Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo Congratulates Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris

 

  "Vice  President-Elect  Kamala Harris's  victory today shows that people like my daughters, and many young girls across this country can aspire to be something as important and as powerful as the Vice President of the most powerful nation on our planet.

Her election gives me hope, gives me confidence, and gives me the relief to know that women, particularly women of color, are valued. However, we still have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to doing that work with the new incoming Vice President in her upcoming term." said Assemblymember Victor M. Pichardo. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

The date of this statement from Assemblyman Victor Pichardo is dated Saturday Nov. 7, 2020 based on media projections, while not all the votes have been counted.

We also question this statement as to why there is no mention of the President Elect, or is Assemblyman Pichardo trying to tell us that the President will be as some think Kamala Harris before the president's term is up.

Governor Cuomo Announces Updated COVID-19 Micro-Cluster Focus Zones - NOVEMBER 6, 2020

 

 Based on Progress Controlling COVID Spread, Zones Change in Brooklyn, Queens - Far Rockaway, and Rockland and Orange County

Zones Do Not Change in Queens - Kew Gardens/Forest Hills and Broome, Steuben, Chemung Counties

New Yellow Precautionary Zone in Port Chester, Westchester County

SUNY to Test All On-Campus Students Before Holidays; Private Colleges Asked to Consider Similar Plans

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 3.16 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.84 Percent     

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.99 Percent

18 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced updated COVID-19 micro-cluster focus areas in New York State. Brooklyn's Red Zone focus zone area has new boundaries to reflect a decreased positivity rate and new daily cases in certain neighborhoods. Based on data metrics including testing results and hospitalization rates Queens - Far Rockaway's yellow zone has been removed; Rockland County's red zone focus areas will change to an orange warning zone; and Orange County's orange zone will change to a yellow precautionary zone. Focus zones in Queens - Kew Gardens/Forest Hills and Broome, Steuben and Chemung counties will not change. The Governor also announced a new yellow precautionary zone focus area in Westchester County.

SUNY will test its in-person students before sending them home for Thanksgiving and will keep them home for the rest of the semester. The Governor asked that private colleges in New York consider adopting similar plans.

"As a matter of context, we are obviously in a different phase with COVID, and we've been talking about it for weeks, but we have to fully acknowledge it. The fall phase the scientists all predicted was going to be worse. You're seeing global and national surges that are dramatic, and that's the new reality of COVID. The challenge for our state, like other states, is managing the increase," Governor Cuomo said. "We are going to modify some micro-cluster zones in response to declining positivity rates. In Erie, Monroe, Onondaga Counties, we're going to study them over the weekend. We're going to talk to the elected officials over the weekend, try to find out exactly what is going on, so that we can design a micro-cluster strategy that is responsive. But at these numbers, and in these areas, a micro-cluster response is appropriate. We tailor the micro-cluster strategy to the particulars of that area, and therefore we want to have conversations over the weekend and then I'll have an announcement on Monday as to exactly what we're going to do. Those are the highest places in the state, but again, they're lower than Connecticut, New Jersey and Pennsylvania."

Modifications to Current Focus Zones

Brooklyn - Modified Red Zone and New Yellow Zone - Click Here for Map

Since early October, Brooklyn's Red Zone has seen a positivity decline from 5.9% to 3.1% Based on case prevalence data and analysis of where positivity rates remain high and where they have declined, the Brooklyn's Red Zone was redrawn to include a smaller geographic area with a modified Yellow buffer zone area.

Queens - Far Rockaway - Yellow Zone Removed

The positivity in this zone has been consistently in 1%-2% range effectively over a ten-day period with low number of hospitalizations and new daily cases. This zone will be removed and cases continued to be monitored.

Rockland County - Red Zone Changes to Orange Precautionary Zone, Yellow Buffer Zone Remains - Click Here for Map

Since early October, Rockland's Red Zone has seen a positivity decline from 9.8% to 3.6%, meeting the metrics for transitioning from a Red Zone to an Orange Warning Zone. The Yellow buffer zone will remain.

Orange County - Red Zone Changes to Yellow Zone - Click Here for Map

Orange County's Warning focus zone has been under 3% positivity, and hospital admission rates have declined, meeting the metrics for transitioning to a Yellow Precautionary Zone. The buffer zone will be removed.

Focus Zones Without Modifications

Queens - Kew Gardens/Forest Hills - Click Here for Map: The positivity in this zone is currently 2.69% (7-day rolling average), effectively flat over a ten-day period. No changes to zone.

Broome County - Click Here for Map: Yellow Precautionary Zone is unchanged (4.05% current 7-day positivity, down from 7.44% ten days ago)

Steuben County - Click Here for Map: Yellow Precautionary Zone is unchanged (4.15 current 7-day positivity, down from 6.22% ten days ago)

Chemung County - Click Here for Map: Orange Warning zone is unchanged (6.84% current 7-day positivity, down from 8.02% ten days ago)

 

New Focus Zones

Westchester County - New Yellow Zone - Click Here for Map

The Port Chester area along the Connecticut border has had a sustained average positivity rate above 2.5%, with upticks in new positive cases and hospital admissions, meeting metrics for a yellow zone designation. In response to an increase in cases in Port Chester, NY, the New York State Department of Health, Westchester County Department of Health and Open Door Family Medical Center have coordinated to provide rapid testing at a new site below. To schedule an appointment please follow this link: https://apps.health.ny.gov/doh2/applinks/cdmspr/2/counties?OpID=11900360 or call 914-995-7425.

Open Door

5 Grace Church Street

Port Chester, NY 10573

Saturday, November 7, from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Monday, November 9, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday, November 10, from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 3.16 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.84 percent. Within the focus areas, 19,084 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 604 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 141,621 test results were reported, yielding 2,605 positives. 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 1,321 (+44)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 202 
• Hospital Counties - 45
• Number ICU - 285 (+17)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 129 (+1)
• Total Discharges - 80,368 (+143)
• Deaths - 18
• Total Deaths - 25,910

Governor Cuomo and New York State to Honor Veterans with Free Fishing Day on November 11

 

Fishing License Requirement Waived to Honor New York's Veterans and Encourage New Yorkers to Get Outdoors and Enjoy State's Fishing Opportunities

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced today that New York residents and non-residents can fish for free without a license on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11. New York's Free Fishing Days encourage more people to get outdoors and enjoy the state's world-class fishing opportunities. Legislation signed by the Governor in 2015 allowed an increase in the number of authorized statewide Free Fishing Days. Every year since, Veterans Day has been designated as a Free Fishing Day.

"The Veterans Day Free Fishing Day is just one way to acknowledge the contributions of our veterans while offering the opportunity to enjoy some of the best fishing spots in the nation, right here in the Empire State," Governor Cuomo said. "I encourage everyone from expert anglers to beginners to take advantage of this Free Fishing Day and enjoy everything New York has to offer." 

The Free Fishing Days program is administered by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation as part of Governor Cuomo's NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative. The free fishing days program began in 1991, to give people who might not fish a chance to try the sport at no cost, introduce people to a new hobby, and encourage people to support the sport by purchasing a New York State fishing license. 

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Free fishing on Veterans Day recognizes the service of men and women in our armed forces and is a great opportunity for experienced anglers to introduce friends and relatives to the sport. As we all work to prevent the spread of COVID-19, more New Yorkers are heading outdoors in search of local recreational activities. Being near the water, enjoying some of the state's world-class fisheries, is an excellent way to unwind and learn more about the sport of fishing."

Free Fishing Day participants are reminded that although the requirement for a fishing license is waived during free fishing days, all other fishing regulations remain in effect. When not participating in Free Fishing Days, anyone 16 years of age and older must have a current State fishing license to fish in New York. Fishing licenses are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. More information on purchasing a fishing license can be found on DEC's website. 

Fishing and hunting in New York build a sense of stewardship of fish and wildlife resources and habitats, provide an opportunity for experienced hunters and anglers to share their knowledge with others, and promote participation in hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting through the mentoring of young hunters and anglers. New York's hunters and anglers contribute an estimated $4.9 billion to the economy in spending, which supports more than 56,000 jobs and $623 million in state and local taxes. To find out about angling opportunities near you, visit Places to Fish on DEC's website or download the New York Fishing, Hunting & Wildlife App.

New York State continues to encourage people to engage in responsible recreation during the State's ongoing response to COVID-19. This fall, anglers should be mindful in taking precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 while enjoying the outstanding fishing opportunities throughout the state. At popular angling destinations, especially the Salmon River in Oswego County, angler density can become high enough to make social distancing difficult. DEC is placing signage at popular locations reminding anglers to be SMART when fishing this year:

• Socially distance at least six feet apart;
• Mask - Wear one when you cannot maintain social distancing, especially in parking lots and along footpaths;
• Avoid sharing gear when possible;
• Respect your fellow anglers and the resource by providing space and practicing ethical angling; and
• Take out what you bring in or place trash in receptacles. 

Anglers fishing from a boat should make sure it's large enough so persons on board are at least six feet apart from one another. For more information on boating guidelines and safety, go to State Parks website and for more information about how to PLAY SMART * PLAY SAFE * PLAY LOCAL, visit DEC's website.

Attorney General James Sues Sotheby’s for Defrauding New York Taxpayers Out of Millions

 

Sotheby’s Helped Wealthy Clients Evade Taxes to Boost its Own Sales

  New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against the international auction house Sotheby’s for defrauding the state of New York and its taxpayers out of millions of dollars in unpaid sales tax. The complaint alleges that Sotheby’s violated the New York False Claims Act by facilitating the creation and use of false tax exemption certificates — known as resale certificates — for an art collector and major client, even though it knew the art collector was not eligible to claim the exemption.

“Millionaires and billionaires cannot be allowed to evade taxes while every day Americans pay their fair share,” said Attorney General James. “Sotheby’s violated the law and fleeced New York taxpayers out of millions just to boost its own sales. This lawsuit should send a clear message that no matter how well-connected or wealthy you are, no one is above the law.” 

In 2018, the collector’s company, Porsal Equities, entered into a settlement agreement with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in which Porsal admitted it had improperly used resale certificates in violation of the New York False Claims Act. The OAG investigation found that Porsal Equities admitted that it and its owner certified that they were purchasing artwork for resale when, in reality, they were purchasing the artwork for personal purposes — namely, for display and enjoyment at the collector’s private residence. 

Today’s lawsuit — filed in New York County State Supreme Court — alleges that Sotheby’s knew that the collector and his company were not purchasing art for resale as art dealers in the normal course of business, but accepted their resale certificates anyway, and, in fact, facilitated the creation and use of these resale certificates. In 2010, Sotheby’s advised the collector he could use a resale certificate and helped complete the certificate, including adding the false declaration that he was an art dealer even though, in reality, the collector had not told Sotheby’s he was an art dealer and Sotheby’s knew he was actually in the shipping business. Sotheby’s not only accepted this resale certificate, but, by 2015, had accepted three more equally false certificates from Porsal Equities facilitated by Sotheby’s employees, despite overwhelming evidence that the collector and Porsal Equities were not art dealers and were only buying art for personal use.

MAYOR DE BLASIO DECLARES SPECIAL ELECTION DATE FOR THE 24TH COUNCIL DISTRICT IN QUEENS

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today made the following statement on the special election in the New York City Council’s 24th District:

 

“I am declaring Tuesday, February 2, 2021 as the date for the 24th City Council District special election to elect a Council Member to serve until December 31st, 2021. This date, within the window allowed by the City Charter, will facilitate maximum voter participation. I encourage all eligible Queens residents to vote early, in person, or by absentee ballot in the upcoming special election.”

Councilman Mark Gjonaj Information

 

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 5, 2020

 

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 3.04 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.70 Percent

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.86 Percent

24 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"Every expert told us come the fall cases would go up, and that's what's happening around the country and the globe," Governor Cuomo said. "We got ready here in New York: we have our micro-cluster strategy and we have our additional testing. That's why we have the third lowest positivity rate in the country. But COVID fatigue is creeping up and there are serious caution flags in Western New York, the Finger Lakes, and in other communities across the state, so it is more important than ever that we be vigilant. Wear masks, wash your hands, adhere to social distancing rules, and enforce the public health guidelines that are there to save lives."

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 3.04 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.70 percent. Within the focus areas, 19,814 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 602 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 141,205 test results were reported, yielding 2,395 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 1,277 (+24)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 164
• Hospital Counties - 46
• Number ICU - 268 (-16)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 128 (-1)
• Total Discharges - 80,225 (+116)
• Deaths - 24
• Total Deaths - 25,892

NYPD Announces Citywide Crime Statistics for October 2020

 

For the month of October 2020, the number of gun arrests increased by 102.4 % (502 v. 248). Year-to-date, the number of gun arrests have increased by 15% (3,308 vs. 2,876). For the month of October, gun arrests have increased in every borough.

Between October 1 and October 31, there was a 121% increase in the number of shooting incidents across the city (137 v. 62). The number of people murdered citywide decreased to 35 v. 36, (- 2.8%) for the month, while the number of burglaries increased to 1,363 v. 1,031 (+32.2%) and the number of auto thefts increased to 933 v. 522 (+78.7%) citywide.

From the COVID-19 outbreak through upticks in violent crime to the continuing work of facilitating peaceful protests throughout the city, the 2020 calendar year has confronted our officers and the city’s residents with unprecedented challenges. Through it all, our mutual resiliency has come through.

Today, our NYPD officers continue to display the best of the NYPD traditions, responding in real-time to crime spikes by gathering timely intelligence and analyzing crime trends. In addition, there is a new class of recruits who have entered the Police Academy and the NYPD’s work to keep all New Yorkers safe continues.

“Our tireless men and women officers are here to serve New Yorkers and keep everyone across all neighborhoods safe,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “We will continue to be relentless in our mission to ensure public safety by working hand-in-hand with those we are sworn to serve and to deliver fair and exceptional police services.”

Key highlights from this month's crime statistics:

• Murder is up +37.2% (387 v. 282) for the first ten months of 2020 when compared to the first ten months of 2019.
• There were 137 citywide shooting incidents in October 2020, compared to 62 shooting incidents in October 2019, a +121% increase. Year-to-date, through October 31, there is a +93.9% spike in citywide shooting incidents (1,299 v. 670).
• Burglary increased +32.2% (1,363 v. 1,031) in October and is up +41.6% (12,673 v. 8,951) year-to-date through October 31.
• For the month of October, rape decreased by -17.5% (127 v. 154). Rape continues to be underreported. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, please come forward. The NYPD Special Victims Division's 24-hour hotline is 212-267RAPE (7273).
• Year-to-date, through October 28, citywide hate crimes declined -34% (237 v. 359).