WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz District 18 Bronx County, New York

A Gross Example of What  Fake News  Looks Like

You should know that recently I personally experienced a case of  “Fake News”.  

As you know my dear reader, I am the Chairman of the newly created “Committee on For - Hire – Vehicles” at the NYC Council.   This committee deals with all for hire vehicles and companies such as Uber, Lift, yellow Cabs, Black Car, Livery, Green, Para-Transit, etc…

Councilman Fernando Cabrera and I introduced a piece of legislation {Intro., # 958} to deal with excessive fines given to Livery Taxi Drivers when committing a traffic violation such as picking up a hailing passenger.  This is called an “Illegal Street Hail”.

For Illegal Street Hails drivers, specifically (Livery Drivers), who happen to be Black, Latino, and immigrants are being severely punished with hefty fines as high as $10,000.00 and face having their (T.L.C.) Taxi and Limousine Commission’s License suspended.  

It is important for you to know that our Legislation {Intro., #958} deals exclusively with the mentioned hefty fines imposed on drivers for “Illegal Street Hails”, and NOT for refusing to pick up passengers of color.    But surprise, surprise; according to Dana Rubinstein a Reporter for “Politico” on Tuesday June 26^th wrote that these fines “are designed in part to deter the widespread and persistent problem in this city of trying to hail a cab while Black.”   This is False, False, False, and False reports.  

Dana Rubenstein failed to mention in her report that the $10,000.00 fines, imposed by the TLC are NOT for livery drivers refusing to pick up passengers, quite the contrary.   These fines are given to livery drivers because they picked up passengers in violation of the “Illegal Street Hail”  which is a city ordinance.   Ms.  Rubenstein also failed to report that these fines are given only toLivery drivers who happen to be Black, Latino, and from immigrant communities.

  

Another case of “Fake News” appeared in the New York Post on June 26^th.    It was reported that “ Two City Council Members introduced a bill so racially charged that the NAACP testified against it.”     Both the New York Post and Politico journalists, intentionally or unintentionally forgot or refused to mention the hefty fines as high as $10,000 imposed on livery drivers, members of communities of color.   Both these reports failed to mention that the fines are imposed for picking up “Illegal Street Hails”, and notfor refusing to pick up street hails.  

Both these journalist should know the difference between drivers wanting to pick up “street hails”, but are not authorized.  As a result they get a hefty $10,000 fine for doing so.    The majority of these drivers receiving fines are Black, Latinos, and immigrant drivers.   These drivers are not the same as a driver’s who are authorized to pick up street hails, but refuse to pick up a passenger based on racial discrimination. There is a big difference and as journalists they should know that. 

These reporters should also know that those who are refusing to pick up street hails are NOT Livery Vehicles.  It is the Livery drivers that are asking for equality and justice. The Livery drivers are only asking for fair, equal treatment and for the opportunity to pick up street hails without being penalized with these outrageous fines and punishment for trying to earn a decent and honest living. 

Our bill stipulates that those excessive fines should be lowered.  Obviously, said fines are outrageously high not befitting the violation.  

These are the facts.  This is the truth about said legislation, yet both these two reporters from  “Politico” and the “New York Post”  on Tuesday June 26^th both grossly distorted the facts, and reported a gross example of “Fake News”.   Hmmmm, could this be a failure to check their facts?  I invite you to read our bill {Intro., # 958} and you decide my dear reader what is real (truth) and what is fake (false).

Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered the police not to arrest and send to prison marijuana smokers, those who skip the tolls of trains and those who urinate publicly in the streets, because according to the punishment is too great for the crime they make.
Then I asked: Why penalize the drivers of the liveries with fines of up to 10,000.00 for just picking up passengers on the street, in order to honestly earn bread for their family?

This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Thank you Reverend Donald Diaz Trump.

SANDY E. GRESHAM WAY STREET RE-NAMING

Mrs. Sandy E. Gresham was an unsung hero as a school teacher and educator, caring for her students to learn and thrive in society. The school she worked in cherished her for her advocacy and dedication. During her lifetime, she also fought for civil rights and injustice in communities throughout the United States and partnered with 1199 SEIU and her husband, President George Gresham, in the fight for healthcare workers in the United States and locally. Mr. Gresham in speaking said that he and his wife enjoyed thirty-nine beautiful years together. The host for this event in a bright yellow suit with a matching bow tie was City Councilman Andy King.

Above - The elected officials spoke first, but I wanted to place the man standing next to a picture of his wife Sandy first even though he spoke after the elected officials. 

Below - Mayor Bill de Blasio was on hand for the street renaming, as he speaks here. 

Above - After speaking Mayor de Blasio hugs Mr. Gresham.

Below Public Advocate Leticia James also was on hand for the street re-naming. 

Above - New York State Assembly Speaker, and local Assemblyman Carl Heastie speaking of his neighbor.

Below - Congressman Eliot Engel.

Above - DNC Vice-Chair Assemblyman Michael Blake.

Below - The front row of elected officials which included State Senators Jamaal Bailey and Luis Sepulveda, City Council member Vanessa Gibson, and members of the Gresham family. Councilman Andy King is introducing the elected officials.

Above -The covering of Sandy E. Gresham Way is about to be taken off.

Below - The cover comes off Sandy E. Gresham Way.

The Gresham family was given a second street sign Sandy E. Gresham Way.

LDNY Hosts Training Session on Bronx Courthouse Steps

  The Local Democrats of New York and Bronx Progressives held a County Committee training on the steps of the Bronx Courthouse today. The weather almost hit 100, and about 60 people came to hear Michael Beltzer, Samelys Lopez, and Randy Abreau give a session on how to get on the ballot as a member of the County Committee. 

  Petitions were handed out to those who wanted to become a member of their county committee in their assembly districts.The lesson was very thorough, and Mr. Beltzer, Ms. Lopez, and Mr. Abreau were very helpful in answering any questions that came their way. 

  The petitioning process for State Senate, Assembly, party positions, and county committee has been going on for over three weeks now, and petitions are to be handed in during a four day time limit beginning with Monday July 9th and ending at midnight Thursday July 12th at the Manhattan Board of elections located at 42 Broadway in lower Manhattan. 

Above - Former City Council candidate Randy Abreau asks a question of those gathered for the training session.

Below - Today's trainees get together for a group photo.

Comptroller Stringer Statement on Lead Poisoning Scandal

“This deception must end today. It is horrifying that the Department of Health kept this information under wraps and it is outrageous that the City continues to justify and minimize this scandal.

“Today, we are launching an investigation to hold officials accountable from the Department of Health to NYCHA to City Hall. Nothing is more important than protecting the most vulnerable children in our city. Our investigation will look into the City’s procedures for addressing lead poisoning hazards to protect the health of all children. Agencies must be held accountable for coordinating and following all laws as well as best practices to keep our kids safe and healthy.”

NYC Excessive Heat Warning

WITH PROLONGED HEAT CONTINUING INTO THE WEEK NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND MENTAL HYGIENE URGE NEW YORKERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO STAY COOL 

Excessive Heat Warning in effect through Monday morning

Cooling centers remain open through Wednesday 7/4. To find the nearest cooling center call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/beattheheat 

Parks department will extend daily NYC pool hours to 8 p.m. through Tuesday 7/3 for Olympic and Intermediate pools

   With high heat and humidity continuing to affect New York City into the week, the New York City Emergency Department and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene are urging New Yorkers to continue to take steps to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for New York City in effect through 6 a.m. Monday, 7/2. An Excessive Heat Watch for New York City will be in effect from 6 a.m. through 9 p.m. Monday 7/2. According to the latest National Weather Service forecast, temperatures today are in the upper 90s, with heat index values in excess of 100 degrees.  Temperatures are forecast in the mid to upper 90s through Wednesday, with heat index values in the mid to upper 90s.

An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when a combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater. New Yorkers should use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. New York City cooling centers will remain open throughout the five boroughs through Wednesday, July 4. Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community centers, senior centers, and NYCHA facilities that are open to the public during heat emergencies. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the NYC Cooling Center Finder atwww.nyc.gov/beattheheat.

“The hot weather will continue into the week and we urge people to keep safe,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Drink plenty of water, use air conditioning or go to an air-conditioned place, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the periods of intense heat.”

“Hot and humid weather like what we’re experiencing this weekend can cause heat illness, and even death,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “If you have air conditioning and you have not used it up until now, now is the time to turn it on. Setting it to “low” or 78 degrees Fahrenheit will keep you cool and keep your bills in check. For those without air conditioning, especially older adults and people with chronic health conditions, we urge you to seek an air-conditioned place in your neighborhood or go to a NYC Cooling Center. As always, we urge New Yorkers to Be A Buddy and check on your neighbors, family and friends who may be at greater risk for heat illness and make sure they are safe and cool.”

Extreme heat is defined by temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region, last for prolonged periods, and are accompanied by high humidity. The New York City Emergency Management Department urges New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. Those at increased risk are people who do not have or use air conditioning AND:

·      Are 65 years or older;

·    Have chronic medical, mental health, or cognitive/developmental conditions;

·  Take certain medications, which can disrupt the regulation of body temperature;

·    Are confined to their beds, have limited mobility, or are unable to leave their homes;

·    Are obese; or

·    Misuse alcohol or drugs.

CHECK ON THOSE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE TO THE HEAT:

·  In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside. Encourage at-risk New Yorkers to use air conditioning. Help them get to an air-conditioned place, even if for a few hours, if they cannot stay cool at home. Make sure they are drinking plenty of water.

· Get to know your neighbors.  During extreme heat, call or visit at-risk neighbors, friends and family, such as older adults and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. This small but crucial gesture can help ensure that we all have a safe and healthy summer.

·  During extreme heat, the Department of Social Services (DSS) issues a Code Red Alert, initiating enhanced outreach efforts. During Code Red periods, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless. Homeless individuals experiencing heat-related discomfort are also able to access the designated cooling area at any shelter; and transportation to cooling centers is available via DSS outreach teams, who are out 24/7/365, checking on and engaging vulnerable clients with greater frequency.

· The Parks department is extending general swim hours to 8 p.m. at all outdoor Olympic and Intermediate pools beginning through Tuesday 7/3. City beaches are open and will operate on a normal schedule from 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. Parks has more than 600 spray showers, which will remain available until sundown, or later if actively in use by the public. Free SPF 30 sunscreen is available at all City pools and beaches.

ADDITIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT:

·  Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.

·  Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.

·  Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first consult their physician.

·  Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid beverages containing alcohol and/or caffeine.

·  Eat small, frequent meals.

·  Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

· If possible, go to an air-conditioned location for several hours during the hottest parts of the day.

·  Cool down with a cool bath or shower.

·  Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach.

·  Cover all exposed skin with an SPF sunscreen (15 or above) and wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and head.

·  Never leave your children or pets in the car.

For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/health 

FACTS ABOUT HEAT ILLNESS:

 Heat illness is serious. Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. The added stress caused by heat can also aggravate heart or lung disease even without symptoms of heat illness.

Know the warning signs of heat stress. If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.
Call 911 immediately if you have, or someone you know has:
·   Hot dry skin.
·   Trouble breathing.
·   Rapid heartbeat.
·   Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
·   Nausea and vomiting.

KEEPING YOUR PETS SAFE
·  Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
·  Exercise early and late: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
·  Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
·   Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows: Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, as they can fall out of them often during summer months.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE:

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and can lower water pressure to dangerous levels and hamper the ability of FDNY to fight fire safely and quickly.

Properly used “spray caps” reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download thefree mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter 

MAYOR DE BLASIO, SPEAKER JOHNSON AND NYC HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE NEW MEASURES TO FURTHER REDUCE LEAD EXPOSURE

New York City will become one of the first jurisdictions in the country to conduct environmental investigations for all kids with a blood lead level of 5mcg/DL and above

Lead poisoning has gone down by nearly 90 percent since 2005

  Mayor de Blasio, Speaker Johnson and the NYC Department of Health today announced more stringent measures to reduce childhood lead exposure. New York City will become one of the first jurisdictions in the country to conduct environmental investigations for all children under 18 years old with a blood lead level of 5 micrograms per deciliter. The Health Department has already begun to conduct these investigations for children in public housing and will begin implementing beyond that by the end of the year. This new measure will significantly expand the City’s robust lead prevention programs, which has already contributed to a nearly 90 percent reduction in the number of children under age 6 with blood lead level at or above 5 mcg/dL.

“Lead poisoning is down almost 90 percent since 2005. But that’s not good enough. We’ve already made our testing protocols stricter for kids in public housing and we are now extending that standard to the entire City. It’s our job to always push the envelope when it comes to our kids’ health,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

"Nearly 4,300 children a year test positive for high amounts of lead in their system in 2017, which is 4,300 too many. This expansion of the investigation program by the Health Department follows the introduction of City Council legislation aimed at revamping the city's current lead laws to make children safer, including lowering the threshold for intervention by the city to align with the Centers for Disease Control standard of 5 micrograms per deciliter (µg/dL). These measures, along with strict enforcement of existing laws, will help bring the number of children with high lead levels in the city down to the ultimate goal of zero," said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. 

“New York City has been at the forefront of protecting children from lead exposure through the implementation of strong laws, policies and programs, and this next step will ensure that our progress continues,” said Dr. Herminia Palacio, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. “This new policy builds upon the Health Department's comprehensive lead prevention services to children and their families.”

“New York City has long been at the vanguard of protecting children from lead poisoning, and we have made tremendous progress in reducing childhood lead poisoning. This significant expansion of our work will enable the Health Department to reach even more children with elevated blood lead levels.” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “Expanding our environmental investigations to address children with lower blood lead levels will allow us to reduce disparities and reduce the risk of lead poisoning for many more children.”

New York City already has one of the most robust lead poisoning prevention programs in the country.  The Health Department reviews results of blood lead tests every day, and contacts the family of every child who has an elevated blood lead level. DOH is mandated to conduct environmental investigations for all children under 18 years old with a BLL of 15mcg or above, but also performs inspections for younger children with lower blood lead levels. During these environmental investigations, a Health Department investigator interviews a family and inspects a child’s home to determine possible sources of lead exposure, which can include lead-tainted cooking ware or toys, peeling paint, food products or contamination from a parent’s place of work.

Currently, the families of children with a BLL of 5 mcg/dL and their health care providers receive guidance from the Health Department on how to reduce exposure. With this program expansion, these families will receive an environmental investigation. This expansion will be implemented as a policy change and further codified by City Council legislation.

The Health Department has already begun conducting these investigations for children under 6 years old who reside in public housing and have a blood lead level at or above 5 mcg/dL. There has been a nearly 70 percent decrease in the number of children in public housing with blood lead levels at 5 mcg/dL and up.

With this newly expanded program, the Health Department will now visit the home of all children under the age of 18 with blood levels of 5 mcg/dL and above to help identify possible sources of lead exposure. If a lead paint hazard is found during the investigation, the Health Department issues a Commissioner’s Order to Abate, directing the property owner to fix the hazard.

Following a City Council-led overhaul of the city's lead laws, New York City has seen an 89 percent reduction in the number of children under age 6 with blood lead level at or above 5 µg/dL since 2005. To reduce these rates even further, the City Council has introduced a package of 23 bills earlier this year to expand and strengthen New York’s existing lead laws, which is the biggest proposed overhaul of these laws since their original passage.

Preliminary data on lead poisoning in children show that between 2016 and 2017 there was a 13 percent drop in the number of children under age 6 with blood lead levels at or above 5 mcg/dL, from 4,928 to 4,293.

NYC DOH HEALTHY HOME TIPS:

The Health Department’s Healthy Homes Programs recommends the following tips to parents and caregivers on how to protect children from lead exposure:

·         Keep children away from peeling paint and home repairs that disturb paint.

·         Report peeling paint to your building management. Building owners are required to safely fix peeling paint in homes where young children live. If repairs aren’t made, call 311.

·         Remind your health care provider to test children for lead poisoning at one and two years of age—it’s required by law. Ask about testing older children who may be at risk of lead exposure. All families can receive free lead testing at any NYC Health + Hospital location.

·         Wash floors, window sills, hands, toys and pacifiers often to remove lead dust that may be present in the home.

·         Use safe work methods to reduce dust when doing home repairs that disturb paint. For information on lead-safe work methods, call 311.

·         Avoid using imported foods, spices, medicines, pots, dishes, cosmetics or toys known to contain lead.

·         Use only tap water for baby formula, drinking and cooking. Run the water for 30 seconds first thing in the morning to remove water sitting in pipes overnight. 

For more information on preventing childhood lead poisoning, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/lead. 

Community and Councilman Protest Soundview Triple Homicides

 

  At the site of the recent triple homicide outside a Castle Hill strip mall across from the Castle Hill House, Sheikh Musa Drammeh (the CEO of the Parkchester Times), Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr., and 87th Assembly candidate Sgt. John Perez demonstrated with community members to stop the violence in the community. Among those calling for an end to the violence were two former gang members who have become  mentors to try to keep local children out of gangs. 

 Police have an alert out for the shooter who killed the three people, including a photo which has been distributed throughout the community. Police searched the Castle Hill Houses directly after the shootings, but were unable to apprehend him. Now the community is calling for an end to the violence. 

Above - Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. tells Mr. Drummeh that he is giving $5,000 for an anti violence program, and will introduce legislation in the city council.

Below - 87th Assembly candidate former Army Sergeant John Perez tells the people that he will be on the street with them, to fight for them, as he did as a soldier, should he be elected to the State Assembly.

Above - Former gang member Darney K Born Rivers, and founder of I Am My Community Inc. talks about keeping children active and out of gangs.

Below - Only called TINY, another former gang member now mentoring children about the evils of gang membership also spoke. 

  Julian Sepulveda the son of former Assemblyman now State Senator Luis Sepulveda lights a memorial candle at the spot of the triple homicide. 

New York City Police Foundation Establishes New Scholarship To Honor Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz

New Scholarship Will Provide Tuition Assistance To Two Graduates Of The NYPD’s Explorer Summer Camp

  The New York City Police Foundation today established a new scholarship that will honor Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, the 15-year-old resident of The Bronx who was tragically murdered on June 20th in New York City. On an annual basis, The New York City Police Foundation Lesandro Guzman-Feliz Memorial College Fund will provide two NYPD Explorer high school graduates up to $5,000 each in reimbursement of tuition and school supplies upon enrollment in an accredited school for the fall semester.

 

“The murder of Junior has sent shockwaves of sadness across our city,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Junior’s life was taken too soon, but it will not be in vain. This scholarship will help more young New Yorkers learn about law enforcement and public service, and ensure that Junior’s legacy will never be forgotten.”

 

"NYPD Explorers come from the communities in which they volunteer and learn about the importance of higher education, self-discipline in reaching their goals, and the rewards of a career in law enforcement," Police Commissioner O'Neill said. "There is no better way to honor a young man whose stated dream was to become one of the greatest detectives in the world than by establishing a memorial scholarship in his honor. I thank the Police Foundation for its generosity in funding this annual award in the name of Lesandro 'Junior' Guzman-Feliz. The work Explorers do makes our communities stronger, it makes our neighborhoods safer, and it makes our police department better. The people we serve, in every corner of New York City, will surely be the largest beneficiaries in all of this." 

 

“Out of this tragedy, future students like Junior will be able to pursue their dreams and, just as importantly, his name will live on,” said Susan Birnbaum, President & CEO of the New York City Police Foundation. “The New York City Police Foundation joins all of the members of the NYPD and the City of New York to extend our deepest sympathies to his family.”