SUMMER OF NEW YORK CITY: 8 PUBLIC BEACHES OPEN FOR THE SUMMER STARTING SATURDAY, MAY 29

 

NYC Parks reminds all beach-goers to be safe in and around the water this summer, and only swim when lifeguards are on duty

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP today announced that the City’s eight public beaches will open for swimming on Saturday, May 29, and remain open through Sunday, September 12, 2021.  Lifeguards will be on duty daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; swimming is unsafe and strictly prohibited at all other times. Beach capacity will not be limited for the upcoming season. Face coverings will continue to be required in all Parks comfort stations and social distancing precautions should still be followed.

“This summer will be the Summer of New York City and that’s not complete without a trip to one of our beautiful beaches,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “To all New Yorkers: have fun and stay safe!”

 

“The summer heat has arrived, and with the return of swimming at our beaches, comes another step in our collective return to normalcy. It is with great pleasure that I say to all New Yorkers: grab your sunglasses, sunscreen, and swim gear -- beach season is here!” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “We want everyone to enjoy our eight public beaches this season, but it must be done safely – swimming is only allowed in designated areas, from 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. when lifeguards are on duty.”

 

“This Memorial Day weekend is a chance for all of us to breathe a sigh of relief because of the great progress New Yorkers have made in the fight against COVID-19, but vaccination remains our best tool to keep transmission low,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi. “It’s never been easier to get vaccinated, and this weekend, you can get some summer sun AND a vaccine at the beach. Get vaccinated to protect your family, friends and city!”

 

City beaches span a total of 14 miles and include Orchard Beach in the Bronx; Coney Island and Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn; Rockaway Beach in Queens; and Midland Beach, South Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, and Wolfe's Pond Beach on Staten Island.

 

Brooklyn

Coney Island is ready to welcome back beachgoers and revelers alike! After an 18-month closure due to COVID-19, its world-famous eateries and attractions including Luna Park, Deno's Wonderwheel Amusement Park, and Nathan's Famous hot dogs are back and ready for summer! There is tons to do, including the launch of the new PHOENIX Family Thrill Roller Coaster at Deno's Wonder Wheel and the return of the firework displays every Friday throughout the summer at 9:30 p.m. When visitors are not strolling the boardwalk, soaking in the sun, or wading in the water, they can enjoy new exciting amenities like the brand-new pump track skate park at Steeplechase Plaza.

 

The Bronx

Orchard Beach, the Bronx’s sole public beach, was proclaimed “The Riviera of New York City” when it was created in the 1930s. Today, it remains a family friendly destination for summer fun, and will be welcoming visitors for swimming beginning May 29! This year, the Orchard Beach Nature Center will be open every day, and Parks will be hosting a series of fun, family-friendly events including movie nights, silent disco, beach volleyball, and a drive-in movie.  In addition to beachside activities, the project to restore the historic, landmarked Orchard Beach Pavilion is moving forward. The $75 million project, a joint renovation project with Parks & EDC, will completely restore the pavilion to its former glory, and construction is anticipated to begin in summer 2022.

 

Queens 

Rockaway Beach, one of New York City’s finest beach towns, welcomes visitors back to a replenished beach for a summer of coastal fun.  Rockaway Beach is home to the city’s only designated surfing areas and its boardwalk has become known for its varied concessions which sell food and drinks from around the world including Peruvian, Bolivian, Caribbean, and Central Asian fare. This year visitors can also indulge in new eateries along the boardwalk, courtesy of new concession operator Rockaway Beach Bazaar, while enjoying free community events, fitness classes and programming hosted by NYC Parks. And new for this year, some of the boardwalk concessions will stay open an extra hour until 11:00 p.m. As part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Atlantic Shoreline Resiliency Project, this summer will also see the continuous development and rehabilitation of stone groin structures along the shoreline. These new stone groins will provide stabilization for a re-nourished sand beach and dune and maintain the protective beach profile.

 

Staten Island

Staten Island is home to four of New York City’s public beaches. Visitors who are looking to do more than soak up sun at South and Midland beaches will have access to bike rentals with extended weekend hours. There will be a variety of bikes available for rent, including cruisers, tandem bikes and specialty Surrey bikes that seat up to six people. 

 

This summer NYC Parks will once again install sunscreen dispensers to provide free SPF 30 sun protection at all of its beaches, with dispensers located in or near all beach restrooms.  

 

As part of Parks’ 2021 water safety campaign, ads have been placed across the city reminding patrons the importance of swimming only in designated areas during lifeguard hours. Designed by Parks, the campaign targets teens and parents and can now be heard on the radio in English and Spanish, and seen on bus shelters, taxi tv, link NYC, Parks beaches across the city, and on social media platforms.

 

The Health Department is responsible for beach safety surveillance and water quality monitoring for all public and private beaches. To achieve this, the agency regularly tests the water quality and closely monitors rainfall amounts to make sure beach water is safe for swimming. When water is polluted from excessive rain runoff, sewage or other pollution, it can pose health risks to swimmers and beachgoers. Public and private beaches will post easy-to-read water quality advisory and closure signs to ensure that all beachgoers are aware of any health or safety risks.

 

The Health Department reminds beachgoers to sign up for “Know Before You Go,” a free text service in English and Spanish that informs New Yorkers if public beaches are open or closed due to water quality issues. New Yorkers can text “BEACH” or “PLAYA” to 877877 to get the status of any of the City’s eight public beaches. Beachgoers can also receive text alerts on weather conditions or warnings. The Health Department also released an updated Beach Water Quality portal where New Yorkers can look up the latest water quality reports for their local beach.

 

NYC Parks outdoor pools will open on Saturday, June 26, 2021.

Marjorie Velazquez Food Giveaway, So Where was She?

 

It was billed as a food giveaway by City Council candidate Marjorie Velazquez with posters as if Brady Court was her campaign Headquarters, but one thing was missing. What was that, the candidate. I was told by one woman who was giving out the food that the candidate had an emergency. Candidate Velazquez has missed debates, not showed up to events, and claims she was seriously injured in a work accident and then car accident. 

What gives candidate Marjorie Velazquez Lynch? Are you unable to attend events and debates? Then maybe you are unable to be the city council person for the 13th Council District. The primary is June 22nd and the people have not seen you, or heard from you, all they get are mailings from your campaign like Andrew Yang who is short on policy, but long on rhetoric. The 13th City Council District deserves a full time council person, and if you can not be that Marjorie Velazquez then step aside and let one of the other candidates represent the 13th council district the way it should be.

Signs were placed on the windows and gates of Brady Court.

And there were more signs that made it look like the candidates headquarters.

With more signs inside, and lots of food, but no people, and no candidate.

Governor Cuomo Announces Saratoga Race Course to Open July 15

 

Opening Day Admission Will be Free for Those Who Show Proof of Vaccination, Including Fans With Excelsior Pass

Seating Areas for Fully Vaccinated Patrons Will be Open at 100% Capacity

Designated Seating for Unvaccinated Patrons Will Also be Available

Tickets Go on Sale June 9

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, in conjunction with the New York Racing Association, today announced that Saratoga Race Course will re-open to fans at near full capacity when the 2021 summer meet commences on July 15. 

"The historic Saratoga Race Course is one of the Capital Region's most storied attractions, drawing over a million New Yorkers and visitors to Saratoga Springs each summer," Governor Cuomo said. "The racing season is quickly approaching, and this year we are excited to welcome fans back to the course with free admission on Opening Day for any individual who shows proof of vaccination. This is all part of New York's rebirth and resurgence as we continue to build back better and stronger from this pandemic."

In order to re-open Saratoga Race Course to fans at near full percent capacity, NYRA will designate most sections for vaccinated fans only, including the popular Saratoga backyard. This policy aligns with current New York State guidance for large outdoor sports and entertainment venues, which allows for fully vaccinated sections to operate at full capacity without social distancing measures in place. 

Alternatively, NYRA will designate a small number of hospitality and seating areas for non-vaccinated fans. Fans in these sections will be required to observe social distancing guidelines and to wear a face covering at all times during their day at Saratoga Race Course. 

In addition, all fans who show proof of vaccination through Excelsior Pass - the state's free, fast, and verifiable way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination - on Opening Day, Thursday, July 15, will receive free grandstand general admission. Fans can also present alternate forms of proof of vaccination, including paper form such as their CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, to redeem the free admission. 

Visitors to the Saratoga Race Course who are under the age of 16 years old will be allowed to accompany fully vaccinated adults anywhere throughout the track. If not accompanying a fully vaccinated adult, they will be required to stay within the non-vaccinated areas.

NYRA President and CEO Dave O'Rourke said, "NYRA thanks Governor Cuomo for the opportunity to welcome fans back to Saratoga Race Course for what is sure to be an unforgettable summer at Saratoga Race Course."

Unvaccinated NYRA personnel who interact with patrons will be subject to a diagnostic test prior to opening day and will be regularly tested thereafter. Unvaccinated NYRA personnel who do not interact with patrons will not be subject to a diagnostic test prior to opening day or after, however they will be required to wear masks and follow standard DOH and CDC social distancing rules.

The 2021 summer meet at the Saratoga Race Course will run from July 15 through September 6 and will feature 76 stakes worth $21.5 million in total purses. Tickets will go on sale June 9.

Excelsior Pass, which is now being utilized by venues, universities, stadiums and businesses statewide, is a fast, free, and secure way to present digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test results that's supporting New Yorkers building back better and safer. Users interested in opting in to use Excelsior Pass, which currently has a Vaccination Pass and two different Test Pass options, can learn more here. Interested businesses and organizations can opt in and learn more here and download digital marketing assets here to help demonstrate to patrons and customers that their business accepts Excelsior Pass. New Yorkers can always present alternate forms of COVID-19 vaccination and negative test results, such as paper forms.

Consumer Alert: The Division of Consumer Protection and The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Warn Adults to Wear Their Bike Helmets

 

May is National Bike Safety Month

More Than Half of Bike Crash Fatality victims in New York State Were Not Wearing Helmets

 The Division of Consumer Protection and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today alerted New Yorkers of all ages of the importance of wearing a helmet when riding a bike. A new CDC report revealed that bicycle-related deaths nationally increased between 2009 and 2018, primarily among adults. Males were three times more likely than females to end up in the hospital with traumatic brain injuries.

In New York in 2019, there were more than 6,000 bicycle crashes and 49 fatalities. In more than half of these crashes, the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. Twenty-nine of those bicyclists who were killed were not wearing proper headgear.

“Helmets are not just important safety gear for young riders,” said New York Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “Adults are just as likely to be involved in a crash while riding and are less likely to wear a helmet, resulting in serious injury. I urge all New Yorkers to be smart when riding and wear a helmet.”

GTSC Chair and DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “When it comes to safety, wearing a properly fitting bike helmet is just as important as buckling up in a motor vehicle. Helmets are crucial in helping to lower the risk of injury to your head. I remind motorists and cyclists to share the road responsibly.”

Tips for choosing the right helmet:

• Pair the activity to the helmet. Different activities can result in different impact to your head. Use a helmet that fits the activity, so if an accident occurs, you are better protected.
• Read the directions. With helmets, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Every helmet can fit and operate differently.
• Make sure it fits. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises bike helmets should have a snug but comfortable fit on the rider's head.
• Buckle up! A helmet only works when it is worn properly for the duration of an activity. Make sure your helmet has a chin strap and buckle that lays flat and stays fastened. Wear your helmet level on your forehead, not tilted back.
• Conform to regulations. The CPSC oversees helmets for many activities, including bikes. For instance, bicycle helmets must confirm to five separate standards.[1] When buying a bike helmet, look for the label that reads: “Complies with U.S. CPSC Safety Standards for Bicycle Helmet.”
• After a crash or injury, replace. Once a helmet protects a person from a fall, it should no longer be used. Any damage to a helmet can reduce its effectiveness. Replace it before the next ride.

More details and tips from the CPSC: https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/sports-fitness-and-recreation-bicycles/which-helmet-which-activity.

For more safety tips and important information for bicyclists and motorists visit the GTSC website at https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/bicycle-and-wheel-sport-safety.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

 

For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

 

About GTSC

Combined with education and enforcement campaigns, 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.

For more information about traffic safety in New York State, please visit the GTSC website at https://trafficsafety.ny.gov/. 

NYCEC will provide poll site translation services in 11 languages at select poll sites during the upcoming June primary election.

 

The Civic Engagement Commission (CEC) will be providing language assistance services at select poll sites during the upcoming election. Translation will be provided in the following languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, (Cantonese, Mandarin), French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu, and Yiddish. This program will run on the last weekend of early voting (June 19th and June 20th) and on Election Day (Tuesday, June 22nd). A full list of sites and dates served can be found at: www.participate.nyc.gov.

“The New York City Civic Engagement Commission is deeply committed to ensuring that all New Yorkers, regardless of what language they speak, are able to vote in our elections. Voting is an important part of civic engagement, and we want to make sure that this June, everyone can make their voices heard at the polls.” - Dr. Sarah Sayeed, Chair & Executive Director of the New York City Civic Engagement Commission.

The Commission’s language assistance services are supplemental to the interpretation that is provided by the Board of Elections under the Voting Rights Act, which covers Spanish citywide and Chinese, Korean, Bengali, Punjabi, and Hindi in certain counties. The Commission’s poll site selection methodology utilizes data from the most recent U.S Census Bureau’s American Community Survey as well as data from the NYC Board of elections to identify the poll sites that will serve the greatest number of voters in the agency’s program eligible languages.

It is important that all New Yorkers know that they have the right to bring an interpreter with them to the voting booth. This may be a friend, family member, or poll worker (just not an employer or union rep). 

The Civic Engagement Commission was created through the 2018 Mayoral Charter Revision Commission. Its mission is to promote civic engagement in order to enhance civic trust and strengthen Democracy, particularly for those who are underrepresented or have limited access. CEC’s poll site interpretation is one of its core charter mandated programs.

“It is crucial that we educate and empower New Yorkers to be active participants in their communities, economies, and elections. The June primary will be one of the most consequential in decades, and all New Yorkers must be able to participate regardless of their language access needs. The Civic Engagement Commission’s interpretation services will help to make sure that this election and our democracy is truly inclusive and accessible for all.”  - Phil Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives

Building a just political system means making sure that everyone’s voice is heard, no matter what language you speak," said May Malik, Deputy Commissioner of the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs. That’s why the poll site language assistance program is vital to supporting immigrant New Yorkers and strengthening our democracy. As we prepare for the June primaries, we are proud to work with the Civic Engagement Commission to ensure that NYC voters know where the City is providing poll site language assistance and that they have a right to bring an interpreter with them into the voting booth."

"Voting is a hard-won right, but the act of voting should not be hard. Language access is key to ensuring voting is truly accessible in New York City. We applaud our partners at the Civic Engagement Commission for their crucial efforts to bolster language assistance at poll sites in eleven additional languages. This June primary will shape the future of our city and we must work to ensure that every New Yorker - regardless of the language that they speak - has a voice."  Laura Wood, New York City's Chief Democracy Officer 

“Millions of New Yorkers who speak a language other than English at home will now have access to the interpretation services they need to exercise their right to vote. We know that our city is stronger when all New Yorkers can fully participate in our democracy without undue barriers or burdens,” said Murad Awawdeh, Executive Director, New York Immigration Coalition. "The poll site interpreters program run by the Civic Engagement Commission is a success that we hope will be expanded in the upcoming budget."

“There’s nothing more fundamental than the right to vote and New Yorkers deserve accessible, accurate language and translation services. These critical language access services can increase access to the polls, so that all New Yorkers can vote independently, confidently, and securely.” - Roberto Perez, Commissioner, Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit. 

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

 

Pop-Up Vaccination Sites at Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station Extended for Another Week

87,791 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours

690,854 Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days

Vaccine Dashboard Updated Daily on the State's Vaccine Program Here

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 87,791 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and 690,854 doses have been administered statewide over the past seven days.

Governor Cuomo also announced that the pop-up vaccination sites and MetroCard incentive program established at Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station will be extended for another week.

"New Yorkers are making progress beating back COVID-19 every single day, and it's critical we continue focusing on increasing the vaccination rate," Governor Cuomo said. "The number of people coming in for vaccines is declining, so we're coming up with new incentives and creative bonuses to knock down the excuses or fears that people have about vaccinations. We can defeat this terrible virus and reimagine New York State for the future, but we need everyone who hasn't yet been vaccinated to make an appointment or walk into a site and get their shot."

All New York State mass vaccination sites are now open to eligible New Yorkers for walk-in vaccination on a first come first serve basis. The walk-in appointments are reserved for first doses only with second doses to be scheduled automatically after administration of the initial shot. In addition, all vaccine providers are encouraged to allow walk-in appointments for eligible New Yorkers. People who would prefer to schedule an appointment at a state-run mass vaccination site can do so on the Am I Eligible App or by calling 1-833-NYS-4-VAX. People may also contact their local health department, pharmacy, doctor or hospital to schedule appointments where vaccines are available, or visit vaccines.gov to find information on vaccine appointments near them.                                            

 

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 18,715,969

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 87,791

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 690,854

Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 64.4%

Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 55.8%

Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 52.8%

Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 44.8%

Rockland County Man Convicted For Running Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi And Embezzlement Schemes

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that RULESS PIERRE was convicted in Manhattan federal court today of securities fraud, wire fraud, and structuring charges.  PIERRE was convicted after a trial before Judge Sidney Stein. 

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “Today, Ruless Pierre was brought to justice for callously lying to investors.  Pierre told investors their investment returns were excellent, when in fact he failed to invest investor funds as promised, generated losses when he did invest, and diverted much of investor funds to his personal use and to repay investors in a Ponzi-like fashion.  We will continue aggressively to pursue frauds like this one in order to protect investors.”   

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

Investment Promissory Fraud

From at least November 2016 through October 2019, PIERRE solicited money from investors of Ruless Pierre Consulting Group (“RPCG”) by falsely promising them that he would earn a 20 percent return on their initial investment every 60 days through stock trading (hereinafter, the “Promissory Note Fraud”).  The investments were memorialized in documents known as “Investment Promissory Notes.”  These investment contracts generally promised that the investor would be paid 20 percent interest every 60 days and that the investor could withdraw all funds from the investment with 30 days’ notice.  Based on these documents and the false representations of PIERRE, the investors understood that their principal and interest were guaranteed.  

During the course of the investment fraud scheme, PIERRE fraudulently obtained over $2 million from nearly 100 investors.  After receiving money from investors, PIERRE deposited the money into one of his personal bank accounts or bank accounts of RPCG.  PIERRE then transferred the money to trading accounts, where he engaged in unprofitable day trading.  Despite his trading losses, PIERRE repeatedly and falsely represented to investors, including in investment statements containing fictitious balances, that the trading was profitable and that their investments were growing as promised.  In addition to losing their money, PIERRE also used investors’ funds to pay for personal expenses, including luxury vehicles.  Additionally, PIERRE further concealed the truth from investors by using money obtained from new investors to make redemption payments to previous investors, in Ponzi-like fashion.

The Franchise Investment Fraud

Beginning in or about November 2018, PIERRE began to offer investors, including some individuals who invested in his Promissory Note Fraud, the opportunity to purchase partnership interests in a partnership that would run three fast-food franchise locations (hereinafter, the “Franchise Investment Fraud”).   At the time, PIERRE did not own any of the fast-food franchises, but he was in discussions regarding purchasing them.  Each investment was memorialized in a document entitled “Silent Partnership Agreement.” 

The Silent Partnership Agreements promised the investors a 5 percent monthly return on the investment, in addition to a 40 percent pro rata share of the quarterly gross operating profit.  The minimum investment was $5,000. 

The Silent Partnership Agreements further provided that RULESS PIERRE was the General Partner, and that he was responsible “for the complete management, control, and policies related to the operation and conduct of the business.”

PIERRE received financial statements for the franchise locations, which showed minimal profits.  Nonetheless, PIERRE promised investors an unrealistic 5 percent monthly return on their investment.

In or about April 2019, PIERRE purchased one fast food franchise for approximately $50,000.  PIERRE did not purchase the other franchises.

PIERRE deposited the fast-food franchise investors’ money in various bank accounts, which commingled the funds from the Franchise Investment Fraud with the Promissory Note Fraud.  In Ponzi-like fashion, PIERRE fraudulently misappropriated some of the fast-food franchise investors’ money to pay back investors in the Promissory Note Fraud.

In total, PIERRE raised at least $200,000 by selling the Silent Partnership Agreements to at least 18 investors.  Some of the investors were paid their 5 percent monthly distribution, but the vast majority of the investors were not made whole.  The fast-food franchise went out of business in December 2019.

The Embezzlement Fraud Scheme

In another scheme, PIERRE embezzled money from his former employers.  From approximately 2007 until February 2016, PIERRE was the director of finance for two different hotels, which were owned by the same company (“Company-1”).  One hotel was located in the Palisades, New York (“Hotel-1”), while the other was located in Armonk, New York (“Hotel-2”) (collectively, “the Hotels”).  As the director of finance, PIERRE was the signatory on several bank accounts held in the name of the management companies that managed the Hotels (“Management Companies”). 

After August 2018, PIERRE no longer worked at either Hotel-1 or Hotel-2, but he regularly wrote himself checks payable to cash from the Management Companies’ bank accounts.  Specifically, from September 2018 through March 2019, PIERRE wrote over 70 checks to “cash” or “petty cash” from one of the bank accounts for Hotel-1, for over $300,000.

In addition, from March 2017 through 2019, PIERRE deposited large amounts of cash into his personal bank accounts in amounts that were generally less than $10,000.  The deposits were conducted at various bank locations and typically took place on the same day, consecutive days, or within a short period of time.  For example, in just seven months, from June 2018 through December 2018, PIERRE deposited approximately $225,612, through 138 cash deposits all under $10,000, into a bank account in the name of RPCG.

PIERRE, 51, of Nanuet, New York, was convicted of two counts of securities fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of structuring, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential 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.

PIERRE is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9, 2021, at 2:30 p.m.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the United States Postal Inspection Service, the United States Internal Revenue Service, the New York City Police Department, and the New York City Sherriff’s Office, which assisted in the investigation.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has brought and filed a civil enforcement action against the defendant. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES PARTNERS AGAINST THE HATE (P.A.T.H.) FORWARD, PROVIDING $3M TO COMBAT HATE CRIMES IN NEW YORK CITY

 

The de Blasio Administration and the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) to partner with six anchor organizations, launching an innovative, community-based approach to hate crime prevention

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes (OPHC) Executive Director Deborah Lauter today announced the launch of the Partners Against the Hate (P.A.T.H.) FORWARD initiative to help combat bias-motivated incidents and hate crimes in New York City. P.A.T.H. FORWARD will provide funding and programmatic support to six anchor organizations selected by the City to promote community-based approaches to reduce hate crimes and to expand hate crime reporting and services for victims.

“In New York City, we do not tolerate hate, violence, or bigotry in any form,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we drive a recovery for all of us, we must lift up the community leaders standing up against America’s hate epidemic. We are taking action to make sure the hate in our beloved city is eliminated—once and for all.”

"There is not one way to stop hate: it takes a multi-pronged approach that includes strong laws and their enforcement, education to stop biases that fuel hate violence, and healthy community relations," said Deborah Lauter, Executive Director of the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. "Through the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes's P.A.T.H FORWARD initiative, New York City is committing significant resources to support the diverse communities that are the most vulnerable to acts of hate. We are optimistic that this initiative will have a significant, long-term impact that ensures all New Yorkers feel respected and safe." 

The P.A.T.H. FORWARD program includes $3 million in funding for distribution among the six anchor organizations the city has selected as partners in this initiative: the Anti-Violence Project, the Arab American Association of New York, the Asian American Federation, the Hispanic Federation, the Jewish Community Relations Council, and the 67^th Precinct Clergy Council. The anchor organizations will work closely with OPHC and other city agencies to ensure a comprehensive, community-based approach to preventing hate crime.

P.A.T.H. FORWARD anchors will also serve as judges in the awarding of OPHC Hate Crime Prevention Innovation Grants. These grants, which range from $5,000 to $20,000 to be distributed on a revolving basis throughout the year, will encourage individuals, organizations, and academic institutions to use their entrepreneurial skills to develop projects aimed at reducing hate violence and promoting community respect.  

Embedded in the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) and the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit (CAU), OPHC launched in September 2019 following its creation by Mayor Bill de Blasio and the New York City Council. The office takes a holistic approach to prevent and respond to hate crimes, develops and coordinates community-driven prevention strategies to address biases fueling such crimes, and fosters healing for victims and their communities.

“Between March 2020 and March 2021, there were almost 1,500 bias incidents on Asian New Yorkers,” said Jo-Ann Yoo, Executive Director of the Asian American Federation.  “Sadly, our city has the highest number of reported anti-Asian bias incidents of any city in the entire nation.  As the bias attacks continue, the Asian New Yorkers are anxious and afraid.  We recognize that the solution to getting out of this situation crisis is to partner with other marginalized communities to defeat this latest manifestation of the age-old virus of racism and hate.  We thank the Mayor and the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes for this important first investment in strengthening our efforts to create safeguards that reassure our communities and bring them Hope Against Hate.  The way out of this is for ALL New Yorkers to come together and support each other.  It's all of us against racism!”

“As hate is again rearing its ugly and destructive visage we are excited to partner with this extraordinary team of community and faith based organizations and their leadership to meet this challenge placed before us,” said Rabbi Bob Kaplan, Executive Director of the Center for Community Leadership. “It is the responsibility of all New Yorkers to stand together to make the statement, by their actions and words, that: “Hate, in any form, is utterly unacceptable.” The Jewish community, as it confronts an increase in the age-old scourge of anti-Semitism, will likewise partner with their fellow New Yorkers to defeat this societal epidemic. We thank the Mayor and the Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes for this important tool in empowering leadership and the communities they serve to step forward to defeat this destructive force of hate that tears at the very fabric of our safety and social compact.”

“This is a crucible time for our LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities - at AVP we have been doing community-based responses to hate violence for over 40 years,” said Beverly Tillery, Executive Director of New York City’s Anti-Violence Project. “We know that the best way forward is for many communities to be resourced to run community-based solutions that support survivors in building safety outside of the criminal legal system.”

“While the last year has united many New Yorkers together as we have struggled through the COVID crisis together, it has also exposed the ugly fault lines around race that still exist in our city,” said Marwa Janini, Executive Director of the Arab American Association of New York. “The stresses and political tides of 2020 and 2021 have emboldened bigots to act on their hatred, with consequences that have altered, shattered, and ended lives. Today, we and our partners say ‘No More!’” 

“In this climate of heightened tensions and the rise of hate, clergy can transform the way victims of hate crimes and their families are handled and walk with them through the crisis, providing clergy care for all,” said Pastor Gil Monrose, President of the 67th Precinct Clergy Council (“The GodSquad”). “Within many of our Brooklyn communities, clergy have long played a significant and unique role in building and maintaining trusting relationships between our communities, District Attorney, and the NYPD, serving as bridges between residents and law enforcement agencies.  We will continue to play a leading role in the sharing of responsibility for public safety with police, community, social service agencies, and anti-hate violence organizations, as we serve the Black community and provide crisis response teams and community relations services.”