NYIC Action’s Immigrant Rights Champions Emerge Victorious in Primary Election

 

With the majority of the races called in the June primary elections, it is clear that New Yorkers showed up for immigrant communities at the ballot box.

Last night, NYIC Action’s – the New York Immigration Coalition’s sister 501 (c)4 organization -- slate of endorsed candidates for NYC Council cruised to victory. They can now continue their work as champions for immigrant New Yorkers in their respective legislative bodies.

All endorsed candidates have committed to NYIC Action’s Policy Pledge, 2023: A Blueprint for New York State. This inclusive political agenda ensures our vision integrates into their policy platform. 

Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director of NYIC Action, said:

“Once again, New Yorkers affirmed the significance of our ongoing pursuit for a more equitable and inclusive state at the ballot box. At a time when New York State’s legislative session fell far short in serving our communities and county officials have tried to vilify newly arrived asylum seekers, the significance of having champions who are committed to immigrant rights and the well-being of every New Yorker at all levels of government has become increasingly vital. The results speak to the increasing political power of immigrant New Yorkers. We congratulate our endorsed candidates and eagerly anticipate collaborating with elected officials from across the state who will persistently drive forward transformative legislation, improving the lives of everyone who calls New York home.” 

NYIC Action's endorsed primary winners include:

• Christopher Marte, District 1 
• Carlina Rivera, District 2
• Carmen De La Rosa, District 10
• Marjorie Velazquez, District 13
• Pierina Sanchez, District 14
• Tiffany Caban, District 22
• Linda Lee, District 23
• Shekar Krishnan, District 25
• Lynn Schulman, District 29
• Jennifer Gutiérrez, District 34

To view NYIC Action’s full slate of 2023 endorsed candidates who will head to the general election, click here. 

Background

This election cycle, NYIC Action endorsed candidates for New York City Council and Erie County Legislature. These endorsements were made following a careful review of candidates who signed on to NYIC Action’s policy platform pledge, to create healthy communities; end state support for detention, deportation, and mass incarceration; create quality education for all; build immigrant power and guarantee civil rights; and ensure economic justice and good jobs. 

About NYIC Action

NYIC Action (nyicaction.org) was originally formed in 2010 as a sister organization to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), a 501(c)(3) coalition with 200 member organizations across New York State.  In order to increase the political potency of the immigrant vote, Immigrant Action endorses candidates and elected officials who stand up for immigrant communities and against anti-immigrant opponents. Immigrant Action engages in targeted advocacy on specific immigrant-related issues such as legislative scorecards, pointed advocacy flyers highlighting individual elected officials’ stances, and intensive grassroots and direct lobbying of elected officials.

 

Nos Quedamos - Films al Fresco - Melrose Movie Nights 2023 | June 30th: "ENCANTO" - Yolanda García Park

Come join Nos Quedamos this coming Friday, June 30th as we proudly present "ENCANTO," the first of five family-friendly films during the summer and fall of 2023 as part of our new free screening and park activation series, ‘Films al Fresco – Melrose Movie Nights.’

Films al Fresco will run will through October 21st and showcase popular and culturally-relevant films that uplift, inspire, and entertain in a safe outdoor setting in your favorite community space—Yolanda García Park! (East 159th Street and Melrose Avenue, The Bronx)

Join us with your folding chair or Yoga mat and settle in for a summer of animated movies right in the heart of Melrose Commons. The popcorn is on us! (with registration at the event)  Download Progra

June 30, 2023: "ENCANTO" A Colombian teenage girl has to face the frustration of being the only member of her family without magical powers. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.

- July 15, 2023: "LIGHTYEAR" - August 12, 2023: "SOUL" - September 23, 2023: “RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON” - October 21, 2023: "THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS" NOTE: All film showings begin at sunset.

Click link or scan QR Code for full program details.

Click for Info & Film Trailers

For more information, contact Edwin Pagán (event program curator) at: epagan@nosquedamos.org

Air Quality Health Advisory Issued for All Regions of New York State

 

In Effect for Thursday, June 29, 2023

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for all regions across the State for Thursday, June 29, 2023.  

Air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy’ Air Quality Index (AQI) levels on Thursday for Western and Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, and the Adirondacks. At this level, everyone may begin to experience health effects, members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Air quality is forecasted to reach ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups’ in the remaining regions of the State. At this level, members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected. See chart here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/cfmx/extapps/aqi/aqi_info.cfm.

The pollutant of concern is: Fine Particulate Matter (due to Canadian wildfires)

The advisory will be in effect from 12 a.m. through 11:59 p.m. 

 

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories and corresponding guidelines based on 24-hour forecasts, although one-hour values may exceed forecast values in these regions.

FINE PARTICULATE MATTER

Fine particulate matter consists of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets in the air that are 2.5 microns or less in diameter. PM 2.5 can be made of many different types of particles and often come from processes that involve combustion (e.g. vehicle exhaust, power plants, and fires) and from chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Exposure can cause short-term health effects such as irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and shortness of breath. Exposure to elevated levels of fine particulate matter can also worsen medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease. People with heart or breathing problems, and children and the elderly may be particularly sensitive to PM 2.5.

 

When outdoor levels are elevated, going indoors may reduce exposure. If there are significant indoor sources of PM 2.5 (tobacco, candle or incense smoke, or fumes from cooking) levels inside may not be lower than outside. Some ways to reduce exposure are to minimize outdoor and indoor sources and avoid strenuous activities in areas where fine particle concentrations are high.

 

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities.
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking.

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website. To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up for DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service.

 

Recording Artist Casanova Sentenced To 188 Months In Prison For Gang-Related Racketeering And Narcotics Offenses

 

  Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that recording artist CASWELL SENIOR, a/k/a “Casanova,” was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern to 188 months in prison for racketeering and narcotics offenses arising out of his leadership role in the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang (“Gorilla Stone”).  As part of the racketeering conspiracy, SENIOR participated in a shooting in Florida on July 5, 2020, and a robbery in New York City on August 5, 2018, and conspired to traffic over 100 kilograms of marijuana.

According to the Indictment, public court filings, and statements made in court:

Since at least 2004, Gorilla Stone has been a brutally violent street gang with a national presence that was founded by SENIOR’s co-defendant Dwight Reid, a/k/a “Dick Wolf.”  Gorilla Stone has many members across New York State, including throughout New York City, Westchester, and the New York State Prison System, and all over the country — such as in Florida, where SENIOR engaged in substantial criminal conduct.  Gorilla Stone is comprised of various sets (or “Caves,” as they are called by gang members).  Gorilla Stone is a highly organized and efficient street gang with an organizational commitment to violence that strictly enforces its internal laws.

SENIOR’s Gorilla Stone co-defendants were charged with a host of crimes committed in furtherance of their joint enterprise.  Some of the charges against Gorilla Stone members include racketeering conspiracy, various frauds, a large-scale narcotics conspiracy that SENIOR actively participated in, myriad firearms offenses, and numerous acts of violence, including a daytime murder of a juvenile in the middle of a Poughkeepsie street; multiple attempted murders and shootings, including two in Florida in which SENIOR was involved; a gunpoint drug-related robbery; and a brutal slashing. 

For over a decade, SENIOR participated in and was associated with the Gorilla Stone racketeering conspiracy.  SENIOR was a powerful, respected, high-profile member of the gang.  SENIOR admitted that he was an organizer or leader of a criminal activity that involved five or more participants.  SENIOR joined the gang while incarcerated over a decade ago and has remained an active member ever since, including upon his release from custody from a prior case in 2013.    

As part of the racketeering activity, on or about July 5, 2020, while in Florida for a gang member’s birthday, SENIOR shot a gun at a gang member with whom he was having a gambling dispute, hitting one gang member in the leg/calf area and a second, different gang member in the foot when the bullet ricocheted.  A victim suffered serious bodily injury because of the shooting and was treated at a Miami-area hospital for a gunshot wound to the foot.  Thereafter, other party attendees, including a member of Gorilla Stone, discharged multiple firearms. 

Additionally, as part of an August 5, 2018, robbery at a Manhattan diner that SENIOR participated in, a victim was restrained and suffered serious bodily injury.  The robbery started when SENIOR appeared to believe that a female victim took a photo of him from the booth where the victim was sitting.  SENIOR then proceeded to forcefully take the victim’s cellphone.  SENIOR’s gang member associate then came up behind the victim and put her in a headlock until she fell to the floor unconscious from lack of oxygen.   

SENIOR further agreed to traffic at least 100 kilograms of marijuana.  During an approximately nine-month period, SENIOR was responsible for distributing between 100 kilograms and 400 kilograms of his personally branded “2x” marijuana.

SENIOR, 36, of Montville, New Jersey, previously pled guilty on May 11, 2022, before Judge Halpern to one count of conspiring to conduct and participate in the conduct of the affairs of a criminal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity and one count of conspiring to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana.  In addition to the prison term, SENIOR was sentenced to four years of supervised release and ordered to forfeit $50,000.

SENIOR is the 12th defendant in the Gorilla Stone case to have been sentenced. 

Five additional defendants have pled guilty and are awaiting sentencing: DESHAWN THOMAS, a/k/a “Don,” AHMED WALKER, a/k/a “Ammo,” BRANDON SOTO, a/k/a “Stacks,” ROBERT WOODS, a/k/a “Blakk Rob,” and BRINAE THORNTON, a/k/a “Luxury.”

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of special agents and task force officers from the FBI, U.S. Probation, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, New York City Police Department, Westchester County Police Department, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Rockland District Attorney’s Office, and the Yonkers, New Rochelle, Mount Vernon, Greenburgh, White Plains, Peekskill, Ramapo, and Clarkstown Police Departments.

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Deaths of Marcelo Pelaez and Leonardo Rodriguez-Mendoza

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the deaths of Marcelo Pelaez and Leonardo Rodriguez-Mendoza in Queens County. Following a thorough and comprehensive investigation, which included crash reconstruction analysis, review of security camera video, and witness interviews, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges could not be pursued in this matter. 

On May 24, 2021, around 12:30 a.m., an off-duty member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) was driving home with his wife and daughter after visiting friends. While driving northbound on Woodhaven Boulevard at the intersection with Rockaway Boulevard, the officer hit Mr. Pelaez and Mr. Rodriguez-Mendoza, who were crossing Woodhaven Boulevard from east to west in the northern crosswalk. The officer and multiple bystanders called 911 to request medical assistance. Mr. Pelaez and Mr. Rodriguez-Mendoza were transported to a local hospital. Mr. Pelaez was pronounced dead upon arrival. Mr. Rodriguez-Mendoza was in critical condition and unresponsive; he died in the hospital on July 14, 2021. 

Collision reconstruction analysis by the NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad (CIS) and corroborated by an independent expert engaged by OSI determined that the officer had the green light and was driving approximately five to nine miles above the posted speed limit of 30 MPH when the collision occurred.  

Security camera video secured from earlier in the evening shows the officer and his family meeting friends on Myrtle Avenue in Queens around 9:30 p.m. The video shows the officer drink from what appeared to be three beers from a few minutes before 10 p.m. until almost 11 p.m. The officer and his family left around 11:22 p.m., and security camera video from a gas station next to a Burger King on Cross Bay Boulevard in Queens shows the family enter the restaurant before getting back in the car with bags of food at 12:04 a.m.  

Officers at the scene reported that the officer did not smell of alcohol and showed no signs of impairment. When CIS arrived nearly two hours after the incident occurred, the officer submitted to three field sobriety tests. He passed all three tests but declined to submit to a breathalyzer test, which resulted in a 30-day suspension from NYPD. 

Under New York law, proving criminally negligent homicide requires proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a person failed to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that death would occur; that the failure to perceive the risk was a gross deviation from a reasonable person’s standard of care; and that the person engaged in blameworthy conduct.  

In this case, though the officer was driving five to nine miles above the speed limit, this does not qualify as “dangerous speeding” under precedent. Further, while he was drinking alcohol earlier in the evening before the collision, there is no direct evidence of the amount of alcohol in his system at the time of the incident, and the multiple witnesses who saw and spoke with the officer after the collision did not identify any signs of impairment. Given the circumstances and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer had engaged in “risk-creating behavior” or “seriously blameworthy carelessness.” 

The NYPD’s patrol guide requires that if qualified to do so, the patrol supervisor must administer an alcohol test to any police officer involved in a collision that results in a death. CIS did not attempt to breath-test the officer involved in this incident until almost two hours after the collision, when CIS arrived on the scene. OSI therefore recommends that all patrol supervisors be trained in the administration of breathalyzer tests and field sobriety tests so that any on-duty or off-duty police officer, or any civilian, involved in a motor vehicle collision can be tested on scene as soon as practicable to ensure the most accurate results.

Governor Hochul Announces $121.6 Million Available for Rail and Port Infrastructure Projects Statewide

 

Funding Supports Reliability and Resiliency Enhancements to Major Trade Corridors

Applications Accepted through October 6, 2023

Learn More and Apply for Funding Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $121.6 million in state funding is available through the Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program. This program funds rail and port projects across the state, boosting New York’s trade corridors and its position as a global commerce destination, while enhancing safety. Applications will be accepted through October 6, 2023.

“Sustained commerce is the lifeblood for our regional and state economy, and investing in our trade routes ensures that New York State can remain competitive on a national and global scale,” Governor Hochul said. “I urge anyone with qualifying projects to apply for this funding because modernizing our freight rail and port infrastructure is crucial - not just for the many businesses who depend on safe, reliable commerce routes - but for the quality of life of New Yorkers.”

The Passenger and Freight Rail Assistance Program is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation. Winning projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria that include a benefit cost analysis, adherence to regional economic development plans, safety enhancements, compatibility with other private and public investments, and actions that enhance resilience and reduce climate risk.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Freight rail is a key component of our state’s transportation network, and by making these smart investments we are creating jobs, ensuring continued economic growth, and reducing New York’s carbon footprint by helping to take trucks off our roads. I commend Governor Hochul for her commitment to modernizing and fortifying New York’s freight rail infrastructure, ensuring New York’s economic competitiveness.”

Eligible project activities include track and bridge rehabilitation; yard, terminal and siding construction; elimination of clearance obstructions; wharf, dock and bulkhead construction and reconstruction; dredging; at-grade crossing railroad crossing resurfacing; material handling equipment storage facilities; wayside detectors and other projects that enhance the safe movement of goods, economic competitiveness and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting application forms for this funding opportunity through October 6, 2023. Program guidance and application materials may be found at: dot.ny.gov/railgrants.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON NEW FUNDING FOR THE CRISIS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

 

"I am heartened by this investment, and hope the principle behind it is the same that will guide the final negotiations of this budget process. This is what the administration should be focused on funding when it comes to public safety — proven, community-driven efforts to prevent violence and strengthen wraparound services. The Crisis Management System is a program I’ve advocated for over a decade, and it must be a foundation of our strategy to stop gun violence. This funding should be the new floor, not a ceiling — we need to fund other initiatives that build on the success of CMS. 

"In these final days before the final budget, we have a chance to invest deeply in public safety policies that will meet our mandate to help New Yorkers be safe and feel safe, and last beyond any news cycle or administration."

MAYOR ADAMS TO FUND CRISIS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AT RECORD LEVEL OF $86 MILLION NEXT FISCAL YEAR

 

Additional $8.5 Million Investment Takes Total Funding to Historic Level

 

Over 40 Organizations Will Operate in 31 Neighborhoods That Account for More Than Two-Thirds of Shooting Incidents Citywide

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that the administration will fund the city’s Crisis Management System (CMS) at a record level of $86 million in Fiscal Year 2024 via an investment of an additional $8.5 million. The CMS strategy brings teams of credible messengers to mediate conflicts on the street and connect high-risk individuals to services that can reduce the long-term risk of violence. Overall, the city will invest nearly $200 million for programming in the upcoming fiscal year to reduce gun violence in communities and connect New Yorkers with city-funded services, including school conflict mediation, violence interruption, non-traditional therapeutic services, and more.  

 

Mayor Adams also announced that the Office of Neighborhood Safety, which manages the city’s community violence intervention work, will transition from being overseen by the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice to the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). DYCD is uniquely equipped to integrate this work, based on its proven track record of community programming, existing presence in CMS communities, a long-standing relationship with the New York City Police Department, robust agency data collection, and demonstrated capacity to pay out contracts expeditiously. This shift will also enable DYCD to integrate community violence intervention programming into the existing programs it runs, providing a more coordinated suite of services to New Yorkers who are at risk of gun violence. DYCD’s leadership will help ensure the continuation of programs that have a positive impact in an expanded number of targeted communities. Newer and emerging community-based providers will also have an opportunity to engage in city contracting and provide direct services to New Yorkers who need them the most.

 

“We’re proud to make a record investment in community violence intervention programs, because the best time to stop gun violence is before a gun is ever fired,” said Mayor Adams. “These programs are part of how we’ve driven shootings down by double-digits over the course of this administration and make our city safer. We need to dam every river that feeds the sea of gun violence in this city, and community violence intervention is a key tool in our toolbox.”

 

“This administration’s model to address gun violence is focused on prevention — how to stop the violence from happening in the first place,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “Today’s record investment is a reaffirmation of Mayor Adams’ belief that the only way of solving gun violence is by addressing the root causes. With our crisis management system partners who bring real lived experience and deep ties to impacted communities, our city is turning the page on finally bringing peace to our streets and delivering on safety for our young people.”

 

“Today’s record investment in gun violence prevention is about building a better future for our young people,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana Almanzar. “When we invest in local organizations with built in community trust and proven track records, we are able to speak directly to the people most impacted by gun violence. I applaud Mayor Adams and the Department of Youth and Community Development for their continued investment in addressing the root causes of gun violence in New York City.”

 

“It’s simply not possible to break the cycles of violence through traditional law enforcement methods alone,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks III. “People need to have support from and feel connected to their communities in order to make a positive change in their lives, and that’s what CMS teams provide. Instead of waiting for violence to fester, this administration looks upstream and makes the necessary investments for a better, safer future for our city.”

 

“DYCD is excited to oversee the Office of Neighborhood Safety and integrate violence intervention organizations into our larger network of community partners,” said DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard. “This record investment will create new partnerships, encourage the sharing of space and expertise, and expand the mission of our brave violence interrupters into even more communities. Together, we can elevate our work in addressing youth safety, mental health, community engagement, and family trauma. I thank Mayor Adams for his confidence in DYCD as we align with our community partners to make New York City safer for everyone.”

 

“The Crisis Management System plays a vital role in curbing violence across the city’s high-risk neighborhoods,” said Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice Director Deanna Logan. "This commitment reflects the administration’s dedication to implementing a holistic approach to public safety and a dedication to supporting preventative initiatives for youth. We are delighted to stand alongside DYCD, other sister agencies, and community partners to deliver innovative, comprehensive services that address the needs of New Yorkers."

 

The Office of Neighborhood Safety is comprised of CMS, the Mayor’s Action Plan for Neighborhood Safety, Atlas, and the Precision Employment Initiative.

 

CMS is a partnership of organizations — including a network of residents, credible messengers, and community leaders — that mediate community conflicts, connect young people aged 16 to 24 most at risk of gun violence to mentorship and risk reduction plans, and mobilize the community to promote peace and shift norms around the use of violence. It is comprised of a street outreach and violence intervention model, with wrap-around services that improve quality of life, address trauma, and promote peace among those most affected by violence, while also ensuring historically disenfranchised New Yorkers have access to opportunities needed to thrive.

 

Teams of “violence interrupters” — typically credible messengers who have turned their lives around — engage individuals most likely to be involved in gun violence. The teams work to deescalate disputes before crises or violence erupt and connect high-risk individuals to extensive networks that provide job training, employment opportunities, mental health services, and legal services to increase the likelihood of long-term violence reduction.

 

“With these much-needed additional financial commitments supporting our model of community-driven, public health-focused approaches to public safety, we can expand the strategies of our credible messengers into other parts of the city stricken by gun violence,” said A.T. Mitchell, co-chair, New York City Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, and founder and CEO, Man Up! “We are extremely grateful for Mayor Adams’ support of the Crisis Management System, and for keeping his promise to not only sustain our citywide efforts, but to build on our successes. We also look forward to continuing our outstanding partnership with DYCD, which will help strengthen and build the capacity of our grassroots organizations. The courageous men and women who do this work are excited about ‘CMS 2.0’ and saving even more lives in the neighborhoods that we love and have the honor to serve.”

 

“Keeping our young people close helps to keep them safe,” said Iesha Sekou, CEO and founder, Street Corner Resources. “This funding will allow us to work with young people who are at a higher risk of becoming engaged in gun and gang violence and other criminal activity if they are not properly engaged and employed. We are also excited to receive funding for non-traditional mental health services to support our young participants and their families. Street Corner Resources thanks Mayor Eric Adams for his support of the Crisis Management System, the folks at DYCD, and of course those who are on the ground continuing to do the work. We look forward to safer neighborhoods and a safer New York City.”