Saturday, May 13, 2017

32BJ SEIU ENDORSES ASSEMBLYMEMBER MARK GJONAJ


  Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union, the largest property service workers union in the country, representing more than 82,000 New Yorkers, has endorsed Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj in his campaign for the 13th Council District. 

“Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj has consistently placed issues important to our members at the forefront of his work in the Assembly, standing up for immigrant rights and fair wages. His dedication and commitment to our members and their families is why we proudly give our endorsement to Assemblymember Gjonaj and look forward to working together to help working families in New York thrive,” said Hector Figueroa, President of 32BJ SEIU.

“I am honored that the members of 32BJ SEIU have decided to support my candidacy. Our building superintendents, doormen, and building employees go above and beyond, dedicating their lives to ensuring residents have a safe and clean place to call home.  Having the support of a community who has always looked out for the betterment of others means a lot to me. I look forward to working alongside them in the fight to ensure a better quality of life for all New Yorkers,” said Assemblymember Mark Gjonaj, candidate for New York City Council’s 13th District.  

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj is running for City Council to represent the 13th Council District. He currently represents the 80th Assembly District, which encompasses the neighborhoods of Allerton, Bedford Park, Morris Park, Mosholu Parkway, Norwood, Pelham Gardens, Pelham Parkway and Van Nest sections in The Bronx. He serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Micro Business and is a member of several committees: Banks; Local Governments; Real Property Taxation; Small Business; Tourism, Parks, and Sports Development; and Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:
This is now the second large union to endorse a candidate in the 13th Council district race. The United Firefighters Union has endorsed former firefighter John Marano. 

Prince Royce, Funk Flex, Selenis Leyva, Dr. Manny Villafana Set to Join Bronx Walk of Fame As BP Diaz Launches Bronx Week 2017



























Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. was joined by hundreds of proud Bronxites and Bronxites-at-heart for the official kick-off of "Bronx Week 2017" at The Bronx County Building's Veterans' Memorial Hall.
 
During the celebration, Borough President Diaz announced that Prince Royce, Funkmaster Flex, Selenis Leyva and Dr. Manny Villafaña would be honored as the newest members of the Bronx Walk of Fame, celebrating its 20th year.
 
"Bronx Week is a celebration of everything that makes our borough such an amazing place, and nothing is more important to that celebration than the people who are proud to call The Bronx their home," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "Every year, we are proud to welcome back the sons and daughters of The Bronx to celebrate their accomplishments and induct them to the Bronx Walk of Fame. This year we have four amazing honorees, and I am thrilled to join the people of The Bronx in congratulating them on this tremendous honor."
 
"This is the time of year when the entire borough comes together to exhibit pride and show the rest of the world what a great place The Bronx truly is. We give our honorees a big hometown welcome as we celebrate their accomplishments!" says Olga Luz Tirado, executive director of The Bronx Tourism Council.
 
Since releasing his triple-platinum self-titled debut album in 2010, Bronx-born singer and songwriter Prince Royce has become a bona fide Latin music superstar by bringing a mix of Bachata music and contemporary R&B to the Spanish-speaking world. He has scored fifteen No. 1 hits collectively on Latin radio charts, won 22 Latin Billboard Awards, 19 Premio Lo Nuestro Awards (Univision), 19 Juventud Awards and nine Latin Grammy nominations. His current hit single Déjà vu, a duet with Shakira, is his fifteenth #1 on Billboard's Tropical Songs chart and has ranked him at number three among artists that have garnered the most number ones in the history of this chart, earning him a new record as the fastest artist to achieve this milestone.
 
Funkmaster Flex is one of hip-hop's most recognizable DJs and a legend in the industry. In 1992, as the genre was enjoying a resurgence in popularity, he launched the first-ever hip hop radio show on New York City's HOT97 radio station. Today, Funkmaster Flex's show is so influential that you are said to have made it in the hip-hop world when he plays one of your tracks. In addition to his radio career he has released numerous mixtapes and has worked with the likes of 50 Cent, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Ja Rule, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J and more.
 
Born and raised in The Bronx, New York, Selenis Leyva is a proud Latina of Cuban and Dominican descent and a world-renowned actress. She is earning critical praise as one of the breakout stars of the Netflix hit series "Orange Is the New Black", which recently won its third consecutive Screen Actors Guild Award for "Best Ensemble Cast in a Comedy Series." Leyva will reprise her role as series regular (and fan favorite!) Gloria Mendoza when the hit series returns for a fifth season on June 9th. In addition to Orange, Selenis will star as Peter Parkers teacher Ms. Warren in the blockbuster franchise film "SPIDERMAN HOMECOMING," premiering in July.
 
Manny Villafaña, PhD, was born and raised in the South Bronx and is a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School. As a young professional, he began his career in medical devices in the 1960's as a salesman, and has since launched seven public companies. He has been granted multiple pacemaker, heart valve and stent patents that have completely transformed the industry of cardiac surgery. Dr. Villafaña's innovative designs have saved and enhanced countless lives and have earned him the nickname "Cardiac Kahuna." He is also globally recognized as a "Living Legend of Medicine," a title awarded to him in 2006 by the World Society of Cardio Thoracic Surgeons.

The celebration featured music by "Everything Covered" and samples of some of the best food and drink The Bronx has to offer, including the Bronx Brewery, Kingsbridge Social Club, Port Morris Distillery, Gino's Pastry Shoppe, Bronx Drafthouse, Woops!, Chelsea Craft Brewing Company, Delicioso Coco Helado and Made in Puerto Rico.
 
Now in its 46th year, Bronx Week is the annual celebration of everything that makes The Bronx a great place to live, work and raise a family.
 
For more information about Bronx Week 2017, visit www.ilovethebronx.com.

Statement from Assembly Member and DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake on the Release of Prosecuting Guidelines by Attorney General Jeff Sessions


   In response to the firing of FBI Director Comey, New York State Assembly Member and DNC Vice Chair Michael Blake released the following statement:

“The Attorney General’s to reverse the Department of Justice's policy on criminal charging is a devastating blow to criminal justice reform efforts happening all around the country. This is a step in the wrong direction and will result in more people being put in jail for minor offenses, especially from communities of color.

While the words of race, gender and class may not readily appear in the memo's intent, it is obvious to any objective person that these actions will knowingly hurt communities of color and residents from already challenged neighborhoods. Racial biases in policing, charging and sentencing contribute to the fact that more than 60% of the US prison population consists of people of color. Instead of locking up more people of color, we should be opening up doors of opportunity with reasonable judgment and second chances.

This memo removes the discretion given to federal prosecutors to charge based on the unique circumstances of each case and take into the account the biases that exist within our criminal justice system. It is a so-called “tough on crime” approach to seeking justice that results in unnecessarily long sentences and does little to enhance public safety. These antiquated policies have decimated poor communities and placed an undue burden on our prison system, forcing the Justice Department to spend one-third of its budget on incarceration instead of working to prevent, detect, or investigate serious crimes.

This inhumane decision is another reminder why progress in state houses is so critical in providing hope to those seeking justice across the country. I strongly urge Congress to listen to the bipartisan call to action and enact criminal justice reform policies that address the root of the issues; focusing on prevention, rehabilitation, and over-policing. The American people demand a criminal justice system that aligns with modern-day realities and accounts for the socioeconomic disparities in our society.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES $90 MILLION INVESTMENT IN REDUCING LOW-LEVEL ARRESTS FOR PEOPLE WITH BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEEDS


Two new drop-off diversion centers will provide short-term stabilizing services for 2,400 people per year, giving police officers a much needed alternative to arrest and jail for individuals with mental health needs who do not pose a risk to public safety

  Mayor de Blasio announced that the City is investing nearly $90 million for two new diversion centers scheduled to open next year. These diversion centers will offer short-term stabilizing services for individuals with mental health and substance use needs, providing police officers the option to bring these individuals to a diversion center as an alternative to arrest. These centers will be able to divert approximately 2,400 people annually who would otherwise be arrested on low-level charges.

The diversion centers are the final piece of the Mayor’s Action Plan on Behavioral Health and the Criminal Justice SystemComprised of 24 interlocking initiatives that stretch across the entire criminal justice system, the Action Plan has helped to reduce the number of people with a mental health diagnosis in city jails by 7 percent in the last two years. The new diversion centers could reduce this number even further.

“These two new diversion centers will provide police officers with a new option for responding to the needs of some of our most vulnerable New Yorkers – instead of making an arrest, police will be able to connect people to the mental health or substance abuse care they need,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Safe alternatives to arrest that give people the tools they need to get back on track are key to our criminal justice reforms and bringing down our jail population.”

“Too many people in our jails do not belong there and can be traumatized by the experience. Those who are struggling with mental illness, substance misuse or addiction don't need to be incarcerated. – they need treatment,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray, who leadsThriveNYC, the city’s mental health reform efforts. “Diversion centers will help people who are not well by connecting them to treatment that can transform their lives.”

“Too often, New Yorkers who struggle with mental health and substance use issues end up in our criminal justice system, when the best path is to connect them to treatment,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “Opening Diversion Centers builds on the City's commitment to expand mental health services for all residents. I commend Mayor de Blasio for taking a public health approach to reform the criminal justice system.”

“This will provide additional resources for the public, and another tool for the police,” said NYPD Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. “The goal is that these centers will provide mental health services that were previously unavailable to those who need them most.”  

“For too long, police in New York City and across the country have had very limited options when responding to individuals with behavioral health needs whose behavior violates the law," said Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice. "Police have had to choose between an arrest, which can exacerbate health concerns instead of address them, or an emergency room, which often requires that an officer spend hours at a hospital instead of addressing pressing public safety needs. New York City's significant investment in two new diversion centers is a key piece of solving this problem. For those who do not pose a risk to public safety, officers will now have an effective way to connect individuals with stabilizing care instead of making an arrest. This will improve the fairness of our justice system by ensuring that individuals who need help get help and thus contribute further to the safe reduction in our jail population.” 

The centers will offer a range of clinical and non-clinical services, including overnight shelter and basic need services, such as food, laundry and showers. Clinical services will include health and behavioral health assessments, counseling, advocacy, peer-to-peer engagement services, medication, medically supervised substance use stabilization and withdrawal management services, and naloxone training and distribution.

The centers will operate 24/7 with a no-refusal policy for individuals brought in by the police. Length of stay will vary from hours to days depending on the person’s needs, with a cap of five days. When there is clinical need, such as more supervision of withdrawal services, the stay can be extended to ten days. Once the client is stabilized, the centers will connect them to healthcare, social services and other supports. The centers will not be used as a replacement for permanent housing or long-term shelter for homeless individuals.

The City will award approximately $90 million to two non-profit vendors, Project Renewal and Samaritan Daytop Village, to operate the diversion centers for the next ten years. The contracts will be overseen by the NYC Health Department. Both vendors have decades of experience serving New Yorkers with substance use issues or mental illness. The contracts will begin in June and September. The initiative includes funding and programmatic support from the State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services and the State Office of Mental Health. 

The model of the new diversion centers was developed by the NYC Health Department, in consultation with partner agencies. Through ThriveNYC, the most comprehensive mental health plan of any city or state in the country, these centers will offer an innovative alternative to jail or hospitalization for individuals suffering with behavioral health conditions. The diversion centers are also a paired strategy with the City’s ongoing effort to expand training for police officers that will enable them to better recognize the behaviors and symptoms of mental illness and substance use. In the last two years, as part of the Action Plan on Behavioral Health and the Criminal Justice System, the NYPD has integrated Crisis Intervention Training into the police academy curriculum and is on track to provide stand-alone 36-hour training for 5,500 officers by early 2018.

The two centers are expected to open in early and late 2018, respectively. The facilities will be located in two areas with need and a high concentration of police officers who have been trained in how to deescalate interactions with individuals with behavioral health needs. Specific locations will be announced later this year. 

“Project Renewal is proud to have been selected to develop and manage a critically needed diversion center.  We applaud Mayor de Blasio for his innovative actions to improve New York City's approach to serving people with mental health issues.  The two diversion centers show New York City is fully committed to treating mental health and substance use disorders as health issues, rather than criminal justice matters.  We will bring the same dedication to care and compassion for our clients to this program that have been the hallmark of Project Renewal since its founding 50 years ago. The diversion center will afford us another opportunity to restore hope and renew the lives of even more New Yorkers,” said Mitchell Netburn, President and CEO of Project Renewal.

“Samaritan Daytop Village is pleased to do our part to reduce admissions to Rikers Island by diverting people brought to us by the police department who are experiencing non-emergency psychiatric and drug use issues and instead providing crisis intervention and treatment to promote stability,” said Tino Hernandez, President and CEO of Samaritan Daytop Village.

Over the last 20 years, New York City has experienced the sharpest drops in crime anywhere in the nation, while also substantially reducing jail populations. However, on any given day in New York City jails, approximately 11 percent of those detained have a serious mental illness, 40 percent from a broader array of mental issues, and more than 85 percent have substance use disorders.  Despite the high percentages, the overall number of individuals in city jails has fallen in the last two years since implementation of the Mayor’s Action Plan on Behavioral Health and the Criminal Justice system began.

Wave Hill Events May 26–Jun 2


  Often a turning point signifying the transition from spring to summer, Memorial Day is a wonderfully long weekend at Wave Hill. Please join us!

SAT, MAY 27    FAMILY ART PROJECT: PALISADES IN PLASTER
Take a look at the rock formations that make up the magnificent cliffs of the Palisades that face Wave Hill. What minerals make up the soil around us? Use plaster made from the mineral gypsum to create your own sculptural rock formation, and tint with your choice of color. Easy for kids of all ages! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SAT, MAY 27    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, MAY 27    GALLERY TOUR
Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow will lead a tour of the spring exhibitions in Glyndor Gallery. The group show,Outcasts: Women in the Wilderness, explores how women have been treated and portrayed as outcasts in history, myth and biblical legend. In the Sunroom Project Space, Borinquen Gallo’s imaginary hive interior is informed by Wave Hill’s beehives. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

SUN, MAY 28    FAMILY ART PROJECT: PALISADES IN PLASTER
Take a look at the rock formations that make up the magnificent cliffs of the Palisades that face Wave Hill. What minerals make up the soil around us? Use plaster made from the mineral gypsum to create your own sculptural rock formation, and tint with your choice of color. Easy for kids of all ages! Free with admission to the grounds. 
WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM


SUN, MAY 28    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, MAY 29    MEMORIAL DAY
Wave Hill is open.

MON, MAY 29    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights on this holiday Monday. Free with admission to the grounds.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

TUE, MAY 30    GARDEN HIGHLIGHTS WALK
Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.
MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM


A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.
ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

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

Friday, May 12, 2017

TUESDAY MAY 23: CITY RESOURCE FAIR TO BE HELD IN THE BRONX


  On Tuesday, May 23Mayor Bill de Blasio and Bronx Borough President Ruben Díaz, Jr. will host a City Resource Fair during City Hall in Your Borough week. Top representatives from City Hall, the Department of Transportation, Department of Finance, NYPD, Economic Development Corporation, Department of Education, Department of Health, Small Business Services, Department of Parks and Recreation, among others, will be available to answer Bronx residents’ questions. 

Bronxites can sign up to attend via at nyc.gov/Bronx or call (212) 748-0281.

WHAT:           City Hall in Your Borough: City Resource Fair

WHEN:           Tuesday, May 23, 2017
9:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

WHERE:         The Bronx County Building
Veterans’ Memorial Hall
                        851 Grand Concourse
                        Bronx, NY 10451

MAYOR DE BLASIO, CHANCELLOR FARIÑA AND DEPUTY MAYOR BUERY ANNOUNCE 69 NEW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS


Total of 215 Community Schools will serve over 108,000 students across the city

  Mayor Bill de Blasio, Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña and Deputy Mayor Richard Buery today announced the expansion of the Community Schools Initiative to 69 new schools this September, providing students with expanded learning opportunities, robust family engagement, an explicit focus on social-emotional development, and enrichment programming through partnerships with community based organizations (CBOs).

This expansion will bring the total number of Community Schools citywide to 215, exceeding the City’s original projection of 200 Community Schools by 2017. The new 69 Community Schools are funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) grants, which awarded $25.5 million per year for up to five years.

New York City is the largest Community Schools system in the nation. In September 2017, more students will be enrolled in NYC Community Schools than the entire student populations of Baltimore or Denver. The Community Schools Initiative recognizes that in order for students to achieve academic excellence, schools must support the whole child, as well as their family.  This research-based model provides an integrated focus on academics, health and mental health services, youth development, expanded learning opportunities, and family supports are critical to improving student success.

“Equity and Excellence is about evening the playing field for our students, and Community Schools help to do just that,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “To reach success in their classes, our students often require some extra support outside the classroom. This expansion allows us to provide additional after school activities, mental health counseling, enhanced family engagement, and so much more.”

“It’s essential that we invest in the whole child, and through the Community School model, we are bringing additional social emotional supports, mental health services, and deepening family ties,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña. “Schools are anchors for the entire community, and by embedding high quality Community Based Organizations into schools, we can meet the needs of students and families. With this expansion, these game-changing resources will benefit more than 108,000 students in all five boroughs.”

“For students to be successful, they and their families must have access to a full range of resources that support everything from financial stability to strong physical and mental health. A great school not only recognizes this, but is able to integrate these services into the very fabric of the way that school operates,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives Richard Buery. “The community school model makes it possible for every school to be a great school. The expansion to 69 new schools this fall will knock down more barriers to high student performance in classrooms across the City and better position kids to succeed in school and in life.”

“The Assembly Majority has been a fierce advocate for community schools because we recognize the importance of taking a holistic approach to education,” said Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. “By addressing all the needs that students have from health and emotional support to family engagement, we can be sure that students have the greatest chance of being successful. More community schools means more opportunities for our students to succeed.”

Community Schools provide a range of resources, with the core elements being: expanded learning time, health and wellness services, enhanced family and community engagement and targeted attendance improvement strategies. The core structure of a Community School includes a defined community partnership with a community-based organization (CBO), a dedicated Community School Director, shared leadership and accountability and enhanced data tracking to preemptively address challenges like absenteeism. Based on the local need, and availability of additional resources, Community Schools may also offer a range of services, including School-Based Health Centers, vision screenings, food pantries and adult education courses.

Additionally, the Community Schools Initiative plays an important role in Renewal School initiative. Hand-in-hand with targeted academic interventions, each Renewal School is a Community School. This work addresses challenges of poverty, chronic absenteeism, health challenges so students and staff can focus on improving academic outcomes.
           
The Coalition for Community Schools— an alliance of national, state and local organizations in education – has also selected the New York City Community Schools Initiative for its 2017 Awards for Excellence. They also recognized PS 188, The Island School, for one of three Individual Community School Awards.

This citywide expansion includes 25 CBO partners at the 69 schools. CBOs were selected by schools, based on proven experience working in the community, demonstrated capacity to coordinate partners and deliver comprehensive services through a dedicated on-site Community School Director.

In the Fall of 2016, the NYS Education Department released a RFP for 21st Century Community Learning Center (21CCLC) Funding. NYSED allocated $47.9 Million in 21CCLC funding to NYC, with $25.5 million awarded to the NYC DOE directly and additional $22.4 million awarded to non-governmental organizations. The 21CCLC grant supports school-CBO partnerships, afterschool and youth development and the DOE aligned proposals with the Community School Strategy to ensure that funding will support expansion. The Office of Community Schools worked with Superintendents to identify schools that met the priorities of each proposal and demonstrated capacity to partner with CBOs.

Community Schools are funded in a range of ways across the City. Through the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, through an AIDP grant and through NYS Foundation Aid and City Funds.

This work is also supported through a host of public-private partnerships and the philanthropic support of the Wallace Foundation and others as facilitated by the Fund for Public Schools; the New York Community Trust, via the National Center for Community Schools; and through the generosity of Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Warby Parker, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. 

YOUTH SPEAKS CONFERENCE URGES TEENS TO FOLLOW THEIR DREAMS


  The auditorium at the Richard Green MS 113 Campus was transformed with today’s community leaders reciting poetry, recalling their experiences of overcoming bias and inequality and encouraging the more than 700 youngsters in the audience for the 11th annual YOUTH SPEAKS conference to follow their dreams.

Hosted by the Bronx Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) in partnership with NYC Council Member Andy King, the teens received insight on what it’s like to become an actor, police officer, professional basketball player, a school administrator, compete in the Olympics or start their own business.
Fifteen schools throughout the 12th Council District participated in Wednesday’s conference. The theme was equality and a short video on the U.S. Constitution’s Three-Fifth Clause was shown.
“The Three-Fifth Clause still affects us today,” said Bronx YEP member Amear Rattray, a junior at the High School for Contemporary Arts, about struggles and inequality in communities of color.
Members of Bronx YEP led the question and answer session with panelists City Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina, Fred Mwangaguhunga, Silver-Medal Olympian Daryl Homer, Actor L. Steven Taylor, who plays the part of Mufasa in The Lion King on Broadway and his fellow cast members, Lt. Sanders of the 47th Precinct; and Kevin “Butter” Johnson, who plays professional basketball in Australia.
“Follow your journey,” said Johnson, who told students about his experience as special education student in school. “Through it all, I followed my journey in basketball and I have an amazing life traveling across the world.”
Prior to the panel discussion, Chancellor Farina was surprised by members of Bronx YEP and the Council Member King with the presentation of the 12th District Council Real Leadership Award in honor of her more than 50 years of leadership in New York City schools.