News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera

 

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS EMBLEM HEALTH NEIGHBORHOOD GRAND OPENING

This week, Senator Rivera attended the Grand Opening of the new EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care Center in Fordham. To address health inequities in the Bronx, we must expand access to high-quality health care services and comprehensive social support. This new center located at 254 E Fordham Road will be be a one-stop shop for the community to receive the services needed to live a healthy and fulfilling life.

SENATOR RIVERA ATTENDS THE LANDMARKING OF THE AQUEDUCT WALK

This week, Senator Rivera joined Community Board 5, their District Manager Ken Brown, and representatives from local community organizations at the celebration of the historic landmarking of the Aqueduct Walk, a portion of the Old Croton Aqueduct.

The Aqueduct Walk is a 4.9 mile community park between Aqueduct Avenue between West Kingsbridge Road and West Burnside Avenue, and stretches from the neighborhoods of University Heights to Kingsbridge. On April 26, 2024, this park became the first scenic city landmark in the history of the Bronx.

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS PUBLIC SCHOOL 81 IN RIVERDALE

Senator Rivera had the pleasure of visiting P.S 81 in the North Riverdale section of his district this week. Senator Rivera toured the school, met with students and school administrators, and discussed how his office can support the school community. If you want to invite Senator Rivera to visit your school, contact the District Office at 718-933-2034 or grivera@nysenate.gov.

APPLICATIONS FOR HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NOW OPEN!

Did you know New York's Cooling Assistance benefit can help you with the purchase and installation of an air condition or a fan? The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible New Yorkers heat and cool their homes. If you are eligible, you may receive one Cooling Assistance benefit per applicant household for the purchase and installation of an air conditioner or a fan to help your home stay cool.

Before the summer months kick into high gear, check to see if you're eligible. Applications are now open! If you are interested in learning more, click here.

PAROLEE INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR REPEATEDLY STABBING 75-YEAR-OLD WOMAN ON EASTER SUNDAY

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a parolee has been indicted for Attempted Murder in the second degree and additional charges for stabbing an elderly woman dozens of times, puncturing her lung.

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly followed a 75-year-old woman into her building, and in the elevator he allegedly slashed her relentlessly in her head and body. The victim was seriously injured but she showed tremendous strength, and thankfully survived this random and utterly atrocious attack.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Edwin Rios, 38, last of 1430 Waters Place, was indicted on Attempted Murder in the second degree, two counts of first-degree Assault, three counts of second-degree Assault, third-degree Assault, fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and second-degree Harassment. He was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Brenda Rivera and remand was continued. He is due back in court on July 18, 2024. 

According to the investigation, on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at approximately 11:23 a.m. the defendant followed Zenona Ramos, 75, into her building on Morris Avenue and then onto an elevator. Surveillance video captured the defendant suddenly stabbing the victim with what appears to be a knife, approximately 40 to 50 times about the head, face and body. The victim underwent a blood transfusion, suffered a punctured lung and required 40 stitches to her hands.

District Attorney Clark thanked Assistant District Attorney Tara Guarino and Trial Preparation Assistant Gregory Gadsden of Trial Bureau 40 for their assistance, and NYPD Detective Jonathan Arteaga of the 46th Precinct Squad for his work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Attorney General James Secures Over $270 Million Multistate Settlement in Principle with Amneal Pharmaceuticals for Its Role in the Opioid Crisis

AG James Has Secured More Than $2.7 Billion in Total for New York from Opioid Manufacturers, Distributors, and Marketers

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced a multistate settlement in principle with opioid manufacturer Amneal Pharmaceuticals (Amneal) for its role in fueling the nationwide epidemic of opioid addictions and overdoses. Amneal produces several generic opioid products and was one of the largest manufacturers of opioids from 2006 to 2019, selling nearly nine billion pills. Attorney General James and a multistate coalition of attorneys general allege that Amneal knowingly failed to monitor and report suspicious orders placed by its customers, as it was required to by federal law. 

“Amneal became one of the largest generic pharmaceutical companies in the world by profiting off the sale of dangerous opioids,” said Attorney General James. “While this settlement can’t fully reverse the damage done as a result of the national crisis, it will provide essential funding and resources for New York and other states to ensure those suffering get the help they need. I am proud to have secured over $2.7 billion to tackle the opioid epidemic in New York, and my office will continue to hold accountable the companies responsible for fueling this crisis.” 

The settlement in principle announced today will provide $92.5 million in cash over 10 years and $180 million worth of naloxone nasal spray, an overdose treatment medication, to participating states and local governments. 

The settlement in principle was negotiated by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of California, Delaware, Tennessee, Utah, and Virginia. 

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar and His Wife Charged with Bribery, Unlawful Foreign Influence, and Money Laundering Schemes

 

Congressman Allegedly Accepted $600,000 in Bribes from Two Foreign Entities in Exchange for Official Acts as a Member of Congress

An indictment was unsealed in the Southern District of Texas charging U.S. Congressman Enrique Roberto “Henry” Cuellar, 68, and his wife, Imelda Cuellar, 67, both of Laredo, Texas, with participating in two schemes involving bribery, unlawful foreign influence, and money laundering. Congressman Cuellar and Imelda Cuellar made their initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo in Houston.

According to court documents, beginning in at least December 2014 and continuing through at least November 2021, Congressman Cuellar and Imelda Cuellar allegedly accepted approximately $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities: an oil and gas company wholly owned and controlled by the Government of Azerbaijan, and a bank headquartered in Mexico City. The bribe payments were allegedly laundered, pursuant to sham consulting contracts, through a series of front companies and middlemen into shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, who performed little to no legitimate work under the contracts. In exchange for the bribes paid by the Azerbaijani oil and gas company, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to use his office to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan. In exchange for the bribes paid by the Mexican bank, Congressman Cuellar allegedly agreed to influence legislative activity and to advise and pressure high-ranking U.S. Executive Branch officials regarding measures beneficial to the bank. 

Congressman Cuellar and Imelda Cuellar are each charged with the following offenses and if convicted, face maximum penalties as indicated: two counts of conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal official and to have a public official act as an agent of a foreign principal, five years in prison on each count; two counts of bribery of a federal official, 15 years in prison on each count; two counts of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, 20 years in prison on each count; two counts of violating the ban on public officials acting as agents of a foreign principal, two years in prison on each count; one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering, 20 years in prison; and five counts of money laundering, 20 years in prison on each count.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Assistant Director Michael D. Nordwall of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division; and Deputy Assistant Inspector General Jason Loeffler and Special Agent in Charge Chris Hileman of the Department of State Office of Inspector General (DOS-OIG) made the announcement.

The FBI and DOS-OIG investigated the case.

Acting Deputy Chief Marco A. Palmieri, Acting Deputy Chief Rosaleen O’Gara, and Trial Attorney Celia Choy of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Trial Attorney Garrett Coyle of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Justice Department Sues Texas Department of Criminal Justice for Religious Discrimination

 

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) for denying an employee’s religious accommodation request to wear a head covering as an expression of her Ifa faith. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, alleges that TDCJ’s refusal to accommodate the employee’s religious practice violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).

“Employers cannot require employees to forfeit their religious beliefs or improperly question the sincerity of those beliefs,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit is a reminder to all employers of their clear legal obligation to offer reasonable religious accommodations. In our country, employers cannot force an employee to choose between their faith and their job.” 

“Religious discrimination in the workplace will not be tolerated in our district,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “TDCJ, like any other employer, must reasonably accommodate employees under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”

The department’s complaint alleges that Franches Spears, who worked as a non-uniformed clerk in an administrative building, requested to wear a head covering in accordance with the tenets of her religion. The complaint alleges that even though TDCJ allowed other employees to wear hats and other non-religious head coverings and could have accommodated Spears’ request it refused to do so. Instead, TDCJ indefinitely suspended Spears without pay when she would not remove her head covering, impermissibly questioned the sincerity of her faith and ultimately terminated her employment.   

The department’s lawsuit seeks to require TDCJ to implement lawful religious accommodation policies and compensate Spears for lost wages and other damages.

Title VII is a federal law that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex and religion. Title VII also prohibits retaliation against employees who have made a charge, or assisted or participated in an investigation, proceeding or hearing under Title VII. Employees with complaints of religious discrimination or retaliation can report them to their local Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) office or their state or local fair employment practices agencies. The contact information for each local EEOC office can be found at www.eeoc.gov/field-office.

The full and fair enforcement of Title VII is a top priority of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. More information about the Civil Rights Division and its work can be found at www.justice.gov/crt and www.justice.gov/crt/employment-litigation-section.

Governor Hochul Visits Bolla Market in Lindenhurst to Discuss New Landmark Protections Against Organized Retail Theft

Governor Hochul visited the Bolla Market in Lindenhurst, Long Island to meet with the Bolla Market President and CEO Harry Singh and discuss new landmark protections against organized retail theft included in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget. The Governor's five-point plan includes increasing penalties for assaulting a retail worker; allowing prosecutors to combine items stolen from different stores when filing charges; going after third-party sellers; $40 million for retail theft units; and $5 million for added security.

Wave Hill Weekly Events May 23 – May 30 | Open Memorial Day & Our Spring Gala

 

Wave Hill will be open Memorial Day, Mon, May 27, for a reflective and restorative day in nature. We’re also gearing up during the week for our annual Spring Gala. International landscape designer and Gala Honoree Tom de Witte will be giving a rare public talk on Tues, May 28 on bringing designs to life in both public and home gardens. The gardens will close early at 2PM on Thursday, May 30 as we prepare for the evening Gala.   

Don’t forget Wings Over Wave Hill on May 18-19 for a weekend of all things birds! Our naturalists and expert birders are on hand to reveal and explain their activities. Our popular annual falconry demonstration returns and there’s fun for all ages with hands-on activities, walks, talks and a bird-themed Family Art Project. Adults are invited to stay late on Saturday for our Birders Lounge, an evening of birders’ trivia, sunset walks and drinks on our cafe terrace.   

Garden Highlights Walk 

Thu, May 23, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.   

Public Gallery Tour 

Thu, May 23, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.    

Family Art Project: Herbal Arts

Sat, May 25, 10:00AM – 1:00PM  

Sun, May 26, 10:00AM – 1:00PM

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required  

Using your sense of smell and touch, discover the world of herbal and botanical arts. Decorate your own perfume bottle and then create a scented blend using lavender and other plants inspired by Wave Hill’s Herb Garden.  

Public Gallery Tour 

Sat, May 25 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.   

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, May 26, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.   

Garden Highlights Walk 

Mon, May 27, 1:00PM – 1:45PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.  

Conversation with Tom de Witte, International Landscape Designer 

Tue, May 28, 3:00PM – 4:30PM 

$25, including admission to the grounds and reception. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Registration required 

Join award-winning international landscape designer Tom de Witte for a rare public talk in the United States. Tom’s projects span the globe–from his home in the Netherlands to Tokyo–and range from intimate private gardens to notable public spaces. His work is deeply influenced by his lifelong love of plants and long-term collaboration with Piet Oudolf, renowned landscape designer, author and leading figure of the New Perennial movement. 

Tom will spotlight three projects–including his own home garden–to shed light on his design principles, his collaboration with Piet and lessons learned when moving designs from paper to earth. After the lecture, mix and mingle with Tom and fellow garden enthusiasts at a light reception to talk about plants, design and more.  

Garden Highlights Walk  

Thur, May 30, 1:00PM – 1:45PM  

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required  

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide--come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults.   

Spring Gala honoring Tom de Witte 

Thu, May 30, 6:30PM – 10:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds 

Registration not required 

Celebrate spring in Wave Hill’s beautiful gardens on Thursday, May 30 as we honor Tom de Witte, Netherlands-based international landscape designer, and kick-off the creation of our new meadow.  

Drop in for an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden.   

HOURS: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday 

Free Shuttle Service from #1 Subway and Metro-North, Thursday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.  

DEC Announces Winner of "Create a Watershed Superhero" Poster Contest

 

Artwork by Minisink Valley Student Selected as 2024 Poster Contest Winner

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) are pleased to announce the 2024 winners of the annual "Create a Watershed Superhero" poster contest for middle school students. This year’s top winner is Hsin-Tien Wei from Minisink Valley Middle School of Slate Hill, New York. Fourteen student artists were recognized as winners out of more than 500 submissions from 31 schools across New York State.

 

“The winner of the 2024 Create a Watershed Superhero poster contest reminds us of the everyday actions we all can take to protect our watersheds and conserve water,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. “DEC congratulates Hsin-Tien and all the student poster contest participants for their creative submissions.”

The annual poster contest encourages middle school students to learn about their role in protecting watersheds and how to conserve and safeguard our water resources, now and for future generations.

“NYWEA is proud to take part in this poster contest with the DEC every year, and even more proud of all of the Watershed Superheroes we now have because of the involvement of the students and teachers who participated this year,” NYWEA's Executive Director Khris Dodson said.

DEC received more than 500 submissions from 31 schools statewide, and 14 total winners were selected. The winning posters will be featured in DEC and NYWEA's 2024 annual calendar, with the top prize winner’s art featured on the cover.

2024 Poster Contest Winners:

Student                   Grade      School

Seth Bachrach            6          Shore Road School

Luna Card                   8          Minisink Valley Middle School

Danni Chen                 7          P.S./I.S. 102q

Hailey Hecht               6          Shore Road School

Alice Jiang                  8          SEEALL Academy

Jordyn Johnson          8          Gouverneur Central School District

Kaylee Kwiecinski       7          JFK Middle School

Pin-Hsu (Justin) Liu    7          New Hyde Park Memorial High School

Lizbeth Reyes             8          America’s School of Heroes M.S. 137

Deanna Riomao          6          Shore Road School

Hayley Soe                 7          JFK Middle School

Janelle Suexo             7          Pearl River Middle School

Hsin-Tien Wei             8          Minisink Valley Middle School

Sophia Zammillo         8          JFK Middle School

New York State teachers, schools, and clubs that wish to participate in the 2025 poster contest can visit DEC's website for more information.