Friday, May 22, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Teen Gunned Down Near School
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Teen Gunned Down Near School: Teen Gunned Down Near School (Facebook photos) BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 22- Anguish filled the Grand Concourse after a teenager was gunned do...
Teen Gunned Down Near School
Teen Gunned Down Near School
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 22- Anguish filled the Grand Concourse after a teenager was gunned down near a school. Cops say an argument led to the teen being shot repeatedly.
As school was getting underway at PS 90, a block away a teen was being gunned down on the street. At around 8:30 a.m., the teen was shot multiple times in front of 1174 Sheridan Avenue. Published reports have identified the victim as 14-year-old Christopher Duran.
Duran was pronounced dead at the scene. Cops say the victim suffered three gunshot wounds to the abdomen and one gunshot wound to the head.
Police say the victim had gotten into an argument with at least two boys. The area was designated an Impact Zone where additional police officers were assigned to handle the uptick in violence.
#NYPD #Shooting #Teen #ChristopherDuran #Bronxnews
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors: Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors By Robert Press B RONX, NEW YORK, MAY 21 - It appears to be the largest drug bust in New York ...
Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors
Heroin Bust was No Surprise to Neighbors
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 21- It appears to be the largest drug bust in New York State history as Federal DEA agents arrested two people who lived in a 5th floor, three-bedroom apartment located at 210 West 251st Street. The building is called the Deauville, and the apartments are still rental apartments.
Jose Mercedes and Yenci Cruz were identified as the two people arrested by the DEA, who said that 70 Kilos of heroin, $2 Million dollars in cash,
and a gun were confiscated from the apartment and two vehicles that were used to transport the drugs. The heroin seiz
ed was estimated to have a street value of over $50 Million dollars.
Local residents including the owner of a building across the street from the Deauville said this has been going on for years, a
nd wants to know why this was not stopped long ago. One woman said that the community is going downhill, while one man said that the Deauville is full of Section 8 tenants who do not care about the neighborhood. Another said that loud music comes from the nearby Van Cortlandt Park area at night, while cars park at hydrants and double park while the local police department does nothing when residents call and complain.
#NYPD #HeroinBust #DEA #Riverdale
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zo
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zo: Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo Photos by Julie Larson BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 20– A colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) has mad...
Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zo
Little Penguins Land at Bronx Zoo
Photos by Julie Larson
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 20– A colony of little penguins (Eudyptula minor) has made its debut in the Aquatic Bird House at WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo.
Named for their small size and characteristic bluish hue, little penguins are also known as blue penguins, little blue penguins, and fairy penguins. Full-grown adults are only about 13 inches tall and weigh 2 to 3 pounds. They are the smallest of the 18 penguin species and native to coastal southern Australia and New Zealand.
These are the first little penguins to be on exhibit at the Bronx Zoo and there are only three facilities in the U.S. that currently have them.
All of the birds in the colony were hatched at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia and brought to the Bronx Zoo as part of a breeding program. Approximately 15 penguins a year hatch at Taronga, making it the most successful little penguin breeding program in the world. The Bronx Zoo penguins will help ensure continued genetic diversity in the little penguin populations in the U.S.
“The little penguins are acclimating well to their new home and are quite a sight to see,” said Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and General Director of the WCS Zoos and Aquarium. “The Bronx Zoo is focused on the conservation of the species we exhibit, and international partnerships and breeding programs like that of the little penguin are vital to ensuring the survival of the species in the wild through education, awareness, and connecting people to nature in a way that can only be accomplished through close, in-person encounters.”
Taronga Zoo Director and Chief Executive, Cameron Kerr, said: “The little penguins at the Bronx Zoo have taken on
the role of international ambassadors for their species. Visitors to the Bronx Zoo from around the world can come to learn about these wonderful Australian marine animals. This group of little penguins will ensure a thriving population in the U.S. for many years to come.”
The species occurs in temperate marine waters and feed on fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. They nest colonially in burrows on sand dunes or rocky beach areas. Like other penguin species, they use a wide range of vocalizations to communicate with each other. In the wild, their populations are threatened by climate change and human activities.
The Bronx Zoo is supporting Taronga Zoo’s little penguin conservation programs in Sydney Harbor. The work includes monitoring, awareness campaigns, rescue and rehabilitation, breeding programs, and more. Man-made nest boxes can provide safety from introduced predators and guard dogs have been used in some places to discourage predation.
#Penguins #BronxZoo
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): $50M Heroin Bust in Fieldston is Largest in NYChi...
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): $50M Heroin Bust in Fieldston is Largest in NYC
hi...: $50 M Heroin Bust in Fieldston is Largest in NYC history Investigators announced the arrest of four members of a narcotics trafficking ...
$50M Heroin Bust in Fieldston is Largest in NYC
history
history
Investigators announced the arrest of four
members of a narcotics trafficking network and the seizure of over 70 kilograms
of heroin (154 lbs.) worth up to $50 million, plus $2 million in cash and a
firearm.
members of a narcotics trafficking network and the seizure of over 70 kilograms
of heroin (154 lbs.) worth up to $50 million, plus $2 million in cash and a
firearm.
The massive load of narcotics and cash was
recovered from a vehicle and an apartment in the Fieldston section of the
Bronx, near Horace Mann School and adjacent to Van Cortlandt Park. This is the
largest heroin seizure in New York State in DEA history and the fourth largest
heroin seizure in the U.S. It was the result of a yearlong investigation by the
Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and the DEA’s New York Drug
Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), Group T-31, which is comprised of DEA special
agents, New York City Police Department (NYPD) detectives and New York State
Police Investigators, and the ICE HSI-led El Dorado Task Force. The Yonkers
Police Department and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey also
assisted.
recovered from a vehicle and an apartment in the Fieldston section of the
Bronx, near Horace Mann School and adjacent to Van Cortlandt Park. This is the
largest heroin seizure in New York State in DEA history and the fourth largest
heroin seizure in the U.S. It was the result of a yearlong investigation by the
Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and the DEA’s New York Drug
Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), Group T-31, which is comprised of DEA special
agents, New York City Police Department (NYPD) detectives and New York State
Police Investigators, and the ICE HSI-led El Dorado Task Force. The Yonkers
Police Department and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey also
assisted.
On Sunday, May 17, agents arrested the head of
the multi-million dollar heroin organization, Jose A. Mercedes, aka “Hippie,”
and a second defendant, Yenci Cruz Francisco. Both are charged with Operating
as a Major Trafficker and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the
First Degree. Two additional defendants were arrested in November.
the multi-million dollar heroin organization, Jose A. Mercedes, aka “Hippie,”
and a second defendant, Yenci Cruz Francisco. Both are charged with Operating
as a Major Trafficker and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the
First Degree. Two additional defendants were arrested in November.
A court authorized wiretap investigation
revealed that Mercedes and his drug trafficking group received sizable
shipments of heroin at least once a month from suppliers in Culican, Mexico, an
area controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel. The organization is believed to have
served as a main source of heroin for customers throughout the five boroughs,
as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
revealed that Mercedes and his drug trafficking group received sizable
shipments of heroin at least once a month from suppliers in Culican, Mexico, an
area controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel. The organization is believed to have
served as a main source of heroin for customers throughout the five boroughs,
as well as Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
In the days leading up to the seizure and arrests,
intercepted phone conversations suggested the organization was expecting
delivery of a large load of heroin over the weekend. Agents set up surveillance
outside 210 West 251st St. in Fieldston, where the organization was suspected
of maintaining a stash location in Apt. 5E. Late Saturday, agents tracked a
Chevrolet Suburban and a Honda Accord driven by Mercedes, Cruz Francisco and a
third individual as they travelled from 210 West 251st St. to an industrial
parking lot off of Interstate 287 in Montville, N.J. The vehicles entered a
section of the industrial lot where tractor-trailers were parked. After more
than an hour, the Chevrolet Suburban and Honda Accord headed back to the Bronx.
Upon reaching 210 West 251st St., the Chevrolet Suburban was parked in a gated
parking lot behind the building. At the request of the NYDETF, the Yonkers
Police Department dispatched a K-9 Unit and obtained a positive hit for
narcotics on the Chevrolet Suburban. Agents maintained surveillance at the
location.
intercepted phone conversations suggested the organization was expecting
delivery of a large load of heroin over the weekend. Agents set up surveillance
outside 210 West 251st St. in Fieldston, where the organization was suspected
of maintaining a stash location in Apt. 5E. Late Saturday, agents tracked a
Chevrolet Suburban and a Honda Accord driven by Mercedes, Cruz Francisco and a
third individual as they travelled from 210 West 251st St. to an industrial
parking lot off of Interstate 287 in Montville, N.J. The vehicles entered a
section of the industrial lot where tractor-trailers were parked. After more
than an hour, the Chevrolet Suburban and Honda Accord headed back to the Bronx.
Upon reaching 210 West 251st St., the Chevrolet Suburban was parked in a gated
parking lot behind the building. At the request of the NYDETF, the Yonkers
Police Department dispatched a K-9 Unit and obtained a positive hit for
narcotics on the Chevrolet Suburban. Agents maintained surveillance at the
location.
On Sunday morning, agents observed Mercedes
arrive in a Kia Sorrento and stopped him for questioning. Several large bags
containing a tan powdery substance were recovered from the front seat of the
car and from a hidden compartment in the center console. At least one of the
bags tested positive for heroin.
arrive in a Kia Sorrento and stopped him for questioning. Several large bags
containing a tan powdery substance were recovered from the front seat of the
car and from a hidden compartment in the center console. At least one of the
bags tested positive for heroin.
Subsequently, agents observed Cruz Francisco
leave 210 West 251st St., enter the Chevrolet Suburban and start the engine.
Agents stopped him and obtained a court authorized search warrant for the
vehicle. A hidden compartment under the floor of the vehicle contained 70
rectangular-shaped kilogram packages of heroin labeled with the identifying
name of “Rolex.” Also inside the vehicle was $24,000 cash.
leave 210 West 251st St., enter the Chevrolet Suburban and start the engine.
Agents stopped him and obtained a court authorized search warrant for the
vehicle. A hidden compartment under the floor of the vehicle contained 70
rectangular-shaped kilogram packages of heroin labeled with the identifying
name of “Rolex.” Also inside the vehicle was $24,000 cash.
Agents conducted a series of court authorized
searches at apartments associated with the group. Inside 210 West 251st St.,
Apt. 5E, agents recovered $2 million from underneath the floorboards. A search
of 830 Magenta St., Apt. 2J, in the Bronx yielded a .380 caliber firearm.
searches at apartments associated with the group. Inside 210 West 251st St.,
Apt. 5E, agents recovered $2 million from underneath the floorboards. A search
of 830 Magenta St., Apt. 2J, in the Bronx yielded a .380 caliber firearm.
Last night Jose A. Mercedes and Cruz Francisco
were arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court and held without bail, with their
next court date set for Friday, May 22.
were arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court and held without bail, with their
next court date set for Friday, May 22.
Two additional members of the narcotics
trafficking group were previously charged on November 17, 2014. Mercedes’ son
Jose Mercedes, JR. and defendant Juan Infante were arrested at 2851 Webb Ave.,
Apt. 1D, in the Bronx, where members of the NYDETF and HSI seized another 10
kilograms of heroin (22 lbs.) that had been hidden in a compartment inside a
wall. An indictment filed by the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office charges
both with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree,
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and two
counts each of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree.
trafficking group were previously charged on November 17, 2014. Mercedes’ son
Jose Mercedes, JR. and defendant Juan Infante were arrested at 2851 Webb Ave.,
Apt. 1D, in the Bronx, where members of the NYDETF and HSI seized another 10
kilograms of heroin (22 lbs.) that had been hidden in a compartment inside a
wall. An indictment filed by the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office charges
both with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree,
Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and two
counts each of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree.
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan
thanked her office’s Special Investigations Bureau, the DEA’s New York Drug
Enforcement Task Force, the ICE HSI-led El Dorado Task Force, the Yonkers
Police Department and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, “Seventy kilograms of heroin
was intended to be distributed throughout the Northeast, proving that NYC is
the bull's eye for drug traffickers and heroin is their weapon. Record breaking
aside, this investigation and seizure are messages to our communities that DEA
and our law enforcement partners are doing our part in fighting opioid
addiction that is afflicting our nation, by seizing the heroin that drug
traffickers are pushing into our city."
Bridget G. Brennan said, “The $50 million street value of the heroin in this
case is a conservative estimate. To put it in perspective, this load was so
large it carried the potential of supplying a dose of heroin to every man,
woman and child in New York City. While this important seizure stopped a huge
amount of heroin from flooding our city, it also highlights the critical need
to intercept heroin before it ever reaches our region.”
“These millions of doses of heroin and millions of dollars represent much more
than just a seizure. They represent violence, overdoses, crime, death and the
suffering of our communities,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., Special Agent in
Charge of HSI New York. “HSI and our federal, state and local law enforcement
partners are determined to put an end to the heroin epidemic plaguing our
neighborhoods.”
thanked her office’s Special Investigations Bureau, the DEA’s New York Drug
Enforcement Task Force, the ICE HSI-led El Dorado Task Force, the Yonkers
Police Department and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.
DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, “Seventy kilograms of heroin
was intended to be distributed throughout the Northeast, proving that NYC is
the bull's eye for drug traffickers and heroin is their weapon. Record breaking
aside, this investigation and seizure are messages to our communities that DEA
and our law enforcement partners are doing our part in fighting opioid
addiction that is afflicting our nation, by seizing the heroin that drug
traffickers are pushing into our city."
Bridget G. Brennan said, “The $50 million street value of the heroin in this
case is a conservative estimate. To put it in perspective, this load was so
large it carried the potential of supplying a dose of heroin to every man,
woman and child in New York City. While this important seizure stopped a huge
amount of heroin from flooding our city, it also highlights the critical need
to intercept heroin before it ever reaches our region.”
“These millions of doses of heroin and millions of dollars represent much more
than just a seizure. They represent violence, overdoses, crime, death and the
suffering of our communities,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., Special Agent in
Charge of HSI New York. “HSI and our federal, state and local law enforcement
partners are determined to put an end to the heroin epidemic plaguing our
neighborhoods.”
Police Commissioner William J. Bratton said, “I
want to thank the investigators of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and
the prosecutors of the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor whose work
resulted in this significant heroin seizure. The NYPD will continue to
collaborate with our law enforcement partners to stop this dangerous and highly
addictive drug from being sold in our neighborhoods and destroying lives.”
want to thank the investigators of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and
the prosecutors of the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor whose work
resulted in this significant heroin seizure. The NYPD will continue to
collaborate with our law enforcement partners to stop this dangerous and highly
addictive drug from being sold in our neighborhoods and destroying lives.”
"This case will have a significant impact on the drug trade in New York
State and throughout the Northeast, by keeping this large load of heroin out of
our communities," said New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A.
D'Amico. "The State Police remain committed to working with our partners
in law enforcement and using every resource available to shut these drug
operations down. We continue to send a clear message to those dealing these
dangerous and deadly drugs -- you will be found, you will be prosecuted and you
will go to prison."
#Heroin #DEA #Fieldston #NYPD #Bronxnews
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down: Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down By David Greene A 63-year-old man sitting in a Norwood park was shot after bei...
Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down
Thugs Shoot Senior in Park During Stare Down
By David Greene
A 63-year-old man sitting in a Norwood park was shot after being confronted by a small group of young toughs.
According to police spokeswoman Annette Markowski, the unidentified victim was sitting on the steps of Prince Charley Park at East 204 Street and Webster Avenue, at just after 11 p.m., on Saturday, May 9.
Markowski explained, "Three males and one female walked past the victim, when one male stared at the victim and a verbal confrontation occurred."
The victim suffered a gunshot wound to the upper right thigh and was transported by paramedics to St. Barnabas Hospital, he was expected to make a complete recovery.
Police describe the suspects as three white males and one white female, all believed to be in their 20's.
Police continue to investigate the incident.
Detectives in the 52nd Precinct were investigating a second unrelated shooting that took place a little more than an hour later at University Avenue and West 183Street.
Few details were available, but the male victim was shot at just after midnight and he too was expected to survive.
#NYPD #Shooting #Thugs
Monday, May 18, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Celebs Get Sign on Walk of FameBronx Week Parade,...
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame
Bronx Week Parade,...: Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival Ends Bronx Week (Photos by Gary Quintal) By Robert Press ...
Celebs Get Sign on Walk of Fame
Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival Ends Bronx Week
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 18- Sunday’s Bronx Week Parade, Music, and Food Festival was the perfect ending to the 10 days of Bronx Week.
The weather was perfect, and hundreds and hundreds of people marched along Mosholu Parkway in the Bronx
Week Parade. After the parade they joined hundreds of others who were enjoying the food and informational tables that were set up along the other side of Mosholu Parkway. The topper to all this was the Music Festival that could be heard blocks away that rocked the streets.
It appears the city spruced up the island between both sides of Mosholu Parkway with up to 50 newly planted trees, and the day before the parade much gardening was done to the grass. The only thing left to do was to repave the roadway, but maybe that will happen before next year’s Bronx Week Parade across Mosholu Parkway.
The FDNY opened the parade, with Bronx Walk of Fame Honorees. The daughter of the late businessman and philanthropist, Alfredo Thiebaud, Actor and activist Malik Yoba; and NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Dolph Schayes arrived next to be escorted to the reviewing stand where parade co-hosts Bronx BP Ruben Diaz Jr., and Dr. Bob Lee. Actress, author and television commentator Stacey Dash missed the parade as she had to catch a flight right after the induction ceremony.
As the marchers marched across Mosholu Parkway it was school after school, organization after organization, and company after company. The parade was so long that after people marched they joined in the viewing area (or just lined the parade route) until the Bronx Week Parade was over, several hours after it began.
I for one can not wait for Bronx Week 2016, and to enjoy “The Bast the Bronx Has to Offer”. However we Bronxites get to enjoy the Bronx each and every day.
#Stacey Dash #BronxWeek #Bronxnews
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fans Honor Hero Cop
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fans Honor Hero Cop: Fans Honor Hero Cop (Photos by Gary Quintal) NYCFC Draws Chicago Fire By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 16- NYCFC (1-6-4) returned to ...
Fans Honor Hero Cop
Fans Honor Hero Cop
(Photos by Gary Quintal)
NYCFC Draws Chicago Fire
By Howard Goldin
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 16- NYCFC (1-6-4) returned to Yankee Stadium Friday night, but the result of the match could be considered disappointing or uplifting depending on one’s point of view. The 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire ((3-5-1) extended NYC’s winless streak to nine, but ended its losing streak at four.
The support of the fans in the Bronx has been consistent as 23,315 attended on Friday. Each match at Yankee
Stadium has drawn more than 20,000.
The visitors from the Mid-West scored first as Razvan Cocis scored on an assist from Shaun Maloney in the 12th minute. In the 26th minute, NYC defender R.J. Allen was ousted from the contest after receiving a red card. Thus, NYC was required to play the final 64 minutes with a one man disadvantage. In the following minute, Jeff Larentowicz’s kick raised the Chicago lead to 2-0.
Chicago dominated the match throughout the first 45 minutes. They controlled the ball for the major period of the first half and took 14 shots on goal contrasted with only five for NYC.
In the one minute of stoppage time allotted at the end of the half Mahdi Ballouchy scored NYC’s first goal of the match. His third goal of the season broke his tie with teammates David Villa
The effort made by the players of NYC in the second half was a great contrast with that of the opening stanza. The match was scoreless during the 45 minutes of the second half until the addition of five minutes of stoppage time.
As in the first half, NYC netted its only goal in stoppage time. Rookie Khiry Shelton scored a goal that was set up by
experienced international David Villa. The 21 year old, who had entered the match at the 60 minute mark, scored his first MLS goal. The PAC-12 Player of the Year while at Oregon State university was a high draft pick by NYC this year. NYC coach Jason Kreis believes the goal will be a pivotal event in Shelton’s professional career, “I believe that [goal] could move him to the next level.” The young player agreed with his coach, “It will definitely build my confidence.”
Although NYC did not obtain a victory, the win the draw and added point, under the circumstances of the match, was a very positive development to the participants. Kreis remarked, “The entire team was willing to do anything to get that result. I’m very hopeful that this is set as a landmark. We believe we’re a better team than our points (7) indicate.”
The veteran Villa was in accord with his coach, “The team is much better than our position in the league (8thof 10
NYCFC travels west next to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday, May 23.
#NYCFC #YankeeStadium #ChicagoFire #Soccer #Bronxnews
Friday, May 15, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Week Caps Off This Sunday
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Bronx Week Caps Off This Sunday: Bronx Week Caps Off This Sunday 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 15- If you read the first sentence of last week’s column...
Bronx Week Caps Off This Sunday
Bronx Week Caps Off This Sunday
100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 15- If you read the first sentence of last week’s column it said that the headline refers to the kickoff of Bronx week 2015. There were three items that came in at the deadline, and the headline was changed after it left my hands. I am not the editor, and sometimes the column will be edited, or the headline I suggest will be changed for one reason or another. Of the 3 deadline items no one said anything about the State Senate Majority Leader being indicted by the U.S. Attorney part, which I had been waiting for. You knew that part if you regularly checked my blog where I commented back on April 17th that Senate Majority Leader Skelos and his son Adam were being investigated by the U. S. Attorney.
The second item that came in at last week’s deadline was a rumor that Assemblyman Jose Rivera was going to step down due to health related reasons. The story of the rumor going around was confirmed by more than one elected official, and I only wrote what I have written the past two election cycles about Assemblyman Rivera. I am fully aware of Assemblyman Rivera's health problems, and very short periods of absence from the assembly chamber to get some much needed rest. However if you read my column a few weeks ago where I quoted the good assemblyman that he was running for re-election in 2016, and when I saw Assemblyman Rivera at the Ben Franklin club Dinner last week he said to me the rumor is a lie, and he reconfirmed that he will be running for re-election in 2016. Assemblyman Rivera is sometimes a hard man to reach, especially if you are in the media, but our love-hate relationship seems to continue as it has since the last century. My apologies to you Jose, but I seem to give you the energy that you need to win every year. It looks like 2016 will not be that much different, but I do have a surprise that you are going to like in store for you.
The third deadline item really was not on deadline, and if you have followed my column over the years you will find that I have supported Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Carl Heastie ever since he was elected county leader at the infamous Paradise Theater 2008 County Committee election. When Assemblyman Heastie ascended to the speaker position in the state assembly there were those in the media who began attacking him and looking for anything wrong that he may have done. In early 2010, I exposed a plot to gather district leaders for a possible coup against County Leader Heastie. I defended Speaker Heastie when he was attacked on the sloppy record keeping that was brought out by others, because I knew the exact reason and County Leader Heastie was not at fault. When the Bronx DA and U.S. Attorney sent in a spy to try to get something on County Leader Heastie, I was there to watch former Assemblyman Nelson Castro try to cozy up to the same person who made the bookkeeping mistakes as he was wearing a wire for the Bronx DA and U.S. Attorney. So Assemblyman Carl Heastie I have been there for you over the years, and you know I am right, after all I did announce your replacement weeks before it was official.
It appears that certain items, certain elected officials, and even certain elections that I cover are because of my sixth sense (or could it be the inside knowledge) to keep things honest. Just look at the 80th A.D. race between former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera and current Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj as one example that I covered and was the only one to project Mark Gjonaj as the winner. It seems that my sixth sense is telling me that the 2016 primary for the 36th State Senate is the race to cover.
I have been told much in the past week about what I wrote about Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and 1199. I have been told that was done by County Leader Heastie, not to go after the first black Assembly speaker, and even have been given a thumbs up by some of the speaker's friends, but most of all support by many in the 36th State Senate District (and even 83rd Assembly District) who want honest representation. I am not going to repeat the words Speaker Heastie said to me at the Ben Franklin Dinner responding to last week’s article, but I do say to Speaker Heastie the following. Stand in front of a mirror and repeat those first four words to yourself, and then ask your self the following: Why is the Speaker of the Assembly getting involved in a State Senate race, and is it worth possibly throwing away a position that everyone knows can lead to higher office and help the Bronx, as you have in your short time as speaker? Is it really worth it Carl?
Back to Bronx Week 2015 that wraps up this Sunday with the induction to the Bronx Walk of Fame of Author and Actress Ms. Stacy Dash, Actor Mr. Malik Yoba, NBA Legend Mr. Dolph Schayes, and Bronx businessman and Philanthropist the Late Alfredo Thieband. That is followed by the ever growing Bronx Week parade across Mosholu Parkway, and then the Grand Finale to Bronx week 2015 is the Bronx Food and Arts Festival on the other side of Mosholu Parkway which runs from 12 – 6 PM.
Check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see the latest listing of events going on by the Bronx Chamber of Commerce whose President and Bronx Goodwill Ambassador Mr. Lenny Caro was Honored by the Ben Franklin Club last week for his tremendous work in making the Bronx a better place to own a business.
Senator Jeff Klein will be speaking about his recent trip to Cuba with Governor Andrew Cuomo and Speaker Heastie on Thursday night May 21st,7:15 PM at the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center located at 3880 Sedwick Avenue (off Van Cortlandt Avenue). The public is invited, and for more information you can call 718-884-6105.
If you have any political information that you want to share or have checked out, any comments about this column, or would like to have an event listed or covered in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.
#BronxWeek #JoseRivera #Politics #Bronxnews
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Posada Nailed It About PED Users
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Posada Nailed It About PED Users: Posada Nailed It About PED Users By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 14- Agree or disagree that Jorge Posada is using an opportunity to p...
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Posada Nailed It About PED Users
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Posada Nailed It About PED Users: Posada Nailed It About PED Users By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 14- Agree or disagree that Jorge Posada is using an opportunity to p...
Posada Nailed It About PED Users
Posada Nailed It About PED Users
By Rich Mancuso
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 14- Agree or disagree that Jorge Posada is using an opportunity to promote his book “The Journey Home: My Life In Pinstripes” regarding his stance on those who used PED’s to cheat when playing the game of baseball. Agree about this, Posada in Yankees pinstripes played the game clean and has the right to speak about how he may have been cheated out of an MVP award in 2003.
He took it to another level, one that this writer and others have claimed: Those who had to cheat and did not play the game clean should not be granted induction into the Hall of Fame.
And it goes beyond baseball. Tom Brady is now the culprit for deflated footballs and an NFL scandal that has reached epic proportions. And two sports, boxing and horse racing have never seemed to recover from corruption and those who cheat to get ahead.
The year is 2015. Money and greed have ruined sports with television contracts and major sponsorships that provide an incentive to not play the game fair. Back then, when cheating was evident, the desire to cheat and get ahead was a hit or a miss with the financial gain not as significant as it is now.
The year, 2003, Yankees’ teammate Alex Rodriguez got the MVP award and Posada was third in the voting by members of the Baseball Writers of America and Carlos Delgado finished second. We all know the history, and the implications about the A-Rod denials, year long suspension and eventual admission of guilt.
However, we must agree, as Posada said Wednesday: “Yeah” to a question about resenting players who did not play the game clean. Posada would know because there has never been evidence, nor has his name been implicated as one of the many who did not play the game clean.
And it seems the game of baseball will always have to confront the issue that Posada has addressed. The history of this Performing Enhancing Drug issue will always surface when Rodriguez hits another home run, when the names of Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds and others who were implicated see their time for possible enshrinement into the Hall.
The vote of members who get the privilege to decide who gets enshrined should be the final answer, however that will always be a debate. The debate continues because the owners supposedly had knowledge of illegal supplements being used that prevented the game from being played on an even field.
Yet, they let the situation continue because baseball needed to put fans in the stands after a bitter labor dispute with the players and owners. Home runs going out of the ballpark at a record pace brought the fans back to the ballpark, and bitterness of a labor war were quickly put to bed.
In the process Jorge Posada, who played the game fair, and who wore the most prestigious uniform in baseball, competed with a teammate. It was competition wearing the same uniform, sitting in the same dugout and in a sanctuary of the same clubhouse.
The Posada book tour, and his comments are years of frustration of being the quiet New York Yankee who went about his business and helped contribute to four world championships in the Bronx.
Agree or disagree, this is an issue a little too late to be venting about. But better late than never because the validity of his comments are true. Had Posada went the route of A-Rod, Bonds or the others, perhaps his name would be in their category.
Of course he is not in that category because Jorge Posada was one of the few who played the game fair. And his day will come when the Yankees put his Number 20 into retirement at a ceremony in the Bronx on August 22.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso Twitter@Ring786
#Yankees #JorgePosada #ARod #PEDs #Bronxnews
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Workers Flunk Repair
Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Workers Flunk Repair: Workers Flunk Repair 1 Month After it was Taken Down, Construction Scaffold Returns Overnight at P.S. 86 By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, ...
Workers Flunk Repair
Workers Flunk Repair
1 Month After it was Taken Down, Construction Scaffold Returns Overnight at P.S. 86
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, MAY 13- A dozen burly construction workers arrived just before twilight, hours after the last child had left P.S. 86 in Kingsbridge Heights. Workers began putting up the steel and wood sidewalk-shed in the front of the school-- a month after the same workers had dismantled it.
Many of the parents of the 1,600-plus kindergarten and elementary school children who attend the Reservoir Avenue school, dubbed "The Kingsbridge Heights School," and residents of the block were surprised to see what is called a construction scaffold or sidewalk-shed, back in front of the school on the morning of May 1.
One resident recalled, "Yeah, they took it down and it went away and then it came back. It's crazy."
According to Jason Fink at the Department of Education (DOE), "This is an exterior modernization project. Some of the decorative terracotta that was part of the project had to be replaced by the manufacturer, so the contractor is going back to install the replacements."
Fink added that the contractor Vardaris Tech, Inc., was doing the work on the $4.5 million project.
Additional details were revealed when Anjaykumar Shaw of the DOE's School Construction Authority (SCA) stated, "At the time everything was fine and everything was done, but ultimately whatever winter conditions we went through, they went up there and found out what had happened."
Shaw elaborated on the problem, explaining, "Bolsters are the decorative pieces there (in the front of the building) and that bolster had some cracks in it."
Unable to provide an exact timeline, Shaw recalled, "We just realized after the winter, I would say... I don't know exactly, but in the last three or four weeks we came to know there was a problem."
Asked why the scaffolding came down in the first place, Shaw replied, "Oh, because work at the time seemed complete."
A follow up call to Shaw was re-directed to Nicole Halloway, the Bronx Community Relations Manager and the Project Support Manager for the School Construction Authority, who could not provide additional details, stating, "Because the building in question is a DOE facility, we cannot answer questions pertaining to that, only the DOE can."
Several parents stated they were very happy with the school, one believed it to be the largest public school in the borough.
One teacher called it an "A-plus" school and added, "Teacher morale here is great."
However, one parent who claimed her daughter was recommended powerful drugs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) fumed, "They told me I had to be sympathetic to the fact that the teacher had 37 students."
Referring to P.S. 86, that parent added, "I feel like every time I hear a teacher, there telling a parent their child has ADHD."
In a follow-up e-mail, Fink stated there would be no additional cost to the SCA, and added the completion date is not yet known.
Calls to P.S. 86 Principal Fiona Tyson and contractor Vardaris Tech were not immediately returned.
#Schools #Construction #Education #Bronxnews
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