Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA HOSTS CIVICS CLASS AT CROTONA INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Senator Rivera took the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful conversation about our city and our state’s political and civic life with a group of high school students at Crotona International High School! Senator Rivera was thrilled to resume his civics classes in local high schools after a brief hiatus.

Senator Rivera also had the pleasure to meet with members of the high school's faculty. Senator Rivera thanks Crotona International High School for allowing him into their class. If you are interested in scheduling the Senator for a civics class, please email grivera@nysenate.gov or call Senator Rivera's district office at 718-933-2034.

Senator Rivera attended Urban Unity Community's give back event at P.S 246 in Belmont. Senator Rivera distributed backpacks and school supplies to local families for the event. Thank you to Urban Unity Community for putting together an event that focused on helping the community with job opportunities, education services, and tackling food insecurity.

THINK GLOBAL HEALTH: HOW OVERDOSE PREVENTION CENTERS BECAME SCAPEGOATS

Senator Rivera spoke with Vida Foubister from Think Global Health about overdose prevention centers (OPCs) and their critical role in saving lives. Senator Rivera's bill, the Safer Consumption Services Act (S399-A) would authorize and regulate OPCs statewide. OPCs are an evidence-based solution in the fight to prevent overdose deaths, stop the spread of disease, and provide a pathway to recovery while making neighborhoods safer by cleaning up syringes and reducing public drug use.

Six years ago, Senator Rivera's constituent, Tiesha Jones, shared the story of her daughter Dakota who at four years old had a blood lead level that was nine times the threshold that is unsafe for development. Senator Rivera's team wrote Dakota’s Law with Tiesha to prevent other children and families from experiencing the same story. The law signed in 2022 requires children under six years old to be screened for lead exposure at least once per year, among other measures, increasing the requirement from only testing until two years old. 

During National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, check out the NYC Health Department and Housing Preservation & Development events on lead prevention near you. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT

The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is spreading awareness about business compliance with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), a recently passed federal law which mandates the disclosure of business ownership to the U.S. Treasury Department, making it more difficult for bad actors to conceal their financial activities. Many businesses must file a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report by December 31, 2024, or face the prospect of significant financial penalties.

 

To help small business owners better understand this new requirement, and its potential ramifications on their bottom line, SBS, in partnership with Legal Aid Society and Patterson Belknap, is hosting a series of a free, online workshops. Register today!

Statement from Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas on the Independent Review Panel Report of the July 13, 2024 Assassination Attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania

 

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas issued the following statement on the fifty-two page Independent Review Panel report released regarding the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt against former President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful to the members of the bipartisan Independent Review Panel and their staff for their in-depth examination of the security failures that led to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt on the former President and the loss of life and casualties suffered.  The members of the Independent Review Panel are highly accomplished individuals with extensive security and law enforcement backgrounds, and the U.S. Secret Service’s protection mission will benefit greatly from their recommendations.

“I have reviewed the Independent Review Panel’s report and have met with the Panel members. We will fully consider the Panel’s recommendations and are taking the actions needed to advance the Secret Service’s protection mission.  These actions will be responsive not only to the security failures that led to the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt, but, importantly, to what the Independent Review Panel describes as systemic and foundational issues that underlie those failures.  I commend Acting Director Rowe for his leadership and for proactively undertaking security enhancements, including those informed by the Secret Service’s internal Mission Assurance Review.

“I have the utmost confidence in the men and women of the United States Secret Service.  We are operating in a heightened and dynamic threat environment, and it is their talent, unwavering dedication, and tireless service that ensures the safety and security of their protectees and our nation.”

Following the events of July 13 President Joe Biden directed DHS to conduct an independent security review. On July 21, 2024 Secretary Mayorkas named a bipartisan panel with extensive law enforcement and security experience to conduct a 45-day independent review. The independent review panel of experts from outside of government was comprised of former DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano; the Hon. Mark Filip, a former federal judge and Deputy Attorney General to President George W. Bush; Ms. Frances Townsend, former Homeland Security Advisor to President George W. Bush; and Chief David Mitchell, the former superintendent of Maryland State Police and former Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security for the State of Delaware.

• Independent Review Panel Report of 2024 Attempted Assassination

Riverdale Main Streets Alliance - Riverdale x Studio 54

 

Riverdale 70's Disco Party!

Studio 54 is coming to town just two weeks from now...
Dress to impress in your 70’s best and relive those boogie nights! Funky dance beats spun by DJ Giac all night long. Enjoy drinks and delicious food from Downey’s. All ticket proceeds from this event will support the Riverdale Main Streets Alliance’s non-profit mission. Catch you on the dance floor! Ya dig?
Get Tickets Here

Date: Saturday, November 2
Time: 8:00pm-12:00am
Location: Downey’s Bar & Grill (5790 Mosholu Avenue)
Tickets: $25 per person ($30 at the door)
Live DJ, photographer, food, drink, polaroid station, dance

Need a fabulous hairdo for the party? Sokol Delaj at Studio Delaj (RMSA member) has got you covered! Visit him at 3545 Riverdale Avenue.

Well... did you get your tickets yet for the 70's Disco Party?

LINK: Get Tickets Here

Questions? Email us at rmsabx@gmail.com

Attorney General James Announces 548 Guns Turned in at Rochester Gun Buyback

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that 548 firearms were turned in at a community gun buyback event in Rochester hosted by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Rochester Police Department. This event was part of Attorney General James’ ongoing effort to combat gun violence and keep New Yorkers safe. To date, Attorney General James has removed more than 8,200 guns from New York state since taking office in 2019.

“Gun buyback events empower local communities to remove unwanted firearms off our streets and out of our communities,” said Attorney General James. “Every one of the guns collected is another potential life saved and tragedy averted. I thank the Rochester Police Department and my partners in local and state government for working with my office to ensure this event was a success. Together, we will keep protecting New York families from the scourge of gun violence.”

This buyback event in Rochester resulted in 548 guns being turned in, including 32 assault weapons, 306 handguns, and 152 long guns. Following today’s gun buyback event, Attorney General James has helped remove more than 8,200 guns out of New York communities. 

U.S. Marshals Focus on Violent Fugitives During Operation Nazare Wave

 

Operation Focused on Reducing Violent Crime in the National Capitol Region

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced the results of Operation Nazare Wave, which focused on violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. This operation was spearheaded by the USMS’ Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) between April and September and resulted in the arrest of 826 fugitives (63 for homicide); recovery and seizure of 54 firearms; and seizure of 6.4 kg of narcotics and $1,115,365 in U.S. currency.

“This successful operation reflects the collaborative approach the Justice Department has taken to turn the tide against violent crime,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From April to September, the U.S. Marshals Service brought together more than 30 law enforcement agencies spanning the Washington, D.C. area to arrest 826 fugitives and seize significant quantities of firearms and narcotics. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal and law enforcement partner who took part in this operation.”

“I wish to thank all of the Deputies, Task Force Officers, and participating agencies for their steadfast commitment and tremendous work,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis. “This operation coincided with Operation North Star FY2024 in 10 other metropolitan areas which demonstrates the commitment of the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Justice to work with local law-enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime.”

Operation Nazare Wave focused on reducing violent crime in the NCR but resulted in arrests crossing 19 different districts across the United States and internationally. While some fugitives wanted in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) fled to other districts, in other instances fugitives wanted outside the DMV traveled into the DMV and were apprehended.

Significant arrests include:

• On July 31, based on information developed by CARFTF, the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force and Prince Georges County police assisted a special branch of the Guyana police in locating Rakeem Gilgeours, who fled the country following a July 4 shooting that resulted in the death of a 6-year-old boy and injuries to other community members who had gathered to celebrate the holiday at a Temple Hills, Maryland, park. CARFTF arrested Gilgeours in Miami after Guyana deported him.
• On June 1, Emmanuel Sewell was arrested in Putnam County, West Virginia, by the Southern District of West Virginia Violent Offender Task Force, in collaboration with CARFTF. Sewell, a registered sex offender, was wanted in Montgomery County, Maryland, in connection with the May 31 death of Maryland Parole and Probation Officer David Martinez in his Chevy Chase home. Martinez was Sewell’s probation officer.
• On April 29, CARFTF arrested a 16-year-old juvenile in Suitland, Maryland, for aggravated assault with a gun and attempted murder following an April 19 shooting at a Greenbelt park where a large group of youth had gathered for a senior skip day. A search warrant executed at the suspect’s mother’s house, where he’d been staying, yielded $246,780 in currency, 40.5 grams of crack cocaine, and two handguns.

Agencies participating in Operation Nazare Wave include: Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia; U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Metro Transit Police Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations; Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; Diplomatic Security Service; Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency; Naval Criminal Investigative Service; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; D.C. Department of Corrections; Bowie Police Department; Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office; Bladensburg Police Department; Prince George’s County Police Department; Montgomery County Police Department; Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office; Maryland State Police; Charles County Sheriff’s Office; Hyattsville Police Department; Maryland Department of Public Safety; Howard County Police Department; Forest Heights Police Department; Fairfax County Police Department; City of Fairfax Police Department; Prince William County Police Department; Alexandria Police Department; Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office; Stafford County Sheriff’s Office; Virginia State Police; and City of Dumfries Police Department.

New Permits Filed for 1771 Weeks Avenue in Mount Hope, The Bronx

 

New permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 1771 Weeks Avenue in Mount Hope, The Bronx. Located between East 175th Street and Cross Bronx Expressway, the lot is near the 174-175th street subway station, serviced by the D train. Darwin Torres is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 35,989 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 59 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 609 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

John Alleyne of Becall Engineering Services is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.