Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Women Hoopsters

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Women Hoopsters: Fordham Women Hoopsters End Home Season with 14 th Victory in 15 Games By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27- The home e...

Fordham Women Hoopsters

Fordham Women Hoopsters End Home Season with 14^th Victory in 15 Games

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27- The home environment in the Bronx brings out the best in the Fordham University women’s basketball squad. The 71-52 victory of the Rams (21-7, 10-5) over the George Mason Patriots (7-21, 1-13) ended the regular season home schedule of the Rams with their achieving 14 wins in 15 games. 

For the Patriots, the 2013-14 season, its first as a member of the Atlantic-10 Conference, has been exceptionally lengthy. They have lost all but one of their conference contests and 19 of their last 21 games. 

A basket by Sandra Ngoie, 42 seconds into the game, gave the visitors their first and only advantage of the contest. The Rams netted the next nine points to lead by seven at 16:28. A three by freshman Hannah Missry at 7:50 capped another run of nine unanswered points to raise the Fordham lead to 15 (23-8). Fordham scored the final 11 points of the half to take its largest lead of the game, 38-18.

Fordham was as dominant on the court as the score shows. They sunk half of their field goal attempts (16 of 32) while their able defense held the Patriots to 29.6 percent (8 of 27) shooting from the floor. Erin Rooney, Fordham’s top scorer, was the only player to reach double figures with 13 points.

The second half featured a series of alternating scoring runs. Fordham began the half with four points. George Mason followed with eight unanswered points. A 12-3 run by Fordham resulted in its largest lead of the contest, 24 points (54-30). An 18-6 run by the Patriots cut the deficit to its lowest level in the second half, 12 points (60-48). Fordham closed the contest by scoring 11 of the final 15 points to conclude the game with a 71-52 win.

The Patriots adjusted well to an unfamiliar site, the Rose Hill Gym, in the second half. Their shooting percentage climbed to 57.7 percent (15 for 26) while that of the Rams declined to 39.3 percent (11 for 28). 

Two factors were crucial in the Rams’ maintaining their lead. In the second half, they controlled the boards, 18-10. They were especially effective on the offensive end with eight rebounds to one for the visitors, which led to 13 second chance points to only two for the Patriots. 

Another critical difference between the two teams was success in accuracy from beyond the arc. Fordham sunk four 3’s in each half, but the Patriots were unsuccessful in their seven attempts.

Rooney was the only player with double digit scoring in the second half and ended the contest with 24 points and an impressive nine assists. She needs only three points to reach 1,000 in her two seasons at Fordham. Emily Tapio scored 16, her sixth straight game in double figures. Samantha Clark was one point short of achieving a double-double (10 rebounds and 9 points).

The Rams travel to Philadelphia on March 2 to face St. Joe’s in their final regular season contest.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium: Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium Bronx Native Santos to Perform First Latin Music Concert at Stadium  By Howard Goldin Yankee Stadium...

Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium

Romeo Santos to Play Yankee Stadium

Bronx Native Santos to Perform First Latin Music Concert at Stadium 

By Howard Goldin

Yankee Stadium is arguably the most iconic sports venue in the world. It is not only the home of the world renowned New York Yankees, but also hosted world class soccer matches, championship fights, football bowl games, and NHL outdoor hockey contests. 

Less known, but no less important is that in Yankee Stadium,  three Popes celebrated Mass, Billy Graham preached, Nelson Mandela spoke after being released from prison in South Africa, a service was held less than 2 weeks after the 9/11/2001 attack on the World Trade Center and world famous entertainers performed concerts.

A two purpose press conference was held in the Legends Club of Yankee Stadium on Monday afternoon. An announcement was made of the first Latin music concert at the current Yankee Stadium. Bronx born vocalist Anthony “Romeo” Santos, termed the “King of Bachata”, will headline the July 12 show. The second half of the conference featured Santos, seated in a chair, calmly yet animatedly answering questions regarding his newest recording, “Fórmula Vol 2”, scheduled to be released on the following day.

With a large gathering awaiting the start of the press event, Yankees President Randy Levine and COO Lonn Trost moved to seats on the stage and were followed shortly by concert promoter Felix Cabrera and Santos. The multi-platinum selling recording artist took time to pose for many photos before the conference began. 

Both Yankees executives expressed the happiness and pride of the organization to present the concert in July and predicted its great success, both artistically and financially. Santos follows such superstars of the entertainment world on the stage in the current Yankee Stadium as Jay-Z and Eminem, Paul McCartney, Madonna, Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters and a heavy metal concert with Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth and Anthrax. 

Levine said, “It only makes sense” that Bronx born Romeo Santos headlines the first Latin music concert at the current Yankee Stadium. He added, “Romeo Santos is going to be a giant hit here. The show will be memorable.”

Cabrera explained the number of performances that Santos sold out at Madison Square Garden and predicted, “I know he can sell out Yankee Stadium in less than one month.”

The 32-year-old singer seemed to be awed and proud to be in these surroundings. He remarked, ”I was born and raised in the Bronx, and when I walked around the streets here I always visualized coming to a game with my dad. My father is a big Yankees fane as am I, although I don’t know a great deal about sports.”

His feelings about performing a solo concert  at Yankee Stadium were expressed with much emotion, “This is a dream, thanks to God, to be here. It’s a tremendous honor to present myself here in a place of such magnitude, especially in the Bronx. It’s a privilege to be the first Latino artist. I am not just representing a genre [Bachata], a culture, but Latinos. [His father is from the Dominican Republic and his mother from Puerto Rico]. It’s a big responsibility, but I won’t let you down.” He termed it, “the most important event of my career.”

Many great musical artists performed in the first Yankee Stadium such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, U2 and Billy Joel. The most recent Latin music concert there was held on August 24, 1973 by the Fania All Stars, more than 40 years ago.

To those who are not familiar with the musical sensation, it should be said that he has worked long and hard to reach his exalted position in the music world. After singing in a church choir as a boy, he, together with his cousin and two close friends formed a vocal quartet. They began as teenagers in 1994 and signed their first recording contract in 1999. After assuming the name Aventura, they had several hit records and attained status as a superlative musical group performing the Dominican genre, Bachata.

The foursome was honored during Bronx Week in 2007 as the group’s name was added to the Bronx Walk of Fame, the greatest honor given by the borough.

In 2010, the group disbanded, so its members could pursue individual projects. Romeo Sanchez recorded his first solo album, Fórmula Vol 1, which produced a unique feat of five #1 singles. The Sony Music Latin artist was the #1 in sales of Latin music in 2009, 2010 and 2012. This fact will most likely continue in the future as Santos has the most #1 discs in Latin music in the current decade. 

His new recording, which features Drake, Nicki Minaj, Carlos Santana, Marc Anthony, Tego Calderón and comedian Kevin Hart introducing it, has been eagerly awaited and should be another best seller.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dim Bulbs Misused Stimulus $?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dim Bulbs Misused Stimulus $?: Dim Bulbs Misused Stimulus $? State investigating funds funneled through ‘cultural’ program By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK...

Dim Bulbs Misused Stimulus $?

Dim Bulbs Misused Stimulus $?
State investigating funds funneled through ‘cultural’ program

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 27- A spokeswoman for a state agency that gave Co-op City a $1-million grant for energy-conservation efforts in 2011 said, this week, that her agency is investigating allegations in connection with the grant.

Co-op City could face sanctions of one kind or another if the probe finds major irregularities in connection with the grant from NYSERDA (the New York State Energy and Research Development Agency) to the Riverbay Fund.

The $1-million grant for improved lighting in Co-op City’s garages was funneled to Co-op City through the Riverbay Fund, a non-profit organization that management set up in the early-1980s to promote cultural programs in the local community.

The $1-million in grant money, made possible through President Obama’s economic-stimulus package, was directed through the Riverbay Fund because NYSERDA refused to give the money directly to the Riverbay Corporation. 

One reported irregularity, as noted by the individual complaining to NYSERDA, was that money for energy conservation should not have been directed through an organization that was set up to promote cultural programs, the News has learned through informed sources.

Another reported irregularity was that Herbert Freedman was identified as the executive director of the Riverbay Fund even though he holds no title in the organization, the informed source added. 

Contacted this week, Freedman withheld comment. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security: 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- Three young men were arrested in C...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security: 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- Three young men were arrested in C...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security: 3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- Three young men were arrested in C...

3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security

3 Arrested in Melee with Co-op City Security

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- Three young men were arrested in Co-op City after a major fight with Public Safety officers in the vicinity of the Dreiser Loop Shopping Center.

The fight, in which backup from the NYPD was required, reportedly involved 40 to 50 patrol cars from the NYPD and the Public Safety Department.

The melee, which Public Safety officers could not control on their own, involved young men from outside of the community.

Arrested were Antwan Dunmeyer, 20 of the Bronx; Draypon Ulysses, 26 of Manhattan, and Mark Pointer, 25, of Manhattan. Dunmeyer and Ulysses were charged with resisting law-enforcement officers, while Pointer was charged with resisting law-enforcement officers and resisting arrest.

According to unconfirmed reports, the scuffle with Public Safety officers occurred following a party in the local community.

The melee sent shockwaves through the community, with a number of shareholders calling the News to express concern about violence in the community.

The fight between Public Safety officers and young men last Saturday night raised serious questions about the proper roles of the Public Safety Department and the NYPD.

In many cases, Co-op City shareholders reportedly call the Public Safety Department before they call “911” when a violent incident is in progress.

The NYPD, through superior equipment and training, is better equipped than Co-op City’s Public Safety Department is in terms of dealing with violent criminals. 

However, many shareholders reportedly call the Public Safety Department first because the department’s officers usually respond more quickly because of their close proximity to the community.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Snow Going

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Snow Going: Snow Going Residents Fend for Themselves with Snow and Ice (Photos by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- For t...

Snow Going

Snow Going

Residents Fend for Themselves with Snow and Ice

(Photos by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- For two weeks, Norwood residents have taken to social media websites as well as phoning 311 and local elected officials to complain about unpaved streets and ice covered sidewalks.

Residents began to complain after vehicles were becoming stuck on streets that had small patches of ice that looked as if the road was incorrectly or only partially plowed.

The city's 1-year-old program PlowNYC, a multi-million dollar program that outfitted snow-plows with GPS tracking devices, showed that the street's in question: Decatur and Hull Avenue's between East Mosholu Parkway and E. 204 Street, Kossuth Avenue between E. 208 Street and Mosholu Parkway and Tryon Avenue at East Gun Hill Road-- had all been cleared.

I personally learned the perils of driving on Decatur at E. 204 Street, as the undercarriage of my vehicle became wedged on a three-inch slab of solid ice, in a metered parking space outside of the U.S. Post Office.

One in such a predicament quickly becomes aware of the two-manned teams of traffic enforcement agents who wrote up tickets to any snowed-in vehicles in metered spots or no-standing zones.

Without the help of four complete strangers, neighborhood guys who used sheer strength to get me out, I think I might still be there today.

Keith Mellis, a spokesman at the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) defended his worker's and opened my eyes when he said the icy-patches were, "caused by people who throw it back into the middle of the street and we go through it with a plow and can't pick it up."

Now that made sense, but residents scored another point when they stated that if crews had put down rock salt, the ice would have melted.

Decatur and Hull Avenue's was completely cleared shortly after my inquiry however, Kossuth Avenue remained encased in two-inch blocks of ice for several more days.

Drivers have it bad but pedestrians had it worse as Mosholu Parkway resident Jennie Jones discovered walking along Van Cortlandt Avenue East and Mosholu Parkway South with her cousin.

Holding onto her cousin and careful to maintain her balance or the two women would surely fall, Jones fumed, "I think it's unfortunate that we have to walk on an icy sidewalk. My cousin here, Emily, her balance isn't so great and she almost just fell right there on the corner."

"Something needs to be done," Jones continued, "about these sidewalks where people can walk to the grocery store, which is where were going, without fear that their going to fall down and hurt themselves."

Van Cortlandt Park resident Jerry Sorensen agreed with Jones when he described his dilemma, "I live two blocks from the store and I can't get there."

Norwood residents took to Facebook about an ice covered street outside of Williamsbridge Oval Park. A television news crew aired the story, quickly prompting the shamed Bainbridge Avenue business owner into getting workers to clear the narrowest of paths.

A similar ice condition existed outside of the Williamsbridge Oval Park, one source stated the delay was caused by a jurisdictional dispute between the Parks Department and the Department of Transportation.

A New York Times article revealed a similar condition awaited strap-hangers outside of the E. 174 - E. 175 Street Station of the B and D train along the Grand Concourse.

Shortly after the article a crew from an unknown municipality cleared the section featured in the story, but left an entire sidewalk covered in ice and snow that greeted subway riders at a second exit.

No doubt a finger-pointing match of wills between the State and City Department of Transportation as the city has jurisdiction over the Grand Concourse however, the state may control a portion of the street as it's an overpass of the Cross Bronx Expressway.

The NYC Metropolitan Transit Authority and the Department of Sanitation could also be in charge of the property.

Using the aid of a cane, Concourse senior Joseph Llanos was walking over the newly paved section of the Concourse when he explained, "When it snows it always gets icy here and they never pick it up. I don't know who cleaned it over here, someone must have complained."

Last week, the DSNY hired nearly a dozen private garbage companies who's trucks carted off tons of snow from the North Bronx to the parking lot at Orchard Beach.

Several days later, two days with the temperature flirting with the fifty-degree mark, most of the ice and snow is now gone, just in time to bring back the alternate side parking rules. I hope your car starts.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Police Commish Talks to Monroe Students

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Police Commish Talks to Monroe Students: Police Commish Talks to Monroe Students BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- NYPD Commissioner William Bratton spoke to a gathering of Monroe Co...

Police Commish Talks to Monroe Students

Police Commish Talks to Monroe Students

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 26- NYPD Commissioner William Bratton spoke to a gathering of Monroe College School of Criminal Justice students during a meeting of the Latino Officers Association in the college’s Mintz Auditorium.

After visiting with a number of Monroe administrators, the Commissioner addressed the audience of more than 275 about a variety of criminal justice issues. He also took questions from the Latino Officers members as well as Monroe students.

In response to a query about the need for the Department to work closely with local communities, the Commissioner was emphatic.

“That is such an essential element of what we need to do,” he said. “We the police can’t do it by ourselves. We need to do it in partnership. A lot of the trust we lost because of the stop question and frisk is so critical because if they don’t talk with us, trust us to use information, we can’t do it by ourselves. We need information, we need participation, and we need cooperation. And you get that by having trust.”

“We are grateful to the Latino Officers Association and Commissioner Bratton for coming to the Bronx and Monroe,” said School of Criminal Justice Dean Michele Rodney. “These kinds of activities bring the real world of education to life for our students.  This will make them more enthusiastic about their studies and also give them a better sense of what they need to do to achieve when they become CJ professionals.”

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Blood Pool is Bad for Biz

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Blood Pool is Bad for Biz: Blood Pool is Bad for Biz Three Wounded as Gunfire Erupts Along Busy Shopping Strip (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW ...

Blood Pool is Bad for Biz

Blood Pool is Bad for Biz

Three Wounded as Gunfire Erupts Along Busy Shopping Strip

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 24- Dozens of residents and shoppers walking along Morris Park Avenue had to duck for cover as gunfire erupted and three people were wounded.

Police were called to Morris Park Avenue at Victor Street at just before 3 p.m., on February 19. EMS transported two teens and a 79-year-old woman who cops say was an innocent bystander.

Sources said an 18-year-old male was shot in the arm, a 19-year old-male was shot in the leg and the unidentified senior took a stray bullet to her hand. All three were removed to Jacobi Hospital and expected to recover.

One local resident stated, "I understand it was a dispute involving two groups of young men and someone just started shooting."

As police shutdown the entire street with crime scene tape, a pool of blood could be seen outside of a dollar discount store where the elderly woman was shot as she exited the store.

A baseball bat was left on the ground outside a hardware store and several shell casings littered the sidewalk outside of a multi-service agency.

Police would quickly announce the arrest of 18-year-old Christopher Lopez, who was picked-up on Morris Park Avenue on Friday morning.

Lopez was charged with three counts of attempted murder, felony assault, reckless endangerment and criminal possession of a weapon.

Police now say that the two teen victims were the intended targets of Lopez who is said to be a member of a rival gang. Lopez has eight previous arrests.

One business owner of a local video store claims he lost $200 in business when police refused to let him meet customers on the street. The owner explained, "I cooperated as much as possible. They wanted me to close the store I had no problem with that."

The owner continued, "I told them (the police) that my customers could call me and I'd come out and give them their movie... and they wouldn't let me do that. They didn't care."

Meanwhile, local law makers have introduced new gun legislation titled, "Luisito's Law," that calls for a tougher minimum sentence for anyone who shoots a child under the age of ten or fires a weapon near a park or a school.

The legislation is named after Luis Oyola, Jr., now 3, who was wounded in the arm inside Vidalia Park last summer. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Brett Gardner Signs

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Brett Gardner Signs: Brett Gardner Signs 4 Year Extension with Yankees for $52 Million By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 24- Despite spendi...

Brett Gardner Signs

Brett Gardner Signs 4 Year Extension with Yankees for $52 Million

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 24- Despite spending hundreds of millions on free agents during the off-season, the New York Yankees are not broke, nor have they stopped spending to make what they believe will be improvements to the team.

The questions regarding his future with the Yankees raised by outfielder Brett Gardner during his recent appearance in New York City to receive a Thurman Munson Award by the AHRC were answered on Sunday as he inked a four-year extension of his current contract that will begin in 2015 for an additional $52 million. The club will have a fifth year option for $12.5 million. Although there is not a no-trade clause, the Yankees will pay Gardner a $1 million bonus if he is traded during the course of the contract.  

Gardner was somewhat dismayed by the unexpected offseason acquisition of free agent, Jacoby Ellsbury, a center fielder and lead-off batter as is Gardner. Prior to the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on February 4, the 30-year old expressed his surprise by the Ellsbury signing, “I didn’t see it coming.”

His words to reporters that evening displayed his insecurity regarding his future with the team, “I don’t really have any expectations of where I’ll be playing or where I’ll be hitting…Hopefully, I’ll play a big role…Until something happens, I expect to be a Yankee.” 

Thus far, Gardner has been a Yankee product since being drafted in the third round of the 2005 First Year Player Draft. He made his debut in the majors on June 30, 2008. 

Gardner spoke very differently on Sunday than he did less than three weeks earlier, “It’s meaningful to be able to play for New York. Hopefully, one day I can retire, and say I didn’t play for another team. I think that would be awesome. It’s such a historic franchise…I love putting on the pinstripes.” 

Gardner also spoke very positively of the coming season for the Yankees, “I feel like we’re going to have a special season and a special next several years. We brought in a lot of good talent this off-season and I’m looking forward to getting out on the field in a couple of days and playing baseball.”

On Tuesday, the Yankees will play their first Spring Training game against Florida State University with Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston. 

New York Yankees General Manager explained some of the thinking of the team’s brass for the contract extension, “It’s a demonstration from our end. We don’t typically do this, but it shows the level of confidence, beliefs and trust in the type of person and player he is.”

Gardner will play left field and not bat in the lead-off position unless something unexpected happens to Ellsbury before or during the season. It appears that Carlos Beltran will be in right field, Alfonso Soriano will be the designated hitter and Ichiro Suzuki will serve as the fourth outfielder.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca: Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca  By Howard Goldin Yankee Stadium will be the venue for one of the 13 matches that comprise t...

Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca

Yankee Stadium to Become Soccer Mecca 

By Howard Goldin

Yankee Stadium will be the venue for one of the 13 matches that comprise the 2014 Guinness International Champions Cup. 

Eight of the top European sides, AC Milan, AS Roma and FC Inter from Italy, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United from Britain, Olympiacos from Greece and Real Madrid from Spain, will comprise this year’s field. Real Madrid is the defending champion of the inaugural year of the prestigious tournament that is being played on iconic venues in the United States from July 24-August 4.

The eight clubs will be divided into two groups of four. The winner of each group will meet in the final at Met Life Stadium in Miami on August 4.

Anyone familiar with baseball and soccer will not find it surprising that the two teams scheduled to play at Yankee Stadium on the evening of July 30 are Liverpool and Manchester City. Not only are the two sides rivals in the English Premier League, not only have both been in existence since the late 19^th century, but both are associated with MLB teams involved in the greatest rivalry in the sport of baseball. In 2010, Liverpool was purchased by the Fenway Sports Group, owners of the Boston Red Sox. In 2013, the Yankees entered into a financial partnership with Manchester City to become 20 percent owners of the New York City FC, an expansion club that will enter the MLS (Major League Soccer) in 2015. 

The representative of each team, Mike Summerbee (Manchester City) and Robbie Fowler (Liverpool), is retired after a lengthy and successful playing career in England. Each had a number of caps for the English National Team during his career. 

Both men expressed the importance of playing in America. Summerbee commented, “It’s all about the branding of the club. Everybody wants to play in America.” He explained how he saw the growth of the sport in the U.S., “I came here in 1969 and there was almost nobody watching the games. In 16 years, America will win the World Cup.” 

Fowler explained Liverpool’s thinking, “Not everyone can come to the stadium [in Liverpool]. We like to bring the club to the people. There are 21 million supporters of Liverpool in the United States.”

When asked how two English clubs will draw in a city with so many ethnic groups, Charlie Stallitano, representative of Relevent Sports the promoters of the tourney, replied, “Any team that we bring here will bring true football fans. Football is really universal and these teams are so multi-cultural.” 

Each team is comprised of players from many nations. For example, Luis Suárez, the Liverpool player leading the English Premier League in goals is from Uruguay and the leading scorers from Manchester City, Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast) and Sergio Aguero (Argentina) are stars of their own national teams, not England’s.

It was announced that tickets for this upcoming game will go on sale to the public on March 13.

It should also be mentioned that questions were asked of Mark Holtzman, the representative of the New York Yankees regarding the 2015 site for the New York City FC and who will be on its roster. The answer given was, “There’s a lot of work and planning to be done for the new expansion team.” Holtzman said everyone will soon find out specific information, but none would be dispensed during the press conference.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gang banger convicted in beat down

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Gang banger convicted in beat down: Gang banger convicted in beat down BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 21- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced the conviction of Idel...

Gang banger convicted in beat down

Gang banger convicted in beat down

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 21- District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced the conviction of Idelfonso Mendez, a reputed leader of the Latin Kings Goonies street gang, for his role in a gang assault which occurred on October 3, 2010.

Mendez, 26, of East 197th Street, the Bronx, pled guilty to one count of gang assault in the first degree, a Class B felony offense.

The plea was entered before Acting State Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett who set sentencing for March 31, 2014 in Part 60. Under the plea agreement Mendez will be sentenced to a term of 14 years imprisonment followed by post release supervision for five years. Mendez also waived his right to appeal the conviction.

Mendez admitted that he “acted-in-concert with others with intent to cause serious physical injury to Victor Pellot, and being aided by two or more other persons actually present, did cause serious physical injury to Victor Pellot.” The assault occurred in a basement apartment at 1910 Osbourne Place where the gang members congregated.

Six other defendants were previously convicted in connection with this incident which involved three victims at two separate locations. The case against a seventh defendant, Luis Garcia, is still pending.

David Rivera, 24, of Sedgwick Avenue, pled guilty to one count of burglary in the first degree, a Class B felony offense, for his role in the gang related incident. Rivera admitted that he, acting in concert with other gang members, entered the home of two of the victims, displayed what appeared to be a gun, and took cash, credit cards, and personal property, including a television. Rivera also pled guilty to one count of robbery in the third degree, a Class D felony offense, stemming from an unrelated crime. Rivera was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Nelson Falu, 20, of Hennessey Place, pled guilty to one count of robbery in the first degree, a Class B felony offense, for his involvement in the October 3rd incident during which he admitted stealing personal property after threatening one of the victims with a baseball bat. Falu was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Elmer Confresi, 26, of Loring Place, pled guilty to one count of attempted gang assault in the first degree, a Class C felony offense. Confresi admitted that he acted-in-concert with the others to cause serious physical injury to one of the victims. Confresi was sentenced to four years in prison.

Jose Dominguez, 26, of Loring Place pled guilty to one count of attempted assault in the first degree and was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.

Ruddy Vargas, 26, of Colden Avenue, pled guilty to one count of robbery in the third degree and was sentenced to 2 to 6 years in prison.

In urging the court to accept the plea agreements in each case, Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Theresa Gottlieb told the court the pleas were offered after lengthy consultation with the victims who wished to avoid having to testify, which might have had the effect of victimizing them again. ADA Gottlieb told the court that the People believed that the pleas served the interest of justice from society’s perspective as well as that of the victims.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Theresa Gottlieb.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Mumps Outbreak at Fordham

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Mumps Outbreak at Fordham: Mumps Outbreak at Fordham BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Fordham University has had what appears to be an outbreak of mumps at the Rose H...

Mumps Outbreak at Fordham

Mumps Outbreak at Fordham

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Fordham University has had what appears to be an outbreak of mumps at the Rose Hill campus in the Bronx. 

The University has had 10 cases since January, nine of which were in the last three days: this total includes two new cases reported this morning (the single case in January was never confirmed as mumps). Fordham does not yet have laboratory confirmation that the illness is mumps, but that is the most likely diagnosis.

All the students with suspected mumps infections have either returned home or have been isolated from other residents during the infectious phase of the illness. Typically mumps patients are contagious for two days prior to the outbreak of symptoms and five days after.

All Fordham students are required to have full vaccinations before attending the University, including the vaccination for mumps, measles, and rubella (MMR). All of the students who were tentatively diagnosed with mumps had been vaccinated. Vaccinations do not offer 100 percent protection, but, vaccination is still strongly recommended.

Mumps in college-age men and women usually runs its course without any lasting effects. Nonetheless, the University is trying to see what connection there might be among the affected students while stepping up the frequency and intensity of cleanings in communal bathrooms. The student health staff has been in touch with the Department of Health, and we are following best practices in treatment (mostly palliative) and containment.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Always the Captain

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Always the Captain: Always the Captain Jeter on Season: It’s not about me Derek Tried to Focus on Yanks’ Season Rather than Retirement By Rich Mancuso BRON...

Always the Captain

Always the Captain

Jeter on Season: It’s not about me

Derek Tried to Focus on Yanks’ Season Rather than Retirement

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 20- Derek Jeter will be missed by the New York Yankees and their fans when his wonderful career concludes this season. Others will also miss his presence, including members of the media. And there are many reasons why the media will miss Jeter.

Derek Jeter was not a friend to the dozens who followed and chronicled his career on the field the past 20 years, rather we referred to Jeter as the professional who answered every question and never ducked an issue. He appreciated this end of the baseball business, and that was displayed again Wednesday at his retirement press conference down in Tampa Florida.

This was the start of Jeter’s retirement press tour. Time and time again, he will answer similar questions as he makes the final rounds around ballparks the Yankees visit. He was patient and understanding.

Then, there was this comment showing his concern to the media: “You can go off to work if you have to.” A few seconds after commenting about his retirement decision, Jeter momentarily took notice of some reporters leaving the pavilion at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Jeter once again, as he has been so accustomed to doing, did not want to be the center of attention. He was the story, and he will be this Yankees 2014 season. But, Jeter also is aware that the media has a job to do. With those words, to those few leaving the press area, Jeter was handling business.

This is spring training, about the New York Yankees quest and hopeful return to the post season in October. This day, according to Jeter, should not be about him. However, that is the side of Derek Jeter that we have all come to know. It was again, more about the Yankees and not about Derek Jeter.

His comments were to the point:

“I feel the time is right. There are other things I want to do. Physically I feel great and I look forward to playing a full season. The thing that means the most to me is to be remembered as a Yankee. Yeah, I’m emotional. It’s kind of difficult because we still have a season to play.”0

He did not laugh. Jeter did not cry. He said it was not a retirement press conference. “I have feelings,” he said.

And there have been times when we knew Derek Jeter had feelings. There have been the many times, and many more this final season when reporters await him by his dressing quarters. At the old and new Yankee Stadiums, the proper answer would always come from the Yankee captain.

Then there was this comment, so typical of what we always get to hear when Derek Jeter speaks.

“Every time the Yankees win,” he said about his favorite career moment. That had to be the toughest answer Wednesday, but one expected from Jeter. And if everything follows the Yankees illustrious history, the Yankees biggest win will come with a sixth World Series ring in the final season for Derek Jeter.

He said, “I think it would have been more of a distraction if I did not mention it,” referring to his retirement announcement on his social media Facebook page last week.

The point is, Derek Jeter has never been a distraction. He has done everything right as a New York Yankee and playing in the New York spotlight, well he handled that like a true professional.

He especially handled it right with the media. He will be missed. The good news is we get to enjoy watching Derek Jeter play one more season and like he said, baseball is fun to play.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  www.newyorksportsexaminer.com

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Snow Doesn’t Slow Down Cops

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(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 19- The repeated snow-storms have not sidelined detectives who continue to respond too and solve local homicides.

Police officers in Morrisania were called to the Forest Houses on Friday, February 15, where Darin Capeheart, 25, who suffered from spina bifida, was shot several times in the chest outside of the E. 166 Street building and died at Lincoln Hospital.

A second victim and friend of Capeheart, described by police as a 26-year old male, was shot several times in the legs and buttocks and survived.

Just six days later police charged Bronxites Salim Wilson, 22, the suspected trigger-man and his accomplice Julio Velasquez, 20. Both men were charged with murder and attempted murder and Velasquez was also charged with possession of a weapon.

Investigators needed less than two days to solve the January 26 stabbing death of Leobardo Garcia, 29. Garcia was stabbed in the chest while visiting a building on Grant Avenue in the Concourse section.

Police have charged Pedro Torres, 32, with murder and criminal possession of a weapon.  

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Great Day for a Swim?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Great Day for a Swim?: Great Day for a Swim? BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 18- About two dozen members of the Bronx Polar Bears Club gathered at Orchard Beach for thei...

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(Photos by David Greene)

BRONX, NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 18- About two dozen members of the Bronx Polar Bears Club gathered at Orchard Beach for their annual Valentines swim in the frigid waters of the Long Island Sound. With an air temperature of 34-degrees and a water temperature of 28-degrees, members  took the plunge for a brief swim. The Bronx Trolley was provided by the Bronx Tourism Council and ferried participants from Grand Central Station.  Hot soup and coca was provided.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Senior Erin Rooney Excels in Senior Day Wi...

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