ASSEMBLYMAN LUIS SEPULVEDA, SENATOR RUBEN DIAZ ANNOUNCE $4 MILLION IN SCHOOL FUNDING

   Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda and Senator Ruben Diaz today announced $4 million in funding for schools in their overlapping districts, and said they wished more schools had applied.

The money will go for a wide variety of classroom equipment, security cameras and much needed physical upgrades.

Sepulveda said that while his 87th Assembly District, covering mostly Parkchester, Castle Hill and West Farms, has a large number of schools, only 15 school principals met with him to discuss their school's needs and apply for the funding, through the State and Municipal Facilities Program.

"It is a shame that many other schools passed on this opportunity," said Sepulveda. "I hope that as we go into the next legislative session in Albany that more school principals will join in seeking funds on behalf of their students."

Sepulveda said a lion's share of the funding will go to buy laptop computers and Smart Boards for classrooms at the schools.

 

"We need to help our students learn to live in the new digital world," said Sepulveda. "That is so important not just for jobs, but for their future lives in general."

The Assemblyman added that "I can't imagine a classroom where a teacher still has to work with a blackboard and chalk, rather than a computer-connected Smart Board. That is shameful."

He noted that Mayor de Blasio recently announced the $81 million Computer Science for All educational initiative requiring all city public schools to office computer science to all students by 2025.

"Children in the Bronx and other poor neighborhoods across the city are in danger of being left behind in this rapidly changing digital society," said Senator Diaz.

 "I want to see the day come when the schools in my district receive the same funding and resources as children in more affluent districts across the city," said Diaz. "It is urgent that they are prepared to be competitive in the rapidly changing work place.We need to catch up now."

Both electeds thanked a number of school principals who attended the press conference for "their dedication and hard work on behalf of their students."

 

Assemblyman Sepulveda represents the 87th Assembly District covering Parkchester, Castle Hill, West Farms, Van Nest and Stratton Park.

Senator Diaz represents the 32nd Senate District covering Castle Hill, Parkchester, Morrisania, Hunts Point, Melrose, Longwood and Soundview.

SCHOOLS RECEIVING STATE FUNDING:

PS 119X, Principal Michelle Montana; PS 182, Principal Anne O'Grady; Bronx Community High School (08X377), Principal Flora Greenaway; Emolior Academy, Principal Michael Abbey; P.S. 138 The Samuel Randall School, Principal Jeanna  A. Dickerson.

The Parkchester School - PS 106, Principal Eugenia Montalvo; P.S. 36X, Principal Elvira Maresca;The Lorraine Hansberry Academy - Public School 214, Principal David Cintron; The Bronx Compass High School,Principal Brett Roer; The Antonia Pantoja Preparatory Academy.

 Principal Nalini Singh.

  J. H. S. 125 Henry Hudson, Principal Michael Collins; Blueprint Middle School, Principal Tyneka Harrington; Public School 47, Principal Thomas Guarnieri; Archer Elementary School PS 531, Principal Zakariah Haviland, and PS 6X- The West Farms School, Principal Tiawana Perez.

FREE BACK TO SCHOOL HAIR CUT State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, and the COBA

SENATOR JEFF KLEIN, ASSEMBLYMAN lUIS SEPULVEDA, AND COMUNILIFE’S – LIFE IS PRECIOUSTM PROGRAM HOLD LATINA TEEN SUICIDE PREVENTION ROUNDTABLE

  Senator Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, Dr. Rosa Gil CEO of Comunilife, Jennifer Humensky PhD. Research Director at Columbia University, Parents and Bronx School Counselors Come Together for Guidance Counselor Roundtable Discussion on Latina Teen Suicide

   State Senator Jeff  Klein, Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda, and Comunilife’s Life is Precious Program™ (LIP) hosted an expert panel and guidance counselor roundtable to raise awareness of the suicide epidemic for Latina teens, highlight early intervention measures, assess current state response and promote community-based, culturally sensitive solutions.

Senator Klein was joined by Comunilife President and CEO Dr. Rosa Gil, Jennifer Humensky PhD. NY Research Director of Center of Excellence in Cultural Competence at Columbia University, parents and Bronx school guidance counselors.

“One of the most important messages we can send to young people today, is that every life is precious,” said Senator Jeff Klein. “Comunilife’s LIP program works to ensure positive outcomes for generations of New Yorkers, providing vulnerable teen populations with invaluable resources to combat depression and most importantly, save lives. Today’s roundtable shows that when the community joins together, we can make real progress, affect positive change and help thousands of teens in need.”

“Today’s guidance counselor roundtable is critical in raising awareness of a growing epidemic among Latina teens in our city,” Dr. Rosa Gil, President and CEO of Comunilife said. “The statistics have never been more staggering and the time has never been more pertinent to act. In the Bronx, one in seven Latina teens contemplates, and more than one in nine attempt, suicide. Our girls need help, and today’s panel and discussion is an important step. We appreciate Senator Klein's support of our Life is Precious™ program and more importantly his support of the at-risk Latina teens in his district and throughout New York City.”

"The tragic epidemic of suicide amongst Latina adolescents is one that rarely receives the attention it deserves," said Assemblyman Luis Sepúlveda. "Dr. Rosa Gil and the Comunilife organization have dedicated themselves to helping to change this and to lessen the stigma amongst Latino families. This additional funding secured by Senator Klein will go a long way in ensuring that the work done by Comunilife is preserved and that a change in the perception of mental health in the Latino community is achieved."

“The issue of teen suicide is a reoccurring issue in all communities. Unfortunately, when we review the data, we seen Latina teens are at a far greater risk than their non-Hispanic counterparts.  This is truly alarming. This problem needs a collaborative effort to reduce these statistics. I commend New York State Independent Democratic Conference Leader, Senator Jeffrey Klein for his continuous efforts on advocating for program funding for the topics which affects the communities within our District. Although this is a very sensitive topic, this is something we cannot ignore. The Life is Precious™ program created by Comunilife will provide cultural and linguistic appropriate education support, creative therapy, and wellness activities to Latina teens,” stated Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo, Chair for the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.

In 2014, Senator Klein provided $300,000 in state funding to expand the program in the Bronx and increase the number of at-risk teens receiving services. In June of that year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released their 2013 Youth High Risk Behavior Survey, which revealed nationally 26% of Latina teens contemplate suicide, up 5% from 2011 and more than twice the rate of their non-Hispanic counterparts. What’s more, Latina teens represent nearly one out of every six suicide attempts in the U.S. Contributing factors include acculturation stress, economic status and developmental and social disparities.

About Life is Precious™:

In 2008, Comunilife created Life is Precious™ (LIP) to provide culturally and linguistically appropriate educational support, creative art therapy, and wellness activities to Latina teens, aged 12 to 17, who have contemplated or attempted suicide and their families. All participants come from low-income families and most live in New York City’s poorest communities. LIP’s goal is to eliminate suicide by Latina adolescents by giving them tools that build their confidence and provide the skills to succeed.

50th Birthday Party Fundraisr for Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

This fundraiser comes from Sepulveda for Assembly.

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Mail contributions to: Oshrie Zak, Treasurer

Sepulveda for Assembly

 881 Gerard Ave, Bronx, NY 10452

Thank you for our generous support.

Paid for by Sepulveda for Assembly.

Senator Diaz and Assemblyman Sepulveda Introduce Legislation to Protect Shoppers

  Senator Ruben Diaz and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda will Introduce Legislation to Protect Macy's Shoppers

New York State Senator Rev Ruben Diaz and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda will introduce legislation to “amend the general obligations law, in relation to requiring mercantile establishments to cease collections upon a court order finding of not guilty of larceny in mercantile establishments.” This legislation is in response to the growing number of news stories about people who have shopped at Macy’s and other stores and have been erroneously charged with shoplifting.

Senator Rev Diaz stated: “This legislation is intended to protect consumers – especially Black and Hispanic men and women who shop at Macy’s or elsewhere – and who are not guilty of any criminal activity and do not deserve to be fined by the stores for crimes they did not commit.”

Assemblyman Sepulveda stated: “Our city is known for its rich diversity of persons of varying socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone has the right to purchase goods without fearing that they will be suspected of shoplifting. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz and I are proposing legislation that would require merchants to cease attempts to collect fines against a customer falsely accused of shoplifting. It is shameful that innocent people are blacklisted. We, as legislators, will continue to fight against these inherently unfair and unjust practices.”

ASSEMBLYMAN LUIS SEPULVEDA HOLDS RALLY AGAINST SHOP AND FRISK OUTSIDE MACY"S IN PARKCHESTER

  Close to 35 police officers from the 43rd PCT. and many barricades to hold back the crowd outside of Macy's in Parkchester were on hand as close to 75 people rallied against the Macy policy of "Shop and Frisking" its minority customers. The rally was set up and run by 87th A.D. Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who had State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., 85th A.D. Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Democratic Primary winner in the 86th A.D. Hector Pachardo, Councilwoman Annabelle Palmer, and 87 A.D. District Leaders Julia Rodriguez and William Rivera helping him with the action. 78th A.D. Assemblyman Jose Rivera was also on hand, but he was doing his usual filming of the people and left before the action began. 

  All three assembly members and Senator Diaz bemoaned the use of jails in many Macy stores to hold and intimidate minority people whom Macy's had security follow around the store and accuse of stealing. Senator Diaz said that people of color are then forced to pay a fine to Macy's or face the risk of being arrested. It was said that in many of the cases when the person refused to pay off Macy's the charges were dropped by the judge when it went to court. Sen. Diaz said though "How many people want to go through that, and have the embarrassment of being arrested, they just pay whatever Macy's says they have to pay and are let go". He added if they were stopped for a crime, "Why then does Macy's not call in the police"? Who is letting Macy's do this, and just how many people has this been done to?

  Senator Diaz said he has introduced legislation bill # S5977 to stop this racial profiling that Macy's and other upscale stores are doing. The bill is to be introduced in the assembly by Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda. Each of the elected officials chastised Macy's for this policy, and soon to be Assemblyman Pichardo gave an account of when he was a teenager of being stopped while shopping in one such store. 

  The chant of the crowd went from "No More Shop And Frisk" to "Shame on you Macy's". I noticed some of the Macy employees looking at the crowd with a couple coming outside to see what was going on in the penned in area the police set up for the protest. I went into Macy's to see if there was any comment from the store, and was told "No comment from Macy's". At the end of the protest Assemblyman Sepulveda pledged that this was not going to be the last protest against stores like Macy's. "The protests will continue (and get larger) until Macy's and the others change their policies of racial profiling" he said.

 

Left - Just some of the police on hand for the protest against Macy's in Parkchester.

Right - The protesters as they were penned in across from Macy's.

 

Left - Assemblyman Crespo poses for this photo with a couple of the community affairs officers in the background.

Right - Some more of the police officers at the protest of Macy's.

Left - The crowd stayed for several hours as you see how dark it has become outside of Macy's in this shot. That's Female District Leader, and a community fighter for many years Julia Rodriguez hanging in there next to Senator Diaz as the protest continues.

Right - Soon to be Assemblyman Pichardo tells a story of how he was victimized as a teenager of this same situation Macy's is currently doing.

Senator Ruben Diaz & Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda will Introduce Legislation to Protect Macy's Shoppers

  New York State Senator Rev Ruben Diaz (D-Bronx) and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx) have introduced legislation SB ____ to “amend the general obligations law, in relation to requiring mercantile establishments to cease collections upon a court order finding of not guilty of larceny in mercantile establishments.” This legislation is in response to the growing number of news stories about people who have shopped at Macy’s and other stores and have been erroneously charged with shoplifting.

Senator Rev Diaz stated: “This legislation is intended to protect consumers – especially Black and Hispanic men and women who shop at Macy’s or elsewhere – and who are not guilty of any criminal activity and do not deserve to be fined by the stores for crimes they did not commit.”

Assemblyman Sepulveda stated: “Our city is known for its rich diversity of persons of varying socio-economic backgrounds. Everyone has the right to purchase goods without fearing that they will be suspected of shoplifting. New York State Senator Ruben Diaz and I are proposing legislation that would require merchants to cease attempts to collect fines against a customer falsely accused of shoplifting. It is shameful that innocent people are blacklisted. We, as legislators, will continue to fight against these inherently unfair and unjust practices.”

Shop & Frisk Rally Friday 11/1/13

  ASSEMBLYMAN SEPULVEDA WILL HOLD A RALLY AGAINST SHOP AND FRISK


With recent media attention to the issue of “Shop and Frisk,” it is imperative that we address this issue as a community to dissuade these discriminatory practices from occurring in the future.

In our community we will not tolerate any practices that target men and women based on the color of their skin. We will join on Friday to send a strong message to Macy’s and other businesses that we will be vigilant and proactive against Shop and Frisk.

I will be holding a rally in front of the Macy’s in Parkchester at 5:30pm to protest the “Shop and Frisk” policies that large department stores use to target our people. Please join in the effort to prevent these stores from using these tactics. 

Also attending the rally will be Senator Ruben Diaz, Assembly Members Carl Heastie and Marcos Crespo, Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo, District Leader Julia Rodriguez, State Committeeman William Rivera, Pastor Hiram Ratliff of New Tabernacle Church, and Reverend/Doctor Laura Sinclair and Reverend Felicia Smith of Parkchester Baptist Church. Other elected officials have also been invited.

If you have questions concerning this matter, please contact the district office at (718) 931 2620.


OFFICE OF THE HON. LUIS SEPÚLVEDA

District Office: 1973 Westchester Ave. Bronx, NY 10462

Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

This came in from Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda 87th A.D.

 

   As many are aware, breast cancer is the most common, and second deadliest form of cancer that affects women. The percentage of women who become afflicted with this disease are especially high amongst women of color-the very women I represent. Studies also show that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer sometime in their lifetime.

It is crucial that more people-both women and men- get tested, it also calls for more studies to be done. This is why it is an important initiative to offer mammography screenings to the very women in my community who may not have access to these services.

Please join me and my staff, as we host a local Breast Cancer Walk on October 3, 2013 to commemorate the women who have struggled and fought against breast cancer. The walk will begin on Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx and end in front of my office on Westchester Avenue, where a van will be parked to offer Mammograms in an attempt to bring attention to this issue and offer a way in which we can together, fight against this disease. 

I am confident that these changes can help reduce the prevalence of cancer within my area. If you have questions concerning this event, please contact the district office. 

 

District Office

1973 Westchester Avenue
Bronx, NY 10462
718-931-2620

 

ASSEMBLYMAN SEPULVEDA ENDORSES DANIEL SQUADRON FOR PUBLIC ADVOCATE

  Today, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda (D-Bronx) endorsed Democratic candidate for Public Advocate Daniel Squadron, joining Squadron's broad coalition of supporters from across the five boroughs.
Squadron's momentum and grassroots energy continues to build ahead of the October 1st runoff. He has been the grassroots leader in the race, topping the Public Advocate field and nearly all other city campaigns in matching funds; organizing over 180 house parties and events; and building a diverse coalition of supporters across the city, including: U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, The New York Times, both former Public Advocates Mark Green and Betsy Gotbaum, and Latino leaders like State Senators Adriano Espaillat, Jose Peralta, Jose Serrano, Gustavo Rivera, and Martin Dilan, Assemblywoman Gabriela Rosa, and Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez. Just yesterday, Squadron was endorsed by Staten Island leaders Assemblyman Michael Cusick and former U.S. Representative Michael McMahon.

"Daniel will be an effective crusader for communities who need one, in the Bronx and across the city. He has a tangible record of achieving results, and he'll continue to do just that as our next Public Advocate, whether it's standing up for undocumented immigrants, or fighting to give parents a voice in their children's' education," said Assemblyman Sepulveda.

 

 

Bangladeshi-American Community Coalition

Lunch reception & Fundraising in Support of State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. at Oasis Restaurant.

  This afternoon the Bronx Bangladeshi-American Community Coalition gathered to honor State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. & help him with a fundraiser that was held at the Oasis Restaurant located at 1907 White Plains Road.

   The program opened up with a meet and greet of the over 75 people in attendance, Mr. Nazrul Haque officially started the program by introducing Community Board #9 Land Use Chair Mohammed N. Mujumder. Mr. Mujumder spoke of how Senator Diaz has helped the Bangladeshi community in the Bronx, and how it has grown in the Bronx to what it currently is. He said that the Bangladeshi community first met Senator Diaz in 1991 and have been working with him and his son Ruben Diaz Jr. who is now Bronx Borough President. He added that the community has also worked with local councilwoman Palma as well as helping to elect Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, but must also look towards the next generation. 

   The Bangladeshi movement in New York began as early as 1890 it was said, and by the 1920's Bangladeshi people began immigrating to Brooklyn. Others who spoke also had only high praise for Senator Diaz and Assemblyman Sepulveda who was in attendance. Assemblyman Sepulveda thanked the Bangladeshi community for their support in his huge victory last year, and added that he will continue to work for all of the people in his district.

   Senator Diaz thanked all in the Bangladeshi community for their continued support, especially as he mentioned that in their homeland citizens do not do such work as is being done today for him. Diaz added that this was not the first fundraiser for him by the Bangladeshi Community, but in 2001 when he was running for City Council the community held a fundraiser for him. He named several individuals in attendance, saying that he goes back a long way with them. He spoke of having the first Bangladeshi Judicial Delegate elected last year, and wants to elect a second this year. Diaz closed by saying that the main reason of the event is "to raise money to re-elect State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.".

Left - Senator Diaz poses for photo with  prominent realtor Khalilur Rahman.

Right - Closest to the camera is Abdus Shahid President of BANDS, Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. Community Board #9 Land Use Chair Mohammed N. Mujumder, and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

Left - Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda thanks the Bangladeshi Community for the support that he was given, and this luncheon for Sen. Diaz. 

Right - are the honorees with Senator Diaz and Assemblyman Sepulveda.

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Weekly deals on supplies, technology and furniture at officemax.com

Making it easier to vote in New York State...

This comes in from Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda 87th A.D.

  

    I'm pleased to announce that the New York State Assembly has passed legislation that will render the process of voting easier. I firmly believe that a cornerstone of any viable democracy is voter engagement and participation. Under this bill, early voting would begin on the third Thursday prior to a general election and go right up until the Thursday before Election Day, providing voters with a two-week time frame to cast their ballots. In the case of a primary or special election, early voting would run from the second Thursday before regular voting until the Thursday prior to the actual election date, giving voters up to a week of early voting. Early voting polls would be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. each weekday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

 

Local boards of elections would designate at least five early voting sites in each county, or borough, in the case of New York City. The local board of elections would automatically be designated as a polling place in each county/borough. Boards of elections would also be allowed to staff early voting sites with appointed inspectors or their own employees. Early votes would be secured throughout the early voting period and the results would not be released prior to the close of polls on Election Day. In addition, the names of each early voter would be recorded to ensure that early voters are properly removed from Election Day poll books. 

 

This early voting reform would give disabled voters and those who work non-traditional hours more flexibility to cast their votes well ahead of Election Day, it would also create shorter lines at the polls and give local boards of elections enough time to ensure that no one votes twice in the same election. If made law, New York would join 32 other states and the District of Columbia in permitting an alternative to in-person voting on Election Day.

 

 

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda-87th District
1973 Westchester Ave
Phone: (718) 931-2620
Bronx, NY 10462

 

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Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda Endorses Bill DeBlasio for Mayor

   Parkchester Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda and about 100 of the assemblyman's supporters came out today at the Metropolitan Oval to watch and cheer on Sepulveda's endorsement of current Public Advocate Bill BeBlasio for mayor in the upcoming Democratic primary. Assemblyman Sepulveda welcomed everyone by saying this year a new mayor will be elected. Parkchester is a microcosm of New York City made up of a lot of different people. Like New York City Parkchester has similar problems that have not been paid attention to. After careful talks with the candidates, community leaders, and his advisers he has chosen to endorse Bill DeBlasio for mayor in the Democratic primary. 

   Deblasio thanked Assemblyman Sepulveda for his choice of who to support in the mayors race, and Luis has done a great job for the community as an assemblyman and even before he was elected. Deblasio said that there needs to be a lot changed in the city starting off with a new Police commissioner, and that policing can be done that is more community friendly than it is now. Deblasio said that there are two New York City's. One where the rich get richer, and one where the poor get poorer. He added that the income disparity is now as great as it was in 1929 the year of the great depression. 

   DeBlasio went on to blast City Council Speaker (and opponent for mayor) Christine Quinn for holding up legislation in the council, sometimes for three years that was favorable to poor working New Yorkers. DeBlasio wants to tax the wealthiest New Yorkers to pay for full day Pre-K, and after school programs for middle school students. He said that Mayor Bloomberg is trying to close to many schools without helping said schools when they get into academic trouble. He added that he is in favor of an Inspector General to oversee the Police Department, and said "Yes you can have safety and respect also". 

   Deblasio closed by saying that Speaker Quinn wants to continue the Bloomberg Administration's policies that he wants to change. 

Left - Before the endorsement Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, poses with Assemblyman Sepulveda. Deblasio's wife Charlene is between the two men.

Right - Deblasio shakes hands with some Parkchester residents.

Left - Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda tells why he is endorsing Bill DeBlasio for mayor in the upcoming Democratic primary. Sepulveda's wife Elizabeth stands to his right.

Right - Bill DeBlasio thanks Assemblyman Sepulveda for his endorsement, with DeBlasio's wife Charline on his left.

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87th A.D. Office Grand Opening

   Saturday April 13th was the official grand opening of the 87th A.D. office of Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda at 1973 Westchester Avenue. This is the same office that the previous assemblyman Peter Rivera had, but according to Assemblyman Sepulveda the office was rearranged to what he and his staff feel will serve the community better. The front is a brighter and the front window will display important information such as job listings that were there on Saturday April 13th as you can see in the photos above and below.

Left - is one of the signs that was put up to announce the grand opening of the new 87th A.D. office of Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

Right - You can see job listings for the Bronx Botanical Garden posted on the front window of the new 87 A.D. office.

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Patio Top Seller - Shop and Save on The Belvedere Wicker Patio Furniture Collection (Orange) at Target

Assemblyman Luis Sepulved District Office Opening

   The Grand Opening of the 87th A.D. office of Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda will be this Saturday April 13th at 1 PM. The office is located at 1973 Westchester Ave off Metropolitan Avenue. The phone number for Assemblyman Sepulveda's office is (718) 931-2620.
  

    "It's been longer than I, or my staff, anticipated, but we are finally ready to offically unveil our newly renovated office". "I would love to everyone join me in celebrating; refreshments will be served" said Assemblyman Sepulveda.


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Free Mammography Screenings--this Friday, March 29th

 Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda of the 87th A.D. sent this to us.

In Celebration of Women's Health Month, my office has partnered with St. Barnabas Hospital to conduct FREE mammography screenings (first come, first served).

The event will be held in front of my office (1973 Westchester Ave.) This coming Friday March 29th from 9AM to 1:30PM. 

 

We're targeting women over 40 whom are either uninsured or under insured.

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda-87th District
1973 Westchester Ave
Phone: (718) 931-2620
Bronx, NY 10462

 

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