Tomorrow, my colleagues and I will hand out COVID-19 at-home test kits and masks at Fort Independence Houses at 12PM. Supplies are limited and will be first come, first serve!
Thursday, January 27, 2022
MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY HALL AND OTHER CITY BUILDINGS WILL BE LIT YELLOW TONIGHT IN HONOR OF INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced today that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lit up yellow tonight in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day and all those who lost their lives in the Holocaust.
“Today, we remember the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust, and vow to Never Forget,” said Mayor Adams. “As home to the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, New York City stands united in our opposition to antisemitism in all its forms and will always stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Jewish brothers and sisters against hate.”
First designated by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 2005, International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorates the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau in 1945. Mayor Adams acknowledged the solemnity of the day, and the importance of Holocaust education especially in a time of rising antisemitism.
In addition to City Hall, the following city buildings will be lit up yellow starting tonight at sundown:
- The David N. Dinkins Manhattan Municipal Building: 1 Centre Street, New York, NY 10007
- Bronx Borough Hall: 851 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
- Staten Island Borough Hall: 10 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
- Queens Borough Hall: 120-55 Queens Boulevard, Queens, NY 11424
“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and must recommit ourselves to never letting this tragic chapter in our history repeat itself,” said Dawn M. Pinnock, commissioner, New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services. “It's up to all of us to stand together against antisemitism and to Never Forget.”
“New York City is home to the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel and it is only fitting that City Hall and other municipal buildings will be lit up in yellow on International Holocaust Remembrance Day,” said Ronald S. Lauder, president, World Jewish Congress. “I want to thank Mayor Adams for his recognition of this important day, and his dedication to ensuring that antisemitism has no place in New York. Through the #WeRemember campaign, the World Jewish Congress combats antisemitism, as well as other heinous forms of hatred and xenophobia.”
Wednesday, January 26, 2022
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson and AT&T Give out Tablets and Backpacks to Twin Parks Fire Children
It was cold outside, but very warm inside of PS 85 on Marion Avenue where AT&T joined with Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson to hand out Samsung A7 tablets and backpacks filled with water bottles, healthy snacks, notebooks, and pencils to the children and families impacted by the tragic fire at Twin Peaks North West.
There was a press conference outside the school by Borough President Gibson, Congressman Torres, Councilman Oswald Feliz, Bronx Executive Superintendent Erika Tobia, and representatives from AT&T showing off the Tablets and backpacks. It was said that along with the tablets that AT&T would also be giving six months of free WiFi. State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia scheduled to be at the school were still in Albany in session.
After the press conference Borough President Gibson, Councilman Feliz, Superintendent Tobia, and representatives from AT&T went into the library to hand out the tablets and backpacks to the children.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson gives an update on the Twin Peaks fire, and says that many families do not want to return to the building, and they will be given alternate housing. Councilman Feliz, Bronx Superintendent Tobia, and Congressman Torres are also in the photo at the entrance of PS 85.
Congressman Ritchie Torres speaks about the tragic fire, and how the children and families must get the needed support so they can continue to live after the fire.
The elected officials and Bronx Superintendent are joined by AT&T representative Timothy Tapia (far right) as they hold up the tablets to be given to the children from the Parks fire.
Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson seems to have better luck with this child than Councilman Feliz who is pointing to the BP, as she has a tablet in one hand and a backpack in the other for her.
As Borough President Gibson works her magic on this child, representatives of AT&T look on as does Councilman Feliz.
Once again Borough President Gibson is working her magic while everyone watches. BP Gibson said that she has several young children in her family, and what she did today just comes natural because of her family.
SAVE THE DATE : PROJECT HOPE 4/3/22
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NYGOP Chairman Blasts Hochul, Legislative Democrats for Refusing to Consider Bail Reform Changes
Langworthy: “If Governor Hochul wanted to make changes to bail reform, it would be done.”
New York Republican Chairman Nick Langworthy today ripped Governor Hochul and legislative Democrats for once again refusing to repeal--or even make any revisions--to their deadly bail reform laws that have created a public safety crisis. Chairman Langworthy blasted Governor Hochul, who could have put changes or repeal in her executive budget, as more proof that she is firmly in line with the radical left.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams in a press conference yesterday called for changes to Democrats’ bail reform laws that would give judges more discretion to keep violent offenders off the streets. Senate Democrats immediately shut down the proposal & so far Hochul has remained silent. She has also refused to condemn Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s policy of not prosecuting several crimes and reducing charges to avoid incarceration for many crimes, including ones that involve the use of a weapon.
“If Kathy Hochul wanted to make any changes to bail reform, it would be done,” said NYGOP Chairman Nick Langworthy. “She likes to talk a good game about the importance of safety, but her actions are the exact opposite, keeping New Yorkers trapped in this crisis. She has extraordinary powers through the budget process, but her failure to do anything proves she is firmly in line with the radical left. Perhaps she should spend less time raising special interest money and more time protecting the people of this great state. The only way to stop this madness is with the election of a Republican governor this November.”
Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW - Those That Voted To Defund The Police
Those That Voted To Defund The Police
You should know that (32) thirty-two members of the New York City Council voted to defund the NYC Police and a mere (17) seventeen voted against it. Practically the entire Bronx Delegation (7 out of 9) members voted in favor of defunding the police. Those members were Vanessa Gibson, Diana Ayala, Andrew Cohen, Andy King, Rafael Salamanca, Richie Torres and Fernando Cabrera. Only two City Council members from the Bronx voted against this outrageous proposition when it was brought to the council floor for a vote. Those two members were Councilman Mark Gjonaj and me.
Among these (32) anti-police voices were other Hispanic, Councilmembers like Francisco Moya from Queens and Ydanis Rodriguez from Manhattan. They decided by voting against the Police, and defunding them, less people would be arrested and therefore our jails would be empty.
How is it that it never occurred to them that by defunding the police, combined with the new bail reform, would create a dangerous environment for the people of New York. Those greatly impacted, with the recent rise in crime and shootings are the most vulnerable of our society, the elderly, children, and those everyday citizens who simply want to live in a safe city where they can make it to work and provide for their families.
As you well know, these days we all feel as if the criminals have more rights and protections than our police officers and we the people. The criminals brazenly commit violence against the police, and against the innocent without fear of repercussions. These policies have greatly emboldened those with the criminal mind who wish to do us all harm. The rise in crime and gun violence is evidence of that.
We have seen news reports that show our police officers being assaulted and mocked when buckets of water and bottles have been thrown at them, and profanities shouted at their faces, with no arrests. Police officers have been ambushed, shot, and killed while sitting in their squad cars. Senior Citizens (the elderly and disabled) have been assaulted, physically beaten in elevators, and hallways in their own residences, people have been shoved and pushed under subway trains, and children have been shot by stray bullets while simply going to McDonalds, or playing outside, even toddlers, and babies have fallen victim at the hands of those who wish to harm us and have been embolden by our elected leaders.
The most recent attacks on police officers came when Police Officer Jason Rivera (age 22) and his partner Police Officer Wilbert Mora were responding to a domestic violence call. P.O. Rivera and P.O. Mora, tragically, were shot and killed. Our prayers go out to both their families and loved ones.
Other violent crimes include an 11-month-old baby girl Catherine Gomez, shot in the face by a stray bullet, a 40-year-old woman, Michelle Go was killed when she was pushed in front of a subway train in Times Square, a 19-year-old girl Krystal Bayron working at a Burger King was shot and killed. Since January 1, 2022, five (5) police officers have been shot. This year 2022 has barely started.
As you could see my dear reader it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that those policies like defunding the police, reducing, and eliminating bail has emboldened the criminal element of our society. It’s time that our elected leaders recognize the impact that their policies have on us the residents of New York City.
These legislators need to wake up immediately and start working on behalf of our communities by first restoring the funds that were gutted out of the NYPD’s budget. They must also restore the support, resources, and tactics that worked and were available to law enforcement that helped reduce crime in our city.
They must restore bail, which will allow the judges and prosecutors to detain and hold those individuals they deem a menace to our society and detain those repeat offenders until their trial date. If necessary, I would suggest that they take a page from former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani’s policies and reinstate “Stop and Frisk”. Why? Because it took illegal guns out of the hands of the criminals, and more importantly it worked to help law enforcement, reduce crime, and help keep New Yorkers safe.
You should also know that mental illness, or drug abuse is NO excuse to have policies that allow the criminally insane to wander the streets and commit violent crimes against New Yorkers. Our legislators need to get to work and get the criminally insane off our streets or we can expect the loss of more innocent lives.
This is Former Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr. and this is WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.
DEC ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO PROTECT NEW YORK’S POLLINATORS BY RESTRICTING USE OF ‘NEONIC’ PESTICIDES
New Requirement for Neonicotinoids Will Help Prevent Potentially Harmful Exposure to Honeybees and Other Beneficial Insects
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced actions to limit the unrestricted use of pesticides that can harm bee and other pollinator populations. DEC is reclassifying certain products containing the neonicotinoid (neonic) insecticides imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and acetamiprid as “restricted use” to ensure applications are limited to trained pesticide applicators in specific situations. Restricting the use of these pesticides enables DEC to collect new data to determine where, when, and how they are used, as well as their potential impacts.
“Protecting pollinators is a top priority, and today’s action to restrict the use of these neonicotinoid pesticides is another important step in our ongoing efforts to safeguard these species that are crucial to New York’s environment, agricultural economy, and biodiversity,” Commissioner Seggos said. “Reclassifying these pesticides will ensure they are only used in targeted instances by qualified professional applicators, and only available for sale to certified applicators which will further protect public health and the environment.”
New York is committed to promoting the health and recovery of pollinator populations, as highlighted in the State’s Pollinator Protection Plan. Pollinators contribute substantially to New York’s environment and economy. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, pollinators provide approximately $344 million worth of pollination services to New York and add $29 billion in value to crop production nationally each year. The state’s ability to produce crops such as apples, grapes, cherries, onions, pumpkins, and cauliflower relies heavily on the presence of pollinators.
Pesticides represent one of many factors that stress pollinators, and neonicotinoids in particular have been identified as a group of pesticides that, in general, are highly toxic to pollinators. While commercial application of all pesticides is reported to DEC as part of the State’s stringent regulatory oversight, residential applications and sales of general use products to consumers are not. The reclassification ensures proper use by trained applicators and enables DEC to collect sales and use data to estimate and monitor the quantities and locations where these products are used.
The reclassification will take effect on Jan. 1, 2023, allowing time for registrants, distributors, and retailers to prepare for the change in classification. Neonics will be reclassified under DEC’s pesticide regulation authority and pesticide registrants have been notified of the intent to reclassify the applicable products. Products labeled for “limited directed application” to tree trunks and the ground at the base of trees, shrubs, and plants are not included in the reclassification. These products provide cost-effective and unique pest control for residential applications, particularly for invasive species, and limit potential exposure to pollinators.
“Getting ‘over-the-counter’ neonic products off of store shelves marks an important first step in reining in widespread neonic contamination, which we see in New York State’s water and in record yearly losses of bees,” said Dan Raichel, Acting Director of Natural Resources Defense Council’s Pollinator Initiative. “We look forward to continued work with the DEC on even more protections for people and pollinators from these neurotoxic pesticides."
“Reclassifying the neonic insecticides imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and acetamiprid as ‘restricted use’ takes these dangerous pollinator-killers out of circulation for the everyday consumer and helps to curb their misuse and overuse,” said Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter commends Governor Hochul and DEC for this important action to help reverse the pollinator crisis and we hope today’s announcement will lead to further restrictions of this dangerous insecticide, and recovery of plummeting bird and insect populations.”
“Over the last decade, neonics have come under increasing scrutiny because of their impacts on pollinators—but new evidence demonstrates that these chemicals are harming an even wider range of wildlife,” said Erin McGrath, Policy Manager for Audubon New York. “Exposure to neonics can prevent songbirds from orienting themselves for their migration, cause significant weight loss, and interfere with their reproductive success. We thank Governor Hochul and DEC for taking action to curtail the unrestricted use of neonic pesticides in consumer products, which will help protect birds and the places they need.”
For more information about DEC’s pesticides program, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/
Attorney General James Challenges Donald Trump’s Efforts to Stop Lawful Investigation into Him and the Trump Organization
AG Files Motion to Dismiss Trump Lawsuit to Halt the AG’s Investigation, Citing Baseless Arguments and Ignoring the Ongoing State Court Proceeding
New York Attorney General Letitia James today took action to stop Donald J. Trump’s baseless efforts to thwart the ongoing lawful and justified investigation into his and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings. On December 20, 2021, Donald J. Trump took the unwarranted action of filing a lawsuit against Attorney General James in federal court seeking to stop this investigation and interfere with the related state court proceeding. In a motion to dismiss the federal lawsuit, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York, Attorney General James argues that the lawsuit is a baseless attempt to forum shop and should be dismissed on both procedural and substantive grounds.
The motion to dismiss argues that the federal court should decline to hear the case in deference to the ongoing state court action under well-settled legal doctrines that bar federal courts from considering claims that could be more efficiently and appropriately brought in ongoing state court actions. It also argues that Donald J. Trump and the Trump Organization have acknowledged the legitimacy of this investigation and largely complied with it for almost three years, which precludes them from contesting the basis for the investigation or asserting their claims in federal court.
“This lawsuit is nothing but a baseless and meritless collateral attack by Donald Trump to stop our legal and legitimate investigation into his and the Trump Organization’s financial dealings,” said Attorney General James. “In the three years that we have been conducting this investigation, the Trump Organization and its principles have never challenged the legality of the investigation, until now, when Mr. Trump himself was subpoenaed to testify. We will not be deterred by frivolous lawsuits and will continue to follow the facts of this case because no one is above the law.”
Since this investigation began almost three years ago, neither the Trump Organization nor Donald J. Trump has ever challenged the underlying legal basis for this investigation or the Office of the Attorney General's (OAG) authority to conduct this investigation. In fact, both the Trump Organization and Mr. Trump have acknowledged its legitimacy by largely complying with subpoenas and other legal actions. To date, the Trump Organization has produced more than 900,000 documents, has brought in more than a dozen employees for testimony, and has been subject to multiple orders entered by the presiding state court judge requiring compliance with OAG’s subpoenas. None of these orders has ever been appealed. Only now that Mr. Trump himself has been subpoenaed to testify has he suddenly contested the legitimacy of the investigation.
The motion to dismiss also argues that this case should be dismissed for failure to state a claim. As set forth in OAG’s 113-page supplemental petition recently filed in the state court proceeding, OAG has gathered significant evidence indicating that the Trump Organization used fraudulent or misleading asset valuations to obtain a host of economic benefits, including loans, insurance coverage, and tax deductions, clearly establishing a legal basis for this investigation. Additionally, the judge presiding over the state court proceeding has compelled the Trump Organization and its employees and agents to comply with numerous OAG subpoenas, confirming that OAG has a sufficient factual and legal basis under New York law to issue the subpoenas.
Lastly, Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization are using their federal action to improperly collaterally attack the state court orders entered in New York Supreme Court that rejected their efforts to oppose OAG’s subpoenas and compelled their compliance. Under settled law, Mr. Trump and the Trump Organization are “state-court losers,” and therefore cannot ask a federal court to review and reject the state court orders that required compliance with OAG’s subpoenas.