Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman - Fighting Designer Drugs, Working To End Online Sex Trafficking & Investigating DraftKings and Fanduel

THIS WEEK IN THE NEWS October 5  to October 9, 2015 TOP HEADLINES  Cracking Down On Synthetic Marijuana And Designer Drugs The Attorney General announced his office filed lawsuits against two businesses for allegedly selling and shipping synthetic marijuana and other designer drugs. The shops, located in Erie and Rockland counties, are charged with labeling dangerous products with names like “Green Giant” and “Psycho,” and in new formats like psychoactive eliquids and candies, then promoting and marketing them as “legal highs.” Some products allegedly had practically no label information and most lacked comprehensive ingredient lists, warnings, and directions for use. The proliferation of illegal designer drugs is a national health crisis that is hurting families and communities, and the Attorney General is stepping in to protect New Yorkers.  Partnering With Facebook To End Online Sex Trafficking This week the Attorney General announced he is forming a new partnership with Facebook to use innovative data and analytical methods to crack down on human trafficking. The partnership will leverage technology to identify victims of sex trafficking in online advertisements for commercial sex, and pursue the traffickers that engage in this practice of modern day slavery. The initiative will focus, in particular, on identifying child victims of sex trafficking, including those who are reported as missing. This is the most recent example of Facebook’s collaboration with the Attorney General’s office; they previously joined together to send AMBER alerts to news feeds on Facebook and to curb illegal firearms sales online. Ending On Call Scheduling At Urban Outfitters Urban Outfitters has now become the fifth major retailer to the end use of on-call shifts since the Attorney General launched an inquiry into the scheduling practice earlier this year. The retailer will begin to phase in the change starting in November for employees at all of its New York stores. Workers deserve basic protections, including a reliable work schedule that allows them to budget living expenses, arrange for childcare needs, and plan their days, and Urban Outfitters is taking an important step to ensure that their employees have schedules that are more predictable. Improving Hospital Services For Those With Limited Language Ability Two hospitals in Binghamton have agreed to bolster their language assistance and financial aid services in an effort to better serve their increasingly diverse communities. Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital and Auburn Community Hospital will provide training for personnel on communicating with LEP individuals, translate important documents, and promote effective communication between clinical personnel and patients and families, among other measures. Overcoming language barriers in the medical setting is key to protecting the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, and these agreements exemplify steps that healthcare providers can take to provide everyone a meaningful opportunity to obtain quality medical care. Ensuring The Integrity of Nursing Home Facilities The Attorney General announced the indictment of two Orange County individuals for allegedly falsifying credentials for nursing instructors in order to have a planned nursing assistant training institute approved. The defendants, who together operated Major Staffing LLC, a nurse staffing agency, are alleged to have knowingly submitted nine different falsified documents to the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision in an effort to push through the licensing of their school, where they planned to train Certified Nursing Assistants for the chronically ill and elderly. Nursing home staff must have the highest level of training and experience—New Yorkers should expect nothing less. Guaranteeing Health Care Benefits For Employees The Attorney General is teaming up with the U.S. Department of Labor to address violations of the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act and New York State laws covering health insurance plans. This agreement will allow for greater collaboration on enforcement efforts involving New York insurance companies violating state or federal law. Since 2010, the New York Attorney General’s Health Care Bureau has reached more than a dozen agreements with health insurance companies enforcing laws related to a wide variety of health care issues, and the Attorney General will continue to ensure that all types of health plans comply with our vital federal and state consumer protection laws. Stopping Theft From Medicaid  The Attorney General announced the arrest of two operators of a transportation company for allegedly bilking Medicaid out of more than $1 million. Yellow Medi-Van and Taxi received payments from Medicaid for transporting beneficiaries to medical appointments, but it is alleged that the duo who opened the company failed to follow proper transportation regulations, including not having workers’ compensation insurance. During the time the company was allegedly operated unlawfully, the owners received more than $1 million in Medicaid payments.  In Other News...  After reports of employees at fantasy sports websites potentially using inside information to gain an advantage on other sites, the Attorney General opened an inquiry into DraftKings and FanDuel.                                   Upcoming Event Attorney General Schneiderman and THe Center for New York City Neighborhoods present a Mortgage Scam & Foreclosure Prevention Workshop this week. See the flyer below for details. In Other News... Following the T-Mobile data breach, the Attorney General offered tips to consumers to protect their personal information moving forward. The Attorney General is encouraging those who believe they were duped by Internet Order LLC into paying high costs for online language courses to file a complaint with the office in order to potentially receive restitution.                                              Upcoming Event Attorney General Schneiderman and the League of Women Voters will host a discussion on Restoring Public Trust and Confidence in Albany at Mamaroneck High School this week. See flyer below for details. In Other News...                                                         The Attorney General is leading a coalition of a dozen states urging the U.S. Supreme Court to review a case concerning restrictions limiting access to abortion services. With the New York City Campaign Finance Board, the Attorney General’s office reached a settlement with the Advance Groupover improper campaign coordination in the 2013 election cycle.                                                      Did You Know... You could request a presentation from the Attorney General's Office by submitting an online request? Check out our online Presentation Request Form. Your family, friends, and colleagues could sign up for this newsletterhere? You could file a complaint using our online forms? Consumer Fraud Complaint Price Gouging Complaint Internet Bureau Complaint Loan Modification Scam Medicaid Fraud or Nursing Home Patient Abuse & Neglect Contact Us Have a question, comment, or complaint? Click here. You can also learn more about the various initiatives of the Attorney General's office by visiting our website atag.ny.gov.

STATE SENATOR JEFF KLEIN CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH IN THE BRONX

  Klein honors distinguished Hispanic members of The Bronx community for outstanding service and dedication - with special Guest Christine Chavez

State Senator Jeff Klein honored distinguished members of the Bronx community at his annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the Havana Cafe located at 3151 East Tremont Avenue. 

The awards luncheon featured renowned labor leader Christine Chavez, who has continued her grandfather’s fight for equal rights through her work with the Cesar Chavez Foundation. Senator Klein will present awards to distinguished members of the Hispanic community in The Bronx who embody the spirit of service in their communities.

The honorees were -

Hon. Luis M. Diaz, Bronx County Clerk

Hon. Julia Rodriguez, Democratic District Leader

Hon. Ritchie Torres, New York City Council Member

Ms. Claudia Granados, New York State Director for the Northeast Charter School Network. Photos of the event are below.

Above and Below - State Senator Jeff Klein with Christine Chavez, and presenting her with a proclamation from the state for her work in labor.

Above Senator Klein with honoree Hon. Luis Diaz, Bronx County Clerk.

Below - Senator Klein with Honoree Claudia Granadosof NESSN.

Above - Senator Klein with Honoree Female District Leader 87th A.D. Julia Rodriguez. 

Below - Honoree Councilman Ritchie Torres acknowledges new Bronx District Attorney Democratic candidate Darcel Clark.

Above - Bronx District Attorney Democratic candidate Darcel Clark gave thanks for being selected as the candidate to replace retiring Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson. I was able to ask Bronx DA candidate Clark if she would do something retiring Bronx DA did not, and that was prosecute corrupt Bronx elected officials. Candidate Clark said that without any hesitation that she would go after any elected official who was corrupt.

Below - Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo was on hand as one of the rising Hispanic stars of the Bronx. 

A group photo of the honorees, Christine Chavez, and Senator Jeff Klein.

Bronx Democratic County Committee - Upcoming Events

U P C O M I N G   E V E N T S  Dear Bronx Democrat, Below is a list of upcoming events. Attached you will find flyers for each event.   Presidential Debate Watch Party When: Tues. 10/13/15 @ 8pm Where: 1640 Eastchester Rd., BX, NY  The Bronx Democratic County Committee (BDCC) invites you to attend our Democratic Presidential Candidate Debate Watch Party. Food and Refreshments will be served. To RSVP, please contact us at info@bronxdems.org or call us at 347-281-9759 Click to Enlarge   Liberty Dem. Assoc. 8th Annual Awards Dinner When: Thurs. 10/15/15 @ 6p - 10p Where: Maestro's Caterers - 1703 Bronxdale Ave., BX, NY  The Liberty Democratic Association invites you to the 8th Annual Awards Dinner honoring BDCC County Leader Marcos Crespo and others.    Please contact Joseph A. McManus at 718-644-1841 or mcmanus638@aol.com to RSVP. *** THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT, CLICK HERE FOR CONTRIBUTION INSTRUCTIONS *** Click to Enlarge   Clergy Breakfast with Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie When: Fri. 10/16/15 @ 9a - 11a Where: Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church - 350 E. 165th St., BX, NY  Members of the Bronx Clergy welcome Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and Assemblywoman Latoya Joyner over breakfast. Guest Speakers include Rev. James D. Morrison, Rev. Calvin Butts, and Rev. Raymond Rivera. RSVP with Wilbert T. Lawton at 646-463-9917 or Abby Taylor at ataylor0210@gmail.com. Click to Enlarge   2nd Annual College & Career Fair When: Wed. 10/21/15 @ 11a - 4p Where: Sotomayor Community Center -  1000 Rosedale Ave, BX, NY  Councilmember Annabel Palma presents the 2nd Annual College & Career Fair. The event is open to all high school students and is co-sponsored by Phipps Neighborhoods. For more information, please contact 718-792-1140. Click to Enlarge   Bronx Leadership Dinner When: Thurs. 10/22/15 @ 6p - 10p Where: Maestro's Caterers - 1703 Bronxdale Ave, BX, NY The Jackson Democratic Club cordially invites you join them at the Bronx Leadership Dinner honoring NYS Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie and others.  For more information or to RSVP, please contact Cynthia Cox at 917-450-5192.  *** THIS IS A TICKETED EVENT, CLICK HERE FOR CONTRIBUTION INSTRUCTIONS *** Click to Enlarge      In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic County Committee 1640 Eastchester Rd. T: 347-281-9759 www.bronxdems.org info@bronxdems.org

STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: MTA Capital Plan/East Bronx Metro North

  "Today's announcement represents a great day for public transportation in The Bronx, across the city and throughout the region. Our transit system is the backbone of our economy, and a fully-funded MTA capital plan is critical to not only the continued maintenance of our transit system but to the development of new infrastructure improvements, as well. Governor Cuomo's leadership has brought us the largest investment in MTA infrastructure in our state's history, and Mayor de Blasio has expanded the city's contribution to new levels. They are both to be commended for their efforts.

"Most importantly for my borough, this capital plan funds the long awaited, much anticipated East Bronx Metro North expansion. The establishment of new commuter stations in Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest and Hunts Point will not only offer residents of these communities a new transportation option, it will open the East Bronx corridor to new residential and commercial development opportunities, and is the most significant infrastructure improvement our borough has seen in decades.

“This expansion has been a top priority of mine since the day I became borough president, and Governor Cuomo's strong support for this project never wavered. The 1.4 million people of our borough, and the millions of people who will call our borough home in the future, owe the governor their gratitude for his continued commitment to our borough's ongoing revitalization," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Comic Con 2015

  Today I had a chance to attend Comic Con 2015, and I was very disappointed at the event. Aside from being way overcrowded, there was what can only be described as several fire hazards that took place when to many people had to crowd through small walkways as they had to look out for an even number of people coming in the opposite direction causing what looked like midtown Manhattan gridlock at times. 

  

  While the event was more spread out from the north to the south end of the Javits Center there were the usual complaints of long lines, and poor planning by the shows organizers. There seemed to be many many more artists, and very few signing for free. The event was sold out weeks in advance, and if you pare planning to attend either on Saturday or Sunday be prepared for long lines, and bring lots of money or several credit/debit cards. The photos below will tell the rest of the story.

Above - Progressive had their horses at Comic Con this year, and offered free locker space top those lucky enough to get to them early. 

Below - M & M Mars had a large corner, and you were able to get you picture taken with the giant M & M's or purchase M & M items for a reasonable price.

Above - No this is not a new M & M item, but the mascot of a security company.

Below - Wrestling great and former football player Hacksaw Jim Duggan was signing autographs for fans, and yes that is his favorite weapon of choice a 2 x 4 piece of wood that was able to be signed.  

Above - The Honky Tonk Man,  

Below - Luke Bushwacker were two other famous wrestlers signing autographs and taking photos with their fans.

Above - Artists were sketching.

Below - Artists were signing.

Above - Make up Artists were doing their thing.

Below - Costumed characters were plentiful. 

Above and Below just two of the many beautifully costumed people at Comic Con 2015.

Lastly, no that is not a costume. It is a real United States soldier, and an Army recruiter as the U.S. Army was on hand to recruit people or even costumed characters it seemed into the armed forces.  

Broadway Community Alliance Meeting - Fight Overdevelopment and Oppose the Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Rezoning Plan.

  Thursday night almost 200 people came out to a meeting Thursday night called by the Broadway Community Alliance about what is being called 'Overdevelopment in North Riverdale. People from all over Riverdale came together to also sign on to fight the recent Mayor Bill de Blasio plan for rezoning which will lead to taller buildings, smaller apartments, and little if any parking spaces. 

  The agenda of the meeting consisted of a welcome by community activist Laura Spalter, an update on the new Selfhelp building (an 11 story building that is being built on Broadway south of Mosholu Avenue), An update of the Van Cortlandt Motel site on Broadway, An update on the Riverdale Manor, a short summary of the mayor's rezoning plan, a proposed building at 5278 Post Road, elected official responses by State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and Councilman Andrew Cohen, and then questions from the audience. The photos below will tell the story, but you should check out their website at http://www.broadwaycommunityalliance.org/ for more information. 

Above - The lighting in the room was low, but as you can see there was standing room only at the Broadway Community Alliance meeting.

Below - Community Activist Laura Spalter welcomes everyone, and gives a little history of the BCA and what they have been doing the past yeay plus.

Above - Damien McShane of BCA explain, or tries to explain the very complicated (as he said) new mayor's rezoning plan.

Below - some items that the BCA wants and needs the entire community board area to do.

Above - State Senator Jeff Klein received a warm welcome from the attendees as Senator Klein has been with the local community when problems arose in the past. Klein pledges to continue to work with the community.

Below - It was Councilman Andrew Cohen's turn to speak to the audience. Cohen reminded the crowd that he was a former member of Community Board 8, and has worked with other local elected officials on quality of life issues.

Lastly it was time for questions from the audience, and Sergeant of Arms (and former principal) Deidre Burke moderated this part of the meeting.

Meet Legendary Yoda, Star Wars Air Hogs at New York Comic Con

I hear you’re headed to New York Comic Con this week and want to make sure the Spin Master booth is on your radar. With Star Wars: The Force Awakens just over two months away now (can you believe it?), we’re thrilled to be showcasing these must-have products for young padawans and Jedi Masters alike.
·         Legendary Yoda’s lifelike movements and voice recognition make it possible to train with the Jedi Grand Master like never before.View Legendary Yoda in action and learn more here. ·         Star Wars Air Hogs make galaxy travel a reality with innovative remote controlled versions of some of the most iconic vehicles. The Ultimate Millennium Falcon Quad will have users convinced they are Han Solo. Learn more about the Star Wars Air Hogs vehicles here. Visit Spin Master at booth #1665 to demo these innovative toys yourself.