BP Pushes Offense in Fighting #Legionnaires Outbreak

BP Pushes Offense in Fighting #Legionnaires Outbreak

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. is calling for new legislation that is proactive in preventing the spread of diseases such as Legionnaires Disease as New York City deals with the outbreak of the virus afflicting the city.

"It is encouraging that Mayor de Blasio has joined my call for new legislation in response to this current outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease," said Diaz. "As the scope and depth of the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the South Bronx came into focus last week, I proposed new legislation that would allow the city to be proactive-and not reactive-to such outbreaks. Together, with Council Member Vanessa Gibson, we are introducing legislation creating an inspection mechanism for those systems where Legionnaires' Disease can thrive and to ensure appropriate follow-up inspections so that the disease does not return."

Legionnaire's Disease has made 86 people sick in the borough and claimed the lives of seven Bronxites since the outbreak was discovered. The disease is waterborne and cannot be passed from one person to another, transmitted by the inhalation of aerosolized water or soil contaminated with the bacteria. The bacteria to thrives in hot-water tanks, cooling towers and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems like those commonly found in hotels and large office buildings.

The elderly, smokers and those with chronic lung disease are the most vulnerable to the disease.

Bronx Borough President Diaz believes the outbreak could have been prevented with more stringent inspections of cooling towers in air conditioning systems and Water systems in hotels, hospitals and nursing homes.

"It is the responsibility of government to protect the health and well-being of the public, and this common sense proposal will help do just that," said Borough President Diaz. "During the course of our actions fighting the Legionnaire's Disease outbreak in The Bronx, it has been revealed that there is no inspection mechanism for coolant systems, rooftop water tanks and other standing water infrastructure that could be a breeding ground for this disease and others. The city must create a new inspection system for these systems, just as we inspect other critical systems such as elevators."

#Legionnaires

BRONX NEWS: Luis #Severino Loses Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1, in Major...

BRONX NEWS: Luis #Severino Loses Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1, in Major...: Luis # Severino  Lose s  Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1 , in Major league Debut By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- The two youn...

Luis #Severino Loses Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1, in Major league Debut

Luis #Severino Loses Pitchers’ Duel, 2-1, in Major league Debut

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- The two young starters, Steven Wright of the Red Sox and Luis Severino of the Yanks, pitched very impressively on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. 

Severino, Baseball America’s selection as the Yankees top prospect, was making his major league debut. At 21 years and 166 days, Severino is the youngest player to start a game in the majors this season. He is the 50th player to be used by the Yanks this season.

The native of the Dominican Republic was signed by the Yankees as a minor league free agent on July 20, 2012. He started 46 of his 48 games in the minors. He pitched for the World Team in the 2014 Futures Game, and was 9-2 with a 2.45 ERA in 19 minor league starts in 2015. The youngster was especially effective in his 11 starts with AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, going 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA.

Neither pitcher was awed by the exceptionally large crowd of 47,489 or by the pressure of the rivalry between New York and Boston. Severino gave up his first hit, a double by Alejandro de Aza with two out in the second. The only other hit he surrendered was a lead-off home run by David Ortiz in the fourth. The home run accounted for the only earned run given up by the neophyte in the five innings he pitched. The 21 year old remarked regarding the four bagger, “When you miss a pitch [in MLB] you pay for it.”

His most exciting moment of the day was “when I got out of the bullpen and walked to the mound.”

Severino’s appearance was a very rare one. He was the first pitcher in the history of the American League who in his major league debut gave up only two hits or less, walked no batters and fanned seven. Only five National League hurlers since 1900 accomplished the same feat. 

Yankee manager Joe Girardi spoke very favorably of Severino’s appearance, “He’s got velocity. He’s got a live arm. He can make some quality pitches.”

When asked if he believes he can pitch successfully in the minors, Severinno replied, “Of course.”

He will almost certainly have that opportunity as earlier in the day, General Manager Brian Cashman announced that Yankee starter Michael Pineda is not expected to pitch again until September. 

Wright in his 10th major league start easily handled the Yankees batters. He won his second straight game with career highs of eight innings and nine strikeouts. He gave up only four hits and two walks. The only run he yielded was on a lead-off home run by Carlos Beltran in the seventh. It was the 11th straight contest in which a Yankee homered. 

Mark Teixeira singled in the ninth off closer Koji Uehara to extend his streak of reaching base safely to 22 games. The hot hitting first sacker praised Wright, “That’s about as good as you can throw a knuckleball.”

#Yankees #LuisSeverino #RedSox

BRONX NEWS: #Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better eve...

BRONX NEWS: #Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better eve...: #Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better even with a loss By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Luis Severino the 21-year...

#Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better even with a loss

#Yankees rookie Severino makes rotation better even with a loss

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Luis Severino the 21-year-old rookie right hand prospect of the New York Yankees may be what their rotation needs to make it better as the team strives to hold on to a division lead and head to the postseason.

That much anticipated debut in the Bronx Wednesday night ended in an unfortunate loss, but the Yankees feel a bit more comfortable with Michael Pineda on the disabled list and not scheduled for a return anytime soon.

And with the Yankees offense not needing any help, scoring 59 runs in four of their last seven games, the ever important commodity of pitching had been more of a concern. GM Brian Cashman sat idle during the trading deadline and now we know why.

Luis Severino has arrived, and though the Yankees lost the second of three to the Boston Red Sox 2-1, the rookie did not disappoint. The fastball that was highly touted and the command were on display for the first time before a sold out crowd at Yankee Stadium.

If it were not for a throwing error on a ball thrown from third by Chase Headley to first in the second inning, that led to an unearned run, and if the Yankees had figured a way to hit the knuckle ball of Steven Wright, Serverino could have earned his first win as a big leaguer.

He is what the Yankees and their organization have been talking about since spring training. And after this start, becoming the first pitcher in AL history to debut with two hits or fewer, no walks and at least seven strikeouts, there is every reason to believe Severino will not be going back to Triple-A anytime soon.

“He’s got poise,” Yankees manager Joe Girardi said. “I told you I didn’t think his surroundings would affect him a whole lot. We saw that in spring training. I definitely think it’s a positive for him and what he could mean for us moving forward.”
Cashman would not part with Severino at the trading deadline last week. Though the Yankees were comfortable with their offense, opposing teams were looking for pitching and the GM stuck to his guns. Severino was the future and more importantly could be of help down the stretch.
With the uncertainty of a Masahiro Tanaka elbow, a declining CC Sabathia, the inconsistency of Ivan Nova and Pineda on the disabled list. Severino was needed. Scouts said the Dominican Republic native has composure and the fastball and slider are impressive. Prior to his debut at Yankee Stadium, he pitched seven games with Triple A Scranton going 7-0 with a 1.91 ERA  and there was the quick jump from Double.
There was that composure to regroup like a veteran. David Ortiz hit a fastball that wasn’t meant to go down the middle in the fourth inning. The  2-0 pitch went deep to right field in the bleachers that gave Boston their decisive run.
It was a welcome to the big leagues and there will be more home run balls thrown in the years to come, but Severino is not known for allowing many, throwing none in a little over 61 innings pitched at Scranton. What was more impressive, and something that stood out with Girardi and the Yankees is how Severino settled down after the home run ball and he followed up striking out Hanley Ramirez and Mike Napoli on 94-mile fastballs.
When asked about the difference of pitching in Triple-A and throwing now to big league hitters, Severino said through an interpreter, “In this league when you make a mistake you pay for it.”
“I didn’t try to strike out anybody,” he said about the seven strikeouts and the one to Napoli, he claimed was the most impressive. “I feel the same way as in Double-A and Triple-A. It’s the same baseball.” He threw 94 pitches in 5.0 innings and gave up the two hits.
Said Carlos Beltran about Severino, who hit his ninth home run to right field in the seventh inning off Wright, accounting for the Yankees lone run, “He is going to get better.”
And Severino will get better as the Yankees go down the stretch. It is not the same now because the bright lights are shining on him and the Yankees hope his arm will carry them to make their rotation that is not great, at least better.
Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso  Twitter@Ring786

#Yankees #LuisSeverino #RedSox

BRONX NEWS: Night Out Photos

BRONX NEWS: Night Out Photos: Night Out from Crime BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Police, elected officials and Morris Park residents came out to Pelham Parkway t...

Night Out Photos

Night Out from Crime







BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Police, elected officials and Morris Park residents came out to Pelham Parkway to take part in National Night Out Against Crime. The annual event is a night where police and community come out to show their resolve against crime and drug abuse. Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Councilman James Vacca joined officials from the 49th Precinct and residents --Photos by Gary Quintal

BRONX NEWS: 3 Sickened by #Legionnaires Set to Sue

BRONX NEWS: 3 Sickened by #Legionnaires Set to Sue: 3 Sickened by #Legionnaires Set to Sue By Michael Horowitz BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) -Two men and a woman, who say that they cau...

Lawyers Sue over Legionnaires Diseases

3 Sickened by #Legionnaires Set to Sue

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) -Two men and a woman, who say that they caught Legionnaires’ Disease in Co-op City, are suing the housing company and the former managing agents in the northeast Bronx community.

The litigants are among eight individuals with Co-op City connections who contracted Legionnaires’ Disease late last year. 

An additional two Co-op City shareholders living in the same building, one in 2012 and the other in 2013, caught Legionnaires’ Disease, the city’s Health Department reported in March of last year.

Those suing include Ronald Hines Jr., a 29-year-old man from Co-op City, and Ralph Motta, a 44-year-old man who worked at the Bay Plaza shopping center, both of whom have been seriously debilitated. Neither Motta nor Hines has been able to work since being sickened by Legionnaires’ Disease in December, Bronx News has been told.

Catherine Durso, a Bronxite who visited Co-op City in October of last year, is also suing the Riverbay Corporation, Co-op City’s housing company, and Marion Scott Real Estate, Inc., the former managing agents for the nation’s largest housing complex.

Durso, like Hines and Motta, has had her lifestyle seriously compromised as a result of the severe form of pneumonia that she contracted, her attorneys claimed in a lawsuit that they filed on behalf of her and her husband.

The cooling tower at Co-op City was, late last year and early this year, contaminated by the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ Disease, the city’s Health Department officials said in January.

Since that time, Co-op City’s cooling tower has been decontaminated to the satisfaction of Health Department officials. The cooling tower at the Bay Plaza shopping center was also contaminated with the Legionnaires’ Disease bacteria in late 2014, before being decontaminated. 

Despite assurances from Health Department officials, a number of Co-op City’s civic activists remain concerned about Legionnaires’ Disease, insisting that there could be additional problems with the community’s domestic water system, which carries water to Co-op City’s apartment through a series of pumps and connections that go from one floor to another in individual buildings.

Health Department officials have stated that they are confident that the Co-op City cooling tower was the source of the Legionnaires’ Disease, which eight individuals associated with the community contracted in late-2014.

Legionnaires’ Disease is not communicable, meaning it is not spread from one individual to another. Rather, the disease is spread through mists, such as those that can come from contaminated showerhead or water faucets.

Weaponized Weed

Synthetic Marijuana Crazy Caught on Camera

BRONX NEWS: #Legionnaires Reunión Calma pocos

#Legionnaires Reunión Calma pocos
Legionarios Reunión Calma pocos

http://bxnewsnet.blogspot.com/2015/08/legionnaires-meeting-calms-few.html

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few: Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few Tempers Rise as Few Answers Given By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The temperature was...

#Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few

Legionnaires Meeting Calms Few

Tempers Rise as Few Answers Given

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The temperature wasn’t the only thing simmering as South Bronx residents’ concerns grow over the outbreak of Legionnaires Disease that has claimed 7 lives and infected 86 people.

At a town hall meeting at the Bronx Museum of the Arts, the city tried to calm residents’ concerns over the outbreak of the pneumonia-like disease, which has spread throughout the South Bronx. Residents waited in line for hours in the heat as some were turned away from the small venue. Those who made it inside were treated to city health officials repeating the same points that have been broadcast on the story. As to what is the cause of the outbreak little is still known.

Health Commissioner Mary Bassett explained that Legionnaire Disease can only be contracted by inhaling contaminated water vapor from cooling towers, and cannot be transmitted from person to person. It was explained that in the very hot weather if not properly cleaned and maintained the cooling towers on top of buildings can become breeding grounds for the Legionnaire Disease bacteria. It was stressed that the NYC water supply was in no danger from the bacteria, because it is only found in the cooling towers that evaporate the heat in buildings to water vapor.

Dr. Bassett stressed that there was an incubation period of 2 - 10 days for Legionnaire Disease, and that is why we still see new cases. As of Tuesday morning there were seven deaths, and 86 cases of Legionnaire Disease recorded. Bassett stressed that if you think you may have Legionnaire Disease to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms are fever, cough, chills, and muscle aches. People who smoke or have lung disease, the elderly, and people with diabetes are of the highest risk of catching Legionnaire Disease. Five percent of all cases of Legionnaire Disease result in death, and that there are 250 - 300 reported cases of Legionnaire Disease each year. This year there have been 256 cases of Legionnaire Disease reported so far.

This recent outbreak of Legionnaire Disease in the Bronx started on July 12^th. Since then 22 buildings were visited, 17 cooling towers in all were inspected, and 5 cooling towers were found to be contaminated and have been disinfected already by the city. The health commissioner said that there could be any one of many reasons for Legionnaire Disease bacteria to grow, and that the city council would be looking into legislation to address the matter.

Despite the presentation, many in attendance told the News that not much of what they were told was new information. That coupled with few answers and the restricted number of people at the meeting has some concern about how forth coming city officials were being.

It is unclear why a larger venue for such an important meeting was not chosen. For example when then Mayor Rudy Giuliani had a town hall on crime reduction in Bedford Park he chose a large school auditorium to accommodate the hundreds of residents who had questions. Usually such meetings are held in schools were they can accommodate large crowds who have plenty of questions.

Although those who attended the meeting were not panicking, few said there fears have subsided. The sheer scope of the affected areas have many residents concerned. Concourse Plaza testing positive is particularly disturbing because of the high traffic of the shopping center. In addition to locals shopping in the supermarket many people from throughout the borough who attend jury duty at the courthouse across the street eat at the mall’s food court. In addition Yankee Stadium is just down the road.

Concourse Plaza as well as the other sites have been decontaminated.

Another question not addressed is why the outbreak occurred in the first place. Were detection and cleanup efforts not stepped up when a much smaller outbreak was detected in Co-op City earlier this year? Twelve people came down with Legionnaires after a cooling tower in the sprawling complex tested positive for the disease. No one died from that outbreak.

A day after the town hall meeting Mayor deBlasio said the outbreak has slowed and he believes health officials now have a handle on the problem.

Bassett said she is confident that they have located the primary source of the outbreak. One of the five cooling towers that tested positive is believed to be the source and has since been decontaminated.

“Although we will continue to see cases, we expect the case rate to decline and the number of cases to fall over the coming weeks,” Bassett said.

This week deBlasio called for new legislation to inspect water towers in an attempt to locate signs for the disease before another outbreak.

 

“It is encouraging that Mayor de Blasio has joined my call for new legislation in response to this current outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.

 “As the scope and depth of the outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease in the South Bronx came into focus last week, I proposed new legislation that would allow the city to be proactive—and not reactive—to such outbreaks. Together, with Council Member Vanessa Gibson, we are introducing legislation creating an inspection mechanism for those systems where Legionnaires' Disease can thrive and to ensure appropriate follow-up inspections so that the disease does not return.

“It is the responsibility of government to protect the health and well-being of the public, and this common sense proposal will help do just that. It cannot be forgotten that seven Bronx residents have died during this outbreak. An appropriate inspection mechanism could have saved lives,” said Diaz.

#LegionnairesDisease #HealthDepartment #deBlasio

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Stabbing at nursing home

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Stabbing at nursing home: Stabbing at nursing home Feuding workers turns bloody By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) A verbal dispute among co-workers at...

Stabbing at nursing home

Stabbing at nursing home
Feuding workers turns bloody

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) A verbal dispute among co-workers at a local nursing home escalated into a bloody confrontation-- with one worker stabbed in the chest and the other in jail for attempted murder.

According to police officials, officers from the 47th Precinct were called to the Parkview Home for Adults, located at 3200 Bronx Boulevard at Burke Avenue, on the Allerton - Williamsbridge border, at 9:30 a.m., on July 30.

Police say the unidentified victim was stabbed multiple times, including once to the chest inside the 134-bed assisted-living home for senior citizens. The victim was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where he was expected to recover from his wounds.

Officers at the scene arrested the suspect, identified as Kris Vialva, 38, of Washington Avenue in the Bronx. Vialva was charged with attempted murder, several counts of assault and criminal possession of a weapon.

According to one police source, "The victim, a 36-year-old Bronx male was in a verbal dispute when he was stabbed multiple times."

One resident of the home explained, "There was a big commotion and the police and paramedics arrived." The resident could not say what the two workers were fighting about.

One area resident stated residents of the home keep to themselves and many are friendly with the public. The resident offered, "Now one guy is in the hospital and the other guy will likely lose his job over this."

A woman answering the phone at Parkview Home for Adults stated, "We are in the middle of serving lunch," but vowed someone would return the phone call, but no one did.

According to the Bronx District Attorney's office, Vialva was arraigned and was remanded and being held on $25,000 bond.

According to court documents the victim was stabbed a half dozen times and officers discovered Vialva with the knife still in his pocket when he was arrested.   

#NYPD #NursingHome #Stabbing

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas E...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): 2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas E...: 2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas Eve BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced that a Bronx...

2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas Eve

2 Convicted of Raping Male Roommate on Christmas Eve

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced that a Bronx Supreme Court jury has found two men guilty in the Christmas Eve 2013 sexual assault and beating of their roommate.

When you picture a sexual assault, the automatic assumption is that the victim is female.  But a vast minority of sex assault victims are men. And so was the victim of now-convicted 34-year-old Orlando Carrera and 44-year-old Felix Ojeda-Flores.

Flores and Carrera were convicted following a week-long trial and a day’s worth of deliberation, found guilty to have acted in concert, committing the crimes of: criminal sexual act in the first degree (1 count each defendant) – Class B Felony[1]; criminal sexual act in the third degree (1 count each defendant) – Class E Felony; assault in the third degree – Class A Misdemeanor; criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree – Class A Misdemeanor.

When the defendants are both sentenced on August 17th before Supreme Court Justice John Carter (Room 560, Hall of Justice, 265 E. 161st Street), they each face a maximum of 25 years in prison.

This was a case of power and control, with two men dominating a third, as the roommates spent the Christmas Eve afternoon drinking with a fourth man, who had prior, minor beefs with the victim. The three men each rented a bedroom in their apartment on Wallace Avenue, just off Lydig Avenue – where Carrera lived with his wife and three-year-old child. But it was just the men at home that afternoon when Flores bullied the third roommate, a disabled construction worker.  He challenged the now-38-year-old man, “Fight me or give me your ass” – whereupon Carrera knocked him to the floor with a stick, Flores grabbed his head and held him down while Carrera pulled down his pants. Carrera sexually assaulted his roommate, then Flores took his turn.

The victim escaped to the bathroom, but when he tried to exit to his bedroom, the two assailants pitched beer bottles and plates, everything they could grab from the kitchen.

The assaulted man was so traumatized, he did not tell anyone for days – not even his family with whom he spent Christmas. As with any sexual assault it is hard for the victim/survivor to come forward and report to law enforcement. Even when a police report is filed it still remains difficult for the victim to continue to proceed with the criminal charges. This is was a result of shame, guilt and misconceptions by societal views on sexual assault. 

When a sexual assault occurs most think it is about sex. However, it is really about power and control of another. The perpetrator often gets more satisfaction by making someone submit to their perverse desires without their consent.

The difficulty in these cases is why the Bronx District Attorney’s Office has a Crime Victims Assistance Unit (CVAU) that provides both concrete and supportive services in addition to accompanying victims to trials.  In order to deal with the crisis and long term effects, on-site therapists are also available. The CVAU is reachable at the main office (198 E. 161st Street, 718-490-2115) or its satellite office at 4101 White Plains Road (718-798-5892).  There need not be an arrest or a pending case in order for Bronx victims to obtain help. 

#NYPD #BronxDA #Rape #NewYork

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #PoliticsNY

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #PoliticsNY: Which Politician is Next to Go By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) - This past week saw two state senators removed...

#PoliticsNY

Which Politician is Next to Go

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- This past week saw two state senators removed from office after juries found them guilty after trials. 

Now former Republican Tom Libous was found guilty of lying to the FBI, while now former Democrat John Samson was found guilty of obstruction. Both trials were conducted by the U.S. Attorney's office, and the question is who will be next to go or be indicted. 

In watching the political rundown on New York 1 last Wednesday when it came to item 4 Albany vacations, the subject was the Governor's rafting and Assembly Speaker's upstate trip. Both commentators Gerston Berrero and Curtis Swila passed over the governor to talk about Speaker Carl Heastie. Berrero wanted to know if Heastie was getting paid for the trip upstate, and said that no Per Diem should be put in for. Swila on the other hand, held up a sign that had Heastie's name with 7 numbers with CAMP FED on the bottom saying you are going to one of the many Camp Feds Carl. After this part was over Berrero added to Swila “Give Carl a break he can get into trouble himself.” 

Speaking of Assemblyman Heastie, in my wanting to contact him there seems to be an innocent victim in his Bronx office. When Mr. Jamaal Bailey one of Heastie's staffers gave me the wrong number for the assemblyman's press person twice, the third time I went in Mr. Bailey was out to lunch. When I pressed the lone staffer she seemed to get nervous and the Chief of staff would not come out to answer my question as to when Mr. Bailey went out to lunch or when Mr. Bailey would be coming back from lunch. I have since taken down the photos of the innocent staffer, and offer my regrets if the posting was taken the wrong way by her or her friends or family. 

As for Assemblyman Carl Heastie, the U.S. Attorney must be closing in on you Carl as on your latest campaign filing of July 15^th 2015 you finally put those items that were left off your last few filings, including the one dated June 10, 2010. Five years late, how do you explain that one Carl? After all I am going to have to ask you my questions in this column and wait to see if you give me or your constituents an answer. Next week another question Carl. As for the $6,500 item on April 8, 2015 to the Friends of Jamaal T. Bailey listed as a campaign contribution, you know it was sent to 30 Beaver Court Staten Island. I didn't know that Staten Island was in the district Mr. Bailey is to be running in. As for you Mr. Bailey there may be an assembly seat opening up soon that you are very familiar with where you can transfer that check to. 

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. held an event last week at Borough Hall to honor the new committee that was formed to run the 2015 Dominican Day Parade, and you can read more and see photos of the event on my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com. Also on my blog is a recap of Friday nights Abrazo Dominicana in New York by the old Team Diaz, that I now will call Team Crespo 2015. Check my blog to find out why I have renamed Team Diaz to Team Crespo, as Assemblyman and Bronx democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo ran the show. You will also see the latest member of Team Crespo Assemblyman Victor Pichardo who partook in the event. Also on the blog is Saturday's Van Nest Family Day held jointly by Assemblymen Mark Gjonaj and Luis Sepulveda who jointly cover the Van Nest area. 

On Tuesday August 5^th the 52^nd Pct. Will be having their National Night Out on Mosholu Parkway South between Van Cortlandt and Bainbridge Avenues, and you can see the flier on my blog. Also the Committee of 100 Democrats will be hosting their 11^th Annual Free Community Barbecue on Saturday August 15^th in the rear yard and huge parking lot behind 212 Lisbon Place the home of the Chairman of the Committee of 100 Democrats Mr. Ricky Martinez. This is off Mosholu Parkway and East 205^th Street on the Grand Concourse side of the Parkway service road. The program is still being finalized, and will run from 1 – 6 p.m. See you there. 

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.

Bloods busted

'Butt Naked' Bloods Members Busted

Gangs Terrorized Castle Hill, Co-op City

 

BRONX, NEW YORK, (BRONX NEWS)- Law enforcement busted two affiliates of the Bloods street gang, who sold drugs and guns terrorizing residents in Castle Hill and Parkchester. With street names like "Butt Naked" and "L Murda" 23 members of the gangs were indicted on a 217-count grand jury indictment, Bronx District Attorney Robert Johnson announced. 



“With these arrests and indictments, we have been able to prevent further violence from occurring," Johnson said. "This is part of our ongoing drive to combat gun violence and drugs, to make the streets of the Bronx even safer for our deserving, hard-working citizens.”



Dubbed Operation Black Stone, the NYPD made simultaneous arrests of most of those who are charged; two more defendants were in custody.



The most serious charges involve attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and enterprise corruption, under the New York State statutes that target organized crime and activities of criminal enterprises.  



It is alleged that, at the top level, was the UGSN.  Under the jurisdiction of that umbrella organization were eight branches, known as “Kaves,” of which the Black Stone Gorilla Gangstas (BSGG) was one.  Another was the GSG – Gorilla Stone Gangstas.



Those alleged BSGG and UGSN leaders/members under indictment for Enterprise Corruption are:



Rahsaan "Low Rider" Samuels, age 39, alleged to be the leader of UGSN

Cory "Angry" Hickson, age 27, alleged to be the leader of the BSGG

Leon "L Murda" Lewis, age 30, alleged to lead GSG

Hameed "Dyno" Abdul-Jabbar, age 21

Robert "EZ" Alvarez, age 27

Jhon "Tito" Bernabel, age 21

Daniel "D-Rock " Diaz, age 24

Kwesi "Beast"/"Rozay" Ferguson, age 28

Joshua "Pookie" Garcia, age 24

Tyrell "Rell" Griffin, age 35

Justin "Ram Rock" Guzman, age 25

Brandon “Untouchable Dot” Nieves, age 29

Angel “Ace” Pagan, age 26

Jeffrey “Stacks”/”J.J.” Perez, age 25



Additionally, a number of BSGG and UGSN associates were indicted for a variety of related offenses, from conspiracy to commit murder to narcotics sales, committed over the course of the investigation. Those indicted for these related offenses are:



Randy “Scrams” Allen, age 32

Asante "PI" Blake, age 33              

Calyn Diaz, age 18

Michael “Butt Naked” Hamilton, age 23

Matthew Harris, age 32

Dario "Dee O" Miranda, age 18

Kelvin “Kapo” Mosquea, age 24

Jeffrey “Stacks”/”J.J.” Perez, age 25

Amaury “Gotti” Urena, age 25

Annette "Netty” Zabala 



Beginning in September of 2013, detectives with the NYPD Bronx Gang Squad, working with the Rackets Bureau of the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, initiated an investigation into narcotics trafficking and violence perpetrated by members of The Black Stone Gorilla Gangstas (“BSGG”) as well as other kaves, all organized under the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (“UGSN”), a principal branch of the Bloods Gang. 



Starting in May of 2014, the investigation into the crimes of UGSN members included the use of court-approved wiretaps on an extensive number of cellular telephones belonging to a number of UGSN members. Evidence developed over the wiretapped telephones established a wide reaching criminal enterprise that engaged in a multitude of illegal criminal activities to generate income and exert control over particular areas within Bronx County, as well as other jurisdictions.



The reach of UGSN, as determined during the course of the investigation, extended far beyond the borders of the Bronx. Over the wiretapped telephones, defendants were intercepted allegedly directly contacting fellow UGSN members in other jurisdictions, coordinating ongoing illegal activities on behalf of the criminal enterprise. It is also alleged they regularly discussed criminal activities of fellow gang members that had occurred in other New York counties or in other states. And, it is further alleged that some members of the UGSN regularly traveled to Maryland to commit crimes.



The crimes perpetrated by UGSN members, amongst others, included an extensive number of illegal narcotics sales, possession and/or sale of illegal firearms, as well as violent criminal offenses and conspiracies to commit violent felonies.



As detailed in the indictment, the crimes committed by the defendants were crimes committed on behalf of, and in furtherance of UGSN, a structured criminal organization with a defined hierarchy of leaders that demands strict allegiance by all its members. In fact, the UGSN employed a rigid hierarchical structure, which included positions ranging from top-ranked members to street soldiers.



“This operation is another example of the NYPD targeting a group of individuals responsible for a disproportionate amount of violence and narcotic trafficking,” said Police Commissioner William J. Bratton. “These alleged gang members who compromised the quality of life of Bronx residents were arrested and indicted thanks to the hard work of the Gang Squad Bronx, the prosecutors at the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners who continue to work together to protect our communities.”



“Today we dismantled a criminal organization responsible for flooding Bronx streets with large amounts of cocaine,” said Raymond R. Parmer Jr., special agent in charge Homeland Security Investigations New York. “New York City residents deserve communities free of dangerous drugs and the violence that comes with them, and HSI will continue working with our law enforcement partners to bring  these offenders to justice.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Legionnaires Outbreak

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Legionnaires Outbreak: Health Dept Investigating #Legionnaires Outbreak BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS) - Thirty-one cases have been reported since July 10. The...

#Legionnaires Outbreak

Health Dept Investigating #Legionnaires Outbreak

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- Thirty-one cases have been reported since July 10. There have also been two deaths reported in patients with Legionnaires' disease in these neighborhoods. The Health Department is actively investigating these deaths and their relationship to the outbreak. The Health 

Department is testing water from cooling towers and other potential sources in the area to determine the source of the outbreak. New Yorkers with respiratory symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills and muscle aches, are advised to promptly seek medical attention.

“We are concerned about this unusual increase in Legionnaires’ disease cases in the South Bronx,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett. “We are conducting a swift investigation to determine the source of the outbreak and prevent future cases. I urge anyone with symptoms to seek medical attention right away.”

Legionnaires' disease is caused by the bacteria Legionella. Additional symptoms include: headache, fatigue, loss of appetite, confusion and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear two to 10 days after significant exposure to Legionella bacteria. Most cases of Legionnaires’ disease can be traced to plumbing systems where conditions are favorable for Legionella growth, such as whirlpool spas, hot tubs, humidifiers, hot water tanks, cooling towers, and evaporative condensers of large air-conditioning systems.

Legionnaires' disease cannot be spread from person to person. Groups at high risk for Legionnaire’s disease include people who are middle-aged or older – especially cigarette smokers – people with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems and people who take medicines that weaken their immune systems (immunosuppressive drugs). Those with symptoms should call their doctor and ask about testing for Legionnaire’s disease.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Heatwave tips

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): #Heatwave tips: Tips for Keeping Cool, Saving Energy During Heat Wave                                                                             BRONX, NE...

#Heatwave tips

Tips for Keeping Cool, Saving Energy During Heat Wave

                                                                           BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- With temperatures expected to be above 90 degrees starting today and through the week, Con Edison wants to remind customers to use energy wisely, while saving money. New Yorkers can stay cool all summer by following these ten money-saving conservation tips:

1. Set your AC to the highest comfortable temperature. Every degree you lower the thermostat drives up your bill by 6 percent.

2. To reduce heat and moisture in your home, run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it’s cooler outside.

3. Cook with a microwave or barbecue outside, if possible.

4. When the AC is running, close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out. Shop owners are reminded not to keep front doors open while running air conditioning inside. This is a waste of energy, and puts a strain on the grid.

5. Keep shades, blinds and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.

6. Even when using AC, use ceiling and other fans to provide additional cooling and better circulation.

7. Turn off AC units, lights and other appliances when not at home and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home.

8. Keep AC filters clean.

9. Replace old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star appliances.

10. Con Edison offers a variety of energy-efficiency programs for this summer. 

The coolNYC program connects customers with smart technology to control their room air conditioners from their computer or mobile device. Customers whose air conditioners are not Wi-Fi-enabled can buy a smart AC kit or borrow one for free and keep it if they participate in at least three heat events. Customers with Wi-Fi-connected Friedrich Kühl or Frigidaire Cool-Connect units can enroll these ENERGY STAR ACs and earn up to $125 in rewards. Learn more by visiting:www.coolnycprogram.com

Replacing an old air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR unit can reduce energy usage by 15 percent. Con Edison will pay a $20 rebate to customers who buy a new ENERGY STAR air conditioner.

Customers can report outages and check service restoration status atwww.conEd.com or by calling 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633).  When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power.

Customers who report outages will be called by Con Edison with their estimated restoration times as they become available.

Also, download Con Edison’s new freeiPhone and Android app, My conEdison, to report and check the status of a power problem, and view the company’s interactive online outage map.

#Heatwave #ConEd

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Shirtless Man Dances ON Subway Tracks

Caught on Camera: Bronx Man Used as Target Practice for Gunman

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A Rare #Yankee Stadium Victory for NYCFC

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): A Rare #Yankee Stadium Victory for NYCFC: A Rare #Yankee Stadium Victory for NYCFC  By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)-  The two MLS freshman clubs of the 2015 se...

A Rare #Yankee Stadium Victory for NYCFC

A Rare #Yankee Stadium Victory for NYCFC 

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK (BRONX NEWS)- The two MLS freshman clubs of the 2015 season, NYC FC (6‐9‐6) and Orlando City SC (6‐9‐6), met for the second time this year on Sunday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. Their first meeting was their first match of the season, a 1‐1 draw, before a huge crowd of more than 62,000 at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando.

Judging by the play earlier in the season, it appeared Orlando would be the favorite. The visitors have the second best record on the road while NYC has the worst home mark.

A large crowd of 32,041 were present for Latin American day celebration. Latino students were honored. The very talented City Beats, a 15-piece band that entertains fans across the street before all contests and during the matches in the Stadium, played a medley of Latin music during the halftime intermission. New York Yankees fans received a thrill of again seeing Yankees icon Bernie Williams on the field as he performed the National Anthem. The talented musician exhibited his skill on the guitar by his excellent rendition.

The soccer fans had a wonderful opportunity to see several world renowned superstars during the contest. Kaká of Orlando was the FIFA Player of the Year in 2007, Andrea Pirlo of NYC, in his first match with them, was on the 2006 World Cup Champs and David Villa was on the 2010 World Cup winners.

The first goal came in the closing minute of the first half on a shot by Viila, his 11th of the season. Goals came much more quickly in the second half. Cyle Larin, a Canadian, scored the first of his three goals to tie the game in the 50th minute. The score was knotted again in the 61st minute after both teams scored. After two more NYC goals in the following 10 minutes, the home victory was ensured. Although Villa scored twice and Kwadwo Poku had three assists, the post‐game attention was given to Italian international Piro in his first contest for NYC.

NYC coach Jason Kreis said of Pirlo, “He’s a special player. He can really open up the game. He made a big difference for us today after only four days of practice.”

His new teammate, Villa, also was fulsome in praise, “It was fantastic to play with him today. There are very few players at that level. He will give a lot of confidence to the young players.”

Another new international addition, Frank Lampard, may soon the club.

The 5‐3 victory was very important to NYC as the three points tie them with Orlando for 6th place. Six teams in each division qualify for the playoffs.

#Soccer #NYCFC #YankeeStadium

Gunman shoots up Bronx street caught on tape

#Yankees are doing it all

Offense, Defense and Pitching: #Yankees are doing it all  

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, JULY 23- Can the pitching, offense and at times defense continue for the New York Yankees that has propelled them to a six game advantage in the Al East? The Baltimore Orioles, just days ago came to the Bronx within reach of the division lead but they have quickly faded off the map after their second loss in two nights to the sizzling Yankees in the Bronx.

Tuesday night it was the pitching and the offense, plus an occasional sparkling play on the field that put the Orioles away. Wednesday night it was the same formula and two of the veterans again, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira, supplied the long ball in the Yankees 4-3 win.

Ivan Nova (2-3) got the win. His 6.0 innings and two earned runs, with a sinker that started bad and ended good, snapped a career high three-game losing streak. The way the Yankees have been hitting the home runs, distinctly different from the last two years, the effort from Nova was sufficient.

And the way the Yankees bullpen has been finishing off games, another one-run game was good for a win, though Andrew Miller made it interesting giving up a two-out home run in the ninth to Chris Davis in earning his 22nd save.

“We felt pretty good that some guys could have bounce back years and be productive for us,” the manager Joe Girardi said about the MVP seasons that Rodriguez and Teixeira have displayed.  

Girardi said, if they stayed healthy this type of production would be expected. The soon to be 40-year old Rodriguez is showing no signs of the declining player that was expected after hitting his 20th home run and knocking in his 54th run in the fifth inning.  The home run perhaps to many added another milestone to his controversial career, and it was the longest one hit at Yankee Stadium this season that went deep into the left center field bleachers. 

And it was the first time since 2010 that A-Rod hit the 20 home run mark.Teixeira had his fourth straight multi-hit game and his  two-run homer to deep right in the first, his 24th, added to his team RBI lead with 66. That opened a Yankees 3-0 lead and with these numbers is headed to a 45 home run and 120 RBI season.

MVP numbers for both players, more importantly production coming from two players that have a combined 44 home runs, and a reason the Yankees are number two in baseball with the home run.

“Knock on wood,’ Girardi said, adding they are healthy and there is no doubt that the remaining two months of the season they need to remain healthy. Girardi is also not shy to say what Rodriguez has done with a comment, “ more than expected.”

Teixeira, on the other hand was quick to remind everyone that he saw the production coming from Rodriguez, and knew that his health was always an issue that reduced his production the past two years. So the Yankees are getting what they need from two key players that were not there last year.

“He’s showing that I’m the smartest guy in baseball,” Teixeira commented about the production he said would come from Rodriguez. That got a laugh from media members, and by all standards it has been surprising production from someone who sat out all of last year, and supposedly gets his at bats with two bad hips as the regular designated hitter.

Once again Rodriguez said “Joe is a good leader,” and that goes back to spring training when it was best decided by Girardi that A-Rod would be more productive and of better use being inserted in the DH spot. 

Teixeira added, about how the Yankees are starting to take command of their division: “ You get starting pitching the way we have the past few days it’s easier to do  The starting pitching sets the tone.  It allows us to play our game and keeps us in every game too.”

Nathan Eovaldi gave the Yankees almost six good innings the night before and Masahiro Tanaka, showing no signs of elbow issues, gets the ball for the series final Thursday afternoon and he has won his last two starts.

And as Teixeira said, the one run games because of the pitching and the dominant bullpen, have put the Yankees where they are. New York has played five straight one-run games since the all-star break and won four.   

“It’s as good as anyone in baseball,” he said about the Yankees’ pen. “In close games a lot of it is, whose bullpen is better.”  And it is huge when the starters can rely on the pen that has quickly become a tbird best in baseball.

But more importantly, the defense is helping to keep runs from coming across. Teixeira prevented the Orioles from possibly scoring two runs in the fifth inning by grabbing a one-hop throw from Chase Headley at third. If not, the ball could have went down the right field line.    

“Our defensive play has won us some games this year,” Girardi said. But it is well known, a healthy and productive offense from Rodriguez and Teixeira are a huge factor that sees the Yankees 11-games over .500 and widening that gap in their division.

Still a lot of baseball left to play and Girardi keeps reminding everyone about that factor. But for the moment the Yankees are comfortable and there is every reason to be talking with confidence.

Comment Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com  Twitter@Ring786  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso