News from BP Gibson: Resources and Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

We had a great week as we traveled across the borough spending time with many of you. On Thursday, we held our Kosova Independence Day event and honored some incredible leaders and trailblazers making a difference in our city. Our office also partnered with elected officials, city agencies, community leaders, and nonprofit partners to provide food, PPE and COVID-19 home testing kits in various neighborhoods throughout the borough, made visits to several schools, supported some of our local businesses, participated in cultural celebrations, and so much more. 

I also want to remind you that New Yorkers who get either their first vaccine shot or a booster dose at vaccination sites operated by the city or the SOMOS community care network will receive a $100 bonus, issued via a pre-paid debit card. Please continue to encourage your loved ways to get vaccinated.

Additionally, I want to once again remind you that applications to join your local community board are open, and we are encouraging everyone ages 16 and up to apply. You can click HERE for more information on how to apply in English or in Spanish.

 

As always, I remain committed to leading this borough forward as we work towards building a healthier, safer Bronx for everyone.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or by emailing webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

In the Community

Borough President Gibson joins Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs to celebrate Black History Month and thank essential workers at Lincoln Hospital. Borough President Gibson visits The Bronx River Community Center for their monthly game night.

Borough President Gibson and Deputy Borough President Peguero join the Association of Dominican-American Supervisors and Administrators for their Dominican Heritage Month celebration. Deputy Borough President Peguero visits The Lit Bar, a small locally owned business in The South Bronx and the only Bronx based bookstore.

Borough President Gibson joins Council Member Oswald Feliz and Assembly Member Chantel Jackson to distribute COVID-19 home testing kits at Twin Parks East Apartments. Borough President Gibson and Acting Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez celebrate the Independence of Kosova.

Borough President Gibson attends the Black History Month event at Dr. Richard Izquierdo Health and Science Charter School and speaks with students. Borough President Gibson speaks with students at Bronx School for Law, Government and Justice about civic engagement.

Borough President Gibson joins Bronx Executive Superintendent Erika Tobia at West Bronx Academy for the Future to distribute tablets to students impacted by the Twin Parks Northwest Apartment fire. Borough President Gibson speaks with students at Samara Community School.

Borough President Gibson and Council Member Velazquez distribute COVID-19 home testing kits on City Island. Borough President Gibson cuts the ribbon on a new school-based health clinic at PS/MS 004 in Crotona Park West.

Borough President Gibson visits R.A.I.N. Eastchester Older Adult Center to celebrate Valentine's Day. Borough President Gibson joins her fellow Borough Presidents to introduce the Million More Trees Initiative. Celebrating Culture in The Bronx Join us on Friday, February 25, 2022 for our Black History Month Celebration! Doors Open: 5:30pm Location: 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, Bronx, NY Fire Safety Task Force In response to the fire at Twin Parks North West, I joined with my colleagues on the federal, state and local level to form a Fire Safety Task Force dedicated to finding legislative solutions to preventing another horrific tragedy. Congressman Torres and Senator Schumer have already announced federal legislation that would address: SPACE HEATERS A federal law to require space heaters to have an automatic shutoff and to require the Commission on Consumer Product Safety to establish mandatory safety standards for the manufacturing of space heaters.   SELF-CLOSING DOORS  A federal law requiring federally funded or regulated multi-family developments to have self-closing doors (on apartment units, stairwells, etc.) and requiring owners and operators to inspect and certify—under penalty of perjury, on a monthly basis—that the doors are properly functioning and self-closing.    HEAT SENSORS A federal law requiring the installation of heat sensors in all federally funded or regulated multi-family housing developments. HUD, as well as the state and local housing administrator, shall receive real-time reports that flag when the level of heating in a unit is out of compliance with Housing Quality Standards when it comes to heat.    COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STATE & LOCAL BUILDING, FIRE, & HOUSING CODES A federal law clarifying that federally funded or regulated multi-family housing developments are required to comply with state and local building, fire, and housing codes.    HOUSING QUALITY STANDARD (HQS) INSPECTIONS A federal law to require HUD to disclose the results of HQS inspections in a publicly searchable online database.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or by emailing webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 21, 2022

 

Statewide Hospitalizations Below 2,600 - Lowest Since Before Thanksgiving

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity Is Below 2.20 Percent

41 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"The virus is in retreat, but our fight against this pandemic isn't over," Governor Hochul said. "While it might be tempting to let our guard down, I urge all New Yorkers to please remain vigilant and use the tools we have at our disposal. Vaccines work - get your shot if you haven't yet, get boosted if you have, and make sure your friends and family do the same." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:  

• Test Results Reported - 75,109
• Total Positive - 1,483
• Percent Positive - 1.97%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.16%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,522 (-52)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 216
• Patients in ICU - 440 (-3)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 239 (-6)
• Total Discharges - 283,877 (+236)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 41
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,492   

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 - 68,628   

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 - 36,720,330
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 9,656
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 213,076
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.5%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.7%  
• 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) - 85.4%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.1%  
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.1%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.9%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.6%  
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.2%     

Bronx Progressives - Join Us for the Birth of New Bronx-Wide Progressive Organization

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We want to let the public know that at the last Bronx Progressive meeting we were asked to promote it as we are again. We signed up and were given the link as we have been for this event, but at the last event we waited ten minutes to be allowed in. We were then cut off from the meeting when Mr. Michel Beltzer began speaking, and not allowed back into the meeting.  

What were you hiding from us Mr. Beltzer that we don't already know, being experts on the petition process, and challenging petitions? 

We signed up and received the link for this meeting, so If you do not see us at this meeting ask Michael Beltzer why is Robert Press not here?

The Bronx is a wonderful place to live, but It has many needs. Our community deserves better, yet we continue to see game-changing bills held up in committees in the New York State. If enough Bronxites join together and make their voices heard, we can improve our chances to effect that change!

On Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM progressives from all over the Bronx will join together on Zoom to launch a Bronx chapter of the New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), an affiliate of the national group Our Revolution. Join with them and us and be part of something which will make a difference.

Our speakers will be two Bronx legislators who are lead sponsors on important bills:

State Senator Gustavo Rivera will speak on The New York Health Act which would fix our broken healthcare system.

Assembly Member Karines Reyes will speak on The New Deal For CUNY which would restore free tuition to the CUNY system and make sure it is funded adequately.

There will also be speakers who will explain how you can influence the Democratic Party by running for seats on the New York State and Bronx County Committees.

Come and make a difference together on Thursday, March 3rd at 7:00 PM.

To RSVP For The Zoom

CLICK HERE 

Brothers Sentenced in Heroin Trafficking Conspiracy

 

 Two Louisville men were sentenced on Friday, February 18, 2022, for conspiring to distribute over three-quarters of a kilogram of heroin in Jefferson County, Kentucky.  Marcus Bennett, 44, was sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiring to distribute over 700 grams of heroin.  Eric Bennett, 43, was sentenced to 11 ½ years in prison for his role in the heroin trafficking conspiracy, as well as an additional 5 years to be served consecutively, for a total sentence of 200 months, for carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. 

The Bennett brothers had been charged in connection with the drive-by shooting of a U.S. Postal carrier that took place on February 10, 2016.  The mail carrier survived the shooting, and the case went to trial in late June 2021.  The Defendants were acquitted of charges related to the shooting but convicted of possessing and selling a significant quantity of heroin during the same time period.

“I commend the work of the prosecution team and the Postal Inspectors who investigated this case,” stated United States Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky.  “Those who conspire to distribute illegal drugs in our communities should note that such activity will end with a lengthy stay in a federal prison – where parole is not an option.” 

“The United States Postal Inspection Service diligently conducts investigations such as these to protect the mail system from being used for criminal purposes, such as drug transportation,” stated Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the Pittsburgh Division. “These efforts continue to keep our communities safe from illegal drugs.” 

The United States Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Marisa J. Ford prosecuted the case.

Speaker Adams, Responds to Governor Hochul’s Mental Health Investments & Mayor Adams’ Subway Safety Plan

 

New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams released the following statements in response to Governor Kathy Hochul’s investments into mental health care and Mayor Eric Adams’ subway safety plan, jointly announced.

Speaker Adrienne E. Adams said, “Increased mental health care resources and responses are essential to advancing public health and safety in New York City, whether it’s inside or outside of the transit system. Governor Hochul’s actions to increase state funds for mental health care and supportive housing are greatly needed and appreciated. Mayor Adams’ plan to expand the B-HEARD program that utilizes mental health professionals to respond to mental health-related 911 calls is a welcomed approach as well. When we focus on intervening early to prevent crises with the right response and responders, it is in best interest of New Yorkers’ health and safety.

“There are parts of the Mayor’s subway safety plan that seem positive and we look forward to reviewing in more detail, such as the increase in health services at DHS sites, creation of drop-in centers near subway stations, and increased coordination across government,” continued Speaker Adams. “Other areas of the plan need to be examined in greater detail. When it comes to ramping up NYPD enforcement of MTA rules of conduct to force people out of the subway system, we need to be very careful that those efforts aren’t counterproductive by criminalizing people who are in need of housing or treatment. Cycling people through a destabilizing revolving door of the criminal justice system to end up in a worse condition back on the subways and our streets would only make us less safe. For those who need housing or treatment, outreach workers empowered with real pathways to the solutions people need are best equipped to ensure we solve underlying challenges.

“We thank the Governor and Mayor for their continued attention to these issues and look forward to partnering to ensure we are employing the most effective approaches to make New York City healthier and safer.”

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Boosting Cybersecurity Preparations and Readiness

 

"In light of current geopolitical uncertainty, earlier yesterday I convened cabinet members from relevant areas to review our ongoing cybersecurity preparedness efforts and make sure that New Yorkers, our institutions, and our critical infrastructure are protected from cyber-facilitated disruptions. We are in regular touch with the White House and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure coordination. 

"The reality is that because New York State is a leader in the finance, healthcare, energy, and transportation sectors, our state is an attractive target for cyber criminals and foreign adversaries.

"My Administration has taken significant steps to prepare for what have become increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, including my recent budget proposal to invest $62 million in our cybersecurity protections, which is more than double from last year. Cabinet leaders will continue reviewing their cyber-risk management readiness and communicate with relevant industry and government partners to ensure threat intelligence is being relayed as quickly as possible.

"It is my top priority to keep New Yorkers safe, and we will remain vigilant by continuing to monitor for threats and ramping up our cybersecurity shields as necessary. 

"New Yorkers should also remember they are vulnerable to cyberattacks on their personal devices, and I encourage them to use best practices around passwords and multi-factor authentication, and to make sure that older loved ones are protected from scams."

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. - Blessed Are Those Who Suffer Persecution For The Sake of The Gospel

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Former NYC Councilman

Rev. Ruben Diaz

 You should know that the persecution against the followers of Jesus Christ goes back two thousand years, beginning with our Lord Jesus Himself.

For too long the community of faith has been going through a dark period where we are finding ourselves increasingly marginalized, shamed and yes persecuted. Should we publicly express our beliefs and support for traditional marriage as being between a man and a woman, or when we express our support for the sanctity of life and against abortion, immediately a believer is subjected to repudiation, being ostracized, persecuted, subjected to name calling like homophobic, preacher of hate, and accused of hate speech. This has reached a level where any one opposing Gay marriage risks losing their jobs or not being hired to any position within the government. 

It is important for you to know that, of all the religions of the world, the Christian faith, Catholic and Evangelical, the followers of Christ Jesus, stand out as having a generational trajectory of benevolence and goodwill towards serving humanity, irrespective of who is being served. Christians go where the need arises. Christians historically serve as missionaries, helping to feed and shelter the needs of the worlds less fortunate. Christians are the largest donors and supporters of charitable causes world wide. 

Christians for over 2,000 years have been martyred for their faith. They have been crucified, burned alive, imprisoned, enslaved, and fed to lions, because they refused to deny their faith. They stood firm in their faith and remained true to the word of God. For that they suffered persecution and paid with their lives. 

The Christian Faith especially the "Evangelical Pentecostal Faith" does not approve of dancing, or smoking, or marking our bodies with tattoos, we don’t drink alcoholic beverages, we are against usury, abortions, same sex marriage and many other things that the Holy Scriptures stipulate are not pleasing to God. However, this does not mean that we preach hate or that we hate or reject any human being, because rejecting a human being (Gay or Straight) is also not pleasing to God.

To my fellow Pastors, Evangelists, and lay people who today are required to deny their faith, in order to have a job in New York City, I advise you to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Sermon on the Mount when He said these prophetic words:

 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12) 

To my fellow colleagues in the ministry, the Hispanic people, especially those of you who profess to believe in the teachings of the Bible; I want to remind you of something that is written in, Revelation 13:14-17, which says that in the last days a new form of government will come into power that will require all people to accept its edicts. Failure to conform will prohibit the individual from acquiring work, and from buying, or selling. Failure to conform to the edicts, mandates, and or beliefs set forth by this totalitarian government will be prosecuted. In my opinion the church is witnessing a precursor of what is to come.  

You should know, my dear reader, that in 1985 Dr. Apostle Kittim Silva Bermúdez named me "The Prophet of Justice."  Since then, I have tried to live up to that description by standing firm in defense of my faith and the word of the Lord.  

Unfortunately, our people, Community of believers, and our leaders in the faith continue to support, vote, and elect candidates from the same political Party that continuously marginalizes the Christian Community by making it clear that if we dare express our opinions based on our religious beliefs, we are not welcomed and need not apply to certain jobs. Far too often we have not been considered for jobs solely based on political pressures coming from special interest groups like the LGBTQ community and what they have to say on the matter.   

It is time for Ministers, Churches, and the Hispanic community in general to wake up from the lethargic state many of them have fallen into. We must begin to defend our rights guaranteed in the 1^st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, “Freedom of Religion and Expression”. We must protect our God given rights, beliefs, our culture, and biblical doctrines passed down from our grandparents. 

You should know that this can only be achieved when people of faith learn how to vote. With the power of our vote, we can send a very important message, that although we may be registered Democrats, Republicans, Socialists, or Communists, we are Christians first.   

Let it be known that our party affiliation does Not define who we are. We identify as Christians first, and who we vote for must reflect that. 

Wake up Christians! Wake up Hispanics! Defend Your Rights!

I am the Rev. Ruben Diaz "Prophet of Justice”, and this is What You Should Know. 

Black Health and Black Wellness Event at Lincoln Hospital

Friday was the Black Health and Black Wellness event at Lincoln Hospital which was attended by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and also by Mayor Eric Adams. There was an introduction by Lincoln Hospital CEO Christopher Roker on screen of how Lincoln Hospital now has a new Red Carpet approach to the patients who come to the hospital.    

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke saying in celebrating her ancestors, she has made history as the first Black Female Bronx Borough President. She went on to say that we must prepare the next generation of Black people to continue further. This is a reminder of what we have overcome, but as Mayor Eric Adams says 'We have to get stuff done'.

Mayor Eric Adams then said, there were 109 mayors before him, but he is the first mayor to understand the needs of the Black people of New York City. When people tell you to go back to your own country, to tell them to go back to theirs. He then mentioned the problems that many ethnic cultures had when they came to America. He wants to lead to a better moment for the city, it is an American dream. 

After the mayor and Bronx BP left there was a panel discussion on building a better, healthier community in mind and body through Healthy Lifestyles. Eight people on the panel lead by Doctor Watkins, a mental health expert who spoke of the stress of the past two years of the Pandemic. Sheikh Musa Drammah is the creator of the Healthy Lifestyles program that is being introduced into the public school system, that will teach children to eat better, and live better. The goal is to become a better and healthier Bronx, and not the first in all bad things, while being last in all good things. Other panel members gave their own experience of a healthier lifestyle, be it a community vegetable garden, or more green space in the concrete buildings. 

Mayor Adams speaking at Lincoln Hospital. 

Before leaving Lincoln Hospital Mayor Adams had a healthy drink.

Both photos are courtesy of the mayor's office.

The panel on Healthy Lifestyles. Sheikh Musa Drammah speaks here on the Healthy Lifestyles program. Famous people from Black Americana were shown on the screen in the background.