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Friday, February 16, 2018
Bronx Chamber of Commerce Honors Six Distinguished Individuals at our Black Heritage Celebration Luncheon
Events, Communications & Grants Director
Bronx Chamber of Commerce
BP DIAZ & ADVOCATES DEMAND ‘FAIR FARES’ IN NYC BUDGET
BP Diaz, transit and community activists blast de Blasio administration for failing to include $200 million in FY 2019 budget to provide transit relief for the working poor
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and advocates from across the city have come together to rebuke Mayor Bill de Blasio for failing to include funding for “fair fares” in his $88.67 billion Preliminary Budget for City Fiscal Year 2019.
“For a relatively small amount of funding the administration could provide the working poor with real financial relief by making ‘fair fares’ a reality,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “For $200 million we could make a significant impact on the everyday lives of nearly 800,000 New Yorkers – people from every corner of this city who desperately need a helping hand. The de Blasio administration must add the funding for ‘fair fares’ to its budget.”
The “fair fares” proposal is anti-poverty effort aimed at addressing transit affordability, and would fund half-price transit fares for the economically disadvantaged. Recent data from Community Service Society’s 2017 Unheard Third found that one in four poor, working-age New Yorkers are often unable to afford subway and bus fares.
The survey also found that 20 percent of working-age New York City residents living below the poverty line have been unable to run important errands due to subway fares, and that 31 percent could not look for or take a job further away from where they live because of the high cost of transit.
“As we debate the future of our transit system and how it will be funded, we cannot lose sight of the needs of the working poor. We should consider developing a more nuanced system of collecting fares—a system that takes into account a commuter’s means, and provides a discount to those New Yorkers who need it the most. A ‘fair fares’ program will do just that, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the City Council and advocates all over the five boroughs to make real relief for the working poor a reality,” said Borough President Diaz.
“Whether it’s a millionaires’ tax or a congestion pricing plan, we need a recurring source of revenue to fix our subway system and in the process make transit fares affordable for our lowest income residents,” said David. R. Jones, President and CEO of the Community Service Society and MTA Board Member. “These are both sound progressive ideas, but neither will provide the immediate relief that struggling New Yorkers need today to get to work and get ahead. The mayor should move forward and launch a half-priced “Fair Fares” program and fund it in the City budget. By not doing so, the mayor would’ve missed an opportunity to prove that his pronouncements about creating a fairer city were not just political rhetoric.”
Valentine's Day Events
Valentine's Day celebrations are normally between two people, but today several local Bronx elected officials brought Valentine's Day greetings to some people who may not have enjoyed the Day of Joy.
At the Veteran's Hospital on Kingsbridge Road State Senator Jeff Klein held his 23rd Annual Valentines for Veterans Celebration. Senator Klein brought with him Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, Miss Teen New York Asia Hickman, Miss Bronx Li Ling Rivera, former NY Knick Charles Smith, the Step Dancers from Icahn Charter School 2, the PS 105 Children's Choir, and the PS 83 Children's Rock Band. There was singing, dancing, and high stepping from the school children, and gift bags for the veterans with letters of hope from students of several other schools.
Above - Senator Klein and guests stand behind many of the gifts and Valentines for the Veterans at the VA Hospital.
Below The singing of the National Anthem.
Above - Miss Teen New York, and Miss Bronx were on hand.
Below - Assemblyman Benedetto mentioned the thought of wearing his red boots, but he had the feeling someone else might be wearing red boots. See photo above.
A little later at Villa Barone Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the 11th Annual Sweethearts Luncheon. This was for Bronx couples who have been married for fifty years or more. The PS 72 Ballroom Dancers provided the warm up dances for married sweethearts, and then the couples themselves took to the dance floor to celebrate their own longevity of being married. Vinnie Barretta and his wife Josie were the longest married couple spanning seventy years of blissful marriage. When asked by Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. how they met, Mrs. Barretta said they were at a drug store where she was going to weigh herself on the scale in the store. When they met she was seventeen and Vinnie was nineteen. Before she could put her penny into the scale her soon to be husband guessed her weight, and the rest is history. Mr. George Hulse of sponsor Healthfirst provided a humorous joke as he said between his four marriages and his present wife's three marriages they must have close to one-hundred years of marriage between the both of them.
Above - The PS 72 Ballroom Dancers warmed up the crowd so much that,
Below - Many of the couples took to the dance floor themselves.
Above - This was an event for Bronx couples who were married for more than fifty years, and Bronx Borough President called up Vinnie and Josie Barretta who have been married for seventy years for a special recognition.
Below - BP Diaz also recognized Health First as being the sponsor of the event. Mr. George Hulse of Health First said that between his four marriages, and his wife's three that they have almost one hundred years of marriage between them.
After wards there was a Valentine's Day event held in Coop-City by Congressman Eliot Engel, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and Councilman Andy King. Unfortunately Congressman Engel had to fly back to Washington to do his job, but Senator Bailey and Councilman King were able to entertain the roomful of people from the Coop-City area. Councilman King did most of the talking, but we saw a new side of Senator Bailey as he began his future career as a rapper. While State Senator Bailey has on his staff the former Dancing District Leader of the 80th A.D., the senator will now be known as Senator Jamaal “The Rapper” Bailey.
Above - Councilman Andy King was the host of this event. Here he welcomes State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and asks the senator to do his thing.
Below - He looked like a natural when he began rapping, as you can see by Councilman King getting down to the beat. He may have the Former Dancing District Leader, but Senator Jamaal Bailey will now be known as the 'Rapping Senator'.
African American Embrace "Abrazo Afro-Americano 2018
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Councilman, Ruben Diaz Sr.
District 18 Bronx County, New York
You should know that on Friday, February 23rd 2018 from 7:00 pm to 12:00 am at Maestros Caterer’s, 1703 Bronxdale Avenue, in the Bronx, together with Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Victor Pichardo and Council Member Rafael Salamanca we will be celebrating the Annual “African American Embrace “Abrazo Afro-Americano” in recognition of the Black Heritage Month.
The African- American Embrace “Abrazo Afro-Americano”, is a free banquet for 500 people where the elected official recognize with proclamations and certificates five (5) distinguish members of the African-American Community in the Bronx County.
You should also know, that this is one of four (4) different Abrazos that we started many years ago to recognize different community and cultures.
Beside the Abrazo Afro-Americano we also celebrate Abrazo Garifuna, Abrazo Boricua and Abrazo Dominicano. In the month of December for Christmas we celebrated a Christmas Party for over 800 people.
I am Councilman Rev. Rubén DÃaz, Sr., and this is what you should know.
For more information, please contact Leila Martinez at (718) 792-1140.
NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR SATURDAY EVENING AND SUNDAY MORNING
Winter Storm Watch in effect from 7 p.m. Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday
The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Saturday evening through Sunday morning, February 18, 2018. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for New York City in effect from 7 p.m.Saturday through 7 a.m. Sunday. Snow is predicted to begin around 7 p.m. Saturday, with the heaviest snow expected to fall overnight through early Sunday morning. Snow is expected to end around sunrise. A total of 4 to 6 inches of snow is forecast, with locally higher amounts possible.
A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may cause difficult travel conditions. New Yorkers should prepare for snow covered roads and limited visibility. Commuters are advised to use mass transit where possible, and exercise caution when driving, walking or biking.
“With snow expected, slippery roads may make travel difficult this weekend,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Give yourself some extra travel time and use caution while you’re out on Saturday night and Sunday morning.”
Department of Sanitation
· The NYC Department of Sanitation is pre-deploying 693 salt spreaders. PlowNYC will be activated and 1500 plows will be dispatched when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.
· DSNY will assign 2,300 workers per shift. Workers will be assigned to 12-hour shifts beginning at 7 a.m. Saturday.
· Normal garbage/recycling collections will occur on Saturday.
Department of Transportation
· DOT’s Bridges Division will pre-deploy crews to East River Bridges.
· Crews will pre-treat and monitor Municipal Parking lots, and will address conditions as needed.
· DOT’s Arterial, Parking and Citywide Concrete Units, will pre-treat and monitor pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets.
· DOT’s Ferry Division will pre-treat and clear walkways at the ferry terminal. Ferry passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel.
· Crews from JC Decaux are pre-treating bus shelters.
· DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.
Department of Social Services
A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values. No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:
· Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
· Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with each and every day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.
· Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.
· Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.
Department of Buildings
DOB has issued a weather advisory reminding property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during this weekend’s winter weather. If sites are not secured, the Department will take enforcement action - issuing violations and stop-work orders, where necessary. DOB is reminding all construction contractors and property owners to secure their work sites and buildings in advance of the inclement weather.
To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
· Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
· Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
· Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.
· Clear icicles and vulnerable snow masses from sidewalk sheds, and supported and suspended scaffolds.
· Clear roofs, overhangs and gutters of melting snow and ice.
· Brace and secure construction fences.
· Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.
To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:
· Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
· Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
· Secure and clear roofs, awnings, umbrellas and overhangs of melting snow and ice.
· Ensure gutters are clear of debris to allow drainage.
· Secure retractable awnings.
Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Residential building owners are legally required to maintain indoor temperatures at 68 degrees when it falls below 55 degrees outside during the day, and a minimum of 62 degrees indoors overnight, regardless of outdoor temperatures. If an apartment lacks appropriate heat, a tenant should first attempt to notify the building owner, managing agent or superintendent. If heat is not restored, the tenant should register an official complaint via 311. Tenants can call 311, visit 311 online atwww.nyc.gov/311, or use the app 311Mobile (on Android and iOS devices) to file a complaint. Hearing-impaired tenants can register complaints via a Touchtone Device for the Deaf TDD at (212) 504-4115.
Winter Storm Safety Tips
For Motorists
· Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.
· Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.
· Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.
· Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.
· If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
· Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.
· Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.
For Pedestrians
· Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.
· Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.
· Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.
· If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.
· Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors.
· Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.
· Be safe at work. Workers who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related health impacts. If you are an employer, implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on how to stay safe during cold and winter weather.
· Limit alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol may make you feel warmer but it causes your body to lose heat faster. Alcohol also impairs your judgment which limits your ability to take appropriate precautions or remove yourself from a dangerously cold environment in time. As a result, alcohol actually increases your chances of hypothermia and frostbite.
For more information, visit nyc.gov/emergencymanagement. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
JUMAANE WILLIAMS DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR NYS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Today on the steps of City Hall in Manhattan, New York City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams declared his candidacy for the office of Lieutenant Governor of New York State. The announcement was made at a large rally attended by elected officials, activists, and community members in support of the Council Member's bid for the position.
Williams, a progressive Democrat who is currently serving his third term in the New York City Council, announced last month that he would explore a run for the position. Since then, he has visited a number of cities around the state, meeting with local activists and progressive organizations. He cited the energy and response that he has seen around the state as one of the reasons for his decision to formally enter the race.
"Today, I am proud to announce that I am running to become the Lieutenant Governor of the State of New York," said Williams in his announcement speech before a crowd of nearly 100 community members. "The Lieutenant Governor position needs to be more than ribbon cutting and rubber stamping. I want to be the people's advocate in Albany, pushing the Governor and the legislature to enact the progressive policies that are the promise of our state. I want to represent the diverse needs of the people of our state-- and by the way, our state government could use some diversity."
Council Member Williams represents a challenge to the present administration from the left. He has long been a critic of Governor Cuomo and other officials who he says "put on a progressive cloak" when it is politically expedient and "test the political winds" rather than acting on their core beliefs. In announcing his candidacy, Williams argued that the Capitol needs people who will help to "create those political winds."
"Since I announced a month ago, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, that I was considering this effort, I've received an outpouring of support, both here in the city and across the state- from activists, elected officials, and everyday New Yorkers yearning for progressive change," Williams added. "Now I know that this race will be challenging, but I've never been one who backs down from a challenge- in fact, I seem to go looking for them.
"I believe that no matter who the Governor is, we're going to need a person who will be the people's Lieutenant Governor, always pushing forward. And I believe that I am that person."
Several of Williams' initial endorsers spoke out on his behalf at the announcement event, including State Senator Kevin Parker, Council Members Daneek Miller and Antonio Reynoso, and activists including Anthonine Pierre, Kirsten Foy, and Eddie Kay.
In his eight years as a member of the New York City Council, Williams has been a fierce advocate for affordable housing and tenant protections. Referring to himself as an "activist elected official," he has passed a robust and diverse portfolio of legislation, including landmark legislation in police reform and worker safety, and helped to create anti-gun violence programs which have led New York City to its lowest crime rates in decades. Williams was recently re-elected to a third term representing the 45th District in the City Council, earning 96% percent of the vote.
In New York State, candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor run separately in the primary, with the winners of each party's nomination forming a joint ticket for the general election. Incumbent Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated that she plans to run for reelection, but has not yet made a formal announcement.
Williams concluded his announcement by stating, "Now today, I've talked a lot about myself- my campaign, my candidacy. But the truth is, every gain I've made has been because of the people behind me, the people who had my back. Do what you can, with what you have, for as many people as you have the privilege of serving, for as long you can And together, we can do a whole lot. It's not me, it's us. Together. Together, we can prove that activist energy can overcome establishment money Together, we can reject the politics of cautious inaction. Together we can amplify the voices of all those who aren't being heard in New York. Together, we can renew focus on our most basic principles of justice, and equity. Together, we can win this campaign to bring true progressivism to the Capitol.
"It's Time. Let's Go."
Bronx Men Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Explosives Charges
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, Police Commissioner of the City of New York, (“NYPD”), announced that CHRISTIAN TORO and TYLER TORO have been charged in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with their stockpiling of explosive materials and manufacture of destructive devices at their residence in the Bronx. Both defendants were presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in Manhattan federal court this afternoon and detained.
As alleged in the Complaint[1]:
On or about December 4, 2017, a bomb threat was called into a high school in Harlem, New York (the “School”). Shortly after a student was arrested in connection with that incident, CHRISTIAN TORO, who was a teacher at the School, resigned. After CHRISTIAN TORO’s resignation, TYLER TORO returned to the School a laptop computer (the “Laptop”) that the School had provided to CHRISTIAN TORO for use in connection with his employment. A School employee found, on the Laptop, a copy of a book that provides instructions for, among other things, manufacturing explosive devices.
Law enforcement agents subsequently interviewed multiple students at the School, who indicated that at least two students at the School had visited CHRISTIAN TORO’s residence (the “Residence”), where CHRISTIAN TORO would pay them approximately $50 per hour to break apart fireworks and store the powder that came out of the fireworks in containers.
On February 15, 2018, law enforcement agents conducted a search of the Residence pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant. In a bedroom identified as shared by CHRISTIAN TORO and TYLER TORO, law enforcement agents recovered, among other items, (i) approximately 20 pounds of iron oxide; (ii) approximately five pounds of aluminum powder; (iii) a substance appearing to be thermite, mixed from iron oxide and aluminum powder; (iv) approximately five pounds of potassium nitrate; (v) a glass jar containing explosive powder; and (vi) a cardboard box containing firecrackers. In addition, law enforcement agents found a handwritten diary labeled with TYLER TORO’s name, which stated, among other things, “WE ARE TWIN TOROS STRIKE US NOW, WE WILL RETURN WITH NANO THERMITE” and “I AM HERE 100%, LIVING, BUYING WEAPONS. WHATEVER WE NEED.” Law enforcement agents also recovered a backpack, identified as belonging to CHRISTIAN TORO, containing an index card with handwriting reading “UNDER THE FULL MOON THE SMALL ONES WILL KNOW TERROR.”
CHRISTIAN TORO, 27, of the Bronx, New York, is charged in the Complaint with one count of unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device, in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5822, 5861(f), and 5871 and 18 U.S.C. § 2, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of distribution of explosive materials to a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 842(d)(1), which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. TYLER TORO, also 27 and of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of unlawfully manufacturing a destructive device, in violation of 26 U.S.C. §§ 5822, 5861(f), and 5871 and 18 U.S.C. § 2, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists principally of agents of the FBI and detectives of the NYPD.
This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth Hanft is in charge of the prosecution.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.