District Manager of CB 9 Fined For Misuse of City Resourses

  From a decision dated August 12, 2013, The NYC Conflict of Interest Board fined Community Board 9 District Manager Francisco Gonzalez $7,500.00 for using New York City resources for the purpose of personal gain for his private organization. 

  In a previous letter from the Conflict of Interest Board dated March 22, 2000 CB 9 District Manager Francisco Gonzalez was allowed to serve as President of the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade providing he did not use any NYC or CB 9 resources including that any personal time used was not during work hours for the parade. The decision states that around 2005 that while he was on city time that District Manager Gonzalez coordinated and operated the parade activities out of the Community Board office using CB 9 resources for the parade. CB 9 computers, phones, fax machine, copier, personal, and conference room was used to help set up for the District Managers parade. 

  The decision went into details of  the District Manager using his CB9 desktop and laptop computers to store and review documents related to the parade during his CB 9 work time. That he allowed parade volunteers to use CB 9 resources, and instructed staff to do parade related material on city time. That the Vice-President of the parade a city employee used the CB 9 office for parade business including using the CB 9 office to meet those seeking information about the parade, and of storing parade materials in the CB 9 office. 

  The decision goes on to say that CB 9 District Manager Francisco Gonzalez admitted that his conduct violated the conflict of interest law by using CB 9 resources for his parade, and for doing so on city time. For doing so the District Manager of CB 9 has agreed to pay a fine of $7,500.00. Mr. Francisco Gonzalez has been the district manager of CB 9 since 1993. 

  Reaction from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz's office was - “Our office is currently reviewing the findings of the Conflict of Interest Board regarding the matter of Francisco Gonzalez, District Manager of Community Board #9, and the misuse of taxpayer funds to support his parade. The findings of COIB represent a violation of the public trust. If similar conclusions of taxpayer abuse had been found about an elected official, that official would be forced to resign. Our office hopes that both Mr. Gonzalez and the members of Community Board #9 understand the gravity of these charges and act accordingly,” said John DeSio, communications director for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Decision on Stop N Frisk by Federal Judge

  Judge Shira Scheindlin ruled that stop-and-frisk tactics have violated the constitutional rights of minorities and ordered that a federal monitor be put in place to oversee reforms

 The results of a 2005 class action suit against the City of New York has resulted in Mr. Peter L. Zimroth a partner with Arnold & Porter LLP being named by Judge Scheindlin to oversee police reforms of the Stop N Frisk policy. Zimroth is a former Assistant Manhattan DA, NYC Corporate Council lawyer, Assistant U.S. Attorney, and has worked on cases such as the Frank Serpico whistle blowing police corruption of the 1970's. The 198-page ruling has empowered Zimroth to revise stop-and-frisk policies, review the police departments efforts to reform and share that information with the public. The 198 page ruling by Judge Scheindlin can be found here.

  Reaction to the verdict has been swift and coming from all corners including Mayor Bloomberg's pledge to appeal the decision which would continue after Bloomberg has left office. Several Democrats running for mayor have said that they would drop the appeal, while the two major Republican candidates have vowed to continue on with the appeal. 

  Here are some comments that have come in from other elected officials-

Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese - "Today, the courts upheld what any reasonable New Yorker has known since day one: Stop and frisk is a legal police tool that keeps our city safe when it is used properly".

Mayoral candidate John Liu -  “Today’s ruling by Judge Scheindlin declaring that police have overstepped their authority highlights the enormous flaws in the NYPD’s ‘stop and frisk’ tactic, which has served to undermine trust between communities and law enforcement. The judge’s call for reforms must be heeded, and – longer term – the tactic should be abolished. It’s time to put an end to stop and frisk once and for all.”

 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, - “Today’s ruling, which subject’s the NYPD’s practice of ‘stop & frisk’ to the scrutiny of a court-appointed monitor, is a welcome step in the right direction towards meaningful reform of this important, yet often abused, police tactic. ‘Stop & frisk’ can be an effective tool in reducing crime, but not in its current form—which more often than not violates the Constitutional rights of those stopped, which is overwhelmingly young men of color.

 “The opinion makes it clear that significant improvements need to be made in officer training and supervision.  This is an important opportunity for growth and improvement in how policing is done.  Many other cities and municipalities look toward the NYPD as the model to emulate.  We as a City can no longer defend these policies. 

 “We want safer streets, and we want to work with the police to make that happen. But that must be done in a way that is respectful of the communities the NYPD serves. Our relationship with the police must be based on trust, and not confrontation. I will work with the next mayor and his police commissioner to ensure that ‘stop, question & frisk’ is used in a more reasonably focused, precise, and Constitutionally appropriate manner,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

State Senator Adriano Espaillat - “Today’s federal court ruling validates the basic truth that members of the African-American and Latino community have long known: that stop-and-frisk policing tactics have violated the rights of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, and aggressively targeted young people who have done nothing wrong.

 This practice has not made our communities safer, and it has instilled bitter resentment in the victims of this policy. It has repeatedly strained relationships between law enforcement and minority communities, and has impeded the cooperation that is critical for ensuring our neighborhoods' safety.

 The appointment of a federal monitor to oversee necessary changes is a welcome next step for our city, but it is little comfort to the young people that have already felt the shame of being stopped and frisked in public and made to feel like criminals. Federal oversight will help restore basic freedoms to my constituents in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, and throughout the city. But our city and state government must take ownership of this civil liberties abuse, and enact legislative changes without relying on Washington.”

Community Board #4 Objects to Strip Club Ad

In a letter to OTR Media owner of the billboard in the photo near Yankee Stadium Bronx Community Board #4 has asked that this advertisement for Scores be taken down. The owner of Scores has been a rather large contributor to 11th City Council candidate Cliff Stanton. Stanton's paid political consultant Anthony Rivieccio has sent out "Vote for Cliff-he'll bring the girls to make us stiff"! Below is the letter from CB 4.

August 12, 2013

OTR MEDIA GROUP, Inc.

40 Fulton Street, 6th Floor

New York, New York 10038

To whom it may concern:

As District Manager of Community Board Four I write to inform you that we have received several complaints regarding the choice of advertisement currently displayed above 103-107 East 161st Street.  While we respect your right to contract and post advertisements, we feel this particular ad is simply not appropriate for the area and not the image that we have fought hard to change.

We pride ourselves as the Capital District of the Bronx. Our district is a great place to visit, work and live.  We are the host community to the world renown, Yankee Stadium, The New Gateway Center at the old Bronx Terminal Market, the Bronx Museum of the Arts and many Art Deco buildings along the Grand Concourse Historic District.  We just recently developed and renovated recreational facilities, such as, tennis courts, a state of the art track & field and a new water front park.  We are the administrative center of the County, housing the offices of the Borough President, The District Attorney, the Courts and the County Clerk.  

We are a community of contrasts. Sleek silhouettes of art-deco buildings are a short stroll away from lovely small homes. Acre for acre we have more parks throughout our two square miles than any other district and as such we have experienced a commercial, residential and economic revival, nearly 200,000 thousand residents celebrate our resurgence, and welcome new cultures, languages, hopes and dreams of the many new Americans making this district their home, from around the globe.  We celebrate their distinct and varied positive contributions.

While the ad itself is not overtly suggestive, we believe this to be an issue of image and mindset not morality.  It is our hope that you understand and so we respectfully ask that you remove said advertisement and place one that does not directly contradict the change and changes we have for the area.  

Sincerely

Jose Rodriguez

District Manger

cc:    Kathleen Saunders, Board Chair

    Ruben Diaz, Jr. Bronx Borough President 

 

 

Stanton Now Attacking Riverdale Press

   How low can candidate Cliff Stanton get in the 11th City Council race to let his "Paid Political Consultant" attack someone who is not even in the race. Or is it that Mr. Stanton's strategy after not being able to rid the district of the Riverdale Review. Has Mr. Stanton now set forth his "Paid Political Consultant" to attack the political writer for the Bronx News. 

  Riverdale resident Robert Press political columnist for the Bronx News has been attacked in a e-mail blast by Mr. Anthony Rivieccio "Paid Political Consultant" to 11th City Council candidate Cliff Stanton. Mr. Press spoke to candidate Cliff Stanton's campaign manager Jennifer Firestone about the matter, and was told that the campaign had no control over Mr. Rivieccio. 

  Mr. Stanton has said "I just do things", and apparently does not care what he or those in his employ do.

  Mr. Press replies that if Cliff Stanton is going to have his "Paid Political Consultant" attack me, Mr. Stanton won't have to worry about being called "Strip Club Stanton" by the owner of the Riverdale Review. 

  There are 30 days left to the September 10th Democratic primary Mr. Stanton, do you want to call off your "Hired Goon", and apologize for him? 

  
 

15th Council District - Raquel Batista

  You see a very pregnant 15th Council District candidate Raquel Batista standing outside her campaign headquarters located at 308 East 181st Street just one block from the 46th Precinct. By now candidate Batista should be the proud mother of a newborn baby (a girl she told me).

  Everything else aside Raquel Batista is no stranger to the community or even politics. Candidate Batista mentioned her Voter Rights work at the Puerto Rican Defense Fund now Latino Justice. We spoke of the recent decision by the Supreme Court to strike down an important section of the Voter Rights Act. Batista told me she was an observer one election year, and of the lack of bilingual poll workers citing that in a very large poll site where there was only one for the many many election districts. She then went into her work as an organizer for the Northwest Bronx Church & Clergy Coalition when NWBCC was planning for the future of the Kingsbridge Armory.

  On the topic of education (my favorite) we differed, because candidate Batista like others in the 15th council race believe that Parent Coordinators are a good thing to schools. She said it is a good thing to have someone be able to communicate with the parents. When I asked candidate Batista to give me the job description of the parent coordinator she like others could not. Batista was also concerned about all the school closings, lack of accountability, Charter School oversight, and the lack of resources. She wants to see more oversight by the city council on public education with the chancellor (an educator) being approved by the city council. This interview was done before the much lower test results was announced.

  On to other topics, candidate Batista said the Bronx has its own problems. Housing - how to preserve the aging housing stock, and keep it affordable. Transportation - how to speed up the slow mass transit system mentioning the surface buses. Merchants - how to help them stay in business.

  In all I had a good conversation with 15th City Council candidate Raquel Batista, her answers were real, she really wants to help the district, and perhaps if she does not win the winner will ask Ms. Batista to become a part of their staff.

  Good luck on the birth of your baby girl.

UPDATE:
In her 39^th week of pregnancy, Raquel Batista went into labor Monday morning August 12th.

Statements RE: Common Core Testing Results

  City Comptroller John C. Liu stated the following in response to early reports on City schools’ results on the new state “Common Core” test scores:

“New York City public schools’ reportedly dismal results on the new state tests send a clear message: Mayor Bloomberg and his Tweed cronies have been cooking the books on student test scores for 12 years. Pointing to rising high-school graduation rates, the Mayor claimed that high-stakes testing was leading to greater student achievement and teacher accountability. He excoriated teachers and others who pointed out the flaws in his analysis. In fact, the regime of teaching to the tests pushed kids out the schoolhouse door, even if their diplomas were worthless and their skills did not permit them to succeed in college or jobs. Mayor Bloomberg had 12 years to advance his so-called reforms and pad his educational legacy. He failed. He cannot spin these results to mean something they don’t. New York City’s children deserve better.”

 

STATEMENT FROM JOE LHOTA ON COMMON CORE TEST SCORES

 

 

“We must do better in educating our children and preparing them for the rigors of competing in a global 21st Century. The release of today’s Common Core math and English test scores will undoubtedly solicit varying opinions about their meaning and efficacy in assessing student’s learning. But it’s important to look at the entire picture, rather than isolated facts. Test scores are lower, but for the first time, students were tested on new, more demanding material.

 

Education reform continues to be one of my top priorities and a Lhota Administration will remain committed to helping our children excel in these new requirements. We have already begun to transform New York City’s public education system under mayoral control and the expansion of charter schools. Our objective must be to set the highest standards possible, while giving our educators and students the resources they need to help them achieve their goals. We must not allow politics or special interests to come between the success of our children.” --Joe Lhota

 

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ

RE: Common Core Testing Results

The dramatic decline in test scores by New York City school children raises a number of issues, questions and concerns.  Standardized testing is inherently imperfect.  We’ve seen this before, as a myriad of objections have been raised regarding the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test.  In fact, in the complaint filed by the NAACP, LatinoJustice, AALDEF and others, it is noted that this test has yet to be properly validated.

In this case, the alarmingly low passage rates seem to validate all along, that for 12 years, the DOE has been promoting a policy of teaching to the test.  If real learning and skill development were happening in our schools, wouldn’t more of that educational attainment have been reflected in the new tests?

Our school system is overly reliant on standardized tests, and the debate on which tests to use only distracts us from the larger challenges facing our children.  In the mean time, testing companies are signing lucrative contracts and profiting from our children’s misfortune.  Who does Common Core really benefit, the testing companies or our children?

The other questions we need addressed include: What have we done in 12 years to reduce class size? What have we done to ensure that our teachers are receiving the necessary professional development to succeed and stay in the profession? What have we done to adequately fund after-school programs, so that kids in economically disadvantaged communities have equal access to growth opportunities outside the class room?  Why haven’t we moved to extend the class day and the school year? 

What are we doing to mitigate the correlations between poverty and scholastic underperformance?  If we want to raise academic standards, that’s fine.   However, we must also look at which school districts had the biggest drops, study why those drops occurred and support those schools with the critical funding and resources they need to succeed.

We should incorporate, and place greater emphasis, on other and better pedagogical metrics to ascertain academic growth and achievement.  It’s inconsistent to celebrate Common Core for implementing critical thinking testing on students, when we as educators invest such incredible blind faith in the infallibility of standardized test,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

Merchants Join Senator Klein to Highlight Boost from Summer Concert Series

  State Senate Co-Leader Jeff Klein kicked off his second concert of the season, he was joined by local business and restaurant owners to highlight how his annual summer concerts and movie events, taking place at venues across the Bronx. By staying in the area this will gave a boost to the local economy by encouraging attendees to come for the show and stay local for dinner.

   Singer & Entertainer Dionne Warwick headlines the Sunday August 27th event being held in Seton Park Independence Avenue between West 235th and West 236th Streets. One note of caution if you plan to drive to this concert. There are several speed bumps on and around Independence to slow down the speed of cars and other vehicles. Word from the Department of Transportation was once a driver goes over the new speed bumps they will know where they are.

  On  Saturday September 7th starting at 8 PM the movie "UP" will be presented as part of this program in Seton Park. To see all the listings around State Senator Klein's district you can find it at this link to Senator Klein. 

 Senator Jeff Klein announces his August Concert & Movie program 2013. Dionne Warwick is scheduled to highlight the August 27th concert in Seton Park.

Tracy Shelton the Executive Director of the Kingsbridge Riverdale Van Cortlandt Development Corporation is helping State Senator Klein as several local Riverdale merchants are also in the photo.

Wave Hill Events August 23–August 30

 

FRI, AUGUST 23    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens on-site at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

SAT, AUGUST 24    FAMILY ART PROJECT—LANDSCAPE MOVIE SCROLLS

Landscape Movie Scrolls/Rollos de película de paisajes

Experience and sketch some of the delights of Wave Hill’s natural landscape. Then, extend the landscape of your choice onto a paper movie scroll.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, AUGUST 24   TAI CHI CHUAN

Quiet like a mountain, moving like a river, Tai Chi is a sequence of gentle movements based on images found in nature. In this beginner-level class, Irving Yee, an active member of the William CC Chen Tai Chi School, will introduce students to the internal martial arts and promote an awareness of their health benefits. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11AM

SAT, AUGUST 24    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s summer exhibition, Bronx Calling: the 2nd AIM Biennial, which features the cutting-edge artwork by NYC-area emerging artists, as well as an installation in the Sunroom Project Space, where Jarrod Beck translates geologic processes into drawing. Mounted sculpturally, these large-scale works create an immersive environment. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM.  Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, AUGUST 25    FAMILY ART PROJECT—LANDSCAPE MOVIE SCROLLS

Landscape Movie Scrolls/Rollos de película de paisajes

Experience and sketch some of the delights of Wave Hill’s natural landscape. Then, extend the landscape of your choice onto a paper movie scroll.  Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, AUGUST 25   HATHA YOGA

Find refuge from city life by practicing seasonal yoga. Decrease stress and increase your energy by focusing on your posture, breath control and meditation. Classes are led by Neem Dewji, certified in Hatha and Therapeutic Yoga by The Yoga for Health Foundation in Bedfordshire, England, and The Integral Yoga Institute in NYC. All levels welcome. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10‒11:15AM

SUN, AUGUST 25    MEDITATION

This summer, take a moment to release stress and reconnect with your inner self while practicing meditation. Each session includes instruction in simple relaxation techniques followed by 20 minutes of meditation. Led by Yoga for Bliss director Neem Dewji and instructor and long-time meditator Lea Tenneriello. All levels welcome. Session fee: Member $15/Non-member $23. Registration opens onsite at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11:30AM‒12:45PM

SUN, AUGUST 25    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, AUGUST 26

Closed to the public.

TUE, AUGUST 27    STORIES IN THE GARDEN

Join us for a delightful reading adventure as we explore a different, nature-related theme each week with beautifully illustrated storybooks, beloved classics and exciting new selections. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent.  Ideal for ages 3 and up and their adult companion. Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

TUE, AUGUST 27    GALLERY TOUR

Join a curatorial fellow for a tour of Wave Hill’s summer exhibition, Bronx Calling: the 2nd AIM Biennial, which features the cutting-edge artwork by NYC-area emerging artists, as well as an installation in the Sunroom Project Space, where Jarrod Beck translates geologic processes into drawing. Mounted sculpturally, these large-scale works create an immersive environment. Tours take place Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2PM.  Free, and admission to the grounds is free all day.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

FRI, AUGUST 30    YOGA TOGETHER

Child and parent or caregiver practice fun yoga poses that build strength, increase flexibility and relax body and mind in this one-hour class taught by Catherine McGibney, an instructor at Yoga for Bliss. Recommended for ages 3–5. Sessions are held outdoors only and are weather dependent. Call 718.549.3200 x245 by 8AM on the day of the class for program updates. Member $15/Non-member $23. Session fee includes one adult and one child, $5 each additional child. Registration opens on-site at 9:30AM.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 10AM

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 August. 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.