Bronx NP Diaz Jr. Lights His Last Bronx Borough Christmas Tree as BP

It was a cool Thursday evening at Joyce Kilmer Park opposite the Bronx Courthouse, but it would be the last Christmas Tree there that current term-limited Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. would light as the BP. A beautiful tree with over one thousand lights on it, but before there would be some entertainment thanks to LAX96.3 radio, and the NYPD La Jara band and singers. 

Lax96,3 gave out to one lucky young girl an autographed New York Giants football, and handed out dozens of Giants cups to members of the crowded audience inside the pen. Borough President Diaz Jr. came out to inform the crowd this is the last time he will be lighting the Bronx Christmas Tree as the Bronx Borough President due to term limits ending his twelve plus years as Bronx Borough President. Ruben Diaz Jr. was elected Bronx Borough President on April 21, 2009 in a special election to replace previous Bronx Borough President Carrion who took a position in the Obama Administration. 

The large crowd at Joyce Kilmer Park to see the lighting of the Bronx Christmas tree opposite the Bronx County Building.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. waits as he watches an autographed Giants football given to one lucky young girl in the audience.

On stage Bronx BP Diaz Jr. opened with his, 'Is the Bronx in the House'?

NP Diaz Jr. explains why this is his last Bronx Christmas Tree lighting, because he is term-limited out of office on January 1, 2022.

The Choir from the Celia Cruz High School performed.

Also performing up to the countdown of the tree lighting were the NYPD La Jara, a sixteen member special unit of Latin musical police officers. Their mission is to bring unity through music. 

The Bronx Christmas Tree was light, and then it was off to Santa's Workshop.

Santa's Workshop on the Concourse.

DEC CLIMATE JUSTICE WORKING GROUP TO MEET

 

What: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) 13-member Climate Justice Working Group, established under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), will hold a meeting on Monday, Dec.13. The Climate Justice Working Group is tasked with establishing criteria for identifying disadvantaged communities for the purposes of co-pollutant reductions, greenhouse gas emissions reductions, regulatory impact statements, and the allocation of investments pursuant to the CLCPA.

During this meeting, the CJWG will be voting on the draft disadvantaged communities (DACs) definition and criteria. The meeting will be conducted by teleconference. Members of the public are welcome to listen to the meeting via webcast.

When: Monday, Dec.13, 1 p.m. ET 

Where:https://meetny-broadcast-pilot.webex.com/meetny-broadcast-pilot/onstage/g.php?MTID=ea73c664cf51408f5701bea3f9f80d1cb

Audio: Dial 1-518-549-0500; Access code: 2331 106 3561#

Additional Information:

This meeting will also be recorded and posted on the Climate Act website within three days, or as soon as practicable.

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Mark Gaskill

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Mark Gaskill of Rochester. After conducting an exhaustive investigation, OSI concluded that the actions that led to Mr. Gaskill’s death did not rise to the level of criminal conduct by officers from the Rochester Police Department (RPD). OSI’s review of the incident included footage from multiple police body-worn cameras, street surveillance videos, interviews with relevant witnesses, ballistics testing, and other forms of evidence.

In the early morning hours of May 14, 2021, members of RPD were summoned to a neighborhood in the City of Rochester following alerts of gunshot activity from ShotSpotter, an automated gunshot detection technology. Using street surveillance video, RPD was able to view and track a car leaving the scene of the gun activity in real time.

The car pulled over a few minutes later and members of RPD approached it. They spoke to Mr. Gaskill, who was in the back seat, and another passenger who said they were going to a hospital because the driver of the vehicle was unwell. An officer asked for their identification and Mr. Gaskill provided him with a false identity and date of birth. While on scene, officers received additional information indicating the car likely had been involved in the gunshot activity of a few minutes earlier, detected by ShotSpotter. Officers returned to the vehicle to speak to Mr. Gaskill. As they were attempting to open the vehicle door, the two officers allegedly saw Mr. Gaskill reach to the right side of his waistband and draw a gun with his right hand. Footage from both officers’ body-worn cameras show the officers retreating from the car and repeatedly directing Mr. Gaskill to drop the gun. While both officers continued to retreat from the vehicle, Mr. Gaskill allegedly opened the rear passenger-side door, and, as he appeared to get out of the car, the officers ordered him to show his hands, and then discharged 11 shots, striking Mr. Gaskill six times. After the shooting, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, found near Mr. Gaskill’s right hand, was recovered from the car. Firearms analysis confirmed that the gun was the same gun that fired the gunshots detected by ShotSpotter earlier that morning.

Under New York’s justification law, in order to sustain charges against the officers for causing Mr. Gaskill’s death, OSI would need to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the officers were not justified in their use of deadly, physical force against Mr. Gaskill. In order to meet that burden, OSI would need to prove that the officers’ belief that Mr. Gaskill was about to use deadly, physical force was not reasonable or, alternatively, that the officers could have avoided using deadly, physical force by retreating with complete safety to themselves and others. In light of the facts and circumstances of this case, including but not limited to the fact that a loaded handgun was recovered from Mr. Gaskill after the shooting, OSI cannot meet that burden. 

“My office is committed to conducting fair and thorough investigations into every case we review,” said Attorney General James. “Based on an extensive review of the facts of this case, OSI determined that the officers involved were not unjustified in their use of deadly force, as the law requires for bringing criminal charges. Despite the conclusive evidence in this case, I know Mr. Gaskill’s family is still coping with the loss of a loved one, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Gaskill family.”

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - DECEMBER 10, 2021

 

142,265 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

55 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"As the weather gets colder and New Yorkers gather indoors with friends and family to enjoy the holiday season we must ensure that we remain vigilant and keep COVID-19 infections from moving in the wrong direction," Governor Hochul said. "The way out of this pandemic is clear — get the vaccine if you have not yet, get your second dose if you've only had one, and get the booster if you've had both. Encourage your loved ones to get vaccinated and mask up and we'll be enjoying a post-pandemic New York in no time."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported - 268,372
• Total Positive - 11,203
• Percent Positive - 4.17%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.78%
• Patient Hospitalization - 3,546 (+48)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 499
• Patients in ICU - 680 (+24)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 364 (0)
• Total Discharges - 219,296 (+420)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 55
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 47,015

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 - 59,784

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 - 31,046,551
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 142,265
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 881,917
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 86.6%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 78.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 92.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 81.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 75.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 67.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 79.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 69.5%

Morris Park Christmas Tree Lighting

It was already a dark Wednesday night when the crowd gathered outside Loreto Park to see that some construction work was going on, and to light the Annual Morris Park Christmas Tree. 

Councilman Mark Gjonaj was joined by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Santa Claus, and the Grinch that stole Christmas. Also on hand was the girls choir from St. Francis Xavier under the guidance of Ms. Phyliss Nastacio. The girls Choir' sang some Christmas Songs, as the Grinch tried to steal the Christmas spirit, but Santa saved the night from being stolen by the Grinch.

The Morris Park BID Executive Director gives children ornaments to put on the Christmas Tree. 

The Girls Choir practice singing Christmas songs.

People and children wanted their picture taken with Santa, Senator Biaggi, and the Morris Park BID Executive Director, as the Grinch tried to ruin the photo. 

L -R. Assemblywoman Fernandez, Assemblyman Benedetto, State Senator Biaggi, The Grinch, The Executive Director of the Morris Park BID, Danta, Councilman Gjonaj, and District Keader Irene Estrada.

State Senator Biaggi wishes everyone a safe and Merry Christmas, and happy holidays.

Councilman Gjonaj and Assemblyman Benedetto talk in front of the lit Christmas tree, as the Grinch hovers over them.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S WILLIAM'S STATEMENT ON THE STATEWIDE INDOOR MASK MANDATE

 

"Throughout the pandemic I’ve encouraged masking requirements – masks work, and they’re a simple measure we can take to protect ourselves and one another. Today’s policy is an important measure to limit the spread of the virus, particularly as people travel and gather indoors for the holidays. Vaccination screening requirements in indoor venues not only protect people in these establishments and encourage them to patronize businesses, but incentivize people to get vaccinated. They’ve worked extremely well in New York City, and the Governor should expand screening requirements statewide.

"At the same time, we know that amid the rise of Omicron and the prevalence of Delta, breakthrough cases are a real risk. I urge New Yorkers to be diligent in masking up indoors, regardless of the vaccination requirements of the venue. As we have seen, we cannot delay and risk greater harm or additional restrictions which could have been prevented and avoided. We must take the precautions now to prevent New York from again becoming the epicenter of the epicenter of a deadly surge."

Pelham Parkway Christmas Tree Lighting

 

It was getting colder Wednesday as darkness began to set in at the Christmas tree on Pelham Parkway off White Plains Road. Students from PS 83 were proud to show off their singing talent before the tree lighting, as they sang several Christmas songs as the crowd waited for the lights to go on. PS 83 Principal Brandon Muccino was so proud of his students who were singing as if they were on the stage at Rockefeller Center. 

Councilman Mark Gjonaj, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, and  Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez were set. Assemblywoman Fernandez thanked her fellow elected officials and had to redo her speech when she left out co-sponsor Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association as a co-sponsor. One more song from the PS 83 Glee Club and then the Pelham Parkway Christmas tree was lit. 

The students from PS 83 sang various Christmas songs while everyone waited for the Christmas tree to be lit.

There were refreshments for the crowd. Councilman Mark Gjonaj speaks to a woman who wished him well after he leaves office.

The final Christmas song before the tree was lit.

The children with their principal, and the elected officials stand before the lit Pelham Parkway Christmas Tree.

NLRB Employee Charged With Bribery And Honest Services Fraud

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and David P. Berry, Inspector General of the National Labor Relations Board, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint charging ANETT RODRIGUES with honest services fraud and bribery.  The charges stem from a scheme in which RODRIGUES, an employee of the National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”), provided nonpublic NLRB documents to a co-conspirator in exchange for the regular payment of cash bribes.  RODRIGUES will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison in White Plains federal court later today.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Anett Rodrigues, a trusted employee of a federal agency with access to sensitive nonpublic information, monetized her position to divulge some of that information in exchange for bribes.  Rodrigues’s alleged selling of the information provided a competitive advantage to the alleged bribe payer’s company, but it also leaves Rodrigues facing multiple felony counts.”

As alleged in the Complaint unsealed in White Plains federal court[1]:

The NLRB is a federal agency that enforces United States labor law relating to unfair labor practices and collective bargaining.  Among other functions, the NLRB serves fact-finding and dispute-resolution functions, in which it investigates and resolves disputes between and among labor unions, company management, and company employees throughout the United States, and supervises the formation and elections of labor unions. Employees seeking to engage the NLRB to investigate and resolve a dispute may do so by filing a “charge sheet” outlining their allegations with their local NLRB regional office, and employees seeking the NLRB’s assistance in forming or joining a union can do so by filing a “petition” with their local NLRB regional office.  These charge sheets and petitions are not immediately publicly available, though they are provided to the companies involved, typically within a matter of days, and may be available in redacted form via Freedom of Information Act requests, typically within a matter of weeks.

ANETT RODRIGUES used her employment with the NLRB to provide a competitive advantage to a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) who operated a Westchester County-based company that offered consulting services to clients – principally law firms – appearing before the NLRB. Between approximately 2017 and approximately 2021, RODRIGUES regularly provided cellphone photographs of NLRB charge sheets and petitions to CC-1, before they were otherwise available to CC-1 or to the public.  CC-1 in turn sold the documents to clients for a per-document fee.  In exchange this assistance, CC-1 regularly met with RODRIGUES to provide her with cash bribe payments.

RODRIGUES, 53, of Nutley, New Jersey, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud and one count of honest services wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison, and one count of bribery, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NLRB Office of the Inspector General’s investigator and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.