Statements Re: Dr. Betty Rosa’s Election as Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ - 

“Dr. Betty Rosa is a longtime ally, close advisor and a dear friend, and I am proud that she has been chosen by her colleagues on the New York State Board of Regents to serve as our chancellor.

“I have worked closely with Dr. Rosa throughout my career as an elected official, first in the New York State Assembly and now as Bronx Borough President. Dr. Rosa is a fighter for our children, and during her years of service as a member of the New York State Board of Regents she has demonstrated her passion on education through her advocacy on a myriad of issues. She is fiercely independent, and has never shied away from criticizing the powers-that-be when she feels they have erred.

“Through her decades of experience as a teacher, superintendent and as a member of the Board of Regents, Dr. Rosa has demonstrated that she has been the right choice for the children of The Bronx and now for all of New York State.

“Dr. Betty Rosa is the very definition of a trailblazer—the first Latina to serve in this position, and the first Bronxite, as well—and I am proud and excited that my good friend has been selected as the Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents. I look forward to continuing to work with her towards greater education outcomes for children not only in The Bronx, but across this city and this state,” Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz applauded the New York State Board of Regents for its election of Dr. Betty Rosa, an eight year veteran of the board, to be Chancellor. 

“The election of Dr. Betty Rosa as Chancellor of the New York State Board of Regents is a huge victory for our schools and more importantly - the children who attend them. Dr. Rosa’s qualifications to serve as chancellor are unmatched,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz. “I was privileged to have nominated Dr. Rosa when she was first elected to the Board of Regents representing the Bronx back in 2008, and she has served in that position with distinction for nearly eight years. During her tenure as Superintendent of Community School District 8 in the Bronx she oversaw over 25,000 students in 30 schools, and founded M.S. 101, the Maritime Academy for Science and Technology, which would eventually become one of the top ranked middle schools in the City of New York. Her founding of the Office of Conflict Resolution in the Division of Special Education, in addition to the work she’s done for multilingual and special education students further exemplify her commitment to all students – especially those who need the most help. I can personally attest that Dr. Rosa has been an independent voice and a relentless advocate for school children on every issue that has come before her and I look forward to working with her in the coming years.”

Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, chairman of the Assembly Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force Said - 

 “Last week a  joint Session of the New York State Legislature voted to confirm three new members to the New York State Board of Regents and  today, the Board has chosen a new Chancellor of the Board in the selection of Dr. Betty Rosa.  There is great optimism that long-sought reforms to improve our children's academic attainment will be reached,"

Statement from State Senator Gustavo Rivera

"Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Betty Rosa has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of education for the Bronx and all of New York State, while being a tireless advocate for our most vulnerable students. I am very proud that a fellow Bronxite has been appointed to be the first Latina to serve as the Chancellor of the Board of Regents and I look forward to working with her to ensure all the children in our State receive the education they need and deserve."

100 PERCENT SATURDAY MARCH 19, 2016

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

March Madness

     The Ides of March have passed, and March Madness is upon us. I would suggest that you check your brackets to see if you are still in the hunt to pick the winner of the NCAA Tournament. 

     It seems that Chancellor Carmen Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio are turning public school lunchrooms into what looks like Sports bars by putting in as many as six wide screen televisions.  In a recent visit to MS 80 for an event I found six wide screen televisions mounted on the walls, and one even had the Iowa - Temple NCAA game on complete with all the commercials. Is that any way to run a school Chancellor Farina or Mayor de Blasio. No wonder this is a failing school, or should we be state legislative correct and call it a struggling school. Any way you look at this it is a school where the children are failing and not struggling. This has gone on for much to long, and I hope to let the parents and community know that the mayor and his chancellor would rather have your children watching television complete with commercials rather than trying to teach them. I can only wonder if these young children are watching beer and other adult commercials that may come on at any time of the day. 

     On to local politics - With the endorsement of the Bronx Democratic County organization is that the final piece of the puzzle to a victory for current Assemblyman Keith Wright to replace Charlie Rangel in congress. The field is looking like the Republican Presidential race with candidates in the congressional race expected to drop like those in the Republican Presidential race. Who will be next to drop out of the race to replace Charlie Rangel? The other question is will State Senator Adriano Espaillat become a three time loser in this district. 

     Speaking of losers we should soon know just how much time in jail that former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos will be serving as both are to be sentenced in early April. 

     As for the Democratic Presidential race - pack it in Bernie she already has the delegates to win, all you are doing is distracting her from who her real challenger is going to be. You were trumped when you entered the race. 

     Don't forget to check the archive section on the left of this blog for items such as the Community Board 6 - 26th observance of the Happy Land Social Club fire, Irish Heritage or Women of Distinction events by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. or the Bronx Chamber of Commerce to name only a few, and then there are the upcoming events by both and other such as the Bronx Jewish Project HOPE Passover Package Delivery on Sunday morning April 10th. There are also press releases by most of your local elected officials telling you of the job they are doing in office. 

     Lastly, I have been told by only one person that I picked on Assemblyman Jose Rivera last week. I thought I was going after someone else who I really didn't want to waste a whole column on, but I am being told that Assemblyman Jose Rivera's daughter the former Assemblywoman from the 80th A.D. has been making the rounds in the 78th A.D. where she is registered to vote. I guess I will have to find those old photos of her from her last election should she choose to run. Red seems to be Naomi's favorite color, right Anthony?

       If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on this blog, you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.   

SENATOR KLEIN & COMMUNITY GROUPS RALLIED AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE AT THROGGS NECK HOUSES

In response to the recent wave of gun violence, State Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Councilman James Vacca, the Throggs Neck Residents Council and Stand Up to Violence (SUV) rallied at the Throggs Neck Houses today. Senator Klein gathered residents and community leaders at the site of the first shooting, where he addressed the crowd on the importance of bringing awareness to these incidents and stopping gun violence. Reverend Dr. Sidney Hargrave began the march with a prayer, and SUV interrupters offered testimonials. Participants marched to the site of the second shooting and continued to protest the violence.

“We need to stop violence in its tracks.  Last week we witnessed two brutal shootings right here, and today we march in solidarity against the recent senseless acts of gun violence. We must continue the fight to keep our streets safe for children and families,” said Senator Klein. “I am proud that I have secured nearly $1 million dollars for a cutting-edge program, SUV,  to combat gun violence on our streets.  In just a few years, this program has made a significant impact on guns and gang violence and reduced the incidents of shootings in targeted areas by over 50 percent. I hope that we see an even greater reduction.”

Over the past few years, Senator Klein has allocated over $1 million to Stand Up to Violence (SUV), which is a unique violence prevention program that deploys ‘credible messengers’ and ‘violence interrupters’ to mediate conflict in the community and help high-risk individuals in targeted, high-crime areas in The Bronx.

“Today I join with Senator Jeff Klein, Councilman Vacca,  and the active residents here at the Throggs Neck Houses to bring awareness to this problem.  We must continue to stand up to gun violence and make a change together,” said Assemblyman  Benedetto.

"Violence in our community will not be tolerated," said Councilman Vacca. "I will be working closely with the 45th Precinct, the Throggs Neck Houses Resident Council and other elected officials to offer support in dealing with these difficult issues. People should not have to fear for their safety when walking down the street. We must take a multifaceted approach in dealing with violence and crime in our community."

“It is time we take back our community.  In unity there is strength and in strength there is power.If we continue to allow fear to paralyze us we will continue to be victims and not victors, God did not give us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind ( 2 Timothy 1:7) In unity there is strength and in strength there is power,” said Monique Johnson, President of The Throggs Neck Residents Council.

“If you don’t  - who will stand up to violence?” asked Minister Kwame Thompson, SUV Supervisor.  “Thank you Senator Klein for being involved and being a healing force to cure violence.”

For more information on SUV, please call (718) 822-2049.

Commercial Television in the Public Schools Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio?

   Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio why does this school lunchroom look like a sports bar with large screen televisions (six in all) placed around the lunchroom?

As you see in this photo the NCAA basketball game is on this television, why is that Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio? 

And Chancellor Farina and Mayor Bill de Blasio why is it that there are commercial like the ones above and below being shown in a public school? 

Parents would like to know why their children are watching television during breakfast, lunch, and who knows what ever other time when they should be learning. Could that be why this school is a failing school?

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Health and Wellness Fair

 

  It was billed as a Health & Wellness fair as over 25 different tables were set up by city agencies (like the one in the photo above), Community organizations Non Profit organizations, Health Insurers, and other Health or Wellness related groups. The fair was held in MS 80 located at the corner of Van Cortlandt Avenue and Mosholu Parkway, and I found out something very interesting about the school that you will see at the end of this story.

Above - There were many different options for those who came to the Health and Wellness fair including testing by Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics. However you had to have medical insurance to be tested, and the co-payment was waived for the event.

Below - Metro Optics with several Bronx locations was on hand to help you see better. 

Above - United Health Care Community Plan and Union Community Health Center were also on hand, but you can see a large screen television at the top of the photo.

Below - It appears that in the lunchroom of MS 80 this large screen television was showing the Iowa - Temple College Basketball game. 

Above and Below - Also interesting was the fact that commercials were being shown in a public school. 

Above - another commercial being shown in a public school.

Below - there were other large screen televisions set up around the lunchroom - six in all making the lunchroom look like a sports bar. I was told that the children watch the televisions during breakfast and lunch to occupy their time. 

Editor's Note: 

I wonder if the Chancellor and Mayor know that in this and probably other schools around the city televisions are put into rooms such as this lunchroom to occupy a child's time when they should be learning rather than watching commercial television. Are the schools at least receiving any money from the commercial television being shown in their lunchrooms and where ever else in the school Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Farina?

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Women of Distinction Luncheon

    As usual the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon was an event not to be missed, the Mistress of Ceremony was Ms. Juliet Papa of 1010 Wins News Radio, The Keynote Speaker was Lt. Governor Hon. Kathy Hochul, Nunzio Del Greco President of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce greeted everyone, and Joe Kelleher the Chairman of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce gave the opening remarks. however if you did not attend here is what you missed.

Above (Left - Right) Tajanique Parker (Renaissance High School who sang the National Anthem), Blessing Abraham-Anoroh (Con Edison Stem Scholarship award winner), Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, Kunjben Patel (Con Edison Stem Scholarship award winner), Alissa Marquez (Hutchinson Metro Center Scholarship award winner), and Vandanna Hairpersaud (Metro Optics Scholarship award winner).

Below - State Senator Jeff Klein says a few words about Michelle Dolgow-Christofaro who received a Special Recognition Award from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Above - Michelle Dolgow-Christofaro who received a Special Recognition Award from the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for her many years as the BCC's Executive Director. 

Below - Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark speaks about her humble Bronx Roots, and what it is to be the first Black Woman District Attorney.

Above - Bronx DA Darcel Clark was also one of the honorees of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Below - Bronx DOT Commissioner Constance Moran was the second Bronx Chamber of Commerce Honoree.

Above - Ms. Tracy McDermott was the third Honoree of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce.

Below - Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul was seated at the table of Bronx DA Darcel Clark, and Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene (who sat in for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.).

KLEIN NEGOTIATES RE-STABILIZATION OF 82 BRONX APARTMENTS

Previously de-stabilized units restored to rent rolls

State Senator Jeff Klein announced today that, with the help of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman and the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), he negotiated the re-regulation of 82 apartments in The Bronx.

The units, which are part of several buildings owned by Goldfarb Properties, had previously been removed from the rent rolls, in some cases by the previous owner and, in others, after Goldfarb claimed vacancies. When Senator Klein learned of the de-regulated apartments at 2160 Matthews Avenue,  1135 Pelham Parkway North, and 1130 and 1540 Pelham Parkway South, his office began working closely with tenants’ associations in the buildings, eventually partnering with the Attorney General and HCR’s Tenant Protection Unit (TPU). After discussions with Senator Klein’s office, the Attorney General’s Office and HCR, Goldfarb agreed to re-regulate a total of 82 units.

“As our city works hard to try to expand affordable housing for our working- and middle-class, it is incredibly important to ensure that we are protecting the affordable housing that already exists. I am proud to announce that with this wave of re-regulation, we have been able to push this landlord to restore these 82 units, thereby protecting these tenants and their families who rely on affordable rents. I want to thank Attorney General Schneiderman and New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s Tenant Protection Unit for their help,” said Senator Klein.

“I am pleased my office could work with Senator Klein and HCR to return dozens of Bronx apartments back to rent regulation. Today's settlement is an important example of the work we can and must do to uphold tenant rights and preserve affordable housing across the city,” said Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman.

“The Governor’s Tenant Protection Unit works in every neighborhood on behalf of tenants’ rights. This case represents a win for the tenants and the Bronx. The TPU, as a member of the City/State Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force, moved proactively to help the tenants in these buildings and returned over 80 units that were improperly de-regulated. In doing so, the Governor’s TPU has helped to stem the loss of rent regulated housing in working and middle-class neighborhoods, ensuring that long-term tenants can stay in their homes,” said HCR Commissioner James S. Rubin.

BRONX COMMUNITY BOARD #6 TO OBSERVE THE 26TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HAPPY LAND SOCIAL CLUB FIRE

On Friday, March 25, 2016, Bronx Community Board #6 and the relatives and friends of the victims of the 1990 Happy Land Social Club Fire will commemorate the 26th anniversary of that tragic event which took the lives of 87 people. Still fresh in our minds, we keep the memory alive by remembering those who died as well as the impact it had on this community. 

The Happy Land Social Club Fire was the largest mass murder to occur in New York City, second only to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Eighty-seven individuals lost their lives when Julio Gonzalez, who had been evicted from the club earlier after fighting with his girlfriend, poured and ignited gasoline at the entrance of the club. With the club’s windows and other means of egress barricaded, and no sprinkler system available, the individuals had no hope for escape. To its credit, the city shortly thereafter formed the Club Task Force (now known as the Multi-Agency Response to Community Hotspots, or MARCH Operation). 

The Happy Land Fire is the legacy of this community and the month of March is Fire Prevention month; as such, community board 6 is requesting that the Fire and Buildings departments inspect all local drinking establishments (i.e. bars and nightclubs) to insure they are up to code and are a safe place to gather, with working sprinklers, clear exits, and a proper Certificate of Occupancy.

A monument was erected in 1995 directly across the street from the site of the fire which bears the victims’ names. There, family members and friends visit and place flowers on special occasions such as birthdays, holidays and anniversaries. The street in front of the monument has been renamed Ochenta y Siete Boulevard. 

Community Board #6 will observe the fire’s 26th anniversary, which falls on Good Friday this year, one of the most holiest days, by dedicating a 7:00 p.m. mass to the victims. The mass will be held at Saint Thomas Aquinas Church (1900 Crotona Parkway) followed by a procession towards the monument at East Tremont Avenue, between Southern Boulevard and Crotona Parkway, for a rosary and candlelight vigil. Flowers, wreaths, and mementos will be placed at the base of the monument, and the names of victims will be read. (The victims’ names appear on the attached page.) 

Additional information about the March 25th memorial may be obtained by contacting the community board’s district office at 718-579-6990 or by email at brxcb6@optonline.net 

Honorable Ritchie Torres,                                   

City Council Member, 15th Council District      

Honorable Rafael Salamanca,

City Council Member, 17th Council District

Happy Land Social Club Fire

26th Anniversary

March 25, 2016

1.Lourdes Rosario Aguilar 28. Marvin Antonio Doubleday

2. Calixtro Alfara 29. Luis Gustavo Drummond

3. Jose Amilear Alfaro 30. Omar Escobar

4. Malvin Alicea 31. Alba Escoto

5. Denny Elroy Alvarez 32. Casimiro Evo

6. Hector Alvarez 33. Daisy Marie Falco

7. Jose Alvarez 34. Debra Farrington

8. Frankie Tomas Arana 35. Loretta Farrington

9. Dagoberto Barahona 36. Jose Romans Flores

10. Sandra Beltran 37. Lenny Ernesto Gamoneda

11. Victor Hugo Benavides 38. Marco Tulio Gamoneda

12. Israel Antonio Bulnes, Jr. 39. Orvin Garbutt

13. Wilfredo Castillo 40. Erlinda Gomez

14. Janet Castro 41. Jose Gonzalez

15. Carla Chavez 42. Carmen Hernandez

16. Francisco Chavez 43. Enrique Hinds

17. Norman Clark 44. Ann Marie Hunt

18. Elias Colon 45. Juan Javier

19. Juan Carlos Colon 46. Charles Joseph

20. Ramon Colon 47. Israel Laureano, Sr.

21. Carlos E. Contreras 48. Isabel Lopez

22. Victor Hugo Cordova 49. Mauricio Lopez

23. Justa Gladys Crisanto 50. Nohemy Arcely Luque

24. Lester Rolando Cruz 51. Luis Abraham Manaiza

25.Natalie Dantzler 52. Wendy Manaiza

26. Jose Alexis Diaz 53. Kim Marlow

27. Marco Tulio Dolmo 54. Jose Manuel Marquez

55. Mario Martinez 72. Samuel Ortiz

56. Aida Margarita Martinez 73. Nilda Ortiz

57. Marco Vinicio Martinez 74. Mario Pacheco

58. Marisol Martinez 75. Eli J. Pena

59. Ines Maximo 76. Juan Andres Pena

60. Daphne McKenzie 77. Carlos Roberto Peri

61. Hilda E. McKenzie 78. Wilson Efrain Pesantez

62. Samuel R. McKenzie 79. Miriam Elena Pineda

63. Elevio Mejia 80. Minerva Ramos

64. Nelson Mejia 81. Clemente (Henry) Reyes

65. Rene J. Mena, Jr. 82. Cruz Robledo

66. Mircia Moncada 83. Query Francisco Romero

67. Dionicio Moreira 84. Susan Gayle Samms

68. Ana Luisa Moss 85. Betsabe Torres

69. Yvette Murray 86. Paula Velasquez

70. Yvonne Murray 87. Nicolas Zapata

71. Juan Jose Nunez