Sherr-una Booker says she'll refile charges against David Johnson, the former top aide to Gov. Paterson. Booker filed a police report last fall saying Johnson assaulted her in their Bronx apartment, but the case was dismissed when she missed a court appearance the day after getting a phone call from the governor.
Sam Suzuki, the slumlord who got prison time for ignoring court orders to repair his crumbling apartment building on E. 172nd Street, was released from jail this week but could be sent back by the courts as early as next week.
Funeral services were held yesterday for the two teens who drowned in the Bronx River last weekend. (See here for more on the incident, and its aftermath in the community).
A kitten named Motz was rescued from a sewer by city workers yesterday in Morris Park.
A new documentary called "The Lottery," tracks students from the Bronx and Harlem as they compete for a seat at the very competitive Success Academy charter school in the Harlem (Success Academy will open two schools in the Bronx this fall).
Roses at the Bronx Botanical Garden are being bred to resist insects, meaning some of the plants will be pesticides-free.
AM New York says rats are making nests in MTA metro card machines. That's not the only foul thing that maintenance workers have to deal with--they say riders use the machines as personal urinals (the article calls out several Bronx stops along the D among the worst offenders).
Construction could be finally in the works for a towering, long-unfinished apartment complex on Oxford Avenue.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Bronx News Roundup, July 22
Friends of the Oval Meeting- Thurs. July 22 at 7pm
Friends of the Oval, a volunteer group of community residents that advocate for services and projects to maintain and enhance the Williamsbridge Oval, is meeting the evening of Thursday, July 22 in the park. You'll find folks gathering at 7pm at one of the picnic tables in the picnic grove near the north side of the park (closer to E. Gun Hill Road). The group will discuss the successful request for portable toilets while the Recreation Center is under construction, devise strategies to cut down on litter, and consider how to ensure the renovation work is completed on schedule. Friends encourages attendees to bring their concerns and passion for our neighborhood park and join in the conversation. All are welcome.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Activsts Say Yankees Not Living Up to Their End of Agreement; Lawsuit May Follow
Yankee benefits rally from Alex Kratz on Vimeo.
“We are here because there is a disconnect between the world we live in of the South Bronx and the world of justice and equality,” said Lydia Lebron (see video above), pastor of the Resurrection United Methodist Church in the South Bronx, at a rally outside of Yankee Stadium last week.
Representatives from the For the South Bronx Coalition (4DSBXCoalition), the Urban Justice Center, and the Freedom Party joined Lebron in demanding data from the Yankees baseball club that accounts for commitments the club made in signing a Community Benefits Agreement in 2006. The activists presented their demands to Yankees President Randy Levine in a seven-page letter. (BxNN friend and stadium expert Neil deMause wrote about this last week for the Village Voice's blog.)
The Community Benefits Agreement, signed by Levine, former Borough President Adolfo Carrion, and Council members Maria Baez (who is no longer in office), Joel Rivera and Maria Del Carmen Arroyo in April 2006, said the Yankees would give 25% of stadium construction contracts to Bronx businesses, make sure 25% of construction jobs went to Bronxites, and award 25% of post-construction jobs to Bronxites.
As part of the agreement, the Yankees also created a Community Benefits Fund, controlled by a volunteer board, that would give out $800,000 a year in grants to local community groups, $100,000 a year in equipment and merchandise, and 15,000 free game tickets.While some of these grants, merchandise and tickets have been distributed, activists at the rally said much of it remains unaccounted for.
“The purpose of the money is to offset the cost of the stadium and the traffic and pollution surrounding it,” said Harvey Epstein, director of the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center. Epstein, along with the coalition, is interested in seeing the designated money go to “local social services, local parks, local food pantries, and other local community centers.”
The Yankees did not immediately return calls and e-mails seeking comment and the Benefits Fund could not be reached by publication of this article.
BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 2)
Two weeks ago, the Bronx News Network asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.
In the coming days we're going to post their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time. Part 1 was published yesterday.
There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city. Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."
More Questions Raised About Espada's Petitioning Methods
UPDATE BELOW
At a press conference outside the Bronx Board of Elections on July 12, State Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. showed reporters a backpack containing, he said, the signatures of 10,000 registered voters in his west Bronx district. His message to the State Democratic Party and others who him ousted from the Democrat Party: back off, my constituents are behind me.
So how has Espada managed to drum up this level of support? Senate candidates need just a thousand signatures to get on the ballot. Presumably, even if many of Espada's are invalid, he'd still be left with an impressive number.
Could it be that he's more popular than his critics like to admit? Perhaps. But Espada and his campaign team also have also been accused (here and here) of bumping up their count by giving out free food in return for signatures. His spokesman denied the allegations. Recently we heard about another suspect signature-gathering technique, which went as follows:
On June 8 - which just so happened to be the first day of petitioning - Espada hosted his annual "Senior Appreciation Luncheon Day" at Eastwood Manor on Eastchester Road. The press weren't informed but according to two seniors we spoke with, local seniors received invites in the mail and senior centers in the 33rd Senate district were also contacted.
Eastwood Manor is in the East Bronx and so most of the seniors took advantage of the free ride Espada was offering. His office chartered a number of school buses - about 15 by one count - and they picked people up outside senior centers and at other locations.
Approximately 800 people turned out (Eastwood Manor is huge) and a nice time was had by all, the two seniors said. There was food and dancing and Espada gave a speech and handed out dozens of certificates to seniors who have made a difference in the community.
Bronx News Roundup, July 21
Veterans at the Bronx Veterans Affairs Hospital, in Kingsbridge, are learning to channel their post-war tension into music as volunteers teach them to play musical instruments.
Ruben Diaz Jr., ex-Yankees Roy White and Darryl Strawberry and Yankees scout Cesar Prescott, gathered to remember late team owner George Steinbrenner before a baseball tournament on Randall’s Island yesterday.
Don Coquí, an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant in New Rochelle, is celebrating its first anniversary this month. Its owner, Jimmy Rodríguez, is the founder of Jimmy's Bronx Cafe and the son of the founder of Marisco del Caribe in the Bronx.
The city Administration for Children's Services will fund Rosalie Hall, a center for pregnant teens, for another year. Although the number of beds must be reduced from 16 to 10, the funding may allow the center to provide birthing services and full-time residency for young mothers and their children.
Christopher Benfey, a professor at Mount Holyoke and contributor to the New York Review of Books, wrote about his experience attending “Emily Dickinson’s Garden: The Poetry of Flowers,” at the Botanical Garden on the New York Review of Books website this morning.
The Point, a community development organization in the South Bronx, which reclaimed vacant land in the city for a 400-square-foot garden, is setting an example for Detroit and other American cities. The Center for American Progress released an article about the benefits of urban farms today.
Bronx native Latisha Ryer, 35, was arrested on charges of possessing and selling crack cocaine in Port Jervis today.
The Daily News reported that teens jumped fences to swim in the Bronx River yesterday, in spite of the recent deaths in the area.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
BronxTalk - Dinowtiz and Debates
On BronxTalk this past Monday night Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz talked about the letter he received recommending that Senator Pedro Espada, Jr. be ousted from the Democratic Party, community board selections, the state budget, and other topics. Watch the show here: BronxTalk, July 19, 2010 - Assemblyman Dinowitz
Televised debates update:
On August 9 we'll present a debate between the candidates in the primary for the 76th Assembly District. Beginning at 9:00pm incumbent Peter Rivera will square off against challenger Luis Sepulveda.
Nelson Castro, the incumbent in the 86th Assembly District has accepted our invitation to debate on August 2, but challenger Hector Ramirez has yet to agree to it. Stay tuned...
For more than fifteen years, BronxTalk has been seen live each Monday night at 9:00pm on Bronxnet's Cablevision channel 67. It's also on Verizon Fios channel 33 and streamed live at bronxnet.org. Produced by Jane Folloro, BronxTalk is repeated each day at 9:30am, 3:30pm, and 9:00pm. Archives are available at blip.tv; search for "BronxTalk."
BxNN Presents: The 33rd Senate District Candidates On the Issues (Part 1)
Two weeks ago, the Bronx News Network asked candidates in 33rd District senate race to answer, in writing, a number of questions which we hope will shed light on where they stand politically, their position on key issues in the community, and what they would do if elected.
In the coming days we're going to post their unedited answers on this blog, a few at a time.
There are four candidates in the race - Pedro Espada, Jr. (the incumbent), Daniel Padernacht, Gustavo Rivera, and Fernando Tirado - which is turning into one of the most watched in the city.
Padernacht, Rivera, and Tirado got back to us with answers, but Espada didn't. In an e-mail, a staffer of his wrote: "Thank you for the survey, however we will not be participating at this time. The Senator's positions will be made available via other media, including his website and Facebook, at a later date."
QUESTION: Will you serve as a full-time legislator? If not, what other jobs will you also keep?
RIVERA: I will gladly and willingly serve as a full-time legislator whether the law is changed or not. I have been a university professor for 11 years and a part time faculty member for last 6 years at Pace University. I would love to be able to continue to teach if I am elected, which is the only job I would consider keeping – but only if it doesn’t interfere with my legislative duties and is not deemed a conflict of interest.
TIRADO: Currently, I have no other plans other than to serve as a full-time legislator. QUESTION: How would you describe yourself politically (e.g. liberal, conservative, etc.)? Name three political figures you admire. What books have you read recently?
PADERNACHT: Politically, I would describe myself as a reasonable progressive. Three political figures that I admire are Bill Clinton, John Kennedy, and Abraham Lincoln. I am currently reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.
RIVERA: I am a progressive. I believe we must address the basic issues: quality education, universal healthcare, pensions for retirees, unemployment, and regulation of business to protect hard-working families.
President Obama is a great example of a progressive elected official committed to serving his community and I was honored to play a key role in the 2008 presidential race, witnessing first-hand an incredible movement that inspired my generation. I also admire Justice Sonia Sotomayor, who is a Bronx heroine in every way and the best sort of role model anyone from the Bronx can have. Of course, the dedication and passion of Cesar Chavez is an inspiration to political organizers everywhere.
The three books I have read most recently are: The Power Broker by Robert Caro; Millenial Makeover: MySpace, YouTube, and the Future of American Politics by Morley Winograd and Michael D Hais; and Last Words by George Carlin.
TIRADO: I consider myself to be more closely associated with Conservative or Centrist Democrats / Blue Dog Democrats in ideology. I believe strongly in having an efficient government that practices transparency and does not turn a blind eye to wasteful or needless spending.
Thomas Jefferson, Luis Muñoz Marín, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
American Gospel, The Faiths of our Fathers, and Warrior of the Light.
Editor's note: Tomorrow's post will include candidates' responses to questions about the Kingsbridge Armory and unemployment.
Bronx News Roundup, July 20
A 15-year-old Bronx boy was shot and killed in a shooting Monday morning in Brooklyn.
In the wake of this weekend's drownings, the Times takes a closer look at the Bronx River and its re-emergence in the public eye in recent years.
The part of the river where the two teens drowned--near the Bronx Zoo, in West Farms--is a popular swimming spot, according to the Daily News.
Police are looking for a man who raped and assaulted a 79-year-old woman in the elevator of her Westchester Square apartment building. State Senator Ruben Diaz, Sr. is holding a press conference today at 1 p.m., at Benson Street and East Tremont Avenue, to rally for the community's involvement in catching the assailant, according to press release sent this morning.
Dan Cantor, Executive Director of the Working Families Party, writes that the best way to change Albany is to vote Pedro Espada out of office. His party has already endorsed challenger Gustavo Rivera.
The Daily News Bob Kappstatter has more on this race in his weekly column. We'll be posting more details on some of the candidates today, so check back here for updates.
A blood drive and baseball game fundraiser are being planned for beloved Throgs Neck little league coach Joe O'Grady, who is battling cancer.
Speaking of noteworthy coaches: Bob Hawthorn, who coached men's tennis and squash at Fordham University for 54 years, retired yesterday.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Momentum Builds for Rivera as Pressure Mounts For Others to Drop Out
As the political stars appear to be aligning in support of Gustavo Rivera's bid to topple incumbent Pedro Espada, Jr. in the 33rd Senate District, fellow Espada challengers Daniel Padernacht and Fernando Tirado refused to go along with the program.
"Unless something dramatically changes by midnight, I'm staying in the race," Padernacht said.
Candidates have until midnight tonight to drop out of the race without their names appearing on the ballot. After that, if the candidates' petition signatures hold up -- they need the signatures of at least 1,000 unique registered Democratic voters -- then their names will be on the ballot.
Common political handicapping says more challengers will favor Espada in the primary. And Rivera is gaining momentum as the most politically and institutionally supported challenger.
He compiled the most signatures of any challenger -- 6,200, he says. He has the most political endorsements, including Councilman Oliver Koppell who announced his support earlier today in front the Amalgamated Houses. And he recently received backing from deep-pocketed, anti-Espada Democrat Bill Samuel's New Roosevelt Initiative as well the Working Families Party.
Padernacht said he's received numerous calls since Friday asking him to step down and let Rivera take on Espada one-on-one for the Democratic ticket.
Specifically, Padernacht says he's received pressure from SEIU 1199 (the healthcare workers union) and the office of Public Advocate (and former Councilman) Bill de Blasio, one of the city's rising Democratic stars. Neither SEIU or de Blasio's office could be reached for comment.
Bronx Public Pools; Community Leaders Demand Action; and Swimming Safety Tips
I was planning on posting this anyway, but it seems to have added importance now in light of the tragedy that claimed the lives of two teens in the Bronx River yesterday.
There are 10 public pools in the Bronx, (just click on "Bronx" tab if Bronx pools don't immediately show up) according to the Parks Department's Web site. On hot summer days they are crowded of course, and there are a lot of rules, but they are safe and fun. Yesterday I waited in line with my family for about half an hour in the late afternoon at the Van Cortlandt Park Pool and despite the heat and a long line everyone was patient. The large pool was crowded but hard to find a face among the hundreds without a smile on it. The wading pool was less crowded and lots of little kids and their parents were having a blast there, too.The pools have a number of programs including swimming classes for all ages, and free meal programs for those that qualify. I'm not sure about the other pools, but Van Cortlandt has lap swimming for adults in the early morning, from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
In light of the Bronx River tragedy, Assemblyman Peter Rivera and Community Board 6 chair Ivine Galarza are calling on Police and Parks departments to better patrol the area where the teens drowned. Despite the "No Swimming" signs, it's long been a popular place for kids to swim in the summer heat.
“This is a high risk situation that should come as no surprise to the New York City Parks Department as they have been repeatedly notified in writing as to the safety issues and dangers of not having patrols in this area," Galarza said in a statement. "This community is still waiting for a formal reply and the necessary action to prevent another tragedy as we experienced yesterday.”
Meanwhile, St. Barnabas Hospital has released some tips for swimmers. We reprint it here in full after the jump.
In Crotona Park, an African Parade and Festival
Yesterday, the African People Alliance (APA), a Bronx-based organization, hosted its annual "Africa United Day" parade and festival in Crotona Park.
The APA was founded in 2007 with the of aim of bringing together Africans of all nationalities, and to provide services to the borough's growing African population.
Photo courtesy of the APA. For more photos of the event, visit this Facebook page.
