WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Former NYC Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz - And Then Came Francisco Marte Arriving Like “El Cid Campeador”

 

You should know that although the Hispanic elected officials in New York have shamefully turned their backs on, and chose to ignore the unjust plight of José Alba, Mr. Francisco Marte came to his rescue and to his defense arriving as "El Cid Campeador". 

  

It is important for you to know that on Friday, July 1, Jose Alba was arrested, and charged with second-degree murder and sent to Rikers Island on a half-million-dollar bond, $500,000.00. 

  

According to news reports, José Alba, 61 years old, was minding his own business, peacefully working in an upper Manhattan bodega.  He works daily to support himself and his family.  While at his job in the bodega, a 33-year-old man, named Austin Simon, pushed his way into the bodega and violently began to attack Mr. Alba, fearful of losing his life, took out a blade and fatally stabbed the assailant, Austin Simon.  

  

You should know that this attack was captured on security videos.  All the videos and comments clearly show the brutal way the assailant attacked Mr. Alba.  CCTV videos clearly show that Mr. Alba acted in self-defense because he feared for his own life. 

  

This evidence and videos tell the story and are self-explanatory.  Unfortunately, the visual evidence did not suffice for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose policies have shown that he is an advocate, and defender of the criminal element, and not the victims.  District Attorney Bragg unjustly arrested Mr. José Alba, a Dominican national, and set bail at five hundred thousand dollars, $500,000.00.  Mr. Alba being of humble means, even the blind can see that he could never come up with that amount of money to get out of prison on bail. 

  

It is public knowledge that, D.A. Braggs soft on crime policies, since he was sworn in as Manhattan’s prosecutor, there has been an outcry to Governor Kathy Hochul to remove him as our District Attorney.  However, The Governor has refused to remove Braggs and she has practically endorsed the anti-police, and Pro-Criminal positions of prosecutor Alvin Bragg. 

  

Leaders such as City Mayor Eric Adams, the News Media, (7) seven White members of the City Council have come out in defense of Mr. Alba, and hope that other Hispanic elected leaders, especially those that represent the Dominican Community, would join the outcry to free Mr. Alba.  Unfortunately, not one of the Hispanic politicians have joined the clamor in favor of Justice for José Alba leaving him practically alone to rot in Rikers Island. 

  

However, Thanks, to Mr. Francisco Marte, President of the Association of Bodegueros of New York who as “El Cid Campeador", appeared in court securing a lawyer for Mr. Alba and managed to reduce the bail bond to $ 50,000.00 dollars. 

  

Francisco Marte, recognized that even the $ 50,000.00 dollars bond was also impossible for José Alba and his relatives to raise. Mr. Marte generously put up the bail money from his own pocket, without personally knowing Mr. Alba. Francisco Marte also recognized that what is being done to Jose Alba is unjust. 

  

What Braggs has done to this hardworking, Hispanic, Dominican, humble man, who only wanted to defend his own life, had him arrested, charged with murder, held in prison, and assigned a high bail to ensure he stayed locked up, is clearly a miscarriage of justice. But thanks to Francisco Marte, who recognized the injustice being perpetrated on Mr. Alba, at least for now, he is back with his family. We need more Francisco Martes in our community and fewer cowardly elected leaders. 

  

To All Hispanic Elected Leaders and to those who still choose to support Alvin Bragg and his “WOKE” policies, you should know that this is the time to come out from hiding in your cave and stand up to Governor Kathy Hochul and Alvin Bragg and their stand in defense and protection of criminals, while neglecting to protect the victims of crime in our city and state. 

  

I Am the Reverend Ruben Diaz, and This Is What You Should Know. 

MAYOR ADAMS, MAYOR’S FUND, AND PFIZER ANNOUNCE $1.5 MILLION GRANT TO BOOST CITY’S STEM EDUCATION EFFORTS FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

 

Grant Expands Existing Programs and Creates Career Pathways Into STEM Sector

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced a $1.5 million grant from Pfizer Inc. to the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City — with funds earmarked for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) educational programs for middle and high school students.  

 

“If we don’t educate, we incarcerate, and this generous grant will bolster STEM educational programs to give our middle and high school students the ability to thrive in life by giving them the opportunity to explore careers many never thought possible,” said Mayor Adams. “Supporting our youth is a win for us all — giving them the chance to learn new skills and create innovative change that will move our city forward. These programs will help ensure their future is that much brighter and secure, and I thank Pfizer for helping put our city’s students first.”

 

Specifically, this $1.5 million grant will advance the goals of two STEM-related initiatives: Exploring Futures and College Now for Careers.

 

• Exploring Futures serves middle school students by helping them learn more about potential career paths and plan for success in the world of work. The grant will provide $750,000 over the course of three years and help expand the program to 15 additional schools, supporting educational opportunities for 750 students. Funds will support giving students access to Xello, an online platform for career exploration and planning; advance teacher training and professional development; develop additional curriculum; and engage partner organizations to provide STEM content and related enrichment.

 

• College Now for Careers — a partnership between the New York City Department of Education (DOE) and The City University of New York (CUNY) — enables New York City public high school students to earn college credits at CUNY by completing required courses for STEM majors. The grant will provide $675,000 over the course of three years, supporting as many as 1,000 students to benefit from the program. 

 

 

 

Both Exploring Futures and College Now for Careers are initiatives that the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment (MOYE), developed in support of the city’s goal of universal career readiness. Exploring Futures — launched in 2020 — currently operates in nine middle schools, serving 225 students in sixth through eighth grades. The program’s objectives include supporting youths to both explore potential careers and inform their high school selection process. College Now for Careers is a College Now initiative. College Now — a partnership of DOE and CUNY — is the country’s largest program enabling high school students to earn college credit. It serves over 20,000 students per year, giving them a leg up on college enrollment, persistence, and completion. College Now for Careers served 2,000 students in the school year 2021-2022 and will service another 1,000 students in the upcoming 2022-2023 year.

 

The nonprofit ExpandED — renowned for their innovative after-school and enrichment programming — is supporting the Mayor’s Fund, MOYE, DOE, and participating schools in managing the program.

“One of the hallmarks of this administration is its ability to forge partnerships with leading innovators, like Pfizer, to lift up our young people and deliver educational opportunities to pursue the careers of tomorrow,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Sheena Wright. “This generous investment will enable more of our city’s schoolchildren to develop expertise in high-demand, growth industries that will promote economic mobility and prosperity for all New Yorkers in the years to come.”

 

“Providing career exploration is essential for young New Yorkers to reach their fullest potential,” said Daniele Baierlein, executive director, Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City. “Thanks to this generous donation by Pfizer, middle school, and high school students will have access to STEM programming that will put them on a path towards a successful career. We are grateful for our partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment, The City University of New York, and ExpandED for their work in developing and executing such impactful programs for young New Yorkers.”  

 

"What our children can achieve is unlimited if we help activate their passion and purpose. I am proud to see this administration take strides towards the bright north star that is long-term economic security and real career-connected learning pathways for all our students, " said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “Thanks to Pfizer for their generous support, giving middle school and high school students access to important STEM programming that will expand their future career opportunities and propel them into the possibilities of the 21st century workforce."

 

“In keeping with CUNY’s historical mission as an engine of social mobility, the expanded College Now for Careers program will support more of our city’s high school students as they explore the many unique STEM pathways that can ultimately lead them to meaningful and well-paying careers,” said CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez. “Buoyed by Mayor Adams’ vision and Pfizer’s generous support, CUNY’s beneficial partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment will help to ensure success for a new generation of STEM scholars, researchers, and workers.”  

 

“We are delighted to partner with the Mayor’s Fund to advance STEM education in New York City. At Pfizer, we understand that the future of medical breakthroughs and American innovation as a whole depend on the strength and diversity of our workforce. It is never too early to attract, engage, and motivate students – of all backgrounds – to pursue careers in STEM. We hope our work with the Mayor’s Fund and other city groups will result in increased awareness and interest in STEM careers,” said Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla.

 

“Mayor Adams committed his administration to supporting career readiness as a ‘north star goal’ for all young New Yorkers because he knew that government alone could not bring this vision to life and called on the private sector to join our effort,” said David Fischer, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment. “With this generous commitment of $1.5 million to support our youth toward career success in STEM fields, Pfizer has answered that call in exemplary fashion. We are deeply grateful for this partnership and excited for further collaboration.”

 

“Exploring Futures builds young people’s STEM skills and ignites their passions,” said Saskia Traill, president and CEO, ExpandED Schools. “ExpandED is honored to work with the Mayor’s Office of Youth Employment, the Mayor’s Fund, the Department of Education, and Pfizer because we know partnerships are critical to ensure a vibrant future for our city and its children.”

 

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez Shred Event

It was a nice sunny Friday afternoon, a perfect beach day, as Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez hosted a shredding event with the Department of Sanitation. Two shredding trucks arrived in front of the assemblywoman's office, and the Sanitation Department workers had several plastic bins to throw whatever paper a person wanted to shred. The bin would be set under the opening where the bin is lifted up and the paper goes into the shredder, and the empty bin is returned to be filled again. 

In talking to the DOS superintendent on hand the paper is cross cut, then bagged and stored in a warehouse for New Year's Eve to be dropped upon Times Square when the New Year's Ball reaches the bottom to light up the New Year. The Shredding unit works citywide and is in popular demand, because when the event was over at 1 PM, the trucks were off to another site. 

I received word that Assemblywoman Fernandez was not happy with me showing up, and I was told she ran into her office and said" What the F*** was he doing here, spying on me?" That was after I asked a former Councilman Mark Gjonaj staffer if he was looking for a job on the campaign. Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez if you want to know what this reporter was doing with a bag of papers to shred at a public shredding event I was asked to promote, you candidate Nathalia Fernandez can come on the Talking Bronx Politics show I host Live (Friday 12 PM - 1 PM on YouTube and Facebook Live), and ask me whatever question(s) you may have, but I will ask you questions that I have. My co-host and I will be talking about the 34th State Senate race going into detail about the candidates. Two candidates have already come on the show, when can I expect you candidate Nathalia Fernandez to come on the show or do you have something to hide?

A DOS worker stands next to one of the shredding trucks waiting for the bin to be filled so he can then put the bin into the shredding truck.  

The DOS worker pushes the button that lifts the bin into the shredding truck so the papers could be shredded. The machine even shows where the bin is going up into the truck.

Assemblywoman and senate candidate Fernandez is talking to a DOS supervisor, and a former staffer for Councilman Mark Gjonaj. In the background is a bin being loaded with paper to be shredded.

In this photo Assemblywoman and senate candidate Fernandez is running into her office as one of her staffers tries to talk to her. I was told she said "What the F*** is he doing here, spying on me?"

A photo from February 2018 when Nathalia Fernandez was endorsed as the Democratic candidate for the special election to replace former Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, by former Assemblyman and Councilman Mark Gjonaj, and then Bronx Democratic Party Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo. Out of the photo is then Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. who was also a supporter of candidate Fernandez. 

Was it a coincidence that all three supporters of candidate Fernandez would exit politics when their terms were up in 2020 Crespo, and 2021 Diaz Jr. and Gjonaj? 

MAYOR ADAMS, CTO FRASER, AND LINKNYC UNVEIL FIRST LINK5G KIOSK IN NEW YORK CITY

 

New Kiosk Will Provide Fast, Reliable, Free Wi-Fi, Wireless Communication, and Nationwide Phone Calls to Residents of the Bronx

Underscores Administration’s Bold Digital Equity Agenda, Including Expanding Broadband Connectivity to Underserved Areas

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was today joined by New York City Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Matthew Fraser and LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin to unveil the first active Link5G kiosk, located in the Morris Heights neighborhood of the Bronx. The new phase of LinkNYC — which provides free Wi-Fi, nationwide phone calls, and other digital services to New Yorkers — will offer 5G connectivity, with priority given to underserved areas throughout the five boroughs.

 

“Accessible broadband and phone service isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. These new LinkNYC 5G kiosks are going to finally help to close the digital divide and expand and improve mobile technology coverage all over this city,” said Mayor Adams. “When it comes to digital services, we know that too many New Yorkers have been left behind. Our administration is committed to changing that and ensuring that all of our city’s residents have access to tech services, no matter where they live. Ninety percent of these new kiosks will be located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and above 96^th Street in Manhattan — all areas that are affected by the digital divide. We thank LinkNYC for its partnership and for helping push forward our broader digital equity agenda.”

 

“The dawn of the Link5G era heralds a monumental evolutionary advance in our city’s LinkNYC program and our broader, ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide,” said CTO and Office of Technology and Innovation Commissioner Matthew Fraser. “As New York City continues its post-pandemic revival, Link5G’s ultra-fast network speed and expanded mobile coverage will go a long way toward clearing the technological barriers so many New Yorkers encountered over the past few years. In addition, Link5G’s equity-centered rollout has the potential to lift up entire neighborhoods and communities that have languished as digital deserts amid this century’s rapid tech advances. I credit Mayor Adams for recognizing that New York City must empower the people who have the least access to tech in order for the city to reach its boundless potential. I look forward to continuing to work with the mayor and our partners at CityBridge as we launch Link5G across the city in the near future.”

 

“Today marks an important milestone on our path toward fulfilling LinkNYC’s mission — to bring digital connectivity to everyone in New York City’s five boroughs,” said LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin. “Millions of New Yorkers have already used LinkNYC to get connected and we are proud to partner with Mayor Adams, Commissioner Fraser, and the city of New York to bring free, super-fast Wi-Fi and next-generation 5G infrastructure to even more New Yorkers over the next few years.”

 

Link5G will provide the needed infrastructure for cellular service providers to expand 5G wireless technology — the next generation of mobile phone service — across the five boroughs. Installation on the new kiosks is beginning summer of this year. While the city is working with LinkNYC, and in close collaboration with community stakeholders, to determine exact sittings for future kiosks, 90 percent will be located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and above 96^th Street in Manhattan.

 

In order to provide resources to historically underserved communities, priority for new builds will be given to specified equity community districts that were chosen based on lack of other broadband options, lower median annual incomes, lack of existing LinkNYC infrastructure, and high levels of pedestrian and street traffic. Once fully deployed, there will be approximately 2,000 new Link5G kiosks throughout the five boroughs, which will bring the total LinkNYC network to at least 4,000 locations citywide.

 

The kiosks will offer expanded free services to New Yorkers with broader coverage, and newly available 5G spectrum radios will greatly increase coverage and capacity for all New Yorkers, especially in historically underserved areas.

 

“We are thrilled at this opportunity to be the first recipients of LinkNYC's latest phase in tech development as we unveil their new Link5G Kiosk here in the Morris Heights section,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “The decision to launch the project in the West Bronx speaks to the leadership of Mayor Adams, LinkNYC CEO Nick Colvin, and New York City Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser and their commitment to eliminating the digital divide in our city.”

“Bringing advanced technology to communities is critical for basic access to mobile and internet connectivity,” said Clayton Banks, CEO, Silicon Harlem. “The new high-capacity Link5G infrastructure is another step forward to ensure technology can be deployed in an equitable manner.”

 

“From the information highway to digital technology at our doorsteps, this is the best innovation of the 21^st century. God bless America,” said Dr. Bola Omotosho, chair, Bronx Community Board 5.

  

Ritchie Torres - A Quick Reintroduction:

 

I’m sure some of you might feel like you don't know that much about me. So, let me reintroduce myself. Here are 3 things you need to know about me: My name is Ritchie Torres and I am the Congressman representing the Bronx in New York. I was first elected 1 1/2 years ago as the first gay Afro-Latino when my predecessor retired. I am now running for reelection for the first time.   Recent polls show that Democratic voters in my district overwhelmingly support me and my work in Congress.   I am working tirelessly to keep my district and help my Democratic colleagues keep our slim House majority. But with Republicans determined to take back the House, I need your help. Thank you, Ritchie EDITOR'S NOTE: The request for donation part of this has been edited out to make it newsworthy.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT VANESSA L. GIBSON’S STATEMENT ON GUN VIOLENCE IN THE BRONX DURING JULY 4TH WEEKEND

 

“This July 4th weekend, was a critical reminder of the ongoing gun violence that has taken over our streets, taking lives and leaving far too many families mourning across our nation, our city, and right here in our Borough. We must continue to work at all levels of government to see immediate change and to stop the violence in our communities,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.

“Here in the Bronx, on July 1st, two men were shot in broad daylight within an hour of each other. Nineteen-year-old Melvin Urena, was killed while on his scooter across from 429 East 156th Street. Later, 37-year-old Victor Fertides from Harlem, died after being gunned down on Ogden Avenue near 176th Street. On July 4th, 62-year-old John Edwards, an innocent bystander, was fatally shot in front of his neighbors with two others also sustaining injuries from the gunfire.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson continued, “While I applaud Governor Hochul’s decision to pass landmark legislation strengthening New York’s gun laws, coupled with new State laws restricting the use and purchase of firearms, we continue to grieve the deaths of our neighbors. These occurrences call for our continued commitment to protecting New Yorkers and restoring peace on our streets.”