for sexually assaulting a 33-year-old court employee (Victim 1), making false statements to cover up the assault, and with obstructing the investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted a 43-year-old court employee (Victim 2) in his chambers.

The indictment alleges that on March 14, 2024, Corona, while serving as a California Superior Court Judge, led Victim 1 into a courthouse stairwell where he sexually assaulted her. The indictment further alleges that Corona, during separate interviews with the FBI and court administrators, made false statements about the circumstances of his assault on Victim 1. Additionally, the indictment alleges that Corona obstructed the investigation into allegations that he sexually assaulted Victim 2. Corona was alone with Victim 2 in his chambers for approximately two hours on Dec. 5, 2023, and she was later found alone in the judge’s chambers after being passed out. The indictment charges that Corona falsely told the FBI that he left Victim 2 alone in his chambers while he drove to pick up a motorcycle. It also charges that Corona attempted to persuade a motorcycle dealership employee to change company records to falsely reflect that he had picked up his motorcycle in order to corroborate his alibi.

If convicted, Corona faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the sexual assault charge and 20 years on each of the obstruction charges. A federal judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant for the Eastern District of California, and Special Agent in Charge Siddhartha Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office made the announcement.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar for the Eastern District of California and Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Biweekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS CSG EAST 64TH ANNUAL MEETING & REGIONAL POLICY FORUM

This week, Senator Rivera attended The Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference 64th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum in Providence, Rhode Island. This conference is the largest gathering of state officials in the East. During the forum, these officials explored in depth a vast array of policy areas, including agriculture and rural development, education and workforce development, energy and environment, health, housing, among other important issues.

During the conference, Senator Rivera moderated a number of expert-led panel discussions including one that focused on consolidation and private equity in healthcare, as well as delivering opening remarks at a Luncheon Plenary where the primary care crisis facing our country was discussed.

This week, Senator Rivera attended The Council of State Governments Eastern Regional Conference 64th Annual Meeting and Regional Policy Forum in Providence, Rhode Island. This conference is the largest gathering of state officials in the East. During the forum, these officials explored in depth a vast array of policy areas, including agriculture and rural development, education and workforce development, energy and environment, health, housing, among other important issues.

During the conference, Senator Rivera moderated a number of expert-led panel discussions including one that focused on consolidation and private equity in healthcare, as well as delivering opening remarks at a Luncheon Plenary where the primary care crisis facing our country was discussed.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, and State Senator James Skoufis, Chair of the Senate Committee on Investigations and Government Operations held the much anticipated joint public hearing on the CDPAP transition to a single fiscal intermediary.

During the hearing, Senator Rivera questioned a number of stakeholders including the New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald and representatives of PPL, the Single Fiscal Intermediary chosen by the Executive about the series of decisions that led to such a disastrous transition. Senator Rivera also heard from workers and consumers who have been terribly impacted by this process.

Read the New York Times coverage of yesterday's hearing here.

SENATOR RIVERA HOLDS COMMUNITY VIGIL IN MEMORY OF 14-YEAR OLD ANGEL MENDOZA

Senator Rivera held a very moving vigil in memory of 14-year-old Angel Miguel Mendoza who died in a terrible attack on August 5 at the Williamsbridge Oval. Alongside Angel's loving family, fellow colleagues, and community members, we came together to mourn the heartbreaking loss of Angel, show our support to his family in their time of grief, and respectfully voice our opposition to the violence that took the life of a promising young Bronxite.

Echoing the demands of his community in the wake of this tragedy, Senator Rivera recently wrote a letter to the NYC Parks Department Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa urging the agency to prioritize the installation of security cameras with the funding he secured last year. Read the letter here.

While the Senator is relieved that arrests have been made in connection with this terrible incident, he recognizes that we all must do more to keep our community safe and prevent such violence before it occurs.

Last week, Senator Rivera held his 12th Annual Back-to-School Fair at St. James Park! He distributed over 600 backpacks to the children in attendance, and both parents and kids received resources and services from many community organizations. A huge thank you to all the amazing sponsors and partners for making this event such a success, and to our amazing guest, our Democratic Mayoral nominee, Zohran Mamdani for stopping by.

Senator Rivera will host two additional Pop-Up Giveaways at Pelham Bay Houses on Wednesday, August 27 starting at 3PM, and at Poe Park on Thursday, August 28 starting at 3PM. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Last week Senator Rivera stopped by Niño de la Caridad Foundation’s Annual Back to School Block Party! He distributed more backpacks to children in his district and met NYCFC forward Malachi Jones. Best wishes to him and the team for the reminder of the season!

 Last week, Senator Rivera sat with BronxNet Today's Verdict host David Lesch to discuss his bill S.6226, which will provide training to day care inspectors and staff overseeing such facilities to ensure they can identify controlled substances.

This bill he sponsors with fellow Health Chair, Assemblymember Amy Paulin, is in response to the tragic death of one-year-old Nicolas Feliz Dominici at a local daycare center in 2023. The bill passed both houses this year and is awaiting Governor Hochul's signature to make it law.

You can watch the full interview here.

Starting in the 2025-26 school year, personal internet-enabled devices—like  smartphones, tablets, and smart watches—cannot be used during the school day, as required by state law. This change helps reduce distractions and encourages deeper participation in class, so students can stay engaged from bell to bell.

Schools must provide direct contact information for school staff, so parents can contact their child in case of an emergency. Students can use their devices when traveling to and from school, but they must have them turned off and stored during the school day.

Your school must provide at least one way to store devices, such as lockers or other holders.

There are exceptions to the policy, including if:

 The device is needed for medical reasons.

 The student has caretaker responsibilities.

 Their Individual Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan requires access.

Visit schools.nyc.gov/DevicePolicy to learn more about this new policy.

Today on Talking Politics Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato

 

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_em5XEHIBtQ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_em5XEHIBtQ) 

This week's guest is Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato on her reelection bid for the 13th City Council seat, Trump - Putin - Ukraine, Manmdani - Cuomo, who will be the next City Council speaker, Citibike to check the age of riders, and is New York City in a condom shortage, live at 12 PM or anytime on YouTube at the link above. 

CITY LEADERS SOUND ALARM OVER ADAMS ADMINISTRATION CUTTING HEADCOUNT FOR NYPD OVERSIGHT

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams are sounding the alarm about the Adams’ administration’s lack of staff at the Office of the Inspector General for the NYPD. The office, created through a law sponsored by the two leaders over a decade ago, has been cut from 37 employees in 2017 down to as few as 3 as of August 2025.

In a letter to the mayor, the two leaders decried this drastic reduction, saying that “As members of the City Council at the time, we co-sponsored Local Law 70 of 2013, which created the OIG-NYPD with the goal of empowering an independent office to scrutinize NYPD policies, practices, and procedures, particularly where civil rights and liberties are concerned. That mission remains as vital today as it was at the time of the office’s founding…With only three positions filled, OIG-NYPD’s capacity to conduct independent investigations and issue timely findings has been severely undermined.”

In FY 2022, the office had a headcount of 19 - still only half of what it was budgeted for in that year. Correlating to the drop in staff has been a substantial reduction in output – last year, the office released just one substantive, non-legally required report. 

These findings come after a January oversight hearing on the Inspector General’s office held by Council Member Gale A. Brewer, chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations, details of which can be found here. In July, Council Member Brewer passed legislation designed to get a clearer picture of what’s limiting the OIG’s work on police oversight through new reporting requirements.

The officials note that the NYPD oversight has been reduced far more than similar investigative bodies. OIG-NYPD, which operates within DOI, has faced far steeper cuts than the agency overall. Since January 2022, DOI’s budgeted headcount dropped by 33% and its filled headcount by 18.9%, with its budget reduced from $31.67 million to $26.2 million. Over the same period, OIG-NYPD saw a 49% cut to budgeted headcount and an 84.2% drop in filled positions.

In light of this deeply troubling trend, the leaders pose questions to the administration including:

• What accounts for the sharp decline in filled positions at OIG-NYPD since January 2022, and why has the office experienced a higher attrition rate than other DOI inspector general offices
• What steps has DOI taken to recruit, onboard, and retain staff within OIG-NYPD?
• Does DOI plan to restore or expand the number of filled and budgeted positions for OIG-NYPD in future budget cycles?
• How does DOI determine what constitutes an appropriate number of budgeted positions for OIG-NYPD in relation to the size and complexity of the NYPD?

The full letter is available here.  

HAPPENING TOMORROW: Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.'s Family Fun Day & Back To School Giveaway is BACK

 

Friends,

Even though summer is winding down, it doesn't mean that the fun has to end!

Join me, and Team JZ, TOMORROW for a FREE Family Fun Day and Back-To-School Giveaway. There will be FREE games, fun for all ages, and FREE backpacks for your child*!

Here are the details:

WHEN: Saturday, August 23, 2025 (TOMORROW)

WHERE: Bronx Park East - Ben Abrams Playground (Lydig Ave and Bronx Park East)

TIME: 11am - 4pm

Looking forward to spending an afternoon together as we close out another incredible Bronx summer.

In Gratitude, 

John Zaccaro, Jr