Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. Continues to Fight Illicit Smoke Shops

 

Statement From Assemblymember John Zaccaro Jr. on NYC Sheriff’s Office Most Recent Cannabis Investigations 

In an on going effort to combat illicit smoke shops in our community, on January 31st, in partnership with the NYC Sheriff's Office four inspections were carried out in our district. Those businesses included Amigos Grocery and Candy Store Corp (760 Allerton Ave), Amsterdam Cannabis Clubs 1 LLC (795 Allerton Ave), Lydig Organics Corp (711 Lydig Ave), and Park Convenience & Tobacco Corp (1077A Morris Park Ave). 

“I would like to thank the brave men and women of the NYC Sherrif’s Office and everyone involved in the task force charged with stopping what has become a pervasive issue in our neighborhoods—the proliferation of unlicensed tobacco and cannabis products,” said John Zaccaro, Jr.  “As a community, we are united in our mission to ensure that the businesses in our community are a positive value- add.  Let this be a warning that if you are illegally selling tobacco or cannabis products, your day will soon come.”  

The inspections yielded the following: 

• 6 arrests
• 7 notice of violations with 29 violations and 203 counts of violations
• Estimated $234,300 in penalties
• 169.3 cartons of cigarettes seized
• 2,161 packages of other tobacco products seized 
• 8,387 flavored vape products seized
• 433 THC vapes seized
• 543 packages of THC flower weighing a total of 8.46lbs seized
• 537 THC pre-roll weighing a total of 1.5lbs seized
• 232 packages of THC edibles weighing a total of 28.07lbs. seized

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

2024 BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

*UPDATE*

Owing to popular demand (and as a Friday treat), our Black History Month Celebration will be extended by ONE HOUR!

*Please make note of the updated timeframe of 6-9 PM*

There are a limited number of spots still available, so make sure to RSVP ASAP.

I look forward to celebrating with you all!

Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

DOCCS Officer Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Submitting False Leave Notes For Medical Appointments That Never Occured

 

New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang announced the sentencing earlier today of Stephanie Saber, a former New York State correction officer, who submitted forged medical documentation to improperly obtain sick leave benefits from the State.

Saber, 29, of Lewis County, New York, who had previously pled guilty on November 15, 2023, to the felony offense of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, under Penal Law §175.35, was sentenced in Seneca County Court by the Hon. Barry Porsch to five years of felony probation. Seneca County District Attorney John Nabinger appeared on behalf of the People.

The Inspector General’s Investigation, which was prompted by a referral from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), revealed that Saber, who was employed as a correction officer at Five Points Correctional Facility in Romulus, NY, had submitted thirteen false medical notes to justify absences between December 2021 and July 2022. Upon questioning by OIG investigators, Saber admitted that she had created fake notes purporting to be from legitimate medical practitioners to excuse prior absence from work. 

Saber was terminated from DOCCS during the investigation.

“The conduct of this correction officer abusing sick leave benefits is particularly egregious because she was in a prime position to know the impact that shortages in correctional facility staffing pose to the safety of staff and incarcerated individuals alike," said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “By forging these notes to justify unwarranted sick days, she betrayed not only her oath to New York State but her colleagues.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message that the Department does not tolerate fraudulent misconduct from staff and will refer any case to the Office of the Inspector General that defrauds New Yorkers,” said New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Daniel F. Martuscello. “As we face critical staffing shortages, this type of behavior further exacerbates the difficulties of this job and does a disservice to the hardworking staff who show up day in and day out to help keep our communities safe. I commend our Office of Special Investigations for their diligence on this case and thank the Office of the Inspector General for their partnership.”

Inspector General Lang thanked the members of her staff responsible for handling this important matter, including Investigative Counsel Kerry Buske and Investigator Joel Mercer, under the supervision of Chief Investigator Martin Stanford and Deputy Inspector General for the Western Regional Offices Jeffrey Hagen.

Inspector General Lang also expressed her gratitude to the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations for their cooperation in conducting the investigation, the New York State Police for assisting in Saber’s arrest, and District Attorney Nabinger and his staff for their partnership in the prosecution of this case.

If you suspect a state employee has committed fraud, you can file a complaint on our website IG.NY.GOV or by calling 1 (800) DO-RIGHT.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Spend February in Your Favorite Park!

Floodplain Fridays

Every Friday in February - Meet at 10am

PLUS: Thursdays, February 22 & 29 - Meet at 10am

We're tackling the invasive Phragmites to make way for a more diverse ecosystem. 

By cutting these reeds before the spring nesting season, we help push back against a monoculture and work toward maintaining a healthy balance in the wetland.

RSVP Now

Meet at the southern end of the Van Cortlandt Golf House.

Trail Work Wednesdays

Every Wednesday in February - Meet at 10am

Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and they are in need of regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff on maintenance of the cross country course and other trails throughout the park. Work includes waterbar and checkstep maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack.

RSVP Now

Meet at VCPA Garden & Compost Site.

 

Canine Court Volunteer Clean Up!

Sunday, February 11 - 10am to 12pm

Canine Court dog run needs some TLC! Join us for a morning of cleaning to spruce up the space to keep our furry friends’ tails wagging.

RSVP Now

Canine Court- Broadway and W. 252nd Street.

Can't make it but want to become a Dog Run Volunteer - sign up here.

 

Cozy Winter Craft-ernoon

Thursday, February 22 - 1pm to 3pm

Craft a snowy tree creation made of real branches and fashion your own fancy snowman wall hanging! Or just color and warm up with some hot chocolate and sweets!

This program is open to children of ages 3-12 and their parents/caregivers.

All materials will be provided.

No RSVP Required for this FREE event.

Event will be held in Community Room 9 on Gale Place just past the intersection with Orloff Avenue in the Amalgamated Houses.

 

Bronx Parks Speak Up

Saturday, February 24 - 11am-5pm

Join us at Bronx Coalition for Park and Green Spaces’ 30th Annual Bronx Park Speak Up.

Theme: A Conference on Parkland in the Bronx –> 30 Years Later

Location: Lehman College Faculty Dining Room, Music Building.

Visit the BCPGS website for more details.

 

Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park

Make a Donation

The park is really big. Our staff is really small. Only with your help can we grow our capacity, hire more staff, and take on projects to improve Van Cortlandt Park… for YOU!  Please consider a gift to Van Cortlandt Park Alliance today.

Donate!

VCPA Merch Shop!

Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance!

Shop Now!

Become a Member

Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes while supporting their favorite park!

Join Now

Our Contact Information Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1 Bronx, NY 10463 718-601-1460 http://vancortlandt.org

MAYOR ADAMS TAKES STEPS TO HELP SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES, EXPANDS PAID PARENTAL, FAMILY LEAVE FOR NON-UNION CITY EMPLOYEES

 

Builds on “Women Forward NYC,” $43 Million Investment With Ambitious Goal of Making NYC Most Women-Forward City in U.S.

 

Adams Administration Bolsters Efforts to Retain Top Talent, Provide High-Quality Services for New Yorkers

 

Strong Fiscal Management Allows Adams Administration to Double Paid Parental Leave, From Six to 12 Weeks, Offer up to 12 Weeks of Paid Family Leave for Non-Union Employees

New York City Mayor Eric Adams took another step to support working-class families and make city government more family-friendly for thousands of employees by expanding both paid parental and family leave for non-union city workers. The effort will bolster the Adams administration’s efforts to retain top talent within the city’s workforce as it continues to provide high-quality services to New Yorkers. The Adams administration will double paid parental leave for non-union employees, from six to 12 weeks, and provide up to 12 weeks of paid family leave for those caring for seriously ill family members.

 

The administration’s expansion of paid parental and family leave will impact over 10,000 municipal employees and make the City of New York more competitive with municipalities and employers across the country — taking steps to advance Mayor Adams’ ambitious goal of making New York City the most women-forward city in the United States. Today’s announcement also builds on the release of “Women Forward NYC: An Action Plan for Gender Equity,” a more-than-$43 million investment aimed at making New York City a national leader on gender equity, including for transgender and gender expansive New Yorkers.

 

“My mother worked multiple jobs and raised six kids on her own in New York City. The city didn’t do its part to help support our working-class family, but this administration will not continue the same mistakes of the past,” said Mayor Adams. “Expanding parental leave for city workers and paid leave for those with a sick family member are not only important changes to retain the talent that keeps our city moving — they are the right things to do to ensure our administration continues to help support the average working-class family in this city. Taking the time to care for a newborn baby or an aging parent should not be a luxury for the privileged few, and it should never mean risking your livelihood. With all the work our administration has done to support city workers, expanded paid parental and family leave makes New York City more competitive with just about any major city across the country, marking another massive step towards our ambitious goal of making New York the most women-forward city in America. With this change, the next Dorothy Mae Adams will have a chance to give back to her city without struggling to raise a family.”

 

“To deliver on a Working’s People Agenda, the Adams administration is putting working people first and transforming the workplace to meet the realities families are facing,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “Whether it is a new parent being there for their child or taking care of a loved one in need, families deserve to be together for life’s most important moments. With this decision, our administration is reaffirming our commitment to making sure all families have the benefits needed to thrive in an ever changing, modern workplace.”

 

“Our city team is comprised of outstanding members who work tirelessly to ensure that this administration’s vision translates to real benefits for hardworking New Yorkers,” said Chief Advisor Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin. “This expansion of paid parental and family leave will help us keep the best and the brightest delivering for our city, and it will make sure that our public servants can care for themselves and their loved ones — especially in critical stages of their lives. Our team should have the benefit of caring for and nurturing their newest family members, our future, during this most precious time.”

 

“New York City’s municipal workforce is the best in the country, and we are committed to delivering them the benefits they deserve as they deliver for working-class New Yorkers,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “Beyond helping us retain city workers, expanding paid parental and family leave will ensure that the people who serve this city can take care of themselves and their loved ones, particularly at formative moments of their lives.”

 

“We deeply value every person that is part of team New York City,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Today’s personnel order will impact more than 10,000 city workers, expanding their access to paid parental and family leave. It strengthens our workforce when we can act to support the family units that support them. Whether you are a new parent or an adult child acting as a caregiver to your older adult parent or loved one, your New York City family stands with you on your journey.”

 

“By setting record job numbers and leading the nation on gender equity through ‘Women Forward NYC,’ the Adams administration is ensuring New York City remains accessible for working families, including the city employees who have worked tirelessly in service of all New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “The benefits of paid parental and paid family leave are well-established, and I am so thrilled that these new policies will bolster the health and economic security of our municipal workforce and their families.”

 

“Paid parental and family leave is more than just an added bonus for employees, it’s a genuine show of care for people,” said New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner Dawn M. Pinnock. “City employees dedicate their careers to serving New Yorkers, and they deserve the ability to extend care to their families during major life events, like having a child or caring for an ill family member. Thanks to Mayor Adams’ leadership, we’re committed to prioritizing their well-being and improving their quality of life.”

 

As part of this new policy, non-union city employees will be able to receive up to 12 weeks of fully-paid parental leave. Additionally, employees will be enrolled in the New York State Paid Family Leave program, something hundreds of thousands of union employees of the City of New York already have access to, and be eligible for up to 12 weeks of job-protected, paid time off to care for seriously ill family members— up to $1,150 per week, per the state’s 2024 benefits plan. The paid family leave benefit will be funded by an employee payroll deduction of approximately $13.00 per paycheck. The city’s expanded parental leave policy will take effect immediately, while the paid family leave will take effect once these employees are enrolled in the State Paid Family Leave program, which will take approximately 90 days.

 

Released last week, “Women Forward NYC” addresses gender disparities by connecting women to professional development and higher-paying jobs; dismantling barriers to sexual, reproductive, and chronic health care; reducing gender-based violence against women; and providing holistic housing services, including for formerly incarcerated women and domestic and gender-based violence survivors. Specifically, the action plan commits the Adams administration to leading the way on gender equity, incorporating more women-focused programming, planning, and partnerships to better serve and support women in the workforce across the city.

 

This announcement also follows targeted and effective steps taken by the Adams administration to produce a balanced Fiscal Year 2025 Preliminary Budget. With responsible and effective fiscal management — including steps to put migrants on the path to self-sufficiency and reduce per diem costs of managing a national humanitarian crisis — the administration closed a $7 billion budget gap, despite federal COVID-19 stimulus funding drying up, expenses from labor contracts this administration inherited after being unresolved for years, and the growing costs of the asylum seeker crisis.

 

New Jersey Man Pleads Guilty to Series of Violent Assaults on Members of the Orthodox Jewish Community

 

A New Jersey man pleaded guilty to committing a series of bias-motivated violent assaults on members of the Orthodox Jewish community in and around Lakewood, New Jersey.

On Feb. 1, Dion Marsh, 29, of Manchester, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi in federal court to an information charging him with five counts of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and one count of carjacking. Marsh is charged with willfully causing bodily injury to five victims and attempting to kill and cause injuries with dangerous weapons to four of the victims, because they are Jewish.

“This defendant is being held accountable for his series of depraved, antisemitic assaults against members of the Orthodox Jewish community,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Hate-filled acts of violence, intended to harm, intimidate and isolate communities, have no place in our society. The Justice Department will continue to aggressively prosecute perpetrators of antisemitic violence across our country.”

“This defendant violently attacked five men, driving a car into four of them, stabbing one of them in the chest, and attempting to kill them, simply because they were visibly identifiable as Orthodox Jews,” said U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger for the District of New Jersey. “Today, he pleaded guilty to these hate crimes and a carjacking, and my office will ask the judge to impose a sentence that holds Marsh accountable for his brutal and hate filled rampage. The threat from hate-fueled violence is a sad reality across our state and our nation. That hate is not who we are. We are stronger as a people because no matter what you look like, how you worship, where you come from, or who you love, your civil rights must be respected and protected. My office has no higher priority than protecting the civil rights of our New Jersey residents.”

“We have said time and again as we investigate a significant rise in hate crimes, hating someone isn’t a crime, but hating someone and then attacking them based on that hate is a violation of federal law,” said Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI Newark Field Office. “Marsh admits he targeted five innocent people in 2022 because they were Orthodox Jews. Personal beliefs don’t give someone the right to attack and attempt to kill another human being because they may not ascribe to a similar religion or way of life. We have a clear message for the communities we serve in New Jersey, if you are a victim of a hate crime or have information the FBI and our law enforcement partners should know, please report it. Silence won’t solve it, and we can’t help if we don’t know about it. You can go to tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 8, 2022, Marsh carried out a series of violent assaults on members of the Orthodox Jewish Community in and around Lakewood. Each of Marsh’s victims was attired in traditional garments worn by members of the Orthodox Jewish community and was assaulted because they were visibly identifiable as Orthodox Jews.

Specifically, at 1:18 p.m. on April 8, 2022, in Lakewood, Marsh forced a man readily identifiable by his appearance as an Orthodox Jew out of his car, assaulting and injuring him. Marsh took control of the man’s car and drove away.

At 5:20 p.m., Marsh was in Lakewood driving a different car when he deliberately struck another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man with the vehicle, attempting to kill the victim.

At 6:06 p.m., Marsh used that second vehicle to deliberately strike another man identifiable by his appearance as an Orthodox Jew, attempting to kill the victim and causing him to suffer several broken bones.

At 6:55 p.m., Marsh, once again using the vehicle that he had stolen from the first victim, struck and attempted to kill another man readily identifiable as an Orthodox Jew while he was walking in Lakewood. Marsh got out of the vehicle and stabbed the man in the chest with a knife, causing the victim to suffer serious injuries.

At 8:23 p.m., Marsh, still using the vehicle that he had stolen from the first victim, deliberately struck another visibly identifiable Orthodox Jewish man who was walking in nearby Jackson Township, New Jersey, attempting to kill the man and causing him to suffer several broken bones and internal injuries.

A sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 11. Marsh faces a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the four hate crimes violations charging him with attempting to kill victims, a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the hate crime violation charging him with assaulting the other victim and a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for the carjacking charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Newark Field Office’s Red Bank Resident Agency, Lakewood Police Department, Jackson Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Police investigated the case.

Attorney General James Applauds Federal Court Decision on Legal Cannabis Sales in New York

 

Federal Judge Denies Efforts to Stop Retail Cannabis Licenses for Impacted Individuals

New York Attorney General Letitia James today applauded a decision by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York in Variscite v. New York denying a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction on the state’s cannabis licensing. 

“I am pleased with today’s court decision rejecting attempts to prevent New York from having an equitable cannabis industry. This is an important victory in our efforts to ensure that disproportionately impacted communities are given their fair share in the legal cannabis industry.”

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Continued Efforts to Improve Public Safety

 

Governor Hochul: “Gun violence is back to historic lows. We brought down shootings by over a third, and district attorneys truly have a critical role to play. We also want to make sure that you hear from individuals about how we are making those changes.”

Hochul: “I want to make sure that people know we are united, we are standing firmly against crime, protect the people of our state and make public safety our shared mission so all New Yorkers can have that sense of security that they deserve.”

I just concluded delivering marks to the New York State District Attorneys Association, where I had a chance to, first of all, commend the representatives of our 62 counties and their staff and their clerks for the extraordinary work they do in partnership with the State of New York to keep all of us safe.

It's my top priority. I rely on them intently to make sure that we tackle the problems of the day. And as people know, when I first became Governor two and a half years ago, we had an enormous surge in crime – volent crimes, crimes of property, murders and shootings were up on a trajectory that we never knew when it was going to end.

And I'm really proud that we can say now that we're in a much better place. And if you all recall that the court system was paralyzed during the pandemic, there was a decision made that they couldn't assemble any juries because you had to sit six feet apart. Well, imagine what that did to the pre-existing backlog. It just made it horrendous, and a lot of people never got their day in court. Victims did not get their justice.

And so, we had a move out of that system of high crime rates, mistrust in the system as well as a court system that was immobilized. So, we've had to make unprecedented investments to right the ship, and we gave last year DAs $130 million to implement discovery reform and create a fair and efficient court system.

We also had to clarify our bail laws, and this was something I said from day one was one of my top priorities. We made some changes in my first Budget in 2022, we did it again in 2023. All of this in consultation with our district attorneys to make sure that we are talking about changes that they could actually implement. That collective approach is now working. Gun violence is back to historic lows. We brought down shootings by over a third, and district attorneys truly have a critical role to play.

We also want to make sure that you hear from individuals about how we are making those changes. I'm proud to be here with the President of this association, District Attorney John Flynn, who will share how Erie County is effectively using the bail laws that have now been changed.

We have Westchester DA, Mimi Rocah, who will discuss how her county is partnering with the state to combat hate crimes. Queens District Attorney, Melinda Katz, will talk about their state-of-the-art approach to ending domestic violence and protecting women and families.

And Brooklyn DA, Eric Gonzalez, will talk about the importance of addressing organized retail theft and repeat offenders. Everything they work on aligns with our priorities in the state. That's why for the first time ever, we are funding these district attorneys at unprecedented levels.

Gun violence money, $347 million. And also, I'm proposing now to launch $40 million to help all across the state, our district attorneys, our local law enforcement, our state police, to have the resources they need to tackle the retail theft things and to give them the tools they need to punish domestic abusers. Another $40 million so they can do their jobs, have the staff they need, be able to make sure that these perpetrators are brought to justice.

So, we're also going to make sure that we have all you need. We're going to continue changing laws. We'll continue to make sure you have the resources you need. And I also want to acknowledge the presence of our new Superintendent of the State Police has joined us as well, and I want to make sure that we recognize his collaboration and what he'll be doing to work closely with our district attorneys.

So, with that, I want to make sure that people know we are united, we are standing firmly against crime, protect the people of our state and make public safety our shared mission so all New Yorkers can have that sense of security that they deserve.