Friday, June 15, 2018

A.G. Underwood Announces Lawsuit Against Donald J. Trump Foundation And Its Board Of Directors For Extensive And Persistent Violations Of State And Federal Law


Lawsuit Seeks Restitution of $2.8 Million Plus Penalties
AG’s Office Sends Referral Letters to Internal Revenue Service and Federal Election Commission for Further Investigation and Legal Action
In Light Of Misconduct And Total Lack of Oversight, Lawsuit Seeks To Dissolve Donald J. Trump Foundation and Bar Donald J. Trump And Members Of Trump Foundation’s Board Of Directors From Serving On Board Of Any Other New York Charity
  Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood today announced a lawsuit against the Donald J. Trump Foundation, and its directors, Donald J. Trump (“Mr. Trump”), Donald J. Trump, Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump. The petition filed today alleges a pattern of persistent illegal conduct, occurring over more than a decade, that includes extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Mr. Trump’s personal and business interests, and violations of basic legal obligations for non-profit foundations. The Attorney General initiated a special proceeding to dissolve the Trump Foundation under court supervision and obtain restitution of $2.8 million and additional penalties. The AG’s lawsuit also seeks a ban from future service as a director of a New York not-for-profit of 10 years for Mr. Trump and one year for each of the Foundation’s other board members, Donald Trump Jr., Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump. The Attorney General also sent referral letters today to the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Election Commission, identifying possible violations of federal law for further investigation and legal action by those federal agencies.
As alleged in the petition, Mr. Trump used the Trump Foundation’s charitable assets to pay off his legal obligations, to promote Trump hotels and other businesses, and to purchase personal items. In addition, at Mr. Trump’s behest, the Trump Foundation illegally provided extensive support to his 2016 presidential campaign by using the Trump Foundation’s name and funds it raised from the public to promote his campaign for presidency, including in the days before the Iowa nominating caucuses.
“As our investigation reveals, the Trump Foundation was little more than a checkbook for payments from Mr. Trump or his businesses to nonprofits, regardless of their purpose or legality,” said Attorney General Underwood. “This is not how private foundations should function and my office intends to hold the Foundation and its directors accountable for its misuse of charitable assets.”
The Attorney General’s investigation found that Trump Foundation raised in excess of $2.8 million in a manner designed to influence the 2016 presidential election at the direction and under the control of senior leadership of the Trump presidential campaign. The Foundation raised the funds from the public at the nationally televised fundraiser Mr. Trump held in lieu of participating in the presidential primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 28, 2016.  In violation of state and federal law, senior Trump campaign staff, including Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski, dictated the timing, amounts, and recipients of grants by the Foundation to non-profits, as evidenced by communications between Campaign staff and Foundation representatives:
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At least five $100,000 grants were made to groups in Iowa in the days immediately before the February 1, 2016 Iowa caucuses. 
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The Trump Foundation also entered into at least five self-dealing transactions that were unlawful because they benefitted Mr. Trump or businesses he controls.  These include a $100,000 payment to settle legal claims against Mr. Trump’s Mar-A-Lago resort; a $158,000 payment to settle legal claims against his Trump National Golf Club in 2008 from a hole-in-one tournament; and a $10,000 payment at a charity auction to purchase a painting of Mr. Trump that was displayed at the Trump National Doral in Miami. Following commencement of the Attorney General’s investigation, the Foundation paid excise taxes on three of the transactions and Mr. Trump restored funds for the transactions to the Foundation, but the Foundation has not paid excise taxes on the Mar-A-Lago or Trump National Golf Club transactions. 
As described in the Attorney General’s petition, none of the Foundation’s expenditures or activities were approved by its Board of Directors.  The investigation found that the Board existed in name only: it did not meet after 1999; it did not set policy or criteria for choosing grant recipients; and it did not approve of any grants. Mr. Trump alone made all decisions related to the Foundation.  
The Attorney General’s lawsuit seeks an order finding that the Foundation’s directors breached their fiduciary duties requiring them to make restitution for the harm that resulted, requiring Mr. Trump to reimburse the Foundation for its self-dealing transactions and to pay penalties in an amount up to double the benefit he obtained from the use of Foundation funds for his campaign, enjoining Mr. Trump from service for a period of ten years as a director, officer, or trustee of a not-for-profit organization incorporated in or authorized to conduct business in the State of New York, and enjoining the other directors from such service for one year (or, in the case of the other directors, until he or she receives proper training on fiduciary service). To ensure that the Foundation's remaining assets are disbursed in accordance with state and federal law, the lawsuit seeks a court order directing the dissolution of the Foundation under the oversight of the Attorney General's Charities Bureau. 
In addition to filing its dissolution petition, the Office of the Attorney General sent referral letters to the Federal Election Commission and the Internal Revenue Service. These letters set forth in specific detail the underlying facts that have led the Attorney General to conclude that additional investigation and potential further legal action by these federal authorities are warranted.  

BRONX MAN INDICTED IN ATTEMPTED MURDER OF PREGNANT FIANCEE AND KILLING OF THE FETUS


Defendant Stabbed Woman And Kept Her From Medical Care For Some 30 Minutes While He Accused Her of Infidelity

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on Attempted Murder, Abortion and Assault in the stabbing of his pregnant fiancée which resulted in the death of their unborn child. The defendant is also charged with Unlawful Imprisonment for holding the wounded woman in their apartment, preventing her from receiving medical attention. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The brutality and cruelty of this alleged crime amounted to butchery. The killing of the unborn child and the severe injuries inflicted on the mother are compounded by the trauma she and her family will suffer. We will do everything we can to bring justice for them and assist in their needs as victims.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Oscar Alvarez, of 1027 Walton Avenue, has been indicted on second-degree Attempted Murder, first and second-degree Abortion, first and second-degree Assault, and Unlawful Imprisonment. He was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice William Mogulescu and remand was continued. He is due back in court on June 22, 2018. 

 According to the investigation, on the night of May 21, 2018 and into the next morning, in the apartment in 1027 Walton Avenue that he shared with his fiancée, Livia Abreu, 30, the defendant accused Abreu of cheating on him, and stabbed her six times in the torso and chest with a household knife. She was 26 weeks pregnant. For over 30 minutes, Alvarez prevented Abreu from calling 911 or leaving the apartment to seek medical attention. Their unborn child died and Abreu was hospitalized with injuries for about two weeks.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Michael Diskin of the 44th Precinct Squad. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt

Comments on DACA From Congress Members Crowley and Engel


Chairman Crowley Statement on the 6th Anniversary of DACA

  House Democratic Caucus Chairman Joe Crowley issued the following statement in recognition of the 6th anniversary of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program:
“DREAMers were brought to this country by their parents, looking for a better life. The DACA program allowed them to live in the only country they’ve ever known, the only country they’ve ever loved. They have started careers, families, and businesses, and contributed immeasurably to our economy and society.
“Six years after this program brought relief and stability to these young adults, these DREAMers have now been put in limbo thanks to the xenophobic policies of the Trump administration and the heartlessness of the Republican Congress. They no longer know if they can continue pursuing their education, or get the job they have been working so hard for, or keep taking care of their young children.
“Republicans are now pursuing a highly partisan bill that is a reiteration of President Trump’s harshest immigration policies. The real solution for DREAMers lies in finally passing the DREAM Act and a pathway to citizenship, so that these students, doctors, service members, teachers, parents, neighbors, and friends can continue living the American dream.”
Engel Statement on 6th Anniversary of DACA
“Six years ago, President Obama established the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, giving protected status and work authorization to 800,000 hardworking young DREAMers brought to this country as children. DACA recipients are our neighbors, teachers, servicemembers, health care professionals, and friends. Their contributions have made our country great.

 “President Trump’s decision to end DACA and force hundreds of thousands into legal limbo was cruel and unnecessary. I have spent the past 10 months fighting to protect DREAMers and their families. Earlier this week, 216 members of Congress had reached a bipartisan compromise to offer a permanent legislative solution to DACA. Unfortunately, GOP leaders derailed the process and are holding DREAMers hostage to enact the President’s hyper-partisan, anti-immigrant agenda. And all this is happening while immigrant families are being torn apart at the border by an Administration run amok.

“We’re better than this. The American people overwhelming support DREAMers and I will continue fighting to ensure our country remains open and free to all.”

Wave Hill Events June 29‒July 6


Sat, June 30    Family Art Project: Love-a-Tree Canvas Bags
Trees give us so much—shade, beauty, food, even oxygen. Why not make more of them and showcase them on a classy canvas bag! Use stencils and fabric paints, in the form of sprays, stamps and crayons, to make tree art on your own reusable bag and honor the natural areas in the Bronx that nourish us with breathing space. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, June 30    Garden Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sun, July 1    Family Art Project: Love-a-Tree Canvas Bags
Trees give us so much—shade, beauty, food, even oxygen. Why not make more of them and showcase them on a classy canvas bag! Use stencils and fabric paints, in the form of sprays, stamps and crayons, to make tree art on your own reusable bag and honor the natural areas in the Bronx that nourish us with breathing space. Free with admission to the grounds. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, July 1    Yoga in the Garden
Enjoy a morning yoga class in the gardens, offered in partnership with Yoga Haven. All levels welcome; please bring a mat and be on time. Meets indoors in case of rain. Online registration suggested, at wavehill.org, or register day-of at the Front Gate. Yoga sessions continue through July 29. $25 per session. Wave Hill Members save 10%.
ON THE GROUNDS, 10–11AM

Sun, July 1    Summer Exhibitions Opening
Meet the artists and curators of our summer exhibitions. Ecological Consciousness: Artist as Instigator continues Wave Hill’s efforts to examine the ways that artists engage in ecological projects that present calls to action. The exhibition documents environmental art that explores persistent problems throughout New York City. In the Sunroom Project Space,Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall’s installation uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Dasgupta and Marshall explore the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. In the Sun Porch, Katie Westmoreland’s presentation of kinetic tapestries responds to the space’s architecture, evoking the patterns cast by sunlight through trees and plants. Her immersive installation utilizes the passing light and shadow patterns as active mediums in her work, calling attention to the sun’s enduring, inspirational qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2‒4:30PM

Sun, July 1    Garden Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, July 2
Closed to the public.

Tue, July 3    Garden Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, July 3    Gallery Tour
Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. Ecological Consciousness: Artist as Instigator continues Wave Hill’s efforts to examine the ways that artists engage in ecological projects that present a call to action. The exhibition documents environmental art that explores persistent problems throughout New York City. In the Sunroom Project Space, Priyanka Dasgupta and Chad Marshall’s installation uses traditional landscape architecture, such as a conventional English garden maze, to expose the instability of identity in the United States. Working collaboratively since 2015, Dasgupta and Marshall’s work explores the dichotomy of the sanctuary—its ability to protect as well as restrict. In the Sun Porch, Katie Westmoreland’s presentation of kinetic tapestries responds to the space’s architecture, evoking the patterns cast by sunlight through trees and plants. Her immersive installation utilizes the passing light and shadow patterns of the day as active mediums in her work, calling attention to the sun’s enduring, inspirational qualities. Free with admission to the grounds.
GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Wed, July 4    Independence Day
Wave Hill is open.

Thu, July 5    Stories in the Garden
Each week, Wave Hill educators share some of their favorite nature stories. These stories—classics and more—will come to life through interactive book readings, sing-alongs and movement. Programs are held outdoors. Rain cancels. Ideal for children ages three to six with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.
ON THE GROUNDS, 11AM

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM,  March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.

Cynthia Says It's Time for Free College for Dreamers


On DACA Anniversary, Cynthia Says it's Time for Free College for Dreamers

  This week, Cynthia Nixon unveiled her education plan, which included a College for All New York. Cynthia's free college plan will not carry any of the prohibitive restrictions of the Governor's Excelsior Scholarship. It will open up free tuition to more than seven times as many New York students as are currently being served. Cuomo's plan currently only serves 3.6 percent of CUNY/ SUNY students. And while Cuomo’s Excelsior Scholarship denied free tuition to DREAMers and other immigrant New Yorkers, Cynthia will make them eligible.

"Dreamers are New Yorkers. And while our federal government attacks them, it is more important than ever that our state embrace them and provide them the say opportunities as every other person who calls this state home," said Cynthia.

Cynthia has also repeatedly called for the passage of the NY Dream Act, which would further open the doors to higher education for Dreamers.  Undocumented young people cannot currently access state financial aid through the Tuition Assistance Program.

"Just this year, New Jersey and Connecticut passed their versions of the Dream Act. But what about New York? Nothing. That’s a devastating reality. And it’s the responsibility of Andrew Cuomo, who has led the state for more than seven years without lifting a finger in this critical fight," said Cynthia.

EVANGELICAL CHILDREN CHRISTIAN PARADE TO TAKE PLACE THIS SATURDAY


 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz
District 18 Bronx County, New York
Tel. 718-792-1140

THE EVANGELICAL CHILDREN CHRISTIAN PARADE TO TAKE PLACE THIS SATURDAY

You should know that this Saturday, June 16th, the Evangelical Children Christian Parade will take place.

Beginning at 12 noon on 97th Street and 3rd Avenue, we will be marching through 3rd Avenue up to 121st Street. Hundreds of churches will parade with their children demonstrating that even in these difficult times, when most have forgotten God, there are still people, believers, children and pastors who are not ashamed to testify that Jesus Christ is their Savior and Redeemer.

It is important for to you know that I, as a Minister, am an active part of this parade and will also be participating with "The Christian Community Church" which I am honored to be its Pastor.

The platform, where dignitaries, press, and guests can view the churches will be located in 3rd Avenue between 116th and 117th Street.

The parade will be headed by Rev. José Martinez, President of Radio Visión Cristiana Internacional, who has been named the Grand Marshal of the Parada.

For more information please contact Parade President Rev. Andy Torres - 917-204-3222 or the Parade Coordinator Mr. Willie Sanabria, Jr. - 917-939-3233.

I am Councilman Rev. Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

NEWS FROM STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA


GOVERNMENT HEADER

SENATOR RIVERA ON THE NEW YORK HEALTH ACT PASSING THE NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY 

"I applaud the leadership of Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, the bill sponsor, Assemblymember Dick Gottfried, and the members of the New York State Assembly for passing the New York Health Act for the fourth year in a row. With the White House and Republicans in Congress relentlessly attacking our right to healthcare and vigorously working to dismantle the Affordable Care Act, this vote is a critical step in our State's efforts to ensure that every New Yorker, regardless of their wealth or status, has an adequate access to affordable healthcare. It is now time for the members of the New York State Senate to stand up for what is right and work towards the implementation of an efficient and universal healthcare system for New York State. As the Ranking Member of the Senate Health Committee and proud sponsor of the New York Health Act, I will continue to work to make healthcare in our great State a right and not a privilege."

SENATOR RIVERA AND MEMBERS OF THE SENATE DEMOCRATIC CONFERENCE CALL FOR EXTENSION OF SUNY AND CUNY CREDIT PROGRAM FOR PUERTO RICAN AND U.S. VIRGIN ISLAND EVACUEES


Ahead of SUNY and CUNY Board of Trustees' Critical Vote, State Senator Gustavo Rivera Spearheads Effort to Support Displaced Students to Continue their Education

State Senator Gustavo Rivera and 16 members of the Senate Democratic Conference wrote to the Board of Trustees for the State University of New York (SUNY) and to the City University of New York (CUNY) urging them to extend the in-state tuition credit program for Puerto Rican and U.S. Virgin Island evacuees for the 2018-2019 academic year. This program was initially approved by SUNY and CUNY in October 2017 after Governor Cuomo called on both boards to implement such a program. The Board of Trustees for SUNY will vote on this measure tomorrow, June 14, while the Board of Trustees for CUNY will hold the same vote on Monday, June 25.

Since the federal response to Hurricanes Maria and Irma has been inconsistent, uncoordinated, and lackluster, the responsibility has fallen on states and cities to make up for the inefficiency of the federal government. Millions of American citizens continue to live in conditions that are not too different from the conditions immediately following the destruction. Programs, such as SUNY and CUNY's offer of in-state tuition, help provide a bridge for evacuees on the mainland United States to have every opportunity to continue their education.

"I am extremely pleased that a number of my colleagues have joined me in urging SUNY and CUNY to continue providing evacuees from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands access to the in-state tuition credit program," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "As a State that hosts a large Puerto Rican and U.S. Virgin Islander communities, we need to ensure that these bright students are able to continue pursuing their education and complete their academic degrees on time. We cannot allow a natural disaster and federal inaction to derail their futures."

To read letter to SUNY, click here.
To read letter to CUNY, click here.

MEMBERS WHO SIGNED ON: 
1. Senator Michael Gianaris 
2. Senator James Sanders Jr.
3. Senator Liz Krueger
4. Senator Jose Peralta
5. Senator Martin Malavé Dilan
6. Senator Jesse Hamilton
7. Senator Marisol Alcantara
8. Senator Brian A. Benjamin
9. Senator Toby Ann Stavinsky
10. Senator Timothy M. Kennedy
11. Senator Diane J. Savino
12. Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
13. Senator Luis Sepulveda
14. Senator Neil D. Breslin
15. Senator David Carlucci
16. Senator Roxanne J. Persaud