Tuesday, May 31, 2011

This Came in From one of our Readers


EASEL - San Diego Art Fair
Sept 2,3,4 2011
HOST - Alexander Salazar Fine Art

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
1040 7th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
To Register Please call 619-531-8996 or 619-531-8988

EASEL - San Diego Art af(FAIR) 2011 is an amazing art fair celebrating local artists. 
This event will showcase San Diego and Guests Artists.  
Located at 1040 7th Avenue, just half a block from Sponsor Alexander Salazar Fine Art. -  
$5.00 for 3 Day Pass - 5,000 Sq Ft of Amazing Art all on Easels
Sept 2-4 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday -  Fair Hours - 11 am to 8 pm
(Set up Sept 1, Break Down Sept 5th) Original Art all priced under $5,000

To Participate -
$100.00 Fee To Participate - Non refundable - by Cash, Check or Credit Card.
One Painting up to 60 tall by 40 wide -  Artist must provide their own easel. 
Full Marketing Provided by Alexander Salazar Fine Art in Newspapers, Radio, TV, and Social Media. All Artwork Fully Insured. In the event of a sale - Alexander Salazar Fine Art will Process All Sales and pay any credit card fees associated with the sale  Payment to artist will be payable within 7 business days.  Each Artist Must complete a I-9 Tax form to receive any funds greater than $200.00 
Artist will Receive 75% of Sale - Gallery will Receive 25% of Sale.
To Register Please call 619-531-8996 or 619-531-8988


N. Y. State Attorney General Eric Schniederman files suit against United States for the people of New York

   In a 34 page complaint listed on Liz Benjamins State of Politics blog New York State Attorney General Eric Schniderman has filed suit against the Army Corp of Engineers, the United States Department of Environmental Protection, Department of the Interior, Department of Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Park Services for what appears to be a halt to any thought of drilling for gas in the Delaware water basin, home of the majority of New York City's fresh drinking water. 
 
COMPTROLLER LIU, NYC PENSION FUNDS TO DISCUSS WAL-MART’S SUPPLIERS
WITH FORMER CHILD LABORER

   New York City Comptroller John C. Liu will host a breakfast meet-and-greet with Trustees of the NYC Pension Funds and Kalpona Akter, a workers’ rights activist and former child laborer from Bangladesh on Tuesday, May 31.

Comptroller Liu, the Trustees and Ms. Akter, who is stopping in New York on her way to Wal-Mart’s annual meeting, will discuss the Funds’ shareholder proposal that Wal-Mart require its suppliers uphold human and workers rights.  The Funds’ hold $311 million in Wal-Mart shares.

On June 3, Ms. Akter, the Executive Director of the Bangladesh Center for Workers Solidarity, will present the Funds’ proposal to Wal-Mart’s board of directors in Arkansas.  The proposal calls on the nation’s largest retailer to hold its suppliers around the globe accountable for their compliance with international standards of human and workers rights.

Kalpona faces years in prison on unsubstantiated criminal charges of fomenting garment worker unrest in Bangladesh.  Eighteen members of Congress have sent letters on her behalf to Wal-Mart and five other U.S. retailers, as well as to the U.S. Trade Representative.


Saturday, May 28, 2011

Orchard Beach Celebrates its 75th Anniversary

    On Friday, May 27, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe and other elected officials to announce the official start of the 2011 summer season and the 75th anniversary of Orchard Beach. Known as the  Riviera of the Bronx, Orchard Beach is celebrating  its anniversary with a new and better look thanks to the completion  of the $13 million Orchard Beach Shoreline Protection Project. The US Army  Corps of Engineers and the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation  placed approximately 268,000 cubic yards of sand on the beach to further protect it against tides, winds, waves and storms. During the 2011 season, the beach will be open for swimming daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm when lifeguards are on duty.

  Borough President Diaz with the 5th Grade Class of P.S. 79 on the newly refurbished Orchard 
Beach.

Friday, May 27, 2011

GUN BUY BACK SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 4TH

DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT, AND THE OFFICE OF THE BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT RENEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CLERGY TO GET FIREARMS OUT OF CIRCULATION 

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. have formed a partnership with the pastors of three Bronx churches in sponsoring a gun buy-back program for one day only on Saturday, June 4, 2011.
In a continuing effort to get illegal handguns and other firearms off the streets and out of circulation, participants in the ‘gun buy-back’ will receive a $200 pre-paid cash card for each eligible weapon surrendered, No Questions Asked. The firearms may be turned in at three drop-off locations between the hours of 11:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
District Attorney Johnson said: “We are gratified that the Commissioner Kelly and Borough President Diaz recognize the deadly threat that guns pose in our community and once again are being proactive. Now it’s up to all of our citizens to do their part in getting these guns off the streets before they cause more deaths, serious injuries and destroy families.”
Police Commissioner Kelly said: “Programs like the gun buy-back have real, quantifiable results. Since this program started in 2008, it has been responsible for taking over 6,000 guns off the street of the five boroughs. Our hope is that next week’s gun buy-back in the Bronx builds on this success and results in even more guns off the street, and more innocent lives saved.”
Borough President Ruben Diaz said: “Once again my office is working together with District Attorney Robert Johnson and the NYPD to fight gun violence and crime in The Bronx. Every time a firearm is taken out of circulation, we are potentially saving somebody’s life. The Bronx has come a long way, and Bronxites can no longer tolerate gun violence in our neighborhoods. I urge all of our residents to join us on the fight to bring peace to our streets.”
On Saturday, June 4, 2011, people who own illegal handguns will be able to trade them for $200 bank cards.  People turning in operable rifles and shotguns will receive $20 bank cards. The transactions will be completely anonymous with “no questions asked.” A $200 bank card will be issued for each operable handgun gun that is surrendered, with no limit on how many guns may be turned in.  However, participants will only be paid a maximum sum of $600 for three or more handguns. The bank cards can be used either as a debit card to make purchases or to withdraw cash from any ATM.
Firearms belonging to either active or retired law enforcement officials are not eligible for the buy-back program.
Plainclothes NYPD police officers, Bronx DA Detective Investigators, and members of the NYPD Bronx DA Squad will be on hand at the churches to accept the firearms that are surrendered. Participants are encouraged to bring the weapons in paper bags, plastic bags, or shoe boxes. If the weapons are being transported by car, they must be placed in the trunk of the car. 
Funding for the gun “buy-back” program is being provided jointly by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD. Firearms may be surrendered at the following locations:

                         

                 
Bronx Pentecostal                   Grace Temple
1755 Watson Avenue                  2401 Marion Avenue
Bronx, New York 10473             Bronx, New York 10458
Bishop Clarence Jones                 Pastor Olusegun Apoeso
718-822-6929                                 718-367-6937
                                                                                                                                          
Our Lady of Grace
3985 Bronxwood Avenue
Bronx, New York 10466
Father Levelt Germain
718-652-4817

 

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz's Public Awareness Campaign

New York Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz released the following statement in response to the planned "F*** Ruben Diaz Festival" advertised online to be held on June 11th at the Metropolitan bar in Brooklyn.


"I continue to be the target of a vulgar campaign by seething extremists who oppose my defense of New York's marriage laws.

The latest attempt to publicly attack my integrity is a call for written entries 1000 – 2000 words at a "F*** Ruben Diaz Festival” set to be held on June 11th.  An online group called The New Gay is advertising the event:  TNG Writing Contest Alert - "F*** Ruben Diaz: Gay Erotica Featuring NYC’s Number One Bigot".  Here are their details:

 "So all you LGBT litterateurs (and allies, of course) pick up your pens and plug in your laptops — if a fool is our theme, let satire be our song. Imagine a day in the life of the Bronx's most prominent Pentecostal minister. Is he downtown scoring poppers? Is he rehearsing his latest screed in his bathroom mirror? Is he waking up in a tangle of hard man-bodies after a raging orgy? Don’t think you have to take the closet case angle though, feel free to put Ruben in whatever ridiculous scenario you want — think Onion headline material — 'Ruben Diaz Sprains Ankle, Loses Faith in God', 'Ruben Diaz Tired of Wife's "Meatloaf Mondays'", ‘Ruben Diaz Gives Impassioned Anti-Gay Speech to his Co-Op Board', or, I don't know, 'Ruben Diaz in the MI6: Killing for Queen and Country'."

My position on marriage as defined between a man and a woman is no different than the position of many other Christians.  It is also the teaching of the Catholic Church, of Judaism and of Islam.   The United States Constitution guarantees us all the right to freedom of  – not freedom from – religion.  I am blessed to serve as a Pentecostal minister and I celebrate this!

It is sad to see the disrespect and irreverence that flourishes from those who have no respect for religious leaders here in New York and those who mock us as we serve our communities.

As a Christian and as the President of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, I will continue to defend the teachings of the Bible and oppose homosexual marriage.   As a Member of the New York State Senate, I will continue to defend the definition of New York's marriage laws to be between a man and a woman.

I urge Governor Andrew Cuomo along with my colleagues in the legislature, the media, and all New Yorkers to take a close look at the hard core and vulgar tactics that are being used to change a law in New York State.   I urge all to compare my non-violent, peaceful and prayerful rallies to protect marriage and the attempts to humiliate me because of my one vote in the State Senate.  Add to that the intolerant onslaught of hate-filled phone calls to my office. Add to that to the death threats and threats against my family that  have been duly reported to the FBI and the police departments of New York and Albany.

As a Christian, of course I love those who hate me and I will continue to pray for their souls.

Even though for the most part these attacks remain unreported in the news, the public deserves to know about them.  As such, I will continue to document them so my constituents and my colleagues remain aware."
To see more on what Senator Reverend Diaz is talking about click here

 

COMPTROLLER LIU REMARKS ON CONTINUING CITY TIME CONTRACT


Below are remarks by New York City Comptroller John C. Liu at a news conference on Wednesday, May 25, 4:30 p.m. regarding the CityTime project:
“Earlier this afternoon, my office was provided with a letter written  to the Executive Director of the Financial Information Services Agency (FISA) by Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), the prime contractor on the CityTime project. We were informed that SAIC had terminated their senior project manager who led the CityTime project.
“The name of that employee is Gerard Denault.
“SAIC has determined that Mr. Denault violated SAIC’s policies and standards with respect to timekeeping practices while working on CityTime. He routinely billed hours to the CityTime project that he did not in fact work.
“By their own admission, this latest development now implicates, for  the first time in this scandal, SAIC. The very company entrusted by our City to build a timekeeping system for NYC employees has grossly mismanaged their own time keeping, and in the process over charged the city for sums of money – still to be determined.
“SAIC now says they will now refund $2,470,522 to the city coffers for the time Mr. Denault billed to hard working NYC taxpayers.
“A few moments ago I sent a letter to the Mayor because I believe we need to work together.
“I am asking him to join me in calling on the Department of  Investigation along with all other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive review of other possible violations by SAIC, and I am proposing that the City withhold any future payments to SAIC pending the outcome of the investigations.
“This is a sad day for the New York City taxpayer.
“With the proposed budget cuts looming, we at least need to tightly manage expensive outside consultants.
“The public’s trust in government must be bolstered, and I am committed to working with the Mayor to do just that.”
Below is the full text of the letter sent to Mayor Bloomberg on May 25, 2011.

---
May 25, 2011

Honorable Michael R. Bloomberg
Mayor
City Hall
New York, NY  10007

Re:  Science Application International Corporation (SAIC)


Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

Today, we were informed by SAIC that they have terminated theirproject manager for CityTime.  SAIC cited the project manager’s violation of SAIC’s policies and standards, specifically with regard to his time billed to the City of New York.  Because SAIC cannot accurately calculate the amount that should have been billed to the City, SAIC will reimburse the City for this individual’s billed services.  This repayment amounts to $2,470,522.
To date, the alleged fraud relating to CityTime has only involvedsubcontractors.  This latest development now implicates the prime contractor and compels a comprehensive review of SAIC’s billings to the City, in particular, SAIC employees whose time was billed to the CityTime project.
I am directing my representative on the OPA board to introduce aresolution on the points below, and ask that your representative support the resolution:
§  The Department of Investigation, along with all other relevantauthorities, conduct a comprehensive review of other possible timekeeping violations; and
§  The City withholds any outstanding payments to SAIC pending the outcome of the investigations.
I believe the above actions are necessary and as always, I amavailable to discuss any of these issues with you.  Thank you.
Sincerely,
John C. Liu
 
 

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

HEARING ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULLER ARMY RESERVE CENTER SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 22nd

Today, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced that a hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 22, 2011, to solicit community input on the future of the Sgt. Joseph E. Muller Army Reserve Center (MARC), which is located at 555 East 238th Street in Wakefield.

The hearing will take place at P.S. 21, 715 East 225th Street, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“The future reuse of the Muller Army Reserve Center has been hotly debated in the Bronx for years, and it is my hope that individuals on all sides of this debate take advantage of this opportunity to make their voices heard,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

In addition, individuals and organizations wishing to review and comment on the draft redevelopment plan for the MARC may do so through the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s website, nycedc.com/MullerARCDraft, or by visiting Community Board #12, located at 4101 White Plains Road.

The draft redevelopment plan will be available for comment at these two locations from May 26 to June 25, 2011, after which public comment will be closed.

To submit comment, either email MullerLRA@nycedc.com or send them through regular mail to Muller Local Redevelopment Authority, c/o NYCEDC, 110 William Street, New York, NY 10038. Comments must be received no later than June 25, 2011.

Independent Democratic Conference

Senate Passes Klein Bill to Help Increase Distribution of NY-Grown Products

The State Senate today unanimously passed legislation sponsored by the Independent Democratic Conference that will help further expand the sale of New York State -grown agricultural products.
The measure, (S.614B), would allow the New York State Urban Development Corp./ Empire State Development Corp. to be able to extend grants and loans that will help create, or upgrade, distribution networks between New York farmers and food distributors, processors, and purchasers such as supermarkets and farmer's markets.
We grow many great products in New York State, but there are too many roadblocks particularly in communities like those I represent that prevent what is grown on the farm from ending up on our kitchen table,” the bill's main sponsor, Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, (D-Bronx/ Westchester), said. “This legislation will help give farmers more opportunities to move their products, as well as provide more healthy, locally grown, options to underserved neighborhoods.”
The lack of solid transportation networks is one of the main barriers preventing New York produce, which is primarily grown upstate, from having greater distribution in downstate markets. For instance, only half of the produce sold at the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market in the Bronx, which is the highest volume wholesale produce market in the U.S., is grown in New York.
This is companion legislation to S.627, which passed the Senate earlier this session. That bill allowed the UDC/ ESDC to be able to provide loans and grants that can be used to build, expand and refurbish green markets that encourage the sale of New York-grown produce.
Both bills were part of the IDC's “Preserve, Promote & Grow” plan to improve New York's agriculture economy.
Our New York grown products are some of the state's greatest assets,” said Senator David J. Valesky, (D-Oneida). “This legislation provides greater opportunities to get those products from our farms to our dinner tables across the state.”
I am committed to supporting the efforts of our farmers and this bill provides another avenue for produce grown locally to be transported to restaurants, supermarkets and schools who wish to purchase and serve New York grown fresh produce,” Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland/Orange) said.  “This is an opportunity for us to do something that not only is healthy for New York State’s economy, but our residents as well.”  
This legislation will improve the economic health of our farms, as well as the physical health of our residents,” said Senator Diane Savino, (Staten Island/ Brooklyn). “Its a win-win that I hope will become law before the end of this legislative session.” 
The legislation is pending in the Assembly.


Monday, May 23, 2011

Bronx Week 2011 Ends With a Parade and Festival on Mosholu Parkway


On Sunday, May 22, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. celebrated the grand finale of Bronx Week 2011 hosting a parade for which hundreds of students from dozens of Bronx schools and youth organizations marched down Mosholu Parkway.  The new members of the Bronx Walk of Fame, Chazz Palminteri, Irene Cara, Joy Bryant, and Charles Latibeaudiere, paraded along Mosholu Parkway after the unveiling of the plaques that now carry their names on the Grand Concourse.
After the parade, hundreds of residents enjoyed the Bronx Week Food, Art & Music Festival, which featured popular restaurants, arts & crafts, the Bronx Arm Wrestling Championship, and games and activities for kids.  At the main stage, Bronxites danced with the great performances of the hip hop legends Big Daddy Kane and Force MD’s, the bachata group Xtreme, and the salsa band Conjunto Imagen, among many other local artists. 
The students and parents of PS 76 showing their pride during  the Bronx Week Parade    
 Check out Thursday's Bronx News or Parkchester News for more pictures, and what schools were a part of the parade.

 
Borough President Diaz Honored the Best of the Bronx at the 2011 Bronx Ball

On Saturday, May 21, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr hosted the Annual Bronx Ball, a party honoring this year's inductees into the Bronx Walk of Fame. This black-tie awards gala brings together the Bronx’s business, arts and civic leaders to welcome home Bronx-born celebrities.
The Bronx Ball pays tribute to those proud Bronx natives who Borough President Diaz will induct into the Bronx Walk of Fame the following morning.  The Class of 2011 inductees were: Chazz Palminteri, who wrote and starred in “A Bronx Tale” and then turned it into an award-winning stage production; Irene Cara, Grammy and Golden Globe winner, Joy Bryant,  actress and former fashion model who currently stars in Parenthood; and Charles Latibeaudiere, Co-Executive Producer of TMZ.
The honorees were inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on Sunday, May 22, on the Grand Concourse. Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. unveiled permanent street signs bearing their names. 

From left: Marlene Cintron, President of BOEDC, Charles Latibeaudiere, Co-Executive Producer of TMZ, Irene Cara, Grammy and Golden Globe winner, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., actress Joy Bryant, and actor and writer Chazz Palminteri.


SEN. KLEIN BRINGS FREE VISION SCREENINGS TO WESTCHESTER SQUARE


     State Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester), the Bronx Lion’s Club, Sacred Heart School, and the Westchester Square Merchants have collaborated to bring free vision screening to four-year-old children in the Westchester Square community on Friday, June 3. Registration is mandatory for a screening.

I am extremely pleased to partner with the Bronx Lions Clubs to offer these essential vision screenings,” Senator Klein said. “Identifying potential vision problems in children now will allow for early treatment to help prevent the development of serious health issues later.” The screenings will be performed by trained volunteers from the Lion's Club. Screenings for Sacred Heart students will be held earlier in the day.

The vision screenings are used to alert parents to any vision issues discovered in their children that may lead to serious eye conditions such as Ambyopia. The information obtained in the vision screenings will sent to the Ross Eye Institute in Buffalo, NY for analysis. The results will then be sent to the child's parents or guardians.
In an effort to utilize the early detection screenings in the neighborhoods that he represents, Senator Klein reached out to the Westchester Square Merchants and Sacred Heart School in order to introduce the Lions Club vision screenings to four-year-old children in the Westchester Square community.
To make an appointment, contact Senator Klein’s office at 718-822-2049

     Screenings, which will be open to all 4-year-olds in the Bronx, will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart School, 1651 Zerega Ave.


Saturday, May 21, 2011

Diaz Jr. celebrates the 40th Annual Bronx Week Parade marching with hundreds of Bronx students
After getting inducted the new members of the Bronx Walk of Fame will be part of the parade

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will celebrate the grand finale of Bronx Week 2011 Parade marching down Mosholu Parkway with hundreds of students from more than 90 Bronx schools and youth organizations.  The new members of the Bronx Walk of Fame, Chazz Palminteri, Irene Cara, Joy Bryant, and Charles Latibeaudiere, will also parade along Mosholu Parkway after the unveiling of the plaques that will carry their names on the Grand Concourse
After the parade, residents will enjoy the Bronx Week Food, Art & Music Festival, which features popular restaurants, arts & crafts; the Bronx Arm Wrestling Championships; and games and activities for kids, including the Arbitron Enchanted Forest with authors reading aloud to kids and giveaways for all.  Also, the Bronx Health Pavilion will offer free health screenings and information on services, health insurance; and the stage will offer live music all-day, showcasing the great cultural diversity of the Bronx.  This year’s main performers are: the hip hop legends Big Daddy Kane and Force MD’s

It all happens on Sunday, May 22 starting with:
Bronx Week Volunteers Breakfast:  9:30 AM
Court Building- 161 Street & Grand Concourse.

Bronx Week Walk of Fame Induction: 11:00 AM    
Court Building- 161 Street & Grand Concourse.

40th Annual Bronx Week Parade:   12:00 pm 
Mosholu Parkway North.

Bronx Week 2011 Food & Arts Festival: 12:00 pm 
Mosholu Parkway North & Van Cortlandt Avenue.

 Bronx Week 2011 Concert:   2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Mosholu Parkway North & Bainbridge Avenue.

       
 


BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ, ELECTED OFFICIALS & COMMUNITY LEADERS CALL FOR GREATER PUBLIC ACCESS TO JEROME PARK RESERVOIR

BP Diaz will host a hearing on June 2nd to solicit public input on access plans

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined together with a coalition of elected officials to call for greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir. Borough President Diaz also announced that he would host a public hearing in June to solicit greater input from Bronxites on the future of public access to Jerome Park Reservoir.
Standing across from an empty Jerome Park Reservoir are (From left)- Father Gorman, Chariman, CB 12; Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz; Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.; State Senator Gustavo Rivera; Assemblyman Jose Rivera; and Councilman Oliver Koppell. The picture at the bottom shows a one full and beautiful reservoir. Click on the picture to enlarge it.

“This community treasure has been left unused for far too long,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “It is time for the collective voice of the northwest Bronx to be heard, and for the Department of Environmental Protection to develop a plan for real community access to the Jerome Park Reservoir.”

In March, the Department of Environmental Protection released a disappointing report, two years in the making, that calls for a three-day pilot program for pedestrian access to the Jerome Park Reservoir in 2013. Borough President Diaz said that while he understood the security concerns put forward by the DEP regarding public use of the Jerome Park Reservoir, he felt that those concerns could be addressed well enough to allow for greater public access to the reservoir.

To that end, the borough president’s office will host a public hearing to allow Bronxites a chance to voice their own opinions on greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir. That hearing will be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at Vladeck Hall in the Amalgamated Houses located at 74 Van Cortlandt Park South (on the corner of Hillman Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South). The hearing will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“I urge everyone who is interested in seeing the Jerome Park Reservoir opened to the public to come to this hearing and make their voice heard. The reservoir was designed, built and opened as a park, and access should be returned to the community,” said Borough President Diaz.

"We are very concerned over the extremely limited proposals for access by the DEP. We need to explore ways in which we can provide substantially more access without sacrificing public safety,” said Council Member G. Oliver Koppell.

“The residents of the northwest Bronx have a right to enjoy the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir in the same way that the residents of Manhattan have the right to enjoy Central Park,” said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. “The Department of Environment Protection and Parks should be held to their commitment to make this area more accessible to Bronxites and should have to address the concerns of the community regarding their most recent plans. I am proud to stand with my colleagues in calling for greater access to the area around the Jerome Park Reservoir as well as greater community involvement in determining the future of one of our community’s most precious resources.”

“The time has come for greater community access to the Jerome Park Reservoir.  We've waited too long.  I grew up across the street from the reservoir.  While I was able to enjoy its beauty by looking outside from my living room window or by standing outside the fence, there is no rational reason why the fences are so far from the water.  We have an incredible resource in the northwest Bronx.  Why is the public denied the ability to enjoy it?  DEP's ridiculous proposal to give the public very limited access for a few days in the year 2013 is an insult to our community.  The time for greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir is now!” said Assembly Member Jeff Dinowitz.
 

Friday, May 20, 2011

Bronx BP ruben diaz Jr honors the best of the bronx at the bronx ball 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr will host the Annual Bronx Ball, a party honoring this year's inductees into the Bronx Walk of Fame. This black-tie awards gala brings together the Bronx’s business, arts and civic leaders to welcome home Bronx-born celebrities.
The Bronx Ball pays tribute to those proud Bronx natives who Borough President Diaz will induct into the Bronx Walk of Fame the following morning.  The Class of 2011 inductees are: Chazz Palminteri, who wrote and starred in “A Bronx Tale” and then turned it into an award-winning stage production; Irene Cara, Grammy and Golden Globe winner, Joy Bryant,  actress and former fashion model who currently stars in Parenthood; and Charles Latibeaudiere, Co-Executive Producer of TMZ.
The honorees will be inducted into the Bronx Walk of Fame on Sunday, May 22, at 11:00AM on the Grand Concourse at 161st Street.  Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will unveil permanent street signs bearing their names. 

Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)
Bronx Week 2011 celebrates environmental day at the bronx river
The Bronx Borough President’s Office and the Bronx Initiative for Energy& The Environment will host Environmental Day at the Bronx River.
Residents will get free canoe rides on the river, courtesy of the young boat builders at Rock the Boat, an award-winning environmental teen program that has helped reclaim the river from the borough gets its name. There will also be live entertainment along with art activities for the kids, courtesy of the Bronx Children’s Museum and the Hunts Point Alliance for Children. 

Saturday, May 21 -- 11:00am
Hunts Point Riverside Park- 
Lafayette Avenue Between Edgewater Road & The Bronx River

 

Arthur Avenue Festival 

As part of the celebration of Bronx Week 2011, on Wednesday, May 18, the New York Economic Development Corporation and the Bronx Borough President's Office co-hosted an event celebrating the food and history of the Arthur Avenue Retail Market. 


Assemblyman Jose Rivera, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., Mike Greco & David Greco of Mike’s Deli on Arthur Avenue, NYCEDC President Seth Pinsky, Bronx Chamber of Commerce President Lenny Caro and City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera are holding up just some of food that was sampled. 

Click on the picture to see just how good the food that was being tasted was. 


 


Thursday, May 19, 2011

BRONX WEEK 2011 HOSTS THE ANNUAL BRONX COMMUNITY HEALTH EDUCATION FAIR 

The Office of the Bronx Borough President and Bronx Health Links host the annual Bronx Community Health Education Day Fair, one of the largest health fairs in the borough where health care providers, wellness programs and disease prevention services from across the borough provide free information and screenings.

Residents will be able to get valuable information for themselves and their family from Bronx organizations and health educators. Experts will give tips to keep kids active and healthy during the summer months.

Friday, May 20 --  11:00 am to 3:00 pm
The Bronx County Building - Veteran's Memorial Hall 
851 Grand Concourse (At East 161Street) 
 Congressman Engel,  Assemblyman Dinowitz, State Senator Klein and Councilman Koppell Announce Town Hall Meeting May 26th

Congressman Eliot Engel, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, State Senator Jeff Klein, City Councilman G.Oliver Koppell, the SAR High School, and the SAR High School’s Political Action Alliance will host a town hall meeting to discuss critical issues such as the federal, state, and city budgets, neighborhood school funding, senior citizen concerns, the expiration of tenant protection laws, the MTA, parking and transportation issues, job creation and economic development, as well as many other important matters.  The elected officials are eager to hear their constituents’ concerns and opinions.
Thursday, May 26th, 7:30pm
SAR High School
503 West 259th Street (at Riverdale Avenue)  
Call  (718) 548-1717 for more information.

  

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Agenda
Croton Facility Monitoring Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 24, 2011 – 7:00 PM
Bronx High School of Science – 75 West 205th Street, Bronx NY 10468, Room 131



I Welcome Father Richard Gorman, Chair

II Consider, Adopt 4/27/11 Meeting Minutes CFMC Representatives

III Presentation about Earthen Dam Safety NYS Dept of 
Environmental Conservation

IV Construction Update, Schedule & Costs Bernard Daly, P.E., DEP
Status of Construction in Goulden Ave

V Comments about Goulden Ave Construction Attendees

VI Status of Force Main Design Lauren Competello, P.E., DEP

VII Current Report - Croton Jobs Mark Lanaghan, DEP

VIII Continued Discussion, Public Access to JPR CFMC Representatives
- Plans for June 2, 2011 Public Hearing

IX CFMC Discussion, Set Next Meeting CFMC Representatives

X Adjourn

STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ
         
RE: Fire companies closures

“Mayor Bloomberg is compromising public safety and that cannot be an option for the City to balance the budget.  Our community fought hard to keep Ladder 53 on City Island open and we will certainly do the same now to avoid any closures that could put Bronxites in any community at risk. The safety of our residents should be more important than any budget issue and we will fight to avoid the closure of Ladder 53 and Engine 46 and 60,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. 

LIU: NYC FUNDS WIN SUPPORT FOR POLITICAL DISCLOSURE
NYC Pension Funds’ Proposal Calling for Sprint Nextel to Reveal Its Political Spending Gets First Majority Vote Since Citizens United

New York City Comptroller John C. Liu announced a victory for NYC pensioners and institutional investors in the effort to increase corporate disclosures of political donations. Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) released vote totals this week that show 53% of votes at its annual shareholder meeting support the New York City Pension Funds’ proposal for transparency on its political contributions.  It is one of the largest majorities ever recorded on the issue.

“Investors, pensioners, and taxpayers demand that corporations reveal their campaign spending,” Comptroller Liu said.  “This victory for opening the books on political contributions sends a message that corporations ignore at their own risk.”

“Since the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision, I have been spearheading a national campaign to make companies more transparent and accountable with their political spending,” said Public Advocate Bill de Blasio.  “The shareholder vote at Sprint Nextel demonstrates that momentum behind this national movement is growing.  I commend Comptroller Liu demanding greater corporate disclosure of political spending from these companies.  Sprint Nextel should take heed of shareholder sentiment and adopt the resolution.”

The NYC Pension Funds’ shareholder proposal requested that Sprint Nextel:
§  Report its policies and procedures for political contributions and expenditures (both direct and indirect) made with corporate funds;
§  Account for Company’s funds that are used for political contributions or expenditures; and
§  Identify the people in the Company who make the decisions on political contributions.

The 53% percent vote support that the NYC Pension Funds proposal received from Sprint Nextel shareholders is the largest majority vote on a political disclosure proposal opposed by management in the past four years, and one of the largest majority votes ever on the issue.

In January 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission removed long-standing limitations on corporate spending on political campaigns.   Since then, investors in numerous companies have redoubled their push for disclosures of political spending. 

The New York City Comptroller serves as the investment advisor to, custodian and trustee of the New York City Pension Funds.  The New York City Pension Funds are comprised of the New York City Employees’ Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System, New York City Police Pension Fund, New York City Fire Department Pension Fund and the Board of Education Retirement System.  The New York City Pension Funds hold a combined 8,125,023 total shares in Sprint Nextel Corporation (NYSE: S) with an asset value of $41,518,867.53 as of 5/16/2011.

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In addition to Comptroller Liu, the New York City Pension Funds trustees are:

New York City Employees’ Retirement System: Ranji Nagaswami, Mayor’s Representative (Chair); New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio; Borough Presidents: Scott Stringer (Manhattan), Helen Marshall (Queens), Marty Markowitz (Brooklyn), James Molinaro (Staten Island), and Ruben Diaz, Jr. (Bronx); Lillian Roberts, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME;  John Samuelsen, President Transport Workers Union Local 100; Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

Teachers’ Retirement System: Ranji Nagaswami, Mayor’s Representative; Deputy Chancellor Kathleen Grimm, New York City Department of Education; Mayoral appointee Tino Hernandez; and Sandra March, Melvyn Aaronson and Mona Romain, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

New York City Police Pension Fund: Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly (Chair); Patrick Lynch, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association; Michael Palladino, Detectives Endowment Association; Edward D. Mullins, Sergeants Benevolent Association; Thomas Sullivan, Lieutenants Benevolent Association; and, Roy T. Richter, Captain’s Endowment Association.

New York City Fire Department Pension Fund: Mayor Michael Bloomberg; New York City Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano (Chair);New York City Finance Commissioner David Frankel; Stephen Cassidy, President, James Slevin, Vice President, Robert Straub, Treasurer, and John Kelly, Brooklyn Representative and Chair, Uniformed Firefighters Association of Greater New York; John Dunne, Captains’ Rep.; James Lemonda , Chiefs’ Rep., and James J. McGowan, Lieutenants’ Rep., Uniformed Fire Officers Association; and, Sean O’Connor, Marine Engineers Association.

Board of Education Retirement System: Schools Chancellor Cathleen Black, Mayoral: Philip Berry, Gitte Peng, Robert Reffkin, Tino Hernandez, Joe Chan, Tomas Morales, Linda Laursell Bryant, and Lisette Nieves; Patrick Sullivan (Manhattan BP), Gbubemi Okotieuro (Brooklyn BP), Dmytro Fedkowskyj (Queens BP), Joan Correale (Staten Island BP), and Monica Major (Bronx BP); and employee members Joseph D’Amico of the IUOE Local 891 and Milagros Rodriguez of District Council 37, Local 372.

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BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT TO HOST A DANCE FOR OVER 500 SENIORS

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. will host a dance event to honor the borough’s seniors.


Residents will grab their poodle skirt and roll up their t-shirt sleeves to do the peppermint twist, the mashed potato and the swim at this old fashioned Sweet Shoppe sock hop.
 
Thursday, May 19 -- 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
177 Dreiser Loop – Community Room A,B,C 

BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ TO SOLICIT PUBLIC INPUT ON JEROME PARK RESERVOIR ACCESS PLAN

On Friday, May 20, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will join with elected officials, community organizations and local activists to call for greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir.

The borough president will also announce a public hearing, hosted by the Croton Monitoring Committee, to solicit community input on the future use of the Jerome Park Reservoir, to be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011, at Vladeck Hall in the Amalgamated Houses located at 74 Van Cortlandt Park South (on the corner of Hillman Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park South). The hearing will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In March, the Department of Environmental Protection released a plan that would allow for very limited, three-day public access pilot to portions of the reservoir once the Croton Watershed Filtration Plant is completed in 2013.

The Press Conference calling for greater public access to the Jerome Park Reservoir will be held at the Intersection of Reservoir Avenue & Claflin Avenue, overlooking the reservoir
Friday, May 20, 2011--10:30 a.m.