Espada's 2010 Legislative Priorities

State Senator Pedro Espada lists his 2010 budget priorities. Here is some context on his housing proposal (advocates say it will it never fly) from the Daily News. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2010/01/03/2010-01-03_pedro_says_he_wants_to_help_tenants.html

"Let's get our hands to the plow" - Cabrera holds press conference on Haiti Earthquake

Mt. Hope Housing Company CEO Fritz Jean, a first-generation Haitian, talks about the need to help earthquake victims. He's flanked by district leader Hector Ramirez (left) and Councilman Fernando Cabrera (right). (Photo by Amber Rodriguez)

District 14 Council Member Fernando Cabrera held a press conference today to talk about his plan to help victims of  7.0 magnitude earthquake that ravaged the Haitian capital yesterday afternoon.

Cabrera, along with a team of church and district leaders, will be on a flight to the Dominican Republic on Monday, noting that it would be easier and faster to cross the border into Haiti than fly there.

First and foremost, Cabrera's team is taking into account the Consulate General of Haiti's immediate call for medical services. They have noted that survivors of the earthquake are largely affected by a need for medicine, especially those who suffer from high blood pressure or diabetes. Due to vast hospital overcrowding, there has also been a call for tents in order to remain operational even outside normal hospital facilities. This will be the team's immediate concern, channeling their initial efforts into the hospitals and general medical care.

Cabrera's New Life Outreach International church emphasizes humanitarian efforts abroad and has completed projects in the Dominican Republic an Africa.

Also in attendance was Fritz Jean, CEO of the Mount Hope Housing Company, a member of Cabrera's team and a first-generation Haitian. Expounding upon Cabrera's call to immediate action, Jean added, "We have to sustain the movement." Jean is only one of the many leaders in attendance that will be continuing to accept donations - monetary, clothing, medicine, food and water - throughout their campaign.

Also addressing the widespread concern as to where funds will go, Jean promises that "the resources will get to the people," and the funds and donations will be doled out to everyone in need of them, as well as avoiding the fizzle-out affect that plaques many aid missions.

When asked what our readers could do immediately, Cabrera encouraged involvement. The team is currently raising more money to provide medical supplies, but food and water will soon follow. Cabrera wishes to point our readers to the Latin- and African-American Chaplain Association (LACA): Call (718) 842-8555 if you wish to donate or help in any way.

This Saturday: Help Victims of Haiti Earthquake

This Saturday, at the intersection of Aldus Street and Southern Boulavard, Bronx residents (and others) can drop off clothes, non-perishable food, and money, to help the victims of yesterday's earthquake in Haiti.

The aid drive is being organized by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., State Sen. Ruben Diaz, Sr., and the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization. It starts at 12 p.m.

In a statement, Diaz, Jr. said:

Tragedy has struck the Haitian people and as a community The Bronx is ready to give them a hand. I am calling on all Bronxites to show solidarity and support, making donations through our office at Saturday’s event or through any of the many relief organizations available. In difficult times, we all can make a big difference with donations, even small donations, that will help to provide food, water and medicine to the victims of this terrible natural disaster.

For more information, call Diaz, Jr.'s office at (718) 590-6001.

Cuomo Investigating Espada; Senator Calls it a 'Witch Hunt'

On Friday, Pedro Espada, Jr.  announced a push to increase the cap on charter schools. Today, he's fending off allegations from Attorney General Andrew Cuomo. (Photo courtesy of Espada)

Attorney General Andrew Cuomo's office says it has discovered "extensive evidence" of illegal activities by State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. involving his nonprofit Soundview Healthcare Network and a private for-profit management company he created, according to court paper filed in New York Supreme Court today. 

The court papers are basically a "motion to compel" Espada to produce a number of documents related to Cumo's investigation, which was launched earlier this year. Cuomo subpoenaed a host of documents on Aug. 25, but his office says Espada has failed to produce many of them.

So, just to be clear, no charges have been filed against Espada. But this is a pretty big precursor to potential charges.

The Daily Politics blog has a good summary of court papers and you can read them for yourself after the jump.

The controversial Bronx pol, who is no stranger to investigations and/or allegations of illegal or improper behavior, responded in a statement, saying the Cuomo investigation is "witch hunt" and that he's already complied by sending "tens of thousands of documents" the A.G. has requested. "This is an Andrew Cuomo witch-hunt driven by his political ambitions, as evidenced in the fact that our attorneys had to learn of this complaint through the media," Espada in his statement.

Regardless, Cuumo wants more and he will probably need it if he wants to come up with something that sticks on Espada. The "Teflon Don" of New York politics, Espada has narrowly escaped serious legal punishment several times in the past.

Bronx News Roundup, Jan. 13

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will be announcing today his plans to create an African Advisory Council, hoping to give a voice to the steadily increasing West African population. This was also prompted by attacks on this group -- there have been 23 attacks against West Africans in the past 18 months alone. The council will be made up of 29 members, and Famod Konneh will be the chair.

Apparently baked goods aren't recession-proof. Bronx baking company, Old London, plans to pack up and move to North Carolina, putting over 200 people out of work. The sting of this company closing is felt particularly strong, especially taking into consideration the closing of the Stella D'oro factory in Kingsbridge this past October.

On a similar note, foreclosures are reaching an all-time high in the Bronx, as we see an upsurge of foreclosed homes for sale. Unemployment is largely to blame, according to the Fiscal Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research group.

A massive gun buyback program at various locations throughout the Bronx has been announced for next Saturday, January 23rd. Interestingly, air pistols and BB-guns are eligible for payment (I'm assuming to prevent any unfortunate incidents involving broken glasses...). For locations and contact information, visit here.

Having been one of the major leak sources of 20th Century Fox's film "Wolverine," Gilberto Sanchez, a Parkchester resident, tells his side of the story. Awaiting his sentencing, Sanchez doesn't sound optimistic, “I’m a scapegoat for this... I’m gonna get crucified.” (Note: While doing the news roundup, it has come to my attention that Sanchez will be facing jail-time in California.)

In more entertainment news, bachata super-group from the Bronx, Aventura, is looking at some impressive Madison Square garden ticket sales. They'll be going up against the current queen of Top-40, Lady Gaga (who swears on her life that she's not from Yonkers... but who is she kidding?).

A King Day opportunity

On Martin Luther King Day, volunteers will work at MS 424, The Point CDC, SEBCO, Rocking the Boat, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, Manida Street Housing, HYDE Leadership Academy, Hunts Point Recreation Center, WildCat Academy, Casita Maria, Pio Mendez, Helping is Easy, Transformations Church, PS 75, PS 48, PS 130, and PS 333/335.

Find out more in The Hunts Point Express.

Bronx News Roundup, Jan. 12

The Bx34 and the Bx10, bus routes the MTA has threatened to discontinue, could be spared after all. The Bx34 runs between Woodlawn and Fordham Road; the Bx10 connects Norwood with Riverdale.

Howard Safir, the former police commissioner who reversed his SUV into a pregnant Bronx woman last week and drove off, could still face charges. The Manhattan DA is probing the incident.

The man firefighters found dead yesterday inside his fire-ravaged Marble Hill apartment, didn't die of burns or smoke inhalation. He was stabbed to death.

Andrew Cuomo's expected run for governor could kick-start a game of musical political chairs here in the Bronx.

Ray Salaberrios, head of the Bronx Overall Economic Development Corp., is stepping down. According to the Daily News' Bob Kappstatter, the resignation was expected because Salaberrios was hired by former BP Adolfo Carrion and now Ruben Diaz Jr. is in charge. Still, 2009 was a difficult year for Salaberrios and the BOEDC, after public monies tied to the Gateway Center Mall allegedly went missing.

Talking of Carrion, who now heads up the White House Office of Urban Affairs, here's an interview he gave the National Journal about his recent "listening tour" and the task ahead.  As Kappstatter notes in his column, Carrion held a gathering in the Bronx last Friday, which has politicos gossiping about his post-Washington plans. 

The manager of the Hunts Point Recreation Center has been fined $2,500 for using his Parks Department computer to sell personal items on Ebay.

Bronx Democratic Chairman Carl Heastie thinks Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has done an outstanding job, according to his spokesman.

Assistant Chief Tom Purtell, the Bronx's top cop, talks about falling crime and the challenges ahead.

David Raskin, an assistant United States attorney who was born in Riverdale and went to Fieldston, is expected to be the lead prosecutor in the trial of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and his alleged 9/11 cohorts.

Espada Spurs an Industry

The Manhattan Young Democrats are selling these.

Putting aside for a moment the fact that no Manhattanite can actually vote for Pedro Espada, seeing as he represents the 33rd Senate district in the Bronx, we imagine that this will be a potentially hot item here in the Boogiedown.

And while anyone in the district can choose not to vote for Pedro, they can't, at this point, choose to vote for anyone else, as there aren't any challengers yet to the controversial lawmaker, who singlehandedly flipped the balance of power in the State Senate to the Republicans and back again to the Democrats over the summer.

We're hearing some murmurings about possible challenges, but nothing definitive yet. Stay tuned.

Bronx Events, Jan. 11-14

NYPD Bronx Precinct Council Meetings

Wednesday, January 13th at 7 p.m. 44th Precinct Community Council Meeting at 1072 Grand Concourse.

Wednesday, January 13th at 8 p.m. 47th Precinct Community Council Meeting. Call the Precinct Community Affairs office at (718) 920-1202 for meeting location.

Thursday, January 14th at 7 p.m. 50th Precinct Community Council Meeting at the 50th Precinct Station House, 3450 Kingsbridge Ave.

Bronx Community Board Meetings

Wednesday, January 13th at 6:30 p.m. Community Board 6 Meeting at 1932 Arthur Ave, Room 709. Call (718) 579-6990 for more info.

Tuesday, January 12th at 7:30 p.m. Community Board 8 Meeting at 5676 Riverdale Ave. Call (718) 884-3959 for more info.

The following meetings will all be held at 229-A East 204th Street. Call (718) 933-5650 for more info.

• Tuesday, January 12th at 6:30 p.m. Community Board 7 Youth Services Committee Meeting
• Wednesday, January 13th at 6:30 p.m. Community Board 7 Traffic & Transportation Committee Meeting
• Thursday, January 14th at 6:30 p.m. Community Board 7 Land Use & Zoning Committee Meeting

Other Events 

Tuesday, January 12th, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

BeFitNYC Week: Recreation Center Open House

The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation invites everyone to visit our recreation centers and learn how to BeFitNYC! All centers will host a variety of fun events and activities - all for FREE! Try aerobic classes, yoga, weight-training, cardio equipment, and more. Held at St. Mary’s Recreation Center, East 145th Street and St. Ann’s Avenue. For more information on all locations, visit the BeFitNYC Week events page. 

Thursday, January 14th, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"Game Nights" Continue at the Starving Artist
Be at the Starving Artist and play games with us! Games include cards, bridge, dominoes, checkers and chess. Our resident chess master, "Uncle Bill" Yehle, is there every Thursday. Try to beat his game! The Starving Artist Cafe & Gallery is located at 249 City Island Ave. For more info, call (718) 885 - 3779 or visit http://www.starvingartistonline.com/.

(Click "Read more" for ongoing events!) 

Bronx News Roundup for Jan. 11

This isn't really exactly a Bronx thing, but we couldn't resist: The New York Post reports that the city's new comptroller, John Liu, is requiring staffers to rise when he enters a room and address him as "Mr. Comptroller." 

A Post editorial says Attorney General Andrew Cuomo needs to successfully connect the dots on State Senator Pedro Espada's alleged funneling of state money to his health center business or the AG's office does not deserve the greater authority Cuomo is seeking.

Meanwhile, Crain's (which only provides its on-line content to registered subscribers) had this to say about Cuomo's inquiry:

Insiders say it was no accident that Attorney General Andrew Cuomo unveiled his investigation of controversial state senator Pedro Espada on the heels of Gov. David Paterson's state of the state speech. “It shows action to Paterson's prose,” one Democratic insider says, referring to the governor's promise to push for reforms.
Another Democratic aide calls Mr. Espada a “perfect target” because Mr. Cuomo can burnish his “cleaning up the Legislature” credentials without alienating the powers that be, as Mr. Espada is disliked by many colleagues. “This becomes especially valuable if Paterson fails to deliver on any of his proposed reforms, while Cuomo collects a trophy scalp to wave before the angry masses,” the aide says.
Mr. Cuomo is looking for evidence that Mr. Espada broke laws by seeking funding for nonprofit organizations that he controls, failing to report campaign contributions, or living in his Westchester County house while portraying his Bronx apartment as his primary address. The legislator brought the state Senate to a standstill last year by defecting to the Republican conference and then back to the Democrats.
“Pedro Espada, for better or worse, is the symbol of all that is wrong in Albany,” the first insider says.

Speaking of Espada, again, those in the political blogosphere who can't stand the idea of him running in the Democratic primary this September unopposed are raising the prospect of drafting Lilliam Perez, who is on the staff of State Senator Eric Schneiderman.. She had expressed interest in the seat a while back but then backed away.

And the last word today on Esapda: Believe it or not, the Boogiedowners, the Bedford Park bloggers who are no fans of the senator, say they had a good experience at one of Espada's health centers in Wakefield, where they went to get the flu vaccine for their daughter. 

A pregnant Bronx woman is still waiting for an apology from Howard Safir (former police commissioner under Rudy Giuliani) who hit her with his Ford Escalade as he was backing up in Manhattan and drove off. He told investigators he did not know he hit her and has not been charged.

Parents are rallying to save Christopher Columbus High School, which is slated for closure.

The Times reports that unionized workers of the New York Public Library can take paid leave or receive comp time when the temperature dips below 68 degrees at a branch. 

Bronx Messiah

Sunday Dec 13th 2009, Lehman Center For The Performing Arts: In celebration of the 2009 holiday season, passionate Michael Spierman conducted The Bronx Opera Chorus and The Orchestra Of The Bronx in their traditional annual performance of a timeless holiday concert, Handel’s Messiah. Following the performance the audience were treated to “A Taste of the Bronx,” a food show produced by the Bronx Tourism Council. As always, it is a pleasure to make photographs at Lehman Center. I would like to thank all the people behind the scene at Lehman Center, who make all shows a success, with a lot of planning and hard work. Thank you.

New in the Mount Hope Monitor

The January edition of the paper is now online.  Stories include:

BCC to Expel University Heights Secondary School
Improvements to University Heights Secondary School, including new grips on the stairs and working water fountains, spelled bad news for students as they returned to school after the holiday break on Monday.
The renovations were made as part of Bronx Community College’s expansion plan that will leave this high school homeless.

Pro-Lifers Rally Against Scandal-Hit Doctor
Dr. Pierre Renelique used to practice obstetrics and gynecology in Florida. That was until the Florida Board of Medicine revoked his license early this year following a botched abortion. Now he’s working in University Heights.

This month's issue also includes a roundup of our main stories from 2009.