STREET CO-NAMED IN HONOR OF NYPD OFFICER ERIC HERNANDEZ

Here is a reminder of a tragic incident. Hopefully the street sign will help console the police officer’s, family and friends.

Gregory

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At the request of Council Member Oliver Koppell, on February 29, 2012 the Council approved the co-naming of the Southwest corner of East Mosholu Parkway North and Webster Avenue as “Police Officer Eric Hernandez Memorial Corner.”

Police Officer Eric Hernandez, 24 years old and a member of the 52^nd Precinct, died on January 28, 2006 after being assaulted by six men at a White Castle restaurant in the Bronx while off-duty and subsequently shot by a fellow police officer in a tragic case of mistaken identity.

Detective Marie Shea (Retired 52^nd PCT) championed the co-naming of the corner, on which the 52^ndPrecinct is located, collecting numerous letters and hundreds of signatures in support of dedicating this area to the memory of P.O. Hernandez as a lasting tribute to his decency and courage. “Eric brought out the best in people, he put smiles on faces and he had a warmth about him that you don’t see in many officers during their tour of duty. I am proud to have served with him” Detective Shea said.

Police Officer David Alvarado, P.O. Hernandez’s partner said “Eric was very charismatic. He had a great personality. He was always willing to go out of his way to help others. He was respectful, patient and kind. Everyone loved him. I believe that Eric’s character and life was a great reflection of how any police officer’s should be.”

Police Officer Marc Rios, a 14 -year veteran of the NYPD said, “Eric was not just a good cop but a great friend. He distinguished himself very early in his short career. His integrity and character were well received by the community. Everyone with whom Eric interacted always left feeling better about themselves and the NYPD, even those whom he arrested. No matter the reason for needing the help of a police officer, the community felt they were treated with patience, respect and genuine empathy.”

Koppell said, “Co-naming the street corner on which the 52^nd Precinct is located in honor of Police Officer Eric Hernandez, who died too young under such tragic circumstances, will serve to preserve his memory and be a reminder to the community of his dedicated service.”

Speaker Quinn on "Stop and Frisk"

I stumbled upon a “Million Man March” in Harlem about a decade ago. Until then I had never seen American citizens being herded like cattle through barricades while police helicopters hovered overhead. It was not until I went to view an Occupy Wall Street protests earlier this year that I witnessed similar, but not as extreme, measures taken to control Americans demonstrating. Should we expect the Stop-and-Frisk policies to migrate from inner city low income communities to main steam America as well? I am very pro law and order, but what gives the police the right to stop and frisk 600,000 New Yorkers every year? I must admit there are areas of the Bronx I avoid driving through during certain evening hours due to the high risk of being pulled over or questioned at a police check point.

Gregory

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February 10, 2012

Dear New Yorker,

This past week I sent a letter to Police Commissioner Kelly expressing concern about the New York Police Department's (NYPD) stop-and-frisk practices and suggesting ways in which the policy can be significantly improved.

While there's no disputing that stop-and-frisk is an effective crime fighting tool, I'm concerned about the impact that the department's stop-and-frisk practices are having, particularly on communities of color.

To help address these concerns and improve police-community relations, I will be supporting legislation requiring the NYPD to report to the City Council on the departmental audits of stop-and-frisk activities.

I have also called for the following changes to the department's stop-and-frisk practices:

• The NYPD should ensure that all officers, regardless of rank, receive ongoing training in "cultural sensitivity" and are familiar with the department's written racial profiling policy.

• The NYPD should comprehensively review data to create an "early warning system" to flag officers and precincts where out-of-the-ordinary stop-and-frisk activity is taking place.

• Absent "extraordinary circumstances," the NYPD should consider an improper stop-and-frisk a serious matter, and violations shouldn't be punished with a "slap on the wrist."

You can read more about these recommendations in the Wall Street Journal article pasted below. Otherwise, I hope to be in touch again soon with additional news and updates on this issue.

Thanks and have a wonderful weekend.

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker

NYC Council

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204136404577209603780441584.html

Boogiedowner Film Buzz:" Positive Buy" by A Shot Film Productions Just in Time

Here is news on a crew of filmmakers from the Bronx making waves in LA. The producer, Hanley Valentine, and at least two of the actors in the short clip posted below are from the Boogiedown. Hopefully these Bronx movers and shakers, with their LA partners in crime will turn this short film into a pilot and then a TV series or full length move. I can’t wait!!!!

For someone like myself who loves cop type TV episodes like Blue Bloods or Law and Order, I was very impressed with the short. I found it suspenseful and even though “somewhat in your face”, worth every second of my time. Please do note there is some foul language and sexually implied imagery.

After viewing the short I showed it to a retired NYPD officer who was part of similar buy and bust operations. Besides giving it the BIG thumbs up, he also agreed with my position on the New York City Housing Authorities attempt to evict houses of worship from city housing projects. (Please see prior post) After real but comical stories of drug dealers pissing in their pants when he came out cocked with his finger on the trigger, he also discussed sad but true stories such as discussions with ten or twelve year old children involved in the drug trade with no expectation of living beyond their teenage years or escaping incarceration. In worst case scenarios daddies incarcerated, missing or dead, moms on crack and NYCHA wants to take away the men of god trying to educate them about the Ten Commandments.

Please note, I do not speak for the makers of the short but I do thank them for providing us with a realistic depiction of environments that will help others see a sad reality. Their short could not have come at a better time.

Any little assistance this blog can offer is at your disposal. Good luck to the entire crew.

Gregory

IMDB Link

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1588383/

Here is the latest from the Norwood News on the attempted evictions by NYCHA

http://www.norwoodnews.org/id=5524&story=after-protests-and-arrests-nycha-extends-agreements-with-bronx-churches/

BRONX YOUNGSTERS ENJOY GAMES AND GIFTS AT POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

Here is a post related to the PAL, along with private and corporate philanthropists, doing their part to make sure NYC children have a gift under their tree this Christmas. Kudos to all the philanthropist, including Bronx raised John Catsimatides. It's good to see a self made immigrant billionaire come back to his roots to spread goodwill.

Gregory

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Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, Party Co-Chair Margo Catsimatidis, PAL Chairman Robert M. Morgenthau, PAL’s Executive Director Alana Sweeny, and PAL Board Member and Party Co-Chair John Catsimatidis join PAL children, staff, members of the NYPD and friends at the Annual Holiday Party.
Here is a feel good post about a PAL party

On December 10, 2011, hundreds of boys and girls, ages five to seven from all five boroughs, gathered at the Police Athletic League’s (PAL) Annual Holiday Party at PAL’s Harlem Center, Manhattan Avenue at 119^th Street. Young people from PAL’s NewSouth Bronx Center, PS 48 in Hunts Point and PAL’s Webster-Giannone Center in Fordham-Tremont enjoyed a festive holiday party filled with arts and crafts, giant board games, face painting, carnival booths, inflatable rides, goodybags, holiday treats and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Bronx children enjoyed performances from internationally acclaimed classical/rock violinist Daisy Jopling and clowns from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and a visit from Clifford the Big Red Dog™. In addition, talented young dancers, singers, steppers and musicians from PAL centers entertained partygoers with special performances to celebrate the season and provide holiday cheer.

Special guests including PAL Honorary President and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, PAL Chairman Robert M. Morgenthau, PAL President John Osborn, Manhattan District Attorney and PAL Board Member Cyrus R. Vance Jr., and PAL Board Member and Holiday Party Co-Chairs John and Margo Catsimatidis joined PAL children for the holiday extravaganza.

On behalf of boys and girls throughout the city, the Police Athletic League thanks the New York City Police Department for participating in PAL Play Streets, youth centers, sporting leagues, summer programs and cultural activities. The celebration was one of many PAL Holiday Parties bringing happiness and toys to thousands of youngsters at PAL centers and police precincts in their own communities.

New York City’s Police Athletic League is the first and finest civilian-run PAL in the country. Founded in 1914, PAL has served the city’s young people for 97 years. PAL provides recreational, educational, cultural and social activities to over 50,000 boys and girls annually. It is also the city’s largest, independent, nonprofit youth organization. For more information, please visit www.palnyc.org.

The Police Athletic League Annual Holiday Party was made possible by the generosity and holiday spirit of hundreds of caring New Yorkers including John and Margo Catsimatidis, Advantage Sales & Marketing (Bumble Bee and M&M Mars), Bachman, Coca Cola, Crossmark Foods, Dora’s Naturals, Edy’s Ice Cream, ESM Foods, Fairhaven, 4C Iced Tea, Fiji, Flowers Foods (Mrs. Freshley’s cakes), Frito-Lay, G&H International (Duchess cakes), Herr’s Snacks, Hershey, JO’H Metro Foods, Junior Juice, Kraft Foods, Malt-O-Meal Cereal, Nassau Candy, Nestle USA, Quaker, Snapple, Ssips, Twinings Tea, Wakefern and W.B. Brown (Keebler). Volunteers from Capital One Bank, Chartis, Con Edison, HSBC Bank, JP Morgan- Professional Networking Group and MetLife assisted at the celebration.

COUNCIL APPROVES RESOLUTION URGING RE-CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE LINKING EXPOSURE TO GROUND ZERO TOXINS AND CANCER

It seems unbelievable many 9/11 survivors suffering from cancer are being told their sickness is not connected to their exposure to toxins on 9/11. Councilman Koppell is leading a fight in the City Council to make sure this injustice is corrected.

Gregory
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COUNCIL APPROVES RESOLUTION URGING RE-CONSIDERATION OF EVIDENCE LINKING EXPOSURE TO GROUND ZERO TOXINS AND CANCER

At its meeting on Wednesday, September 21, 2011, the Council passed a Resolution, supported by Council Member Oliver Koppell, calling upon Dr. John Howard, Administrator of the World Trade Center Health Program, to examine new evidence indicating a link between exposure to Ground Zero toxins and cancer and reconsider adding coverage for cancers under the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act (Zadroga Act).

The Zadroga Act provides for medical monitoring and treatment for damages to first responders, area residents, workers, students and others affected by the 9/11 terrorist attacks who suffer from illnesses on the list of approved World Trade Center-related health conditions

Cancer is not currently on the list of World Trade Center-related health conditions. However, in its Resolution, the Council cited evidence that city employees and others who were exposed to, and inhaled, cancer-causing toxins because of their presence at the World Trade Center on 9/11 or shortly thereafter were more likely to develop cancer than individuals in the general population.

The Resolution referenced A Case Series on Multiple Myeloma in the World Trade Center Responders that confirmed at least 16 cases of multiple myeloma, a cancer of the white blood cells, out of approximately 28,000 responders. On average, fewer than 7 cases per year are expected for every 100,000 people in the U.S. In addition, an unusual number of responder cases, occurred under the age of 45.

There is also information from the NYPD that the common denominator in the array of cancers contracted by 263 police officers since the attacks was their work related to 9/11. Another recently published study conducted by the NYC Fire Department showed that male firefighters who worked at Ground Zero had an elevated risk of melanoma, thyroid and prostate cancers and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

“It is now clear from numerous studies and reports that those individuals who worked and volunteered at Ground Zero in rescue, recovery and rebuilding efforts were exposed to a higher risk of cancer. However, at the present time, those who develop cancer are not entitled to compensation under the $2.7 billion James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. It is imperative, therefore, that Dr. Howard examine the new evidence and reconsider adding coverage for cancers under the Act”, Koppell said.

LIU ON 9/11 ANNIVERSARY

Here is a press release sent by NYC Comptroller Liu related to the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

Gregory
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NEW YORK, NY – "Ten years later, memories of September 11th remain as frightening and painful as ever. We will never forget those who perished, especially our FDNY, NYPD, and PAPD heroes who so selflessly ran towards the burning World Trade Center. Our world changed forever that day, the devastation leaving emotional scars on us all. In the aftermath of the attacks, the best of our humanity emerged, in the heroism of the first responders, in the outpouring of fellowship even among strangers, and in our steadfast resolve to recover and rebuild. Today, we continue to remember the victims of Sept 11 and remind ourselves of our humanity, knowing that the best is yet to come."

KOPPELL PROTESTS CANCELLATION OF APRIL POLICE ACADEMY CLASS

NYC Councilman Koppell is coming out "Bronx strong" as well, related to Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to cancel or “delay indefinitely” the NYPD cadet class that has already been sworn in. Once again the concern is public safety.

Gregory
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KOPPELL PROTESTS CANCELLATION OF APRIL POLICE ACADEMY CLASS

In a strong letter to Mayor Bloomberg, Council Member Oliver Koppell protested the cancellation of the class of 540 police cadets that were to be sworn in this month. He also said that making this decision without consultation with the Council shows a disregard for the Council’s role as a partner in government.

“In view of the fact that the NYPD is already at its lowest staffing level, with 6000 fewer police officers on the streets than in 2001, the decision to cancel the Police Academy class will seriously compromise public safety,” Koppell said.

He noted that the April class has already been delayed three months. He stressed that each month that passes without the swearing in of recruits means a loss in head count because as every month goes by the NYPD loses over 100 officers to attrition. “Even if the April class is folded into the July one,” Koppell said, “any officers hired in July will not get onto the streets until January, 2012, bringing the head count dangerously low.”

Koppell pointed out that safe streets are a requirement for rebuilding the city’s economy, as the Mayor, himself, has often stated. “Further depletion of police officers’ ranks could erode recent gains in crime fighting, resulting in a diminution of tourism, a major driver of the economy,” Koppell said. He further stated that a spike in crime could also make local residents fearful, especially at night, negatively impacting the restaurant and entertainment industries.

Koppell urged the Mayor to reconsider saying, “Although the current economic situation necessitates the reduction in some city services, I believe it is an unwise budget decision to jeopardize public safety by canceling the April Police Academy class.”

Quinn, Recchia, and Vallone Comment of Mayor's Preliminary Budget Proposal: 540 NYPD Cadets Put on Hold

Here is a response form NYC Council members Quinn, Recchia and Vallone on the Mayor's proposed "indefinitely delay", related to the NYPD's cadet program scheduled to start this month. 540 cadets will be told to hold off on their plans to join the NYPD if the Mayor has his way. The obvious concern is the effect on public safety.

Gregory
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April 14, 2011

Dear New Yorker,
We would like to share some important news with you regarding the NYC Council's response to the Mayor's Preliminary Budget Proposal.
As you may already be aware, the NYPD announced earlier this week that it has delayed indefinitely a class of 540 police cadets that was scheduled to start this month. It's our understanding that this action was taken in an effort to meet budget-cutting requirements being imposed for the next fiscal year. This decision is deeply troubling for several reasons.
Further delaying or possibly even eliminating a class this size could jeopardize our continued efforts to keep New York City the safest big city in the country. As you know, protecting the strength and effectiveness of our police force has been a top priority for the NYC Council. Throughout nine rounds of budget cuts we have consistently fought to preserve funding for cadet classes. The class in question was initially scheduled to begin in January and had already been postponed for three months.
On a related note, the Preliminary Budget, as proposed, would have a grave impact on the FDNY, with the proposed permanent closings of 20 fire companies throughout the City. The NYC Council does not agree with nor will we comply with writing the Administration a "blank check" to close these companies.
Continued delay or elimination of these vital services will only serve to undermine our previous efforts, and could have untold consequences for the safety and well-being of New Yorkers. We have and will continue to find places to cut spending, but we must do so without sacrificing the critical services that keep our city safe, strong, and growing.
We have urged the Mayor to reconsider this rash and misguided decision, in keeping with the general commitment to ensuring the safety of all New Yorkers.
The full budget response can be found here:
http://council.nyc.gov/html/budget/PDFs/2012/budget_response_fy_2012.pdf.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Andrew Grossman in the Council's Finance Division at 212-788-9173 or agrossman@council.nyc.gov.
Thank you very much for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
NYC Council

Domenic M. Recchia, Jr.
Chair, Finance Committee
NYC Council

Peter F. Vallone, Jr.
Chair, Public Safety
NYC Council