Monday, July 22, 2019

Congressman Adriano Espaillat Opens New Manhattan Office



  720 West 181st Street (just off Broadway) in the heart of Washing ton Heights is the address of Congressman Adriano Espaillat's new Manhattan Congressional office. His Bronx office remains on the Grand Concourse as Congressman Espaillat covers parts of both the boroughs of the Bronx and Manhattan.


Above - It was a steamy almost 100 degrees as Congressman Adriano Espaillat waits to enter his new Manhattan office located at 720 West 181st Street.
Below - Congressman Espaillat is interviewed outside his new Manhattan office.



Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Welcomes ACF FIORENTINA to Belmont



  The Italian Soccer team ACF FIORENTINA came to Arthur Avenue the Little Italy in the Bronx to celebrate their upcoming game. Hundreds of fans and onlookers were on hand to see the team, and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.  


Bronx BP Diaz Jr. welcomed ACF FIORENTINA as he holds a Proclamation for Mario's Restaurant behind him.

Attorney General James Holds Equifax Accountable By Securing $600 Million Payment In Largest Data Breach Settlement In History


Settlement Includes Up to $425 Million in Consumer Restitution,
With $175 Million Payment to States — Over $9 Million to NY Alone  

Equifax Required to Provide Credit Monitoring Services for All Americans Affected by Breach for Up to 10 Years

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she has co-led a coalition of 50 Attorneys General in reaching the largest data breach settlement in history with Equifax Inc., as a result of an investigation into the company’s massive 2017 data breach that exposed the personal information of nearly half the U.S. population. The Attorneys General secured a settlement with Equifax that includes a Consumer Restitution Fund of up to $425 million, a $175 million payment to the states, and significant injunctive relief for consumers.  

“Equifax put profits over privacy and greed over people, and must be held accountable to the millions of people they put at risk,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “This company’s ineptitude, negligence, and lax security standards endangered the identities of half the U.S. population. Now it’s time for the company to do what’s right and not only pay restitution to the millions of victims of their data breach, but also provide every American who had their highly sensitive information accessed with the tools they need to battle identity theft in the future.” 
“Credit rating agencies have a responsibility to safeguard consumers' financial and personal information, and this egregious data breach and the agency's response was completely unacceptable,” said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. “In New York we are sending a clear message to these agencies that they will be held accountable if they leave consumers' private data vulnerable to exposure, and we will continue our rigorous oversight of these agencies to ensure New Yorkers are protected in the future.” 
On September 7, 2017, Equifax — one of the big three consumer credit reporting agencies — announced a data breach, ultimately affecting over 147 million consumers, or 56-percent of American adults, making it one of the largest-ever breach of consumer data in history. New York, alone, had 8,542,568 residents whose personal information was illegally accessed.  
Breached information included Social Security numbers, names, dates of birth, addresses, credit card numbers, and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers. Shortly after, a coalition — that has since grown to 50 Attorneys General — launched a multi-state investigation into the breach.  
The investigation found that attackers were able to exploit a vulnerability in Equifax's system by targeting the Apache Struts web-application software — a widely used enterprise platform. While Equifax was informed of a vulnerability in March 2017, the company failed to patch all of its systems and failed to replace the software that monitored the breached network for suspicious activity. As a result, the attackers penetrated Equifax’s system, which went unnoticed for 76 days. 
Under the terms of the settlement, Equifax will be required to pay restitution to affected consumers in a multitude of ways. First, the company has agreed to provide a single Consumer Restitution Fund of up to $425 million — $300 million will initially be dedicated to compensation, with an additional $125 million available if initial funds are depleted. The program to pay restitution to consumers will be conducted in connection with settlements that have already been reached in the multi-district class action suits filed against Equifax, as well as with settlements that have been reached with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Equifax will pay an additional $100 million to the CFPB.  
Consumers who are eligible for redress will be required to submit claims showing they have been a victim of fraud or have taken proactive steps to set up credit monitoring services by submitting documents online or by mail.  
Next, Equifax has agreed to offer consumers, who had their data exposed, with free credit-monitoring services for up to 10 years. Consumers that take part in the service will have up to $1 million of identity theft insurance available — at no deductible — to cover identity recovery expenses and legal costs. The first four years of credit-monitoring service will include monitoring of all of the big three credit reporting agencies, while years five through 10 will be made available through Equifax. 
Additionally, Equifax has agreed to take several steps to assist consumers who are either facing identity theft issues or who have already had their identities stolen. These steps include making it easier for consumers to freeze and thaw their credit, and dispute inaccurate information in credit reports, as well as maintain sufficient staff to assist consumers who may be victims of identity theft. 
A new website will soon allow consumers to learn more about the Restitution Fund, enroll in credit-monitoring services, and have their questions answered. In the meantime, consumers can sign up to receive email updates regarding the launch of the Equifax Settlement Breach online registry at http://www.ftc.gov/equifax. Consumers can also call 1-833-759-2982 for more information.
Equifax has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to strengthen its security practices and will continue to do so going forward by, among other things: 
  • Reorganizing its data security team, including the designation of a Chief Security Officer, who shall report regularly to the Board of Directors about Equifax’s security posture;
  • Running regular simulated exercises to test its ability to respond to a security event;
  • Encrypting personal information stored on their system or adopting similar control mechanisms;
  • Prohibiting the use of Social Security numbers as a sole authenticator, and otherwise limiting their use;
  • Adopting two-factor authentication and password rotation policies;
  • Performing regular security monitoring, logging, and testing of its systems;
  • Reorganizing and segmenting its network; and
  • Reorganizing its patch management team, and subsequently employing new policies to identify and deploy critical security updates and patches.    
Equifax has also agreed to regular third-party assessments to evaluate whether it’s administrative, technical, and physical safeguards meet the requirements provided in the agreement.  
Finally, as part of the settlement, Equifax has agreed to pay the 48 states involved in the lawsuit, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico a total of $175 million as a fine, $9,186,782.83 million of which will be delivered to the State of New York.  
The settlement requires court approval. 
Additionally, the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) separately investigated Equifax’s security practices, and found that the company engaged in practices that violated the Dodd-Frank Act and Financial Services Law § 408. As a result, Equifax will be fined an additional $10 million by DFS, bringing the total New York State will receive in fines to more than $19.2 million. 
“First and foremost, the settlement announced today holds Equifax accountable for its egregious breach in its duty to consumers in safeguarding their sensitive personal identifying information and restores some peace of mind and protection to New Yorkers,” said DFS Superintendent Linda Lacewell. “Strengthening consumer protections for New Yorkers, DFS now requires credit rating agencies to be licensed and supervised by DFS, and comply with the Department’s landmark cybersecurity regulation to better guard against potential breaches.” 

BRONX WOMAN INDICTED FOR STABBING HER TWO YOUNG CHILDREN


Defendant Used Razor to Slash Their Necks; Abandoned Wounded Children On Street  

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman has been indicted in the stabbings of her two-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly slashed her two young children and then left them on the street while they were bleeding profusely. Within minutes after the attack, she allegedly walked into the 42nd Precinct and told Police Officers to arrest her because she had committed a crime.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Shanice Martin, 24, of 2140 Seward Avenue, was arraigned today on two counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, four counts of first-degree Assault, six counts of second-degree Assault, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Lester Adler. Remand was continued and the defendant is due back in court on October 9, 2019.

 According to the investigation, on the evening of April 27, 2019 at the corner of Brook Avenue and Washington Avenue, the defendant struggled with her son and then cut his throat with a razor, leaving him with a deep laceration. She then turned to her toddler daughter and cut her in the neck and her side. Martin walked away from the scene and left the children lying on the sidewalk, bleeding profusely. A passerby flagged down NYPD Officers and the children were taken to Lincoln Hospital where doctors performed life-saving surgeries. They underwent further treatment at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and were discharged about two weeks after the incident.

 On June 14, 2019, the defendant’s son, Tyzavier Martin, collapsed in his school and died. Autopsy results are pending, and the investigation is continuing regarding additional charges. 

 District Attorney Clark thanked Officers in NYPD Housing Police Service Area 7, the 42nd Precinct and the Bronx Child Abuse Squad for their assistance in the investigation, specifically PSA 7 Police Officers John Liska and Jonathan Martinez, Police Officer John Paulino of the 42nd Precinct and Detective Timothy Hoffman of the Bronx Child Abuse Squad.

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

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 45 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR FATALLY SHOOTING A MAN AND WOUNDING ANOTHER


Jury Convicted Defendant in 2017 Shooting

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 45 years to life in prison after a jury convicted him for second-degree Murder, Attempted Murder in the second degree, and second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the shooting of two men in 2017. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant caused the death of a young man and shot the surviving victim in the face and chest. I hope the jury’s verdict, and this prison sentence, send a clear message that we will not tolerate gun violence.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Divine Fredericks, 29, of 525 Rosedale Avenue, was sentenced today to 45 years to life in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for second-degree Murder, 20 years to life in prison for the Attempted Murder charge, to be served consecutively, and 16 years to life in prison for the Criminal Possession of Weapon charge, to be served concurrently. He was found guilty by a jury on June 13, 2019.

 According to the investigation, about 4 a.m. on July 1, 2017, inside an SUV on Commonwealth Avenue, the defendant shot Tyreek Simmons in the back of the head, causing his death, and shot Tyric Butler in the face. The defendant then fired shots into the vehicle, striking Butler in the chest. The defendant then fled to Georgia and was arrested approximately a month after the incident.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Felix Delcarpio, BXDA Detective Investigators Anthony Saldarriaga and Nicholas Cavalcanti for their assistance in the investigation.


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Hikes start at 2pm: Hikers will have the option to go on a 4-5 mile hike throughout the park OR a 2 mile leisurely nature or history hikes. All hikes will be led by guides and take about 2 hours. All registered participants will receive a VCPA t-shirt.

Oktoberfest is from 4-7pm: Attendees will receive a Hike-toberfest Souvenir Mug, eat German Food by Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten and enjoy local beers served by the Bronx Beer Hall. Yard games will be setup to challenge your friends as you hang out on the Van Cortlandt House Museum Lawn.

Tickets on sale now and use discount code “Early Bird Special” for 10% off through August 23rd.  

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Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
www.vancortlandt.org

*The Friends of Van Cortlandt Park and the Van Cortlandt Park Conservancy have spent the last two years working to create the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance, a superior stewardship organization to guide the future of Van Cortlandt Park and the implementation of the 2034 Master Plan. For years, the Friends and the Conservancy have worked independently to restore, beautify, and support free programming in Van Cortlandt Park, the crown jewel of the Bronx. Our shared interests have now led us to combine our efforts. In the coming months, we will be officially launching the Van Cortlandt Park Alliance.
 

Michael Blake for Congress - It is time to impeach President Trump




After reading portions of what is publicly available from Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s exhaustive 448-page report, speaking to lawyers with federal experience, and engaging with leaders on both sides of the aisle, I’ve been reflecting on how Congress must hold President Trump accountable. In light of these facts, the President’s devastating policy actions, and his explicit racism, sexism, homophobia and utter disrespect for most Americans, I have concluded that the House of Representatives should initiate impeachment proceedings against President Trump. 
  
It saddens me to write these words as an American and a public servant. I have arrived at this decision after careful analysis and consideration. I worked in the White House for President Obama, and I believe that talk of impeachment should not be thrown around casually. It must not be used for political points, but rather, only in extreme circumstances. 
  
I have published a piece explaining why I believe Congress should begin impeachment proceedings here
  
I’m running for Congress because the people of The Bronx and the United States of America deserve a new beginning. We all deserve bold, transformational change. It starts with holding President Trump accountable. 
  
Thank you, 
  
Michael Blake   
 



Info & RSVP
718-828-3900
or

Tuesday, July 23, 2019
6:00-8:00pm
doors open at 5:30pm
Residence Inn by Marriott
2nd Floor Conference Room
1776 Eastchester Road
Bronx, NY 10461