Monday, June 29, 2015
Wakefield News: Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of tw...
Wakefield News: Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of tw...: Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of twins BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29- District Attorney Robert Johnson a...
Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of twins
Driver sentenced for fatally striking mother of twins
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29- District Attorney Robert Johnson announced that 29-year-old Agustus Jenkins of Montgomery, NY, has been sentenced to the maximum sentence of 1-1/3-to-4 years behind bars for the January 2014 death of the mother of twin toddlers, Nydja Herring, of the Bronx.
Jenkins was found guilty of Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E Felony, following an 11-day trial before Justice Peter Benitez, during which the jury returned their verdict on June 4th after less than a day’s deliberation.
The 32-year-old victim was crossing the street at East Tremont and Van Nest Avenues, on the way to the store to buy milk for her twin toddlers, when she was struck by Jenkins’ speeding vehicle. He was behind the wheel but had a friend with him, along with two children aged four and 11. Blood alcohol tests showed he was operating the vehicle above the legal limit. He was also driving on a suspended license. Ironically, Jenkins was coming back from the wake for a baby who had died from SIDS.
Not only were Nydja Herring’s twin 2-year-olds left without a mother, the victim’s own mother was scheduled to receive a kidney from her daughter. Herring’s mother is still on the organ transplant list.
#NYPD #BronxDistrictAttorney #FatalAccident #Bronxnews
Wakefield News: Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom
Wakefield News: Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom: Gotta Go? Better Have the #Dough! Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29...
Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom
Gotta Go?
Better Have the #Dough!
Restaurant Charges to Use Bathroom
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 29- Residents and visitors of Norwood got a shock recently when one popular restaurant began charging a $3 fee to use the restroom.
Those entering the El Caribe Restaurant located at 2 East Gun Hill Road were immediately confronted with a pair of signs that read, "Bathroom is only for the customers. You want to use it? You will have to pay $3.00."
The resident added, "C
ustomers may want to go in there and wash their hands before a meal. Now they’re going to charge you to use the bathroom and wash your hands? That's crazy."
One East Gun Hill Road street peddler offered, "Since they started doing that we walk around the block and use the bathroom at North Central Bronx Hospital, so we just won't patronize them anymore. It's a shame and it's a lousy policy. No other restaurant is doing that, so we'll just go somewhere else."
Asked if he'd ever used the bathroom, the peddler replied, "Yes, it's a nice bathroom, but it's kind of small. It's not like the gas stations, but I don't think it's worth three bucks."
Repeated attempts for comment were met with employees slamming down the receiver of the telephone on two separate occasions.
The trend appears to be growing as the front door to the Mosholu-Montefiore Community Center a block away, now has a sign on it's from door that reads, "Sorry no public restrooms."
Friday, June 26, 2015
Wakefield News: BP hosts eating contest
Wakefield News: BP hosts eating contest: BP hosts eating contest Photo by Robert Benimoff Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the first ever "Bronx Eating...
BP hosts eating contest
BP hosts eating contest
Photo by Robert Benimoff
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted the first ever "Bronx Eating Contest," featuring empanadas from Havana Cafe in Throggs Neck, at the annual "New York Salutes America" fireworks extravaganza at Orchard Beach on June 25. The event, which is co-sponsored by State Senator Jeff Klein, kicks off the city's week-long celebration of America's independence.
Wakefield News: Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision
Wakefield News: Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision: Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 26- Officials throughout the Bronx hailed the Suprem...
Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision
Pols Hail Supremes on #GayMarriage Decision
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 26- Officials throughout the Bronx hailed the Supreme Court’s decision making gay marriage the law of the land.
The court’s 5-4 decision allows gay and lesbian couples the right to marry in any of the 50 states.
“Today is a historic day in the United States,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “The Supreme Court has made history and affirmed a basic human right today by allowing men and women to legally marry throughout this nation, regardless of their sexual orientation.
“After two decades of litigation, the Supreme Court has finally expanded equal rights and marriage equality to all. I would like to thank the Supreme Court for having the courage to make this bold decision, and I congratulate this nation’s LGBT community for their efforts on this issue,” Diaz said.
“Today the Supreme Court put to rest a decades-long civil rights struggle for marriage equality,” said Rep. Joe Crowley. “In its decision the Supreme Court affirmed what a majority of Americans believe, that marriage between two loving individuals, regardless of their sex, deserves full protection under the law as afforded under the 14th Amendment. History will remember this day as a watershed moment, a day when ‘we the people’ took another major step toward justice in our enormous and enduring struggle to form a more perfect union.
“So today, as we celebrate this momentous victory for our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters let us also remember those we lost along the way. Those who came before us as activists, advocates, and allies who, when faced with bigotry and violence, did not shrink, but rather stood for the belief that discrimination based on sexual orientation has absolutely no place in the laws and policies of our country. We stand on the shoulders of those giants today, and proudly proclaim love is love.”
“America will never forget this day, and neither will people all across the world who know the meaning of love and compassion,” said Mayor Bill deBlasio “June 26, 2015, will forever be memorialized as a pivotal moment in the history of our nation – the day the Supreme Court affirmed our core values of love, equality, and justice, rejected ignorance and malice, and appealed to the humanity in us all. Our country will finally afford millions of Americans the rights they have always deserved, but until now were unable to exercise. Today, this country is richer – filled with
more equality, more acceptance, and more love than yesterday. And for the people of this city, where the movement for LGBT rights began in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, we can be proud that we helped blaze the trail to this great victory.”
Congressman Charles B. Rangel, who represents the 13th Congressional District of New York that includes Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, released the following statement on the Unite States Supreme decision on same-sex marriage:
"Indeed, all love is equal. I applaud the Supreme Court ruling on the same-sex marriage case and reaffirming that the union of the LGBT community should be treated equally. This decision marks another milestone toward American progress as the court reaffirms equal protections guaranteed to all Americans under the 14th Amendment. Today, a long overdue justice and equality have been served.
“Far too many couples have been denied protections by their governments, rights to legally commit to one another, and basic responsibilities as spouse and parents. The Court's ruling today makes it loud and clear that same-sex marriage is less about redefining the institution of marriage, but more so to ensure fundamental rights and dignity that gays and lesbians across the country deserve.
“As our nation celebrates Pride Month, this ruling could not come at a more appropriate time. I am proud that New York State is a leader in marriage equality and I look forward to other states across the nation recognizing this important right for all people. Let us continue on our path towards progress and let nothing stand in the way of ensuring equality for all,” Rangel said.
#SupremeCourt #GayMarriage #Bronxnews
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Wakefield News: #Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center
Wakefield News: #Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center: Bronx Now has a First-Class Place to Stay Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW ...
#Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center
Bronx Now has a First-Class Place to Stay
Marriott Opens Door in Metro Center
By Dan Gesslein
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 24- In a sign of the continued revitalization of the Bronx, community leaders hailed the opening of the borough's first upscale hotel. The ribbon cutting was also the capping of an odyssey for the Metro Center complex which went from an abandoned factory and vacant land to a thriving college campus style office complex and medical village.
The 125-room Marriott Residence Inn officially opened to great fanfare on Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony with elected officials. Sure the Bronx has many motel rooms but none you would want to spend the night in. New Rochelle boasted the closest place to get a nice hotel room while visiting family rather than a hot-sheet motel. Now all that has changed with the opening of a first-class hotel.
"We’re thrilled that Marriott, one of the world’s premier hospitality companies, chose this location. Metro Center Atrium is unique in the Bronx – there’s nothing quite like it available anywhere else in the Borough. This truly is a landmark event for Metro Center Atrium, for our company, and for the Bronx," said Joseph Simone, President of Simone Development, whose company envisioned and built the Metro Center.
The Marriott is the crowning jewel in the Metro Center complex. The hotel caps off the Metro Center Atrium which is a mix of medical and office space in a suburban style campus.
Twelve years ago Old London Foods moved out of the area behind the Metro North tracks. Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr said people were worried about the loss of jobs and that the land would sit unused. Now the Metro Center boasts 370,000 square feet of medical offices, an Applebee's, an LA Fitness and now a first class hotel. The complex also includes Mercy College.
"Today we have seen the realization of a magic trick," Diaz said.
Metro North is planning to reopen the old Morris Park station which will have a stop steps from the Marriott. Thus giving hotel guests access to transportation to Penn Station in Manhattan and upstate New York.
The new hotel is already a success. Officials say that although it officially opened today, the hotel is already 80 percent occupied. Business execs and hospital visitors to the medical centers inside the complex as well as nearby Calvary, Einstein Hospital and Jacobi Medical Center are staying at the new Marriott.
“Today is a great day for the Bronx,” said New York City Council Member James Vacca. “We welcome Marriott as the borough’s first hotel with open arms and hope it is the signal of even more great things to come. Clearly Marriott has recognized that the Bronx is a destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike. We already have beautiful parks, the
Father Richard Gorman, chairman of Community Board 12, said the grand opening is a culmination of the revitalization of the borough.
"The Bronx is not only coming back. The Bronx is back," he said.
#Marriott #Simone #MetroCenter #Bronxnews
Monday, June 15, 2015
Wakefield News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.
Wakefield News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave. Photos by Dan Gesslein The smells of zeppole a...
Wakefield News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.
Wakefield News: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.: Saints Dance on Arthur Ave. Photos by Dan Gesslein The smells of zeppole a...
Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.
Saints Dance on Arthur Ave.
Photos by Dan Gesslein
The smells of zeppole and sausage and peppers wafted through the air as the sounds of traditional Italian music filled the streets of Arthur Avenue during the Feast of St. Anthony. During the weekend long celebration feast goers got a chance to see a tradition return in the Bronx’ Little Italy as the “Dancing of the Giglio” was performed in front of Mt Carmel Church. Over 100 people lifted the platform containing the statue of St. Anthony as well as a performing band and danced through the streets.
#LittleItaly #ArthurAvenue #FeastofStAnthony #DancingGiglio
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Handjob Stabbing
Handjob Stabbing
(Photo by Andre Rivera)
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 10- NYPD detectives have released surveillance video of the young man wanted in connection with the brutal stabbing death of another young man at the Handjob, just blocks from the local police station.
Officers from the 47th Precinct were called to the scene by a 911 call of an "assault in progress," outside of the Handjob Car Wash at 4010 Bronxwood Avenue at 3:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 7.
Arriving officers discovered the 20-year-old victim, later identified by police as Shawn Depusoir of East 236 Street-- laying on the sidewalk with one stab wound to the left side of his chest.
Depusoir, who was stabbed outside of his place of employment at the Hand Job Car Wash, was rushed to Jacobi Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Hours later detectives would release a video they say is the 20-year-old suspect, identified by police as Bronxite Rashawn Archer, who remains at large.
Officials say Archer is 5 foot 6 and was last seen wearing a yellow sweatshirt, red pants and black sneakers.
Anyone with information on Archer's whereabouts is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.
#NYPD #Handjob #Bronxnews
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Wakefield News: Heastie's Makin' it Rain
Wakefield News: Heastie's Makin' it Rain: Heastie's Makin' it Rain Questions About Spending Is Carl Next to Go in Albany? By Robert Press BRONX, NE...
Heastie's Makin' it Rain
Heastie's Makin' it Rain
Questions About Spending
Is Carl Next to Go in Albany?
By Robert Press
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 9- In a lengthy New York Times article titled “Carl Heastie's Campaign Spending Blurs Line Between Politics and Personal" The New York Times goes into detail of what have been called questionable or even unexplained campaign expenses since he was elected to office.
The article opens that on the eve of Carl Heastie's 39th Birthday a tab for $270 for food is listed as a campaign expense. The Times writes that the $270 tab was from the Happy Valley night club in Manhattan which the Times wrote did not serve food, and that the club was famous for its dance floor and Go-Go dancers. Heastie is now 47, and Happy Valley has been permanently closed for years now.
$30,000 has been spent over 9 years on Heastie's BMW by his campaign, while Heastie has collected over $51,000 in mileage reimbursements from the state. That from 2001 the Heastie Campaign has taken in over $1.1 Million with details of spending mostly left out. Also with no explanation of where almost $150,000 came from. The Times says Heastie claimed that the donations were less than $50 and did not have to be itemized under state law.
$97,910 unexplained or to whom the recipient was for said campaign expenditure. The Times also references the Mooreland Commission in which Assemblyman Heastie was one of 28 elected officials under investigation for spending at least $10,000 over a six year period without identifying a recipient or omitting the information. The Times
adds that the U.S. Attorney's office has taken up the investigation files from the Mooreland Commission which was disbanded by Governor Cuomo last year.
Unexplained Credit Card Bills involving a check for $8,203 to American Express, and almost $17,000 more in unexplained credit card bills paid by the campaign are mentioned in the Times article.
The Times then mentions Campaign funds paid to two of Heastie's Girlfriends, buy football tickets to his Alma Mater Stony Brook University (on Long Island), and frequent meetings or staff events at Manhattan Night Clubs. $1,700 for three events at H &Y Duet located on West 48th Street in Manhattan.
#CarlHeastie #NYTimes #Bronx
Monday, June 8, 2015
Wakefield News: How’d That Gun Get There?
Wakefield News: How’d That Gun Get There?: How’d That Gun Get There? Shot Spotter Nabs Clueless Gunman By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 8- Talk about a smo...
How’d That Gun Get There?
How’d That Gun Get There?
Shot Spotter Nabs Clueless Gunman
By Dan Gesslein
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 8- Talk about a smoking gun, a clueless gunman was nabbed by cops thanks to the new ShotSpotter system and he handgun hanging out of his pocket.
At around 4 a.m. on June 7, police responded to a report from ShotSpotter of a single gunshot fired in the Jackson
Houses. Responding Officers Luke Paulson and John Carbone went to 325 East 156th Street where the ShotSpotter system recorded the gunfire. At the scene the officers observed a couple in their twenties sitting on a bench by themselves.
The officers who are assigned to the housing patrol PSA 7, approached the couple and asked if they had heard any gunfire. The man and woman both said they heard nothing. Officer Paulson then asked the male to raise his arms and turn around. When he did not respond, the officer physically turned him around and patted the man’s pants and coat pockets. When he did so Officer Harkins noticed a portion of a handgun sticking out of his pocket. As the cops put handcuffs on the suspect the gun fell to the floor. While recovering the firearm cops recovered a spent shell casing under the bench where the couple was sitting.
Police recovered the loaded 22 caliber Walther P22 and arrested 22-year-old Charles Annis. Cops also arrested his companion Mary Tejeda who was wanted on a bench warrant. They recovered a small amount of marijuana from her purse.
ShotSpotter uses a series of microphones placed on buildings in developments. The microphones pick up the sound of gunfire and its software is able to determine the location of where the shot was fired.
Officer Paulson praised the ShotSpotter technology in helping to locate shooters and get guns off the street.
“You can canvass and save someone who has been shot. That is probably its greatest benefit,” said Paulson.
#NYPD #ShotSpotter #Walther P22 #Bronxnews
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Wakefield News: CAUGHT ON TAPE: Wolfpack Deli Attack
Wakefield News: CAUGHT ON TAPE: Wolfpack Deli Attack: CAUGHT ON TAPE: Wolfpack Deli Attack Thugs Beat Disabled Merchant Over Bags of Chips BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 2- A group of real ...
CAUGHT ON TAPE: Wolfpack Deli Attack
CAUGHT ON TAPE: Wolfpack Deli Attack
Thugs Beat Disabled Merchant Over Bags of Chips
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 2- A group of real tough guys punched and beat a disabled merchant with an umbrella.
Surveillance video shows the gang of thugs rampaging through the Mount Hope deli taking bags of chips and soda off the shelves and putting them in their pockets.
The clerk is seen walking out from behind the counter with a cane trying to stop the mob. Then members of the group began punching the elderly man and hitting him with an umbrella.
Anyone with information is urged to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.
#NYPD #Thugs #CaughtOnTape
Monday, June 1, 2015
Wakefield News: Puerto Rican Pride on Display
Wakefield News: Puerto Rican Pride on Display: Puerto Rican Pride on Display 100 PERCENT By Robert Press This past Sunday's Puerto Rican Day Parade up the Grand Concours...
Puerto Rican Pride on Display
Puerto Rican Pride on Display
100 PERCENT
By Robert Press
This past Sunday's Puerto Rican Day Parade up the Grand Concourse was the climax to the celebrating of Puerto Rican Heritage Month. Photos of the parade are elsewhere in this newspaper. There were festivals and events such as those that you can find on my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com , and it was great to see all the wonderful people that were involved all month long. There are too many people to thank, but I know many of them do not want any thanks for doing much of what they love, that being able to show their love for their heritage.
I was able to attend the kick off for the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade which was posted on my blog. It was good to see Mr. Francisco Gonzalez again, and that he is still doing what he loves, that being a part of the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade. I stopped by the East 152nd Street Festival that took place last Saturday, and have placed a few photos of the event on my blog also.
If you are driving by a school you may either want to check your speedometer to see that
New York One almost gave me a good reason to cancel my Cablevision subscription. That being taking off New York One Political Rundown commentator Curtis Swila. Swila had said some stupid remarks about our current City Council Speaker which I will not reprint, and it seems after five weeks of the Church Ladies Coffee Klutch (a spinoff from Saturday Night Live) that Curtis Swila will be returning to the Political Rundown. No offsense meant to you J.C. Polanco, but you are no Curtis Swila, and don't quit your day job. Unfortunately this means that we will be getting a no steroid version of Swila, but maybe that is a good idea if one looks at the kind of year that Alex Rodriguez is having without using steroids.
Upcoming events -
Monday, June 15th is the rescheduled 3rd Annual Bronx Day in Albany. Check my blog or call 718- 409- 0109 for more details.
Thursday, June 18th from 2 – 7 p.m. is the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Bronx Business Expo at Bay Plaza. You can call the BCC at 718-828-3900 or go to their website at www.bronxchamber.org for more information on how to showcase your Bronx business, or how to attend.
Saturday, June 20th is the 7th Annual Fair at the Square in the famous Westchester Square at the intersection of East Tremont and Westchester Avenues. This event begins at 11 a.m., and is being sponsored by the Westchester Square BID. You can call 718-395-1932 for more info.
If you have any political news that you would like to share, have any comments about this column, or have an event that you would like to have 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.
#PuertoRicanParade #Bronxnews
Wakefield News: Kids Love New Zoo ExhibitBRONX, NEW YORK, JUN...
Wakefield News: Kids Love New Zoo Exhibit
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUN...: Kids Love New Zoo Exhibit BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 1- The Children’s Zoo at WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo has u...
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUN...: Kids Love New Zoo Exhibit BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 1- The Children’s Zoo at WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo has u...
Kids Love New Zoo Exhibit
BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 1- The Children’s Zoo at WCS’s (Wildlife Conservation Society) Bronx Zoo has undergone a renovation and officially reopened with a weekend-long celebration.
“Originally opened at the Bronx Zoo in 1941, the Children’s Zoo is a historic part of any visit to the Bronx Zoo,” said Jim Breheny, WCS Executive Vice President and Bronx Zoo Director. “The Children’s Zoo is an experience people remember from their childhoods and represents many people’s first up-close encounter with wild animals. The new Children’s Zoo maintains the nostalgia from the past while creating new experiences and introducing a variety of different species to the exhibit.”
Species new to the Children’s Zoo include giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), Linne’s Two- toed Sloth (Choloepus didactylus), South American coatimundi (Nasua nasua) and the world’s smallest deer: the pudu (Pudu puda). Other wildlife favorites returning to the children’s zoo include American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus), and South American squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) which now live on an island habitat surrounded by wading Caribbean flamingoes (Phoenicopterus ruber) and other dabbing waterfowl.
The exhibit improvements are substantial, but maintain the walk-through trail experience and key features such as the aviary, prairie dog tunnels, bird nests, turtle shells, and tree house slide that have become iconic and a source of nostalgia for many.
WCS worked with author/ artist Brendan Wenzel on the new whimsically illustrated interpretive graphics that identify species, provide key facts about the animals, and educate about the species’ conservation needs in the wild. He will be on-site all weekend to sign his new book, Some Bugs.
The Children’s Zoo officially re-opened on May 30 with a weekend-long celebration. As part of the festivities, Peppa Pig, the world-famous star of the hit animated TV series airing daily on Nick Jr., joined families for a weekend full of fun at the zoo.
Kipps Bay Boys and Girls Club, BombaYo Afro-Puerto Rican Youth Project, and Casita Maria Chorus from The Bronx each performed music and dance numbers all weekend and to celebrate the grand re-opening.
WCS’s Education Department hosted “Children’s Zoo Quests” and the “Adventure Club” for kids and families, presented by Canon U.S.A. These daytime guided tours run every half hour, and will continue through November 1 on weekends, Wednesdays, and holidays.
Canon has generously sponsored the transformation of the Children’s Zoo, including the enhanced animal exhibits, colorful updated graphics, and innovative play experiences.
For more information about the Bronx Zoo’s new Children’s Zoo or the grand re-opening events, visit www.BronxZoo.com.
#BronxZoo #WCS #ChildrensZoo #Bronxnews
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