Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on Boosting Cybersecurity Preparations and Readiness

 

"In light of current geopolitical uncertainty, earlier yesterday I convened cabinet members from relevant areas to review our ongoing cybersecurity preparedness efforts and make sure that New Yorkers, our institutions, and our critical infrastructure are protected from cyber-facilitated disruptions. We are in regular touch with the White House and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to ensure coordination. 

"The reality is that because New York State is a leader in the finance, healthcare, energy, and transportation sectors, our state is an attractive target for cyber criminals and foreign adversaries.

"My Administration has taken significant steps to prepare for what have become increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks, including my recent budget proposal to invest $62 million in our cybersecurity protections, which is more than double from last year. Cabinet leaders will continue reviewing their cyber-risk management readiness and communicate with relevant industry and government partners to ensure threat intelligence is being relayed as quickly as possible.

"It is my top priority to keep New Yorkers safe, and we will remain vigilant by continuing to monitor for threats and ramping up our cybersecurity shields as necessary. 

"New Yorkers should also remember they are vulnerable to cyberattacks on their personal devices, and I encourage them to use best practices around passwords and multi-factor authentication, and to make sure that older loved ones are protected from scams."

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. - Blessed Are Those Who Suffer Persecution For The Sake of The Gospel

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Former NYC Councilman

Rev. Ruben Diaz

 You should know that the persecution against the followers of Jesus Christ goes back two thousand years, beginning with our Lord Jesus Himself.

For too long the community of faith has been going through a dark period where we are finding ourselves increasingly marginalized, shamed and yes persecuted. Should we publicly express our beliefs and support for traditional marriage as being between a man and a woman, or when we express our support for the sanctity of life and against abortion, immediately a believer is subjected to repudiation, being ostracized, persecuted, subjected to name calling like homophobic, preacher of hate, and accused of hate speech. This has reached a level where any one opposing Gay marriage risks losing their jobs or not being hired to any position within the government. 

It is important for you to know that, of all the religions of the world, the Christian faith, Catholic and Evangelical, the followers of Christ Jesus, stand out as having a generational trajectory of benevolence and goodwill towards serving humanity, irrespective of who is being served. Christians go where the need arises. Christians historically serve as missionaries, helping to feed and shelter the needs of the worlds less fortunate. Christians are the largest donors and supporters of charitable causes world wide. 

Christians for over 2,000 years have been martyred for their faith. They have been crucified, burned alive, imprisoned, enslaved, and fed to lions, because they refused to deny their faith. They stood firm in their faith and remained true to the word of God. For that they suffered persecution and paid with their lives. 

The Christian Faith especially the "Evangelical Pentecostal Faith" does not approve of dancing, or smoking, or marking our bodies with tattoos, we don’t drink alcoholic beverages, we are against usury, abortions, same sex marriage and many other things that the Holy Scriptures stipulate are not pleasing to God. However, this does not mean that we preach hate or that we hate or reject any human being, because rejecting a human being (Gay or Straight) is also not pleasing to God.

To my fellow Pastors, Evangelists, and lay people who today are required to deny their faith, in order to have a job in New York City, I advise you to remember the words of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Sermon on the Mount when He said these prophetic words:

 “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12) 

To my fellow colleagues in the ministry, the Hispanic people, especially those of you who profess to believe in the teachings of the Bible; I want to remind you of something that is written in, Revelation 13:14-17, which says that in the last days a new form of government will come into power that will require all people to accept its edicts. Failure to conform will prohibit the individual from acquiring work, and from buying, or selling. Failure to conform to the edicts, mandates, and or beliefs set forth by this totalitarian government will be prosecuted. In my opinion the church is witnessing a precursor of what is to come.  

You should know, my dear reader, that in 1985 Dr. Apostle Kittim Silva Bermúdez named me "The Prophet of Justice."  Since then, I have tried to live up to that description by standing firm in defense of my faith and the word of the Lord.  

Unfortunately, our people, Community of believers, and our leaders in the faith continue to support, vote, and elect candidates from the same political Party that continuously marginalizes the Christian Community by making it clear that if we dare express our opinions based on our religious beliefs, we are not welcomed and need not apply to certain jobs. Far too often we have not been considered for jobs solely based on political pressures coming from special interest groups like the LGBTQ community and what they have to say on the matter.   

It is time for Ministers, Churches, and the Hispanic community in general to wake up from the lethargic state many of them have fallen into. We must begin to defend our rights guaranteed in the 1^st Amendment of the Constitution of the United States, “Freedom of Religion and Expression”. We must protect our God given rights, beliefs, our culture, and biblical doctrines passed down from our grandparents. 

You should know that this can only be achieved when people of faith learn how to vote. With the power of our vote, we can send a very important message, that although we may be registered Democrats, Republicans, Socialists, or Communists, we are Christians first.   

Let it be known that our party affiliation does Not define who we are. We identify as Christians first, and who we vote for must reflect that. 

Wake up Christians! Wake up Hispanics! Defend Your Rights!

I am the Rev. Ruben Diaz "Prophet of Justice”, and this is What You Should Know. 

Black Health and Black Wellness Event at Lincoln Hospital

Friday was the Black Health and Black Wellness event at Lincoln Hospital which was attended by Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, and also by Mayor Eric Adams. There was an introduction by Lincoln Hospital CEO Christopher Roker on screen of how Lincoln Hospital now has a new Red Carpet approach to the patients who come to the hospital.    

Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson spoke saying in celebrating her ancestors, she has made history as the first Black Female Bronx Borough President. She went on to say that we must prepare the next generation of Black people to continue further. This is a reminder of what we have overcome, but as Mayor Eric Adams says 'We have to get stuff done'.

Mayor Eric Adams then said, there were 109 mayors before him, but he is the first mayor to understand the needs of the Black people of New York City. When people tell you to go back to your own country, to tell them to go back to theirs. He then mentioned the problems that many ethnic cultures had when they came to America. He wants to lead to a better moment for the city, it is an American dream. 

After the mayor and Bronx BP left there was a panel discussion on building a better, healthier community in mind and body through Healthy Lifestyles. Eight people on the panel lead by Doctor Watkins, a mental health expert who spoke of the stress of the past two years of the Pandemic. Sheikh Musa Drammah is the creator of the Healthy Lifestyles program that is being introduced into the public school system, that will teach children to eat better, and live better. The goal is to become a better and healthier Bronx, and not the first in all bad things, while being last in all good things. Other panel members gave their own experience of a healthier lifestyle, be it a community vegetable garden, or more green space in the concrete buildings. 

Mayor Adams speaking at Lincoln Hospital. 

Before leaving Lincoln Hospital Mayor Adams had a healthy drink.

Both photos are courtesy of the mayor's office.

The panel on Healthy Lifestyles. Sheikh Musa Drammah speaks here on the Healthy Lifestyles program. Famous people from Black Americana were shown on the screen in the background.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 20, 2022

 

Statewide Hospitalizations Below 2,600 - Lowest Since Before Thanksgiving

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity Is Below 2.5%

38 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"The vaccine is a key tool to beat back this virus and keep our families safe," Governor Hochul said. "Parents and guardians, please talk to your pediatrician or health care provider about getting your children vaccinated, and boosted if eligible, if you haven't already."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:      

• Test Results Reported - 170,969
• Total Positive - 2,640
• Percent Positive - 1.54%  
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.23%     
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,574 (-171)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 270
• Patients in ICU - 443 (-17)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 245 (-13)
• Total Discharges - 283,641 (+403)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 38 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,451   

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.   

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 68,628   

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered - 36,710,674
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 11,621
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 230,837
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.7%   
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 95.0%      
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 85.3% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 81.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 71.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.9% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.9%      
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.5%    
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 75.2%     

Bronx River Art Center - BRAC honors Black History Month with The Dinah Vero World Quintet!

 

In Honor of Black History Month BRAC is pleased to presents: The Dinah Vero World Quintet  Saturday February 26th at 5pm To celebrate the end of our Presidents' Week Art Camp of day-long classes in visual and digital art media, and to close out Black History Month by honoring and celebrating the heritage of African Americans and their contribution to our history, please join us on Saturday afternoon, February 26th at 5 PM to hear The Dinah Vero World Quintet. The ensemble, led by Ms. Vero on piano, includes: Konrad Adderley on Bass, Bandoneon Sharif Kales on Trumpet, Sedric Shukroon on Saxophone and Matthew Baranello on Drums and Percussion. The program will explore the theme of "honoring the past to live in the present and to prepare for the future", and will reflect the rich history of jazz including: blues, gospel, standards and hard bop, as well as Ms. Vero's own compositions. The lineup will incorporate classic as well as contemporary compositions in a natural flow to symbolize how artists are the sum of their experiences. The great Jazz composer and instrumentalist, Jaki Byard, said of Vero, "she is a musician with an outstanding technique and a feel for the art of improvisation. With her very personal interpretation, she reaches the soul of her audience in a powerful way.” Suggested Donation: $10 Adults / $5 Seniors and Students or pay what you can.

Click here for Tickets

Dinah Vero was born into a musical family on the island of Martinique in the French West Indies. She started her classical piano education in Paris at an early age and participated in several national piano competitions.

As a teenager her family immigrated to Montreal, Quebec, where she pursued her musical studies by attending the Montreal Music Conservatory where she obtained a first prize in Harmony, Counterpoint and a Master in piano. Her musical interests later shifted to jazz and Caribbean music. Dinah Vero then formed the Dinah Vero World Quintet, touring in many countries and releasing two well received recordings.

The Dinah Vero World Quintet is:

Dinah Vero - Piano & Direction

Konrad Adderley- Bass, Bandoneon

Sharif Kales - Trumpet

Sedric Shukroon - Saxophone

Matthew Baranello - Drums, Percussion

Click here for tickets

COVID-19 vaccination proof requirements have expanded to include younger children and to require full vaccination: Children: Children ages 5 to 11 are now required to have proof of vaccination for the public indoor activities. They must show they have received at least one dose of a vaccine. Full Vaccination: People 12 and older participating in public indoor activities are now required to show proof they have received two vaccine doses, except for those who have received the one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Starting January 29, 2022, children ages 5 to 11 must also show proof of full vaccination. All audience members will also be required to be masked.

Bronx Man Admits Identity Fraud and Laundering over $12 Million in Illegal Drug Proceeds

 A Bronx, New York, man today admitted his role in a large international money laundering conspiracy and to using a stolen identity in furtherance of the scheme, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Roberto Mendoza-Arias, 51, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to a criminal information charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of identity fraud. 

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From May 2019 through March 2020, Mendoza and others laundered over $12.3 million from illegal activity. Mendoza accepted large amounts of cash drug proceeds from conspirators and laundered it by purchasing over 650 cashier’s checks at local bank branches in New Jersey and New York. The checks were made payable to individuals and companies specified by the leaders of the money laundering organization.

In July 2018, Mendoza obtained a fraudulent Pennsylvania driver’s license in someone else’s name. He used the fake ID to open multiple bank accounts and incorporate a business.  Mendoza then used the bank accounts and the business to further the money laundering scheme. 

The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount involved in the offense, whichever is greater. The charge of identify fraud carries a maximum prison sentence of five years and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 24, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents and task force officers of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Susan A. Gibson, the New England Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle, and the Santo Domingo Country Office, under the supervision of Special Agent in Charge Renita D. Foster; special agents and task force officers of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael Montanez; the Morristown, New Jersey, police department, under the direction of Acting Police Chief Darnell Richardson; the New York City Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, under the direction of Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan; and the Direccion Nacional de Control de Drogas (the Dominican Republic National Drug Directorate) with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

Governor Hochul Announces Funding to Assist Asian American Community Organizations Across New York State

 

The Asian American Federation (AAF) will Receive a Total of $6.8 Million in Funding to be Directed to 59 Community Organizations

The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families will Receive Over $1 Million, Partnering with a Host of Organizations to Enhance Youth and Young Adult Services Targeting Asian American Communities 

The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) will Receive Almost $700,000 to Help Empower Asian American, Immigrant, and Low-Income Communities in New York City

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $10 million in awards for organizations providing services to Asian American communities that were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding, allocated in the FY 2021-22 budget, will be distributed to community-based groups through the Asian American Federation (AAF), the Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF), and the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), as well as other organizations. There will be a focus on community programs and providers that bring services and supportive programs directly to New York's Asian American communities. This will be the largest investment in the Asian American community in New York State history.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on so many vulnerable and marginalized communities across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The Asian American community was especially hard hit, not only by the virus, but by an increase in hate and violent crimes. With this $10 million in funding, we are sending a strong message that hate has no home here, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our sisters and brothers in the Asian American community. My administration is laser focused on continuing to help communities that have for too long been forgotten, not only as we recover from this pandemic, but for years to come.”

The Asian American Federation (AAF) will receive a total of $6.8 million in funding intended to reinforce the community support offered by a network of organizations that have witnessed a sudden increase in demand for services due to the pandemic. AAF will direct the funding to 59 community organizations listed below that provide direct services, case management, and mental health support that serve Asian New Yorkers throughout New York State. In addition, the New York State Assembly is directing $1.4 million in Legislative aid to another 40 organizations that serve a wide array of communities in New York. 

The Coalition for Asian American Children and Families will receive over $1 million, and they will be partnering with a host of organizations -- including Apex for Youth, the Arab American Family Support Center, Asian Americans for Equality, Chinese-American Planning Council, South Asian Youth Action! Korean American Family Service Center, MinKwon Center for Community Action, and Mekong NYC -- to enhance youth and young adult services targeting Asian American communities by focusing on social emotional development and mental well-being. 

The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC), a social services organization that creates positive social change, will receive almost $700,000 to help empower Asian American, immigrant, and low-income communities in New York City by ensuring they have equitable access to the resources and opportunities needed to thrive. The funding will support CPC’s culturally competent, linguistically appropriate community services and programs to improve the social determinants of health for children, youth, students, families, and seniors. Through this initiative, they will expand public access to resources, expand workforce service, enhance wrap-around case management and expand early childhood development. 

DEC ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP APPOINTMENTS

 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos announced three key leadership appointments to DEC’s Executive and Regional teams.

 

“As DEC ramps up efforts to advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s nation-leading environmental agenda and clean energy revolution, elevating Erica Ringewald and Cathy Haas to key leadership positions, and adding Leo Rosales to our team, bolsters our capacity and our commitment,” Commissioner Seggos said. “New York is at a critical moment in the fight to combat climate change, and I look forward to working with DEC’s incredible team of experts to meet the moment and recharge our efforts to protect our natural resources and communities.”

 

Erica Ringewald has been named Chief of Staff. She joined DEC in 2016 as Director of Media Relations before becoming Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs in 2018. As Deputy Commissioner, Ringewald has managed DEC’s external communications and outreach. Prior to joining DEC, Ringewald helped manage media relations at the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, worked as an independent consultant to not-for-profit organizations and foundations, and served as Communications Director for Environmental Advocates of New York. In her six years at DEC, Ringewald helped transform DEC’s Press Office into one of the strongest communications operations in the state. Ringewald earned an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Colorado State University and holds a B.A. in English Literature from Indiana University.

Leo Rosales has been named Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs. Most recently in his role as Vice Chancellor of Communications at the State University of New York (SUNY), Rosales led all aspects of the University’s day-to-day communication operations and provided guidance to SUNY’s 64 campuses. His other work for New York State included serving as the Deputy Director of Communications in the Office of the Governor, where he managed daily announcements and advised key leadership at several agencies on issues ranging from energy and the environment to labor and higher education, and at the Department of Labor. Rosales has also served in various communication advisory roles with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in their Chicago and New York regional offices, and with members of the New York State Legislature. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the State University of New York at Albany.

In addition, Cathy Haas has been officially named Regional Director in DEC’s Region 1, which covers Nassau and Suffolk counties. Haas has served in DEC's Region 1 office for nearly three decades and started her career in the Division of Spills Management before serving nearly 25 years with the Division of Water. Most recently, Haas served as the Regional Engineer for Water, Remediation and Mined Land.