Sunday, July 24, 2016

The Minions Gather at Seton Park


  Last night the Minions gathered at Seton Park in Riverdale to see the movie 'MINIONS'. KRVC presented their Movie in the Park along with the help of State Senator Jeff Klein. The hot weather did keep the crowd down, but only a little as it was a beautiful dry night in the park with an occasional breeze, one of which was able to knock over the movie screen before the movie. KRVC helpers were able to secure the giant movie screen so it stayed up and the minions were able to watch their movie.


Above - Was this one of the Minions from the movie 'Minions'
Below - KRVC has an area set up with free bottles of water available for the attendees, along with movie goodies for sale, and Senator Jeff Klein had a table set up with information about his Summer Concert Series. 




Above - KRVC Executive Director (left) introduces Michelle Dolgow of State Senator jeff Klein's office, and Bill Weitz of Congressman Engel's office who spoke briefly before the movie started. 
Below - The movie Minions then began.




Above and below - More scenes from the movie Minions.







News From Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman


 

Holding Volkswagen Accountable For High-Level Fraud and Deceit


Attorney General Schneiderman, joined by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, announced lawsuits against Volkswagen alleging that they intentionally sold polluting cars and SUVs, advertised as green and energy efficient vehicles, and attempting to cover up the large-scale fraudulent behavior. As a result of the ongoing investigations into Volkswagen and its affiliates, the suit alleges that the cars were knowingly equipped with illegal “defeat devices" to conceal higher amounts of harmful emissions, violating state environmental laws. 

Combating Vacant and Abandoned Properties with a $13 Million Grant Initiative

To address the growing statewide problem of “zombie" homes, the Attorney General announced a $13 million grant initiative to combat the foreclosure crisis. The Zombie Remediation and Prevention Initiative will help local communities stop the spread of vacant and abandoned homes that banks have left decrepit, and allow local governments to track and rehabilitate these properties.


Ensuring Equal Education Opportunities for Immigrant Families 


As a result of a lawsuit and settlement with the Attorney General's office, Utica City School District will ensure equal educational opportunities for immigrant and refugee students. Attorney General Schneiderman alleged that the District denied enrollment to such students and their families in local public high schools. The office is committed to ensuring that New York’s education system is open to any and all children, regardless of race, national origin, English language proficiency, or immigrant or refugee status.

Enforcing Tax Laws For Art Dealers And Galleries  


Following an investigation into sales tax fraud, the Attorney General reached a settlement with international art dealer Gagosian Gallery. A leading New York contemporary art dealer, Gagosian Gallery will pay $4.28 million and follow agreed upon code of conduct including more transparent transaction details, charge of sales tax for buyers and sellers, and clearer shipping parameters. 

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



Saturday, July 23, 2016

Bronx Democratic County Committee - Upcoming Events



 
Big Read 2016
When: Sat. 7/30/16 from 11a - 12p
Where: Soundview Park Amphitheater - Rosedale and Lacombe Aves.
Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo and Fidelis Care present Friends of Soundview Park Big Read. They will have a reading and giveaway of the book Tutu Goes Green by Tulani Thomas. 

To RSVP please visitFOSPBigRead2016.eventbrite.com.
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Gun BuyBack at Bronx Churches
When:  Sat. 8/6/16 from 10a - 4p
Where: See flyer for locations 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and the NYPD are launching a gun buyback program with no questions asked. Turn in operable guns for up to $200 back. 

For more information visitwww.bronxda.nyc.gov, or call (718) 590 - 2272.

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Van Nest Family Day
When:  Sat. 8/6/16 from 12 - 4p
Where: Van Nest Park - Van Nest Ave. & Unionport Rd., Bronx, NY

Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj and Luis Sepulveda and the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance invite you to Van Nest Family Day. There will be music, food, games, balloon animals, face painting, and much more! 

For more information, contact Assemblyman Gjonaj's office at (718) 409 - 0109, or Assemblyman Sepulveda's office at (718) 931 - 2620.

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Summer Garden Party for Tish James
When:  Sun. 8/7/16 from 1 - 3p
Where: The Home of Lewis Goldstein - 2015 Saint Paul Ave., Bronx, NY

Lewis Goldstein, Eric Henry, Anthony Perez, and Justin Westbrook-Lowery cordially invite you to a Summer Garden Party in support of New York City Public Advocate Tish James. 

To RSVP contact lhg82ad@aol.com, or visittiny.cc/ljgoldstein.

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International Family Day
When: Sat. 8/13/16 from 7 - 9:30p
Where: E. 205 St. b/t Bainbridge Ave. 
Assembly Member Mark Gjonaj and Council Member Andrew Cohen present International Family Day. Join them for a spectacular cultural event. 

For more information and sponsorship opportunities, emailassemblymangjonajevents@gmail.com or call (718) 409 - 0109.
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Reception for AM Luis Sepulveda
When: Thurs. 8/18/16 from 6 - 8p
Where: 165 West End Ave, NY, NY
You are cordially invited to a reception in honor of Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda with special guest State Senator Adriano Espaillat (Democratic Nominee for US Congress). 

To RSVP, email alonsoadam@gmail.com, or call (551) 795 - 4927.
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In solidarity,
 
Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair
The Bronx Democratic County Committee
1640 Eastchester Rd.

“Abrazo Dominicano in New York”


  Last night's the “Abrazo Dominicano in New York” was missing something and that was State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who has hosted every Abrazo in recent memory. Senator Diaz Sr. had a back operation recently which was more complicated than expected. The good senator is in good health, was out in the morning, but could not attend his own Abrazo due to stiffness in his back. Senator Diaz Sr. was the highlight of past Abrazo's, but last night's “Abrazo Dominicano in New York” went on without him as not to disappoint the hundreds of people who attended. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo stood in for Senator Diaz, and while Victor did a reasonably good job, he was no Ruben Diaz Sr. It is the character of Senator Diaz that makes the event so successful, and part of the reason people attend is to see Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. Below are some photos of the event, but as I said before there was something really big missing, and that was State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. 


Above - The five co-hosts (L - R) Assemblyman Michael Blake, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, Assemblyman Marco Crespo, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, and City Councilman Rafael Salamanca. 
Below - Congressman Jose Serrano joins the 'Fab Five' for a photo. 




Above - 36th State Senate candidate Jamaal Bailey joins Assembly members Blake, Pichardo, and Sepulveda for a photo.
Below - Always a favorite of the crowd Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. enters with his wife Hilda who is in the red dress.




Above - Revda Samaris Gross gives the Invocation.
Below - Yolanda Cruz sings the American National Anthem.




Above - Carlos Salecedo Sings the National Anthem of the Republic Dominicana.
Below - Miguel Angel provides some musical entertainment.




Current State Senator Adriano Espaillat, and soon to be the congressman from the 15th district gets in a little fun at Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., and Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo who supported one of his opponents in the congressional race. 


Wednesday, July 20, 2016

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Agreements With Two Companies For Deceptive Sales Practices That Resulted In Hidden Charges To Consumers Ordering Products Marketed On TV



Schneiderman: Consumers Have A Right To Understand The True Terms Of An Offer Before They Are Charged

    As part of a wider investigation into deceptive advertising and sales practices allegedly used by the direct marketing industry, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced  settlements with Tristar Products, Inc. (“Tristar”), a firm headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, and Product Trend, LLC (“Product Trend”), headquartered in Williston, Vermont.  The agreements require the direct marketers to make significant reforms to their advertising, ordering processes and customer service practices.  The marketers sell their products directly to consumers, typically through television and online advertising.  Tristar’s products include Genie Bra; blenders and juicers, as well as a variety of exercise equipment, such as the Ab Coaster and Cardio Twister.  Product Trend’s products include Total Pillow, Wonderhanger and Furniture Fix. 

The agreements also require each marketer to make a monetary payment to the New York Attorney General’s Office for restitution, penalties, costs and fees, with Tristar paying $700,000 and Product Trend paying $175,000.
“These agreements insure that consumers will not be hit with charges they did not authorize and will not be frustrated with long hold times or unresponsive customer service when they seek assistance,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “The settlements also bring much needed reforms to two major players in the direct marketing industry and insure that consumers will have a clear understanding of the charges before they place an order.”
The Attorney General’s Consumer Frauds Bureau launched a probe into the industry after receiving complaints from consumers, including hundreds forwarded by the Better Business Bureau.
According to the Attorney General’s investigation, both marketers ran misleading infomercials on television that often featured attractively priced “Buy One, Get One” offers, which required consumers to purchase a double order of the advertised product. However, the ads did not adequately disclose that consumers would be charged two separate processing and handling fees or the amount of those fees, which significantly increased the cost of the offer. When consumers placed orders by phone or online, they were subjected to a confusing, automated ordering process that typically included numerous “upsell” offers for additional products. Consumers were also not given the opportunity to review and edit their orders before they were processed. As a result, in some cases, consumers who responded to the marketers’ advertisements were charged significantly more than they expected and received products that they did not intend to order. 
One Product Trend customer responded to a “Buy One, Get One” ad for Total Pillow, advertised for $19.99, plus shipping and handling, but was charged $91.73 after placing an order online. A Tristar customer who responded to a $19.99 “Buy 3, get 3” Genie Bra advertisement ended up being charged $101.83. Although she subsequently returned the bras, Tristar refused to refund the $27.00 charged for shipping and handling.
The Attorney General’s investigation also revealed that consumers who sought warranty service from Tristar for products that malfunctioned or to obtain authorization to return products often faced long telephone hold times and otherwise had difficulty obtaining relief or assistance.
The settlements require the marketers to:
  • Clearly and conspicuously disclose all material terms of an advertised offer.
  • Clearly and conspicuously disclose the amount of any processing and handling fee for the second item in a “Buy One, Get One” offer.
  • Provide consumers with an opportunity to confirm the details and the total price of any order before it is processed.  For orders placed online, this includes presenting the consumers with a checkout or shopping cart page that the consumer can edit.
  • Disclose the amount of any processing and handling fees during the ordering process before the consumer is asked to confirm the order details.
  • Label all hyperlinks to clearly convey the consequence of clicking the link.
  • Email consumers who place orders by phone an order summary with any processing, handling or other charges.
  • Ensure that the marketers’ customer service lines are adequately staffed so that consumers are not subjected to long hold times.
In March 2015, the Attorney General and Federal Trade Commission reached a similar settlement with Allstar Marketing Group, LLC located in Hawthorne, New York. 
Consumers who believe they may be entitled to a refund should notify the Attorney General’s office. Consumers can file a complaint online or obtain a complaint form at www.ag.ny.gov. Consumers can also call the Attorney General’s consumer helpline at 1-800-771-7755. 

Former Federal Employee Labor Union President Sentenced In White Plains Federal Court For Stealing Union Funds



  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIAM DAVIS, the former president of the Federation of Government Employees (“AFGE”) Local 1119 (the “Union”), was sentenced today to 15 months in prison in connection with embezzling approximately $150,000 of the Union’s funds.  DAVIS pled guilty on April 6, 2016, and was sentenced today in White Plains federal court by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.
According to the allegations in the Indictment:
The AFGE is a national labor union that represents approximately 670,000 workers employed by the federal government across all agencies and departments.  The Union is a local union chapter of AFGE that represents approximately 300 employees of the Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Montrose (the “Hospital”), and maintains offices on the Hospital’s campus in Montrose, New York.  At all times relevant to the Indictment, the Union maintained a checking account (the “Union Bank Account”) for Union funds, including members’ dues payments.
From at least January 2008 through in or about October 2012, DAVIS served as the elected president of the Union.  As the president, it was DAVIS’s duty to preside over the Union’s meetings and conduct the day-to-day affairs of the Union.  During that time period, DAVIS used a debit card for the Union Bank Account (the “Union Debit Card”) issued to a deceased former Union officer to make hundreds of charges and cash withdrawals for non-Union expenses and without the authorization of the Union.  For example, DAVIS used the Union Debit Card at stores and online retailers including Apple, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and Radio Shack, purchasing items for his personal benefit including electronics, music downloads, video games, cellphones, men’s clothing, gasoline, and cigarettes.  DAVIS purchased money orders using the Union Debit Card that totaled at least $30,000 from the United States Post Office in Montrose, New York.  On several occasions, DAVIS paid for rent for his residence using the money orders he purchased with the Union Debit Card.  DAVIS also used the Union Debit Card to make over 900 cash withdrawals from ATM machines in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, in the process incurring thousands of dollars of ATM fees and fees for insufficient funds.  Between January 2008 and June 2012, the unauthorized purchases and cash withdrawals that DAVIS made with the Union Debit Card totaled in excess of $120,000.
In order to conceal his misuse and theft of Union funds, DAVIS also made false statements and omissions in annual Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards reports for the fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011, reporting a total of only $7,000 in allowances and disbursements to himself as president.
In addition to the prison sentence, DAVIS, 56, of Wappingers Falls, New York, was sentenced to two years of supervised release.  The Court further ordered that Davis pay $150,000 in restitution.
Mr. Bharara thanked and praised the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Labor-Management Standards and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of the Inspector General for their work in this investigation.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assemblymember Victor Pichardo To Host Their Third Annual Senior Health Fair



   In order to celebrate the countless contributions that seniors continue to make to our communities, especially in our borough, State Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assembly member Victor Pichardo have partnered with a number of city agencies and local health institutions to host their third annual Senior Health Fair at Monroe College on Friday, July 22nd from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

This event, which is part of Senator Rivera's Bronx CAN Health Initiative, will give attendees access to health information, tips on preventative measures and an array of health screenings, ranging from blood pressure to glucose testing. 

Throughout the celebration, attendees will also be able to enjoy complimentary food, participate in raffles and a lesson in Zumba dancing. 

Third Annual Senior Health Fair 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera
Assemblymember Victor Pichardo 

Friday, July 22, 2016
12:00pm - 2:00pm 

King Hall Auditorium at Monroe College 
2501 Jerome Avenue
Bronx, NY 10468


Bronx Borough President - SAVE THE DATE