I hope the Brooklyn Nets have enough players for tonight's game against the Orlando Magic. If the COVID related sit out of players continues much longer I may call my friends at the Net to remind them who got them the stadium and all those tax breaks.
I'll remind them that after January 1st I will be a free agent. I have the photos of me shooting hoops in the Bronx from that ace political reporter Robert Press, who took photos when I was shooting hoops in the Bronx with Councilman Oswald Feliz.
Dear Friends,
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Defendant Exposed Himself and Ejaculated on Officer
Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Rikers Island inmate has been indicted for Harassment of a female Department of Correction Officer.
District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly harassed a DOC Officer by committing demeaning acts toward her. The victimized officer, a 53-year-old woman, has been deeply shaken by this incident. This indictment shows this behavior will not be tolerated. DOC Officers should be treated with respect and should not be subjected to repulsive incidents while on the job.”
District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Christopher Galliego, 29, an inmate in Rikers Island, was arraigned today on Aggravated Harassment of an Employee by an Inmate, seconddegree Obstructing Governmental Administration, and second-degree Harassment before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado. The defendant is due back in court on March 18, 2022.
According to the investigation, on May 21, 2021, at approximately 7:17 a.m. in the North Infirmary Command of Rikers Island, the defendant allegedly called the 53-year-old DOC Officer, to his cell gate. When she approached him, he exposed himself to her and ejaculated on her gloves and leg. The matter was taken in for testing and was positively identified as seminal fluid.
District Attorney Clark thanked DOC Correction Intelligence Bureau Investigator John Cammisuli for his work on the case.
An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.
Gift Cards are More Popular Than Ever
Follow Basic Gift Card and Gift Certificate Purchasing Tips this Holiday
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) today released tips to inform and empower New York consumers purchasing gift cards and gift certificates this holiday season. Gift cards are increasingly popular, so it is important for consumers to understand the pitfalls surrounding gift cards in order to avoid scams.
“The convenience of gift cards makes them a very popular present to give and receive during the holiday season,” said Acting Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “If gift cards are on your holiday shopping list, the Division of Consumer Protection encourages you to know your rights when it comes to buying and using them to purchase goods.”
In New York, consumers who buy and use gifts cards have protections. Current law states that no gift card may expire earlier than five years from the date of purchase and requires businesses to prominently post the ‘Terms and Conditions’ that apply to their gift cards, including the procedure to replace a missing card.
Below are tips consumers should keep in mind when buying and using gift cards this holiday season:
Consumers having difficulty with an existing gift card are encouraged to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection. The Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation, between the consumer and business, when the consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own.
The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-
129,464 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours
60 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Over the Last Two Days
Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.
"The winter surge in COVID-19 cases is a reminder that the pandemic is not over yet and we must take extra care to keep ourselves and each other safe," Governor Hochul said. "The vaccine is still our best weapon to defeat the virus and ensure we are safe from serious illness. Get the shot if you haven't yet and the booster if you have, mask up, and wash your hands."
Today's data is summarized briefly below:
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.
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.
With this agreement, the City has reached pattern-conforming contract agreements for the current round of bargaining with approximately 89% of the unionized workforce
Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a tentative contract agreement with the Sergeant’s Benevolent Association. Under this agreement, approximately 4,700 NYPD Sergeants will receive wage increases consistent with the uniformed pattern.
“NYPD Sergeants work side by side with communities to keep our city safe every single day,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This is a fair deal that will raise wages for 4,700 employees, consistent with our uniformed pattern.”
“We are proud to have reached this agreement with SBA, which is the culmination of years of collective bargaining. This workforce is a critical component of the NYPD’s public safety effort, and this contract is a fair and equitable recognition of these employees’ important work,” said Commissioner of Labor Relations Renee Campion.
“After three years of often arduous negotiations, I am happy that we reached a contract settlement. It was nice that it came at this time of year and I believe the membership will be happy with the terms,” said Vincent Vallelong, President of the Sergeant’s Benevolent Association.
The term of the agreement is August 30, 2018 through December 9, 2021, including a contract extension of 3 months and 9 days. The wage increases will constitute 7.95% over three years, following the pattern of those negotiated with the Uniformed Officers Coalition:
8/30/18: 2.25%
8/30/19: 2.50%
8/30/20: 3.00%
In addition, the parties agreed on increases to longevity pay and to the City’s contribution to the legal representation fund, and the agreement includes a recognition of the NYPD’s right to equip Sergeants with body-worn cameras. The cost of this settlement in the current fiscal year, including retroactive payments going back to August of 2018, is approximately $200 million, which has already been funded.
The terms of the agreement must be approved by SBA membership.
With this agreement, the City has reached pattern-conforming contract agreements for the current round of bargaining with approximately 89% of the unionized workforce.
Dear Community,
In recent days we have seen the COVID-19 winter surge in full force. Positivity and hospitalization rates have increased significantly over the last week, and we must continue to stay vigilant in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the virus. Please continue to get vaccinated, get your booster shot, get tested, wear a mask, and practice social distancing – these remain our best protections against the virus. See below in the COVID-19 updates section for additional information and resources.
Earlier this week, I hosted a virtual town hall regarding the proposed homeless shelter on 6661 Broadway in Riverdale. I was joined by Joslyn Carter, the Administrator of the Department of Homeless Services. The purpose of the town hall was to answer any questions or concerns the community had regarding the shelter, and to share all of the information my office has on the proposed shelter. It was a productive conversation and I appreciated many of the thoughtful questions that were asked. For those who were unable to attend or would like more information, please refer to this informational fact sheet for answers to FAQs and information that was provided at the town hall. If you still have any unanswered questions, you can ask them using this form and a member of my team will get back to you.
Lastly, my office will be closed from Monday, December 20th until Monday, January 3rd in observance of the holidays. If you need assistance during this time, please reach out to my team at biaggi@nysenate.gov or call 718-822-2049. On behalf of Team Biaggi and myself, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! I hope everyone has a joyous, safe, and wonderful holiday season, and I look forward to connecting with you all in 2022.
With Gratitude,
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi
EDITOR'S NOTE:
When you read this you should know that it comes from the office of Mayor Bill de Blasio.
The de Blasio administration today released the NYC Service Legacy Report, showcasing the last eight years of service and volunteer efforts across the five boroughs made possible through partnerships with non-profits, residents, businesses and City agencies. The report illustrates ways NYC Service has deepened and expanded civic engagement through service programs, resource development, and innovative capacity building. During the de Blasio administration, NYC Service has built on its legacy with vital programs, such as a citywide volunteer inventory, emergency funding for nonprofits, a 1,700-member youth leadership council network, and four AmeriCorps programs.
“For the last eight years, my administration has worked tirelessly to lay a solid foundation for our city’s future and build a united New York where all our residents could rise,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The ability of nonprofits, businesses, and City agencies to leverage this growing spirit of service is a testament to New Yorkers showing up for each other when it’s needed most. NYC Service has been at the forefront of this work, providing support and resources to the people who choose to serve our great city.”
“At the heart of NYC Service are countless individuals who work with extraordinary fervor and give generously of their time and energy. They are people who know the power of civic engagement and know that a bright future is only possible if we invest now in our young people and our communities.” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “I am deeply proud of their work, and the work of nonprofits and businesses, in leveraging the power of partnerships to fight inequities and support vulnerable New Yorkers during the de Blasio administration."
“Over the last eight years, volunteers and AmeriCorps members have played a critical and meaningful role in strengthening our city,” said NYC Chief Service Officer Laura Rog. “One thing has been made clear: people power fuels our City at its core, providing critical support to local communities in the times we need it most. Our deep appreciation goes out to our City agency, nonprofit, and business partners, and especially to our volunteers for their dedication to the residents of NYC.”
Covering nearly a decade, NYC Service’s report displays the importance of volunteerism, the advancement of service participation, prioritization of diversity and inclusion, collaboration amongst partners, and sustainable change driven by residents. NYC Service partnerships and coalitions include over 200 nonprofits, 50 City agencies, 50 businesses, and 40 colleges and universities, with partner networks providing opportunities and support to millions of NYC volunteers each year. Additionally, more than 1,800 AmeriCorps members have served in NYC Service National Service programs since 2013, adding capacity to 35 City agencies and 150 nonprofits.
NYC Service has been at the forefront of volunteerism since its founding in 2009, increasing service opportunities across all five boroughs, and supporting New York City residents with meaningful volunteer and service opportunities, community-based research, and resources.
“The NYC Service’s Legacy Report is a testament to the many ways residents from diverse sectors and communities continue to play an active and essential role in the civic life of our neighborhoods. I congratulate the NYC Service team on their leadership and commitment to connecting, strengthening and promoting a continuum of civic engagement across our city,” said Dr. Sarah Sayeed, Chair & Executive Director, Civic Engagement Commission.
“From text banking New Yorkers encouraging them to make voting plans to observing elections to ensure voters were free to cast their ballots without fear of harassment or intimidation to developing creative content and diverse messaging, our volunteers have done it all and play a crucial role in our voter engagement work,” said Laura Wood, Chief Democracy Officer. “DemocracyNYC is a proud partner of NYC Service and is excited to be a part of a report which highlights the immense impact volunteers have in making voting more accessible in our city.”
“Thanks to NYC Service for its support of our park system during the de Blasio Administration; it has been tremendous over the past eight years,” said NYC Parks Commissioner, Gabrielle Fialkoff. “Core to our agency mission, through NYC Service funding and the City Service Corps, in partnership we have advanced community and volunteer engagement in parks through Shape Up, Stewardship and GreenThumb programming, serving hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers in communities across the city!”
“Our collaboration with NYC Service has empowered New Yorkers to help each other before, during, and after emergencies through volunteerism. NYC Emergency Management and NYC Service also have successfully worked together on the City’s Volunteer Coordination Task Force to coordinate volunteer efforts during emergencies, addressing the City’s greatest needs by providing resources and support to communities in their darkest hour. We look forward to continuing this critical partnership,” said NYC Emergency Management Acting Commissioner Andrew D’Amora.
“This report highlights the critical role volunteers have played during this past administration, especially helping our City recover from the pandemic,” said Raquel Batista, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. “Our partnership with NYC Service, specifically the Americorps members, has helped expand and deepen our volunteer programs and in turn has extended our agency’s reach. These volunteers reflect the communities we serve, helping to educate and inform of city resources, programs, and services. We thank past and current volunteers for their dedication and contributions.”
“YLC gives youth a voice, because youth voices matter,” said Tischelle George, Deputy Director of Resident Engagement at the NYC Housing Authority. “Through YLC, young people get a chance to advocate for the issues they are passionate about.”
“The Department for the Aging has been a proud, longtime recipient of NYC Service funding to support our volunteer programs and efforts. Volunteers are at the heart of our work at DFTA and key to helping achieve our mission. Our partnership with NYC Service has helped to expand our volunteer base and offer additional support for our programs and services to older adults citywide,” Said Edgar Yu, Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs
“New York Cares has been proud to partner with NYC Service throughout the years, especially at the height of the pandemic. We worked with NYC Service on their Volunteer Coordination Taskforce to centralize and coordinate volunteers across the five boroughs,” said Gary Bagley, Executive Director of New York Cares. “Thanks to NYC Service’s support, we deployed thousands of dedicated volunteers to provide critical services to meet pressing community needs, such as delivering millions of meals to residents experiencing food insecurity and connecting isolated New Yorkers to essential services.”
“Receiving support from NYC Service through NYC Civic Corps provided The Bronx is Blooming the ability to reach beyond our capacity and find talented people to help our communities preserve and enhance their local environment,” said Jennifer Beaugrand, Executive Director of The Bronx is Blooming. “As a small non-profit working with communities to conserve their local environment, the NYC Civic Corps AmeriCorps members have helped with everything from running afterschool programming to building us a new website to better engage our constituents. NYC Civic Corps amplifies our impact, better engages our volunteers, provides organizational capacity to support better and more in-depth programming. NYC Civic Corps has provided The Bronx is Blooming expanded capacity, which has in turn facilitated our growth, allowing us to expand our footprint and our team.”
“Being a NYC Civic Corps member from 2018-2019 jump started my career in a way I could have never projected,” said Aaliyah Cardenas, AmeriCorps Alum. It was an opportunity for me to build on myself, while impacting and building a stronger community in New York City. Each and every day spent at my host site was a day where I knew I would be able to put a smile on someone’s face by helping them the way others had helped my family and I when I was growing up. Almost three years later, my experience as a Civic Corps member has come full circle: I’m not only helping New Yorkers who are facing food insecurity, but also mentoring Civic Corps members who are looking for the same opportunity that I was in 2018.”
