MAYOR DE BLASIO LAUNCHES NEW CRIME PREVENTION EFFORTS TO COMBAT HATE AND ANTI-SEMITISM

City launching new Neighborhood Safety Coalitions based on a successful model used to drive down gun violence

   Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today the creation of new multi-ethnic interfaith Neighborhood Safety Coalitions, increased NYPD presence, and new Department of Education  lesson plans and curriculum as part of the City’s commitment to the prevention of hate crimes and anti-Semitic attacks. In addition to an immediate increased NYPD presence, the new Neighborhood Safety Coalitions will have physical presences in the community with neighborhood safety walks and corner watches. They will also offer ongoing programming designed to promote tolerance and break down stereotypes.

“Fearing the next act of terror will not become the new normal for our Jewish neighbors. In New York City, diversity is our strength and we respect the traditions of all who call New York City home. Intolerance will never take hold here,” said Mayor de Blasio.

Increased NYPD Patrols and Safety Measures

The NYPD will increase resources and patrols to precincts in Borough Park, Midwood, Crown Heights, Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Williamsburg. Each precinct will have an additional 4 to 6 officers per tour. In addition to an increased NYPD presence at houses of worship and during local events, six new light towers will be posted in Borough Park and additional security cameras will be installed throughout these neighborhoods. 15 light towers have already been installed this month. 

Neighborhood Safety Coalitions

Neighborhood Safety Coalitions will launch in Williamsburg, Crown Heights, and Borough Park, and will be overseen by the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. These individual coalitions will identify and address issues that drive hate-based crimes, bringing together stakeholders from across their communities. They will meet community members where they are — in schools, on street corners, in religious institutions — to be a regular presence to deter acts of hate.

Each coalition will gather regularly to strategize about ways to interrupt hate acts before they happen. The coalitions will identify and offer programming within their neighborhoods that foster community and connect directly with local youth in and after school hours. 

The coalitions are based on a successful model already used by residents in East Flatbush and Williamsburg/Bushwick through the Mayor's Office to Prevent Gun Violence, in which community groups, neighborhood leaders, and clergy have worked together with local police precincts to dramatically reduce gun violence in their communities.

DOE Curriculum

The DOE is committed to ensuring schools are welcoming, inclusive environments for all students and will be implementing hate crime awareness programming next month for middle and high schools in Williamsburg, Crown Heights and Borough Park, including workshops with community partners and leveraging existing social studies curricula and resources. Curriculum on hate crimes will be launched at middle and high schools in these neighborhoods beginning in the 2020-21 school year. These curriculum resources will also be available to middle and high schools citywide.

Citywide, the DOE will distribute resources to facilitate important conversations in the classroom in January, and the annual Respect for All week in February will focus on preventing and addressing hate crimes. Schools are encouraged to develop opportunities for students to discuss what discrimination and religious intolerance might look like in a school and collectively explore the positive actions they can take to promote acceptance, inclusion, and the diversity of their communities.

Citywide Advertising Campaign

The City will launch a series of advertising and social media campaigns to highlight the City’s diversity and encourage respect for all communities.

“The NYPD stands with members of the Jewish community. We will continue our increased patrols and the targeted deployment of Counterterrorism officers at key locations to ensure that everyone is safe,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “We also need the public’s help—if you see anything suspicious, call 911 or flag down a police officer right away. There is no place for hate in NYC, or anywhere.”

“Safety, for every community, remains the City’s highest priority. The Neighborhood Safety Coalitions announced today are grounded in the strength of New Yorkers themselves, working together to prevent the acts that hurt us all. This neighborhood-based work is key to us remaining true to who we are: a safe city that celebrates diversity and condemns hate,” said Liz Glazer, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.

“A critical part of our work is engaging directly with the communities impacted by anti-Semitism,” said Deborah Lauter, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. “The neighborhood coalitions will help further New York City's commitment to diversity and respect for all and ensure every New Yorker feel safe in their community.”

“Schools are safe havens, and all students deserve a learning environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and free from discrimination. We’ll be providing programming and resources to schools in order for students and school communities to engage in thoughtful and respectful dialogue, and to advance learning about hate crimes through historical context and current events. We look forward to partnering with city agencies and community organizations on this critical work. There is no place for hate in our schools,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza.

Bronx River Art Center - Do Not Donate to BRAC Until We Get Our Answer

1087 East Tremont Avenue Bronx,  www.bronxriverart.org 718.589.5819

Our accomplishments this year are many, but highlights include: Over 44 different 10-week series of classes in more than 12 different media in fine art or digital media, including a FREE career development in the creative industries program (TPS+2.0) for teens - young adults up to age 26. Click here for a short video on our 2019 TPS+2.0 Park Bench project Five contemporary art exhibitions in our 2,500 sq. ft. storefront art gallery that addressed an eclectic mix of aesthetics and media and two student shows Six performing art productions of music, theatre, film and spoken word presented in our new event space that opens to our beautiful patio and garden adjacent to the Bronx River Four artist panel discussions related to various exhibitions or presentations Affordable event, conference and rehearsal space rental opportunities for community, businesses and non-profit organizations

And so much more! BRAC is your one-stop shop for the broadest and most accessible range of cultural opportunities in the borough.  Please help us thrive so we can continue to serve our diverse and growing population. The best way to give is to become a member. Memberships start as low as $30 and include discounts on performances, classes, and special events.  Click here to donate or join our Members club, and have a safe and happy holiday season. From all of us at the Bronx River Art Center. This program is made possible with support  from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, the NYS Council on the Arts with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature including Assembly Member Karines Reyes and Senator Luis R. Sepulveda. Additional support is from Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Council Members Ritchie Torres, Andrew Cohen, Andy King and Ruben Diaz Sr., and the Bronx Delegation  as well as from Con Edison/The Power of Giving, BronxCare Health System, and private donors. EDITOR'S NOTE: We sent a reply back to the Bronx River Arts Center after the previous e-mail we received - in past e-mails other Bronx NYS LEGISLATORS have been mentioned, why is it that there are only two listed this time. We have not received a reply back, so we ask that you call BRAC and ask why are there only these two state legislators mentioned. BRAC can be reached at 718-589-5819. Ask Executive Director Gail Nathan why these two NYS legislators are the only ones only mentioned. We also suggest you do not donate to BRAC until we get an answer as to what is going on at BRAC,

NYPD Outlines Security Measures for New Year’s Eve

Hundreds of Thousands Expected to Safely Gather in Times Square

  The New York City Police Department announced security measures for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. Police Commissioner Dermot Shea was joined by members of the NYPD Executive Staff in the Joint Operations Center (JOC) at One Police Plaza. The New York City Police Department along with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners will continue to roll out a comprehensive overlay of police officers and other security measures to ensure the safety of the celebrators. Thousands of officers, both uniformed and plainclothes, heavy weapons teams from ESU, CRC, and SRG, along with the Technical Assistance & Response Unit, Canine Teams, the Mounted Unit, the Aviation Unit, and the Harbor Unit will be on hand to ensure the safety of the celebrators.

"The experience of ringing in the New Year in New York City is remarkable, and I commend the thousands of members of the NYPD for their own remarkable undertaking in ensuring the safety of those celebrating,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “Working closely with our law enforcement partners, the NYPD routinely does a great job planning and securing large-scale events around New York City. This collaboration is critical in carrying out our mission of delivering a safe and enjoyable event."

As in years past, those attending the celebration in Times Square will be screened. Backpacks, large bags, umbrellas, and alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited. Property may not be abandoned at checkpoints. At approximately 11 a.m., attendees will be directed by police officers to gather in separate viewing pens. As the evening progresses, revelers will continue to populate Times Square along Broadway and Seventh Avenue moving uptown from 43rd Street to Central Park. Please note, attendees who leave before the ball drops will not be able to regain entry to their original viewing area.

Beginning at 4 a.m. on Tuesday, December 31st, 2019, Times Square will be closed to vehicular traffic. People should avoid all cross-town streets from 33rd to 59th Streets, as well as Sixth and Eighth Avenues. A traffic advisory with a comprehensive list of street closures is available on the NYPD website.

Mass transit is strongly encouraged due to expected heavy traffic delays and parking restrictions. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should alert a police officer or call 911. The NYPD’s terrorism hotline is 888-NYC-SAFE.

Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr. - My Wishes For The Year 2020

You should know that it is an end of year tradition to make wishes, dreams, and plans for the New Year. We do this, hoping the New Year will be more prosperous than the one we are about to say goodbye to.

 

Many of us make these wishes on our knees in the church with our relatives and brothers in faith. Others make their wishes on dance floors, in night clubs, in strip clubs, or their home with loved ones. I, myself, make my wishes on my knees a few minutes before midnight in my church. But we all have something in common: we make our wish at midnight when the clock welcomes the New Year.

 

I want to share some of my wishes for the year 2020, with you beforehand.

 

They are as follows:

1) For Gerson Borrero: To continue writing his column “Bochinche y Más” in a newspaper where everyone can be aware of his incredible knowledge of city and state political dramas.

2) To the Working Families Party and other minority political parties: To overcome the big soccer punch given by Gov. Andrew Cuomo through his elimination of fusion voting. And find a way in which they could get the 50,000 votes needed to survive as a political party. Otherwise, they’ll have to kiss it goodbye.

3) To Michael Bloomberg and all candidates who think they can buy elections with money: to realize that the times of buying New York voter’s conscious are over.

4) To New York City Council Committee Chairpersons and respective members: To once and for all learn how to be on time for a meeting, participants should not have to wait for up to an hour.

5) For Assemblyman Marcos Crespo: That the New Year brings him the motivation and desire to become a candidate for Bronx Borough President as soon the position becomes open.

6) To the residents of New York City Public Housing (NYCHA): That the many years of torture thousands of residents in Public Housing have endured come to an end; especially now that the Public Advocate has revealed his “big” revelation of NYCHA being the worst landlord in New York City.

7) For all those mothers and fathers that have lost their children through violence and firearms: That God brings them strength, console, and many blessings. I also pray their loss not be in vain and we are able to do away with violence and take guns out of the street.

8) To New York City Livery Taxi Drivers: That once and for all, they get the respect and support they need and deserve to continue being one of the most important industries in the city.

9) To all of you, my dear friends, supporters and foes: That this year brings peace, prosperity, health and many blessings to all of you and your loved ones.

10) For myself, in 2020, God grants me the opportunity to become the US Representative of all residents of the 15th Congressional District, and in two (2) years, I am able to change the district from being the poorest one to the most prosperous in the Nation.

 

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

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Every cycle, this happens:

Every time Democrats demand investments in our people, the ritual repeats. They always ask, “How are you going to pay for it? Whose taxes are going up?”

But when the House passed a $738 billion military spending bill this month, no one asked how we were going to pay for it.

It seems like we have unlimited money for bombs, drones, and tanks — but no money to house tens of thousands of homeless children and veterans. No money to afford nutritional assistance for struggling families ahead of the holidays.

This fight has never been about what we could or couldn’t afford — it’s always been about our priorities. Until our leaders are willing to stand up to the military industrial complex, we’ll keep leaving working families out in the cold.

Alexandria voted against the NDAA, because every tank produced, every drone launched, and every bomb dropped amounts to theft from someone who is hungry, who is without a home, or who is without an education.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This is taken from a fundraising e-mail we received. The portions about contributing were taken out. 

Our Bronx Revolution/Carlos Suarez - Petitioning for Bernie Sanders and his delegates

OUR BRONX REVOLUTION (OBR)

The Bernie Sanders campaign is scheduling petitioning events throughout the Bronx to ensure Bernie and his delegates are on the ballot for the April 2020 primary. Below is a list of petitioning events in the Borough, up to January 11, 2020 published by the campaign. Our Bronx Revolution and Bronx 4 Bernie Sanders 2020 are supporting those events and we ask volunteers to join the campaign at those locations.  Come together with fellow Bernie supporters and join this historic Campaign to defeat Trump and transform America. We’ll collect petition signatures from neighbors, friends, and family to ensure that Bernie and his delegates are on the ballot. Here is the events calendar, which will be updated as we go along: Dec. 31, 2019 At 8:00 AM will 116 Hugh J. Grant Cir, Bronx, NY 10472; at 9:30 AM will be at 247 City Island Ave, Bronx, NY 10464. Jan. 2nd, 2020 At 12 Noon Will be at 11 E. Mosholu Pkwy N, Bronx, NY 10467. Contact: Javier, 914-648-0482 Jan 3rd, 2020 From 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM will be at the intersection of 3rd Ave & 149th St (in front of McDonald's). Bronx NY 10455. Contact: Carlos Suarez, 347-353-6495. Jan 4th, 2020 At 11 AM will be at 923 Hunts point Ave, Bronx, NY 10459; at 12:00 Noon will be at 1985 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10462; at 1:00 PM will be at 755 White Plains Rd, Bronx, NY 10473 Jan 5th, 2020 At 11:00 AM will be at 1231 Lafayette Ave, Bronx, NY 10474. Jan 6th, 2020 From 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM will be at the intersection of River Ave & 161th St (in front of McDonald's), Bronx, NY 10451. Contact: 347-353-6495; at 1:00 PM will be at 1385 Metropolitan Ave, Bronx, NY 10451 Jan 7th, 2020 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM will be at the intersection of River Ave & 161th St (in front of McDonald's), Bronx, NY 10451. Contact: Carlos Suarez, 347-353-6495 Jan 11th, 2020 At 11:00 AM will be at 923 Hunts Point Ave, Bronx, NY 10450; at 12:00 Noon will be at 592 E. 183rd St, Bronx, NY 10458 You can signup for these events at: https://map.berniesanders.com/

AG James Announces Prison Sentence For Duo In Upstate Securities Fraud Scheme, Restitution For Victims

David Wright Sentenced to 2-6 Years in State Prison; Ramona Wright Sentenced to 5 Years Probation for Fraudulently Soliciting Investments to Fund Lavish Lifestyle

Wrights Forfeit $175,000 Yacht Purchased with Investor Money

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the sentencing of David and Ramona Wright — both formerly of Sherrill, New York — for their guilty pleas, earlier this year, to Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and felony securities fraud under the Martin Act. As part of their convictions, the Wrights forfeited nearly $400,000 in up-front restitution to the victims of their crimes, including a $175,000 yacht purchased with investor money. David Wright was sentenced to two-to-six years in state prison, and Ramona Wright was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to make additional monthly restitution payments to investors.

“The Wrights stole, defrauded, and conned their friends and neighbors out of hundreds of thousands of dollars just to live a lavish style and commit what could be only be described as great wrongs,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “Not only are we making things truly right for their victims by commandeering all funds and assets this couple have, but we are securing up-front restitution and monthly payments to get individuals back as much money as possible. Anyone who attempts to prey on innocent New Yorkers is on notice that my office will be unwavering in prosecuting these crimes and holding bad actors accountable.”

The convictions and forfeiture are the culmination of criminal and civil enforcement actions brought by the Office of the Attorney General after it was uncovered that the Wrights operated a six-year securities fraud scam in Upstate New York. In 2009, the Wrights — who were heavily indebted and facing potential foreclosure on their home in Sherrill — created Wright Wellness Solutions, Inc., which they headquartered at their home. The couple claimed the corporation would develop, market, and sell a rehabilitative hospital bed patent they had obtained the rights to by trading shares in the corporation to an unsuspecting inventor named Carl Klossner. Between 2009 and 2015, the Wrights solicited and obtained $760,000 in investments from over two dozen individuals in Wright Wellness Solutions, Inc., telling investors they needed the money for research and development of the hospital bed patent and promising lucrative and swift returns on investment. 

In reality, however, the Wrights used the investment money almost exclusively to live a lavish lifestyle, well beyond their means, that allowed them to purchase a 53-foot Hatteras yacht they named the “Mad Hatteras,” two Lincoln Navigators, two BMWs, multiple Rolex watches, and a time-share in Florida. Additionally, the Wrights made unauthorized cash withdrawals and transferred funds to their other business CNY Telecom, LLC. The Wrights also used investor money to pay for their daughter’s wedding at a yacht club in Florida, and for daily trips to fast food restaurants. 

The Wrights’ victims included close friends and long-time acquaintances, many of whom the Wrights obtained numerous investments from, and nearly all of whom are Upstate New York residents. In 2014, the Wrights sold their home in Sherrill, New York and began living full-time on their yacht in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

The investigation by the Office of the Attorney General was initiated after a complaint was made by a shareholder to the office’s Investor Protection Bureau. In April 2019, the Wrights were arrested on their yacht in Myrtle Beach and arraigned on two indictments filed in Oneida County Court. Thereafter, in June 2019, the Office of the Attorney General initiated a civil asset forfeiture proceeding against the Wrights and their businesses, and obtained a temporary restraining order prohibiting them from selling or dissipating assets, including the Mad Hatteras.

On September 10, 2019, David Wright pleaded guilty before the Honorable Robert L. Bauer to two counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and one count of felony securities fraud under the Martin Act, a class E felony. Ramona Wright pleaded guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and one count of felony securities fraud under the Martin Act, a class E felony. The Wrights agreed to stipulate to the forfeiture of their yacht, as well as $68,000 in funds frozen in their bank account.

Earlier this week, David Wright was sentenced to two-to-six years in state prison, and Ramona Wright was sentenced to five years of probation. Additionally, the Wrights forfeited nearly $400,000 in up-front restitution to the dozens of victims of their crimes, including approximately $175,000 from the sale of the Mad Hatteras. As a condition of her probation, Ramona Wright will be required to make additional monthly restitution payments to victims.

The Office of the Attorney General wishes to thank the New York State Police Financial Crimes Unit for their assistance in investigating the Wrights’ crimes, the Horry County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina for their assistance in locating and arresting the defendants, and the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office for their help in prosecuting the Wrights..

Bronx Youth Empowerment Program - Sharing is Caring for Christmas

  It was the annual Youth Empowerment Program Christmas 'Sharing is Caring' for Community children of the 12th council district. Members of Councilman King's YEP Program (in the yellow t-shirts) helped distribute the toys piled behind everyone. There was food, fun and games, and dancing, for hours before the toys were given out. The only thing that was missing was the First Lady of the 12th Council District who was not feeling well. Our prayers go out for her speedy recovery.

Above - Councilman King is interviewed by the local cable channel about the event. 

Below - there was no age barrier as to having fun, even Santa was able to keep in step.

Even the Eye that seems to be on Councilman King was having fun.