The Inauguration of Nathalia Fernandez as the New York State Assembly Member District 80

  Things don't exactly go as planned sometimes. Normally guest speakers will come a little late, but U.S. Senator Charles Schumer was early. While this was suppose to be about Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez Senator Schumer couldn't resist getting an 'Off the Wall' comment in about President Donald Trump during his remarks. Senator Schumer said that he was on a tight schedule and was off to Staten Island for another event. After Senator Schumer left there was a brief pause until New York State Attorney General Letitia James arrived.

  By then all of the scheduled speakers had arrived and were seated, so the program officially began. The Mistress of Ceremony was Community Board 7 District Manager Ischia Bravo, who did a spectacular job of keeping things moving, and not letting Assemblywoman Fernandez forget to thank each and every VIP who was in attendance at Jacobbi Hospitals Conference Center. 

  Those who spoke were led by Attorney General Letitia James who also left after she spoke for other events that were going on this busy day. MC Bravo then called up a surprised speaker Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, who while saying she had not prepared anything to say gave a spirited speech. The program returned to normal as scheduled Bronx elected officials were called upon to speak. Councilman Ritchie Torres, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Deputy Borough President Marricka Scott-McFadden, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, and 83rd District Leader Kevin Riley representing New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. In the audience were Assembly members Michael Benedetto, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Victor Pichardo and a surprise guest from Queens State Senator Jessica Ramos who MC Bravo said had to take three trains and a bus to be here today. 

  Finally the time came for Judge Llinet Rosado to administer the oath of office to Assemblywoman Fernandez who called up her family to be on stage with her. Later during her Inaugural Address Assemblywoman Fernandez apologized that the National Anthem never was sung by Ms. Diane Arroya. She added that she was happy to see the very large crowd support her, and that she will represent her district at the best of her ability. 

Above - A photo of the Bronx elected officials who were on hand.

Below - Assemblywoman Fernandez with Assemblyman Michael Blake who she is supporting for Public Advocate in the February special election.

Above - New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

Below - Good friend, and former boss whose assembly seat she now holds, City Councilman Mark Gjonaj. 

Above - Judge Llinet Rosado administers the Oath of Office to Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez.

Below - Assemblywoman Fernandez hugs her family members after taking the Oath of Office.

Above - Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez gives her Inaugural Address.

Below - Congratulations were in order.

Biaggi, Sepulveda, Reyes Three Kings Event

  It was billed as the Holy Family Church Three Kings Day Celebration beginning at 10 AM, running through 12 PM.. The event was being hosted by State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, State Senator Luis Sepulveda, and Assemblywoman Karines Reyes, but none of the three elected officials were on site as this reporter left at 11:15 AM to go to another event. As you will see by the photos below Where's the Elected officials?

Above - Only members of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, members of the PBA, a few children, are in this photo.

Below - The toys which the Union members brought to give out. Two children Peter and Esayah already know which toys they want.

MAYOR DE BLASIO: TLC COMMISSIONER MEERA JOSHI STEPPING DOWN

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that Meera Joshi, CEO and Chair of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, plans to step down from her role in March.  Commissioner Joshi’s tenure was marked by such progressive innovations as the protection and enhancement of driver earnings, citywide access to For-Hire services for persons with disabilities, a 50% reduction of fatalities in crashes involving taxis and For-Hire vehicles in the last year, significant advances in consumer protections, and a first-ever pathway to the effective management of congestion and environmental impact relating to TLC-licensed services — all of which was enabled by the collection of previously-unavailable data.

“In this unprecedented period of growth, Meera has brought about equally unprecedented and vital change that will serve as a model for cities throughout the nation and the world,” said Mayor de Blasio.  “Under her leadership New Yorkers who use wheelchairs can get service, passengers are assured that every driver and vehicle is safe, our city has detailed records of the one million daily trips and New York City is the only place where app drivers have pay protection.  She will leave an unparalleled legacy and has raised the bar for good government.  I am grateful for her service.”

“It has been an honor to serve New York City through the effective regulation of almost 200,000 drivers in over 130,000 vehicles moving over a million people each day,” said Commissioner Joshi. “Thanks to a skilled and principled TLC staff, a Commission dedicated to doing the right thing and engaged industry members and advocates, through public debate and data we increased accountability, safety, access, modernized taxi regulation, protected drivers and increased consumer protections. I am deeply grateful to the TLC community that made this possible.”

The Administration will announce a replacement for Commissioner Joshi in the coming months. Created in 1971 by Local Law No. 12, the Taxi and Limousine Commission is a Charter-mandated agency, the purpose of which is the continuance, further development and improvement of taxi and for-hire service in the City of New York.

Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. - Week in Review, January 4, 2019

IN THE NEWS: WEST FARMS PRESERVATION PROJECT KEEPS 343 APARTMENTS AFFORDABLE. Amidst the rapid development in the South Bronx, building and maintaining affordability for residents has been a top priority for Council Member Salamanca. This week, The Real Deal reported on Camber Property Group, Belveron Partners and the city’s Department of Housing Preservation's acquisition of 11 buildings in the West Farms neighborhood. The 11 buildings, comprised of 343 units will remain 100% affordable for 40 years, 2058."These buildings were going to lose their tax credits next year and therefore the previous owner had an option of an increasing rent at above market rate. They're making a $4 million capital investment, so there's boilers that need to be fixed, there's elevators that need to be redone, you have piping, the walls, roof so it needs to be done."

Michael Blake Secures Second Spot on Ballot in Race for Public Advocate

Blake campaign files petitions within 36 hours of Special Election announcement

On Friday afternoon, the Blake for New York campaign submitted their second volume of petition signatures. Having secured the second spot on the ballot for the February 26th Public Advocate Special Election on Thursday afternoon, the campaign has now filed over 5,500 signatures.

“Our #ForThePeople grassroots organization has proven how committed we are about this campaign by submitting our signatures with the Board of Elections on the second and third day of petitioning. To every New Yorker we have spoken with who signed our petitions, I say ‘Thank You.’  It is evident that our message of #JobsAndJustice is resonating with New Yorkers who are seeking leadership that will unite us, and we are just getting started” - Michael Blake

Job Posting - Director of Communications Council; District 17

Posted January 03, 2019

Director of Communications

New York City Council

New York City Full Time

Bronx City Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. (D) is looking for a driven communications expert to join his team. The position is ideal for candidates with relevant experience in public relations, communications and/or government and a deep interest in helping the people of the South Bronx and New York City. The position is based at 250 Broadway with frequent travel to the District Office in the South Bronx. 

 Job responsibilities will include:

• Engaging with key press and managing all media relations
• Developing and executing press strategy
• Writing statements, remarks, press releases, talking points, media advisories and op-eds
• Drafting and publishing a weekly e-newsletter
• Managing social media pages
• Organizing and coordinating press conferences, rallies and panel appearances
• Advising on legislation and land use matters

Interested applicants should have: 

• Exceptional writing skills
• Interest and knowledge of key issues in The Bronx and NYC, including but not limited to: affordable housing, transportation, NYCHA, homelessness and more
• Relationships with City Hall press and key New York City reporters
• Experience managing social media
• Proficiency in Spanish (preferred, not required)
• Fun! #TeamSalamanca believes in working hard in an exciting, dynamic and energetic environment!

About Council Member Salamanca:

Rafael Salamanca Jr. is the Council Member for the 17th District of the New York City Council, representing the South Bronx and serves as Chair of the Land Use Committee.

The son of first-generation Puerto Rican immigrants, Council Member Salamanca grew up in the Bronx understanding the value of hard work and the importance of giving back to the community. Beginning his career working in healthcare to expand access for low-income and working families, Council Member Salamanca went on to serve as the District Manager for Bronx Community Board 2 for nearly six years. As former President of the 41st Precinct Council, he worked closely with the NYPD and other local leaders to help improve public safety in the community.

Since his special election in 2016, Council Member Salamanca has been a champion for affordable housing, bringing thousands of affordable units to his district and focusing on ensuring residents of all incomes have access to new apartments. Driving more than $52 million in capital investments to his district, Council Member Salamanca has fought for job creation by requiring companies investing in the community to hire local residents, and has committed to providing children in the Bronx with access to a quality education.

Application Instructions

Please send resume/CV and three writing samples.

BRONX WOMAN INDICTED IN ILLEGAL COSMETIC PROCEDURE THAT KILLED WOMAN

Defendant Carried Out Botched Procedure In Her Home

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman has been indicted for Manslaughter and other charges for allegedly providing illegal silicone injections that caused the death of a 48-year-old woman. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly illegally injected the victim with a silicone substance for cosmetic purposes. Tragically, the injections killed the victim, who had traveled from Philadelphia to the Bronx for the procedure.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Whalesca Castillo, 44, of 2219 Seward Avenue, was arraigned today on second-degree Manslaughter, Criminally Negligent Homicide and Unauthorized Practice before Bronx Supreme Court Justice David Lewis. Bail was set at $150,000 bond and the defendant is due back in court on April 18, 2019. If convicted of the top charge, she could face up to 15 years in prison.

 According to the investigation, on or about June 17, 2018, in the defendant’s home, Castillo injected silicone substance into the body of Lesbia Ayala, as part of an illegal cosmetic procedure to enhance the buttocks of the victim. The defendant did not have a license to practice medicine or cosmetic surgery. The victim died of systemic silicone embolism syndrome shortly after receiving the injections.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Carmen Torres of the 43rd Precinct Detective Squad and Anthony Velez of the Bronx Homicide Squad for their assistance.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

The Bronx Democratic Party - Upcoming Events

Inauguaration of State Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez When:  Sat. 1/5/19 at 12:00pm Where: Jacobi Hospital Rotunda (Adjacent to Building 4), 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx,

You are cordially invited to attend the inauguration of NYS Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez.  The ceremony will take at Jacobi Hospital and it will begin at 12:00pm.   For more information or to RSVP, please email fernandez4ny@gmail.com.  Inauguration of State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda When:  Sat. 1/5/19 at 5:00pm Where: Bronx Museum of the Arts, 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx,  You are cordially invited to attend the inauguration of State Senator Luis R. Sepulveda.  The ceremony will take place at the Bronx Museum of the Arts and will begin at 5:00pm.   To RSVP, please email Jan5.SepulvedaforNY.com Inauguration of State Senator Alessandra Biaggi When:  Sun. 1/6/19 at 12:00pm Where: Lovinger Theatre at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd, Bronx,  You are cordially invited to attend the inauguration ceremony of State Senator Alessandra Biaggi.  The ceremony will take place at Lehman College's Lovinger Theatre and will begin at 12:00pm.  To attend, please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inauguration-of-alessandra-biaggi-ny-state-senator-of-the-34th-district-registration-53230935160 Co-op City Democrats Public Advocate Candidate's Forum When:  Mon. 1/7/19 at 6:00 pm Where: Bartow Community Center, 2049 Bartow Avenue, Room 31, Bronx,  Please join the Co-op City Democrats for a Public Advocate Candidate's forum.  Come hear directly from the candidates about their vision for the office and what their priorities will be, if elected.  The special election, open to all registered voters in New York City, will be held on Tuesday, February 26th.  Light refreshments will be served In solidarity,   Hon. Marcos A. Crespo, Chair The Bronx Democratic Party Bronx Democratic County Committee, P.O. Box #580032,652 East 187th Street, BRONX, NY 10458