Saturday, January 4, 2020

"What's Happening in New York?" - New Laws Taking Effect in January 2020


New Laws Taking Effect in January 2020
(Effective Date / Chapter Number / Bill Number)
(Summary)

1/1/2020 / Ch. 413 of 2018 /A.10648 & S.8522-A
Removes the three-year exemption of mandatory continuing education for newly licensed Certified Public Accountants and public accountants.
1/1/2020 / Ch. 2 of 2019 / A.774 & S.1100
Allows 16- and 17-year-olds to pre-register to vote.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 25 of 2019 / A.585-A & S.659-A
Enacts the Comprehensive Contraception Coverage Act to require health insurance policies to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs, devices and products, as well as voluntary sterilization procedures, contraceptive education and counseling, and related follow-up services. Prohibits cost-sharing requirements or other restrictions or delays.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 55 of 2019 Part CC / A.2005-C & S.1505-C
Expands the types of medical professionals authorized to provide medical care and treatment to injured workers under the workers’ compensation system and expands the Workers’ Compensation Board’s authority to resolve medical bill disputes.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 55 of 2019 Part BBB, Sec. 2 / A.2005-C & S.1505-C
Provides for uniform polling hours of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. during primary elections.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 56 of 2019 Part K / A.2006-C & S.1506-C
Ends detention of Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) and allows for limited pre-dispositional placement of PINS in foster care rather than detention facilities. Narrows the ability of family courts to order foster care placements at disposition of PINS cases with a limited post-placement timeframe. Adds Family Support Centers as a reimbursable option for preventive services for local social services districts.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 57 of 2019 Part G, Sec. 3,4,5,7,8 / A.2007-C & S.1507-C
Requires fiscal intermediaries for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program to contract with the Department of Health through a procurement process.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 57 of 2019 Part J, Subpart B, Sec. 42 / A.2007-C & S.1507-C
Codifies provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act, including the 10 categories of essential health benefits that health insurance plans must cover.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 57 of 2019 Part J, Subpart C, Sec. 3 / A.2007-C & S.1507-C
Requires health insurance companies to publish a complete list of all covered prescription drugs on their formulary drug list.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 57 of 2019 Part J, Subpart D, Sec. 4 / A.2007-C & S.1507-C
Prohibits health insurance companies from engaging in discrimination based on sex or gender identity.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 57 of 2019 Part L, Sec. 4 / A.2007-C & S.1507-C
Requires health insurance plans to cover fertility preservation treatments for those with iatrogenic infertility caused by radiation, medication or surgery. Also requires large-group insurers to cover three cycles of in-vitro fertilization.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 57 of 2019 Part M, Sec.4 / A.2007-C & S.1507-C
Requires health insurance policies to cover reproductive health coverage, including voluntary sterilization procedures and over-the-counter contraceptive products.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 57 of 2019 Part J, Subpart A, Sec. 11, Subsec. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9 / A.2007-C & S.1507-C
Codifies provisions of the federal Affordable Care Act that prohibit insurers from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 59 of 2019 Part J, Subpart F, Sec. 2 / A.2009-C & S.1509-C
Requires power plants to file an annual report showing the inventory, revenue and expenses for the year.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 59 of 2019 Part L, Sec. 6 / A.2009-C & S.1509-C
Allows businesses to receive a tax credit for providing child care facilities for employees.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 59 of 2019 Part W, Sec. 6 / A.2009-C & S.1509-C
Allows businesses to receive a tax credit for hiring eligible individuals who are in recovery from a substance use disorder.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 59 of 2019 Part III, Sec. 20, Subsec. 13 & 19 / A.2009-C & S.1509-C
Establishes a combined single limit of $1.5 million liability bond or insurance coverage on motor vehicles carrying passengers for compensation which have a seating capacity of 8 or more passengers.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 59 of 2019 Part JJJ, Sec. 25 / A.2009-C & S.1509-C
Eliminates cash bail for misdemeanors, excluding sex offense misdemeanors, and non-violent felonies, allowing individuals to be released on their own recognizance or under non-monetary conditions.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 59 of 2019 Part KKK, Sec. 2 / A.2009-C & S.1509-C
Enacts new judicial requirements that ensure defendants have access to a speedy trial.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 59 of 2019 Part LLL, Sec. 14 / A.2009-C & S.1509-C
Reforms discovery procedures to expedite disclosure of information and documents in criminal cases.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 66 of 2019 / A.7606 & S.5839
Removes the requirement that primary ballots be color coded by political party.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 105 of 2019 / A.8419 & S.6578
Enacts the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, which provides farm workers with the following protections: collective bargaining rights, a day of rest, overtime pay, unemployment benefits, disability insurance, sanitary housing, and additional workers' compensation benefits.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 106 of 2019 / A.8429 & S.6599
Establishes the New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to combat climate change by: reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2050, requiring that 70% of electricity be produced by renewable energy systems by 2030 and requiring 100% of the state’s electricity to be produced without emissions by 2040.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 147 of 2019 / A.4853-A & S.5685
Enacts Brianna’s Law, requiring all operators of mechanically propelled vessels to take a boating safety course. Starting in 2020, the law applies to those born in 1993 or later then will be phased in on an annual basis to include all operators by 2025.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 185 of 2019 / A.3002 & S.88
Requires Industrial Development Agencies to live stream open meetings and public hearings and post the content on their websites for at least five years.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 253 of 2019 / A.7892 & S.6313
Extends the period to file the application for accidental death benefits to five years for members of the New York State and Local Retirement System.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 266 of 2019 / A.4481 & S.4423
Allows taxpayers to check off a box on tax returns to make contributions for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research, education and treatment.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 298 of 2019 / A.2998 & S.1799
Allows a health care provider to diagnose or prescribe drugs for sexually transmitted infections to a sexual partner or partners without performing an examination.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 361 of 2019 / A.3619-A & S.1481-A
Requires that all employees of programs and organizations providing care to runaway or homeless youth complete training in issues pertaining to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 408 of 2019 / A.7789 & S.5329-A
Clarifies the inclusion of property damage coverage in the combined single limit of $1.5 million coverage for bodily injury and death which is required for motor vehicles carrying passengers for compensation which have a seating capacity of 8 or more passengers.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 417 of 2019 / A.1454 & S.3146
Allows a board of elections to design an alternative poll site staffing plan to conduct an election.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 454 of 2019 / A.4668 & S.4910
Requires a "paid for by" disclosure statement for all political communications including printed, digital, visual and auditory communications.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 465 of 2019 / A.1740 & S.3134
Allows filings with a local board of elections to meet state filing requirements in order to eliminate duplicative filings.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 643 of 2019 / A.8336-A & S.5886-A
Establishes an electronic open auction public bond sale pilot program so municipalities can conduct open auction public bond sales through nationally recognized securities bidding services.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 668 of 2019 / A.2345 & S.3387
Authorizes Medicaid coverage for lactation counseling services without a referral from a physician, registered physician assistant, registered nurse practitioner or licensed midwife.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 683 of 2019 / A.6683-B & S.5864-A
Creates a tax credit for the hiring of women and minority television writers and directors by companies participating in New York's film tax credit program.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 691 of 2019 / A.3009 & S.4078
Provides for the synchronization of multiple prescriptions in order to allow patients to pick up medications for chronic illness on the same date each month.

1/1/2020 / Ch.701 of 2019 / A.8035 & S.6469
Provides that the employer which pays an individual must make unemployment insurance contributions even if the work is performed for a different entity.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 704 of 2019 / A.4403 & S.1864
Allows municipalities to reduce the tax redemption period of vacant and abandoned properties from two years to one year and expedites the foreclosure process.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 733 of 2019 / A.2850-A & S.3962-A
Requires hospitals to establish domestic violence training policies and coordinate services for survivors.

1/1/2020 / Ch. 735 of 2019 / A.1564 & S.2385
Creates a permanent environmental justice advisory group and interagency coordinating council to develop equitable environmental policies.

1/2/2020 / Ch. 340 of 2019 / A.4315 & S.55
Requires the State Liquor Authority to make available to the public information pertaining to any conditions it imposes on a licensed premises.

1/2/2020 / Ch. 479 of 2019 / A.7289 & S.1681
Extends the property tax exemption for disabled veterans to current members of the armed forces who are disabled and remain in active service.

1/5/2020 / Ch. 359 of 2019 / A.7584 & S.6347
Clarifies that petty offense charges are eligible and should be sealed.

1/6/2020 / Ch. 94 of 2019 / A.5308-B & S.6549
Prohibits employers from asking an applicant’s wage or salary history as a requirement for job interviews, applications, promotions or job offers.

1/7/2020 / Ch. 455 of 2019 / A.5175 & S.6499
Provides for the establishment of a procedure and electronic system to process Mitchell-Lama housing applications and waiting lists.

1/7/2020 / Ch. 556 of 2019 Sec. 2 / A.6678 & S.4413
Requires employers that provide employee handbooks to include notice of rights regarding reproductive health decision making by the employee or a dependent.

1/10/2020 / Ch. 481 of 2019 / A.8095-A & S.6467
Directs the Division of Veterans' Services to maintain a discharge upgrade advisory board to provide written non-binding advisory opinions to veterans who are appealing their character of discharge.

1/10/2020 / Ch. 482 of 2019 / A.8096 & S.6527
Requires local veterans' service agencies to assist veterans in the process of submitting an application for a discharge upgrade to the discharge upgrade advisory board.

1/11/2020 / Ch. 96 of 2019 / A.8414 & S.6575
Expands and extends the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises program to promote employment and business opportunities in state contracts.

1/11/2020 / Ch. 264 of 2019 / A.3235 & S.3223
Requires Community Reinvestment Act reporting to include bank lending to Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprises.

1/11/2020 / Ch. 633 of 2019 / A.1024-B & S.3247-B
Authorizes firefighters and law enforcement officers outside of New York City to possess and administer epinephrine.

1/12/2020 / Ch. 646 of 2019 / A.1084 & S.874
Ensures that residents of adult care facilities have a right to be informed about their condition, treatment and medications, as well as the right to consent or refuse care and be able to choose their own providers.

1/15/2020 / Ch. 491 of 2019 / A.5494 & S.3419
Establishes the right of adoptees to receive a certified copy of their birth certificate at the age of 18.

1/15/2020 / Ch. 655 of 2019 / A.1971 & S.5427
Increases the amount of barrels that a brew pub may produce to sell at retail or wholesale from 250 to 2,000 and requires a wholesaler to be used for distribution.

1/19/2020 / Ch. 504 of 2019 / A.7277 & S.6361
Requires the informational materials which accompany opioid antagonists for first aid or emergency treatment to include Good Samaritan liability protections.

1/24/2020 / Ch. 558 of 2019 / A.456-A & S.4956-A
Requires cooperatives to notify residents of changes in their by-laws within 10 days of adoption.

1/26/2020 / Ch.134 of 2019 / A.763-A & S.1414-A
Criminalizes the manufacture, sale, transport and possession of firearms, rifles, shotguns and the major components of such weapons which are undetectable by an X-ray machine or metal detector.

1/27/2020 / Ch.139 of 2019 / A.2685 & S.2449
Establishes the municipal gun buyback program by the Division of State Police to allow for the voluntary return of guns.

This was taken from Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz's Legislative Summary December 23 - January 4, 2019.

Friday, January 3, 2020

AG James Facilitates Access To Life-Saving Opioid Overdose Drug



Pharmaceutical Firm Agrees to Renegotiate Terms That May Have

Prevented Supply of Patented Device to Potential Competitors

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced an agreement negotiated with Emergent BioSolutions — manufacturers of the successful opioid overdose reversal nasal spray NARCAN — in an effort to increase opportunity for additional companies to utilize the patented, proprietary spray technology that allows for life-saving drugs to be easily administered to patients.

“Given the tragic, devastating effects of the opioid crisis, and the urgent need for additional drugs for the emergency treatment of opioid overdoses, my office will do whatever possible to ensure that there are no unnecessary impediments to the development of additional life-saving opioid overdose reversal drugs,” said Attorney General James. “I’m proud to announce that, starting today, additional companies will be able to gain access to these nasal spray devices. With more companies able to access this easy-to-use technology, our hope is that we can reduce the number of opioid overdose deaths across New York and this nation and save millions of additional lives.”


In February 2016, Adapt Pharma, Inc. launched a naloxone nasal spray, branded as NARCAN, in the United States. While naloxone has been used for decades by first responders and others for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdoses, NARCAN’s nasal spray device makes it a convenient, non-invasive option that can be used safely, easily, effectively, and without risk by any person without any sort of medical training. In October 2018, Adapt was acquired by Emergent.
The investigation by the Office of the Attorney General revealed that before being acquired by Emergent, Adapt entered into a contract with the manufacturer of the nasal spray device used in NARCAN which may have had the effect of restricting the nasal spray device manufacturer from supplying similar devices to other companies attempting to develop their own nasal nalmefene product — potentially impeding the development of additional life-saving drugs. Clinical literature suggests that nalmefene has the potential to be a successful, life-saving opioid overdose reversal drug.
After Attorney General James laid out her concerns, Emergent and the Office of the Attorney General came to an agreement that would ensure Emergent no longer enforces the terms of the previously negotiated exclusivity contract. Additionally, the agreement will ensure Emergent renegotiates the contract with its nasal spray device manufacturer.

MAYOR DE BLASIO’S STATEMENT ABOUT THE SPECIAL ELECTION FOR QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT


  “I am declaring Tuesday, March 24, 2020 as the date for the Queens Borough President special election. I encourage all eligible Queens residents to vote in the upcoming special election, and I thank outgoing Borough President Melinda Katz for her leadership and increasing the World’s Borough’s diversity and dynamism, and wish her all the best in her new role.” 

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS 28 JUDGES TO FAMILY, CRIMINAL, AND CIVIL COURT


   Mayor de Blasio has made 28 judicial appointments and reappointments for the New Year, including one appointment and four reappointments to Family Court; six appointments and ten reappointments to Criminal Court; and three appointments and four reappointments to Civil Court. Judges appointed or reappointed to Civil Court sit in either Family or Criminal Court. The appointments were effective January 1.

“These appointees will represent New Yorkers proudly and work tirelessly to provide oversight of our courts,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Their work is essential in ensuring that we are creating a fairer city for all.”

Family, Criminal and Civil Court are part of the New York State Unified Court System. Family Court judges hear cases related to adoption, foster care and guardianship, custody and visitation, domestic violence, abused or neglected children, and juvenile delinquency. The City’s Criminal Court handles misdemeanor cases and lesser offenses, and conducts arraignments. Two of the three judges newly appointed to Civil Court will sit in Criminal Court, one will sit in Family Court.

The Mayor appointed the following judge to Family Court:

Judge Linda Capitti was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Family Court. Prior to her appointment, Judge Capitti served with the New York State Unified Court System as a Principal Court Attorney in the Integrated Domestic Violence Court for 12 years. Prior to that, she served as a Staff Attorney in the New York City Administration for Children’s Services. She is a graduate of Rutgers University and received her law degree from New York Law School.

The Mayor appointed the following judges to Criminal Court:

Judge Michael Gaffey was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to his appointment, he was a criminal law practitioner for 32 years and most recently served as Supervising Attorney and Deputy Director at Queens Law Associates. Before that, he was a Staff Attorney at The Legal Aid Society and had his own practice. He is a graduate of Adelphi University and received his law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Judge Wanda (Wendy) Licitra was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she practiced criminal law for nearly 33 years and most recently served as an Arraignments Supervisor at Queens Law Associates. Before that, she served as a Staff Attorney in The Legal Aid Society in both Kings and Bronx counties. She is a graduate of SUNY New Paltz and received her law degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Judge Archana Rao was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York County District Attorney’s Office for 17 years, most recently as the Bureau Chief of the Financial Frauds Bureau. She is a graduate of Vassar College and received her J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.

Judge Audrey Stone was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she most recently served with the New York State Unified Court System as the Chief Counsel on Family Violence cases for the Office of Policy and Planning. She also served in the Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Division and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Judge Stone is a graduate of Brown University and received her J.D. from New York University School of Law.

Judge Jonathan Svetkey was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Judge Svetkey most recently served with the New York State Unified Court System as an Associate Court Attorney in Criminal Court, New York County. Prior to this, Judge Svetkey served as a prosecutor with the Kings and Bronx County District Attorney’s Office before establishing a partnership specializing in criminal defense, immigration and personal injury. He is a graduate of the University of Rochester and received his J.D. from Catholic University School of Law.

Judge Kerry Ward was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York State Unified Court System as Chief of Staff in the Office of Policy and Planning. Judge Ward had also served as a Principal Law Clerk and Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court Criminal and Civil Terms. She is a graduate of Pace University and received her law degree from Syracuse University College of Law.

The Mayor appointed the following judges to Civil Court:

Judge Ashley B. Black started her legal career with the New York City Administration for Children’s Services as an Agency Attorney before joining the New York State Unified Court System, first as a Court Attorney, then as a Court Attorney Referee in Family Court. She received her undergraduate degree from Rutgers University and her J.D. from the Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law.  Judge Black is appointed to Civil Court and will be assigned to Family Court.

Judge Paul McDonnell has been serving with the New York State Unified Court System since 1983 in various capacities, most recently as Deputy Counsel of Criminal Justice at the Office of Court Administration. Prior to that, he served as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Criminal Term in both New York and Bronx counties. He received his undergraduate degree from Hobart and William Smith Colleges and his J.D. from Washington & Lee Law School. Judge McDonnell is appointed to Civil Court and will be assigned to Criminal Court.

Judge Jean T. Walsh spent most of her 37 year legal career in public service. She started at the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office where she served in various bureaus for fourteen years before joining the United States Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of New York and then the New York State Office of the Inspector General. Most recently she returned to serve as the Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of the Investigations Division in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office. She received her undergraduate degree from Mount Holyoke College and her J.D. from SUNY Buffalo Law School. Judge Walsh is appointed to Civil Court and will be assigned to Criminal Court.

The Mayor reappointed the following judges to Family Court:

Judge Sarah Cooper was appointed as a Family Court Judge in January 2012. Prior to her appointment, she practiced in Family Court for 15 years, having worked for the New York City Administration for Children's Services and as a Court Attorney Referee. She is a graduate of the State University of New York at Binghamton and received her law degree from Cardozo School of Law.

Judge Alicea Elloras-Ally was appointed as a Family Court Judge in April 2015. Prior to her appointment, Judge Elloras-Ally was a Staff Attorney with the New York City Administration for Children's Services, served as a Court Attorney in Family Court as well as a Law Clerk in Supreme Court, Criminal Term. She most recently served as a Support Magistrate in Family Court for six years. She is a graduate of Barnard College and received her law degree from Penn State University, Dickinson School of Law.

Judge Lisa J. Friederwitzer was appointed as a Family Court Judge in February 2018. Prior to her appointment, she served as a Court Attorney Referee in Supreme Court, Queens County after serving as a Support Magistrate in both Queens and Manhattan Family Courts. Judge Friederwitzer graduated from Queens College and received her law degree from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Judge Jane Pearl was first appointed to the Family Court in February 2000. Judge Pearl previously served as a Court Attorney Referee in New York County Family Court. She received her undergraduate degree from George Washington University, her master's degree and Ph.D from Northwestern University, and her law degree from The Benjamin Cardozo School of Law.

The Mayor reappointed the following judges to Criminal Court:

Judge Abena Darkeh was appointed to the Criminal Court in February 2015. Prior to her appointment, Judge Darkeh served with the Kings County District Attorney's Office and with the New York State Office of Court Administration as a Court Attorney/Citywide Domestic Violence Coordinator for New York City Criminal Court and as Assistant Deputy Counsel in the Office of Policy and Planning. She also served as the Deputy Commissioner for Regional Affairs and Federal Programs for the New York State Division of Human Rights. Judge Darkeh is a graduate of Georgetown University and received her J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law.

Judge Curtis J. Farber, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was appointed as a Criminal Court Judge in December 2012. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in July 2012 and served in Criminal Court. Judge Farber served with the Bronx County District Attorney's Office and was a solo criminal defense practitioner for 20 years. He received his undergraduate degree from George Washington University and his law degree from Boston University School of Law.

Judge William Garnett, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, has been a Criminal Court Judge since August 1991. Prior to his appointment, he served with the Richmond County District Attorney's Office where he last served as Supreme Court Bureau Chief, as well as the Kings County District Attorney's Office where he last served as Senior Trial Assistant of the Homicide Bureau. Judge Garnett graduated from Fordham University, received his law degree from Brooklyn Law School, and his L.L.M. from New York University School of Law.

Judge John T. Hecht, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was appointed as a Criminal Court Judge in September 2011. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2011 and served in Criminal Court.  Prior to his appointment, he served as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, was a Supervising Attorney for the Legal Aid Society, and was a litigation associate for private firms. Judge Hecht graduated from Yale College and received his law degree from Boston University School of Law

Judge Salvatore J. Modica, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was first appointed to the Criminal Court in December 2001. Prior to his appointment, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Queens and as a Principal Court Attorney in Supreme Court, Bronx County. Judge Modica graduated from the University of Arizona and received his law degree from St. John's University School of Law.

Judge Edwin Novillo was appointed to the Criminal Court in January 2019. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in February 2018 and served in Criminal Court. Prior to his appointment, Judge Novillo served with the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Practice for 14 � years, most recently as a Senior Staff Attorney in Queens County. He graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and received his law degree from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Judge Kim Petersen was appointed to the Criminal Court in December 2016. Prior to her appointment, Judge Petersen served with the Richmond County District Attorney’s Office as Bureau Chief of Criminal Court and served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.  She was also a Principal Court Attorney in the Appellate Division, First Department, Departmental Disciplinary Committee, as well as, in Supreme Court, Criminal Term, Queens County. She is a graduate of Queens College and received her J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.

Judge Raymond Rodriguez was appointed to the Criminal Court in December 2013. He was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2013. Prior to his appointment, Judge Rodriguez served with the Richmond County District Attorney's Office and was a solo practitioner for almost nine years specializing in criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. He received his undergraduate degree from St. John's University and his law degree from Widener University School of Law

Judge Elizabeth N. Warin was appointed to the Criminal Court bench in December 2015.  Prior to her appointment, she served as a Law Clerk with the United States District Court, Southern District of New York, then served with The Legal Aid Society and was Of Counsel to two firms specializing in criminal defense. Judge Warin received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and her law degree from New York University School of Law. 

Judge Stephanie Zaro, an Acting Supreme Court Justice, was appointed to the Criminal Court in February 2008. She began her career by serving in the Inspector General's Office of the New York City Department of Finance and then served with the Queens County District Attorney's Office. Judge Zaro was also a solo criminal defense practitioner for nearly 20 years prior to her appointment. She is a graduate of John Jay University and received her law degree from Cardozo School of Law.

The Mayor reappointed the following judges to Civil Court:

Judge Deepa Ambekar was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in May 2018 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York City Council as a Senior Legislative Attorney and Counsel to the Committee on Public Safety. Judge Ambekar also served as a Staff Attorney with the Legal Aid Society, Criminal Defense Division. She is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received her J.D. from Rutgers Law School.

Judge Quynda L. Santacroce was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in January 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to her appointment, she served with the New York State Unified Court System as a Principal Court Attorney in Criminal Court, Queens County in the Integrated Domestic Violence Part/Queens Youth Part, and also served with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office in several bureaus. Judge Santacroce is a graduate of Cornell University and received her J.D. from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center.

Judge Jonathan H. Shim was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in February 2018 and has been serving in Family Court. Prior to his appointment, Judge Shim worked as an associate at several firms before starting his own practice in family and matrimonial law, which he maintained for nine and a half years. He is a graduate of SUNY at Albany and received his J.D. from Albany Law School.

Judge Jay L. Weiner was first appointed as an Interim Civil Court Judge in April 2019 and has been serving in Criminal Court. Prior to his appointment, he served with the New York State Unified Court System as a Principal Law Clerk in the Appellate Division, Second Department. Judge Weiner also worked with Appellate Advocates, and served as an Assistant District Attorney in both Queens and Kings Counties. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and received his law degree from Fordham University School of Law.


Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Wave Hill events January 16‒January 23


Sat, January 18

Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee Bend

In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the Gee’s Bend Community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. The bold patterns and bright colors of these now famous quilts, made from fabric scraps, would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own brilliant compositions out of bountiful squares of donated fabric to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, January 19

Family Art Project: Freedom Quilters of Gee Bend

In 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. visited the Gee’s Bend Community in rural Alabama and the Freedom Quilting Bee was established. The bold patterns and bright colors of these now famous quilts, made from fabric scraps, would later go on to fund aspects of the community’s freedom. Create your own brilliant compositions out of bountiful squares of donated fabric to honor Dr. King’s birthday and the inspiring women quilters of Gee’s Bend. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, January 19

Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 1–3PM

Sun, January 19

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Sun, January 19

Exhibition Opening: Returning to the Source

Since 2010, 111 artists have had studios at Wave Hill through the Winter Workspace residency program. This time of experimentation and reflection in the garden proved immensely influential to their practices, launching new and expanded directions. The work they created has often been exhibited widely, finding new audiences, meanings and contexts. To celebrate the program’s 10th anniversary, a selection of those works made during residency returns to Wave Hill House, where visitors can see the garden in winter through the eyes of this stellar group of alumni artists. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 2:30–4PM

Mon, January 20

Wave Hill is closed.

Wed, January 22

Heroes of Horticulture–Americans Who Transformed the Landscape: A Horticultural Lecture by Barbara Paul Robinson

In her new book Heroes of Horticulture, Barbara Paul Robinson tells the vibrant stories of 18 contemporary heroes of horticulture―institution-builders, restorers of public parks and public spaces, adventurous plant explorers and garden creators―who have each had a significant, public impact on the American landscape. A hands-in-the-dirt gardener, Robinson and her husband have created their own gardens at Brush Hill in Connecticut. A frequent speaker, she has published a biography of Rosemary Verey, as well as articles in The New York TimesHorticultureFine Gardening and Hortus. Wave Hill’s annual horticultural lecture series is held at the New York School of Interior Design. Individual tickets: $30, with a 10% discount for Wave Hill Members and students. Seating is limited, and advance reservations are recommended, online at wavehill.org, starting November 13. Student tickets available lecture evening only, at the door, space permitting and with a valid student ID. The second lecture of the series takes place on February 19, when photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo speaks about photographing gardens.

New York School of Interior Design, 6–7:30PM

                         
A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES – Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm
  
DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Do Not Donate to BRAC - Call Gail Nathan the Executive Director and Ask Her Why Only Two State Legislators Are Listed


 Gail Nathan - Executive Director of the Bronx River Arts Center - why are Karines Reyes and Luis Sepulveda the only two state legislators listed 

This program is made possible with support  from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the NYS Council on the Arts with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature including Assembly Member Karines Reyes and Senator Luis R. Sepulveda. Additional support is from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Council Members Ritchie Torres, Andrew Cohen, Andy King and Ruben Diaz Sr., and the Bronx Delegation  as well as from Con Edison/The Power of Giving, BronxCare Health System, and private donors


Call Gail Nathan at 718-589-5819 and ask her why only those two sate legislators names are listed. We have an idea, but would like to know from Ms. Nathan as to why only those two state legislators are only mentioned. 

Until we get an answer we ask that you do not donate to the Bronx River Arts Center (BRAC) 

Monday, December 30, 2019

Orange County Man Charged With Federal Hate Crimes For December 28, 2019, Machete Attack At Rabbi’s Home


Grafton Thomas Injured at Least Five People in Hate Crime Attack During Hanukkah Observance

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Eric Dreiband, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that GRAFTON THOMAS has been charged with five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religion in an attempt to kill, a federal hate crime, related to his machete attack during Hanukkah observances at a rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, on the night of December 28, 2019.  THOMAS is expected to be presented in White Plains federal court later today.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Grafton Thomas targeted his victims in the midst of a religious ceremony, transforming a joyous Hanukkah celebration into a scene of carnage and pain.  Today is the eighth day of Hanukkah, the festival of lights that commemorates Jews’ struggle to practice their faith more than two millennia ago, and we are about to welcome in a new year.  Even in the face of tragedy, both milestones are an occasion for renewed hope and resolve:  To combat bigotry in all its forms – and to bring to justice the perpetrators of hate-fueled attacks.”
Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband said:  “Every American should be free to live and worship in safety.  The Department will vigorously prosecute those who commit hate crimes, and we will continue to work with our state and local partners to bring to justice anyone who violates the civil rights of Americans.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “When an individual’s actions cross the threshold of a federal crime, as we allege Mr. Thomas did here, we will act swiftly.  The message from today’s charges should be crystal clear – the FBI won’t tolerate violence against anyone.  Working with our partners, we will hold anyone who commits a crime like this accountable for their actions.  The federal penalties for this type of attack are severe and justified.  In this instance, the local community was engaged, and their actions were essential to saving lives and led directly to Mr. Thomas’s capture.  It’s the rest of our community’s joint responsibility to step up and engage as well – don’t give hate a platform to propagate and don’t dismiss this type of behavior as someone else’s problem, address it and immediately report suspicious activity to authorities.” 
According to the Complaint[[1]] unsealed today in White Plains federal court:
On December 28, 2019, THOMAS entered a Rabbi’s home in Monsey, New York, which is adjacent to the Rabbi’s synagogue, during observances related to the end of Shabbat and the seventh night of Hanukkah.  THOMAS declared to dozens of assembled congregants, “no one is leaving,” and attacked the group with an 18-inch machete.  At least five victims were hospitalized with serious injuries, including slash wounds, deep lacerations, a severed finger, and a skull fracture. 
Following the attack, Thomas traveled in a car to New York City, and he was stopped in Harlem by members of the New York City Police Department.  The responding officers observed what appeared to be blood on THOMAS’s hands and clothing, and smelled bleach coming from his vehicle.  A search of THOMAS’s vehicle led to the seizure of, among other things, a machete that appeared to have traces of dried blood on it.  Law enforcement subsequently searched THOMAS’s residence and cellphone pursuant to warrants.  The residence contained handwritten journals with several pages of anti-Semitic references.  THOMAS’s cellphone contained Internet searches dating back to at least November 2019 for terms such as “Zionist Temples” in Staten Island and New Jersey, as well as a webpage visit on the day of the attack to an article titled, “New York To Increase Police Presence After Anti-Semitic Attacks.”  
THOMAS, 37, is charged with five counts of obstructing the free exercise of religion in an attempt to kill, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 247.  Each of the five counts carries a maximum prison term of life.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, the Ramapo Police Department, the Rockland County Sherriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Clarkstown Police Department, and the New York City Police Department, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division..
The charges in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.