Feds Take Down Assemblyman Eric Stevenson

 

  79th Assemblyman Eric Stevenson is the latest Bronx elected official to be arrested for taking a bribe, this coming only two days after State Senator Malcolm Smith, Councilman Dan Halloran, Bronx Republican Leader Jay Savino, and Queens County Republican Vice Chairman Vincent Tabone arrests. State Assemblyman ERIC STEVENSON was charged with accepting bribes in exchange for official acts. STEVENSON is charged with taking more than $22,000 in bribes from IGOR BELYANSKY, ROSTISLAV BELYANSKY (a/k/a “SLAVA”), IGOR TSIMERMAN, and DAVID BINMAN, all of whom are also charged, in exchange for STEVENSON’s official acts, which include drafting, proposing, and agreeing to enact legislation.  

   Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “For the second time in three days, we unseal criminal charges against a sitting member of our state legislature. As alleged, Assemblyman Eric Stevenson was bribed to enact a statutory moratorium to give his co-defendants a local monopoly – a fairly neat trick that offends core principles of both democracy and capitalism, simultaneously, and it is exactly what the defendants managed to do. The allegations illustrate the corruption of an elected representative’s core function – a legislator selling legislation. And based on these allegations, it becomes more and more difficult to avoid the sad conclusion that political corruption in New York is indeed rampant and that a show-me-the- money culture in Albany is alive and well.”

   Another key figure in this case however is 86th Assemblyman Nelson Castro who was elected in 2008 under a cloud of alleged fraud in voter registration. In July of 2009 unbeknown to the public Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson  charged Castro with a sealed perjury indictment about false statements Castro made regarding the number of people registered to vote (in the 2008 election) from his apartment. The feds apparently got involved in the case and were holding the indictment over Castro's head to make him cooperate to make it go away faster. Castro agreed to wear a wire since his indictment and that is how Assemblyman Stevenson was caught in 2013.

  Apparently the feds wanted bigger fish than Castro as we saw after the 2010 election where the Bronx Democratic County organization attempted to defeat Assemblyman Castro, but Castro was reelected. Soon after Castro's victory he patched things up with the Bronx Democratic County Organization, and I believe was directed to go after the Bronx Democratic County organization to bring it down. However Castro and the feds were a little late as the Bronx County Democratic organization leadership had changed hands to a new county leader and officers shortly before Castro tried to infiltrate it. I have been told that the current Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie never discussed any type of matters like this with Assemblyman Castro.  There are threats and promises of more indictments by the U.S. Attorney, but we will have to wait and see if that happens. There was a funny comment by former 79th Assemblyman Michael Benjamin in the New York Post. Benjamin writes that his tenure as 79th Assemblyman will now be bookended by Assemblywoman Gloria Davis who pleaded guilty to bribery in 2002 and now by the Eric Stevenson in 2013.

  The people should only wonder why Assemblyman Castro who everyone thought they knew committed a crime of voter fraud in 2008, why the charges were never made public? Why it took four years to snarl another assemblyman only, and why Castro was allowed to run for re-election with a sealed indictment hanging over his head?

Ben Franklin Democratic Club Endorses Stringer for City Comptroller

   Last night the Ben Franklin Democratic Club (the largest Democratic club in the Bronx) voted to endorse a candidate in the upcoming City Comptroller race. Current Manhattan Borough President and candidate for City Comptroller Scott Stringer (a favorite of many Ben Franklin club members) spoke to the standing room only crowd at the clubs headquarters. After a few questions the club voted 34 to endorse Stringer to 5 no endorsement votes. 

   On the meeting agenda was an introduction to the four Democratic candidates running for the position of Public Advocate. There was no endorsement vote for this position which was said to come at a later date. The four candidates for the office of Public Advocate were Reshma Sajuani (A former Deputy Public Advocate to the current Public Advocate Bill DeBlasio, who also is the founder of Girls Who Code a non-profit organization based in New York City), Brooklyn State Senator Dan Squadron (who spoke about his duties as a state senator and what he wants to do as the next Public Advocate), Brooklyn Councilwoman Letitia James (who explained here vision for the office of Public Advocate), and Newcomer Cathy Guerriero (who made a huge impression on some Ben Franklin members by her bold and brash style of describing herself and what needs to be done as a Public Advocate for the people of New York City).

 

Left - Manhattan Borough President and candidate for City Comptroller Scott Stringer addresses the crowd at the Ben Franklin Democratic Club.

Right - Newcomer Cathy Guerriero fired up many of those in the audience with her bold and brash style of describing what people have gotten in the past from the Public Advocate, and what she wants to bring to the position for the people of New York.

Left - Candidate Reshma Saujani explains her position to the members of the Ben Franklin Club.

Right - Brooklyn State Senator Dan Squadron gives his views as to why he should be the next Public Advocate.

LIU ON FAST-FOOD WORKERS’ WALKOUT

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following today on the walkout by fast-food workers:

“If we are serious about rebuilding our City’s middle class, we need to help the working poor climb out of poverty. The fast-food workers who are striking today, and all working poor who are toiling at or close to the minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, need a raise – now. With the City’s high cost of living, the effective minimum wage here is less than $4, the lowest in the country. Last year, I proposed raising the City’s minimum wage to $11.50 an hour – $11.50 is the hourly wage that would lift a worker out of poverty. This is simple justice and what New York needs – now.”

 

Visit www.comptroller.nyc.gov for the latest news, events and initiatives.

Follow Comptroller Liu on Twitter. To receive Twitter updates via text message,

text “follow johncliu” to 40404.

 View the latest Comptroller’s office videos on YouTube.

 

Wave Hill Events April 18–April 25

   In early April we’ve still got the full-on vistas west to the Hudson and Palisades, offset by carpets and carpets of Glory-of-the-snow, crocus and other ephemerals spreading at our feet. But by late April story shifts up to the trees, by then blossoming and leafing out in the most dazzling, graceful beckoning to the sky. We celebrate them all week long during Arbor Walk, one free, enchanting, informative event after another. In addition to the listings below, the attached release offers a compact refresher course on the whole eight days.

SAT, APRIL 20 THROUGH SUN, APRIL 28    ARBOR WEEK

This spring, Wave Hill celebrates its beloved collection of trees—magnolias, dogwoods, elms, oaks, beeches, pines, dawn redwood, dove tree, tupelo and more. It all culminates during Arbor Week, when Wave Hill participates in what has become a global commitment to planting and caring for trees. Our horticultural and program staff will be out in force throughout Arbor Week, giving visitors multiple opportunities to learn about and appreciate our tree collection. Check the website at www.wavehill.org for a full listing of the walks, talks, demonstrations, bike tour and tree-giveaway scheduled for Arbor Week.

ONDOORS & OUT

SAT, APRIL 20   FAMILY ART PROJECT—FLAGS AND KITES FOR EARTH DAY

Flags and Kites for Earth Day/Banderas y carretas por el dia de la tierra

Visiting Artist Miwa Koizumi, who in her own work repurposes found plastic bottles to dazzling effect, will show us how to make simple kites and festive flags out of colorful plastic bags to celebrate Earth Day. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, APRIL 20    WAVE HILL HISTORY WALK

Discover the fascinating history of the gardens, buildings and the people who once called Wave Hill their home, with historian and Wave Hill Garden Guide Deirdre LaPorte. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, APRIL 20    BEST TREES FOR THE SMALL GARDEN

Are you thinking about planting a tree for your yard but overwhelmed by the choices? Enjoy a spring walk around Wave Hill as a garden interpreter highlights some great trees with four seasons of interest, suitably scaled to the smaller garden. Free with admission to the grounds. This Arbor Week walk also takes place on April 21, 27 and 28.

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SAT, APRIL 20    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project Space, Matthew Jensen’s installation showcases found objects from the east and west coasts of the Bronx. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SAT, APRIL 20    LECTURE & BOOK SIGNING: NEW YORK CITY OF TREES

Join nature photographer Benjamin Swett for an armchair natural history tour of New York City. He will present a slideshow of some of the city’s most meaningful and historical trees and share personal narratives and historical observations as described in his new book New York City of Trees. Published by the Quantuck Lane Press, the book contains portraits and stories of 55 trees around the five boroughs and depict the city’s trees as the true keepers of its past. The lecture will be followed by Q& A and a book-signing by the author. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 178.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Week event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 2‒4PM

SUN, APRIL 21    FAMILY ART PROJECT—FLAGS AND KITES FOR EARTH DAY

Flags and Kites for Earth Day/Banderas y carretas por el dia de la tierra

Visiting Artist Miwa Koizumi, who in her own work repurposes found plastic bottles to dazzling effect, will show us how to make simple kites and festive flags out of colorful plastic bags to celebrate Earth Day. Free with admission to the grounds.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, APRIL 21    NATURE WALKS AT THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM

Join naturalist Paul Keim on this family-friendly nature walk in Trevor Park at the Hudson River Museum in Yonkers. You’ll be amazed at the variety of insects, flowers, trees, and birds that thrive in this urban habitat! After the walk, enjoy the Kite Festival at the Museum in Yonkers. Ages six and older welcome with an adult. Free. Want to visit the Museum? Admission is free with your Wave Hill Members card.

MEET AT THE HUDSON RIVER MUSEUM, 1PM & 2PM

SUN, APRIL 21    BEST TREES FOR THE SMALL GARDEN

Are you thinking about planting a tree for your yard but overwhelmed by the choices? Enjoy a spring walk around Wave Hill as a garden interpreter highlights some great trees with four seasons of interest, suitably scaled to the smaller garden. Free with admission to the grounds. This Arbor Week walk also takes place on April 20, 27 and 28.

MEET AT THE PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

SUN, APRIL 21    LANDSCAPES AND MEMORY: EXPLORATIONS THROUGH BOOK ARTS

Creative Actions! Studio Sundays

Engage in a creative dialogue with your surroundings guided by professional artists working in various media. Join visual artist Elizabeth Hamby to experiment with techniques that push the physical and conceptual boundaries of the book, using visual note-taking, paper cutting, collage and materials-based research. Exploring the connection between who we are and where we are, participants create their own books based on the landscapes they observe and recall. $20 Member/$30 Non-member each session. Registration recommended, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x232 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Drop-ins welcome as space allows.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 2–5PM

SUN, APRIL 21    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, APRIL 22   

Closed to the public.

TUE, APRIL 23    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

TUE, APRIL 23    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s spring exhibition, Drawn to Nature, which features the work of seven artists who use drawing to convey a deep connection to the natural world. In the Sunroom Project Space, Matthew Jensen’s installation showcases found objects from the east and west coasts of the Bronx. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

WED, APRIL 24    NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY: TREES IN SPRING    SOLD OUT

Session 1

Photographer Benjamin Swett shares the pleasures and challenges of photographing trees as they become clothed with delicate spring blossoms and transparent new leaves. Each session combines outdoor photography, both technical and aesthetic concerns, consideration of the work of professional and fine art photographers and reviews of student work. All levels welcome. $180 Member/$210 Non-member. Registration required, online at www.wavehill.org, by calling 718.549.3200 x305 or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Space is limited. Continues May 1, 8, 15, 29 and June 5. Arbor Week event.

ECOLOGY BUILDING, 1–4PM

THU, APRIL 25    GREAT TREES OF WAVE HILL:  A VIEW FROM THE TOP

Don’t miss this special tour of Wave Hill’s magnificent living collection with Assistant Director of Horticulture Brian McGowan.  Wander among centuries-old trees and newly-planted specimens and see first-hand how our new tree maintenance plan and planting scheme will provide shade and beauty for future generations of visitors. Free with admission to the grounds. Arbor Week event.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 1PM

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—5:30PM. Closes 4:30PM, November 1—March 14.  

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6—18. Free Saturday mornings until noon. Free all day Tuesdays in April. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Program s 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 3o 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 242^nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. 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.

 

What You Should Know

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

Two Heroes From Our Community


You should know that out of so many Black and Hispanic elected officials in the New York State Legislature, this year, only two of them had the guts to show their complete dissatisfaction with Governor Andrew Cuomo by voting to reject every single part of the Governor’s Budget.

State Senators Adriano Espaillat and Kevin Parker were the only two minority legislators who dared to vote against the Governor’s Budget.  They voted NO!  because the Governor’s Budget did not include the DREAM Act and other positive initiatives we truly need to help our community.

It was very disappointing to see and hear the two main sponsors of the DREAM Act trying to explain the reasons why they voted for every part of the Budget.  It is equally disturbing to observe how all of the legislators are trying to pin the blame on the Republicans – when we all know very well that it was the Governor who refused to include it as part of his Budget.

Senator José Peralta, the Senate sponsor of the DREAM Act, and Assembly Member Francisco Moya, the DREAM Act’s Assembly sponsor, are two people who have been pushing and pushing for the inclusion of the New York version of the DREAM Act for many years – but they lacked the courage to challenge the Governor and vote NO! for every single piece of the Governor’s Budget did not include it.

They seem to follow that double-standard example set by El Diario la Prensa and its CEO Rossana Rosado who publicly defended and supported the DREAM Act, and then went to the Governor’s mansion to eat his food, drink his wine – and then tried to put the blame on the Republicans.  (They actually try to claim in their newspaper that the DREAM Act did not pass because of Republican opposition!)

Unfortunately, this technique of doing nothing for the community that you represent, and later blaming the Republicans has become the modus operandi of many of our elected officials.  This has become a way of laughing in our faces and taking our community for granted.  They just do their personal wheeling and dealing with the Governor and do nothing on behalf of our community – and then pin the blame on the Republicans.

You should know that it was Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Budget – NOT the Republican’s.  The DREAM Act was not included in the Budget it was because the Governor refused to include it, just like he did last year.  To put the blame on the Republicans is a farce, a joke, and an insult to the intelligence of our community.

Senator Adriano Espaillat appears to have learned from last year’s lesson when the Governor told him that he will deal with the DREAM Act at a later date - to no avail.  That is the same thing Governor Cuomo is now telling Senator Peralta and Assembly Member Moya.  Ladies and gentlemen, I hope that the Governor won’t make fools of them.

The DREAM Act is what Senator Espaillat calls the most important issue for our community: “This is our gay marriage, this is our gun control.”

My advice to Senator Peralta and Assembly Member Moya, is that I have seen this movie before, and it’s too bad they couldn’t find the courage to follow our two heroes, Senators Adriano Espaillat and Senator Kevin Parker.

My Two Cents on Senator Malcolm Smith’s Situation

After learning about the difficult and embarrassing situation for which my senate colleague, Malcolm Smith is going through and after so many calls from members of the media asking for my comments I am herewith expressing my two cents.

Those who know me, should know that I don’t kick people when they are down, I pray for them as I will be praying for Senator Malcolm Smith and his family and I extend my hand to help them get up as I did with Senators Pedro Espada, Hiram Monserrate, Carl Kruger and others. That is my calling. That is my responsibility and that is what God expects me to do.

We all know that Senator Malcolm Smith is entitled and will have his day in court and the opportunity to prove his innocence if it so. In the meantime, let’s keep praying for him and his family and wait for the outcome.

I am Senator Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.

 

 

Rep. Charles B. Rangel Hosts: Business and Innovation Conference

 

Senator Gustavo Rivera Seeks Nominees for Veteran's Hall of Fame Honor

Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx) invites local residents of the 33rd  State Senate district to nominate veterans from their community whose service on behalf of our nation and our community designates them as a possible inductee to the New York State Veteran's Hall of Fame.

 

The New York State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame was created to honor and recognize outstanding veterans who have distinguished themselves both in military and civilian life. Their service to our nation deserves the special recognition that only a Hall of Fame can provide, as a fitting expression of our gratitude and admiration.  

"The Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame gives us the opportunity to not only pay tribute to all of those who serve, but also to recognize an individual whose sacrifice and service has helped make our nation and our community a better place to live," said Senator Gustavo Rivera.

The Senate will honor distinguished veterans throughout our state at a ceremony in Albany on May 21, 2013. Each honoree's photograph and biography will become part of a special on-line exhibit proclaiming the contributions of these exemplary New York veterans.

Last year, Senator Rivera inducted Latanga Blair into the Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame. Ms. Blair is a veteran who serves as a Veterans Affairs Volunteer at the James A. Peters Bronx VA Medical Center . Her efforts at the VA focus on informing female veterans of assistance and benefit programs they are entitled to receive.

Deadline for submissions is April 14, 2013. For nomination forms, please visit http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/gustavo-rivera/content/press_release  or call 718-933-2034 .

  

 

Stars of Russian Ballet at Lehman Center

Legendary Moments from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Don Quixote and more by
Stars of the Russian Ballet
AT LEHMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 4pm

"Think of it as a sort of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ but with an international flavor and focusing on a particularly timeless style of dance.” — The Las Vegas Review-Journal

      Lehman Center for the Performing Arts has built a reputation for being a house for international dance and proudly present Stars of the Russian Ballet, a company of dancers performing a program of “best of” dance pieces from Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Don Quixote, Le Corsaire and other fan favorites and highlights from some of the world's greatest ballets. The company performs on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 4pm at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Park Boulevard West, Bronx, NY.

Stars of the Russian Ballet brings a greatest hits of solos, pas de deux and ensemble pieces danced to the classical music of Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev and Saint-Saens. From the Rose Adagio from The Sleeping Beauty, to the adagio from the third act of Cinderella and a pas de deux from Romeo and Juliet, ballet master Alexander Daev said in the Las Vegas Journal-Review that what makes these works so endearing and enduring is “because they are human, romantic stories about love, loss and eternal themes. The ballets' themes also are universal and resonate with audiences regardless of language, nationality, culture or, even, the times. It also helps that the pieces' choreography and music are so beautiful, everybody gets it."

The legendary Sergei Radchenko, former soloist with the Bolshoi Ballet and artistic director and co-founder of Moscow Festival Ballet, leads this 30-member, Moscow-based company of dancers who have been garnering rave reviews across the country and the world.  Radchenko graduated from the Moscow School of Dance in 1964 and then joined the Bolshoi Ballet, where he worked for 25 years. He danced the entire repertoire at the Bolshoi, but enjoyed a special reputation for Spanish dance. He has achieved a remarkable feat in the establishment and development of young, great Russian ballet dancers.

Special ticket price for children 12 and under, $10 any seat

Stars of the Russian Ballet performs on Sunday, April 21, 2013 at 4pm at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts located at 250 Bedford Park Blvd. W. on the campus of Lehman College in the Bronx.  Tickets cost $40, $35 and $25, and for children 12 and under, $10 any seat.  Tickets can be purchased through 24 hour online access at www.LehmanCenter.org or by calling the Lehman Center box office at 718-960-8833 open Monday & Wednesday-Friday 10am-5pm (closed on Tuesdays) and beginning at 12 noon on the day of the concert.  Lehman Center is accessible by #4 or D train to Bedford Park Blvd., and is right off several major highways, including the Henry Hudson Parkway, the Saw Mill River Parkway and Major Deegan Expressway.  Low-cost on-site parking available for $5.