MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH NEW YORK YANKEES TO FIGHT COVID-19 AND GET MORE NEW YORKERS TESTED

 

On Tuesday, August 25^th, New Yorkers will receive free Yankees merchandise when they get tested for COVID-19 at more than 40 NYC Health + Hospitals testing locations 

  Mayor de Blasio today announced that the New York Yankees will partner with the NYC Test & Trace Corps to promote free COVID-19 testing across the city. As the first corporate sponsor of the City’s “Get Tested Tuesday” Day of Action, Yankees t-shirts, caps and other memorabilia be available to the first 4,000 New Yorkers who get tested any NYC Health + Hospitals testing location on Tuesday, August 25^th.

 

“Regardless of whether you’re a Yankees, Mets, or Red Sox fan, one thing is clear about New Yorkers: we look out for one another,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Getting a test isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s a civic duty to your fellow New Yorkers. Testing and tracing remains our best defense against the virus, and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure New Yorkers can protect themselves and their loved ones.”

 

The Yankees will also air a public service announcement with Manager Aaron Boone and a lineup of star players Masahiro Tanaka, Gio Urshela, Aaron Hicks and Luke Voit that promotes a new “Core Four” to fight the virus (wash hands, social distance, cover face, stay home if sick) and urges New Yorkers to get tested for COVID-19. The PSA will air on the YES Network, and can be viewed here.

 

The Get Tested Tuesday Day of action has been a partnership between NYC Test & Trace Corps community-based organization grantees, NYC Health + Hospitals and NYC agencies to focus outreach in target communities and get more New Yorkers tested.

NYC Test & Trace Corps is the City's comprehensive effort to test, trace, and treat every case of COVID-19. Through a partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals​and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the Test & Trace Corps allows the City to offer free COVID-19 tests to all New Yorkers, immediately isolate and care for those who test positive for the virus and rapidly track, assess, and quarantine anyone they may have infected and offer support to safely isolate at home or in a hotel.  Additional information on the Test & Trace Corps, including program metrics, is available here.

 

“We are honored for this opportunity to partner the NYC Test & Trace Corps, and we encourage all of our neighbors and fans throughout the five boroughs to take advantage of this important and free COVID testing service,” said Brian Smith, Senior Vice President and Corporate and Community Relations. “During these unprecedented times we will continue to proactively provide support and resources to programs and organizations that focus on the health, safety and well-being of our fellow New Yorkers.”    

 

“Testing is crucial to help identify and assist New Yorkers who are confirmed positive for Covid-19. As we continue to mitigate the spread of Covid-19, we are grateful to the Bronx Bombers for their support of testing and commitment to encourage more New Yorkers to get tested. Free Covid-19 tests and free Yankees gear – that’s really a win-win for our City! ,” said NYC Test & Trace Corps Executive Director Dr. Ted Long.

 

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND CHANCELLOR CARRANZA ANNOUNCE “OUTDOOR LEARNING” INITIATIVE

 

  Mayor de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza today announced "Outdoor Learning”, a citywide outdoor learning initiative for the 2020-21 academic year.  The program will allow schools to hold classes outdoors in schoolyards, adjacent streets, and nearby park space. The program is open to all public, charter, and private schools, as well as Learning Bridges. Schools in areas hardest-hit by COVID-19 with no outdoor space will receive priority for the program. 

“We are doing everything in our power to bring our kids back to school safely,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Outdoor Learning will give all of our children the quality education they deserve in a safe and socially distanced environment.”

“As a teacher and school leader, I always knew how important it was for kids to get some time outdoors, and as we get closer to reopening I’m excited to offer Outdoor Learning to schools across the City, even those without a yard,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza.  Our students need time to run and play, explore and create in a safe, socially distanced way. Outdoor Learning provides more of that, more often, and we are grateful to our sister agencies for working together to make this possible

Beginning today, school principals can submit a request for learning space in school adjacent streets and nearby parks. Schools that wish to use their own, on-site yards are also being asked to fill out the survey to notify the Department of Education.  Proposals submitted by Friday, August 28th will receive responses by September 4th. Additional requests can also be submitted on a rolling basis. 

 

The Department of Education will work to accommodate schools’ requests to the greatest extent possible, unless the arrangement will not be feasible or safe.” All submissions will be reviewed by an interagency working group comprised of the Department of Parks & Recreation, Department of Transportation, Department of Sanitation, FDNY,  NYPD. Schools must provide barriers and staffing to close any street. When submitting a street location, schools are strongly encouraged to select streets with the following criteria:

 

• Is a quiet, non-commercial street;
• Is a one-way street; if two-way, not more than one lane of traffic in each direction;
• Is not an MTA bus route or truck route;
• Is not used  by a police/fire station, parking garage, or hospital.

 

The City encourages schools to hold classes that require additional spacing per public health guidelines, such as Physical Education, Art, Music Chorus and Drama in an outdoor setting. Additional academic classes can also be conducted outdoors where space permits if a school has an interest in doing so.

 

New York City's plan for reopening schools is among the most rigorous in the world, with Outdoor Learning being one of many tools the City is using to guarantee a safe reopening. The program will prioritize schools in neighborhoods hardest hit by the pandemic with no outdoor space at their schools:

 

Borough	Neighborhood
Bronx	Van Cortland Park and Jerome Park
Bronx	Soundview and Soundview Bruckner
Bronx	Mott Haven and Melrose
Bronx	Longwood and Hunts Point
Bronx	Highbridge
Bronx	East Tremont
Bronx	Morris Heights
Bronx	Morrisania and Crotona
Manhattan	Washington Heights and Inwood
Manhattan	Hamilton Heights and Morningside Heights
Manhattan	LES and Chinatown
Manhattan	East Harlem
Manhattan	Central Harlem
Brooklyn	Brighton Beach
Brooklyn	Brownsville
Brooklyn	East New York and Starrett City
Brooklyn	Sunset Park
Brooklyn	Canarsie
Brooklyn	Bushwick
Brooklyn	Bed-stuy
Brooklyn	East Flatbush
Queens	Corona
Queens	Briarwood
Queens	Jamaica
Queens	Rockaway and Far Rockaway
Queens	Queensbridge
Staten Island	Stapleton - St. George

 

"From Open Streets to Open Restaurants, New York City has shown the crucial role that streets can play in aiding our recovery from COVID-19,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. "For the new school year, Outdoor Learning is the next step.  Working closely with the DOE and our agency partners, we will find and assess streets and other outdoor locations suitable for safely hosting students, prioritizing communities of color hit hardest by the pandemic

 

“The Fire Department is committed to the safety of all New Yorkers. We will work closely with our fellow agencies, including the Department of Education, to ensure a safe learning environment for students and a continued quick response to all fires and medical emergencies.”

Partnerships for Parks - Attend Free Webinars for Funding, Programming, and Sustaining Your Community Group

 

As New York City recovers from COVID-19, we face an economic crisis and a new wave of challenges. Join us for a series of webinars to learn new ways to create programming, fundraise, and strengthen your community group during these challenging times. Also, attend an info session webinar to learn how to receive a grant of up to $3,000.

PROGRAMMING DURING COVID-19: CREATIVE IDEAS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY PARK GROUP Are you searching for programs that are the right fit for your group? Join us for a webinar that will lay out all the options for your community group during COVID-19. Get ideas about holding socially-distanced in-person events or online programming this fall. Also, learn about how to use social media and digital tools to keep your community engaged. This webinar will include: Examples of creative and safe park programs New protocols around NYC Parks special events permits Tips on overcoming challenges with holding programs during COVID-19 Opportunities to connect with other NYC community group leaders Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan Mullaney at jmullaney@cityparksfoundation.org. Monday, August 31 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm

REGISTER FUNDRAISING STRATEGIES FOR YOUR COMMUNITY PARK GROUP DURING COVID-19 During the COVID-19 crisis, community groups across the city have continued the important work of caring for their local parks and surrounding neighborhoods. With many communities overwhelmed with hardships related to the pandemic, asking for funding can be more challenging than ever. In this webinar, we will share various fundraising options including grants, discretionary funding, and crowdfunding campaigns. You will also create a compelling fundraising pitch to communicate changes to your group's needs and how you plan to address them. In this webinar, you will: Hear from expert speakers who have successfully fundraised in recent months Get information about a range of fundraising resources and trainings Learn the pros and cons of different fundraising methods during COVID-19 Network with PfP staff members and community leaders in Zoom breakout rooms Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan Mullaney at jmullaney@cityparksfoundation.org. Thursday, September 10 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm REGISTER STAYING TRUE TO YOUR MISSION: STRENGTHENING YOUR GROUP DESPITE UNCERTAINTY In these difficult times, community park group leaders may feel overwhelmed with retaining and recruiting members, prioritizing goals, and following through on commitments. We will show you how reflecting on your group’s purpose can help you emerge from this transitional time with new direction and energy. You will also receive practical tips on how to stay on track with your group’s goals, and leave with ideas about how to sustain your group for the months ahead. This webinar will include: Insight from group leaders who have successfully adapted during COVID-19 An activity to help your group choose meaningful next steps   Tips on keeping volunteers motivated and engaged A chance to connect with other group leaders Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. If you have any questions, please contact Jordan Mullaney at jmullaney@cityparksfoundation.org. Tuesday, September 22 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm REGISTER CAPACITY FUND GRANT INFO SESSION WEBINAR The COVID-19 pandemic has made fundraising more challenging than ever, but with the right project idea you can still receive funding through our Capacity Fund Grant. We give out small grants of up to $3000 to community groups dedicated to their local parks, gardens, and green spaces. Our grants support projects that build community groups’ capacity through outreach, membership, and programming. Join us at the Capacity Fund Grant Info Session Webinar, and we’ll share everything you need to know about funding eligibility, project examples, and our timeline for announcements. Registration for this session is required and will close the day before the event. You will receive information on how to join the webinar once you register. If you have any questions, please contact Becca Cohen at rcohen@cityparksfoundation.org. Tuesday, September 15 from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm REGISTER Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to transform these spaces into dynamic community assets.

Pro Police Rally in Northwest Bronx

Over 100 people marched from the street where the 50th Precinct is (West 236th Street), up Broadway to Van Cortlandt Park where there was a Pro Police rally. The event was organized by former police officer/congressional candidate Sammy Ravelo. 

At Van Cortlandt Park a platform was set up where Mr. Ravelo and others gave speeches about the lack of respect police officers face from not only the public, but most of the elected officials. PBA President Pat Lynch said that Mayor de Blasio, Public Advocate Williams, and City Council Speaker Johnson are hampering effective police work. Lynch also said 'Enough is Enough' calling for the mayor and city council speaker to admit they made a mistake when it comes to the NYPD. Riverdale Rabbi Levi Shemtov said that all lives matter, and it is the police officers who do not get the respect they deserve for keeping the city safe. 

A similar Pro Police rally in the 49th Precinct was held in Morris Park's Loretto Park in early July which drew about two-hundred people. There will be a Pro Police Rally in the 45th Precinct on August 30th. The plans are not finalized as of yet. 

Above - The rally goers march north on Broadway to Van Cortlandt Park.

Below - The stage that was set up in Van Cortlandt Park in the field area, with Mr. Ravelo welcoming everyone.

Above - PBA President Pat Lynch pulled no punches during his speech saying that his union and other police unions would be seeking their own candidates for the upcoming city council elections. 

Below - Riverdale Rabbi Levi Shemtov had only words of praise for the men in blue, and those in the 50th Precinct who cover the area.

A tee-shirt that was available with 'I Back the Blue' on it.

100 PERCENT - Primary Day 2021 and Rank Choice Voting

100 PERCENT - Primary Day 2021 and Rank Choice Voting

While Election Day 2020 is a a few weeks away, many here in the Bronx are already gearing up for Primary Day 2021 which is 10 months away. Candidates are lining up for the term limited vacant borough president and city council seats that will be open. With so many candidates running in each race Primary Day 2021 will be the first test of Rank Choice Voting in many Bronx primary races, Rank Choice Voting will also be used in special elections starting in 2021. Due to term limits and other factors we could see only one incumbent city council member running for re-election in 2021. 

Since the real election for Bronx candidates takes place on the day of the Democratic Primary not the November general election which is merely a formality, City Councilman Andrew Cohen should become Supreme Court Judge Andrew Cohen comes the beginning of 2021. This will also occur when City Councilman Ritchie Torres becomes Congressman Ritchie Torres also at the beginning of 2021. Both Cohen and Torres have pledged to serve until the end of 2020. Because petitioning begins the last week of February and the current state of things, a special election should not be needed in the 11th or 15th council districts.

Rank Choice Voting comes in when one of the candidates for a particular office does not obtain more than fifty percent of the vote. The top five candidates are then placed in order one through five. If no one still does not have more than fifty percent of the remaining vote the fifth place candidate is eliminated with their votes being redistributed to the number two candidates that was selected by the voter. This process continues to the next rounds until one candidate has more than fifty percent of the remaining vote.That candidate is then declared the winner of the race.

As we interview the many candidates, we will begin to let you the voter know where the candidates stand on issues of importance in your district. Look for each Bronx Primary race in upcoming columns.

Governor Cuomo Announces Results of Statewide Crackdown on Speeding

 

21,428 Speeding Tickets Issued Statewide During Speed Awareness Week

30,273 Tickets Issued for Other Vehicle and Traffic Law Violations

 

  Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that law enforcement agencies throughout the state issued 21,428 tickets for speeding during Speed Awareness Week, which ran from August 6 through August 12. During that time, officers also issued 30,273 tickets for other vehicle and traffic law violations, such as impaired and distracted driving.

"Speeding can have grave consequences and lead to avoidable and needless tragedy" Governor Cuomo said. "We have zero tolerance for reckless driving in New York and make no mistake: dangerous drivers will be caught and will be held accountable."

The following tickets were issued during this year's enforcement campaign:

Violation                    Number of tickets

Speeding                    21,428

Other Violations         26,141

Seatbelt Violation        1,984

Impaired Driving             995

Distracted Driving           662

Lane Change Violation   491

Total                           51,701

This year, speeding appears to be on the rise in New York State. Preliminary data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College shows that unsafe speed was a contributing factor in 34 percent of all fatal crashes from January to May this year, compared to 30 percent of fatal crashes during the same period in 2019. Speed Week is held each August, when fatal crashes involving unsafe speed are typically more prevalent. Data shows that most fatal crashes where speed is a contributing factor occur between June and September. According to research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers who speed are also more likely to commit other traffic violations. 

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Chair of the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "There's no excuse for speeding. New York State will continue to educate motorists and enforce the law through these specialized campaigns to help ensure safety on our roadways."

New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, "I commend our State Troopers and the members of all law enforcement agencies for the work they do each day to improve safety on our roadways by targeting speeding and aggressive driving. Speeding is a leading factor in fatal crashes and we urge all drivers to obey posted speed limits and put safety first."

In addition to "Speed Awareness Week," the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) coordinates various traffic safety activities throughout the year, and supports ongoing initiatives to improve pedestrian, motorcycle and bicycle safety. The GTSC also sponsors critical training for law enforcement, provides resources for teen drivers and their parents, and promotes seatbelt use statewide.

Senator Jamaal Bailey - Grab & Go Meals and Back to School Giveaway

Join us on Friday, September 4th for our Back to School and Food Giveaway! We will be providing “to-go” hot food meals, boxes of food, and book bags with supplies! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, you MUST RSVP and arrive within your designated time frame wearing a mask/ face covering. Please do not arrive before or after your time slot. If you arrive before, you will have to wait until your designated time, and if you arrive after, we cannot guarantee your requests. Additionally, you will be given a confirmation number upon RSVP, please ensure that you have this confirmation number at hand on the day of the event. My number one priority is your safety and this why we have set up these strict guidelines. To RSVP please call 718-547-8854 or email senatorjbailey@nysenate.gov. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate in contacting my office at the same number and email address previously stated. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone! 

Grab & Go Meals and Back to School Giveaway

Date: Friday, September 4th, 2020

Time: 3:00pm-7:00pm 

Location: 959 E. 233rd Street Bronx, NY 10466

To RSVP please call 718-547-8854 or email senatorjbailey@nysenate.gov.

Why is U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer So Interested in the North Country? How About the Rest of New York State and New York City?

 

AFTER SECURING + $87,000 FOR NORTH COUNTRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE’S WATER AND WASTEWATER OPERATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM, SCHUMER CALLS FOR MORE NBRC FUNDINGTO FUEL ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN THE NORTH COUNTRY

Schumer: The Federal Government Needs to Step Up And Invest In Our Rural Communities Across The North Country and Upstate New York.

SCHUMER: AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO IMPACT THE NORTH COUNTRY ECONOMY, SMALL BUSINESSES NEED SECOND PPP FORGIVABLE LOAN & MORE EIDL LOANS & GRANTS TO STAY AFLOAT; FLANKED BY PLATTSBURGH BUSINESS OWNERS, SENATOR ANNOUNCES TWO-PRONGED PLAN TO GIVE LOCAL SMALL BIZ OWNERS ADDITIONAL FEDERAL RELIEF

Schumer Pushes Vital Two-Pronged Legislation To Provide Economic Relief To Capital Region’s Small Businesses By 1) Extending PPP Program To 2021 & Offering New Second Round of Forgivable PPP Assistance, And 2) Adding $180 Billion To National Pot For EIDL Grants And Loans, & Lifting Cap From $150K To $2M For Loans & Guaranteeing $10K Grants For Each Loan Applicant

SCHUMER: USPS STILL IN CHAOS; PUSHES NEW TWO-PRONG PLAN TO REVERSE DESTRUCTIVE CHANGES TO THE POSTAL SERVICE IMPACTING COMMUNITIES THROUGHOUT NORTH COUNTRY; LEGISLATION WOULD IMMEDIATELY UNDO RECENT CRIPPLING CHANGES, CEMENT MAIL-IN BALLOTS AS FIRST CLASS PRIORITY & PROTECT USPS FROM FURTHER DEVASTATION

Senator Has Warned Postmaster’s Actions Have Jeopardized North Country Delivery Of Medications, VA Benefits, Paychecks & Sanctity Of The Nov. Election & Now Plans New Fight To Reverse Damage 

Schumer: Postal Service Pandemonium That Hit North Country Needs To Be Packed Up and Shipped Out

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Above are three press releases from Senator Chuck Schumer dated 8-21-2020. These were the only items listed. Senator Schumer represents the entire state of New York including New York City, yet there is never anything listed that he is doing for New York City. 

Maybe in 2022 Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez should run for U.S. Senate against the current U.S. senator since that will be the year after redistricting, and rumor has it that the current 14th Congressional District will be eliminated.