Was Pol Railroaded in Bribe Conviction? Former Aide says ‘Yes’

Was Pol Railroaded in Bribe Conviction?
Former Aide says ‘Yes’

100 PERCENT

By Robert press

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 23- Letting you know well in advance, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. will be holding his “State of the Borough” address on Thursday, February 20th at Hostos Community college 450 Grand Concourse, starting at 11:30 a.m. It is expected that all major elected officials from Mayor Bill de Blasio to each and every Bronx council, member, and some from other boroughs will be in attendance. The only problem with scheduling an event in the winter is the weather. All one has to do is ask Councilman Andy King what bad weather can do, as he had to reschedule his inauguration when a huge snow storm canceled almost everything. I do hope the weather is good for BP Diaz.

The Liberty Democratic Association has scheduled an event for Sunday, January 26th. Since its President is now Councilman Ritchie Torres there is a vacancy for the position of President, and there is also an open position of treasurer of the club. It is quite possible that another position could open up if another officer decides to run for and win one of the two current vacant seats. The election is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. with Liberty's New Year Party starting at 2 p.m. The location is the community room of Janel Towers 801 Neil Avenue, and you can call Joe McManus at (718) 644-1841 or Monica Major at (917) 208-3886 for more information.

On Sunday, February 9th the Bronx Republican Party is having a Lincoln Brunch from 2 – 4 p.m. at Villa Barrone Manor located at 737 Throggs Neck Expressway. This could be the rebirth of the Bronx Republican Party as there are many prominent Republican leaders statewide who are expected. They include possible 2014 Gubernatorial candidate Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, former U.S. Attorney Michael Garcia, former Republican mayoral candidate Joe Lhota, New York State Republican Party Chair Ed Cox, and many other local and state Republican officials. For more information you can check my blog archive for the listing Republican Brunch or you can go to TheBronxGOP.org.

State Senator Jeff Klein stopped by the Morris Park Community Association this past Friday for “Bedtime Story Time”. Many pajama clad children listened to Senator Klein read to them from the collection of children's books that were on hand at the MPCA office. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see photos of this event including MPCA President Tony Signorile, Vice President Al D'Angelo, and Treasurer Chris Allessandro receiving a check for $250.00 to help subsidize the cost of the holiday lights this past holiday season.

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has announced that for the third quarter of 2013 all tax revenue is down $534 million dollars from the projected totals.

Also down was former State Senate Democratic Conference Leader (in 2010 when Democrats controlled the state senate) John Sampson's cash flow. According to Sampson's January filing his negative cash flow has increased from -$20,283.60 in 2013 to -$40,724.41 in this latest filing. It is also reported that Sampson will face a primary for his state senate seat. It will be a tough year for some in the State Senate this election year as several members have announced that they will be retiring, while others should face tougher than usual primaries. Right now it is anybody’s guess as to just how the state senate will break down Democratic or Republican, and then there is as some loyal Democrats who say and the 4 members of the IDC.

Lastly, I had an opportunity to speak to one of former Assemblyman Eric Stevenson's staffers who said that the former assemblyman was railroaded into the conviction. He said that evidence from Stevenson's lawyer was suppressed, and the staffer claims that government witness, Sigfredo Gonzalez, lied on the stand. As for getting Con Edison to turn on the gas quickly, the normal route of going to the person who works with elected officials was used, and it still took 6 months to get the gas turned on. He also said that he was in the room with the government witness, Sigfredo Gonzalez, when the recording was turned off by Gonzalez. He said that the reason the convicted Russian owners of the day care centers were not called was because they never gave Assemblyman Stevenson any money. He added that the feds got Sifredo Gonzalez when he was caught by them when Gonzalez tried to use former Assemblyman Nelson Castro who was wired by the U.S. Attorney. There was also talk of the Bronx Democratic County organization being a target, and the current and past county leaders also in the sights of the U.S. Attorney, as well as others close to the county leaders. He ended by saying that Eric Stevenson would appeal the conviction on several points.

If you have 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.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Who is Pitching Phenom Masahiro Tanaka?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Who is Pitching Phenom Masahiro Tanaka?: By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 23- Two days before the deadline for Masahiro Tanaka to sign with a major league team or retur...

Who is Pitching Phenom Masahiro Tanaka?

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 23- Two days before the deadline for Masahiro Tanaka to sign with a major league team or return to his club in Japan, the New York Yankees announced the signing of the Japanese pitcher. Thus, they won the big sweepstakes of the 2014 pre-season with this signing. Several teams including the Dodgers, Cubs, White Sox and Diamondbacks were making a strong effort to sign the 25- year-old Japanese right handed hurler.

Although the young pitcher has yet to throw a pitch in MLB, he signed the fifth highest contract for a pitcher in the history of the majors. He was given $155 million for seven years with an opt-out clause after the fourth year in 2017. As the team that signed Tanaka, the Yankees will also have to pay the $20 million posting fee to the Rakuten Golden Eagles of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). 

Tanaka began playing organized baseball as a little leaguer in his native country. He was a highly touted pitcher in high school before joining the Golden Eagles at the age of 18.

He immediately lived up to expectations as he was elected Rookie of the Year in 2007. 

Tanaka won 99 while dropping only 35 decisions in seven seasons in the Pacific League with an ERA of 2.30. He fanned 1,236 batters in 1,315 innings in 175 games. Unlike recent MLB stats, the righty completed 53 of his 172 starts. His strikeout/walk ratio is a startling 4.5-1 (1,236/275). 

His most recent three seasons were played at an even higher level of performance. He was 53-9 with a miniscule ERA of 1.44. Last year, he had a perfect 24-0 mark. 

The 25 year-old has pitched against international competition in the 2008 Olympics and in the World Baseball Classic (WBC) 2009 and 2013.

Obtaining the services of Tanaka has been a goal of the Yankees. The retirement of Andy Pettitte and the decision not to sign Phil Hughes left the team short two starters. The farm system of the Yankees has few, if any, pitchers who could make the jump to the majors and keep the team in the hunt for the championship. Tanaka will join Sabathia, Kuroda, and Nova in the rotation with a fifth starter, perhaps Pineda or Phelps, to be decided in Spring Training.

The Yankee ownership has, judging by the signings of McCann, Ellsbury, Beltran and Tanaka, shown dissatisfaction with an 85-win season in which they finished out of the playoffs for only the second time in the last 19 seasons.  

Although keeping this year’s salary below $189 million has been an organization goal, managing partner Hal Steinbrenner, at the press conferences for the signing of Jacoby Ellsbury and Carlos Beltran, made it clear having a championship caliber team was the paramount objective. A Wednesday afternoon conference call, the Yankees general manager, Brian Cashman, remarked that these signings are proof that Hank and Hal Steinbrenner are very serious regarding raising the franchise to a level where they can compete for the World Series title.

Why the Yankees desired to obtain the services of Tanaka is much more obvious than why he chose the Yankees. There may be many reasons why he chose the Yankees, playing in New York City, having experienced players from his homeland like Hiroki Kuroda and Ichiro Suzuki as teammates, having his songstress wife, Mai Stoda, further here career in the international city, or receiving a call from former Yankee Hideki Matsui of his favorable experiences as a Yankee. The reasoning may be revealed at his first press conference as a Yankee.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Joel Osteen Returns to Yankee Stadium

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Joel Osteen Returns to Yankee Stadium: BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 22- On Saturday, June 7, 2014, Joel and Victoria Osteen will hold their 6 th annual “America’s Night of Hope” ...

Joel Osteen Returns to Yankee Stadium

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 22- On Saturday, June 7, 2014, Joel and Victoria Osteen will hold their 6^th annual “America’s Night of Hope” at Yankee Stadium; an evening of hope and inspiration expected to draw over 55,000 people from across the country.   

This is the second America’s Night of Hope at Yankee Stadium.  The first was on April 25, 2009 — nine days after the new ballpark opened — and was the first non-baseball event held at the venue. These annual stadium-sized events have also been held at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles (2010), U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago (2011), Nationals Park in Washington D.C. (2012) and Marlins Park in Miami (2013).

“Victoria and I love the people of New York,” said Pastor Joel Osteen. “We’re excited to be at Yankee Stadium again, and we believe people will be uplifted and filled with an expectation that their best days are still to come.” 

As a part of the activities surrounding “America’s Night of Hope,” Joel Osteen Ministries will reach into New York City’s local communities with hundreds of volunteers – many from Houston – in order to bring hope through acts of kindness and compassion. Known as The Generation Hope Project® this effort is a major part of the America’s Night of Hope event and, since 2012, has already provided thousands of volunteer hours of service through work projects at schools, parks, and community centers in Washington D.C. and Miami, Florida.  This year’s Generation Hope Project® will focus on mentoring — developing one-to-one relationships in which one person fosters the personal and professional growth of someone else.  Volunteers will have an opportunity to work with young people who need strong adult role models.  

To volunteer, sign up at www.generationhopeproject.com.

Tickets are $15.00 and are available January 25 at www.joelosteen.com or Ticketmaster outlets.

*Not including facility and ticketing fees.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Is He Worth the Ca$h?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Is He Worth the Ca$h?: Is He Worth the Ca$h? Tanaka is a risk for Yanks but the rotation looks better to put them on top By Rich Mancuso BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY...

Is He Worth the Ca$h?

Is He Worth the Ca$h?

Tanaka is a risk for Yanks but the rotation looks better to put them on top

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 22- Spending never was an issue with the New York Yankees and that $189 million salary threshold by all means was not going to stop them. No, spending is not an issue when this organization is idle and not playing baseball in October. And for the Yankees it is not right to be watching, instead of playing baseball in October.

Throw away a theory that the Yankees were not going to spend their precious money, and with the agreement in place to sign Japanese right-hander Masaharo Tanaka, they may have assured themselves of playing baseball again this October.

Well from all accounts it appears the Yankees will play baseball in October. It is a long season. There are still questions about the infield with an aging Derek Jeter over at shortstop; second quality talent to fill the holes at second; at first Mark Teixeira is coming off an injury ridden season.

At seven years and $155 million, with an opt-out clause after four years, the seventh highest contract granted to a pitcher, Tanaka is a risk because he has never thrown a Major League Baseball pitch. But, the Yankees feel they got what they needed.

They saw Tanaka enough to be convinced, his 24-0 record and 1.27 ERA last season with the Rakuten Golden Eagles will work here. They may have solved the missing pieces of a puzzle. It gives manager Joe Girardi the leisure of throwing left-hander and ace CC Sabathia, followed by right-handers Hiroki Kuroda, Tanaka, Ivan Nova and David Phelps.

And Michael Pineda, who has not thrown a pitch since being acquired two years ago, could be the other right-hander in the mix along with Vidal Nuno who threw some quality pitches last season.   

A risk of seven years, Tanaka is one of four active pitchers now to have thrown over 1,000 innings, at or before 24-years of age.  The Yankees had the leverage to spend more with the departure of Robinson Cano to Seattle and the certain season-long suspension of Alex Rodriguez.  

So the Yankees were the team once again this off-season spending the money. With acquiring contracts of Jacoby Ellsbury, Brian McCann and Carlos Beltran, and now Tanaka, that is a combined $491 million.

Say what you want, this reminds one of the late George Steinbrenner. He took out his wallet and they came to the Bronx. The Steinbrenner sons, Hal and Hank, did not appear to be on that spending spree and perhaps the long-term and bad contract of A-Rod was a reason why.

However, the Yankees do not like to be idle in October. Declining attendance and hearing boos in the new house “That George built” was a message sent to baseball that they were not going to stand still. They threw out the bad A-Rod contract theory, and had the money.

All of a sudden a threshold of $189 million was insignificant.

Of course that figure is not important, because from all standards the Yankees have improved by spending money. However, the signing of Tanaka and others does not assure they will go all the way. With improvements they have made a step to be in the post-season this October.

It was 2009, the last time the Yankees spent all this money. You remember, the last time the team won a World Series with Sabathia, A.J. Burnett, oh, and a guy named Alex Rodriguez.

That is in the past of this illustrious Yankees franchise. The emphasis is now and the need to possibly find a replacement for Mariano Rivera, the all-time saves leader because David Robertson may not be suited for that role.

In the meantime, Tanaka will adjust to the different game and pitching to Major League baseball talent. He will get help from Kuroda and Ichiro Suzuki who may have influenced his decision coming to the Bronx, a second factor of course to the contract.    

Tanaka tossed eight complete games and recorded two shutouts last season in Japan. He can make a big difference in a pitching staff that still had some question marks but that remains to be determined.

What has been determined is the Yankees have spent their money again, something that had never been an issue. And this latest signing of Tanaka assured that the organization will never be content unless they are playing baseball in October.

Time will tell if the Tanaka investment was worth the long-term risk. Rest assured for the moment it made the Yankees a better team in their quest for an October return.

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

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Snow Days

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Snow Days: Snow Days The Do's and Don'ts in Snow Removal COMMUNITY BOARD NEWS N’ VIEWS by Father Richard F. Gorman Chairman Community Board #12...

Snow Days

Snow Days

The Do's and Don'ts in Snow Removal

COMMUNITY BOARD

NEWS N’ VIEWS

by

Father Richard F. Gorman

Chairman

Community Board #12 (The Bronx)

“I will follow a set of deep tracks;

other people all stay hidden

as the cars rest under snow drifts.”

“SNOW DAY” by MATT POND PA

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 22- MATT POND PA is a New York-based band formed in Philadelphia by singer-songwriter Matt Pond. They have released a goodly number of

songs, some of which became “hits” and several of which have been used

in both films and television commercials, since 1998. Pond has been

the only consistent member of the group, although Chris Hansen is

considered to be the core member of the group. In the studio, they

often collaborate with other musicians, including former members, in

order to achieve their diverse instrumentation and expansive sound. In

recent years, Pond and Hansen have produced their recordings from a

cabin in Bearsville, New York. In November of 2010, their song quoted

above entitled "SNOW DAY" was featured in a commercial for STARBUCKS

for the java giant’s "BUY ONE HOLIDAY DRINK, GET ONE FREE" promotion

and seasonal beverage advertisements.

Although we have kept company with “Ole Man Winter” for approximately

a month’s time, we no doubt have severely felt his lash on a number of

occasions with some real Arctic-type weather conditions that he has

foisted upon us. In my last column, I addressed the bitterly cold

temperatures and offered some suggestions as to how we can remain safe

when the thermometer plummets. This time around, I should like to

remind all about some “do’s” and “don’ts” with regard to snow safety

and snow removal.

The most important “do” or responsibility when it comes to snow

removal is the obligation of a person in charge of any building or lot

--  be that individual the owner, occupant, or tenant  --  to clear

the sidewalk of snow and/or ice. Please note that there are specific

times designated for the fulfillment of this legal obligation. One

must clean the sidewalk no later than four hours after the snow has

stopped falling or by eleven o’clock in the morning if the snow/ice

was still coming down after nine o’clock (9:00 P.M.) the prior

evening.

Of course, one might legitimately and sensibly inquire if the

aforesaid duty remains in effect even if the snow or ice becomes so

frozen that it is literally impossible to remove.  The answer is that,

in such an instance, the responsible individual may spread sand, salt,

sawdust, cat litter that is clean and unused, or any other suitable

substance on sidewalk instead. However, it must be noted that the

aforementioned time limits still apply and remain in effect. It must

be further borne in mind that, as soon as the weather and other

conditions reasonably permit, the responsible party MUST have the

sidewalk thoroughly cleaned.

These prerequisites of law would appear, prima facie, to be both fair

and prudent.  Indeed, they are. They merely remind a conscientious

citizen of his/her obligations as a good neighbor. However, might it

be the case that one seeking to live up to this mandate might not be

able to justifiably undertake and realistically accomplish it?

Obviously, the response is YES! Does this excuse one, though, from

performance of one’s snow removal duty? The reply in this case is

conversely: “CERTAINLY NOT!” If one is ill, infirm, incapacitated or

elderly, the responsibility to clear the sidewalk remains in effect.

Such a person must then engage someone else to take care of matters

for him/her. Is this expectation perhaps too harsh or out of all

proportion? Such does not have to be the case. I shall return to this

point a tad further on.

Other stipulations relative to snow removal come under the “don’t”

category. These, to my mind, are a matter of simple self-interest and

basic prudence even more so than a matter of law. Regrettably, far too

many of our area residents  --  and I am particularly embarrassed to

report that there were many of my very own neighbors in Community

Board #12 (The Bronx) who are guilty in this regard  --  who

apparently are gravely lacking in knowledge, courtesy, compassion,

self-respect, respect for others, or a proper sense of civic pride and

duty because they DID  --  either in ignorance of information or

ignorance that indicates indifference and callousness  --  these

“DON’T’S,”  --  viz.”: covered and/or left snow-bound nearby fire

hydrants; threw snow back onto streets cleaned by our “STRONGEST,” the

men and the women of our New York City Department of Sanitation

(N.Y.C.D.O.S.); parked motor vehicles at an angle so as to encroach on

the roadway and consequently impede the safe flow of traffic.

To these folks, I merely inquire if they have ever considered the real

possibility of what happens in case of an emergency, such as a fire or

the need of a neighbor for emergency medical assistance. Will fire

fighters be able to connect fire hoses to a hydrant without expending

precious time and wasted efforts? Will an emergency vehicle be able to

get down a street obstructed by an improperly  --  and I might add

illegally  --  parked motor vehicle? Will I endanger others, including

drivers, pedestrians, and next-door neighbors, and/or their personal

property  --  e.g., motor vehicles, fences, homes, and front yards  --

by causing streets already cleared by N.Y.C.D.O.S. to be encumbered

once again by mounds of snow or to be imperiled by snow that has

melted and subsequently frozen?  Seriously, what is the major mental

malfunction in this regard?

Let’s not waste any more space or energy commiserating the

carelessness hard-headedness and hard-heartedness of the few. Permit

me to speak proactively and constructively to the many by respectfully

suggesting the following: check on elderly, homebound, or handicapped

neighbors in the event of a snow storm in order to insure that they

have adequate heat, food, water, and other necessary supplies;

(picking up from where I left off above with respect to those who

cannot clean their own sidewalks of snow and/or ice) lend a helping

hand to those who cannot clear their sidewalks on their own accord;

throw shoveled snow and/or ice along the edge of the sidewalk or in

one’s front yard and NEVER into a plowed street; be a good neighbor

and a smart person by clearing nearby fire hydrants and sewer openings

of any obstructions; if in doubt or in question, call your Community

Board, dial “3-1-1,” or consult the municipal website, www.nyc.gov.

For those who do not willingly step up to the plate and unfortunately

only react to punitive incentives, please know that failure to perform

one’s snow removal responsibilities sufficiently and satisfactorily is

punishable by law with fines ranging from $100 to $350. Throwing snow

into the street is AGAINST THE LAW and will cost money to the

Sanitation Department (who must waste our precious tax dollars

repeating a task already done once) and also to the sinner, who, if

discovered, is subject to the abovementioned fines. Parking a motor

vehicle in a manner that jeopardizes traffic safety may lead to the

issuance of a traffic summons.  Impeding the work of our first

responders  --  N.Y.P.D., F.D.N.Y., and E.M.T.’s  --  can result in

both criminal penalties along with possible civil liability.

In closing, I address this final word to our young people. You are

good. You are thoughtful and considerate. You care about others. You

recognize injustice. You dream of a world that can and should be

kinder, gentler, and better. You have the capacity and the

determination to undertake this quest and to get it underway. We, your

elders, have failed you in many ways. We do not always give you good

example. We do not always practice what we preach. We have not always

counseled you wisely and imparted wholesome and virtuous values. We

have not made our schools the best that they can and should be for

you. We have not provided you with needed jobs, opportunities for

recreation and socialization, and productive outlets for your energies

and magnificent to God-given gifts.

Nevertheless, this does not mean that you, young friends, have nothing

to offer both to yourself and to others. You are not off--the-hook.

You have no right to waste your time.  You have no justification for

bad behavior. You have no excuse to break the law. You have every

obligation to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” You

have the capacity to so love and to be so mature. Ergo, I make of you

this simple request: will you be a good neighbor as God has asked all

of us to be? Will you be your neighbor’s keeper? Will you be that Good

Samaritan who comes to the rescue of those in need on the road of

life? Would you kindly consider doing some snow and ice removal in the

event of more inclement weather? Will you do it for your own family?

Better still, will you do it for an elderly, sick, or incapacitated

next-door neighbor? Will you make a grocery run for the homebound?

Will you start to be the good person and productive citizen that we

all know you can be? Please, just think about it.

In the meantime, I urge all to practice the sagacious advice of our

new Mayor, The Honorable Bill de Blasio, for his fellow

snow-shovelers: “BEND YOUR KNEES AND NOT YOUR BACK!”

Stay warm and dry!

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Five Bravest Injured in Scanlan H.S. Blaze

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Five Bravest Injured in Scanlan H.S. Blaze: (Photos by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 20- Five firefighters, battling a stubborn blaze at Monsignor Scanlan ...

Five Bravest Injured in Scanlan H.S. Blaze

(Photos by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 20- Five firefighters, battling a stubborn blaze at Monsignor Scanlan High School, suffered minor injuries and after a preliminary investigation, the cause remains suspicious.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the school, located at 915 Hutchinson River Parkway in the Schuylerville section at 6:05 p.m. on January 17.

The three-alarm blaze began in the school's boiler room and quickly spread to two upper floors, seriously damaging a chapel and a science lab.

Assistant Fire Chief William Seelig stated, "They (firefighter's) were chasing fire from one floor to another and they were able to cut the fire off before it extended into the main five-story building."

The fire was declared under control after two hours. No students were in the building at the time of the blaze and all faculty members were able to self-evacuate.

The school would be closed Monday for the Dr. Martin Luther King holiday and it was unknown if the 400-students would be allowed to return to the school on January 21, when students were scheduled to take science mid-terms.

School officials were expected to meet with officials from the Archdiocese of New York and officials from the Mayor's Office of Emergency Management in an effort to asses the damage and possibly bring in portable generators that would restore heat to the building.

The school's website thanked the members of the FDNY.   

Tags: FDNY, Fire, Bravest, Injured, Scanlan High School

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Boulevard of Death?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Boulevard of Death?: By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 16- Two Bronxites getting ready to celebrate the holidays were rundown in separate incidents, ju...

Boulevard of Death?

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 16- Two Bronxites getting ready to celebrate the holidays were rundown in separate incidents, just two-blocks away from each other on the Grand Concourse-- during a 25-hour period leading up to Christmas Eve. The horror highlights the traffic problem on the Concourse which some activists are calling the new “Boulevard of Death.”

The still-unidentified 26-year-old male victim remains hospitalized at St. Barnabas Hospital after being struck by a 1999 BMW SUV at the corner of the Grand Concourse and E. 198 Street, at just before 7 p.m. on December 23.

At the time, the victim was said to be in critical condition and was not expected to live. The victim has since been upgraded to critical, but stable.

Police would later charge the driver Freddie Rodriguez, 49, of Cold Spring, NY with DWI.

According to the Bronx District Attorney's office, Rodriguez was arraigned on December 24 and released on his own recognizance. He returns to court later this month.

According to the criminal complaint, Rodriguez was unsteady on his feet and slurring his words when he admitted to a witness that he'd just returned from a Christmas party, when he offered, "I only had a couple of drinks. I can't believe this happened."

The complaint also states that Rodriguez would later tell a police officer, "I never hit anybody before. I had a couple of Chivas Regals."

Less information is available on the second victim, a woman who was struck by an SUV on the corner of E. 196 Street and the Grand Concourse at just before 8 p.m. on December 24.

According to witnesses at the scene, including two family members of the victim-- the victim was collateral damage after a 2-vehicle,  chain-reaction crash that pushed the first vehicle into the crosswalk.

This victim was transported to St. Barnabas Hospital and was expected to make a complete recovery.

A section of the Grand Concourse between E. 161 Street and E. 167 Street underwent an $18 million redevelopment project that was completed in 2008. The project included widened medians and improved lighting.

After completion of the project there had been talk to redevelop the section between E. 167 Street and E. 171 Street, but that plan has apparently stalled.

Longtime Bedford Park resident Karen Mendez, a mother of four children, lives on the Grand Concourse between the two intersections where the victims were hit. She says it has been, "many years" since any work has been done on the 10-lane thoroughfare.

Asked if she felt safe crossing the Grand Concourse, Mendez replied, "Only sometimes, because the cars often pass the red light. I'm concerned for my kids. They need to try something new like the cameras... because they (the drivers) don't care."

Other recent incidents along the Concourse include a May 19, 2013 crash in which Zuleimi Torres, 16, was killed and two others were seriously injured by an out-of-control SUV at E. 172 Street and the Grand Concourse. The unidentified driver suffered an undisclosed medical condition and faced no criminal charges.

On August 31, 2012, Melanie Sasser, a 29-year old deaf mother,  was struck and killed by a livery driver as she texted and crossed the Concourse and E. 198 Street. That crash was also deemed an accident and no charges were filed.

On July 13, 2012 Juan Rivera-Quintana, 42, was killed and a 34-year old man was seriously injured when an out-of-control SUV ran them down on the Concourse at E. Mount Eden Avenue. The vehicle only came to a stop when it slammed into a responding ambulance a block away.

Richard Haberman, 37, the alleged driver was charged with vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, DWI, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving.

On March 2, 2012, a 61-year-old man was run-over along the Concourse and Field Place in Fordham Heights. Police had no description of the vehicle that fled the scene.

Evyette Diaz, 28, was struck and killed as she crossed the Concourse at E. 165 Street outside of the Bronx Museum of Art. The driver of the SUV fled the scene and remains at large.

The Grand Boulevard and Concourse as it was originally called was opened to traffic in November, 1909.   

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Class of 2014 Inducted into Fordham Athletic Hall ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Class of 2014 Inducted into Fordham Athletic Hall ...: (Photos by Ken Carozza) By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 15- Successful athletic teams and athletic heroes are im...

Class of 2014 Inducted into Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame

(Photos by Ken Carozza)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 15- Successful athletic teams and athletic heroes are important to every college and university. They serve as a unifying factor among the student body; are an encouragement for increased donations from alumni; are sources of pride to current students and alumni and can be inducements for prospective students to enroll.

Many colleges and universities have created athletic halls of fame to recognize past student-athletes who have excelled in their sports and added respect and interest to the institutions they have attended. 

The Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame has been in existence for more than 40 years. The first induction took place during the 1970-71 academic year and included honorees such as Frankie “Fordham Flash” Frisch and Vince Lombardi. 

This year’s induction was held at the McGinley Center Ballroom on Fordham’s Bronx campus on January 11, in the late afternoon between the men’s and women’s basketball contests of Fordham and Richmond. Eleven former Rams were honored. One track star, Jack Faith (’68), was previously inducted 34 years ago. 

The other 10 former Rams added to the HOF represent a total of six sports programs. Jim Groark (67), Brian Hernon (67) and Don May (68) were teammates of Faith on the remarkable 1967 Two-Mile Relay Team. The foursome broke both the Fordham and Penn Relay marks for their specialty. It was later pointed out that May made the furthest journey, from Alaska, to receive his award.

The baseball and basketball teams each had two representatives on the Class of 2014. Both Tom Davis (08) and Cory Riordan (12) were pitchers. Davis was selected as Pitcher of the Year by the Atlantic-10 in his senior year. He graduated with the Fordham record for starts (50) and innings (339). 

Riordan was voted as the Rookie of the Year by the Atlantic-10 in his freshman year when he compiled a 10-4 mark. He completed his career at Fordham with a 21-11 record and 200 strikeouts in 246 innings. 

The award for Bryant Dunstan (08), currently playing basketball professionally in Greece, was accepted by his dad. Dunstan compiled stats among the best in the school’s basketball history. He is second in points with 1,832, 54 less than the legendary Ed Conlin, fourth in rebounds with 993 and first in blocks, 246.  

Mobolaji Akiode (04) received Fordham’s most prestigious honor for female athletes, the 2003 Claire Hobbs Award as female athlete of the year. She represented her native land, Nigeria, in the Olympic Games. Of even greater importance is her founding Hope 4 Girls, a charity that is dedicated to raising opportunities for African female youths in education and sports.

Ben Dato (08) was the kicker on the football team in his years at Fordham. In his senior year he received the Vincent T. Lombardi Award as male athlete of the year. He amassed the most yards punting at Fordham.

Allison Twarowski (08) was an outstanding batter in her four seasons on a successful softball team. She graduated holding several school batting marks, hits (251), runs (181), doubles (44) and runs batted in (45).

Robert Valdes-Rodriguez (86) three times set school marks for the 100 butterfly and qualified for the NCAA tournament several times. He is currently chairman of the NYAC swim team.

Valdes-Rodriguez articulately gave the response of the Class of 2014. He gave thanks to “the Jesuit university, the coaches and the professors who helped us balance our faith, academics and athletics.” 

Athletic Director David Roach began the event by saying to the honorees, “Your achievements and your total lives are a shining example to the current student-athletes.”

The television voice of the New York Yankees, Michael Kay (82), ably served, as he does every year, as the emcee of the ceremony. Kay, on the day of the announcement of the suspension of Alex Rodriguez, joked about Rodriguez having enough time on his hand to enroll at Fordham and perhaps be considered for this HOF next year.

Father Joseph McShane, the Fordham president, officially closed the ceremony with a tribute to the new members of the Fordham Athletic Hall of Fame, “Wise men and women of Fordham, we honor you for your wisdom, and your generosity to Fordham. We hold you up as models for our students, role models and sources of inspiration.” 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Women Defeat Richmond, 70-59

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Fordham Women Defeat Richmond, 70-59: By Howard Goldin BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 15-  Saturday was a day in which the Fordham Rams and the Richmond Spiders played twice. T...

Fordham Women Defeat Richmond, 70-59

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 15-  Saturday was a day in which the Fordham Rams and the Richmond Spiders played twice. The women competed in an afternoon contest while the men played in the evening. 

After losing their most recent game, 65-61, to Duquesne, for their first home loss of the season on January 8, the Fordham Rams (14-3, 3-1) responded with their 13^th win in the last 14,  a 70-59 victory over the Richmond Spiders (7-10, 1-3) on Saturday afternoon at the Rose Hill Gym.

The game was a see-saw battle during the first 10 minutes. The score was knotted twice and the lead changed hands four times during those early minutes. A basket from beyond the perimeter from Abigail Corning, Fordham’s newest 1,000 point career scorer, began a run of 14 unanswered points by the Rams, who took a 29-16 advantage at 7:11.

Fordham’s excellent shooting from the floor, 58.6 percent in the half, kept the lead at double figures as the half concluded with Fordham ahead by a score of 38-25. The #2 scorer in the Atlantic-10, Erin Rooney, paced the Rams with 11 points and 7 assists.

A seven-point run by the Spiders cut their deficit to single digits, 43-34, at 16:54 of the second half. The Rams followed with nine unanswered points to take the largest lead of the contest, 52-36, with 11:50 remaining in the game. 

Fordham’s double digit lead remained in effect until 90 seconds were left on the clock as a basket by Genevieve Okoro cut the lead to eight, 65-57. The Rams netted five of the final seven points of the contest to ensure their victory, 70-59.

The home basket was very attractive to the Rams during the contest as they achieved a season-high shooting percentage of 61.2 percent (30 of 49). Their usual superior defense kept the Spiders to 38.7 percent (24 of 62). The Rams also moved the ball well as 24 of their 30 baskets followed assists.

Rooney led the scoring with 14. The total was below her usual 20+ because she concentrated on dishing the basketball, reaching 11 assists, for her sixth double-double of the season. 

Three other Rams also reached double figures in scoring, Corning with 12, Samantha Clark with 11 and freshman Danielle Burns who achieved a season and career high of 11 points in only 19 minutes on the court. 

The Rams now hit the road for two games before returning home to the Rose Hill Gym on the afternoon of Saturday, January 25 to host UMass. 

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): King For a Day

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): King For a Day: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 13- The headline refers to last Sunday's Inaugural celebration of ...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): King For a Day

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): King For a Day: 100 PERCENT By Robert Press BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 13- The headline refers to last Sunday's Inaugural celebration of ...

King For a Day

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 13- The headline refers to last Sunday's Inaugural celebration of Councilman Andy King. The event had to be rescheduled from the Friday of the big snowstorm that closed almost everything. This time everything was a go, with the many elected officials, union leaders, and friends of Councilman King on hand. The Evander Childs High School auditorium was filled with those who wanted to help Andy celebrate this moment. Speeches by the elected officials were mixed in with different performances that ended with the swearing in of Councilman Andy King by Judge Armando Montano. Andy's family was on stage to share in his enjoyment, and Andy had two surprises after the judge was finished.

The first surprise by Councilman King was that he displayed the new flag of the 12th Council District. The second surprise was that the day was also his fathers 77th birthday, and that Andy Jr. was proud to have his father Andy Sr. and his mother Beatrice be able to share in the celebration. You can go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for more on the Andy King inauguration, and the many photos of the event.

And the new City Council Speaker is Bronx/Manhattan Councilwoman Melissa Merk-Viverito.

Then again I told you that weeks ago, but it took up to the last hour before the council vote for those who supported Councilman Dan Garodnick for speaker to realize they were not able to get the needed number of votes. Both Speaker Mark-Viverito and Councilman Garodnick attended Councilman Andy Kings Inauguration Sunday.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had his Inauguration last Thursday night, and combined it with the Bronx Centennial celebration. The Bronx County building rotunda was standing room only, and Mayor Bill de Blasio was on hand to help celebrate.

It could be that the Democrats in the State Senate may pick up at least one of the two soon-to-become vacant Republican seats on Long Island. There may also be a couple more upstate Republicans who may decide to retire. That could give Democrats full control of the State Senate again, but look at what happened last time in 2010 when Democrats were in control of the state senate.

Then there is word again that Donald “The Hair” Trump wants to run for Governor of New York against Andrew Cuomo. Trump met with state Republican leaders, and wants to run if he is not challenged with a primary. “Hold On” said New York Republican Chair Ed Cox. If Donald Trump wants to run for governor on the Republican line he will have to go through the election process, Cox said.

I suspect that Trump was auditioning for the role of candidate just like he did when he said he wanted to run for president. Trump needs some more advise on what a candidate needs to do, perhaps he should sit down with what seems to be another former presidential candidate. That being possibly soon to be former New Jersey Governor Chris “I Know Nothing” Criste.

I would not be myself if I did not comment on the Alex Rodriguez saga using some words that are said during the first night of Passover. Why is it that Alex Rodriguez is any different from any other baseball player? Why is it that Alex Rodriguez is given a 162-game suspension, when all other baseball players are given 50 days for a first offense? Why is it that Alex Rodriguez will not get into baseball's Hall of Fame, like other baseball players who drank illegal substances during Prohibition? And finally if Frank Thomas can make it to Cooperstown, why can't better players like Alex Rodriguez make it in?

Don't forget to check my blog at www.100percentbronxnews.blogspot.com for more on what you may find in this column, updates, items that may come in after my deadline, and the many photos of the events. If you have 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.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Just Go Away A-Rod

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Just Go Away A-Rod: Alex Rodriguez 162-game ban hopefully ends latest chapter of baseball steroid era and leaves room for Yankees By Rich Mancuso BRON...

Just Go Away A-Rod

Alex Rodriguez 162-game ban hopefully ends latest chapter of baseball steroid era and leaves room for Yankees

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 13- There are so many questions that remain unanswered after an arbitrator ruled Alex Rodriguez has been suspended for the 2014 season of 162 games and the post season. Will a federal court take on an appeal process and with $25 million off the books will the New York Yankees spend and go off their $189 million salary threshold?

One thing is certain, this is the harshest suspension leveled at a player during the steroid era. And with this, baseball can move on and hopefully close the last chapter to cheaters and performing enhancing drugs. 

Rodriquez will not go down without a fight. He loves the game and we could have seen the last of him in Yankee pinstripes and maybe the last time as an active player. At 40 years of age, after the suspension is served, A-Rod could still be a designated hitter if someone wants to take the risk.

Or, he could just fade away, but the ego and love of the game, let alone A-Rod trying to preserve whatever legacy he has, will not keep him away from the playing field.

Major League Baseball gets a victory here with the suspension, but did they? They are also culprits of the steroid saga. And through all of this, with A-Rod being implicated with obstruction of their investigation, baseball implemented drug testing with players when performance enhancing drugs was out of hand.

Added to the fact, in one defense for Alex Rodriguez, he was never administered a drug test because of the Biogenesis situation. This may have been a word vs. word situation with A-Rod, the other players implicated and the name of Anthony Bosch who headed the Biogenesis clinic.

But one thing is certain. This was a message that was sent to  the players and Major League Baseball scored a major victory even though the game has been damaged. Just take a look at the recent vote for enshrinement into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The supposed all-time home run leader, record holders and more have been denied their place up in Cooperstown because of their alleged involvement with steroids.

The following is a Alex Rodriguez Statement on the Decision of a 162-game ban and it explains something in his defense to continue his legacy: “The number of games sadly comes as no surprise, as the deck has been stacked against me from day one. This is one man’s decision, that was not put before a fair and impartial jury, does not involve me having failed a single drug test, is at odds with the facts and is inconsistent with the terms of the Joint Drug Agreement and the Basic Agreement, and relies on testimony and documents that would never have been allowed in any court in the United States because they are false and wholly unreliable. This injustice is MLB’s first step toward abolishing guaranteed contracts in the 2016 bargaining round, instituting lifetime bans for single violations of drug policy, and further insulating its corrupt investigative program from any variety defense by accused players, or any variety of objective review.

I have been clear that I did not use performance enhancing substances as alleged in the notice of discipline, or violate the Basic Agreement or the Joint Drug Agreement in any manner, and in order to prove it I will take this fight to federal court. I am confident that when a Federal Judge reviews the entirety of the record, the hearsay testimony of a criminal whose own records demonstrate that he dealt drugs to minors, and the lack of credible evidence put forth by MLB, that the judge will find that the panel blatantly disregarded the law and facts, and will overturn the suspension. No player should have to go through what I have been dealing with, and I am exhausting all options to ensure not only that I get justice, but that players’ contracts and rights are protected through the next round of bargaining, and that the MLB investigation and arbitration process cannot be used against others in the future the way it is currently being used to unjustly punish me.

I will continue to work hard to get back on the field and help the Yankees achieve the ultimate goal of winning another championship. I want to sincerely thank my family, all of my friends, and of course the fans and many of my fellow MLB players for the incredible support I received throughout this entire ordeal."

This is a historic suspension. The Yankees have been in the middle of this throughout the entire process of the hearing. A-Rod, notice at the conclusion of his statement, makes reference to returning on the field and helping the Yankees win another championship.

The Yankees have washed their hands with the situation and released a brief statement: “The New York Yankees respect Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the arbitration process, as well as the decision released today by the arbitration panel.”

But, surely the Yankees are looking at this from another perspective. And, perhaps baseball is as well. A-Rod has put himself in jeopardy many times with his admission of using PED’s in the past. Then, he says he did not do what has hopefully closed the chapter with a suspension that was rendered Saturday.

The Yankees, without having to pay $25 million of an A-Rod contract, have more money to spend in their quest to get back to the World Series as they pursue the highly touted right-handed pitcher from Japan, Masahiro Tanaka. Baseball, now that a decision has been made, hopefully will move on. The game for now is clean from further PED issues even though the players association does not agree with the severity of the 162-game suspension. 

Players have been sent a message about the risk and ramifications, and they can thank Alex Rodriguez for that because this was a historic suspension and a legacy has been tarnished.

It leaves to more questions about the legacy of Alex Rodriguez and where he goes from here.

COMMENT: Rich Mancuso Ring786@aol.com  Facebook.com/Rich Mancuso

Slap Happy Crooks Sought by Cops

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, JANUARY 9- A slap happy crook, who terrorized at least 11 stores, is being sought by cops. Investigators released surveillance photos and video of the male and female crooks in the hope that someone will recognize the pair. 

Cops say the couple has made off with over $7,000 from the robberies of 11 stores throughout the Bronx. Investigators say the woman canvasses the store prior to the robbery. Then the male gunman will enter the location, threaten the clerk with a gun and demand cash. In the surveillance video, the suspect is seen smacking a clerk upside his head. 

The gunman is described as a black male who is around 25 years of age. He is described as 5 foot 10 and 175 pounds. The female accomplice is in her 20s and is 5 foot 5 and 190 pounds. 

Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

All calls are confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Elevators Can’t Take the Cold?

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Elevators Can’t Take the Cold?: 20 elevators out of service within 4 days $160K per month Contractor Blames Cold Weather for Outages By Michael Horowitz BRO...