Welcome2TheBronx

Bronx Politics: Bob Not-So-Thorough-Setter?

News

Rob Giuffre

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September 24, 2013

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By Rob Giuffre, September 24th, 2013 3:47PM

Bob Not-So-Thorough-Setter

In last week’s “Boro Beat” column, Bob Kappstatter wrote that he “suspected” former Assemblyman Michael Benjamin would be running for his old seat because he moved back into “the hood.”

Well, we here at welcome2thebronx.com followed up and engaged in some actual journalism and reached out to Mr. Benjamin.

Benjamin was taken by surprise; he said the only way anyone could have even known about his moving back into the old district is from passing comment he made to Assemblywoman and Council-nominee Vanessa Gibson.

In fairness, I am writing about the writer here, but I think this is a good case study on why this weekly column needs to exist. Having a second opinion is a good thing.

I also think this case allows a glimpse into the pettiness of the Bronx political class. That this would be enough to circulate and make its way to Kappstatter and into his column is a telling sign.

When pressed, Benjamin insisted that he would never (like never, ever) run for elected office again. “I enjoy working in the private sector. I don’t want to be one of these guys who never held a real job in their life.” Which brings us to our next topic:

“YOUTH ENERGY”

After some soul searching this week, I feel like I may be too negative about the state of local Bronx politics. So, I made a point to sit down and think of something positive in the Bronx political scene. I tried and tired, but I honestly could not find one glimmer of hope. I urge readers to find SOMETHING, ANYTHING POSITIVE and comment about it below.

One might think the election of two young men from our borough would be positive.

Victor Pichardo (age 28) and Ritchie Torres (age25), on face value, and through conventional wisdom, seem like young promising rising stars of city politics. But how can one really get excited about either when faced with the evidence?

One is going into elected office after a highly controversial election amid allegations of the most serious of fraud — not one of his opponents would concede him victory.

The other received $377,000 of landlord money after running under the guise of a housing advocate and claims “the mailers made no difference.”

Right. Sure. Whatever ya say, buddy.

Both are young enough that they may remain in elected office in The Bronx into their 50’s and 60’s…they may both become one of “the guys who never actually held a real job in their life.” How can we feel positive about this? Someone please help me find some glimmer of hope! I honestly wish the best for both and hope they can make the most of their positions and deliver for their people who desperately need opportunity. The Bronx is in no position for negativity.

SPEAKER VACCA?

East Bronx Councilman Jimmy Vacca is being touted on a few lists as a potential name on the short list of new Council Speakers.

For next week’s column, I am going to take the role of whip and try to predict a count on the speaker vote.

On face value as of right now, I think the odds of Vacca being elected next Council Speaker are pretty slim. Even if he is able to grab the entire Bronx delegation, which he won’t, who else is there?

JEFF KLIEN…CAN’T KNOCK THE HUSTLE

State Senator has been busy as a beaver…scared of his political future. He has been seen all over his district lately.

Klein has been out giving away school supplies, “fighting” obesity, judging clam chowder competitions and, literally, taking seniors out to the theater.

Two things:

1. Klein is trying to posture his way out of a primary election, and it may be working.

2. The NYSDSCC’s plan is also working. Keeping Klein locked into his district, fighting an imaginary boogie man, is better than him freed up and causing problems all over the state, running IDC candidates against regular Democrats.

IS ANYBODY THERE?

I should’ve said this before, but anyone who wants to send tips, suggestions or press releases, please email me at robagiuffre@gmail.com.

Comments, views, and opinions are that solely of the author and should never be misconstrued as that of Welcome2TheBronx or any other authors of this site.

Refugee Hotel Opens This Friday At The Bronx Documentary Center

News

Ed García Conde

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September 24, 2013

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Refugee Hotel Opens This Friday At The Bronx Documentary Center

photo: Bhanu Poydel practices yoga to unwind after his arrival to New Jersey from a Bhutanese refugee camp, 2009. ©Gabriele Stabile

From the BDC:

The Bronx Documentary Center is pleased to present Refugee Hotel, an exhibtion of photographs by Gabriele Stabile. In more than sixty photographs, the exhibition chronicles refugees during their first night in the United States and their lives in resettlement. This is Stabile’s first one-person exhibition in New York City.

A refugee is defined as a person who has crossed a border to escape persecution based religion, political opinion, sexual or ethnic identities. Hundreds of refugees are placed in New York City each year, and of those more than 90% are resettled in the Bronx. For six years Stabile worked in coordination with the International Organization for Migration and other resettlement organizations around the country to photograph refugees from Cuba, Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East as they set foot on American soil. Customarily, their first nights are spent at a string of airport hotels in major US metropolises. Stabile writes, “ The first night in America is for all of them the start of a new life with new possibilities, but also another fatal, definitive step away from home.” He continues, “It is a moment on the cusp between two uncertainties, a past of displacement and an unknown future…a seemingly unassuming night they will remember for the rest of their lives alongside the fireproof carpet, the standardized furniture, and the floral bed cover.”

Stabile also captures his subjects’ as they adjust to small-town life in Fargo, North Dakota; Charlottesville, Virginia; Erie, Pennsylvania; Amarillo, Texas; Tulsa, Oklahoma. Resettlers face the practical and existential challenges of earning a living wage, adjusting to new communities, learning a foreign language, adopting or rejecting new cultural attitudes, and sorting through memories and traumas of the past.

Join us for the opening reception on Friday, September 27, from 6:30 to 9PM.

Refugee Hotel will be on view from September 28 – December 1, 2013

– See more at: http://bronxdoc.org/post/61504657422/the-bronx-documentary-center-is-pleased-to#sthash.8cUdtRKa.dpuf

Volunteers, including myself, helped paint the gallery in preparation for the latest exhibition.

The army of dedicated volunteers is a testament to what a wonderful place the Bronx Documentary Center is to so many.

Celebrity-Inspired Fashion in the Bronx

News

Ed García Conde

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September 24, 2013

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Check out this Intersection video from the NYTIMES on Bronxites’ Celebrity Inspired Fashion.

Who inspires you?

Click for the video: http://www.nytimes.com/video/2013/09/24/fashion/100000002459817/celebrity-inspired-fashion-in-the-bronx.html

Which Is YOUR Favorite Bronx Park? ProjectBronx Explores Our Green Oases

News

Ed García Conde

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September 23, 2013

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Which Is YOUR Favorite Bronx Park? ProjectBronx Explores Our Green Oases

Not only is the Bronx the greenest borough in all the realm that is New York City but we also have more open greenspace than any other urban area in the nation.

Pelham Bay Park is the city’s largest park and is more than 3x the size of Central Park with over 2,700 acres and then we have the beautiful Van Cortlandt Park which is the 3rd largest park (nope, Central Park, you’re still smaller. Sorry.). Both of these massive beauties are incredibly steeped in history too.

Ask most outsiders what comes to mind about the Bronx and the last thing you’d expect to hear is anything about our parkland.

For the past month Adam Levine-Peres, founder of ProjectBronx has been asking Bronxites about our local parks and their thoughts on such urban spaces.

Below you’ll find each episode of the 3-part series so you can watch them at your leisure and don’t forget to hit up the comments section and tell us about YOUR favorite Bronx park!

Part 1

Part 2

Now don’t forget to tell us about your favorite Bronx park!

URGENT: Possible Exposure To Hepatitis A At New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In the Bronx

News

Ed García Conde

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September 20, 2013

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URGENT: Possible Exposure To Hepatitis A At New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In the Bronx

Please read the press release from the department of health on what to do if you ate at New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In the Westchester Square area of the Bronx. You may have been exposed to hepatitis a as 5 cases have already emerged from here.

The last DOH inspection of the restaurant was on May 17 of this year and they received a B grade. Violations were noted as:

Sanitary Violations
1) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation.

2) Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.

3) Facility not vermin proof. Harborage or conditions conducive to attracting vermin to the premises and/or allowing vermin to exist.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Release # 033-13
Friday, September 20, 2013

MEDIA CONTACT: (347) 396-4177
Jean Weinberg/Levi Fishman: Pressoffice@health.nyc.gov

Health Department Warns Patrons Of New Hawaii Sea Restaurant In The Bronx Of Possible Exposure To Hepatitis A From September 7th To September 19th

Customers who ate food from New Hawaii Sea Restaurant in the Bronx (1475 Williamsbridge Road) Between Those Dates Should Get Hepatitis A Vaccine as soon as possible

Five Cases of Hepatitis A at the Restaurant; One Employee, Four Patrons

September 20, 2013 – In response to cases of hepatitis A infections in an employee and four customers at New Hawaii Sea restaurant, located at 1475 Williamsbridge Road in the Bronx, the Health Department is urging customers who ate at the restaurant, either in-store, through catering or delivery, between September 7th and September 19th to receive hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. Any leftover food from this restaurant should also be discarded.

Hepatitis A is spread by eating food (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated by an infected person. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea. People typically develop symptoms of hepatitis A infection about one month (range is 15 to 50 days) after they are exposed to the virus. If people are vaccinated within 14 days of exposure, vaccination can prevent the disease from occurring.

Any person who ate at New Hawaii Sea, either in-store, through catering or delivery, between September 7th and September 19th is considered at risk and is recommended to receive hepatitis A vaccine as soon as possible. Any person who ate food from this restaurant before September 7th should be evaluated if they have symptoms suggestive of infection. The Health Department is working with the restaurant to ensure that all the food handlers are vaccinated. The restaurant is cooperating fully with the Health Department and will remain closed until enough employees are vaccinated to reopen safely.

People can visit their regular doctor to receive this shot. The Health Department will offer hepatitis A vaccinations starting tomorrow, September 21st at the Herbert Lehman High School, 3000 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 at the following times:

Saturday, September 21, 2013 from 2-8 pm
Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 2-8 pm

For vaccination clinic updates to your mobile device, text HEPA to 877877.

People who have health insurance should bring their insurance information. People who do not have health insurance will receive vaccine free of charge. Women who are pregnant will not be treated at our site and should consult their doctor as far as potential vaccination. People with immune-compromising conditions should consult their doctor to discuss whether to receive vaccine or a different preventive treatment.

People who were exposed but have already received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine sometime in their life do not need another shot; all others should be vaccinated.

“We are asking all restaurant patrons and employees to get this vaccination as soon as possible,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley. “If people experience symptoms, they should see a doctor immediately. This incident serves as an important reminder to always wash your hands thoroughly before handling food to prevent the spread of disease.”

About Hepatitis
Hepatitis type A is a liver disease caused by a virus. It is spread from person to person by putting something in the mouth (even though it might look clean) that has been contaminated with traces of fecal matter from an infected person. There are no special medicines or antibiotics that can be used to treat a person once the symptoms appear. While some people who have chronic liver disease or a weakened immune system could experience more severe illness and require hospitalization, hepatitis A is rarely fatal (fewer than 1% of cases).

In order for the vaccine to be most effective in preventing disease, people should be vaccinated within 14 days. The earlier the vaccine is given, the more effective it is in preventing the disease.

About the Investigation
The Health Department investigates all cases of hepatitis A in New York City. The Department was notified of this case on September 19, began the investigation, and inspected the restaurant that day. An average of 50-60 cases of hepatitis A are reported to the Health Department in New York City each year, with 1-2 occurring in food handlers.

For more information on Hepatitis A, please visit: http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/living/cd-hepatitisabc.shtml

Join Us Tonight At Tosca’s In Throgs Neck!

News

Ed García Conde

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September 19, 2013

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Join Us Tonight At Tosca’s In Throgs Neck!

Join me and an excellent cast of Bronxites tonight as we bartend at Tosca to raise money for VISIONS! (check out the Facebook Event’s page)

VISIONS (Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired) Bronx Advisory Board Invites you to: “Mix It Up” for a great cause!

Join Our Bronx “Celebrity” Bartenders as they display their mixology talents Our Celebrity Bartenders are:

Gary Axelbank, Monroe College / Bronx Talk

Ed Conde Garcia, The Mayor of Melrose

Donna Karlson, New York Institute for Special Education

Hon. Mark Gjonaj, NYS Assembly

Lisa Sorin, Westchester Square BID Thursday,

September 19, 2013 6-9PM

Tosca Marquee Rooftop Garden

4034 East Tremont Ave.
Bronx, NY

$25 includes great hors d’oeuvres, networking opportunities and a chance to cheer on our celebrities – bring your business cards!

All proceeds from this event will support VISIONS free programs and services in the Bronx. Space is limited, reservations suggested, please contact: Crissy Vicendese: (212) 625-1616 ext. 135 or email: cvicendese@visionsvcb.org

Please make all checks payable to VISIONS: Send to: Amy Gordon, VISIONS, 500 Greenwich St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013 to pay by credit card call: (212) 625-1616 ext. 120 or visit www.visionsvcb.org/events/bronx_bar to purchase your ticket online.

The amount of $12.50 per ticket represents a contribution to VISIONS which is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law

The Joy of Painting, Bronx Style? Beloved Artist, Daniel Hauben Gets His Own Show

News

Ed García Conde

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September 18, 2013

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The Joy of Painting, Bronx Style? Beloved Artist, Daniel Hauben Gets His Own Show

Born and raised in the Bronx, Daniel Hauben has painted some of the most wonderful works of art depicting our beloved borough.

His paintings grace the new library at Bronx Community College and now the artist will have his own show starting this weekend on BronxNet.

The Daily News says:

“It’s not PBS, but the Boogie Down now has its own homespun artiste to preach the joy of painting happy little landscapes.

Daniel Hauben is making painting accessible through his new BronxNet television show, “Art and About with Danny Hauben.”

But instead of painting birches and clouds and clean mountain streams, Hauben, 57, is depicting the gritty urban landscapes that are native to the borough.

“For me, it’s the whole immersion in the urban craziness that is the subject,” Hauben said. “It really appeals to people, and is really not that common.”

As the shows become available, we’ll be posting them here for your viewing pleasure in case you miss them!

Bronx Politics: Predictions Hit & Miss With A Dash of Fraud Allegations

News

Rob Giuffre

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September 17, 2013

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Bronx Politics: Predictions Hit & Miss With A Dash of Fraud Allegations

by Rob Giuffre on September 16, 2013 11:57AM

PREDICTIONS, HIT AND MISS

So, first off…about last week’s predictions, well…some were spot on, some were off. Very surprised that Eliot Spitzer was defeated by Scott Stringer; this was a case of a lack of objectivity on my part.

The public advocate race, I had not been following it closely, so I really just guessed and was way off. (Sorry about that.) Every other race, I have to say, I did pretty well.

As predicted, Jobs for New York was the difference maker in council districts, 11, 15 and 16. Ritchie Torres in the 15th district was on the receiving end of $377,000 from Jobs for New York. This figure dwarfs the $105,002 he raised on his own. After approximately, $91,000 in public matching funds, the Torres campaign (directly and from “independent” sources) spent about $573,000 – all for 2,589 votes, or, an astonishing $221.32 per vote. While Torres ultimately won, it is my opinion that the 15th district was not sold on his candidacy considering the money spent for just 36% of the vote.

FRAUD CONTROVERSY

The picture heard round the Bronx political scene.

Serious allegations of voter fraud are coming from all candidates (besides Victor Pichardo) in the 86th Assembly District.

Calls from welcome2thebronx.com have been made to the Bronx Democratic Party, Assemblyman Carl Heastie and Senator Gustavo Rivera seeking comment. No comments were given.

The second place finisher, Hector Ramirez, spearheaded a letter to state and federal authorities seeking a do-over election. Our sources at the Bronx Board of Elections tell us that Bronx Democratic Party Attorney Stanley Schlein was called upon to assist the Pichardo campaign as early as the day after the primary.

More is sure to come from this situation. Stay tuned.

THE KLIEN-KOPPELL SCENARIO

Word around the campfire is that term-limited, 72 year-old Oliver Koppell, is seriously weighing a primary challenge against State Senator Jeff Klein.

This rumor was confirmed by me during the Bronx Democratic Party’s volunteer barbeque. Koppell stated “I have talked to (NYS DSCC Chairman) Mike Gianaris about putting together a campaign. I know they are looking for someone.” When asked bluntly if he would run, Kopell responded, “I’m not sure yet.”

This would be a huge challenge for Koppell. Klein is well-liked in his district and has $1,353,039 in his campaign account.

The real issue here is that Klein would rather not spend that $1,353,039 on a left-flank assault from a union, liberal, NYS DSCC backed Koppell. Klein would much rather spend that money supporting other candidates throughout the state in hopes of expanding his Independent Democrat Conference.

Mike Gianaris must know that Klein, being slightly neurotic, would spend way more than needed defending himself in a primary, at the expense of any hope of expanding the IDC.

In my opinion, this is the real motivation – wasting Klein’s time and attention. A pretty smart strategy indeed.

Pics From the Bronx: Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show

News

Ed García Conde

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September 16, 2013

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Pics From the Bronx: Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show

Yesterday was the 13th annual Orchard Beach Classic Car & Motorcycle Show bringing toothed Bronx the largest show of its kind of a the East Coast.

The show began a month after 9/11 to raise funds for the families of the victims of the tragic events and since then has grown to one of the most anticipated events of the year.

Check out some of the beauties that made their way to the Bronx yesterday for all to admire. Photographs were all provided by lifelong Bronx resident Joel Soto and Carmen Santiago, another lifelong Bronxite and community activist who dedicates her spare time in making the Bronx a better place for all.

1934 Ford. Classic Elegance! ©Carmen Santiago

Even the Penguin came by! ©Carmen Santiago

Happy Mexican Independence Day!

News

Ed García Conde

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September 16, 2013

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Feliz día de la independencia Mexicana!

We would like to wish our Mexican – American Bronxites a Happy Mexican Independence Day!

During the past several decades, the Mexican community has grown from virtually nonexistent to being one of the most visible members of the South Bronx particularly in Melrose and Mott Haven.

This explosive growth, not just in the Bronx, but across New York City was the impetus for the creation of the CUNY Institute of Mexican Studies at Lehman College – the first of its kind along the ENTIRE Eastern Seaboard – in February of last year.

The Institute says that, “…Mexicans constitute the fastest-growing national sub-group in New York City, due to high rates of immigration and births. If these rates remain the same, the Mexican population will surpass that of other Latino groups in New York City by the year 2024. The number of Mexicans living in New York City has grown 57.7 percent in the last decade. The Mexican population in New York City is 319,126, according to U.S. Census data for the most recent year available, 2010.”

Here’s to the continued success of our fellow Bronxites in their new homeland!

Las “Machinas” aka The Carnival: Memories From The Bronx

News

Ed García Conde

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September 13, 2013

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Las “Machinas” aka The Carnival: Memories From The Bronx

As I was walking home from the Gateway Center Mall at the Bronx Terminal Market I noticed that the carnival had gone up.

Taking up one of the Yankee Stadium parking lots along the Harlem River it is hidden from view when 30 years ago they would be prominently on display at one of the countless rubble, strewn lots in the Old South Bronx like 3rd Avenue and 149th Street where Forman Mills, Rite Aid and the soon to arrive Aldi grocery store.

As children, the arrival of Las Machinas was one of the biggest highlights of our year or at the very least – the social season.

Overnight, a lot that was just filled with bricks, broken glass (along with broken dreams) would awaken covered in trucks bearing all the rides and concession stands.

As a child, I saw nothing but the fun a carnival would bring, the number of times I’d get on my favorite rides, the cotton candy, the hot dogs, stuffed animals as prizes for the many games.

Looking back only reminds me of the innocence we had as children during those times, oblivious to the realities of where we lived.

I still remember being hoisted all the way to the apex of the ferris wheel over and over again looking across the Bronx and seeing nothing wrong with what was.

We’d love to hear from you about your memories of Las Machinas and if you have any photos you’d like to share from those days at the carnival, let us know in the comments section below or at Welcome2TheBronx [at] gmail.com and we’ll share them!

Hockey Legend, Mark Messier Is New CEO Of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center

News

Ed García Conde

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September 12, 2013

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Hockey Legend, Mark Messier Is New CEO Of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center

Bronxites! Let us know what you think about the upcoming Kingsbridge National Ice Center. Do you think it’s going to be good for Kingsbridge and the Bronx?

Do you have any concerns about how this project will impact your community? Do share!

Via the Associated Press:

NEW YORK — Mark Messier is the new chief executive officer of the Kingsbridge National Ice Center in the Bronx, which when constructed will be the world’s largest ice sports facility.

Messier, a Hockey Hall of Famer and captain of the New York Rangers’ the 1994 Stanley Cup champion, will oversee the center’s development and operation, including its free educational and sports programs for youngsters.

Backed also by Olympic figure skating champion Sarah Hughes, the 750,000 square-foot facility will feature nine year-round indoor rinks, including three Olympic- and six NHL-sized rinks.

The center, expected to open in 2017, will have at least two rinks that will be compatible for sled hockey for people with disabilities. The facility will feature hockey, figure skating, speed skating, synchronized skating, ice dancing and curling.

Messier was a six-time Stanley Cup champion during his 25-year NHL career.