Bronx Democratic County Judicial Convention and County Committee Call

  It was a usual Bronx Democratic County Judicial Convention. Three judges were either nominated or renominated for their positions. The three judges in the photo above are surrounded by the Executive Committee of the Bronx Democratic County organization. Judge Wilma Guzman was renominated for her position, Judge Bahaati Pitt was nominated to replace retiring Judge Torres, and Judge John Higett was also nominated for the third vacancy. All three judges were nominated unanimously. 

It was then off to the County Committee call to discuss aa few rule changes submitted by the Rules Committee. 

State Senator Jamaal Bailey Chair of the Rules Committee goes over the minor changes to the Bronx Democratic County rules. He was interrupted by County Committee member Michael Beltzer below with a Point of Order.

After wards Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo thanks the Rules Committee for their work, and talks about his years as Chair, and how the BDCC is transparent and listens to its members.

Marlene Cintron Announces Historic Run for New York's 15th Congressional District

  Just one day after Melissa Mark-Viverito announced her campaign to join the race to replace Congressman Jose Serrano BOEDC Chair Marlene Cintron Announces her candidacy.

Marlene Cintron Announces Historic Run for New York’s 15th Congressional District 

Lifelong South Bronx resident and Puerto Rican trailblazer becomes first Bronx woman to announce for New York’s 15th Congressional District : 

South Bronx native, lifelong resident, tireless community advocate and organizer, Marlene Cintron, announces an exploratory committee as the first step in her historic bid for the Democratic nomination of New York’s 15th Congressional District. Since her time as one of the leaders of the Young Lords, Marlene has been fighting to deliver equity to the residents of the South Bronx. Marlene has been a tireless advocate for social, economic, environmental, and reproductive justice. Marlene will continue to break down barriers and pull up a folding chair to the table as she fights to be the first woman to represent the 15th Congressional District. 

“I am thrilled and honored to show why I am the best candidate to represent my family, friends, and neighbors in the only place I have ever called home: the South Bronx. I cannot believe that it has taken until 2019 for a woman to finally seek the Democratic nomination of New York’s 15th Congressional District. I’m ready to get into this fight - and I’m ready to win.” 

Marlene wants to present a forward-thinking agenda for the South Bronx. An agenda that will finally deliver overdue equity to the residents of the 15th Congressional District. The district is one of the most diverse in the country with immigrants from all over the world, and where a majority of its residents are women. Marlene will show how our community celebrates our diversity and stands firmly against hatred and discrimination. In the most Democratic district in the United States, Marlene will show the nation what Democrats truly fight for and believe in. 

Marlene Cintron is the daughter of Puerto Rican parents, and was born and raised in the South Bronx. She is the product of the public school system. She earned her undergraduate degree from SUNY Old Westbury and went on to Fordham University for her master’s degree in Education Administration. Marlene then broke down barriers as a part of the first generation of women to ever graduate from the Georgetown University Law Center. 

Marlene has a history of championing progressive ideals and breaking down barriers as a Latina woman. After being one of the leaders of the Young Lords, she worked for Congressman Robert Garcia, Mayor David N. Dinkins, and the New York State Senate. She currently serves as the President of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation. 

“As President of BOEDC, I have helped get Bronxites back to work in the county with the highest unemployment rate in New York State. I was able to help drop the unemployment rate in the Bronx from a reported 14.1% to 5% and brought in thousands of jobs; however, I know that so much more can and must be done. I have always fought for social, economic, environmental, and reproductive justice. We must build a movement based on mutual respect, cooperation, and an understanding that we are all in this together. I look forward to working in Congress for the betterment of each and every resident of the South Bronx.” 

Wave Hill events August 22–29

Thu, August 22

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Thu, August 22

Sonic Experience: Gamelan Dharma Swara

Gamelan Dharma Swara have been described by The New York Times as “an ambitious and powerful ensemble who plays gamelan as a living language.” Now entering its thirtieth year, the 25-person ensemble will present an evening of works spanning centuries, exploring the many facets of the Balinese performing arts. Dedicated to the traditions of Balinese performing arts and committed to exploring new music, Gamelan Dharma Swara is carving out a compelling niche in New York City’s vibrant arts scene. Founded in 1989, Dharma Swara is one of the leading Balinese gamelan and dance ensembles in the United States, and has performed at renowned NYC music venues, including Le Poisson Rouge, Symphony Space, Joe’s Pub, Roulette Intermedium and BAM, as well as at such cultural institutions as MoMA and the Asia Society. Free with admission to the grounds. Special evening admission to the grounds starts at 4PM. $12 general adult admission; $8 student and seniors 65+; $6 children ages six+. Purchase admission online by 4PM day of event and save $2. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under age six. No guest passes or reciprocal admission accepted.

Aquatic Garden, 7PM

Thu, August 22

Stargazing in the Garden

Prepare for an out-of-this-world experience with Irene Pease and a team of sidewalk astronomers. Learn what it takes to be an amateur astronomer in New York City, get oriented to the night sky, test out a telescope in the garden, and observe the starry night high above Wave Hill. Rain date: August 29. Adults and children 12 and up welcome. Space is limited. Check wavehill.org for shuttle service and for The Café menu this Thursday evening. The Café will be open till 7:30PM. Grounds open till 8PM. $40; Wave Hill Members save 10%. Registration required, online or at the Perkins Visitor Center. Twilight in the Garden event.

Meet at Wave Hill House, 7:30‒9:30PM

Fri, August 23

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Sat, August 24

Family Art Project: Root Among the Stars

Stars have always guided us across the world. Along the way, myriad stories have been inspired by seeing clusters of stars as constellations that make up an image. We may not be able to see all the stars in our own galaxy, but we can imagine that they are endless! Using cardboard, wood and light, create your own constellation, celebrating your favorite nature scene. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, August 24

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Figuring the Floral features artists who employ flowers to explore representations of identity—constructing narratives on race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, and aging. The exhibition includes paintings, collages, drawings, sculptures and an outdoor installation. In the Sunroom, Kate Bae’s immersive installation consists of flowers created from layers of acrylic paint. They drape from the ceiling into a wishing well. The landscape evokes the ecosystem of Mount Halla on South Korea’s Jeju Island, a holy symbol of the unification of South Korea and North Korea. In the Sun Porch, Riad Miah creates a multi-part installation of double-sided, oil and acrylic, rectangular paintings on Dura-Lar. He traces light throughout the calendar year to portray a sense of time, with each piece representing a single month. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Sun, August 25

Family Art Project: Root Among the Stars

Stars have always guided us across the world. Along the way, myriad stories have been inspired by seeing clusters of stars as constellations that make up an image. We may not be able to see all the stars in our own galaxy, but we can imagine that they are endless! Using cardboard, wood and light, create your own constellation, celebrating your favorite nature scene. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, August 25

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Tue, August 27

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. The exhibition Figuring the Floral features artists who employ flowers to explore representations of identity—constructing narratives on race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, and aging. The exhibition includes paintings, collages, drawings, sculptures and an outdoor installation. In the Sunroom, Kate Bae’s immersive installation consists of flowers created from layers of acrylic paint. They drape from the ceiling into a wishing well. The landscape evokes the ecosystem of Mount Halla on South Korea’s Jeju Island, a holy symbol of the unification of South Korea and North Korea. In the Sun Porch, Riad Miah creates a multi-part installation of double-sided, oil and acrylic, rectangular paintings on Dura-Lar. He traces light throughout the calendar year to portray a sense of time, with each piece representing a single month. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Wed, August 28

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Thu, August 29

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

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 – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 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.

Bronx Drug Dealer Charged With 2012 Murder

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ELIJAH BILAL, a/k/a “Karate Kid,” with the April 15, 2012, murder of Terrance Martin, 25, in the Bronx, New York.  BILAL was arrested this morning and is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in federal court later today.  This case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul J. Oetken.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Elijah Bilal murdered Terrance Martin nine years ago in connection with his drug dealing.  Now, thanks to the outstanding work of the NYPD, the defendant has been charged with this heinous crime.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Today’s charges demonstrate that the investigative efforts of New York City law enforcement are far-reaching, precisely-focused, and patient.  As long as individuals are involved in the sale of illegal narcotics and gun violence, the NYPD and our partners will work to stop the threat to public safety.  I commend and thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District for their assistance in bringing Elijah Bilal to justice.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court:

On April 15, 2012, in the vicinity of 285 East 156th Street in the Bronx, New York, BILAL shot and killed Martin in connection with a conspiracy to distribute heroin and crack cocaine.

BILAL, 27, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of using a firearm to commit murder during a drug-trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison.  The maximum and minimum sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  

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

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Member Of Bronx Gang Pleads Guilty To Ordering 2009 Murder

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that STEVEN BROWN, a/k/a “BI,” pled guilty today to participating in a murder in connection with a drug crime for his role in the August 2, 2009, murder of Derrick Moore in the Bronx.  BROWN pled before U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said:  “Almost 10 years ago to the day, Steven Brown, the leader of a violent, drug-dealing street crew, ordered the killing of rival street crewmember, Derrick Moore.  We are committed to combating gang violence, and today’s guilty plea shows that no passage of time will stop us from bringing perpetrators of violence to justice.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment and statements made in court:

The Taylor Avenue Crew was a criminal enterprise that operated principally in and around the Bronx from at least 2007 up to and including 2015.  The Taylor Avenue Crew sold cocaine base, commonly known as “crack cocaine,” primarily in and around Taylor Avenue in the Bronx.  The Taylor Avenue Crew controlled crack cocaine sales within this area by prohibiting and preventing non-members, outsiders, and rival narcotics dealers from distributing crack cocaine in the area controlled by the Crew.  The Taylor Avenue Crew also committed acts of violence in the area against rival gangs, including assaults, attempted murder, and murder.

Members and associates of the Taylor Avenue Crew also allied themselves with crews from nearby areas of the Bronx.  One such crew included the Creston Avenue Crew, a criminal enterprise that operated principally in and around the Bronx, New York, from at least 2003 up to and including 2011 and whose members sold cocaine and marijuana primarily in and around Creston Avenue in the Bronx.  Members of the Taylor and Creston Avenue Crews associated with each other and assisted each other by, among other things, carrying out acts of violence on each other’s behalf upon request by the leaders of the respective crews.  One such act of violence was the murder of 22-year-old Derrick Moore.  In August 2009, after escalating violence between the Taylor Avenue Crew and a rival crew, BROWN, who was the head of the Taylor Avenue Crew, ordered the murder of Moore.  To carry out the murder, BROWN requested the assistance of the Creston Avenue Crew, whose members then shot and killed Moore.

BROWN, 40, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of murder while engaged in a narcotics trafficking offense, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.  He will be sentenced by Judge Failla on December 4, 2019.

Luis Ortiz, one of BROWN’s co-defendants, pled guilty on July 24, 2019, to murder through use of a firearm in connection with a drug crime, and faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.  Ortiz is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2019.

Trial for an additional co-defendant, Rafael Reyes, is scheduled to begin on September 30, 2019.  The description of the offense set forth in this release are merely allegations and Reyes is innocent until proven guilty.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI.  Mr. Berman also thanked the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania for their assistance.

Brooklyn Man Sentenced To 13 Years In Manhattan Federal Court For Sex Trafficking Of Minors

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that COREY ROPER was sentenced today to 13 years in prison for sex trafficking of minor females.  ROPER was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald, before whom he previously pled guilty to one count of sex trafficking minor victims.  As part of his plea, ROPER acknowledged that he trafficked three minor females, and also trafficked another female by force.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “Self-proclaimed pimp, Corey Roper, perpetrated awful acts against young women.  Roper subjected his victims – some as young as 13 years old – to what he called ‘pimp rules,’ and punished them through cruel physical violence and depriving them of food and sleep if they didn’t comply with his abhorrent commands.  Because of his unconscionable conduct against these vulnerable victims, Roper now ironically finds himself subject to a code of conduct that he’s forced to comply with – prison rules.”  

According to the Indictment and other court documents filed in Manhattan federal court:

The defendants were members of or affiliated with the Snow Gang, a gang based in Queens, New York, which was engaged in a myriad of criminal activities, including violence, drug trafficking, credit card fraud, and sex trafficking of young women.  Between February 2015 and March 2017, the defendants worked together to traffic minor female victims, using methods of force, fraud, and coercion.  Members of this conspiracy used brutal violence to capture and control their victims, and used firearms to protect their illegal sex trafficking business.

ROPER was a violent pimp who controlled his victims through force and intimidation.  ROPER’s victims included minor females as young as 13 years old, who were subjected to ROPER’s code of “pimp rules,” that, for example, prohibited his victims from speaking to other men, from keeping any money they earned, and from eating if they did not make ROPER enough money.  If any of the rules were broken, ROPER punished his victims through violence, including choking, hitting, punching, and kicking his victims.  One victim—identified in court documents as “Minor Victim-4”—was regularly abused by ROPER, including being beaten with a cord, being forced to kneel on uncooked rice for hours as a form of punishment, and being held in a windowless room in Brooklyn where she was physically abused by ROPER and forced to have sex with customers of his choosing.  Another victim—identified in court documents as “Victim-1”—was beaten by ROPER when she initially refused to work for him.  ROPER responded by slapping her, refusing to let her leave, and denying her food.  When Victim-1 angered Roper by disobeying him, he disciplined her, including by making her stand in the corner of a room for hours and depriving her of food and sleep.     

In addition to his prison sentence, ROPER, 27, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

ROPER is the seventh defendant to be sentenced in this case by Judge Buchwald for his participation in sex trafficking minors.  The other defendants in this case—David Hightower, Nashean Folds, Antwone Washington, Terrell Clarke, Tremain Moore, and Gregory Luck—pled guilty to and have been sentenced in connection with various offenses, including participating in a conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department’s Human Trafficking Team and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  He also thanked the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, the Nassau County Police Department, and the Edison New Jersey Police Department for their support and cooperation in this case.

Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration Over Toxic Pesticides In Food

AG James Leads Coalition Suing EPA Over Chlorpyrifos Not Determined Safe for Consumption 

  Attorney General Letitia James, leading a coalition of six State Attorneys General, today filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administrations Enviornmental Protection Agency (EPA) for continuing to allow chlorpyrifos , a widely used pesticide with well-documented harms to infants’ and children’s neurological development, to contaminate common foods. The coalition is challenging the EPA’s decision to continue to allow chlorpyrifos to be used in food, even though it has not made a current finding, as required by law, that this pesticide contamination is safe.  

“Chlorpyrifos is extremely dangerous, especially to the health of our children,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “Yet, the Trump Administration continues to ignore both the science and law, by allowing this toxic pesticide to contaminate food at unsafe levels. If the Trump EPA won’t do its job and protect the health and safety of New Yorkers, my office will take them to court and force them to fulfill their responsibilities.”  

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In addition to New York, the lawsuit was filed by the Attorneys General of California, Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland and Vermont. The Attorneys General of Hawaii and the District of Columbiaintend to join the coalition by filing tomorrow to intervene in the suit.  

Chlorpyrifos--a widely used pesticide on food crops, including fruits and vegetables consumed by infants, young children, and pregnant women — is well-documented to harm proper development and functioning of the central nervous system and brain. In fact, the EPA’s own scientists have twice been unable to identify a safe level for the pesticide on food. Because of this, in November 2015 and again in November 2016, the EPA issued proposed regulations to revoke all allowable levels, or “tolerances,” and no longer allow chlorpyrifos to be used on food crops. However, in one of his first official acts, then EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt disregarded those proposals – and decades of scientific evidence amassed by the Agency – and issued an order putting off until October 2022, if not longer, any decision on whether to revoke or modify currently allowable levels for chlorpyrifos residues in food.   

In June 2017, the New York Attorney General’s Office, leading a coalition of Attorneys General, along with a group of petitioners including the League of United Latin American Citizens and other citizen, health, and environmental organizations, filed administrative objections to Administrator Pruitt’s order.  The objections argued that in leaving in place the tolerances for Chlorpyrifos, the order violated the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (Food Act) because EPA failed to make the legally required finding of safety required to maintain these tolerances.  

In April of this year, the Ninth Circuit ordered the EPA to make a decision on the administrative objections within 90 days. The EPA issued a decision denying these objections on July 18, stating that, rather than take action on its proposed rule to revoke chlorpyrifos tolerances, it would instead continue to monitor the safety of the dangerous pesticide in food until as late as 2022.   

The suit filed today by the coalition of Attorneys General argues that EPA’s July 18 decision was “arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law in numerous respects,” including that the Agency is leaving the tolerances in place without – as required by the Food Act – ensuring that no harm will result to infants and children, or determining that the current tolerances for Chlorpyrifos are safe. The coalition requests that the court set aside July 18 order, and direct EPA to revoke all tolerances for Chlorpyrifos residues on foods unless the Agency makes a finding that the tolerances are “safe.”   

Chlorpyrifos is one of the most widely used insecticides in the United States on numerous food crops, including those consumed by infants and young children such as apples, strawberries, cherries, pears, peaches, nectarines, and cherries.  Residues of the pesticide have repeatedly been documented in baby foods and juices.  Chlorpyrifos has been subjected to regulatory review for nearly 20 years, and its dangers are well-documented.  The pesticide is related to nerve gas, and acts by inhibiting an enzyme that is key to the proper development and functioning of the central nervous system and brain.  Several studies have shown that children born to women exposed to Chlorpyrifos during pregnancy had cognitive and motor development delays in the first three years, and structural changes in the brain, lower working memory and IQ scores at age seven, and movement disorders (including arm tremors) by age eleven. 

National Night Out 49th Precinct

 Two of the most popular tables at the 49th Precinct National Night Out held in Bronx Park East were the Ice cone and popcorn tables. There were dozens of other tables featuring local community organizations, Non-Profit organizations with various information of use, NYC agencies, and area elected officials. The tables were set up in a semi circle around the huge stage where entertainment performed, and the elected officials spoke. 

Above - Councilman Mark Gjonaj was a big hit as he handed out hot dogs to many who attended the event.

Below - Elected officials on stage (L-R) Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, and Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez.

Above - State Senator Jamaal Bailey had a Proclamation for the 49th Precinct for doing a fine job of lowering crime that he presented to Officer Hernandez.

Below - Councilman Ritchie Torres also thanked the 49th Precinct, saying that he had been at several other National Night Outs in his district.

The group photo of elected officials, and community leaders in the 49th Precinct.