Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 29, 2021

 Clinical specimen testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Wadsworth Laboratory

56,924 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

41 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday


 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"With the arrival of winter when more people are traveling and gathering indoors, and the emergence of the Omicron variant, we are reminded that we cannot let our guard down in our fight to stop the spread of COVID-19," Governor Hochul said. "We are not defenseless, vaccinations and testing are the best tools we have in preventing further spread of the virus and its variants. If you have yet to get your vaccine, go out and do so as soon as you can and if you're due for your booster, doses are readily available across the state. Wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay safe as we head into the winter season."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 99,430
  • Total Positive - 5,277
  • Percent Positive - 5.31%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.12%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 2,829 (+73)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 335
  • Patients in ICU - 556 (+18)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 304 (+6)
  • Total Discharges - 215,237 (+237)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 41
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,484

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

  • Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 59,168

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

  • Total vaccine doses administered - 29,683,176
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 56,924
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 533,203
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 85.8%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 78.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.5%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 74.1%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 66.4%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.5%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 68.2%
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Bronx Jewish Center Holds Chanukah Festival and Lights First Candle on the Menorah

 

Sunday, the first night of Chanukah, the festival of lights in the Jewish tradition, was observed at the Bronx Jewish Center by Rabbi Saadia Pewzner and close to one hundred people Sunday afternoon. It was a Chanukah Wonderland.


On hand to help light the ceremonial menorah set up by the Rabbi, was Councilwoman Elect Marjorie Velazquez, who Rabbi Pewzner said was no stranger to the Bronx Jewish Center, and had been a friend from before she became involved in politics. Music was provided by Bobby Doowah, there were events especially for children, and a feast of food from potato latkes, to salad, chicken and jelly donuts. 


The banner that greeted you as you went into the enclosed backyard area. 


Inside a bouncy house was among the children's activities which included being an artist, and a small bowling alley.


A large selection of food was provided which included Potato Latkes, and jelly donuts traditional Chanukah food.


Councilwoman Elect Marjorie Velazquez took two doughnuts inside, one for her, and one for a friend. 



Councilwoman Elect Velazquez poses with Rabbi Pewzner and his wife Nachama, before being introduced to the full house by Rabbi Pewzner.


Councilwoman Elect Velazquez speaks to the audience with the band taking a few minutes off. 


Rabbi Pewzner had the Councilwoman Elect light the top candle, which he called the lead candle that will light the other candles one to be added for each day of Chanukah, while calling the Councilwoman Elect a person who will be shortly leading us in the 13th council district.


After lighting just the first candle on the right for the first day of Chanukah, Rabbi Pewzner says the Chanukah prayer. 


Councilwoman Elect Velazquez and Rabbi Pewzner were then interviewed by the local cable news channel about the holiday of Chanukah.



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Monday, November 29, 2021

Additional Transcripts, Exhibits, and Videos From Independent Investigation Into Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Former Governor Cuomo Released

 

Transcripts and Exhibits of Staff and Outside Advisors Released Today

Video Testimony of Former Governor Cuomo, Top Aide, Complainants Also Released

Additional Transcripts and Exhibits Will Continue to Be Released on Rolling Basis

 The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) today continued the rolling release of transcripts and corresponding exhibits from the independent investigation into sexual harassment allegations against former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. On August 3, 2021, after nearly five months of investigating, the independent investigators appointed by New York Attorney General Letitia James — led by Joon H. Kim and Anne L. Clark — released their report concerning the multiple allegations of sexual harassment by Cuomo. Following the release of the report, multiple district attorneys asked that the OAG refrain from publicly releasing transcripts and other evidence so that their offices could first investigate and determine whether to file criminal charges against Cuomo.

However, following the filing of a criminal complaint against Cuomo on October 28, 2021 in Albany County, the Albany County District Attorney’s Office informed the OAG that it would begin releasing evidence to Cuomo to comply with New York state’s discovery laws. These laws state that once someone is charged with a crime, they must be furnished transcripts and other evidence in their case. As these materials are now being released by the Albany County District Attorney’s office — and in an effort to provide full transparency to the people of New York — the OAG informed local district attorneys that it would immediately begin releasing, on a rolling basis, all transcripts, corresponding exhibits, and videos compiled during the investigation, pending redactions to protect the privacy of individuals, as appropriate. This rolling release of evidence began on November 9, 2021.

The investigation was conducted after, on March 1, 2021, the Executive Chamber made a referral, pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 63(8), for Attorney General James to select independent lawyers to investigate “allegations of and circumstances surrounding sexual harassment claims made against the governor.” Kim and Clark were chosen to lead the investigation on March 8, 2021.

The transcripts, exhibits, and video testimonies being released today include:

Subject of Investigation

  •    Former Governor Andrew Cuomo:

Complainants

  •    Charlotte Bennett:
  •    Lindsay Boylan:
  •    Brittany Commisso:
  •   Ana Liss:
  •   Virginia Limmiatis:
  •   Alyssa McGrath:

Former Executive Chamber Staff and Outside Advisors

Additional transcripts, exhibits, and video testimonies will be released as they are available. Transcripts and exhibits previously released can be found on the OAG website.

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Attorney General James Releases Charities Report Finding More Than Two-Thirds of Charitable Campaign Donations Went to Charities While Professional Fundraisers Retained the Rest

 

New “Pennies for Charity” Report Looks Back at 2020 Fundraising Campaigns, Shows Professional Fundraisers Earned Over $380 Million

Despite Pandemic-Related Closures and Postponements, Charitable Giving Rose to Over $1.4 Billion in 2020

Ahead of Giving Tuesday, Report Lays Out Tips to Protect Donors’ Wallets from Sham Charities

 In time for Giving Tuesday and the holiday season, New York Attorney General Letitia James today released her annual “Pennies for Charity: Fundraising by Professional Fundraisers” report, which found that charities that retained professional fundraisers received about two-thirds of every dollar donated in 2020. Professional fundraisers retained the remainder — earning more than $380 million. Analyzing 718 campaigns conducted by professional fundraisers in 2020, the report concludes that charities earned 73 percent of donations from those campaigns, a small increase from the previous year and in line with the last four years’ results.

“As New Yorkers get ready to give to their favorite charities tomorrow on Giving Tuesday, they deserve to know where their money is going,” said Attorney General James. “My duty is to protect New Yorkers’ wallets and ensure that what they donate reaches the charity of their choice. My office will continue to crack down on misleading fundraising practices, so New Yorkers don’t have to worry the next time they give generously to a cause they support. With the holiday season upon us, I encourage all New Yorkers to use our tips as a guide to make informed contributions and ensure that their money is going to a trustworthy source.”

New York is home to a large and diverse number of charitable organizations. As did all sectors of our society, charities faced many challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, despite a significant decrease in in-person fundraising and pandemic-related closures and postponements, charitable giving in response to fundraising campaigns in New York jumped to over $1.4 billion in 2020 — an increase of more than $179 million from 2019 pre-pandemic campaign revenues. Other report findings include:

  • In 339 campaigns, or 47 percent of campaigns, charities received less than 50 percent of funds raised, with professional fundraisers retaining the rest.
  • In 150 campaigns, or 21 percent of the campaigns, fundraising expenses exceeded revenue, costing charities more than $10 million.

This year’s “Pennies for Charity” aggregates information from reports filed with the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Charities Bureau by professional fundraisers for campaigns conducted on behalf of charities in 2020. Professional fundraisers must register with the OAG and their financial reports must break down the revenue raised, as well as the expenses generated by the campaign. The report and the searchable Pennies for Charity database containing data from those reports is posted on the Charities Bureau website.  

This year’s report lays out tips for donors to follow before donating over the phone, through the mail, or online to ensure that their contributions reach the causes they intend to support. Important tips to keep in mind include:

  • If you’re contacted by a telemarketer, ask questions to make an informed decision: New York law requires telemarketers soliciting for charities to make certain disclosures to potential donors and prohibits them from making false, misleading, or deceptive statements when soliciting contributions. Telemarketers are required to tell potential donors their names, which professional fundraiser employs them, and if the telemarketer is getting paid. Donors may also ask what percentage of their donation will be paid to the fundraiser for fees and expenses.
  • If you receive a direct mail charitable appeal, verify the soliciting organization: Does the organization have a name that sounds like a well-known charity? Doublecheck — is it the one you think it is? Does the mailing claim to follow up on a pledge that you do not remember making? Does it clearly describe the programs that the charity plans to fund with your donation?
  • If you’re donating online, do your research first: Donating online or via an app is convenient for donors and can be cost effective for a charity. But before hitting “Send,” donors should check whether a campaign is legitimate. Below are steps to take before donating online:
    • Some online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes do not obtain permission from charities, or vet those charities who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should check what fees they will be charged and make sure that the charity has given its permission for the use of its name or logo. The site or the charity should confirm that the charity has approved the campaign.
    • When donating online, make sure the website is secure: The web address should start with “https.” Unless the charity uses a separate payment site, the web address should match that of the organization that will receive the donation.
    • Be wary of email solicitations that ask you to click a link or open attachments. These could be phishing scams that try to trick you into giving out your credit card number, Social Security number, or other confidential information.

More information about the OAG’s Charities Bureau and organizations regulated by it may be found online. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work or that a scam is taking place, please contact the OAG’s Charities Bureau at Charities.Bureau@ag.ny.gov or (212) 416-8401.

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Re: International Peacelighting Day ceremony invitation

 

Greetings fellow New Yorkers,

Tomorrow, November 30th, is the International Candlelighting Day. People everywhere will be lighting candles individually and in groups and dedicate them to the promotion of a peaceful coexistence and the cessation of violence and hate crimes. Wherever you will be lighting your candles from, please share them with the rest of the world with a hashtag #PeaceDecember

We must saturate our traditional & social media platforms with peace and love contents to overwhelm the peddlers of violent and hateful contents. We can no longer be silent to hatred, violence or terrorism from extremists. They are a minority while we are the overwhelming majority. Evil only persists in environments where it’s not challenged.

If you are in the Bronx and Harlem areas, please join our Candlelighting ceremony in the Bronx.

It will be cold so please dress warm and don’t forget to bring your own candles. We will light the candles in unison immediately upon the sunset to welcome the commencement of #PeaceDecember2021

 

Lighting Ceremony Venue:

Joyce Kilmere Park 955 Walton Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452, 161 Street and Grand Concourse, across from the Bronx County Building.

Date: November 30, 2021

Time: 4-6pm

Contact: Sheikh Musa Drammeh at 718-822-5555

 

Established in 2010, Peace December promotes peace in our homes and communities. Our ultimate goal is to help achieve world peace. Peace December is also a peace hub (a network of pro-peace organizations), through which one can connect with other organizations that promote peace, and to organizations providing peace-related services. We help those in need of peace-related services, from couples counseling and conflict resolution, to mediation. In addition, we host a wide range of projects year-round, including peace rallies and our popular music marathon. Our members are a diverse team of volunteers who are committed to providing the highest level of service to those in need. In short, we are a dynamic group of peace-loving individuals who promote peace! Even as we continue to evolve and grow, we remain unwavering in reaching our goal – the peaceful coexistence of all people. 

Our Mission:

To promote peace and non-violence year-round, through creative and targeted events, and to make peace-related services more accessible to those in need.

Our Ultimate Goal: 

We want all people and nations to coexist peacefully and cerebrate diversity through mutually beneficial relationships.


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34 Days and Counting

 


I want to say a few words about the new COVID variant called Omicron. I say it is very dangerous and people need to be vaccinated in order not to get sick or hospitalized. Stories on the media from expert doctors say this is a mild strain, which feels no worse than a mild case of the flu. I know better though, and may call for a mandatory lockdown. Let me bring in Mayor Elect Eric Adams for a few words.


That's enough from you Eric, but I am still the mayor, and I will be dropping the ball on New Year's Eve. I will make the policy for New York City until they carry me out of City Hall. You can change whatever you want after I am gone, and I am sure that you will, that is why my people are now finding new jobs elsewhere.  

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Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 28, 2021

 COVID-19 vaccine vial and syringe

71,547 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

31 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday


 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"We're entering a new phase of the COVID-19 pandemic where it's more important than ever for every eligible New Yorker to get vaccinated," Governor Hochul said. "Cases are rising throughout New York State, and the new Omnicron variant poses a very real threat to the progress we've made. Vaccines are our best way to protect all our families this holiday season — so please get your shot today."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 145,189
  • Total Positive - 6,147
  • Percent Positive - 4.23%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.05%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 2,756 (+60)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 399
  • Patients in ICU - 538 (+25)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 298 (+18)
  • Total Discharges - 215,000 (+314)
  • New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 31
  • Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,443

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

  • Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 56,793

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.

  • Total vaccine doses administered - 29,626,252
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 71,547
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 538,920
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 85.7%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 78.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 90.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 80.5%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 74.0%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 66.3%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.5%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 68.2%
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Sunday, November 28, 2021

NYPD Chief of Department Rodney Harrison Retiring Dec. 30, 2021

 

Led in Several Key Positions, Including as First African American Chief of Detectives

 Police Commissioner Dermot Shea announced today that Rodney Harrison, a 30-year-veteran of the New York City Police Department who is currently the Department’s highest-ranking uniformed officer as the 41st Chief of Department, will be retiring on December 30, 2021.

Chief Harrison’s decision means he will be capping a three-decade-long career in the NYPD that began in June of 1991. Born and raised in the City of New York, he grew up in Rochdale Village in Jamaica, Queens, where, at the urging of his father, he came to view a career in law enforcement as an opportunity to create positive change for residents across New York City. He has dedicated his life to making the city safer and, after being shot at by a violent narcotics dealer while working undercover in the mid-1990’s, was awarded the Departmental Combat Cross for extraordinary heroism.

Harrison is the only Member of the Service who has risen from the rank of Cadet to Chief of Department. In January 2018, he became the Chief of Patrol, managing over 20,000 Members of the Service while implementing the NYPD’s Neighborhood Policing philosophy across all operational commands. In December 2019, incoming Police Commissioner Shea tapped him to become the Chief of Detectives, making him the first African American to hold that title. As the Chief of Detectives, Chief Harrison directed the investigations of crimes during one of the most violent years New York City has experienced in decades.

Earlier this year, Chief Harrison was named Chief of Department, where he oversaw CompStat, directed and coordinated recovery efforts after last year’s sustained protests, and coordinated with community leaders to improve relationships while the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak continued to impact residents of this city.

“Rodney has been not only a trusted advisor, and friend, but exactly the kind of innovative leader our city and our department has needed in these challenging times,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea. “He has performed in every rank – from patrol officer, to undercover officer displaying tremendous valor, to Chief of Department – with knowledge, skill, integrity, and a great passion for our continuing mission to always protect life and property and to build lasting relationships with those we serve. We will miss him, but we wish him well.”

Chief Harrison is deep-rooted in the NYPD. His wife is a retried NYPD lieutenant. Two of their adult daughters, Amber and Tyra, were recently sworn in as uniformed members of the New York City Police Department and are assigned as Patrol Officers on our city’s streets.

“I’m extremely proud to have worked tirelessly, over my entire career, protecting people and giving back to the city’s communities,” said Chief Harrison. “It’s been an honor to be a part of this great police department, to carry out our intelligence-driven policing strategies, to help develop several lasting reforms, and to build meaningful dialogue with our city’s young people. And I am privileged that two of my children will carry on this important work.”

About Chief of Department Rodney Harrison

Chief Rodney Harrison has served as the Chief of Department since early 2021. He was appointed the Chief of Department position after serving, since December 2019, as the Department’s Chief of Detectives, becoming the first African American officer in the department’s more than 175-year history to serve in that integral investigative position. Prior to that, Chief Harrison served as the Chief of the Patrol Services Bureau where he oversaw the implementation of the Department’s Neighborhood Policing. Chief Harrison began his career with the NYPD as a police cadet in June 1991. A year later, he became a police officer and patrolled the 114th Precinct in Astoria, Queens. In 1994, he was assigned to the Narcotics division. Harrison was awarded the NYPD Combat Cross and was promoted to Detective in 1995. He later worked in various commands in Patrol Borough Brooklyn South and Patrol Borough Brooklyn North—including in the 71 Detective Squad, 73 Detective Squad and 73 Precinct—and in Patrol Borough Bronx. He served as executive officer of 47 Precinct. He has also served as commanding officer of the 28 and 32 Precincts. Harrison was promoted to Deputy Chief while serving in the Internal Affairs Bureau and then held assignments in Patrol Borough Staten Island and Patrol Borough Brooklyn North. He then became the Chief of Detectives of Brooklyn North, overseeing all investigations, before being appointed Chief of Patrol.

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