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Monday, July 2, 2018
REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT RECOGNIZES ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat issued the following statement in recognition of the Civil Rights Act, signed into law this day in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson:
“On this day in history in 1964, U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the historic Civil Rights Act. The most sweeping civil rights legislation passed by Congress since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights Act prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education and outlawed racial segregation in public places such as schools, buses, parks and swimming pools,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
“The Civil Rights Act laid critical groundwork for a number of other legislation–including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which set into place voter protections for African Americans, ensuring their equal right to vote and has been used to enforce equal rights for women as well as all minorities.
“For these and a number of reasons, we must continue our fight against the policies put forth intended to roll back the progress the Civil Rights Act put into place and the efforts from the Trump Administration to remove protections that have guaranteed equal rights, equality and protections for all individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, sex, or country of origin.”
VISION ZERO: FOR FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY, DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO DISCOURAGE DRUNK DRIVING
NYPD will be out in force for DWI enforcement around the five boroughs this Fourth of July holiday; “Know Your Limit” campaign will offer $10 off cab and for-hire vehicle rides through July 8th
As part of the summer holiday season, de Blasio Administration officials spoke at One Police Plaza to announce an NYPD crackdown against intoxicated driving. They also announced the return of an initiative to discourage drinking and driving – $10 off a taxi or for-hire vehicle ride with Curb, Lyft or Via. They reminded drivers of the need to obey the speed limit and continued a call to the State Senate to renew the City’s successful speed camera program.
“Those who drink and drive will learn a hard lesson courtesy of the NYPD,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Take a cab, take a train, and take the keys away from a friend who’s had too much to drink. You just may be saving lives.”
The DOT, NYPD, and TLC today made the following Vision Zero announcements:
DWI Enforcement Citywide: DOT data show that DWI-related traffic fatalities show a dramatic increase in the period between Memorial Day and Independence Day. In the six weeks between May 25th and July 6th, the rate of fatal alcohol-involved crashes increases by 55%, compared to the rest of the year with an average of one in four annual fatal DWI crashes happening during this six-week period.
Recognizing this increased seasonal danger, NYPD will be focused on finding and arresting intoxicated drivers this entire holiday week. The focus on DWI will be down to the precinct level, including through the use of random checkpoints.
“Know Your Limit” Campaign, including $10 Off Rides: “Know Your Limit” is an on-street campaign educating New Yorkers about the dangers of drinking and driving. At locations around New York City this week, NYPD and the NYC DOT Street Teams will distribute information about DWI and discuss other issues connected to Vision Zero. NYPD officers will invite the public to try a breathalyzer test if they have been drinking – and believe they are not above the legal limit for driving.
When enjoying a night on the town, New Yorkers should always plan ahead, especially because New York City already provides thousands of designated drivers – taxi drivers, bus drivers, and subway conductors. As another element of the “Know Your Limit” campaign, New Yorkers will be encouraged to choose a safe ride home with the mobile apps Curb, Lyft, or Via.
A designated driver is just a tap away, and New Yorkers can get $10 off a taxi or for-hire vehicle rides. Rides booked through the Curb app connect users to over 13,000 licensed NYC taxis, while Lyft and Via apps connect riders with registered for-hire drivers. A limited number of promotional codes will be available evenings and nights through Sunday, July 8th. To redeem the discount, simply visit any of the partner sites:
Riders simply download and register any of the partner apps and claim the applicable discount code. Enter the promo code in the payments section and a $10 credit will be applied to the rider's fare for one ride during this next week. NYPD and the NYC DOT Street Teams will distribute information about the promotion throughout the City, as well as at partnering local establishments.
"If you're out celebrating this holiday week, make certain you and your loved ones have a designated driver,” saidNYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “Around the city, in every neighborhood, our police officers will be looking for anyone who is drinking and driving. And we’ll be fully enforcing our traffic laws, which are intended to keep all New Yorkers safe.”
“The Fourth of July holiday is a great time to celebrate, but this season also unfortunately sees some of the highest concentrations of alcohol-related traffic crashes of the entire year,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Good for us, New York City has no shortage of designated drivers -- on our subways, our buses as well as in our cabs or for-hire vehicles, which we are grateful will be offering discounted rides all week. Here’s wishing everyone fun and safe celebrations this entire holiday week.”
“With more than 180,000 TLC-licensed drivers on the road, passengers have a wide range of options to get home safely in New York City,” said TLC Commissioner Meera Joshi. “Whether you use a yellow taxi, green taxi, black car or livery car, there is no reason to get behind the wheel when you can ride in comfort with some of the world’s best professional drivers.”
“The ‘Know Your Limit’ campaign perfectly aligns with the Office of Nightlife’s core mission to promote a healthy and safe nightlife for all New Yorkers,” says Ariel Palitz, executive director of the NYC Office of Nightlife. “We are happy to support Vision Zero and the DOT’s taxi and E-Hail discount campaign to educate New Yorkers about how to get home safely after a night out this holiday week.”
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz District 18 Bronx County, New York
A Gross Example of What Fake News Looks Like
You should know that recently I personally experienced a case of “Fake News”.
As you know my dear reader, I am the Chairman of the newly created “Committee on For - Hire – Vehicles” at the NYC Council. This committee deals with all for hire vehicles and companies such as Uber, Lift, yellow Cabs, Black Car, Livery, Green, Para-Transit, etc…
Councilman Fernando Cabrera and I introduced a piece of legislation {Intro., # 958} to deal with excessive fines given to Livery Taxi Drivers when committing a traffic violation such as picking up a hailing passenger. This is called an “Illegal Street Hail”.
For Illegal Street Hails drivers, specifically (Livery Drivers), who happen to be Black, Latino, and immigrants are being severely punished with hefty fines as high as $10,000.00 and face having their (T.L.C.) Taxi and Limousine Commission’s License suspended.
It is important for you to know that our Legislation {Intro., #958} deals exclusively with the mentioned hefty fines imposed on drivers for “Illegal Street Hails”, and NOT for refusing to pick up passengers of color. But surprise, surprise; according to Dana Rubinstein a Reporter for “Politico” on Tuesday June 26th wrote that these fines “are designed in part to deter the widespread and persistent problem in this city of trying to hail a cab while Black.” This is False, False, False, and False reports.
Dana Rubenstein failed to mention in her report that the $10,000.00 fines, imposed by the TLC are NOT for livery drivers refusing to pick up passengers, quite the contrary. These fines are given to livery drivers because they picked up passengers in violation of the “Illegal Street Hail” which is a city ordinance. Ms. Rubenstein also failed to report that these fines are given only toLivery drivers who happen to be Black, Latino, and from immigrant communities.
Another case of “Fake News” appeared in the New York Post on June 26th. It was reported that “ Two City Council Members introduced a bill so racially charged that the NAACP testified against it.” Both the New York Post and Politico journalists, intentionally or unintentionally forgot or refused to mention the hefty fines as high as $10,000 imposed on livery drivers, members of communities of color. Both these reports failed to mention that the fines are imposed for picking up “Illegal Street Hails”, and notfor refusing to pick up street hails.
Both these journalist should know the difference between drivers wanting to pick up “street hails”, but are not authorized. As a result they get a hefty $10,000 fine for doing so. The majority of these drivers receiving fines are Black, Latinos, and immigrant drivers. These drivers are not the same as a driver’s who are authorized to pick up street hails, but refuse to pick up a passenger based on racial discrimination. There is a big difference and as journalists they should know that.
These reporters should also know that those who are refusing to pick up street hails are NOT Livery Vehicles. It is the Livery drivers that are asking for equality and justice. The Livery drivers are only asking for fair, equal treatment and for the opportunity to pick up street hails without being penalized with these outrageous fines and punishment for trying to earn a decent and honest living.
Our bill stipulates that those excessive fines should be lowered. Obviously, said fines are outrageously high not befitting the violation.
These are the facts. This is the truth about said legislation, yet both these two reporters from “Politico” and the “New York Post” on Tuesday June 26th both grossly distorted the facts, and reported a gross example of “Fake News”. Hmmmm, could this be a failure to check their facts? I invite you to read our bill {Intro., # 958} and you decide my dear reader what is real (truth) and what is fake (false).
Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered the police not to arrest and send to prison marijuana smokers, those who skip the tolls of trains and those who urinate publicly in the streets, because according to the punishment is too great for the crime they make.
Then I asked: Why penalize the drivers of the liveries with fines of up to 10,000.00 for just picking up passengers on the street, in order to honestly earn bread for their family?
Then I asked: Why penalize the drivers of the liveries with fines of up to 10,000.00 for just picking up passengers on the street, in order to honestly earn bread for their family?
This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Thank you Reverend Donald Diaz Trump.
Sunday, July 1, 2018
SANDY E. GRESHAM WAY STREET RE-NAMING
Mrs. Sandy E. Gresham was an unsung hero as a school teacher and educator, caring for her students to learn and thrive in society. The school she worked in cherished her for her advocacy and dedication. During her lifetime, she also fought for civil rights and injustice in communities throughout the United States and partnered with 1199 SEIU and her husband, President George Gresham, in the fight for healthcare workers in the United States and locally. Mr. Gresham in speaking said that he and his wife enjoyed thirty-nine beautiful years together. The host for this event in a bright yellow suit with a matching bow tie was City Councilman Andy King.
Above - The elected officials spoke first, but I wanted to place the man standing next to a picture of his wife Sandy first even though he spoke after the elected officials.
Below - Mayor Bill de Blasio was on hand for the street renaming, as he speaks here.
Above - After speaking Mayor de Blasio hugs Mr. Gresham.
Below Public Advocate Leticia James also was on hand for the street re-naming.
Above - New York State Assembly Speaker, and local Assemblyman Carl Heastie speaking of his neighbor.
Below - Congressman Eliot Engel.
Above - DNC Vice-Chair Assemblyman Michael Blake.
Below - The front row of elected officials which included State Senators Jamaal Bailey and Luis Sepulveda, City Council member Vanessa Gibson, and members of the Gresham family. Councilman Andy King is introducing the elected officials.
Above -The covering of Sandy E. Gresham Way is about to be taken off.
Below - The cover comes off Sandy E. Gresham Way.
The Gresham family was given a second street sign Sandy E. Gresham Way.
LDNY Hosts Training Session on Bronx Courthouse Steps
The Local Democrats of New York and Bronx Progressives held a County Committee training on the steps of the Bronx Courthouse today. The weather almost hit 100, and about 60 people came to hear Michael Beltzer, Samelys Lopez, and Randy Abreau give a session on how to get on the ballot as a member of the County Committee.
Petitions were handed out to those who wanted to become a member of their county committee in their assembly districts.The lesson was very thorough, and Mr. Beltzer, Ms. Lopez, and Mr. Abreau were very helpful in answering any questions that came their way.
The petitioning process for State Senate, Assembly, party positions, and county committee has been going on for over three weeks now, and petitions are to be handed in during a four day time limit beginning with Monday July 9th and ending at midnight Thursday July 12th at the Manhattan Board of elections located at 42 Broadway in lower Manhattan.
Above - Former City Council candidate Randy Abreau asks a question of those gathered for the training session.
Below - Today's trainees get together for a group photo.
Comptroller Stringer Statement on Lead Poisoning Scandal
“This deception must end today. It is horrifying that the Department of Health kept this information under wraps and it is outrageous that the City continues to justify and minimize this scandal.
“Today, we are launching an investigation to hold officials accountable from the Department of Health to NYCHA to City Hall. Nothing is more important than protecting the most vulnerable children in our city. Our investigation will look into the City’s procedures for addressing lead poisoning hazards to protect the health of all children. Agencies must be held accountable for coordinating and following all laws as well as best practices to keep our kids safe and healthy.”