State Parks Reminds Boaters to be Cautious of Early Spring Cold Water

 

OPRHP Cautions Pre-Season Boaters of Water Temperatures for Those Viewing the Eclipse

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) reminds boaters of the dangers of cold water if venturing out this spring for recreation or to view the rare total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. OPRHP recommends to boaters and paddlers that, even in the first few weeks of spring, the water is still very cold, and precautions should be taken.

“Even though the calendar has turned to spring, we recommend you protect yourself as the temperature fluctuates during the day, night and on our waterways,” said New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons. “Our top priority is ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors are safe. Please wear a life jacket, insulated clothing and, for the solar eclipse, make sure to protect your eyes. Our park personnel are welcoming visitors from near and far and want it to be safe and memorable.”

State Parks and Historic Sites is hosting a range of events and activities to celebrate the rare total solar eclipse. All campsites that opened early along the path of totality have been filled. However, those patrons who may head to parks or onto bodies of water to experience the eclipse need to be aware as well.

“With spring beginning and the excitement of the eclipse, it can be easy to forget the unforgivable nature of the cold water,” said OPRHP Director of Marine and Recreational Services Alexi Howland. “Please make a few adjustments to your planning. We look forward to celebrating with you and having a safe and enjoyable day.”

OPRHP reminds park patrons to please keep in mind the following for safe boating:

• Research the weather and water conditions before you go. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature
• Dress in layers and avoid wearing cotton
• If you are on or near the water, wear your life jacket
• If you are going out on a boat that is less than 21’ in length, you must wear a lifejacket, regardless of age (applicable between November 1 - May 1)
• As always, use the buddy system, make sure someone knows your plans for the day
• Carry your cell phone in a water-proof bag, bring a light, whistle or other sound producing device
• Protect your eyes with specialized viewing glasses

Additionally, in 2024, all operators of motorized vessels born on or after January 1, 1978, need to carry a safe boating certificate while operating motorized vessels, including personal watercraft. Starting January 1, 2025, a safety certificate will be required of all operators, regardless of age. Both in-person and online options are available for earning a certificate. To learn more, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/boating/education.aspx.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which saw a record 84 million visits in 2023. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Join us in celebrating our Centennial throughout 2024, and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and the OPRHP Blog.

Cox: Heastie’s Comments Illustrate Democrats’ Moral Rot

 

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement in response to Democrat Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s comment that “I just don’t believe raising penalties is ever a deterrent on crime:”

 

“Carl Heastie’s comments illustrate the Democrats' moral rot.

 

“A brave NYPD officer was just murdered in cold blood by a repeat felon previously arrested for gun possession. He should have been in jail and that officer and young father should still be alive. He would be if not for Democrats’ lenient bail and parole policies.”

MAYOR ADAMS RELEASES REQUIREMENTS, OPENS PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR RESPONSIBLE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE TESTING IN NEW YORK CITY

 

DOT to Oversee Autonomous Vehicle Testing Through New Permit Program, With Trained Driver Behind Wheel at All Times 

 

Requirements Prioritize Safety in Testing and Use of Autonomous Vehicles 

 

Successful AV Program Could Increase Traffic Safety, Decrease Emission

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez today released robust safety requirements for responsible and safe autonomous vehicle (AV) testing in New York City, as well as announced the opening of applications for a new permit program. DOT has established a rigorous permitting program to ensure approved applicants are ready to test their technology in the country’s most challenging urban environment safely and proficiently. Consistent with state law, a trained safety driver will still be required to sit behind the wheel and be ready to take control of an AV-enabled vehicle at all times.  

 

“New York City leads the nation in responsible innovation, and we’re continuing to do so with this new autonomous vehicle program,” said Mayor Adams. “Our streets are vibrant and energetic — and that’s a great thing, but it also means that we need to have strong guardrails and requirements in place on any sort of autonomous vehicles. That’s why we’re implementing these rigorous permit requirements and requiring close collaboration with DOT and our emergency responders, so we can ensure that autonomous vehicle technology works for New York City. This technology is coming whether we like it or not, so we’re going to make sure that we get it right. If we do, our streets can be safer, and our air could be cleaner.”  

 

 "Autonomous vehicles aren't just coming, they're here — they've been successfully operating across the country for years. We are doing our due diligence to get ahead of the AV revolution, and ensure that if AVs are coming, they do so within a framework that benefits New Yorkers, and creates training and good, upwardly mobile jobs in the autonomous industry," said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi.  "It's been the story for too long that government can't keep up with private enterprise. No longer. With careful regulation, we believe that they have the potential to benefit a city as complex as New York.”    

 

“As autonomous vehicle technology expands across the country, DOT is deploying a robust new permitting process to ensure safe, responsible testing on our city’s streets,” said DOT Commissioner Rodriguez. “Driver error and distraction plays an all-too-common role in traffic crashes, and autonomous vehicle technology offers potential to improve traffic safety. We look forward to working closely with AV companies that are serious about safely operating on America’s most challenging street network.”   

 

The city’s approach prioritizes safety and accountability in AV testing. As part of the approval process, applicants must submit information on their previous testing experience and technological capabilities, a detailed testing plan for New York City, and a safety plan describing key elements that will contribute to the safe operation of their technology on city streets.  

 

Companies must also follow industry best practices related to the recruitment and training of the safety drivers that must be present in the vehicle during testing. Additionally, applicants must obtain approval from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles before starting an on-street testing program. The intent of this program is to create a roadmap for a collaborative future of AV testing and potential deployment in New York City, one in which AV companies work closely with the city to support a vision for a safe, sustainable, equitable, and efficient transportation system for all.    

 

As part of the city’s safety protocols, applicants must provide details on how their test operators are selected and trained, and attest that they will follow recent best practices from the Society of Automotive Engineers. These practices include background checks for test operators, appropriate training on the vehicle systems they will be testing, and working conditions and frequent breaks that will keep them focused on the job and avoid distraction. Applicants must also certify that the vehicles will follow all traffic laws and curb regulations and include safety assurance protocols for how the operator will compensate for any AV system limitation or failure and proactively intervene to avoid potential crashes.  

 

Applicants will be required to coordinate closely with DOT through regular meetings and data reporting, as well as to engage with the New York City Police Department and the Fire Department of the City of New York on how their autonomous vehicles interact with emergency vehicles. Companies must also certify that they are adhering to industry best practices related to cybersecurity. 

 

Applicants will additionally be required to provide a detailed overview of the level of automation and safety performance of their AV technology, including previous testing and crash histories of their AV technology. Further, applicants will have to provide a list of all current or past permits to test their technology in any local, state, or foreign government agency.  

 

DOT will meet regularly with program participants in the lead-up to and during testing to assess testing plans, identify potential challenges, and monitor compliance with the terms of the permit. Participants in the testing program will be required to report testing data, including incidents where test drivers take control over from the AV technology, on a regular basis.  

 

“Waymo has had a longstanding relationship with New York City, where we have previously manually driven and tested for winter weather,” said Michelle Peacock, global head of public policy, Waymo. “We commend this important step, as well as the city’s ongoing commitment to drive innovation and deliver transportation improvements for New Yorkers. As the world’s leading autonomous vehicle ride hailing company, Waymo looks forward to continuing our partnership with Mayor Adams and his administration as we continue to safely bring our technologies to more cities and communities across the country.” 

  

54th Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture at Lehman College with Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr.

 

On Tuesday, March 26, former Bronx Borough President Rubén Díaz, Jr. joined famous rapper Fat Joe, to headline the 54th Annual Herbert H. Lehman Memorial Lecture at Lehman College. Diaz Jr. worked his way up from being an alumnus of Lehman College to become a successful elected official, while Fat Joe worked his way up in the streets of the South Bronx to become famous in the music industry and to become a rich entrepreneur, the two being friends as they both grew up.  

This sit-down by the two recanting moments from their history was to show no matter how big you get, do not forget the beginnings where you came from. The two friends would look up into the audience at the middle school, high school, and even Lehman College students in the audience to say look at us, you too can be like us if you try. Ruben Díaz, Jr., began by saying, “I’m so honored and thrilled to be here, speaking with my good friend Fat Joe and I hope we can provide some insight, advice and encouragement as you begin to shape your futures.”   

Díaz Jr. Who currently works as the senior vice president of Strategic Initiatives at Montefiore Einstein Hospital, welcome his friend the hip-hop legend, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Fat Joe who said, “I don’t know if people really, truly understand it when I say that my family was poor — I mean, we were dirt poor, even with my mom working three jobs at the same time.” Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Cartagena, a Grammy-nominated recording artist, grew up in the Forest NYCHA projects in the South Bronx.  

Fat Joe and Diaz Jr. spoke of how Fat Joe donated computers to PS 146 and had a contest between classes in four schools where each student in the winning class that improved the most in their grades, attendance, and citizenship would win a pair of Air Jordan sneakers. It worked so well that all four classes participating had major improvements in all areas. The two then spoke of providing food and other essential items to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria, where Fat Joe called his friend P-Dity to help pay the cost of $255,000.00 to fly the three cargo containers to Puerto Rico. Fat Joe also intends to provide assistance to improve the current crisis in Haiti.   

Fat Joe said, “Our students need proper tools and resources to be able to compete, “that is the reason I’m all about philanthropy because I came from a family of giving — even when we were poor ourselves and didn’t have much to offer.” Díaz, Jr. and Fat Joe, whose friendship stems more than 25 years, co-named this year’s lecture, “Hip Hop with a Heart / The Civic Mind of the Bronx.”  

The talk was followed by a question-and-answer segment where students and others in attendance were given the opportunity to ask questions about Ruben Díaz, Jr. and Fat Joe’s life paths to success and their experiences of growing up in the South Bronx. 

There was musical entertainment provided by DJ Sam before and after the Lecture. 

Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr. were talking about how they grew up in the South Bronx, and how they both made their mark in their own way.

Fat Joe explains "we had this much food and other items to send to Puerto Rico that we needed a plane to fly everything down there."

During the question and answer period of the lecture Ruben Diaz Jr. led the conversation of his friendship with Fat Joe.

Students were invited backstage to take a photo with Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr.

Another group of students got their picture with Fat Joe and Ruben Diaz Jr.

This lucky woman got Fat Joe to autograph his book for her.

MAYOR ADAMS, NYPD COMMISSIONER CABAN TO PILOT NEW TECHNOLOGY, ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL CLINICIANS TO BE DEPLOYED IN SUBWAYS

 

New Technology to Detect Weapons to Be Piloted 90 Days After Publication of Impact and Use Policy as Required by Law 

 

City to Begin Hiring Clinicians to Support Expansion of SCOUT Pilot Program to Help Untreated Severe Mental Illness with $20 Million State Investment 

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced efforts being taken to make the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) subway system safer by investing in new technology to detect firearms, as well as invest in more clinicians that will help those suffering from severe mental illness in the nation’s largest subway system. The city is exploring, and will soon begin piloting, emerging technologies designed to detect weapons carried by travelers into the transit system. In accordance with the Public Oversight of Surveillance Technology (POST) Act, the NYPD also published online its Impact and Use Policy for electromagnetic weapons detection systems, starting a mandatory 90-day waiting period before new technology can be tested and used in New York City. Additionally, Mayor Adams announced that the city will begin hiring clinicians to support the expansion of the Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams (SCOUT), a pilot program launched in partnership with the state and the MTA to connect people with untreated severe mental illness in the subways to mental health treatment and care. 

 

“Keeping New Yorkers safe on the subway and maintaining confidence in the system is key to ensuring that New York remains the safest big city in America,” said Mayor Adams. “Today’s announcement is the next step in our ongoing efforts to keep dangerous weapons out of our transit system and to provide greater mental health services for New Yorkers in crisis. By kicking off a 90-day waiting period to test electromagnetic weapons detection systems here in New York City and hiring more clinicians for SCOUT, we are showing our administration’s dedication to keeping all New Yorkers safe.” 

 

“Since the start of my administration, Mayor Adams and I have worked together closely to keep the subways safe for all New Yorkers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “This month, I announced a five-point plan to improve safety in the subways, including dedicating $20 million to expand the SCOUT program, which will help more New Yorkers receive the treatment they need. The new technology announced today builds on our existing commitments to place cameras throughout the system and will help law enforcement keep dangerous weapons out of the system.”  

 

“People with untreated serious mental illness taking refuge in the subway system deserve safety, stability, and community,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “The journey to this destination takes time, but the first step is often the hardest: connecting a person with medical care that they may not recognize they need. This is the critical mission of our SCOUT teams. Through a co-response model, SCOUT empowers our caring clinicians to engage with New Yorkers in crisis, assess their needs, and respond accordingly. We are heartened by the results so far, excited for the possibilities with this expansion, and grateful to our MTA partners for their shared determination to get this right.” 

 

“The brave men and women of the NYPD are averaging more than 4,500 gun arrests a year since the start of this administration and have taken well over 15,000 illegal firearms off New York City streets so far,” said NYPD Commissioner Caban. “At the same time, overall crime in our transit system continues to trend downward as our officers actively engage lawbreakers each day and night. To make these achievements meaningful for all New Yorkers, however, we must make safety a reality in every community we serve, on every train line we protect. We are doing that by remaining laser-focused on the relatively small number of people who commit violent crimes, by deploying our resources effectively, by maximizing the utility of new technology, and by constantly evaluating our performance in a relentless effort to do even better.” 

 

“Riders have to feel safe when riding the subways and that requires innovation — new weapons detection technology, but also increased deployments of police, tougher handling of repeat offenders by the criminal justice system, and expanded resources for mental health,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Thankfully, Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul get it and continue to fight for the millions of people who rely on the transit system.” 

 

During the 90-day waiting period, the NYPD will be working to identify companies with proven expertise in weapons detection technology. At the end of the waiting period, a pilot program will be instituted in some subway stations where the NYPD will be able to further evaluate the equipment’s effectiveness. 

 

As of Sunday, March 24, 2024, NYPD officers have seized a total of 450 weapons — including 19 illegal guns — in the New York City transit system this year, compared to 261 weapons — including nine guns — during the same period last year. The NYPD also seized 1,515 weapons in the subway system in 2023, including 1,470 cutting instruments and 45 illegal firearms. That tally was a stark increase from the previous year, when 947 total weapons were seized, including 912 cutting instruments and 35 guns. 

 

Last month, Mayor Adams directed the NYPD to surge an additional 1,000 police officers into the subway system each day to keep help New Yorkers safe. Additionally, earlier this week, the NYPD announced “Operation Fare Play,” an initiative to ensure people pay their fare when entering the subway system by deploying 800 more police officers into the subway system to crack down on fare evasion. Through Sunday, overall crime in the transit system was down nearly 16 percent for the month of March, compared to the same month last year, adding to February’s 15.4 percent month-over-month decrease in crime in the subway system. Since the start of 2024, overall arrests in the subway system are up nearly 56 percent compared to last year, including a 78 percent increase in fare-evasion arrests and a 111 percent jump in gun arrests. 

 

Launched in October 2023, the SCOUT pilot program has operated with two teams in the subways focused on connecting those with untreated severe mental illness with mental health support and long-term care. SCOUT teams are comprised of a clinician and two MTA police officers, and, in the 90 days of operation, the two teams have moved 90 individuals out of the subway system and into care. Earlier this month, Governor Hochul announced a $20 million investment to scale this pilot and bring the total number of SCOUT teams to 10 by the end of 2025. With this investment from the state, the city will begin hiring additional clinicians to support the expansion of SCOUT and reach even more New Yorkers in need of care. 

 

Man Pleads Guilty to Selling $3.5M in Counterfeit and Deficient Electronics for Use in Military Systems

 

A California man pleaded guilty to a scheme to defraud the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) by selling over $3.5 million worth of fan assemblies to the DLA that were either counterfeit or misrepresented to be new.

“The defendant sold counterfeit and deficient fan assemblies for use in military systems to increase his profit,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Criminals who cheat the U.S. military by selling deficient or counterfeit goods put our national security at risk. This case demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to protecting the military supply chain and Americans’ security.”

“Through his company, Kim delivered counterfeit products to our armed services and tried to pass off non-conforming products with fake invoices,” said U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey for the Northern District of California. “Swindling our military is a sure way to find oneself in jail. This office is always on the lookout for fraudsters and will prosecute anyone caught cheating our military by providing products that endanger our service people or compromise our readiness.”

According to court documents, Steve H.S. Kim, 63, of Alameda County, controlled Company A, which sold fan assemblies to the DLA that were either counterfeit or were used or surplus fan assemblies that he claimed were new. To trick the DLA into accepting the fan assemblies, Kim created counterfeit labels — some of which used Company B’s registered trademarks — that he attached to the fan assemblies he sold to the DLA. When the DLA questioned Kim about the origin of the fan assemblies, Kim concealed his scheme by giving the DLA fake tracing documents that he created and often signed using a false identity. Some of these counterfeit fans were installed or intended to be installed with electrical components on a nuclear submarine, a laser system on an aircraft, and a surface-to-air missile system.

“The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), the law enforcement arm of the DoD Office of Inspector General, is fully committed to protecting the integrity of the DoD supply chain,” said Special Agent in Charge Bryan D. Denny of the DCIS Western Field Office. “Supplying counterfeit products to the DoD endangers the mission and betrays the public’s trust. This investigation demonstrates DCIS’ ongoing commitment to working with its law enforcement partners to hold individuals who defraud the DoD accountable.”

“The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and our law enforcement partners work diligently to thwart attempts to infiltrate the DoD supply chain with potentially damaging counterfeit product,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Gross of the NCIS Economic Crimes Field Office. “This case highlights the efforts of the investigative team to expeditiously shut down such a scheme and prevent possible grievous harm to our ability to conduct effective combat operations.”

“This case reflects Homeland Security Investigation’s (HSI) core mission set of investigating national security threats as well as protecting global trade and government supply chains,” said Special Agent in Charge Tatum King of HSI San Francisco. “In this case, the serious risks posed to mission readiness were especially alarming. HSI appreciates the joint efforts of NCIS, DCIS, and the Army Criminal Investigation Division (Army CID), together with the Justice Department, in bringing the violator to justice.”

“The result of this joint investigation underscores the importance of our federal law enforcement partnerships and shows that by working together we can identify, prosecute, and dismantle businesses that supply the U.S. military with fraudulent parts and services,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Army CID Fraud Field Office. “Our Army communities and the public can rest assured that we are committed to pursuing anyone that would defraud the U.S. government for their own personal gain and put combat readiness at risk.”

Kim pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 17 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud count and 10 years in prison on the trafficking in counterfeit goods count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

DCIS, NCIS, HSI, and Army CID are investigating the case.