Wednesday, June 22, 2016

BP DIAZ & SENATOR KLEIN HOST ‘NEW YORK SALUTES AMERICA’ FIREWORKS EXTRAVAGANZA & EATING CONTEST

On Thursday, June 30, 2016, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and State Senator Jeff Klein will host the borough’s official kickoff to the Independence Day Celebrations, the annual “New York Salutes America” boardwalk festival and fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach located in The Bronx. Over 10,000 people are expected to be in attendance.

“This is a great fun-filled evening one can spend with their friends and family,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This is one of our jewel events; which this year includes the addition of our second annual eating contest, where people from across the city can experience the best that The Bronx has to offer. I urge everyone to join myself, State Senator Klein and thousands of your neighbors as we kick-off our city’s Independence Day celebrations and salute America together.”

"The Fourth of July is a celebratory time for all Americans. Every year I look forward to our fireworks extravaganza, which has become a cherished tradition for our Bronx families. As we reflect upon the extraordinary history of our nation, we must remember the sacrifices of our brave U.S. servicemen and women, whose courageous acts contributed to our nation’s freedom," said State Senator Jeff Klein.

The event is free; open to the public and includes fun activities for the kids, such as magicians, balloon artists, music performances and much more. The event will begin at 6 p.m., with the eating contest starting at 7:45 p.m.and the fireworks show beginning at 9:20 p.m.

This year, the fireworks music score will feature an eclectic mix of music all performed by Bronx natives, many of whom are Bronx Walk of Fame inductees. From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, Classic Rock, Swing, Funk, Soul, Pop and Latin, you'll hear from such Bronxites as Dion, Steven Tyler, Bobby Darin, Nitty, The Chiffons, Anthrax, Irene Cara, Grand Master Flash, Ace Frehley, Kurtis Blow, Prince Royce and Jennifer Lopez.

In addition, the “Bronx Empanada Eating Contest” returns for the second year in a row, featuring mini-empanadas from Havana Café. Contestants will be selected at the beach prior to the contest and must be present to participate. Winners of the contest will win a Bronx Prize Package.

BP DIAZ NAMES GENEAL CHACON TO PEP

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. has announced that Geneal Chacon has been appointed as the borough’s representative to the Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), which holds approval power over the actions of the New York City Department of Education.

A native of Trinidad and resident of the West Bronx, Ms. Chacon is a parent of three public school students and a parent association president at P.S. 277. Ms. Chacon is also a former president of the Presidents’ Council of District #7 and a former member of the district leadership team.

“Ms. Chacon is a leader in both our schools and the Caribbean-American community, and is a model of the immigrant success story. I am proud to appoint her as my borough’s representative to the Panel for Educational Policy. Helping Bronx students obtain a good education is one of the most important responsibilities we have as public servants. Ms. Chacon is committed to the continued development of strong education options for our children, and I look forward to partnering with her as we work together to create and expand successful education models in The Bronx and across the City,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

“I want to see change in education, in families and in communities. I believe you have to be the change you want to see, and I hope that through working with Borough President Diaz and my fellow members of the Panel for Educational Policy, we can affect positive change in our city’s public school system,” said Ms. Chacon.

Ms. Chacon replaces Robert Powell, who resigned from the Panel for Educational Policy in February 2016.

News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman

Stopping The "Bots" That Make it Impossible to Buy Concert Tickets

In January, the Attorney General issued a report that uncovered practices and abuses that prevent New York consumers from accessing tickets at affordable prices – or even accessing them at all. The investigation revealed that illegal ticket bots, which can instantly snatch up thousands of tickets, are one major reason why ticketing is a rigged system. In response to the Attorney General’s report, the state legislature passed a bill this week that will imposes stiff penalties on the ticket brokers who use these illegal bots. While this legislation is a major step forward, the Attorney General will continue pushing for additional measures to ensure that New Yorkers can find affordable ways to see their favorite concerts and sporting events.

Addressing The Scourge Of Zombie Homes

The Attorney General has worked tirelessly to help New York families rebuild after the devastating housing crisis, and has fought for legislation which would address so-called “zombie properties” – vacant and abandoned homes that drag down property values and threaten the safety of neighborhoods. This weekend, the legislature passed a bill that would help crack down on this continued problem by requiring banks to maintain these abandoned properties--a significant step forward in helping to fight blight and revitalize neighborhoods that are still recovering from the housing crash across the state.

Protecting the Rights of Workers In the Job Market

Attorney General Schneiderman announced that Law360, a legal publication company, agreed to stop using mandatory non-compete agreements for its employees. The company required a majority of its employees to sign non-compete agreements that prohibited them, for one year after leaving the company, from working for any media outlet that provides legal news. Reports have found that these employee contracts keep wages down, inhibit innovation, and thwart workers’ career advancement. Read the Wall Street Journal story here.

Exposing Scammers Who Exploit Tragedy

The Attorney General announced the felony conviction and sentencing of Caterina M. Curatolo, a scammer who obtained more than $87,000 in benefits by falsely claiming to be a Hurricane Sandy victim. An investigation by the Attorney General’s office revealed that Curatolo engaged in an elaborate scheme to defraud government agencies, private insurance companies, and a charitable organization by representing herself as a Sandy evacuee. Curatolo pleaded guilty and was ordered to pay over $87,000 to New York City and the American Red Cross. Read the New York Daily News story here.

Protecting Consumers From Summer Scams

Attorney General Schneiderman reminded New Yorkers of common scams that occur during the summer and offered tips to protect consumers against abuse. Scam artists are known to prey on New Yorkers, particularly during the summer months, as consumers embark on home improvement projects and plan family vacations. The Attorney General urged New Yorkers to notify his office of any summer scams by contacting his Consumer Complaint Hotline at 1-800-771-7755 or online at ag.ny.gov. For more tips, read the consumer guide here.

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 at ag.ny.gov. You can also call our General Hotline: 800-771-7755.

Assemblyman Mark Gjona - International Music Festival and Upcoming Events

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj invites you to our International Music Festival, which takes place on Saturday June 25th at Loreto Park on Morris Ave., between 12:00 pm & 5:00 pm. Come & join us to celebrate this international music event.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Learn How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and ATM Fraud

Learn How to Protect Yourself

from Identity Theft and ATM Fraud

A Bronx Chamber of Commerce / Country Bank

Networking Event

Wednesday, June 29, 6:00-8:00pm

at Applebee's in Riverdale

Target Mall - West 225th Street

Sponsored by Country Bank

Your friendly, neighborhood bank for busines

Monday, June 20, 2016

Bronxtalk 13th Congressional Debate

Pictured above are the six candidates who took part in the Bronxtalk 13th Congressional debate. (L - R), Sam Sloan, Clyde Williams, Adam Powell, Keith Wright, Suzan Johnson Cook, and Mike Gallagher.

The show was taped just as the legislative session was ending, so two candidates did not make it in time coming down from Albany which Bronxtalk host Gary Axelbank explained. They were State Senator Adriano Espaillat and Assemblyman Guillermo Linares. The six candidates on the Bronxnet stage were Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright (who arrived as the taping began), former Manhattan Assemblyman Adam Powell, Clyde Williams (who ran for the seat in 2012), Suzan Johnson Cook (a former advisor to President Clinton, and former Ambassador for President Obama), Sam Sloan, and Mike Gallagher.

Each candidate tried to spell out to the viewers why they were the person to vote for on Tuesday June 28th to replace Charles Rangel in congress. Keith Wright tried to emphasize his experience in Albany as a walkway to the congressional seat. Wright also mentioned that he had the backing of the outgoing Legendary Congressman Charles Rangel. Adam Powell spoke of the legacy of the seat and as a former Assemblyman some of the work he did or tried to do in Albany. Clyde Williams spoke of the diversity of the district, and the different needs of the different parts. Suzan Johnson Cook started by saying her name is Suzan with a Z. She went on to talk of working in the Bill Clinton and Obama presidencies, but being vague as possible. Sam Sloan and Mike Gallagher stayed on the same point that the current elected officials are not doing their jobs. To me the highlight (or stupidest part) of the debate was when candidate Sam Sloan's answer to a question of fighting terrorism, said that the U.S. should not be involved overseas, and that we should let them kill each other.

The Bronxnet 13th Congressional debate is running all week on Channel 34 (Verizon Fios) or Channel 67 (Cablevison). You can also go to www.bronxnet.org/tv/bronxtalk to see the Bronxtalk 13th Congressional debate on your computer or smart phone.