Prayer Vigil for Intercession Set for Thursday 11AM on the Steps of City Hall

    Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz and the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization will join Reverend Luis Paniagua President of “Clamor por New York”  who has coordinated a Prayer Vigil to take place on the Steps of City Hall on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 11AM.

    The Ministers will be praying for the City of New York, and asking God to bless its leaders and its residents. They will offer prayers of intercession for an end to violence and crime, homelessness, poverty, racism, domestic abuse, elder abuse, child abuse and neglect.

    Ministers throughout the City of New York have decided it is important to gather together on the Steps of City Hall to raise their voices in prayer for our families and children, teachers and workers. They will pray for the victims of the Earthquake in Ecuador and for peace in our world.

Festival this Sunday, May 1 & New Office Open House next Thursday, May 5

Don't Miss our Next TWO Great Events!

It is shaping up to be a great event with an awesome music and entertainment line up and numerous attractions.  

Sunday, May 1, 2016 - 1:00pm to 5:00pm

South Riverdale Avenue

236th - 238th Street, Bronx, NY, 10463

Enjoy live music, children's activities, bounce house, food, business exhibits, specials and much more.

ALL AT NO CHARGE

Grand Opening Event for Our New Office!

Thursday, May 5, 2016 - 6:00pm to 9:00pm

505 West 236th Street 

Off Riverdale Avenue.

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ & ASSEMBLY MEMBER CRESPO HOST ‘DAY OF SOLIDARITY’ FOR ECUADOR EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

  Members of the Ecuadorian community will join BP Diaz & AM Crespo to help guide concerned constituents who want to help the victims of Saturday’s earthquake in Ecuador

   In the wake of the powerful earthquake that recently devastated Ecuador, and the death toll rising to about 600 victims; Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; New York State Assembly Member Marcos Crespo, New York City Council Member Rafael Salamanca and members of the Ecuadorian community hosted a “Day of Solidarity” press conference and rally to highlight ways the community can help provide aid to Ecuador.

Bronx Borough President Diaz Jr. was also joined by US Congressman Jose E. Serrano; City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson; State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr.; Assemblyman Michael R. Benedetto; Assemblyman Jose Rivera; Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj; Assemblyman Victor Pichardo; Assemblyman Francisco Moya; Assemblywoman Shelley Mayer; District Leader Yudelka Tapia; District Leader Cynthia Cox; and District Leader Israel Martinez.

The earthquake that shook Ecuador, the worst in nearly seven decades, with a magnitude of 7.8 on the Richter scale, left more than 600 dead, injured 12,492 people, left 130 still remain missing and 25,000 people without shelter, according to the Ecuador’s Risk Management Office.

Ecuador has deployed 10,000 soldiers and 4,600 police officers to the affected areas, with hundreds of rescuers from eight countries having traveled to help with relief efforts. Troops have set up mobile hospitals and temporary shelters but more is needed to help the country rebound from the natural disaster.

The Ecuadoran consulate, which has been directing relief efforts in New York City, and has made a lists of things that are much needed, such as canned foods, baby food, diapers, water, sports drinks like Powerade or Gatorade, large tents, folding beds, batteries, LED lights, flashlights, sleeping bags (sleeping bag), as well as first aid material such as over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol and ibuprofen (please no liquid medications), Band-Aids, and gauzes.

“This powerful earthquake has destroyed many lives, and we must all come together to help those who need most in these most dire of circumstances,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Ecuadorians are the fourth largest Hispanic group in this city, and many members of this community make their residence in The Bronx. We must come together to help our brothers and sisters in their greatest time of need.”

“The borough of The Bronx would like to send our condolences to the family and friends of those who have lost their lives in the devastating earthquake that impacted the Republic of Ecuador last Saturday,” said Assembly Member Marcos A. Crespo. “The deaths and lives impacted are tragedies with tremendous significance for each and every elected official in The Bronx, most importantly to the Ecuadorian communities we are blessed to represent. I proudly stand in solidarity with Ecuador.”

"On behalf of the Ecuadorian people affected by the earthquake that left hundreds of deaths and thousands of injured and homeless, I want to thank all the expressions of solidarity we have received from our Latin American brothers and sisters, and everybody else who is lending a hand during these painful time,” said General Consul of Ecuador Linda Machuca. “I also want to invite you to continue your financial supporting and donating articles needed at this time. For more information, please visit our emergency website at: www.contigoecuador.ec.”

“I want to thank Chairman Marcos Crespo and Borough President Ruben Diaz for their collective partnership in organizing a Bronx relief effort for the people of Ecuador,” said Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson. “This devastating earthquake has taken the lives of hundreds of people and disrupted thousands of families and communities. It's important for Bronxites to join in the efforts to help families during this time with basic needs and I'm proud to join my Colleagues in bringing supplies to our brothers and sisters in Ecuador.  During times of great challenge, we must recognize the importance to help others in need and our Bronx relief effort aims to reach as many families as possible.  My continued thoughts and prayers remain with the people of Ecuador during this time.”

"There are no words to describe the pain and devastation in Ecuador. My heart goes out to the families impacted by this tragedy, and I encourage everyone to do their part and contribute whatever way they can to support relief efforts. I'll be joining the Bronx Borough President and Assembly Member Crespo to raise awareness and help relief efforts for Ecuador. New York City stands with the country," said Council Member Ritchie Torres of the Bronx.

“I join my colleagues in New York calling for the international community to stand up and support Ecuador in these critical days following the recent earthquake that resulted in deaths, injuries, and destruction of property,” said Council Member Fernando Cabrera. “I applaud Secretary Kerry for pledging support, and I urge the federal government to immediately provide sufficient funds to ensure that all those impacted by this tragedy receive the services they need. My thoughts and prayers are with the Ecuadorian people as they begin to recover and rebuild.”

You can drop off supplies at the following places:

o          ATAX at 1442 Williamsbridge Road (347-903-3900)

o          Centro Bronx at 1765 Westchester Avenue (718-684-5095)

o          Concilio Iglesia Cristiana at 1996 Clinton Avenue (347-942-3691)

o          Radio Tambo Stereo at 815 Gerard Avenue (929-276-4390)

You can also drop off supplies at the Ecuadorian consulate offices throughout New York City.

o          In Manhattan: 800 Second Ave, Suite 600

o          Long Island City:  24-15 Queens Plaza North

o          Agencia en Queens: 67-21 Roosevelt Ave, Woodside

You can also donate money, via the following organizations:

-          The Red Cross: https://www.ammado.com/nonprofit/172557/donate

-          UNICEF: https://www.unicefusa.org/donate/support-unicefs-earthquake-relief-efforts-ecuador/30257

Assemblyman Dinowitz Denounces Online Retailer Amazon.com, Calls for Investigation in to their “Prime Free Same-Day” Delivery Service

   Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz denounced today the online retail giant Amazon.com following a report by Bloomberg for failure to provide equal services to areas of New York City with high minority populations.

Over the last few years Amazon has unveiled and rapidly expanded its “Prime Free Same-Day” service, which is currently available in over 27 major cities across the U.S. The service allows Amazon’s “Prime” customers to order retail items from the company’s website and have them delivered to their doorstep within hours. However, according to the Bloomberg report, “Amazon Doesn’t Consider the Race of Its Customers. Should It?,” authored by David Ingold & Spencer Soper, several major cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York and Washington D.C., all have non-white areas that do not have access to the “Prime Free Same-Day” service. In New York, for example, the underserved areas include the entirety of the Bronx and parts of eastern Queens. 

“This is simply outrageous,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz, who chairs the Assembly Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection. “I find it completely implausible that Amazon is able to offer same-day delivery service from Manhattan all the way down to Philadelphia, but can’t manage to offer the same service to a single neighborhood in the Bronx, a borough which has seen one of the fastest economic growth spurts in New York City history over the last seven years. It’s a real slap in the face to the 1.4 million proud Bronxites who might want to do business with Amazon.”

According to the report, a spokesman for Amazon claimed that the Bronx is “difficult to reach because the warehouses that serve the area are in New Jersey,” seemingly unaware of the fact that the George Washington Bridge connects I-95 directly to the Cross Bronx Expressway.

“This practice is nothing short of de facto segregation, and I think it merits serious investigation by the New York State Attorney General’s office, the State Division of Consumer Protection, and the U.S. Attorney,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “Frankly, I’m disappointed. Amazon offers a wonderful service and has always been a champion of equal pricing policies regardless of race, age, gender, or region, but to say that it’s a coincidence that predominantly non-white neighborhoods have been excluded from accessing this service is a little ridiculous. Whether we’re talking about the Bronx in New York, or the south-side of Chicago, or Roxbury in Boston, Amazon’s failure to overcome decades of institutionalized segregation is a harsh reminder that we still have a long way to go before all American’s have the same opportunities.”

49th Precinct Community Council Meeting This Tuesday, April 26th 7:30 PM at Eastchester Garden Community Center

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman - Protecting Voting Rights

  The Attorney General announced that his office would open an investigation into the New York City Board of Elections after the office received over 1,000 complaints to his Election Day hotline on primary day. The day after the NY primaries, Attorney General Schneiderman issued a statement that said, in part:

    "I am deeply troubled by the volume and consistency of voting irregularities, both in public reports and direct complaints to my office's voter hotline..That's why today, we have opened an investigation into alleged improprieties... by the New York City Board of Elections. If necessary, we will initiate inquiries in additional areas of the State where voting irregularities appeared unusually high. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and if any New Yorker was illegally prevented from voting, I will do everything in my power to make their vote count and ensure that it never happens again."

   A day after the Attorney General announced his investigation into the Board of Elections, the agency suspended a top officialfor her role in removing tens of thousands of otherwise eligible voters from NYC voter rolls.

Protecting Children From Toxic Toys

The Attorney General was in Rochester this week to announce that his office has launched an investigation into how toys with high levels of lead end up on store shelves. An investigation by the office found that retailers including Target, K-Mart and Toys-R-Us sold certain products with high levels of lead in stores across the state.

Stopping False Advertising Practices

The Attorney General has put an end to advertising practices used by Walgreens that misled and overcharged consumers. An undercover investigation found that Walgreens and its subsidiary Duane Reade used a variety of practices that led consumers to believe they were receiving a lower price on a product, when in many instances consumers wound up paying more than advertised.    

Cracking Down On Shady Sales Methods

Four auto dealer groups will return almost $2 million in restitution to nearly 5,000 consumers for using deceptive sales tactics that resulted in inflated car prices. The dealerships sold unwanted “after-sale” products that sometimes added thousands in hidden charges—often times without the consumer even aware that these services were being tacked onto their bill.    

Four taxi companies and their owner will pay over $250,000 in fines, damages and restitution for violating drivers’ rights and breaching a previous settlement agreement with the Attorney General.

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. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755. 

Community Board 7 Holds Second Livable Neighborhood Program

  Community Board 7's Community Relations and Long Term Planning Committee along with the Municipal Arts Society of New York presented the second part of the Livable New York Program. 

  Today's agenda included Arts, Culture, and your community, a mapping exercise, pin ups including a discussion section, and a wrap up and survey questionnaire. Ms. Samelys Lopez the Chair of the committee spoke briefly about the previous meeting, and also briefly about today's goal for the meeting. Community Board 7 District Manager Andrew Sandler also spoke briefly about some of what he and Community Board 7 do. The meeting was then turned over to the representatives of the Municipal Arts Society of New York to continue the agenda as you see in the photos below.

Above - Ms. Lopez speaks about the different areas of CB 7, and the different facilities in the Bedford Park area of  Community Board 7.

Below - A chart of the local business corridors in CB 7. 

I left early when current 78th A.D. Assemblyman Jose Rivera made it a political event apparently for himself as you can see in the photo above. It must be re-election time for Rivera as he was taping answers by those in the audience, probably to learn what the problems of the district are. Assemblyman Jose Rivera challenged me to a boxing match for some of the things that I have been writing about him. As you can see Assemblyman Rivera you will not bully this member of the press, and I will continue to write about your record (or lack of one). The Democratic primary for New York State Assembly members is Tuesday September 13th.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Settlement With Walgreens/Duane Reade For Overcharging Consumers And Misleading Advertising Practices

  Walgreen Co. Will Pay $500,000 In Penalties, Fees, And Costs And Will Reform Its Advertising Practices In New York

Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office has obtained a settlement with the national drugstore chain Walgreen, Co. and its subsidiary Duane Reade (collectively, “Walgreens”) for overcharging New York consumers and using misleading advertisements.  Walgreens has also agreed to reform its advertising practices. 

“Businesses are required to ensure that their advertisements are truthful and not misleading,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “When consumers purchase products at retail stores in New York, they should be able to rely on the prices displayed in advertisements and on shelf tags and not have to worry about being overcharged when they get to the register.”

“Walgreens has failed to provide the staffing and systems needed to accurately price its products,” said Michael Zucker, Director of Change to Win Research Initiatives. “We’ve seen these deceptive practices in a number of other states, costing consumers and violating the public trust.  We applaud Attorney General Schneiderman for taking strong action and standing up for New York consumers.”

Walgreens operates approximately 251 Walgreens and 214 Duane Reade stores across New York State.  The Attorney General’s undercover investigation found that Walgreens deceptively induced New York consumers to purchase products by:

• Representing to consumers that they will receive the price published in print advertisements and on store shelf tags, but charging consumers a different price at the register (including shelf tags that remained up after the advertised price had already “expired”);
• Representing to consumers that a product is a “Smart Buy” or “Great Buy” when the advertised price is the same as the original retail price Walgreens regularly charges for that product;
• Representing to consumers that a product is a “Last Chance” or “Clearance” item, thus implying that the product is available at a reduced price only for a limited time when such product may actually be available at the reduced price for a significant period of time (in some cases as long as 8-10 months);
• Implying that consumers will receive an immediate cash discount, when the discount would only be received on a future purchase.  For example, representing that consumers’ purchases are “like paying . . .” or “like buying . . .” a product for a certain price when the item could not be presently purchased for that price.

The Attorney General’s investigation also found that Walgreens failed to provide consumers with clear and consistent information concerning its Balance Rewards Points program, a loyalty incentive program that allows consumers to redeem points toward a discount on future purchases.   For example, Walgreens’ website contained two different charts regarding point redemption.  One chart showed that consumers could redeem points starting at 1,000 points, which is equivalent to a $1.00 discount.  Another chart, however, showed point redemption starting at 5,000 points, which is equivalent to a $5.00 discount.  Furthermore, Walgreens employees did not routinely ask consumers whether they want to redeem their accumulated points toward their current purchases during the check-out process.

In addition to paying $500,000 in penalties, fees, and costs, Walgreens has agreed to several important reforms of its current advertising and business practices in New York.  These include, among others:

• removing expired shelf tags within 36 hours;
• restricting the manner in which Walgreens can use “Smart Buy” or “Great Buy” shelf tags;
• no longer promoting items as a “Last Chance” or a “Clearance” item if the product will remain available for sale for an extended period of time;
• restricting the manner in which Walgreens can use “like paying” or “like buying" shelf tags;
• conducting internal and external price check audits in its stores;
• each store that fails two consecutive external audits will pay an additional $2500 penalty;
• updating PIN pads in its stores to display consumers’ Balance Rewards Points and, on every fifth purchase, ask consumers if they want to redeem their points.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorneys General Melissa O’Neill and Stephanie Sheehan, Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine, and Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia, all of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau.