Dear Bronx Democrat,
Below is a list of upcoming events. Attached you will find flyers for each event.
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In solidarity,
The Bronx Democratic Party
1640 Eastchester Rd.
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Monday, January 23, 2017
Bronx Democratic Party - Upcoming Events
News From 18th City Council Candidate Elvin Garcia
THANK YOU
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Facts about our January 17th filing with the NYC Campaign Finance Board.
With gratitude,
Elvin Garcia
PS: please visit our website at www.elvingarcia.nyc to learn more about our campaign. The next fundraising deadline will be March 11th. Thank you.
- We received a total of 274 individual contributions totaling $33,240 in a very short period of time from 12/1/16 to 1/11/17.
- More than 200 contributions were made exclusively online --from subscribers just like you-- via our website.
- The average individual contribution was $121 and 78.5% of those contributions came from NYC residents.
- And our additional funds from the NYC public financing matching fund program is $12,185 thus far.
Thanks again to all of the friends, family, neighbors, activists, and supporters for making an investment in #ANewBronxTale of leadership for Council District 18. Together, we are going to defy the odds and usher in the change we need to lift up our communities and working families.
With gratitude,
Elvin Garcia
PS: please visit our website at www.elvingarcia.nyc to learn more about our campaign. The next fundraising deadline will be March 11th. Thank you.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Campaign Finance Summary
2017 Citywide Elections
Updated: Jan 23 2017 4:11PM 18th Council District
Candidate Private Funds Spending Balance
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News From Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz Urges DOE to Use Soon-To-Be Vacant School
In a letter to NYC Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Carmen Fariña, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz urged her to consider the use of the building located at 3120 Corlear Avenue to house students and alleviate the overcrowding issues plaguing schools in District 10.
In recent years, District 10 has dealt with chronic overcrowding issues at several schools, including P.S. 24 and P.S. 7 to name a few. The overcrowding problems at P.S. 24 were needlessly exacerbated last year by the DOE’s bungling of the lease-renewal for the Whitehall Annex. The subsequent loss of the Annex lost P.S. 24 over one hundred and fifty desperately needed seats at a time when poor decisions made at the school were already adding to the overcrowding problems.
In an effort to help the DOE redeem themselves in District 10, Assemblyman Dinowitz urges the DOE to consider using 3120 Corlear Avenue to house students from at least one of the overcrowded schools, if not several. The Tech International Charter School currently occupies the space, but failure to meet performance standards have forced the school to close. The building though, already suitable for educating students, should be available for use by September 2017 if the DOE acts now and seizes upon this opportunity to create additional space for students.
“It is indisputably in the interest of the NYC DOE to capitalize on this opportunity for the well-being and quality of education of the students in this district,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “I firmly believe that the building could go a great way toward improving the education of those same students by providing them adequate space in which to learn. We have a large number of potential seats which could be ready in September. We would not have to wait several years for the DOE to construct a new facility. It is urgent that the DOE act immediately”
Assemblyman Dinowitz Applauds High Turnout in New York City Women’s March and Calls for Continued Action
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz along with Council Member Andrew Cohen and other local elected officials attended New York City’s Women’s March along 5th avenue this past Saturday together with an estimated 400,000 people. The march in NYC was only one part of protests and rallies that spanned seven continents and included millions of people from nations across the globe, with several million in the U.S. alone. The purpose of the marches was initially to stand up to Trump and to stand up for women's rights. But the purpose seemed to broaden to encompass issues ranging from support for women's reproductive rights, affordable health care, fighting climate change, immigration reform and more. Those who came out to protest believe these issues are in jeopardy.
In the spirit of this march and in preparation for the long fight against Trump’s tyranny, the State Assembly has already begun to take measures to insulate itself from any subversion Trump and the U.S. Congress might attempt against the progressive laws and ideals that New York has upheld for decades. Assemblyman Dinowitz helped pass in the State Assembly two critical pieces of legislation to strengthen and protect women’s reproductive rights. The measures affirm a woman’s right to an abortion in New York State (A.1748) and require insurers to continue covering contraception at no cost to the consumer (A.1378).
Assemblyman Dinowitz was extremely proud that New York City had such a great turnout for the event, believing that it reflects the spirit of resistance and New York values that will be sorely needed in the years to come. He urges not only opponents of Trump but everyone that believes in women’s equality, immigration reform, affordable health care and basic human decency not to quit now but to continue in their fervor to oppose him.
News From Council Member Andrew Cohen
COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN ANNOUNCES HE HAS HELPED RESOLVE OVER 1,000 CONSTITUENT CASES SINCE 2014
Council Member Andrew Cohen announced today that he helped resolve over 1,000 constituent cases since he took office on January 1, 2014, including 393 cases in the 2016 calendar year. These cases were brought to his attention by hundreds of constituents all throughout his district, from Riverdale to Wakefield and Kingsbridge to Bedford Park. Council Member Cohen has assisted constituents on numerous issues, including quality of life concerns, traffic and public safety, and tenant and housing matters. He has even gone further than helping individual constituents by organizing tenants in buildings throughout his district.
“I am here to help,” said Council Member Cohen. Constituent services are the cornerstone of my work as a City Council Member, and I am proud to have helped resolve a broad range of over 1,000 concerns since taking office.”
Constituents may call or visit either of the Council Member’s two District Offices, or email District11@council.nyc.gov. The Kingsbridge office, 277 West 231st Street, telephone 718-549-7300, is open Monday through Thursday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Norwood office, 3450 DeKalb Avenue, telephone 718-882-4000 x 353, is open Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Council Member Andrew Cohen Gets New Speed Hump Approved by DOT
Dangerous Stretch of Post Road to be Made Safer
Council Member Andrew Cohen has made it his priority to improve safety for pedestrians and drivers throughout his Council District. Soon, there should be fewer motorists speeding along the dangerous stretch of Post Road between West 254th Street and Mosholu Avenue. Council Member Cohen recently received confirmation from the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) that his request for a speed hump on that stretch has been approved.
A constituent who frequents the area reported to the Council Member that this long, narrow, residential section of Post Road, with no existing traffic controls along the entire stretch, had developed into a dangerous speed zone, with drivers using it to bypass lights and congestion on Broadway. Unfortunately, due to the hilly terrain, parking on both sides of the street, and sharp turns at corners, such speeding is very hazardous for both drivers and pedestrians. There is also a school at the corner of 254th and Broadway, increasing the potential risk.
Council Member Cohen and the constituent both reached out to the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) and requested they study the feasibility of installing speed humps to slow down traffic. After completion of a traffic study, DOT approved the request.
Council Member Cohen commended this constituent for bringing the conditions to his attention. He also expressed appreciation that DOT heeded their requests: “We must send a clear message to drivers that our local streets are not speedways. Both drivers and pedestrians must exercise greater caution. I won’t rest from working with DOT and my colleagues in government to improve driver and pedestrian safety throughout my district."
Kudos to Senator Simcha Felder and Senator José Peralta - By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
District 32 Bronx County, New York
You should know that on January 17, 2017, the New York State Senate voted to protect our senior citizens, the poor and needy from being charged 5¢ for each plastic bag they get when they go shopping anywhere in New York City.
It is important for you to know that last year, the New York City Council passed legislation that is expected to go into effect on February 15, 2017, whereby people who shop in the five boroughs of New York will be charged 5¢ for each plastic bag. This means that if someone uses 5 plastic bags for groceries, they will be charged 5¢ for each one.
As you know, there are many NYC residents who shop for groceries that are packed in double bags. There are also times when people can easily use 10 or more plastic bags to pack their groceries. If this law were to take effect, for each and every plastic bag, they will have to pay an extra 5¢.
Thanks to Senator Simcha Felder and the Republicans in the Senate for introducing a bill to do away with that piece of legislation that will only impose that fee on the people who shop in the five boroughs of the City of New York.
But surprise, surprise. Every Democratic Senator who represent poor neighborhood in the City of New York, except for Senator José Peralta and myself, voted to maintain the City Council’s bill to impose the detrimental 5¢ fee on their constituents.
We all know that many of our constituents live in households where every dollar counts. Can you imagine the burden of adding 50 cents or more to each shopping trip makes on the elderly and the poor?
One minority Democratic Senator from Brooklyn amazingly said that he though 5¢ was too little and the fee should be 10¢ per plastic bag. Could you imagine that?
It was disheartening to see Senators who represent the City of New York supporting the 5¢ fee for plastic bags, but it was even worse that among all six Hispanic Senators, only two, Senator José Peralta and myself, were the only ones who voted to protect our constituents from this fee.
It is imperative for you to know, dear reader, that senior citizens, along with people on fixed incomes, low income families, families who live in homeless shelters, and hardworking people who struggle to make ends meet will be hurt by this 5¢ per plastic bag fee. It adds up.
New York City residents would be charged not only for groceries, but any time they shop at Macy's or any store that uses plastic bags, punishing the poor, the needy and senior citizens for environmental problems.
I don’t blame Senator Liz Kruger, who represents the Upper East Side from for supporting the 5¢ fee, because her constituents can afford it. But to see Senators who represent minority communities supporting this imposed fee… now that is shocking.
It is very important for you to know that even though the New York State Senate voted to stop this legislation, it is now up to the New York State Assembly to also vote to do the same. Otherwise, our New York City residents will have to start paying the 5¢ fee on the week of St. Valentine's Day. What an irony!
And then, you will see these Senators going to senior citizen centers and campaigning in our neighborhoods telling the senior citizens how hard they fight for them, and how Republicans are the enemy. Ha ha ha!
I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
After saying kind words about his fellow State Senate Democrats last week and calling for unity while bashing the IDC for crossing the isle to work with Republicans in the State Senate, State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. appears to be up to his old tricks of bashing all his fellow State Senate Democrats.
State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. is proud to have voted with Republicans in the State Senate. He also mentions two other Democratic State Senators who voted with the Republicans.
Since he is not announcing that he is running for the 18th City Council District term limited seat As he said he would, is State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. looking to revive the 'Four Amigos' in the State Senate? He mentions two other state senators as well as State Senator Liz Kruger, is he looking to make her Amigo number four?
Should the State Assembly not agree to vote to with you on this issue, could we look for the fingerprints of State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. on the knife he has said is being placed in the back of the Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo by Bronx Democratic elected officials?
That is what you need to know.
NYC RESTAURANT WEEK® WINTER 2017 KICKS OFF TODAY
Dine and Save at More Than 375 Restaurants January 23 Through February 10
NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, today announced that NYC Restaurant Week® winter 2017 is now underway. New Yorkers and visitors can save while dining at more than 375 participating restaurants in over 40 neighborhoods across the City from January 23 through February 10, 2017. Diners can enjoy three-course prix-fixe lunches for $29 and three-course prix-fixe dinners for $42 (excluding beverages, gratuities and taxes). Saturdaydining is excluded from the program and Sundays are optional. To view a full list of participants, make reservations, browse menus and more, visitnycgo.com/restaurantweek.
NYC & Company’s long-standing corporate sponsor American Express will return with an exclusive offer for American Express® Card Members who participate in NYC Restaurant Week. Card Members can enroll any eligible American Express Card, use their enrolled Card to spend $35 or more at any participating restaurant and get a $5 statement credit up to four times. Terms apply. To learn more and enroll in
NYC Restaurant Week is the first dining program of its kind, established in 1992 during the Democratic National Convention. New this season onnycgo.com, the City’s official tourism website, consumers can use enhanced quick search filters to navigate restaurants by key features such as New Participants and Notable Chefs, allowing diners to easily select their ideal dining experience.
NYC Restaurant Week is one of the featured promotions within NYC & Company’s new Nonstop NYC winter campaign. Also included are celebrated programs NYC Broadway WeekSM (January 17–February 5) and NYC Off-Broadway WeekSM (February 27–March 12) and the first-ever NYC Attractions WeekSM (January17–February 5) that offers two-for-one admission to popular attractions, tours, culture and performing arts at more than 70 participants across all five boroughs. More information on these four promotional programs, as well as how to find the best hotel rates of the year this winter, can be found at nycgo.com/nonstop.
BP'S ADAMS & DIAZ LAUNCH GIFTED & TALENTED EDUCATION TASK FORCE
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced the creation of a new “Gifted & Talented Education Task Force” to study issues surrounding gifted and talented education in New York City public schools, as well as the admissions process for the city's specialized high schools.
The newly created task force will be comprised of government officials, community members and parents who are familiar with the issues gifted students face in New York City schools. The task force will host public hearings in March, and will release a set of recommendations for the future of gifted education in New York City.
Both borough presidents have been outspoken about the dearth of gifted and talented programs in historically disadvantaged neighborhoods.
The task force will be made up of both borough presidents, as well as three parent leaders from each borough.
"For too long, students in communities all over the city-such as the South Bronx and Central Brooklyn-have been denied the opportunities that their counterparts in other boroughs have been provided when it comes to gifted and talented programs. We cannot send our children to Stuyvesant, Bronx Science and Brooklyn Tech if they are not prepared. And we cannot expect them to be prepared if they do not have the same advantages that are offered to other communities. Our children lack gifted programs and adequate test prep resources, among other things, and the results are crystal clear. Through this task force, we will work to change that," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
“Gifted and talented children live in communities from Park Slope to Port Morris, from Bedford Park to Brownsville. Unfortunately, our students' home addresses are playing too heavy a role in their access to high-quality specialized education that taps into their full academic potential. This task force will uproot the causes of these challenges and lay out a road map for a more equitable and prosperous system,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams.
Sunday, January 22, 2017
NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISES NEW YORKERS TO BE PREPARED FOR COASTAL STORM RISKS
A coastal storm is forecast to bring high winds and heavy rain Monday; localized minor to moderate coastal flooding is expected
January 22, 2017– The New York City Emergency Management Department today urged New Yorkers to be prepared for high winds, heavy rain, and localized minor to moderate coastal flooding on Monday, January 23. The potential for heavy winds and rain will create hazardous travel conditions Monday.
“New York City is expecting strong, gusty winds and two to three inches of rain Monday, with possible minor to moderate coastal flooding in vulnerable areas along the coast,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “We’re urging New Yorkers to use extra caution when outdoors Monday and allow for extra travel time duringtomorrow’s commutes. Coastal residents in vulnerable neighborhoods should take steps to protect their property ahead of this storm.”
The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning from 1:00 AM Monday through 1:00 AM Tuesday. The National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Watch for New York City from 1:00 PM Mondaythrough 5:00 AM Tuesday.
A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued from 3:00 PM through 8:00 PM Monday for along the southern shores of Queens, and areas near the coastline in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
A Coastal Flood Advisory has been issued from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Monday along the northern shores of Queens and areas near the coastline in The Bronx.
During a Coastal Flood Advisory, minor flooding of the most vulnerable shore roads and/or properties is possible. Coastal residents should be alert for updates and take action to protect property.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect from 3:00 PM through 9:00 PMMonday for areas near the coastline in Staten Island.
During a Coastal Flood Warning, widespread moderate flooding is expected, resulting in beach erosion and flooding of vulnerable shore roads and/or properties. Coastal residents in the warned area should be alert for rising water and take appropriate action to protect life and property.
A weak area of low pressure is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds to the New York City area through Monday. Light rain accompanied by high winds is forecast to begin Sunday evening, increasing overnight into Monday. The heaviest rain and strongest winds are forecast Monday afternoon through Monday night, with sustained winds of 30 mph to 40 mph and gusts of 60 mph to 70 mph predicted. The rain is expected to subside Monday night and winds are expected to decrease early Tuesday morning. A total of two to three inches of rain is forecast, but locally higher amounts are possible. Urban flooding may occur in low-lying and poor drainage areas. Flash flooding cannot be ruled out during the periods of heaviest rain. NYC residents living in coastal areas expected to experience minor to moderate coastal flooding should take action to protect their property.
The New York City Department of Buildings has issued a release advising property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures to secure their construction sites, buildings and equipment. The Buildings Department will also be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action -- issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.
The City’s Flash Flood Emergency Plan has been activated to ensure a quick, effective, and coordinated response to any flash flood events. Additionally, the City’s Downed Tree Task Force has been notified. This multi-agency task force is responsible for coordinating the response to a large downed tree event. NYC Emergency Management has also notified elected officials of the impending storm, and has issued an Advance Warning System (AWS) message to more than 1200 service providers who disseminate information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs. NYC Emergency Management will deploy Citywide Interagency Coordinators to coastal locations during Monday and Tuesdayhigh tide cycles to facilitate coordination and information collection. New York City Emergency Management will continue to work closely with The National Weather Service to monitor the storm.
The Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Transportation, and Department of Sanitation regularly target recurring flood locations for catch basin cleaning and maintenance prior to major weather events. During flooding events, DEP patrols highways to identify and clear catch basin grates when possible.
Safety Tips:
The safest place to be during high winds is indoors. Postpone outdoor activities if a wind advisory or high wind warning has been issued. High winds can bring down trees and power lines and can turn unsecured objects into dangerous projectiles. To protect against the hazard of high winds, New Yorkers should:
· Check the area immediately surrounding your home for unsecured objects or potentially dangerous conditions. Tree limbs, garbage cans, yard debris, or other materials that can be moved by the wind are potential projectiles aimed at your home or parked vehicle.
· Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools and toys.
· Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
· Close up and secure patio umbrellas.
· Secure retractable awnings.
· Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.
· Use caution when walking or driving high profile vehicles during periods of high winds.
· Stand clear of roadways or train tracks, as a gust may blow you toward an oncoming vehicle.
· Use handrails where available.
· Avoid elevated areas such as roofs, as wind speeds may be higher above ground level.
- Avoid anything that may be touching downed lines, including vehicles or tree branches. Puddles and even wet ground can conduct electricity in some cases.
- Watch for flying debris. Tree limbs may break and objects may become loose during strong wind gusts.
· Build or restock your emergency supply kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.
· Charge cell phones and any battery-powered devices.
· Turn your refrigerator and freezer to a colder setting. If you lose power, items that need refrigeration will stay cooler for longer. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to prevent food spoilage.
· Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
· If you lose power and have a disability or access and functional needs, or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, please call 911.
If you are driving during periods of high winds:
· Keep both hands on the wheel and slow down.
· Watch for objects blowing across the roadway and into your path.
· Keep a safe distance from cars in adjacent lanes, as strong gusts could push a car outside its lane of travel.
· Take extra care in a high-profile vehicle such as trucks, vans and SUVs, as these vehicles are more prone to being pushed or flipped by high wind gusts.
· New Yorkers are encouraged to call 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.
Additional wind guidance from the NYC Department of Buildings:
To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
· Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
· Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
· Store loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a tool box.
· Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.
· Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater.
· Suspend hoist operations and secure exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 35 mph or greater, unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise.
· Brace and secure construction fences.
· Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.
Coastal Flooding Preparations
NYC residents living in coastal areas expected to experience minor coastal flooding should take the following preparedness steps:
· Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry.
· Learn the safest route from your home or workplace to safe, high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your household emergency plan.
· If you live in a flood-susceptible area, keep materials, such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber, on hand to help protect your home.
· Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
· If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving or use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
· Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters.
· When outside, avoid walking and driving through flooded areas. As few as six inches of moving water can knock a person over. Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling. One or two feet of water can carry away a vehicle.