Saturday, December 8, 2018

Bronx Progressives Meeting Thursday Dec 13th




***Invitation***
"Bronx Progressives is grateful for everything we accomplished together this year! Together we are building a movement in the Bronx that is from the ground up and community led.

On Thursday, December 13th, (5 - 10 PM) let's celebrate the successes of 2018 and what is to come in 2019. We will be raising funds for Bronx Progressives so that we can keep up our organizing around the issues that matter to our community. 

Bring your family, friends of the movement and your neighbors!

In addition to networking and celebrating, we will have a speaker talk to us about NYC Community Boards, why they are important and why YOU should apply so that you can get involved locally and have a say in the changes you would like to see in your community.

Appetizers and drinks are first come, first served so come early! El Sabor Latino is an incredible local restaurant and they are excited to have us.

El Sabor Latino is located at 2968 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468 on the corner of Bedford Park Boulevard and Jerome Avenue across the street from the 4 train, Bx10, Bx26 and a couple of blocks from the D train."


Wave Hill events December 20 - 27


Thu, December 20
Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill
Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.
Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Fri, December 21
Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill
Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.
Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sat, December 22
No Family Art Project
On the last two weekends in December, the Family Art Project will rest up for the new year. It resumes on Saturday, January 5.

Sat, December 22
Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill
Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.
Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, December 23
No Family Art Project
On the last two weekends in December, the Family Art Project will rest up for the new year. It resumes on Saturday, January 5.

Sun, December 23
Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill
Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! On this last day of the Wave Hill Members sale, enjoy a discount of 20% on all their  purchases in The Shop.
Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, December 23
Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk
Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.
Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Mon, December 24
Closed to the public.

Tue, December 25
Closed to the public.

Wed, December 26
Start your own holiday tradition with a luxurious afternoon tea in historic Wave Hill House. Pair it with a stroll through Wave Hill’s stunning winter gardens for a splendid, quiet celebration of the season. Afternoon Tea $36; High Tea $45. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance, by calling 718.549.3200 x395 or emailing wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com.
Wave Hill House, NOON–2PM

Thu, December 27
Start your own holiday tradition with a luxurious afternoon tea in historic Wave Hill House. Pair it with a stroll through Wave Hill’s stunning winter gardens for a splendid, quiet celebration of the season. Afternoon Tea $36; High Tea $45. Wave Hill Members save 10%. Reservations at least 24 hours in advance, by calling 718.549.3200 x395 or emailing wavehillreservations@greatperformances.com.
Wave Hill House, NOON–2PM


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–4:30PM,  November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings 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.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

A.G. Underwood And Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Indictment Of Former NYC Council Candidate Albert Alvarez And Former Non-Profit Director Anna Mendez



Joint Task Force

A.G. Underwood And Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Indictment Of Former NYC Council Candidate Albert Alvarez And Former Non-Profit Director Anna Mendez

Alvarez and Mendez Allegedly Orchestrated Straw Donation Scheme Involving Employees of Bronx Non-Profit
Mendez Also Allegedly Made False Disclosures with Mayor’s Office of Contract Services 
 Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli  announced the indictments of former New York City Council candidate Albert Alvarez and former Tremont Crotona Day Care Center Executive Director Anna Mendez for seven counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony, in New York County Supreme Court. Alvarez is also charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony; Mendez was indicted for three additional counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.
“As we allege, the defendants orchestrated a scheme to collect straw donations, steal public matching funds, and submit false filings – undermining the public's trust in our government and political process,” said Attorney General Underwood. “These indictments should send a clear message that we will not tolerate those that skirt the law for their own benefit.”
“Mr. Alvarez and Ms. Mendez allegedly schemed to funnel straw donations to Mr. Alvarez's campaign and steal matching campaign funds from New York City,” said State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “Thanks to the work of my investigators in partnership with Attorney General Barbara Underwood and the New York City Department of Investigations, both of these individuals have been indicted and will face the consequences of their actions.”
Alvarez previously served as Chief of Staff to New York City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera. In 2013, Alvarez ran for Rivera’s seat in the 15th Council District, but was unsuccessful in the Democratic primary. While running for office, Alvarez is alleged to have knowingly accepted straw donations orchestrated by Mendez and one of her employees at the Tremont Crotona Day Care Center in the Bronx.
Mendez and the employee are alleged to have provided funds to other employees of the non-profit to contribute to Alvarez in 2013. Mendez and her colleague allegedly distributed contribution cards to these employees, which the employees were instructed to falsely make out in their own names while Alvarez watched; Alvarez then allegedly collected the money and false contribution cards from the straw donors and falsely submitted them to the New York City Campaign Finance Board in order to steal at least $4,500 in public matching funds.
Mendez later left Tremont Crotona Day Care Center to form A&G Early Child Care Community Network. Mendez allegedly filed three distinct VENDEX forms with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services over the period from September 22, 2015 to October 4, 2016. The forms, which were filed on behalf of A&G Early Child Care Community Network, Inc., allegedly contained false disclosure statements related to the fact that she was the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s office.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Since 2011, the Attorney General and State Comptroller have worked together to fight corruption through their Joint Task Force on Public Integrity. They have brought charges against dozens of individuals implicated in public corruption schemes around the state – resulting in the return of over $11 million in restitution to taxpayers through these convictions.
The Attorney General and the State Comptroller would also like to thank the New York City Department of Investigation for its partnership on this investigation.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Kevin B. Frankel of the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Daniel Cort and Deputy Bureau Chief Stacy Aronowitz. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Margaret Garnett.
The investigation was led by Investigator Steven Broomer of the Attorney General’s Investigations Bureau, under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Michael Leahy and Deputy Chief Investigator John McManus. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella. Legal Support Analyst Rachel Demma of the Public Integrity Bureau also assisted in the investigation. 
The Comptroller’s investigation was led by his Division of Investigations. 
 EDITOR'S NOTE:
As we looked at the top the name of the Attorney General listed is Eric Schneiderman.
We hope that this is the first thing New Attorney General Letitia James changes when she is sworn in.   


NYPD Unveils New Unmanned Aircraft System Program




  The NYPD announced its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program, which will be comprised of newly acquired Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), or drones, and the licensed NYPD officers of the Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) who will operate them. Whether it's a search and rescue mission, an inaccessible crime scene, a hostage situation, or a hazardous material incident, this technology will undoubtedly help keep New Yorkers and officers safe. These devices will be deployed solely by licensed members of TARU who have gone through vigorous training.
The Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) provides specialized investigative equipment and tactical support to all bureaus within the NYPD, from officers on patrol to the Emergency Service Unit (ESU). The unit's expertise in audio/visual technology helps: enhance investigations through the recovery of surveillance video footage; record police action at large-scale demonstrations and arrest situations; and provide crucial live video to incident commanders during ongoing emergency situations.
"As the largest municipal police department in the United States, the NYPD must always be willing to leverage the benefits of new and always-improving technology," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "Our new UAS program is part of this evolution – it enables our highly-trained cops to be even more responsive to the people we serve, and to carry out the NYPD's critical work in ways that are more effective, efficient, and safe for everyone."
This cutting edge technology is another tool that the NYPD can deploy in select circumstances to help keep New Yorkers safe, and also enhance officer safety. The UAS program can help NYPD gather crucial information as situations unfold without putting officers at risk and lessen harm and danger to civilian bystanders and other involved parties.
Across the country there are more than 900 state and local police, fire and emergency units with UAVs. During the NYPD's research and development stage, NYPD officials met with other police departments to learn about their programs. Additionally, the Department solicited feedback from City Council members and advocates.

Key facts about the NYPD UAS program

Types of UAVs:


UAVs on HandQuantityKey Benefits
DJI Mavic Pro quadcopter11Quick deployable small drone for tactical operations
DJI M210 RTK quadcopter2Larger, weather resistant drone with 30x zoom camera and thermal imaging capabilities, 3d mapping, search & rescue
DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter1Used for training and testing purposes

Uses

Acceptable UsesUnacceptable Uses
  • Search & Rescue
  • Collision & Crime Scene Documentation
  • Evidence Search at Large/Inaccessible Locations
  • HAZMAT Incidents
  • Traffic & Pedestrian Monitoring at Large Events
  • Assistance at Hostage/Barricaded Situations
  • Other emergency situations with approval of Chief of Department
  • Routine Patrol
  • Traffic Enforcement
  • Immobilizing Vehicles or Suspects
  • Never Used as a Weapon or Equipped with a Weapon
  • Search without a warrant

Annual Bronx Democratic County Christmas Party and Ugly Sweater Contest



  Even Mayor Bill de Blasio knew that the Annual Bronx Democratic County Christmas Party was the place to be Tuesday night. The mayor was also influential in choosing the winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest. This party was a who's who of Bronx politics, and even a few of the many declared candidates for the soon to be vacant Public Advocate seat were 'In the House'. 


Above - BDCC Political Director Dan Johnson looked like a front runner with this sweater.
Below - Before the Ugly Sweater Contest began Mayor de Blasio called up Uley Martinez, and said that this has to be the ugliest sweater in the room.




Above - Councilman Fernando Cabrera beamed down with this sweater, but was told by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo the contest was down to the two finalist.
Below - Angel Santana with this Ugly Sweater was given high praise by the crowd when asked to voice their opinion by contest Judge Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.




Above - Assemblyman Crespo asked for the crowd to voice ther opinion on Uley Martinez's ugly sweater.
Below - As Assemblyman Crespo announces Uley Martinez as the winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest Mayor de Blasio whispers something in Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s ear. 




Above - After the Ugly Sweater Contest Assemblyman Crespo began calling up some of the elected officials up to speak.
Below - As Congressman Jose Serrano is speaking Mayor de Blasio whispers something into BP Diaz's ear again.




Above - Everyone wanted their photo with Mayor de Blasio before he left.
Below - Councilman Andrew Cohen with the two District Leaders from the 81st Assembly District, Randi Martos and Eric Dinowitz. Eric has already opened up a campaign committee to replace Councilman Cohen who is term-limited out of office in 2021.


Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting



   The auditorium at the Riverdale Y is full of people who came to see the Annual Bronx Menorah Lighting by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Jewish Community Council. 

   The Consul General of Israel Ambassador Dani Dayan, along with Bronx elected officials Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. (Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s father), City Councilman Andy King, Councilman Andrew Cohen, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz were in the front row. 

Master of Ceremonies Mark Engel introduced the speakers and performing schools, leading up to the lighting of the Bronx Menorah. 



Above - The Kinneret Day School.
Below - The Riverdale Y Nursery School. In the lower right hand corner is Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz the proud grandfather taking a picture of his twin grandchildren performing. 




Above - The lighting of the Bronx Menorah with Rabbi Israel Greenberg of the Bronx Jewish Community Council saying the Chanukah prayer.
Below - Known for his sporty Bow-Ties, Councilman Andy King shows off his Chanukah Bow-Tie.


Annual Bronx Christmas Tree Lighting



Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr
Invites you to the Annual Bronx Christmas Tree Lighting
Sing Christmas carols with
Santa & Mrs. Claus
Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a special treat from Santa !!!
WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
Thursday
Dec 6,2018
5:30 PM 
Bronx County Building
851 Grand Concourse
East 161st Street
xmas-stockings-header.jpg
Join us by calling 718-590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN DIAZ SR. PRESENTS CHECK TO 43RD POLICE PRECINCT


 

  City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. signs a check for $212,000.00 made out to the 43rd Precinct to purchase four new Police vans. the vans will be one for the Auxiliary police, one for Community Affairs, and two for patrol duty. 

Below is a map of the 43rd Precinct and its five sectors.