A CELEBRATION OF ESMERALDA SANTIAGO AND THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF HER AWARD-WINNING BOOK WHEN I WAS PUERTO RICAN

  As part of Puerto Rican Heritage Month Hostos Community College and the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture present an event honoring the life and work of award-winning author Esmeralda Santiago and the 25th Anniversary of her ground-breaking book When I Was Puerto Rican.

The celebration takes place on Wednesday, November 14, 2018 with a 6:00 p.m. reception at the Longwood Art Gallery @ Hostos followed by a 7:00 p.m. multi-media presentation at the Hostos Repertory Theater. All the activities are free to the public, but tickets are required for admission. For information call the Hostos Center at 718-518-4455. The Lit Bar bookstore will handle book sales of her work and participating authors.

The multi-media presentation will include readings of her work by other writers and luminaries  including Sofia Quintero (Show and Prove, Efrain’s Secret); legendary godmother of Nuyorican poetry Sandra María Esteves; poet Caridad de la Luz/La Bruja; former Bronx Borough President and CUNY trustee, Fernando Ferrer with his wife and former pubic school principal Aramina Ferrer; and testimonials from long-time friend Secretary of State Rossana Rosado, journalist Mireya Navarro, and agent Molly Friedrich. The evening will include video clips, a short performance by Indian dancer Srinidhi Raghavan and Bomba dancer Miltieri Tucker, and a musical performance by Ms. Santiago’s son, Lucas Cantor.

Esmeralda Santiago is the renowned author of the memoirs When I Was Puerto Rican, Almost a Woman (which she adapted into a Peabody Award–winning film for PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre), and The Turkish Lover; the novels América’s Dream and Conquistadora; and a children’s book, A Doll for Navidades. Her writing career evolved from her work as a producer/writer of documentary and educational films. Her essays and opinion pieces have appeared in national newspapers including The New York Times, and The Boston Globe, and on mass market magazines like House & Garden,Metropolitan Home, and Good Housekeeping, among other publications, and on NPR’s All Things Considered and Morning Edition. 

Upon publication of her first book, When I was Puerto Rican, Ms. Santiago was hailed as "a welcome new voice, full of passion and authority," by the Washington Post. Her first novel, America's Dream, has been published in six languages, and was an Alternate Selection of the Literary Guild. "Thrilling and page turning, the fabulous story of América Gonzalez is laid out masterfully," according to the Chicago Tribune. Her second memoir, Almost a Woman, received numerous "Best of Year" mentions, in addition to an Alex Award from the American Library Association. With Joie Davidow, Ms. Santiago is co-editor of the anthologies, Las Christmas: Favorite Latino Authors Share Their Holiday Memories and Las Mamis: Favorite Latino Authors Remember their Mothers both published by Knopf.  In addition to her literary endeavors, Ms. Santiago is a spokesperson on behalf of public libraries. She has designed and developed community-based programs for adolescents, and was a founder of a shelter for battered women and their children. She serves on the boards of organizations devoted to the arts and to literature, and speaks vehemently about the need to encourage and support the artistic development of young people.

This event, presented by Hostos Community College during its 50^th Anniversary year, is in partnership with the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture.

The Repertory Theater at the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture is located at 450 Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Tickets are free, and can be picked up by visiting the Hostos Center box office, by calling (718) 518-4455 or online atwww.hostos.cuny.edu/culturearts. Hostos Community College can be reached by the IRT 2, 4, 5, Bx1, Bx19 to East 149^th Street and the Grand Concourse.

About the Hostos the Center for the Arts & Culture

The mission of the Hostos Center is to address the cultural needs of its surrounding inner-city communities while affirming the cultural heritages of its audiences, especially Latino and African-Americans. Since its inception in 1982, the Center has been an important agent for this affirmation, serving as venue for performances, festivals, residencies and commissions featuring a who’s-who of Latino artists.

100 PERCENT ELECTION PREDICTIONS

100 PERCENT

BY ROBERT PRESS

Election Day Predictions

  There should be no election day surprises here in the Bronx as the Bronx election day was held in September. The only surprises will be how big do certain candidates win on election day. The usual victory for Democrats has been 90 percent or better, but that was in the past. We have seen a Republican break the 30 percent margin last year, and even the long established Democrat are barely breaking 80 percent now.  

  We hope that this year we have made a difference in our September primary work in dethroning long established leaders who lost contact with their constituents. Our work with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the 14th Congressional District, and John Perez in the 87th Assembly District are proof of what was done. While John Perez is now the District Leader from the 87th A.D. bigger things are on the way.

  In the 34th State Senate district the new State Senator Alessandra Biaggi was not a surprise to us. we predicted a 52 - 48 percent victory for her, and again we were right on the numbers. State Senator Biaggi won by 53.5 - 46.5 percent. 

  On election Day there will be three ballot proposals, and with the Blue Wave all three may just pass. Coming up in the new year will be the special election to fill the vacant NYC Public Advocate who has been elected to the position of New York State Attorney General. A few names have announced already, and several more names should be added to the list of candidates. It is to early to predict a winner there, but by mid March we should know who the new Public Advocate is. Once the seat becomes vacant City Council Speaker Corey Johnson becomes not only the Speaker of the council, but also the Public Advocate until the new Public Advocate is sworn in. We would not be surprised to see Speaker Johnson's name in the special election. 

  Don't forget to vote on election day.

Bronx Veterans Day Parade

  Saturdays Bronx Veterans Day Parade began at the Crotona Park Mall at East 175th Street and Crotona Parkway, marching up Crotona Parkway to East 180th. The parade turned right onto East 180th Street to the West Farms Old Soldiers Cemetery (East 180th Street and Bryant Avenue) where a memorial service was held. The parade then continued to Bronx River Park (East 180th Street and Boston Road) for enjoyment of the day. The parade Grand Marshal was former U.S. Army Sergeant John Perez, who was dedicating the parade to Private Emmanuel Mensha who gave his life here in a Bronx fire while saving thirteen other lives. 

Above - Members of the armed forces congratulate Sergeant John Perez on being chosen the Grand Marshal for the 2018 Bronx Veterans Day Parade.

Below - The Bronx Veterans Day Parade was given a police escort along the parade route.

Above - Parade Grand Marshal Sergeant John Perez marched carrying a large photo of Private Emmanuel Menza. Local business owners are behind Sergeant Perez.

Below - Part of the large contingent of marchers in the 2018 Bronx Veterans Day Parade up Crotona Parkway.

Above - Another group marching were the NABVETS.

Below - Video buff Assemblyman Jose Rivera marched with Grand Marshal Sergeant John Perez while doing an interview as the parade was nearing the West Farms Old Soldier Cemetery.

Above - The Theodore Roosevelt High School ROTC were part of the parade as they near the West Farms Old Soldier Cemetery on East 180th Street.

Below - Grand Marshal Sergeant John Perez and others wait for everyone to enter the cemetery and assemble. 

Above - Grand Marshal Sergeant John Perez waits to speak as those who marched in the parade are called to attention. 

Below - After the ceremony in the West Farms Old Soldier Cemetery the parade moved to Bronx River Park to celebrate. 

News From Councilman Mark Gjonaj

Tree Planting/Pruning Tree Sidewalk Prog Building Maintenance Con Edison Eviction

Results from Our Last Survey

Thank You for Participating!

WESTCHESTER'S ENGEL, LATIMER & PAULIN URGE VOTE FOR BIAGGI FOR STATE SENATE

  Congressman Eliot Engel, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Assemblymember Amy Paulin jointly urged Westchester residents to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 6 for Alessandra Biaggi, the Democratic Party candidate for State Senate in District 34. 

"Alessandra is going to do a tremendous job as our new State Senator," Congressman Engel said. "I've spoken and met with her several times already, and I can tell that she will be a great partner in government. As elected officials, whether it be at the federal, state, or local level, the fight to advance our progressive values is at the forefront of everything we do, and I look forward to working together to better our shared communities in the Bronx and Westchester which we are both so fortunate to represent.”

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "As a former State Senator working under Republican control of the chamber, I can’t stress to you enough the importance of getting out the vote for Alessandra Biaggi. We need Alessandra and the rest of the Democrats running to win so we can finally have control of the New York State Senate. In Albany, Alessandra will work with her colleagues to protect voting rights, a women’s right to make choices regarding her own body, and strengthen environmental protections - three issues that are under assault from Donald Trump and the Republicans nationwide. Make sure you bring a friend - or 10 - to the polls and get out the vote for Alessandra Biaggi." 

Assemblymember Paulin said, "Alessandra Biaggi has my full support on Election Day. She has the intelligence, the persistence, and the empathy to make a real difference on the critical issues facing our communities, including reducing gun violence, making healthcare more affordable, holding perpetrators of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and domestic violence accountable, and standing up for women, children, and families. I can't wait to work together with her on behalf of our constituents in Pelham and on policies to help all New Yorkers."

"I thank Rep. Engel, County Executive Latimer and Assemblymember Paulin for their important support," Biaggi said. "I am campaigning every day so that I can win in November and join them in working for the people of Westchester and the Bronx."

Al Shaib Community Meeting

  You can see by Friday night's meeting at the Al Shaib Community Center there was a large crowd, elected officials, and good times. Almost one-hundred people were in attendance to listen to various speakers led by future State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Assemblyman Jose Rivera, and District Leader John Perez. Also on hand were Sergeant Major of the 45th precinct to talk about the new NCO program at the precinct, and other community leaders who spoke. 

Above - Future State Senator Alessandra Biaggi speaks, and answered some tough questions from the audience.

Below - 87th A.D. John Perez talks about his role in the community. 

Above - Assemblyman Jose Rivera speaks to the audience, giving some valuable information.

Below - Standing in for future Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is Ms. Ilona Duverge who was key to Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez's victory. 

Chancellor Carranza Visits District 10 Education Council Meeting

  It was billed as a Town Hal;l meeting with Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza. People were given slips of paper in order to write down questions that were prescreened for CEC 10 President Marvin Shelton to ask of the chancellor. At the beginning people were told that every question might not get asked, but to expect an answer from the chancellor in the coming weeks. 

  Chancellor Carranza opened up by talking about the Five-Year Capital Plan the DOE was embarking on. He went into generalities such as $750 million dollars will be spent to make all school ADA complaint, more classroom seats for district 10 (but not how many), and the Bronx Plan to bring an investment to under served schools (but again no figures were given). The Bronx Plan will give teachers an added incentive of $6,000 to $8,000 to teach in under served schools in Bronx schools where teachers have historically refused or transferred out of. Of the dozen teachers in the audience I was able to asked if they would take the added incentive, all replied no. 

  This also seems to be a copy of a previous program years ago where teachers were paid extra money to teach in disadvantaged schools, which failed in its second year. Teachers who signed up for the added incentive program soon transferred out leaving newer teachers in the schools. 

  Questions included class size, why the unproportinal number of certain classes of students are receiving suspensions, the common core, specialized high schools, and school food. On most of the questions Chancellor Carranza was on the parents side, and he did want to mention what he was doing as the chancellor to help solve some of the problems. School kitchens were being modernized for better food appeal, class size was going to be addressed by the five-year plan, he and the mayor were against one test being the sole criteria for getting into certain high schools, and that he wanted to know more from the schools on how suspensions were being handed out. 

  The ninety minutes went fast but the chancellor will do it again in two years as per the education law which states that he must meet with every Community District Education Council every two years.

Chancellor Richard Carranza is seated between School District 10 superintendent Hola, and CFC 10 President Shelton.

Bronx Tax Preparer Convicted At Trial For Aggravated Identity Theft And Tax Fraud

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that REBECCA BAYUO, a Bronx tax preparer, was convicted in Manhattan federal court yesterday of preparing false tax returns on behalf of her clients, filing false tax returns in the names of victims whose identities she had previously stolen, and filing false tax returns on her own behalf.  BAYUO was convicted after a two-and-half week jury trial before U.S. District Judge John G. Koeltl.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “Rebecca Bayuo now stands convicted of multiple counts of tax fraud after she abused her position of trust as a tax preparer by systematically violating the nation’s income tax laws.  By repeatedly filing fraudulent tax returns for her clients, including using stolen identities to increase tax refunds, Bayuo stole tens of thousands of dollars directly from the U.S. Treasury.  For these egregious crimes, Bayuo now faces significant time in federal prison.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, Indictment, and the evidence presented at trial:

BAYUO owned and operated Breakthrough Insurance Brokerage, a tax preparation business, located in the Bronx, New York.  From 2010 through 2014, BAYUO used stolen identifying information of victims to file fraudulent federal income tax returns, which generated tax refunds to which BAYUO was not entitled.  Specifically, BAYUO repeatedly used stolen identities of dozens of victims, including 11 New York residents who testified at trial, to file false tax returns and unlawfully collect tax refunds from the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) in their names for herself.  As a result of BAYUO’s criminal conduct, many of the victims were unable to file tax returns as required by law, and were deprived of tax refunds to which they were entitled.

In addition, from 2011 through 2012, BAYUO prepared and submitted to the IRS fraudulent tax returns for her clients that resulted in increased tax refunds, to which her clients were not entitled.  Among other things, BAYUO charged her clients an additional fee in exchange for providing them with the stolen identities of children as false “dependents” to claim on their tax returns.  BAYUO recycled the same stolen identities as false “dependents” for numerous tax returns, over at least a four-year time period.   

Finally, from 2014 to 2015, BAYUO filed false personal income tax returns in her own name, and included in those filings personal identifying information belonging to other individuals that she had stolen.  Specifically, on her own tax returns, BAYUO included false “dependents,” whose identities she had stolen, in order to obtain a larger tax refund to which she was not entitled.  Three of the victims of this scheme testified at trial.

BAYUO, 48, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of 12 counts of aiding and assisting the preparation of false tax returns, each of which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison; one count of theft of government funds, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison; and two counts of subscribing to false tax returns, each of which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

BAYUO is scheduled to be sentenced on April 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the IRS.