Wednesday, April 18, 2018

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES THE 2018 “MTV VMAS” WILL RETURN TO NYC AND AIR LIVE FROM RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL ON MONDAY, AUGUST 20


  Mayor de Blasio announced the 2018 “MTV VMAs” will return to NYC and air live on Monday, August 20 from Radio City Music Hall. Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin joined the iconic VMA Moon Person, Bruce Gillmer, Global Head of Music/Talent, Co-Brand Lead, MTV International and Darren Pfeffer, Executive Vice President of MSG live to announce the news with a street renaming and symbolic “moon landing” on Manhattan’s Avenue of the Americas, under the marquee of the famed venue. Radio City Music Hall was the home of the inaugural VMAs in 1984 and this will mark the 12th time the show has been held there – the most for any VMA location. 2018 will be the 17th time the “MTV VMAs” have been held in New York City.

“New York City’s creative energy has always fueled those who live and work here,” said Mayor de Blasio. “This is where music, film, and art collide and where the Video Music Awards were born. There is no better place to host the MTV VMAs than in New York City at one of the most iconic venues in the world.”

“We are so pleased that the MTV VMAs will be returning to their roots in New York City for this year’s celebration of music, and entertainment,” said Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin. “Prestigious awards shows like the VMAs and the Grammys not only reconfirm New York City’s status as the music capital of the country, but they bring tremendous economic benefits to their host city, an estimated $50 million in the case of the VMAs. I thank MTV, which is being revitalized through the return of shows like TRL, and Viacom for their partnership, and we look forward to rolling out the red carpet for one of the music industry’s most entertaining nights.”

New York City is a fitting choice to host the VMAs.  It is the birthplace and incubator of so many of music's most popular genres – from salsa music in East Harlem to disco in midtown, from punk rock in the East Village to hip hop in the Bronx.  The city continues to be at the forefront of music innovation with 72 digital music companies – more than San Francisco and Los Angeles combined.

"I am thrilled that the MTV VMAs will once again be held in its hometown of New York City. New York has nurtured so many iconic artists - from Madonna to Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys to Cardi B - that it's safe to say the show belongs here. My dancing shoes are ready and waiting," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

GOVERNOR CUOMO ENDORSES NATHALIA FERNANDEZ FOR NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY


  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today endorsed Nathalia Fernandez for New York State Assembly. Ms. Fernandez is running in the special election on April 24th for the 80th Assembly District representing the neighborhoods of Norwood, Morris Park, Pelham Parkway, Allerton, Bronx Park East and Van Nest.

“Nathalia Fernandez is a proven leader who will advance the progressive values of opportunity and equality that built the Empire State in the first place,” Governor Cuomo said. “From fighting for the middle- and working-class to advancing the rights of women and girls, Nathalia will continue the fight to make New York a fairer, more equal state for all.”

"I'm honored to have Governor Cuomo's support in my race for State Assembly," said Nathalia Fernandez, Democratic candidate for the 80th Assembly District.  "The Governor is a progressive champion who has led the way on education, gun safety reform, and fighting back against the destructive policies of the Trump Administration in Washington.  I look forward to working with him to continue to bring real, effective change to New York as the youngest Latina member of the State Assembly."

Monday, April 16, 2018

New York City Council Announces Chief of Oversight and Investigations Unit


  Speaker Corey Johnson and Oversight and Investigations Committee Chair Ritchie Torres announced the hiring of Steve Pilnyak as Chief of the new Oversight and Investigations Unit. Pilnyak brings nearly fifteen years of experience in and out of government, including as a prosecutor in the New York County District Attorney’s Office investigating and prosecuting highly sensitive and complex white-collar conduct in the Major Economic Crimes Bureau and as a supervisor of the Financial Intelligence Unit. Speaker Johnson prioritized the creation of the Oversight and Investigations Unit when he was elected Speaker of the Council in January. The Oversight and Investigations Unit will work with Chair Torres and the Committee in conducting in-depth oversight of the Mayor and city agencies as provided in the City Charter. The Council is in the process of fully staffing the Unit with approximately 15-20 employees.

“The New York City Council was designed to be an independent legislative body with strong oversight powers, and the Oversight and Investigations Unit will help the Council fulfill that core function. It is the Council’s charter mandated authority to be an effective check on the Mayor, and we will not hesitate to use that authority whenever necessary. Chair Torres and I look forward to working with Steve to fulfill our responsibility to all New Yorkers to hold those in power accountable,” said Speaker Corey Johnson.
“Steve Pilnyak has the background and expertise to lead the new Oversight and Investigations Unit and ensure that it sets a strong and independent tone for this Council session. In the coming weeks, he will be staffing up the Unit with attorneys, investigators and analysts and others with the background to investigate claims of malfeasance, government fraud and mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. As Chair of the Oversight and Investigations Committee, I look forward to working with him and the rest of the unit to ensure its success and accountability to New Yorkers,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres, Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Investigations.
“I am excited to implement Speaker Johnson’s vision to establish robust and independent oversight and investigations at the City Council. I am confident that under the leadership of Speaker Johnson and in collaboration with Chairman Torres, the Oversight and Investigations Unit will work successfully with stakeholders in and out of government who champion our responsibility to investigate waste, inefficiencies and fraud in the operation of city agencies and those conducting business with the City,” said Steve Pilnyak, the Council’s newly appointed Chief of the Oversight and Investigations Unit.

News From Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark


Cases of Interest for the Week of April 16, 2018

Monday, April 16, 2018
ADA
Judge
Part #
Status
Defendant Name
Case Details
Knoepfler, S.
Justice Barrett
60
Hearing & Trial

WILLIAM STANLEY
NYPD School Safety Officer charged in November of 2016 with Unlawful Imprisonment and additional crimes for arresting a Bronx man in retaliation for a dispute over a parking spot near an NYPD office in the Tremont section of the Bronx.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018
ADA
Judge
Part #
Status
Defendant Name
Case Details
Riesel, A.
Justice Barrett
60
Update
RANDOLPH PRICE
NYPD Sergeant charged with Vehicular Manslaughter in off-duty crash that killed rookie cop near City Island after an alleged night of drinking on Feb. 1, 2017.

Vallely, J.
Fabrizio
92
Sentencing
WILLIAM WHITFIELD
Former inmate to be sentenced for brutal slashing on NYC Department of Correction Officer in 2015. 
Connor, B.
Barrett
60
Conference  
RICHARD EVANS
NYPD officer charged with Official Misconduct and four counts of Operating a
Vehicle While Under the Influence of
Alcohol for driving while intoxicated while
he was on duty and responding to a police
call in the 52nd Precinct.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018
ADA
Judge
Part #
Status
Defendant Name
Case Details
Irace, P.
Barrett
60
Sentencing
Jason Polanco
Defendant to be sentenced after being convicted of Robbery, Assault and other crimes for shooting and injuring two NYPD officers in a spree of two robbery incidents in 2015.
Kiok, J.
Yearwood
18
Sentencing
Vinod Patel
Bronx man to be sentenced after pleading guilty to Promoting Prostitution in the Bronx.


Thursday, April 19, 2018
ADA
Judge
Part #
Status
Defendant Name
Case Details
Schordine, M.
Michels
77
Hearing & Trial
Taha Mahran
Charged with Murder and Manslaughter for allegedly fatally stabbing his tenant, Zakir Khan, over unpaid rent stemming nine months.
Mendys, N.
Neary
70
Jury Selection 
WILLIAM CARUTHBronx dad charged with Murder in the alleged killing of his pregnant daughter in 2016. 


Friday, April 20, 2018
ADA
Judge
Part #
Status
Defendant Name
Case Details
Schordine, M.
Alvarado
17
Sentencing

JASON REID
Inmate to be sentenced after pleading guilty to role in Thanksgiving Day assault of a city jail captain.

Please note: All court proceedings are scheduled for after 9:30 a.m. at 265 East 161st Street, the Hall of Justice, Bronx Supreme Court unless otherwise specified.

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Volunteer Recognition Breakfast: Don't Forget to Sign Up



MORE ABOUT OUR HONOREES:

SENATOR ABRAHAM BERNSTEIN MEMORIAL AWARD
HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY
UNITED STATES CONGRESS, 14TH DISTRICT

BLANCHE COMRAS RIFKIN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
49TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL, NYPD
This volunteer-led organization helps to cement the bonds between individuals, community groups, and the 49th Precinct in the Pelham Parkway Area.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD

JANE CHANEY
Jane is our long time clerical volunteer and receptionist at BJCC's
West Bronx Housing office.

STEVEN GLOSSER
A lifelong resident of this area, Steve currently utilizes his experience in marketing as an active participant in leadership of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association and three local synagogues.

DR. REBECCA KOBRIN, ARIELA, SIMONE AND EITAN FEINBLUM
Rebecca and her children have volunteered at the BJCC Dreydl Ball for the past six years.

MARC KARELL, NEIL SCHWARTZREICH AND LARRY THAUL
Otherwise known as 'the three musketeers' have carried Project HOPE packages to our clients on the Grand Concourse for over fifteen years.

DIANE ROSEN
Diane has been a dedicated 'Friendly Visitor' to a 'Friend at Home' BJCC client
for more than fifteen years.

WESTCHESTER DAY SCHOOL
Our dear and valued friend, WDS has packed and delivered Project HOPE packages for seventeen years, hosted food collections, and conceived and initiated the Kindergarten Tzedakah and Shopping Project that sends monthly donations to our Food Pantry.

BRONX BP RUBEN DIAZ JR. 
HOSTS TOWN HALL
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH” 
/ “¡NI UNA MUERTE MÁS!” FORUM

The Bronx Young Democrats Annual Spring Gala

THE MAYOR’S PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UNIT – APRIL BRONX EVENTS SCHEDULE


THE CITY OF NEW YORK
MAYOR’S PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UNIT

  Throughout April, Mayor de Blasio’s Public Engagement Unit has events planned citywide to help New Yorkers access resources and information from the Tenant Support Unit, Home Support Unit, and GetCoveredNYC. Follow @MayorsPEUon Twitter for more updates and details on events.

The Tenant Support Unit engages and provides assistance to New Yorkers who may be at risk of displacement or experiencing harassment in zip codes covered under the Human Resources Administration (HRA)’s Anti-Harassment Tenant Protection legal service funding. In addition, TSU proactively engages New Yorkers who may be eligible for the Department of Finance’s Rent Freeze benefits to assist them through the application process. Outreach specialists go door to door to inform tenants of their rights, identify any housing-related issues and connect them with a range of resources, such as anti-eviction legal assistance, to keep them in their homes. In addition, outreach specialists’ partner with elected officials and community groups to hold weekly office hours and attend local events.

The Home Support Unit partners with landlords and brokers to identify apartments for clients transitioning out of shelter with rental subsidies. HSU partners closely with the Human Resources Administration, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and community-based providers to match prospective tenants to apartments, coordinate viewings, and navigate landlords and brokers through the City’s leasing process. Specialists remain engaged with the landlord even after lease signing to ensure new tenants are supported and have access to resources that help them remain stably housed.

GetCoveredNYC is a city-wide initiative to enroll New Yorkers in health insurance and provide them with access to primary and preventive care at NYC Health and Hospitals. The initiative is a partnership between NYC Health and Hospitals, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Human Resources Administration and MetroPlus. The initiative includes a robust team of outreach specialists, who proactively go door to door and call uninsured New Yorkers to discuss their health insurance options, schedule them for free in-person enrollment assistance and case manage them through the enrollment process. In addition, the initiative runs a city-wide public information campaign to promote the importance of coverage and how New Yorkers can receive free in-person enrollment assistance, either in-person or over the phone by calling 311 or texting ‘CoveredNYC’ (‘SeguroNYC’ in Spanish) to 877877.

For more information on these programs and services, New Yorkers can call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov.

The Bronx

April 19, 20, 26 & 27
NYC Health + Hospitals/North Central Bronx
9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
(GetCoveredNYC)

April 20 & 27
NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln
234 East 149th Street
Bronx, NY 10451
9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
(GetCoveredNYC)

April 18
Tenant Resource Fair
406 East 184th Street
Bronx, NY 10458
9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
(GetCoveredNYC)

April 18
Office of Borough President Diaz Jr.
10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
(Rent Freeze)

April 19 & 26
NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi
9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
(GetCoveredNYC)