WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz District 18, Bronx County

 

“To a man who stands for principles”   You should know that Andrew Cuomo, when he was governor of New York State, wrote a book titled, "All Things Possible.”   In his book he proudly takes credit for making same sex marriage a reality for the gay and lesbian community in New York State.   Governor Cuomo details the obstacles and struggles that (according to him) he had to go through, so that today men can marry men and women can marry women in our state of New York.    It is important for you to know that in four (4) of the pages of the Governor’s book "All Things Possible” he cites me as one of the greatest obstacles he had to face to pass this marriage bill. Interestingly although I was an obstacle for him in getting same sex marriage passed, he honors me by recognizing, what I consider noble virtues. In his book he mentions my honesty, my faith and commitment to biblical beliefs as a minister of the gospel Jesus Christ.   On page #382 of Governor Cuomo’s book, he explains the problem he faced when he needed (32) thirty-two senators to vote in favor of gay marriage. Governor Cuomo explains this problem when he writes, "We needed thirty-two (32) votes. We knew that one Democrat, Ruben Diaz, a Senator from the Bronx, was a no-go. A Pentecostal minister, he could not be moved to change his mind. That meant we had to lock in the remaining twenty-nine Democrats and sway three Republicans. Difficult? Yes.”   The governor was right.  I could not be moved. I was a “No” vote, and yes, he would have to sway Republicans.   On page #389 the governor explains the “Machiavellian” tactics that Republican Senate Leader Dean Skelos made agreeing to help the governor “sway” some Republicans. Cuomo writes the following:  "In June, Majority Leader Dean Skelos made a clever move that transferred all the pressure from his team to ours. A skillful tactician, he announced that he wouldn’t let the bill go to the floor unless we had all the Democrats with us except Ruben Diaz, the Pentecostal minister who we both knew was unshakeable.”   Explaining his final strategy for getting same-sex marriage passed in the State, Governor Cuomo writes on page #399 of his book the following:   "Republicans had asked for one concession “We don't want long speeches” Skelos told us. They didn’t want political rhetoric to inflame the already nervous Senators.  The Senate Minority Leader, John Sampson, who represented parts of Brooklyn, including Crown Heights and East Flatbush, assured us he would keep the Democrats’ comments to a minimum. The plan was: Get the legislation on the floor. Do a rolling voice vote. Go home. "   The governor continued to describe the deal between Sampson and Skelos (the Republican and Democrat leaders) on page #400.   "Sampson had previewed with both Skelos and Steve, that the only speech from one of their members would be from Senator Diaz, the sole opponent on the Democrats side, who would speak for two (2) minutes. Diaz used to speak from a pulpit, led with, "God, not Albany, has settled the definition of marriage, a long time ago. " And he kept going. When Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy cut him off, he said "Senator, Senator, I know you want to go on, but we have twenty-three people who want to speak on the bill.   The proceedings ground to a halt as Diaz and his allies complained that he had been cut off.”   In all “All Things Possible” on page #402, it’s interesting to note how Cuomo complains that when he arrived at the Senate floor, all prepped up and ready to receive accolades and applause for his efforts in getting same sex marriage passed he writes that: “Almost all the Republicans and Ruben Diaz, who voted against marriage equality, were gone. But all the pro-marriage equality Democratic senators, the advocates and the press were still there.”   What you should know my dear reader is that although I was seen as an obstacle by the Governor and fellow legislators I am recognized, as recorded in “All Things Possible” as a man who was steadfast as a minister of the Gospel. As such I faced much adversity, many doors were closed to me, and I created many enemies for believing as I do, for opposing legislation that clearly went against traditional principles and for being the only Democrat Senator who dared to vote against same-sex marriage.    Governor Andrew Cuomo gifted me a signed copy of his book. When signing the book he personally wrote on the front blank page of the book the following quote: “To A Man Who Stands for Principles.”  It is important for you to also know that the (4) people mentioned by the Governor in his book “All Things Possible” regarding the matter of same sex marriage, them being: Governor Andrew Cuomo himself, Senator Dean Skelos, Senator John Sampson, and yours truly.  Take note that all three Cuomo, Skelos, and Sampson's political careers ended in shame and disgrace.   Skelos and Sampson were convicted and imprisoned for corruption, and Governor Cuomo, as you know was forced to resign from office under allegations of sexual misconduct, etc.   It is also important that you know that the Republicans that jumped shipped and were swayed to vote against their own party, all lost their re-election bid and I, thanks be to God, have concluded my political career with my head held high, and proud to have honorably served the people of New York in both the City Council, and in the New York State Senate. I’m also proud that Governor Andrew Cuomo, in his book, took the time to acknowledge my principals, my commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and recognized me as “A Man Who Stands for Principles.”   I am Former Senator and Former Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and This Is What You Should Know.

Council Member Ruben Diaz

Attorney General James Warns New Yorkers to Beware of Sham Charities Set Up in Response to Bronx Fire

 

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today issued an alert reminding New Yorkers to beware of potentially fraudulent charities created in the wake of yesterday’s horrific fire in the Bronx. Anyone who is considering making a donation to organizations that are purportedly assisting victims of the fire, should consider consulting the office’s charitable giving tips before donating. Scammers often use incidents of crisis to perpetuate frauds to divert donations away from the intended recipients. 

“In moments of tragedy, New Yorkers are quick to offer support, donations, and strength to those in need, but too often, individuals take advantage of that kindness,” said Attorney General James. “As we look to aid those who were impacted by the horrific fire in the Bronx yesterday, we must be vigilant and ensure that victims receive each and every donation that is intended for them. My heart is with the Bronx today as we mourn, pray, and heal as one community.”  

Attorney General James offers the following tips for those donating to those impacted by the Bronx fire:  

Check Before Giving. Donate to charities you are familiar with and carefully review information about the charity before you give. Most charities are required to register and file financial reports with the Attorney General's Charities Bureau if they solicit contributions from New Yorkers. Check our website, charitiesnys.com, for financial reports of charities or ask the charity directly for its reports. 

Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and individuals your donation will support. Find out more than just the cause. Find out what organization or entity will receive the money and what programs it conducts or what services it provides. 

Look Into Newly Formed Organizations Carefully. Often, in the aftermath of tragedies, new organizations emerge to meet community needs. While most of these organizations are well-intentioned, and some may provide innovative forms of assistance, some may not have the experience or infrastructure to follow through on their promises, and some may turn out to be scams. 

Solicited by Email? Find Out Who is Soliciting. If you receive a solicitation by email, find out who is behind that email address. Contact the charity whose name is in the email or visit its website to find out if the email is really from the charity. Do not give personal information or your credit card number in response to an email solicitation unless you have checked out the charity. 

Be Careful When Giving Through Social Media or Other Fundraising Sites. Before giving through these social media or fundraising sites, research the identity of the organizer of the fundraising efforts and ask the same questions you would of a charity. Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes may not thoroughly vet those who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should take a close look at the site’s FAQs and Terms and Conditions to see what fees will be charged. Also, don’t assume that charities recommended on social media sites, blogs, or other websites have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself to confirm that the charity is aware of the campaign and has given its approved permission for the use of its name or logo. If available, sign up for updates from the campaign organizer to keep abreast on how contributions to the campaign are being spent. 

Exercise Caution Before You Text A Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message. 

Don't Give Cash. Give directly to the charity either by check made payable to the organization or through the charity's website. 

Be Careful About Personal Information. Be cautious before giving credit card or personal information over the phone, by text message or via the Internet. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization to which you give such information and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate. 

Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work, or that a fundraising or charitable scam is taking place, please contact the Charities Bureau at charities.complaints@ag.ny.gov.  

Cases of Interest for the Week of January 10, 2022 (Appearances/Proceedings May Be Virtual)

 

ADA/Judge/Part #/Status	Defendant Name	Case Details

Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Shahinian, A. Mitchell 77 Decision on Motion	Kyreeq Johnson	Charged with second-degree Assault and additional charges. The defendant allegedly attacked a MTA bus driver on March 24, 2021.
McDonald, S Mitchell 77 Appearance	Jordan Burnette	Charged with Criminal Trespass as a Hate Crime and additional charges. The defendant allegedly vandalized multiple synagogues in Riverdale between April 23, 2021 and May 1, 2021.
Lung, F. Mitchell 77 Conference	Lucas Chajecki	Charged with second-degree Murder and additional charges. The defendant, in concert with another defendant, allegedly shot Isael Lagares on August 16, 2019
Pisahov, L. Fabrizio 77 Appearance	Marvens Thomas	Charged with Attempted Murder in the second-degree and additional charges. The defendant, a Rikers Island inmate, allegedly punched a Correction Officer and stomped on his head and back. The victim sustained bruises and a large laceration to his head, which required 20 stitches.
Reynolds, O. Busching T14 Appearance	Rocky Pena Baez	Charged with Murder, Manslaughter, Gang Assault and additional charges. The defendants, in concert with others, allegedly beat a man with baseball bats on November 11, 2018. The victim, Kiro Carter, died in June 2019 due to injuries that he sustained during the incident.
Dolan, M. McCarty TRP Conference	Stacy Nelson	Charged with second-degree Murder and Manslaughter. The defendant allegedly strangled Leah Gibson on June 7, 1991.
Kamens, E. Mitchell 77 Decision on Motion	Tyrell Livingston	Charged with six counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon and additional charges. The defendant was parked in a bus lane when officers allegedly found a loaded pistol, semi-automatic pistols, and ammunition devices in his car on November 18, 2020.
Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Reynolds, O. Boyle T32 Appearance	Charles Allen Dezmen Bias	Charged with second-degree Murder and additional charges. The defendants, along with several other defendants, allegedly beat and stabbed a man in his apartment on June 19, 2019.
Kline, A. Rosado IDV Conference	Ernesto Valerio	Charged with second-degree Murder, Manslaughter and additional charges. The defendant allegedly stabbed and killed the mother of his children inside a family shelter on October 2, 2019.
Burim, N. Carter 19 Sentencing	Rafael Hollis	Pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter. The defendant shot the victim in front of his five-year-old son and multiple commuters in a subway station on October 4, 2019.
Thursday, January 13, 2022
Suminski, G. McCarty TRP Appearance	Jose Gonzalez	Charged with Murder, Manslaughter and Robbery for allegedly running over FDNY EMT Yadira Arroyo leading to her death while attempting to take off with her ambulance in March 2017.
Baer, K. Adler T21 Sentencing	Angel Torres	Convicted of second-degree Criminal Sexual Act, third-degree Rape and second-degree Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in December 2021. The defendant forced himself on a minor on multiple occasions.
Miller, K. Hornstein 96 Appearance	Johnnie Vickers	Charged with Murder, Manslaughter, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. The defendant allegedly stabbed a man multiple times in February 2021, causing his death.
Friday, January 14, 2022
Carter, J. Fabrizio T11 COC	Michael Lopez	Charged with second-degree Attempted Murder, first-degree Assault, first-degree Reckless Endangerment, and additional charges. The defendant allegedly shot a man and fired multiple shots near two children on June 17, 2021.
Reynolds, O. Busching T14 Appearance	Nasir Greene Kalvin Robinson	Charged with Murder, Attempted Murder and additional charges in the shooting deaths of Eghosa Imafidon, Joel Baba and another individual. The incident happened on July 5, 2020 inside a Claremont apartment building.
Suminski, G. Hornstein 96 Discovery	Adones Betances	Charged with first-degree Murder and additional charges in the killing of 18-year-old Winston Ortiz. The defendant allegedly stabbed and set the victim on fire in an apartment building hallway.

Please note: Court proceedings may be virtual.

DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS ADVISES PROPERTY OWNERS, CONTRACTORS, & CRANE OPERATORS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES DURING HIGH WINDS

 

The New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential wind gusts of up to 35 MPH, starting today, Monday, January 10th, and continuing into Wednesday, January 12^th. Accordingly, DOB is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.   

   

The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action -- issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

   

Winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city. Property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, including cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. The Department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings.   

   

To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:   

 

• Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.   
• Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.   
• Store loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a tool box.   
• Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.   
• Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater.   
• Suspend hoist operations and secure exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 35 mph or greater, unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise.   
• Brace and secure construction fences.            
• Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.   

Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites. 

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:  

  

• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.   
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.   
• Close up and secure patio umbrellas.   
• Secure retractable awnings.   
• Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.   
• Take down tents or follow manufacturer’s instructions to secure them.  
• Check to ensure all gutters, roof drains, and down spouts are cleared of debris to allow for proper drainage.

 

New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911. 

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition. 

Department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the Department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.   

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - JANUARY 9, 2022

 

86,927 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours    

138 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday  

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

"We are not defenseless against this winter surge,” Governor Hochul said. “We have the tools to bring down the numbers and we need everyone to do their part. Please get your second dose and booster if eligible, get your children vaccinated if you haven't already, wear your mask, and stay home if you're feeling unwell.”

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported – 401,466
• Total Positive – 79,777
• Percent Positive – 19.87%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 21.71%
• Patient Hospitalization – 11,747 (-96)
• Patients Newly Admitted – 1,768
• Patients in ICU – 1,519 (+36)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 765 (45)
• Total Discharges – 243,451 (+1,722)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 138
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 49,485

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 – 61,859

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 – 34,384,727
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 86,927
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 617,920
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 89.7%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 80.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 83.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 78.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 70.3%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 85.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 72.4%

 

NYC Public Advocate WILLIAMS' STATEMENT ON TRAGIC BRONX FIRE

 

"My prayers for peace and comfort go to the family of each victim of today’s tragic fire in the Bronx, one of the deadliest in our city’s recent history.

"I offer heartfelt thanks to the hundreds of firefighters who risked their lives to battle severe smoke to save their fellow New Yorkers. Our city is better and safer because of your work each day, and many families will be able to hold their loved ones because of your bravery. As we move forward from this devastating loss, my office will be available to provide assistance as this community recovers from such a terrible tragedy."

MAYOR ADAMS STATEMENT ON “OUR CITY, OUR VOTE” LEGISLATION - 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com - Gmail

 

 “I believe that New Yorkers should have a say in their government, which is why I have and will continue to support this important legislation. While I initially had some concerns about one aspect of the bill, I had a productive dialogue with my colleagues in government that put those concerns at ease. I believe allowing the legislation to be enacted is by far the best choice, and look forward to bringing millions more into the democratic process.”

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Today's Tragic Fire at 333 E 181st Street

 

"This is a devastating day for our borough. I’m incredibly heartbroken by the extensive loss of life as a result of the massive fire that broke out at 333 E 181 Street earlier today. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those who perished as they mourn their loved ones. I also pray for the recovery of those who sustained critical injuries due to this fire.

While the cause of this fire are still unknown, we do know that it has caused irreparable damage and heartbreak. If you or someone you know were affected by this terrible tragedy, please do not hesitate to call my office at 718-933-2034 for assistance. Further, the Red Cross has opened a reception center at nearby school MS 391 located at 2190 Folin Street to provide assistance to those impacted by the fire. They can also call 877-RED CROSS to register and for information.

Finally, I want to thank the FDNY, EMTs, and other first responders for courageously working to help these families."