STATEMENT FROM BP DIAZ RE: City Council Vote on MIH/ZQA

  RE: City Council Vote on MIH/ZQA

“As our city continues to grapple with the mayor's rezoning proposals—Mandatory Inclusionary Housing and Zoning for Quality and Affordability—I am pleased to see progress has been made at the lower end of the affordability spectrum. While the housing deal does not go as far to assist the low income community as many of us had hoped, it is an encouraging step in the right direction. I commend the City Council for their diligence and commitment on this issue and for listening to the concerns myself, my colleagues, our community boards and the people of this city on other issues, including parking and the need for greater affordability.

“However, I remain concerned that the minor change at the upper end of the affordability spectrum does nothing to encourage developers to create units that would maintain our professionals and foster socio-economic diversity. Preventing developers from using already existing subsidies hinders the opportunity for truly mixed-income development in the borough.

“As I have previously stated, the process that has led us to this point has been flawed. These changes are substantial, and the people of this city—who have been incredibly critical, if not outright hostile to MIH and ZQA to this point—should have been given another chance to voice their opinions prior to any vote. I am hopeful that the City Council will make every effort to explain these changes to community boards and other concerned parties, to ensure both a productive dialogue and appropriate community engagement moving forward,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Purim Celebration and Film History Presentation at JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center

 On Tues. March 29^th, dynamic entertainers Hagit, Zvi and Dvir will re-enact the Purim story with songs, costumes and puppets at 11:15 AM for our 4-yr old friends from MMCC Early Childhood program. Following a festive lunch at 12:15 PM, they will provide a program of violin music plus nostalgic songs at 1:00 PM.

Kosher lunch served at 12:15 PM: Shake & bake chicken or tuna salad, egg barley & mushrooms, coleslaw, orange.  Holiday refreshments will be served. Recommended senior meal contribution: $2.25 and $2.00 for event. Non-senior Meal Fee: $5.00 and Event Fee: $3.00

Contact JASA Van Cortlandt Senior Center office at 718-549-4700 for advance reservations by Thurs. March 24th.

Film and Hollywood historian, photo archivist Pierre Montiel will speak about the life accomplishments of the legendary Gary Cooper on Wed. March 30^th at 1:00 PM.  

Kosher lunch served at 12:15 PM: Tilapia Francaise or chicken salad, fusili pasta w/Parsley, steamed peas

& carrots, banana. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.

Recommended senior meal contribution: $2.25

Recommended senior event contribution: $1.00

RSVP by calling senior center office 718-549-4700 by Mon. Mar. 28^th.

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Annual Gala April 13, 2016

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.

Hillary Clinton Kick-Off When: Thurs. 3/24/16 from 6 - 8p Where: BDCC HQ - 1640 Eastchester Rd. Bronx, NY The Hillary Clinton campaign is gearing up for the NYS presidential primary! Come help phone bank to get our fellow Bronxites registered to vote for the April 19th primary. Click here to RSVP for the event. Click to Enlarge

AM Michael Blake's Women History Month Event When: Sat. 3/26/16 from 10a - 1p Where: Harriet Tubman Charter School - 3565 3rd Ave, Bronx, NY Please join Assemblyman Michael Blake in celebrating Women's History Month. This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP visit www.votemichaelblake.com. Click to Enlarge

Reception for Mark Gjonaj When: Mon. 3/28/16 from 5:30 - 7:30p Where: V & R Restaurant - 136 Madison Ave, Albany, NY NYS Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie, NYS Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle, and Bronx Democratic Chairman Marcos A. Crespo invite you to a reception in honor of Assemblyman of the 80th District Mark Gjonaj.  To RSVP call Nathalia Fernandez at 646-996-3537, Claudia Granados at 646-957-6833, or email friendsofmarkgjonaj@gmail.com. Click to Enlarge

CM Vanessa L. Gibson's Women HerStory Month Event When: Wed. 3/30/16 from 5:30 - 7:30p Where: Mullaly Recreational Community Center - 1020 Jerome Ave. (between E. 164 & E. 165 Sts.) Join Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson for a night of awards, guest speakers, entertainment, and refreshments in celebration of Women's HerStory Month. To RSVP contact CM Gibson's District Office at 718-588-7500 or emaildistrict16bronx@council.nyc.gov. Click to Enlarge

Women's Empowerment Dinner When: Thurs. 3/31/16 from 6 - 10p Where: Maestro's Caterers - 1703 Bronxdale Ave., Bronx, NY You are cordially invited to join Hon. Cynthia Cox, Female District Leader of the 79th Assembly District, for the 2nd Annual Women's Empowerment Dinner With Honorees: Letitia James - Public Advocate for the City of New York, Inez Harvey -Community Leader, Annie Oliver - Church Organizer/Church on the Hill A.M.E. Zion,  Pastor Georgiette Morgan-Thomas - Mustard Seed Faith Ministries, Rochelle Mangual -  President of DC 37 Retiree's Association, Isom Malika - Community Activist. For more information or to RSVP, please contact: Florence Davis - (347) 693-8767, Tee Lawton - (646) 463-9917, Diana Diaz - (917) 535-5295, or Ernestine Jackson - (347) 224-2002. Click to Enlarge

Bronx Young Dems' Spring Gala When:   Wed. 4/20/16 from 7 - 10p Where:    Michaelangelo's - 2477 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY The Bronx Young Democrats' request your attendance at their first Spring Gala. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to the New York State Young Democrats Convention, hosted in the Bronx this May. The Gala will honor the following Bronx Young Dem Elected Officials: Hon. Michael Blake, Hon. Marcos Crespo, Hon. Vanessa Gibson, Hon. Latoya Joyner, Hon. Victor Pichardo, and Hon. Ritchie Torres. To purchase tickets to this event please visitthebyd.org. Click to Enlarge

In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic County Committee 1640 Eastchester Rd.

Statements Re: Dr. Betty Rosa’s Election as Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ - 

“Dr. Betty Rosa is a longtime ally, close advisor and a dear friend, and I am proud that she has been chosen by her colleagues on the New York State Board of Regents to serve as our chancellor.

“I have worked closely with Dr. Rosa throughout my career as an elected official, first in the New York State Assembly and now as Bronx Borough President. Dr. Rosa is a fighter for our children, and during her years of service as a member of the New York State Board of Regents she has demonstrated her passion on education through her advocacy on a myriad of issues. She is fiercely independent, and has never shied away from criticizing the powers-that-be when she feels they have erred.

“Through her decades of experience as a teacher, superintendent and as a member of the Board of Regents, Dr. Rosa has demonstrated that she has been the right choice for the children of The Bronx and now for all of New York State.

“Dr. Betty Rosa is the very definition of a trailblazer—the first Latina to serve in this position, and the first Bronxite, as well—and I am proud and excited that my good friend has been selected as the Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents. I look forward to continuing to work with her towards greater education outcomes for children not only in The Bronx, but across this city and this state,” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauded the New York State Board of Regents for its election of Dr. Betty Rosa, an eight year veteran of the board, to be Chancellor. 

“The election of Dr. Betty Rosa as Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents is a huge victory for our schools and more importantly - the children who attend them. Dr. Rosa’s qualifications to serve as chancellor are unmatched,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “I was privileged to have nominated Dr. Rosa when she was first elected to the Board of Regents representing the Bronx back in 2008, and she has served in that position with distinction for nearly eight years. During her tenure as Superintendent of Community School District 8 in the Bronx she oversaw over 25,000 students in 30 schools, and founded M.S. 101, the Maritime Academy for Science and Technology, which would eventually become one of the top ranked middle schools in the City of New York. Her founding of the Office of Conflict Resolution in the Division of Special Education, in addition to the work she’s done for multilingual and special education students further exemplify her commitment to all students – especially those who need the most help. I can personally attest that Dr. Rosa has been an independent voice and a relentless advocate for school children on every issue that has come before her and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, chairman of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force Said - 

 “Last week a  joint Session of the New York State Legislature voted to confirm three new members to the New York State Board of Regents and  today, the Board has chosen a new Chancellor of the Board in the selection of Dr. Betty Rosa.  There is great optimism that long-sought reforms to improve our children's academic attainment will be reached,"

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera

"Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Betty Rosa has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of education for the Bronx and all of New York State, while being a tireless advocate for our most vulnerable students. I am very proud that a fellow Bronxite has been appointed to be the first Latina to serve as the Chancellor of the Board of Regents and I look forward to working with her to ensure all the children in our State receive the education they need and deserve."

100 PERCENT SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2016

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

March Madness

     The Ides of March have passed, and March Madness is upon us. I would suggest that you check your brackets to see if you are still in the hunt to pick the winner of the NCAA Tournament. 

     It seems that Chancellor Carmen Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio are turning public school lunchrooms into what looks like Sports bars by putting in as many as six wide screen televisions.  In a recent visit to MS 80 for an event I found six wide screen televisions mounted on the walls, and one even had the Iowa - Temple NCAA game on complete with all the commercials. Is that any way to run a school Chancellor Farina or Mayor de Blasio. No wonder this is a failing school, or should we be state legislative correct and call it a struggling school. Any way you look at this it is a school where the children are failing and not struggling. This has gone on for much to long, and I hope to let the parents and community know that the mayor and his chancellor would rather have your children watching television complete with commercials rather than trying to teach them. I can only wonder if these young children are watching beer and other adult commercials that may come on at any time of the day. 

     On to local politics - With the endorsement of the Bronx Democratic County organization is that the final piece of the puzzle to a victory for current Assemblyman Keith Wright to replace Charlie Rangel in congress. The field is looking like the Republican Presidential race with candidates in the congressional race expected to drop like those in the Republican Presidential race. Who will be next to drop out of the race to replace Charlie Rangel? The other question is will State Senator Adriano Espaillat become a three time loser in this district. 

     Speaking of losers we should soon know just how much time in jail that former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos will be serving as both are to be sentenced in early April. 

     As for the Democratic Presidential race - pack it in Bernie she already has the delegates to win, all you are doing is distracting her from who her real challenger is going to be. You were trumped when you entered the race. 

     Don't forget to check the archive section on the left of this blog for items such as the Community Board 6 - 26th observance of the Happy Land Social Club fire, Irish Heritage or Women of Distinction events by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. or the Bronx Chamber of Commerce to name only a few, and then there are the upcoming events by both and other such as the Bronx Jewish Project HOPE Passover Package Delivery on Sunday morning April 10th. There are also press releases by most of your local elected officials telling you of the job they are doing in office. 

     Lastly, I have been told by only one person that I picked on Assemblyman Jose Rivera last week. I thought I was going after someone else who I really didn't want to waste a whole column on, but I am being told that Assemblyman Jose Rivera's daughter the former Assemblywoman from the 80th A.D. has been making the rounds in the 78th A.D. where she is registered to vote. I guess I will have to find those old photos of her from her last election should she choose to run. Red seems to be Naomi's favorite color, right Anthony?

       If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on this blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.   

SENATOR KLEIN & COMMUNITY GROUPS RALLIED AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE AT THROGGS NECK HOUSES

In response to the recent wave of gun violence, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Councilman James Vacca, the Throggs Neck Residents Council and Stand Up to Violence (SUV) rallied at the Throggs Neck Houses today. Senator Klein gathered residents and community leaders at the site of the first shooting, where he addressed the crowd on the importance of bringing awareness to these incidents and stopping gun violence. Reverend Dr. Sidney Hargrave began the march with a prayer, and SUV interrupters offered testimonials. Participants marched to the site of the second shooting and continued to protest the violence.

“We need to stop violence in its tracks.  Last week we witnessed two brutal shootings right here, and today we march in solidarity against the recent senseless acts of gun violence. We must continue the fight to keep our streets safe for children and families,” said Senator Klein. “I am proud that I have secured nearly $1 million dollars for a cutting-edge program, SUV,  to combat gun violence on our streets.  In just a few years, this program has made a significant impact on guns and gang violence and reduced the incidents of shootings in targeted areas by over 50 percent. I hope that we see an even greater reduction.”

Over the past few years, Senator Klein has allocated over $1 million to Stand Up to Violence (SUV), which is a unique violence prevention program that deploys ‘credible messengers’ and ‘violence interrupters’ to mediate conflict in the community and help high-risk individuals in targeted, high-crime areas in The Bronx.

“Today I join with Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman Vacca,  and the active residents here at the Throggs Neck Houses to bring awareness to this problem.  We must continue to stand up to gun violence and make a change together,” said Assemblyman  Benedetto.

"Violence in our community will not be tolerated," said Councilman Vacca. "I will be working closely with the 45th Precinct, the Throggs Neck Houses Resident Council and other elected officials to offer support in dealing with these difficult issues. People should not have to fear for their safety when walking down the street. We must take a multifaceted approach in dealing with violence and crime in our community."

“It is time we take back our community.  In unity there is strength and in strength there is power.If we continue to allow fear to paralyze us we will continue to be victims and not victors, God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind ( 2 Timothy 1:7) In unity there is strength and in strength there is power,” said Monique Johnson, President of The Throggs Neck Residents Council.

“If you don’t  - who will stand up to violence?” asked Minister Kwame Thompson, SUV Supervisor.  “Thank you Senator Klein for being involved and being a healing force to cure violence.”

For more information on SUV, please call (718) 822-2049.

Commercial Television in the Public Schools Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio?

   Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio why does this school lunchroom look like a sports bar with large screen televisions (six in all) placed around the lunchroom?

As you see in this photo the NCAA basketball game is on this television, why is that Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio? 

And Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio why is it that there are commercial like the ones above and below being shown in a public school? 

Parents would like to know why their children are watching television during breakfast, lunch, and who knows what ever other time when they should be learning. Could that be why this school is a failing school?