Saturday, December 8, 2018

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES LOCATIONS OF TWO PLANNED CITY HEALTH DIVERSION CENTERS


Centers will provide police officers with alternatives to arrests and hospitalization for people with mental health needs who do not pose a risk to public safety

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray announced two vendors have signed leases to open the City’s first two drop-off diversion centers, a significant first step towards opening the centers. Health diversion centers will offer short-term, stabilizing services for individuals with mental health and substance use needs, giving police officers a much-needed alternative to arrest or hospitalization.

The centers will be operated by Samaritan Daytop Village, at 3000 White Plains Road in the Bronx, and Project Renewal, at 179 East 116th Street in East Harlem. Each center will serve up to 25 people at a time; the City expects diversion centers to be open by late 2019.

“New Yorkers who struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues should be connected to treatment, not placed into the criminal justice system,” said Mayor de Blasio. “This agreement brings us one step closer to opening health diversion centers and making sure people who need help and aren't a threat to others get the care they truly need.”

“Far too many people are behind bars because they couldn’t get the mental health care they needed. These health diversion centers will help prevent arrests, and ensure New Yorkers receive the lifesaving care they need,” said First Lady Chirlane McCray. “This new partnership between the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the NYPD will augment and improve the City’s public health response to the mental health and substance misuse challenges in New York.”

“New Yorkers suffering from mental illness and addiction have been neglected and criminalized for far too long, and these centers represent a positive step in providing access to emergency services for people who are in crisis. I still believe that more can be done to address long term solutions and given that we are currently working to reduce the number of people incarcerated and close Rikers, we should expand on these efforts to search for alternatives for people suffering from mental illnesses who are in jail or would otherwise wind up in jail. I support the proposed opening of these short term care centers, and look forward to working with the administration to help not only those individuals who need a safe place to get stable and connect to services, but also to provide the kinds of services that enable people who are sick to get better and stay better,” said Council Speaker Corey Johnson.

The total investment for both centers will be about $9.5 million annually, with a plan to divert approximately 2,400 people yearly. Each center will cost approximately $4.7 million each year.

First announced in 2014 in the Mayor’s Task Force on Behavioral Health and the Criminal Justice System Action Plan, the diversion centers will serve people referred by the NYPD who need support and services for mental illness, substance use, and health and social issues. This is a voluntary program – there is no mandate to receive services. The centers will offer a range of clinical and non-clinical services, including overnight beds and basic needs, 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; and naloxone training and distribution. Peers will play a central role in the approach to engagement and support at the diversion centers. The Action Plan has helped to reduce the number of people with a mental health diagnosis in city jails by 10 percent between 2014 and 2017.

“This is an extremely welcomed change for the NYPD,” said NYPD Deputy Chief Terri Tobin. “So often, in the middle of the night, officers encounter someone who is in need of help—whether it be mental illness or substance abuse—and these Health Diversion Centers are a place where we can bring that person for services. We do not want the criminal justice system to be the default, and the Health Diversion Centers will be another important intervention New York City provides to those in need.”

“This is an exciting milestone as we work towards opening diversion centers in New York City,” said Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “Diversion centers are a way to intervene at a critical moment – interaction with the police – and connect New Yorkers with mental health or substance use issues to care rather than arrest. They will help us break the cycle of criminal justice involvement for thousands of New Yorkers each year.”

“We are pleased by this important step and proud to have been part of the Behavioral Health Task Force, along with the DOHMH and multiple others, which helped launch this initiative,” said Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice. “This will broaden the options available to law enforcement when responding to individuals with behavioral health needs whose behavior violates the law.”

The new health diversion 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 10 days. Once the client is stabilized, the centers will connect them to health care, 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 model of the centers was developed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, in consultation with partner agencies. Through ThriveNYC, the most comprehensive mental health plan in the country, the centers offer an innovative alternative to jail or hospitals, and they are strategically paired with the NYPD’s Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). CIT enables officers to better recognize and manage the behaviors and symptoms related to a mental illness and substance use crisis.
Since 2015, nearly 11,000 NYPD officers across the City have received CIT training.  

“Diversion centers will provide an alternative to arrest and hospitalization for individuals with mental health needs and/or substance use disorder. New Yorkers battling these conditions will be provided with crucial services, such as behavioral health assessments, counseling, and medication assisted treatment,” said Council Member Diana Ayala, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction. “I look forward to the opening of both centers, as this evidence-based model will break the cycle of arrest for many individuals and help them achieve stability.”
“I represent one of the poorest districts in the City, and among some of the highest rates of incarceration. This new Diversion Center will help provide a safe alternative to arrest instead of a criminal record that can be devastating to the members of my community,” said Council Member Ritchie Torres.

CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT ANNOUNCES SUPPORT OF GREEN NEW DEAL TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE AND GLOBAL WARMING


  Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announced his support of the “Green New Deal,” a proposal being touted by Representative-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) aimed at overhauling energy use, reducing carbon emissions, and creating new jobs.

“I have reviewed the details of the Green New Deal proposal and strongly support the plan,”said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). “I look forward to sitting down with Representative-elect Ocasio-Cortez to discuss strategies and next steps. I have heard from many of my constituents regarding the proposal and want to be very specific on how we move forward to best address climate change. Yes, the Green New Deal is an ambitious plan, but our nation has never shied away from addressing difficult challenges that we have faced, and we have witnessed tremendous progress because of it.

“During President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 speech at Rice University, he addressed the inspiration behind mankind’s intuition and the motivations that have propelled our nation to success throughout history. Within the same manner, we must continue to push forward to address the numerous challenges that we currently face, especially on issues such as climate change and global warming. I truly believe that we cannot wait for the change we want to see happen and that our actions today will significantly impact the generations of the future.

“I have spoken to Representative-elect Ocasio-Cortez to personally express my support of the proposal and to commend her on taking this bold and innovative step to address a pressing issue that communities face around the globe. The actions we take, even without the support of the masses, are actions that have led our nation to some of our most glorious achievements,” he concluded.     
  

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.