"ABRAZO DOMINICANO IN NEW YORK"

  There was Dominican Pride and lots of beautiful Princesses on hand for the Abrazo Dominicano last night at Maestro's Cafe. The event started off slow as people were held outdoors for over an hour as it seemed to be a miscommunication as Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.'s staff were late in arriving. Once everything was set up the room soon filled to capacity, and everyone enjoyed the party. 

On hand were Team Crespo 2015 (the new name for the old Team Diaz) with Assemblyman, and Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo the Master of Ceremonies this year. L - R are Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Congressman Jose Serrano, State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr., and New member to Team Crespo Assemblyman Victor Pichardo. 

Yolanda Cruz belted out the United States National Anthem. 

Julio Allendi sang the National Anthem of the Dominican Republic.

The Honorees seated in front of the elected officials included Sra. Cira Angeles, Sra. Estela Vazquez, Hon. Roberto Rodriguez, and Lic. Rosa Ayala. 

In traditional Team Diaz now Team Crespo style, Maestro Caterers Chief Carvers Gjena and Edmond await the crowd as they ready to carve the succulent roasted pigs. 

BP DIAZ INTRODUCES NEW BOARD OF THE NATIONAL DOMINICAN DAY PARADE

On Thursday, July 23, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and the Dominican Day Parade hosted  a Dominican Heritage Celebration, honoring the newly formed 2015 National Dominican Day Parade and introducing the new committee for the Manhattan parade.

“It is a great day to celebrate the Dominican people in the borough of The Bronx. Currently, there are over 210,000 individuals of Dominican heritage already living in this great borough and as the numbers continues to increase, every neighborhood is getting a taste of the rich culture and heritage that the community offers,” said Borough President Diaz. 

The parade will take place on 6^th Avenue in Manhattan on August 9, 2015. Sponsors of the event include Mamajuana Cafe, Inca Kola and Jetro Wine & Spirits.

Above - Chef Felix preparing some of the delicious food from Mamajuama Cafe (located at 3233 East Tremont Avenue) that was available at the BP's event.
Below - A traditional Dominican dance.

Assemblymember Pichardo: Raise minimum wage for all workers

This came in from Assemblyman Victor Pichardo. We wonder why when the state legislature fails to act, and when Governor Cuomo acts on the issue all the King's men come out with statements. Do something Assemblyman Pichardo, talk is cheap as is what you say.

     “For far too long, my neighbors who depend on minimum wage have struggled to survive. Today’s announcement will significantly raise the income of fast-food workers and help pull many out of poverty – this is a momentous victory for these workers and a proud day for all New Yorkers.

 “While raising the minimum wage for fast-food employees is a major step in the right direction, a minimum wage increase should not be limited to one industry. All minimum wage employees need and deserve an increase in their wages. I will continue fighting to ensure everyone earns a livable wage, because no one who works full time should struggle to put food on the table and a roof over their heads.”

Borough President Diaz Allocates Over $34 Million to Bronx Organizations

  Borough President Diaz allocated $34,450,000 to 108 total projects, with money going to nearly 70 education projects across the borough, park upgrades, the redesign and redevelopment of a portion of the Grand Concourse as well as the creation of over 2,300 units of new housing, among other projects.

"Through these critical funding allocations my office is able to provide technology upgrades to public schools, safety improvements for NYCHA residents, park renovations and thousands of units of new housing," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., who since taking office in 2009, has funded a total of 480 projects for $166,480,000. "I am proud to have been able to provide this funding to so many worthy institutions in this year's capital budget."

This year, Borough President Diaz's largest allocations went towards housing -- for a total of $11.2 million, representing 32.7 percent of his total capital budget. These funds will support the creation of 2,331 new units of housing of all types across sixteen projects, keeping in line with Borough President Diaz's commitment to keep the borough's housing stock diverse and affordable.

Borough President Diaz is also providing more than $10.6 million -- 30.8 percent of his entire capital budget -- to 67 school projects across the borough that will be used for technology upgrades and other physical plant improvements in public schools across The Bronx.

Several other notable projects include $1 million towards the next phase of the renovation of the Grand Concourse, over $1 million towards renovations at Lehman College and Bronx Community College, $500,000 towards a new building for the Pregones Theater, and $150,000 towards a dog run on Pelham Parkway.

"This critical funding helps keep our educational institutions vibrant, our schools strong, our parks clean and our neighborhoods safe. This funding is critical to the continued positive growth of our communities, and I am proud to have helped so many important projects in every corner of our borough," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

The full list of projects can be found at http://on.nyc.gov/1DquYTr.

Free Summer Movies Under the Stars

Please join me for A Summer Movie Under the Stars! Enjoy a free, family movie at Long Meadow North in Prospect Park on Wednesdays from July 22nd to August 12th, all beginning at 7:00 PM: 

• July 22nd - E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial
• July 29th - Where the Wild Things Are
• August 5th - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I
• August 12th - Happy Feet

The movies start shortly after sunset. Bring your own blanket!

-Eric

P.S. Save the dates for these upcoming events, which I am proud to support, at and around Brooklyn Borough Hall; please contact our office for additional information:

Every Tuesday

Brooklyn Borough Hall Tour

2nd Wednesday of Every Month

Free Legal Services: Foreclosure Intervention/Prevention

2nd and 4th Thursdays of Every Month

Free Legal Services: Housing, Elder Law, and Pension Matters

  

Thursday, July 23rd

Arthur Browne in Conversation with Eric L. Adams

Saturday, July 25th

Hot 97 Push for Peace

Tuesday, July 28th 

Cut the Salt, Curb the Sugar

Tenant Harassment Hearing

Wednesday, July 29th

Capacity Building and Grant Writing

Sunday, August 2nd

International Day of Friendship (Sign Up to Volunteer)

Wednesday, August 5th

Blood Drive

Tuesday, August 18th

Uniform Land Use Review Procedure Public Hearing

Free One-To-One Help for Parents of Young People With Disabilities

Elected Officials and Leaders of the Livery Industry Against City Council Bill

  Bronx elected officials and livery tax industry leaders met this morning to discuss their concerns with a bill that is pending before the New York City Council that will add 10,000 commercial vehicles to the taxi industry.  This legislation is  causing a fight between Mayor Bill DeBlasio and Uber.

A consensus was reached by the group that there is no protection in this bill as it is now, to protect the livery industry, and as such the City Council should not take a vote and should hold the bill until it includes protection for the livery industry.

This meeting was attended by State Senators Rev Ruben Diaz and Adriano Espaillat;  Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo; Assemblymen Luis Sepulveda, Jose Rivera and Victor Pichardo.  Representing the Taxi Industry were: Cira Angeles, Antonio Cabrera, Daniel Genese, Elvin Marte, Marcos De La Cruz, Nancy Soria, Francisco Roa, Jose R. Jean, and Avik Kabessa.

BDCC Announces Endorsement of Hillary Clinton

   Today the Bronx Democratic County Committee (BDCC), chaired by Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo, announced its endorsement of Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in the campaign race for the 2016 Democratic Presidential Nomination.

“As our former U.S Senator from New York and then U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton has a proven track record of leadership and commitment to championing issues that are important to every day Americans. Bronx Democrats are proud to endorse her not only because she believes in building our party and making it stronger than ever but because we are united by our Democratic values in the fight to build stronger communities and ensuring that all people, regardless of background, can achieve their full potential,” said Bronx Democratic Party Leader Marcos A. Crespo.

“I enthusiastically endorse Hillary Clinton for President. As a long time supporter of Hillary Clinton I have seen up close her strong commitment to progressive ideals, her amazing work ethic and her incredible knowledge of every possible issue of concern to us,” echoed Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, County Committee Chair. “No one has ever been more qualified or more prepared to be President. I am confident that the Bronx will overwhelmingly support her candidacy and I look forward to working to help elect her president of the United States.”

"Hillary Clinton has been a champion for working families throughout her entire political career. Her leadership, achievements, and experience make her the ideal presidential candidate," said Bronx Party Secretary and Councilwoman Annabel Palma. “I am proud to join my colleague, Assembly Member Crespo, and the Bronx Democratic County Committee, in resoundingly supporting Hillary Clinton to be our next president of this great country of ours."

Bronx Democratic County Committee

As the Democratic Party organization in The Bronx, the Bronx Democratic County Committee’s mission is not only to help elect Democrats across the borough who will continue to fight for progress and for the residents of our communities, but we are also deeply committed to our Democratic values through engaging Bronxites year-round to increase access to resources by connecting them to legal, financial, and other public services, participating in political activism initiatives, and serving as an inclusive facilitator between our communities and Party members.

Assemblyman Dinowitz Reminds Consumers of the Dangers of Unsecured Furniture

   Following Ikea’s recent announcement that they will be offering free wall anchoring kits to customers who have purchased certain products, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz reminded consumers of the dangers of not securing heavy household furniture.

“Nearly every two weeks a child dies when a TV or some other large piece of furniture falls on them,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “According to one study from the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 349 consumers were killed between 2000 and 2011 as a result of furniture toppling over; 84% of those deaths were children younger than nine years old. This is exactly why I sponsored a bill earlier this year requiring the New York State Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection to create a public awareness campaign about the dangers of unsecured furniture” (A.7018).

The same federal commission estimates that over 43,000 consumers are injured each year in similar tip-over incidents; more than 25,000 of those injuries being suffered by children younger than 18. Falling furniture accounts for more than half of the reported injuries. However, falling televisions are more deadly, as they are associated with 62% of reported fatalities.

Mr. Dinowitz’s bill, which passed with overwhelming bi-partisan support in both the Assembly and in the Senate where it was sponsored by Senator Patricia Ritchie (R-Jefferson), and is to be sent to the Governor’s office for his signature or veto. Specifically, the legislation requires the Division of Consumer Protection to develop, establish, and implement a public awareness campaign related to the dangers of unsecured furniture, televisions, and other household appliances.

“The number one victims of unsecured furniture are overwhelmingly children. These tragedies are easily preventable, and it starts with passing along the information to and making the public aware of how to put a stop to these incidents from happening,” Assemblyman Dinowitz noted. “Ikea’s recent announcement serves as a reminder to all of us of the dangers associated with un-anchored furniture, and the propensity of these incidents to result in severe injury.”

“I strongly urge the Governor to sign this bill in to law,” said Mr. Dinowitz. “This awareness campaign is going to save many lives by encouraging people to take the appropriate actions when it comes to securing furniture.”