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Links for 2012-05-31 [Digg]

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Chokehold Crook - Bronxnews
News from throughout Bronx, NY

Links for 2012-05-30 [Digg]

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Shore Thing - Bronxnews
News from throughout Bronx, NY

Links for 2012-05-29 [Digg]

Wed, 30 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Charlie Rangel's Race - Bronxnews
News from throughout Bronx, NY

Links for 2012-05-28 [Digg]

Tue, 29 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Puerto Rican Day Parade on Sunday - Bronxnews
News from throughout Bronx, NY

Links for 2012-05-26 [Digg]

Sun, 27 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Move Over JLo - Bronxnews
News from throughout Bronx, NY
Run On Banks - Bronxnews
News from throughout Bronx, NY

Links for 2012-05-16 [Digg]

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Clean Sweep of Creep - Bronxnews
Custodian at School Foils Kidnapping of Boy at School

Links for 2012-05-14 [Digg]

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 PDT

Not-So Dandy for Andy - Bronxnews
For the first time since October 18, 2010, Andy Pettitte stood on the mound and pitched in a major league game. The most recent home grown Yankees hurler to reach superstar status while wearing the Yankee pinstripes ended his short-time retirement by signing a minor league on March 16.

WHY?

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:42:11 PDT

Grieving family, cops can’t understand why man

was killed for i-Phone

$12,000 reward offered to find killer

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 24- As homicide detectives continue to go over witnesses statements in search for clues to identify the gunman who casually shot and killed an aspiring cook for an i-Phone, several dozen friends and family members paid their respects at his funeral.

Investigators say Hwang Bun Yang, 26, was returning home from his job as a manager and assistant chef, who oversaw cold-food dishes at The Modern, a restaurant within the Museum of Modern Art in Manhattan, when he was approached by a still-unidentified male at 12:30 a.m., on April 19.

Yang was shot once in the chest before the gunman stole his expensive phone, not bothering to remove his wallet, that still contained an unknown amount of cash, when police discovered his lifeless body at the intersection of Cambridge Avenue and W. 232 Street.

The South Korean-born Yang, who immigrated to Riverdale with his family when he was just a child, was transported to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital but died upon his arrival.

One resident of the block, who declined to be identified, recalled, "I just woke up from all this commotion and all the police cars and sirens, and I looked out the window and I saw the police take this poor guy away."

The resident, who has lived on the block for over 50 years said he could only remember a woman being attacked by a pervert at the foot of Ewing Park several years back, but no shootings or murders.

"I guess you can say people are concerned," the resident added. "People are coming here to look at the place where he was shot... we're concerned, but nobody has said they are going to change the way they do things."

The following Monday, about 65 friends and relatives of the young man gathered at St. John Nam Parish Church on White Plains Road in the Olinville section where Yang was a volunteer Sunday school teacher.

Mark Lee, a secretary at the church and friend of Yang's father, stated, "The family called him but there was no answer, the phone did not answer. About 12:40 a.m., the police came and told them what happened. Hwang's i-Phone was missing but his wallet was OK, it still had money in it."

"There is a lot of crime in the Bronx," Lee, a resident of Bedford Park, continued. "Over here, but he lived in Riverdale, it's a little better over there... it's shocking."

A patrol car from the 50th Precinct would lead the funeral precession down White Plains Road for Yang's burial in Westchester.

Mike Garabito, owner of Mike's Power Front Shop which is next door to the church, watched with an employee as the cars from the precession rolled passed his shop."

Garabito asked, "Who was this guy? A cook? Oh, I thought he was someone famous because of the police and all the people." The shop owner added, "It's very dangerous in the city once again."

The killing prompted Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., to issue a statement that read in part, "My heart goes out to Hwang Yang's family as we keep them in our prayers. It is extremely disappointing to see such senseless, cowardly acts being committed in our borough."

NYPD statistics show thefts of pricey electronic devices like i-Phones and i-Pads have jumped more than 40 percent over the same period last year-- with over 1,100 incidents, prompting the recent announcement of a deal reached with cell-phone service providers that would require a database that would make it more difficult for thieves to sell stolen devices.

On the day of Yang's funeral, two i-Phone thefts were reported, both in Brooklyn.

The suspect in Yang's murder was only described as a male wearing a gray hooded jacket, who casually strolled away from the scene and was spotted getting into the front passenger seat of a silver mini van.

The NYPD CRIMESTOPPERS hot-line is offering $2,000 reward on top of a $10,000 bounty offered by the NYPD's Chief of Detectives for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Anyone with any information is asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS, all calls remain confidential.

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Stop Cyberbullying

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 06:38:26 PDT

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 23- Senator Jeffrey D. Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) launched three separate workshops to educate his constituents about the dangers of cyberbullying. Joining him at these events were Assemblyman Marcos Crespo (D-Bronx), Former Miss New York Kaitlin Monte, Cybercrime and legal expert Parry Aftab, and Bronx Community Board #10. The Senator has already introduced legislation (S.6132) in the Senate earlier this year to update New York's stalking and harassment laws to cover electronic bullying.

The legislation would include updating the crime of Third Degree Stalking to include bullying of a youth by electronic communications, add electronic communications to the means of which to commit the crime of Aggravated Harassment, and modernize the crime of First Degree Criminal Impersonation to include electronic communications.

In addition to introducing the legislation, the Senator has in conjunction with his colleagues in the Independent Democratic Conference (www.nycyberbullycensus.com) to gather more information directly from youths throughout New York State to get more information on how prevalent this crisis has become.

“Our children are our most precious resource and we need to do everything we can to make sure they are in a safe and nurturing environment,” said Senator Klein. “We also need to teach them that this type of reckless and potentially deadly behavior will not be tolerated.”

"These events will be a great opportunity for us as legislators to discuss the issue of cyber bullying with educators, parents, and our youth, who are increasingly confronting an array of dangerous and life threatening situations resulting from cyber bullying. I look forward to working with Senator Klein and other partners in educating our community about this dangerous social ill and respond with proposals that aim to eradicate the problem." said Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

“The Board is gratified to note that Senator Klein has taken the initiative to establish a dialogue on the negative effects that cyber bully is having on our society” said Kenneth Kearns, District Manager.

Those interested in learning more about cyberbullying and the Senator’s legislation are encouraged to contact his office at (718) 822-2049 or email jdklein@nysenate.gov.

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Cops break bread with neighbors

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:28:02 PDT

Wakefield Area News

By Mary V. Lauro

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 23- High brass from the NYPD along with their counterparts from the neighboring communities of Yonkers and Mt. Vernon sat on the dais in the main ballroom of Eastwood Manor. They looked out in disbelief. It was 8 a.m. on April 18 and the hall was filled with 600 members of the community! It was the 23^rd Annual Fellowship Breakfast of the 47^th Precinct. Community Council.

Chief Phillip Banks III, Commander of the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau said it first. This was the best police-community breakfast in the city. The accolade was repeated by Chief Carlos Gomez, commander of Patrol Borough Bronx and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. We always thought so, but this time it was confirmed.

We could fill out column with the names of the speakers, the names of the 18 honored police officers, the names of those who contributed financially and the names of those who worked so very hard to bring the breakfast to its glorious conclusion, but we choose to point out that this minority community, rather than viewing the police as an enemy, work with them to stem the crime that threatens to debase its homes, its children and its families.

Month after month, the 47^th Precinct Community Council (47^th PCC) meets at different locations attracting crowds of residents who meet firsthand the Commander of the Precinct and have an opportunity to tell him the problems they are facing which need police attention. Attendance at the 47^th PCC meetings leaves attendance CB 12 a poor second. We doubt any other council in the city has the record of the 47^th PCC.

A great deal of this success is due to the leadership of its president, Elizabeth Gill, whose even handedness, calm demeanor and selflessness inspires confidence. She is appreciated for her work, not only by us here in the 47^th, but throughout the NYPD.

We pause here to give ourselves and the League a little pat on the back. It was through our efforts, or rather our war, with the reigning Council leader 25 years ago that spawned the current Council in which we take such great pride. We must here also give praise to its first president, Elaine Williams, who set the standard the Council still follows.

We return to the breakfast for the big surprise of the morning. Commissioner Ray Kelly could not attend but he sent a gift, one that he conditionally promised when Elizabeth Gill, Clarice Skeritt (Vice President of the 47^th PCC) and this writer visited him on Friday, February 3, 2012. We were there to personally confront him with the fact that the 47^th was woefully understaffed given the crime it was facing. He said at that time that there would be a realignment and reassessment of police staffing and that he would look into our concerns. True to his word the 47^th precinct received 43 more officers!

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Rams sweep doubleheader

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:05:15 PDT

(Photos by Howard Goldin)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 23- The Fordham Rams (29-18, 13-1) softball team continued its winning ways with a doubleheader sweep over the visiting St. Bonaventure Bonnies (15-19, 4-8), 5-1, 7-0, at Bahoshy Field in the Bronx on Friday afternoon.

The red-hot Rams have decimated their Atlantic-10 foes this year, winning 13 of 14 contests. They have yet to meet the conference leader, the University of Massachusetts, thus far, undefeated in nine league games. The Rams are victorious in 22 of their last 26 games.

The seniors and the frosh, the batters and the pitchers all contributed to the two wins.

A single and an error led to the first run in the first inning of the first game as Chelsea Palumbo hit her fifth and A-10 leading sacrifice fly.

Paige Ortiz, a power hitting freshman, blasted her 12^th home run of the year in the third over the left field wall. Ortiz is in the top five in the Atlantic-10 in most power categories, home runs, runs batted in, and slugging.

Two singles and two errors led to two additional Fordham runs in the fifth.

Hard hitting senior Nicole Callahan singled home two runs in the sixth and scored on a double by Palumbo.

Fordham’s offense in the second game was again sufficient to claim the victory. Freshman Elsie Forier led off the second with her fourth homer of the year. She also drove in Fordham’s fifth and final run with a double in the fifth.

The other three Rams’ runs were scored on a three-run smash by Diana Phalon in the fourth.

Callahan’s base hit in the second contest of the day elongated her hitting streak to 15 games and her on-base streak to 17 games. She began the 2012 season by hitting successfully in 12 of her first 14 games.

The only run the Bonnies scored during the afternoon came on a solo home run by Lindsey Stovall in the sixth inning of the second game.

Fordham’s ace hurler, Jen Mineau (23-10), pitched two great games in the circle. She hurled six of the seven innings in each contest. In the first game she surrendered only two hits without yielding a run.

The first two hitters she faced in the second game hit successfully. She gave up only two more hits in the game. The homer in the sixth was the only run she gave up to the Bonnies. Mineau fanned 12 in the first game and 10 in the second to give her a total of 324 in 2012. The righty leads the A-10 in wins, total innings, ERA, complete games, shutouts, starts and appearances.

The first and second places teams in the A-10 will have their only meetings this season in the Bronx on May 4 and 5.

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Bullets in bloom

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:07:46 PDT

Will Bronx experience another violent weekend?

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 17- At least nine serious incidents of violence were reported over a five-day period that left four victims dead and five wounded across the borough.

The first incident was reported at sometime after 2 a.m., on Friday, April 13, when officers from the 45th Precinct were called to the scene of a stabbing at the intersection of E. Tremont Avenue and Randall Avenue.

The condition or identity of the victim is not yet known. Police were reportedly looking for a male wearing a tank-top and blue jeans, who reportedly fled through a backyard.

Less than 24-hours later, police were called to the intersection of Freeman Street and Prospect Avenue, in the Morrisania section for reports of a person shot. Police arrived at just before 1 a.m., on Saturday, April 14, and discovered the victim, identified by police as Luke Williams, 15.

Police say Willaims was walking home with friends and was killed during a brawl with a second group of teens. Williams was shot three-times, including once in the neck and died at Bronx Lebanon Hospital.

Minutes later, officers from the 43rd Precinct were called to the 1700 block of Randall Avenue, between St. Lawrence and Commonwealth Avenue's in the Soundview section, for reports of gunfire. Officers arrived at just after 1 a.m., on Saturday, April 14 and discovered two people shot, one fatally.

Police say the victim, identified as William Samuels, 27, was shot multiple times in the torso. Samuels was rushed to Westchester Square Hospital, where he died a short time later. A second victim, a 19-year-old male was shot in the foot and was recovering at Jacobi Hospital.

Police were reportedly looking for the gunman, described as a male in his late 20s, wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white sneakers. The gunman reportedly fled in a white Ford Explorer with tinted windows.

Police have since released a poor quality surveillance video of the gunman as he fled down Randall Avenue towards Soundview Avenue.

Officers from the 43rd Precinct were called to the scene of another shooting at White Plains Road and Westchester Avenue, in the Parkchester section. Officers arrived at 1:45 a.m., on Sunday, April 15, and discovered a male had been shot. The condition of this victim is not yet known.

Police in Melrose were called to the scene of a shooting at 285 Thurman Munson Way. Police say a 26-year-old man was shot in the head and died at Lincoln Hospital. Cops were reportedly looking for a male wearing a grey hooded-sweatshirt, who fled the scene on foot. No other details in this case were available.

The bloodshed continued past the weekend as officers from the 44th Precinct were called to Jerome Avenue and E. 170 Street, where they discovered a male shot. The condition of the victim was not available. Police were reportedly looking for two male Hispanics who fled the scene on foot.

Police in Melrose were called to the Melrose Houses at just before 9 p.m., on Monday, April 16. A still-unidentified 16-year old was discovered in a courtyard of the complex located at 800 Morris Avenue.

Initial reports stated that the victim had been shot, but may have in fact been beaten to death. The teen was rushed to Lincoln Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Just before Midnight on April 16, police were called to 681 Kelly Street and discovered a male shot on the handball court of M.S. 302. The still-unidentified victim reportedly died at the scene.

At just after 1 a.m., on Tuesday, April 17, police discovered a person shot at University Avenue and W. 170 Street. Initial reports stated that the victim had been shot three-times but was expected to survive. No other information was available.

Another shooting was reported at just before 2 a.m., on April 17, but it is not known if anyone was hit.

Anyone with any information on any of these cases are asked to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls are confidential.

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Grandy man hits 3 homers

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:00:53 PDT

Jeter ties Winfield for hits

(Photo by Ken Carozza)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 20- Curtis Granderson raised his batting average neatly 80 points on Thursday as he batted five for five. The hitting star of the final game of the season’s first home stand of the Yankees was the first Yankee to hit three homers in a game since Alex Rodriguez on August 14, 2010. A-Rod was also the last Yankee to hit three long balls at home, on April 26, 2005.

After the Twins put four runs on the board off Yankees starter Phil Hughes in the first, Granderson took a 3-2 pitch into the seats to put the Yankees on the scoreboard. Two more runs crossed the plate on a two-run homer by Mark Teixeira in the first inning.

Granderson hit his second homer of the game in the second, scoring Derek Jeter who singled. The 27^th time a Yankee player hit 3 homers in a game occurred in the fourth as Granderson hit his third four bagger of the contest.

The crowd was ecstatic when Granderson next came to the plate in the sixth. He did not homer, but singled to right. In his final trip to the plate, the center fielder beat out an infield single. Lou Gehrig still remains the sole Yankee to hit four homers in a single game, June 3, 1932.

Jeter’s RBI single in the second was his 3,110^th base hit which tied him with a childhood idol Dave Winfield for 18^th place in major league history. The Yankee captain commented after the contest, “Everyone knows I was a huge Dave Winfield fan. It was pretty special.”

Winfield issued a statement praising Jeter, “I finished my career with 3,110 hits, and I have only admiration and respect for Derek. I hope he pauses for just a moment to admire the view with me, and then keeps on going. This is just one more achievement in an incredible career.”

The hit raised Jeter’s hitting streak to 10 games. The Yankees icon is currently batting a superlative .373.

Phil Hughes obtained his first win of the year, but it was not without difficulty. The Twins scored four runs in the first off Hughes, but none of the runs were earned. A throwing error by Eduardo Nuñez, who replaced Robinson Cano at second, prevented the inning from ending without a run being scored. Hughes left the game after 5.1 innings after giving up six hits, six runs, two earned and two walks.

Hughes dismissed the error by saying, “It’s part of the game. Fortunately, we scored a lot of runs.”

The Yankee bullpen was again excellent. The relievers pitched 3.2 scoreless innings to lower the pen’s season ERA to 1.83. The bullpen is 2-1 with three saves.

After the contest, the Yanks traveled to Boston to play the Red Sox on Friday afternoon on the 100^th anniversary of Fenway Park.

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Scammer tax prepper

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:00:33 PDT

Received $50,000 refund he was not entitled to

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 19- Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced that the owner of a tax preparation business, who is at the center of an ongoing large scale tax fraud investigation, has been arrested and charged with illegally receiving nearly $50,000 in refunds on his personal New York State tax filings.

Mark Goldberg, 32, was charged with one count of grand larceny in the third degree, one count of criminal possession of stolen property in the third degree, and three counts each of falsifying business records in the first degree and offering a false instrument for filing in the first degree. The most serious offense, grand larceny in the third degree, is a Class D felony punishable by a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison.

The charges in the criminal complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

It is alleged that Goldberg, owner of E&M Multiservice at 650 Westchester Avenue, filed New York State Tax returns for calendar years 2005, 2006, and 2007, in which his income was under reported and thereby resulted in the defendant receiving nearly $50,000 in refunds to which he was not entitled. It is also alleged that Goldberg falsely claimed to have derived his income as a City of New York employee when, in fact, Goldberg’s employment with the City had ended in 2003.

Goldberg was released on his own recognizance by Criminal Court Judge Gia Morris, although the People had requested that bail be set in the amount of $250,000 because the defendant has a strong motivation to flee the jurisdiction. Among the arguments made in asking for high bail was that the defendant is also the subject of a wider tax fraud investigation by the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance, the Internal Revenue Service and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office. The People also cited the defendant’s admission that he had earned over $500,000 in fees this year for preparing tax returns for more than 2,500 clients.

Investigators are interested in speaking with any clients of Goldberg who believe that they may have been a victim of tax fraud. Contact the Bronx District Attorney’s Citizens Complaint Unit at (718) 838-7040.

Goldberg’s arraignment was handled by Assistant District Attorney Anna Loiselle. Assistant District Attorney Graham Van Epps of the Arson/Auto/Economic Crimes Bureau is prosecuting the case.

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Pitching still plagues Yanks

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 08:36:59 PDT

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 19- In three games of the four-game series with the Yankees, Minnesota has jumped on the scoreboard early. They have scored a combined six runs in the first inning. Tuesday night CC Sabathia was able to keep them from scoring early as the Yankees evened the series.

Again it was the Twins going to work early Wednesday evening in the Bronx. Joe Mauer and Jamey Carroll had RBI doubles in a four-run, first off Yankees starter Hiroki Kuroda and Justin Morneau hit the first of his two home runs in the inning. The Yankees could not overcome the deficit in a 6-5 loss to a team they have dominated in the Bronx since 2001.

It is the first time the Yankees have lost two games to the Twins in a series at home since the 2001 season. And the Twins have been a team off to a slow start having come to the Bronx winning two of their first nine games.

Kuroda (1-2) in his third start did not resemble the starter who opened the Yankees season in the Bronx last Friday, and dominating the Angels with a shutout into the ninth inning. He lasted 4 1/3 innings and gave up 10 hits. Is there a concern now for the Yankees starting pitching that appears to be struggling with two of three bad outings in the series with Minnesota?

“He was up all night,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi about Kuroda. “He didn’t have his good sinker tonight like he did against the Angels.”

Girardi does not think there is reason for panic. The only concern is that his starters in the last seven games have not provided enough innings to give the bullpen some rest. Phil Hughes, will try and rebound from a bad outing and loss to the Angeles Saturday, getting the start Thursday evening when the Yankees close their season opening home stand and finale with the Twins.

Hughes in that start allowed six runs in 3 1/3 innings and there was talk about getting Andy Pettitte back sooner than his original May return to the Bronx.

“Right now our bullpen is somewhat taxed,” said Girardi. With outfielder Brett Gardner gong on the 15-day disabled list with a bad elbow, sustained making a tumbling catch Tuesday night, Girardi said the team will call up pitcher Cody Eplley from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes Barre to help the often used pen.

New York is in a stretch of playing 13 consecutive days, another reason why the struggling Alex Rodriguez was not in the starting lineup. Jason Marquis went five innings for the Twins and left with a 6-4 lead earning his first win since last July 18^th when he was with the Washington Nationals.

Derek Jeter continued his outstanding start hitting his fourth home run in the ninth that got the Yankees a run closer. Another Yankee home run came from Robinson Cano in the third inning his first of the season.

Email Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

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CC 'ya

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:30:37 PDT

Sabathia shuts down Twins

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 18- After two sub-par starts this season, CC Sabathia held the bats of the Twins in check and earned his first victory of the year on Tuesday night at Yankee Stadium. The win put the Yankees above the .500 mark.

After two shaky innings, the second and third, in which he surrendered three runs and four hits, Sabathia was invincible. The righthander retired 13 consecutive batters from the third through the seventh innings before issuing a walk to Trevor Phouffle.

After striking out the first batter he faced in the eighth inning, Yankees skipper Joe Girardi removed the starter from the contest. Girardi explained, “He did what we asked him to do. He got us in the eighth and it was time to take him out.”

The workhorse and ace of the starting staff threw 112 pitches in the 7.1 innings. He gave up only the runs and hits in the second and third frames. After the contest, Sabathia spoke of the change that occurred after the three Twins runs scored, “It just clicked. Everything felt a lot better. I was able to get the command down and get into a crisp rhythm.”

Yankee batters amassed their second highest total of runs in a single game this year, eight.

Derek Jeter continued his outstanding start of the year at the plate by driving in two runs. He hit a sacrifice fly to score the fourth run of the third inning and increased his hitting streak to eight games with an RBI single in the fifth.

Andrew Jones blasted his 421^st homer, a solo shot, of his distinguished career in the fourth.

Chris Stewart, obtained from the San Francisco Giants in a trade on April 4, knocked in a career high of three runs. The reserve catcher, a poor hitter who was acquired for his defensive skills, drove in two runs with a single in the third and a third run with a single in the seventh.

The elated Stewart spoke for the reserve players after the game, “Any time we get a chance to get into the game, period, and or time comes to produce, and we are able to do it, that’s awesome…If our name gets called that game we’re going to do what we can do and it worked out tonight for us.”

The Yanks and twins continue the four game series on Wednesday night with Hiroki Kuroda facing Jason Marquis. The series ends on Thursday with Phil Hughes slated to face Anthony Swarzak.

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Blooming idiot!

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:29:58 PDT

(Photo by Gary Quintal)

We know this spring has been unseasonably warm but one fan took it to the extreme. Cops had to arrest a shirtless fan who ran onto the field at Yankee Stadium.

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Unsafe streets

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:34:07 PDT

Police investigate third hit-and-run in 4 months

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 17- Police are looking for the hit-and-run driver who ran down two pedestrians crossing Bruckner Boulevard, the third such crash in the borough in less than four months.

Police were called to the westbound Bruckner Expressway Service Road at White Plains Road, at 5:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 14, where the two victims were discovered.

Police say a man and woman were struck by a gray BMW SUV. The vehicle reportedly sped-up to catch a yellow-light and never stopped after striking the victims, before fleeing onto the expressway.

Witness Jose Arens, a cook and manager at the I-Hop restaurant that faces the accident site, recalled, "I saw the car coming so fast, from the Bruckner, trying to catch the yellow light."

Arens continued, "I heard he hit something and I saw people run to the street, saying that he hit two people."

"The guy never stopped," Arens added, "and then I saw him get onto the highway. He hit the people and got on the highway."

One area resident, driving a bicycle past the scene later that morning, stated, "When I drive I have consideration for pedestrians, that's what it says in the driver's book, but they don't focus on that."

The man added, "You have to be considerate, that's what's killing this country."

Police would only say that one victim is a female Hispanic, 16 years of age, who suffered severe head trauma and remains in critical condition.

The second victim is identified as a male Hispanic, 17 years old, who also suffered severe head trauma. He remains in critical but stabilized condition. Both victims were transported to Jacobi Hospital.

Police have no suspects at this time and are working with at least two clues to the driver's identity-- a poor quality surveillance video shot from a local business, and one police source added, "The passenger side mirror was recovered at the scene."

The crash is the third hit-and-run in the borough since December. On December 26, Josbel Rivera, 23, was struck and killed as he crossed Mosholu Parkway. Ironically, Rivera's family had celebrated what would have been Josbel's 24-birthday, this past week.

The driver in that case fled the scene and two days later, set fire to the stolen vehicle.

On February 11, Dawn Affoumani, 42, a beloved teacher was struck and killed at the corner of Story Avenue and White Plains Road. Affoumani reportedly died at the scene.

On Wednesday, April 11, David Oliveras, 18, was struck and killed as he rode his bike at the intersection of Williamsbridge Road and Mace Avenue, in the Bronxdale section.

Police report that, that driver remained on the scene and no criminality was involved. The case will likely be deemed an accident.

According to the NYPD's own statistics, 21 cyclists were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2011, but just two drivers were ever charged with a crime.

Michael Murphy of Transportation Alternative recently stated, "The NYPD complains that it doesn't have enough resources to properly enforce traffic laws--but it's not even effectively prioritizing the resources it does have."

Police ask anyone with any information on any of the three hit-and-run drivers, to call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). All calls are confidential.

Now Pavano knows how to pitch?

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 07:19:56 PDT

Pavano haunts his old team as Twins take Yanks

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 17- Carl Pavano the right hand pitcher who once had a lucrative contract with the New York Yankees never lived up to expectations in the Bronx. However, Monday night at Yankee Stadium he had one of his best outings since leaving New York and signing on with the Minnesota Twins.

It was the second start for Pavano in New York since he left with an arm injury in 2008. When he took the mound in the first inning he was greeted with a resounding number of boos from the 40.218 in attendance.

Pavano (1-1) got the win as the Twins took the first of four over the Yankees 7-3 at the stadium. The Twins with a total of 14 hits went to work early on Yankees starter Freddy Garcia, (0-1) with two quick first inning runs.

The Yankees answered in their half of the first with three quick runs off Pavano with back–to-back home runs from Derek Jeter leading off, and one to left by Curtis Granderson that tied the score. Mark Teixeira singled to left and scored Alex Rodriguez that gave New York a 3-2 lead.

And that was all the scoring New York would get. Pavano with seven strong innings shut the Yankees down with two innings of scoreless relief from Brian Duensing and Matt Capps.

“Pavano hung in there after the first inning,” said Twins manager Ron Gardenhire about his starter who had the changeup and fastball working. “We needed innings out there. Pavano’s the kind of guy that may give it up once or twice and he may have a rough start, but he’s the kind of pitcher that can hang in there and he did.”

It was the first time New York went back-to-back leading off a game since Jeter and Robinson Cano did it against Toronto in September of 2005. It was the third home run for Jeter and Granderson, two of three coming from the leadoff spot for Jeter.

“He gave up a lot of two-run - two-out plays today and that was the difference,” said Yankees manager Joe Girardi about Garcia. “They tackled on runs and it was too big to overcome,” he said.

The Twins, off to a 2-7 start, began the four-game series after being swept over the weekend by the Texas Rangers, the second time that has been done to them this early season. Pavano made his fifth career start against the Yankees. He came into the game at 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA against his former team.

Minnesota would score two more runs in their half of the fifth taking a 4-3 lead on a Jamey Carroll run scoring single and a run scoring double off the bat of Joe Mauer. They added another run off Garcia in the sixth when Justin Morneau off a 1-0 pitch hit his second home run deep to center

Garcia would throw, 94 pitches in 5.2 innings. In two starts he has allowed nine runs. In his first outing last week in Baltimore, Garcia got a no decision in a Yankees win.

The series continue Tuesday night in the Bronx. CC Sabathia looks for his first win in his third start after two no decisions.

Email Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Jackie Robinson remembered

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:17:38 PDT

(Photos by Howard Goldin)

(Robinson's widow Rachel)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 16- The world has changed a great deal since 1947, the year that Jack Roosevelt Robinson integrated Major League Baseball as a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers. The impact of that event transcended the world of baseball and all of sports. Without his success, perhaps other steps on the road to integration might have been further delayed or not even taken.

The U.S, Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Topeka Board of Education was not taken until 1954. The Montgomery Bus Boycott that brought Dr. Martin Luther King to national attention took place in 1955. President Lyndon Johnson’s sponsored Civil Rights Act was passed in 1964. Barack Obama was elected President of the United States in 2008. Would history have been the same without Jackie Robinson’s achievement?

MLB has celebrated this event yearly on April 15 since 1997. Robinson’s uniform #42 has been retired by every team in the majors. There is a ceremony recognizing his accomplishment in every ballpark that is hosting a game on that date.

This season’s major celebration occurred at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Robinson’s widow, Rachel, and his daughter, Sharon, were present. They were greeted on the field by Robinson Cano, who was named in honor of Robinson and whose choice of #24 is a tribute to Robinson, and by Yankee captain Derek Jeter. Also honored were four members of the Tuskegee Airmen who fought during World War II. All uniformed personnel on both teams wore the #42 in honor of Robinson.

The yearly ceremony has several purposes in addition to remembering and honoring Jackie Robinson’s accomplishments. Robinson’s widow statement adds another reason, “It gives us great pride to commemorate the 65^th anniversary of Jack’s barrier breaking accomplishment. This anniversary serves as a reminder of Jack’s enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on America. It is my hope that this commemoration serves as an inspiration to all as we look to unite behind our common saga.

Robinson’s daughter, who currently works for MLB, stresses the need to use her father’s deeds as an educational tool for the younger generations, “It’s important for young people to hear the story.” To accomplish that goal, she said, “I’ve been going to schools with current players. You have to get current players involved.” She feels it’s easier for the current sports heroes to reach the young people.

She mentioned to reporters that LaTroy Hawkins of the Angels was with her at a youth clinic supporting the RBI program (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities) across the street from Yankee Stadium earlier in the day and at an event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on the previous evening. She then commented about the changes in players’ attitudes since 1997, “I’m very happy the players feel that connected. Back in 1997, players were saying ‘Jackie who?’ We’ve come a long way.

When asked how she feels about the ceremony being held in Yankee Stadium, she laughed and said, “At first, it felt kind of funny. The Dodgers and Yankees have an interesting history. Now, it’s like coming home.” The interesting history she referred to is that in six of Robinson’s 10 years with Brooklyn, the Dodgers and Yankees met in the World Series.

Sharon Robinson also excitedly told reporters a biopic of her father’s story is presently being cast and beginning filming, which will also educate youngsters regarding her father’s life.

There was also a game played after the special ceremony. The Yankees crushed the Angels, 11-5. The yanks scored one in the second, four in the third and three in the fourth on a Derek Jeter homer. The Yanks scored the final three in the seventh including a two-run homer by Raul Ibanez.

Ivan Nova recorded his 14^th consecutive winning decision.

Questions smolder in fire

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:17:26 PDT

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 16- Questions remain after a fast-moving, wind-fueled blaze tore through four buildings in Van Nest, that left 20 firefighters and two residents injured. Luckily, none of those injuries are considered life threatening.

Fire officials say the fire began in a three-story building on Van Nest Avenue, at 1:15 p.m., on April 14. Rescue companies were called after firefighters issued a mayday call, when officials say a ceiling came down inside of 726 Van Nest Avenue. The two firemen were removed and expected to recover.

Assistant Chief Ron Spadafora recalled, "When you hear the signals for firefighters mayday and firefighters in distress, that gets your blood rising. Firefighters are trained to work in that type of condition and got the firefighters out."

Fueled by a strong wind, the fire climbed up the side of the building, spreading to 724 Van Nest, a 3-story, wood frame house. Fire would also spread to a building on the other side and to a fourth building in the back.

Spadafora told reporters that the first fire trucks arrived on the scene within minutes of the call, and added that without the quick response, the entire block could have gone up in flames. The block sits one block west from the Van Nest Con Edison plant.

Witness Kriseijas Cotaz, recalled, "I walked outside the house and saw the fire department coming, but they were pretty slow... it took them like a half hour to start throwing water on the fire. Everyone came on time... I don't know why, they were breaking windows and stuff."

Witness Michael Morales, stated, "We first saw the smoke and about five or six seconds later we saw the ball of flame," when fire shot 30-feet in the air. Morales continued, "I've seen fires before... but never a ball of flame."

Morales agreed with Cotaz' claim that water was not put on the fire right away, stating, "I heard that they didn't have any (water) pressure, that's what they said."

Ali Almuntastr, who made several videos of the fire that he posted on YouTube, stated that firefighters did have one hose on the fire. But on one of the videos, someone in the crowd could be heard stating, "They should put some water over there, because it's connected to the next house."

Thirty-nine fire units and 168 firefighters battled the blaze. Fire officials say the fire was brought under control at 3:24 p.m., but residents of the block say firefighters were putting water on hot spots that would flare up, until after 11 p.m.

The following Monday, a fire official was asked about any delay or problems with water pressure in the area, he responded, "I don't see anything to that aspect of it. I just see the address of the original fire building and it extended to three other buildings."

The FDNY's fire marshals continue to investigate the cause of the blaze and several blocks in the area remain shutdown to automobile traffic.

The Red Cross was providing temporary shelter for the 10 families left homeless. One of the building's destroyed housed the Full-Life Christian Assembly International Church.

Bravest hurt in Bronx blaze

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 18:10:24 PDT

(Photo by Robert Press)

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 14- More than 20 firefighters were injured when a fast moving fire ripped through a building in Van Nest.

The fire started at around 1 p.m., and as the first fire trucks pulled up to 724 Van Nest Avenue a few minutes later 724 Van Nest Avenue and adjoining buildings were engulfed in flames. Smoke could be seen as far away as the George Washington Bridge, and the fire quickly went to a second alarm. As more and more fire and emergency units arrived the fire went to four alarms. The Bx22 and Bx39 had to be detoured around the fire equipment that was lined up and down White Plains Road.

The Bronx assistant Fire Chief on the scene said that the fire started in 724 Van Nest Avenue a three-story wood frame structure, and quickly spread to three adjoining buildings. Some 200 firefighters were on hand to battle the blaze which injured 20 firefighters (none seriously), even though several were taken to Jacobi Hospital. The FDNY declared the blaze under control at 3:30 p.m. about 2 1/2 hours after it started.

On hand at the fire were several city agencies including the Buildings Department which said that 724 Van Nest Avenue (where it was said the fire started) would have to be demolished. The three other buildings appeared to be able to be repaired, but they will have to pass inspection by the Buildings Department first.

While Con Edison was called to the scene, representatives said that there were no reports of any gas leaks in the area, and no construction on gas lines in the area. Arson has not been ruled out as Fire Marshals were also on the scene due to the quick movement of the fire to adjoining buildings. The Fire Marshals will have a determination on just how the fire started in a few days.

Fun begins

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:28:07 PDT

2012 Opening Day at Yankee Stadium-

the Festivities Begin

(Photo by Ken Carozza)

By Howard Goldin

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 13- At 11 a.m. on Friday the 13^th, the doors at Yankee Stadium opened to welcome fans for the start of the new season in the Bronx. Fans throughout the metropolitan area as well as the players on this year’s team were eagerly awaiting the start of baseball in the Bronx.

The sun was shining and the temperature was ideal for the 49,386 fans that filled the ballpark for the afternoon opener. As takes place at every Yankees opener, the ceremonies were quite impressive.

The 30 minutes prior to the first pitch of the game were filled with festivities. The players on both teams were individually introduced and lined up along the base lines. The two remaining members of the Core Four, Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, received the most prolonged ovations. Both previously spoke of the meaning of a Yankee Stadium Opening Day to them.

The Yankee captain enthused, “It just never seems like the season officially gets under way until you have the home opener. That’s how I always felt. It’s special. It’s fun. It’s a great atmosphere. It’s something we all look forward to. It just doesn’t feel like it [the season] gets under way until we get the one [opening game] at home.”

The less loquacious Rivera expressed the same feelings in fewer words, “[Now] the season will start for us.”

Moving patriotic ceremonies have been a hallmark at Opening Day under the Steinbrenner ownership of the Yankees. A huge American flag was unfurled by West Point cadets in the outfield. The colors were brought on the field by the West Point Color Guard. Jeremy Jordan of the Broadway show “Newsies” ably performed the National Anthem. The pre-game military ceremony concluded after a flyover by Navy F-18 Super Hornets.

The focus was again on baseball as the recently retired Jorge Posada alighted from the Yankee dugout to throw the ceremonial first pitch. On the previous night, Posada was awarded the Pride of the Yankees Award during the annual Welcome Home Dinner. Strange to the eyes of Yankees fans of the past two decades, Posada headed to the mound rather than the plate as he was the one who would throw rather than receive the pitch. The pitch was especially meaningful as it was received by Posada’s father.

At a few minutes past 1 p.m., the 37 year-old Yankee hurler Hiroki Kuroda went to the mound to deliver his first pitch for his new team in a stadium in which he never previously competed. Because his first Yankee start was disappointing, Kuroda expressed some concern, “Rather than being excited, I’m more worried about how I’m going to perform. I really have to do the best I can. I think I will.”

Kuroda’s performance on the mound was far better than he or the fans could have expected. He pitched eight innings plus to one batter in the ninth. He shut out the Angels, surrendering only five hits and two walks. He fanned six batters. He left the field to a standing ovation of which he remarked, “It’s the greatest feeling in the world. I really appreciate what the fans did.”

He minimized his sterling performance by saying, “When you have that kind of run production, you’re able to be more relaxed.”

The Yankees power and clutch hitting brought five runs across the plate. After a single by Alex Rodriguez and walks to Robinson Cano and Mark Teixeira in the first inning, a double to deep center by Nick Swisher cleared the bases.

The final two runs were scored on solo homers. A-Rod hit the first pitch in the bottom of the third into Monument Park in center field for his 630^th home run. The blast tied Ken Griffey Jr. for fifth place in career homers in the majors. One day, a monument to Rodriguez will almost surely be placed in the area where his homer landed.

With one out in the fifth, Curtis Granderson planted the ball in the rightfield seats to score the final run of the game.

After the game, Yankee skipper Joe Girardi aptly commented, “It doesn’t get any better.”

Perfect day for Yanks

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:53:14 PDT

Another Perfect Home Opener for the Yankees

(Photo by Ken Carozza)

By Rich Mancuso

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 13- Nick Swisher got a good pitch to hit in the first inning, a double to deep center that scored Robinson Cano, Alex Rodriguez and Mark Teixeira. That opened the door for another perfect Opening Day in the Bronx at Yankee Stadium Friday afternoon.

Even more perfect because Jorge Posada returned to the Bronx, one of the “Core Four” throwing the ceremonial Opening Day pitch to his father.

“The season does not start until after the home opener,” said Swisher after the Yankees 5-0 shutout over the Los Angeles Angels, their 14^thin their last 15^th in the Bronx. It was that type of day again at Yankee Stadium. Warm enough also for the Yankees to entertain a sold out crowd with home runs from Alex Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson.

The home run from Rodriquez, second of the season off Angeles starter and loser Ervin Santana, was the 630^th of his career which tied him with Ken Griffey Jr. on baseball’s all-time list. He was moved from the clean-up spot to third in the batting order after failing to drive in a run in the first six games and the home run was his first.

Hiroki Kuroda (1-1) who struggled in his first start down in Tampa Bay last Saturday, allowing six runs, four earned gave up five hits, struck out six, walked two and did not allow a runner to reach second until the fifth inning. The former Dodger had good command with his splitter in eight innings.

When he left the mound he received a standing ovation from the 49,386 Opening Day fans. “It was the greatest feeling in the world and I would like to repeat that,” he said. “When you have that type of run support I was able to be more relaxed.”

It was that type of Opening Day in the Bronx. The Yankees have a way of making this day more special than any other team in baseball. The win made it extra special with the home runs and good pitching to go with it. But the pitch from Posada, who retired in January, made it more compelling. After the pitch, Posada was hugged by his former teammates on the field.

At the team Welcome Home Dinner Thursday night in Manhattan, Posada was the highlight and what teammates described as the incentive to make this home opener extra special.

“It has to be something special for those two,” said Yankees Manager Joe Girardi about Posada returning to the stadium and his father watching him throw the first pitch at home plate. “He deserved that and it was great.”

But it was greater moment for Girardi to his starting pitcher rebound in his second start. And Rodriquez finding the home run swing, a huge shot into the netting in Monument Park, to straight center off the first pitch from Santana in the third inning, was an impressive swing. He also singled in the first and later scored on the Swisher bases clearing double.

“It puts a little sidebar on our season,” said Girardi about the milestone home run from Rodriguez. And he said about Kuroda, “I don’t think it gets any better, you get a quality start from your pitcher into the ninth inning.”

And it does not get any better when the Yankees win their home opener of the new season.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Rivera calls it quits

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:24:35 PDT

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 13- After 20 years of serving his community, Assemblyman Peter Rivera has decided to step down. Rivera was tapped by Governor Andrew Cuomo to be the next Commissioner of the New York State Department of Labor.

Rivera, whose initial plan was to run for Surrogate Court Judge, before the announcement at the end of March, recently stated, "It was an honor and a privilege to serve my constituents in the New York State Assembly for 20 years. I have always viewed public office as a public trust. It is in this spirit, that it is time for me to relinquish this seat to a new generation of lawmakers to Carry the mantle of responsible and representative government of the district."

Rivera continued, "Now, I have been asked and I have accepted, to work for Governor Andrew Cuomo... this new position will afford me the opportunity to pursue my passion in public service, protecting vulnerable workers, creating jobs and enforcing our State's Labor Laws."

He added, "This calling is one I look forward to in my continuing journey in our system of representative government."

Rivera has thrown his backing behind his longtime Chief of Staff Danny Figueroa, to fill the seat he plans to vacate. Figueroa recalled, "He asked if I was interested in running. He said if I was interested, he would endorse me, so I filed and I'm exploring a run for the assembly."

"If I were to win," Figueroa stated, "We have a real problem with our medicare program and prescription drugs and those that are covered and not covered. It seems that a lot of elderly, poor and working class people are not getting medications that they need and that's something that we need to work on desperately."

If elected, Figueroa said more new jobs was a priority high on his list, stating, "We need to find a way to get jobs back to the state and to keep the jobs here... and we have to look at the tax structure. We've got to make ourselves a more friendlier state, a more business-friendly state."

Stating that he would like to continue the work he began with Rivera, Figueroa pointed to a bill that the two had worked on, that would give tax breaks to property and business owners who install surveillance cameras to deter crime and to help police identify suspects.

Figueroa says he would also focus on other issues that don't get the attention they deserve, such as gang activity, education and quality of life issues like sanitation.

Figueroa continued, "I'm very open to new ideas, to working with all segments of the community, just as we have in the past. We shut nobody out, and we think that's an important virtue that we carry in our office, that we all can learn everyday and every moment and were willing to talk to anybody."

Figueroa also stated that if elected, he would like to double voter turn-out over the next ten-year's, adding, "I would rather lose with 25% of the people coming out, then to win with less than 10% coming out to vote, and not many elected officials would be willing to tell you that."

Figueroa looks forward to a possible challenge by attorney Luis Supulveda, who unsuccessfully ran against Rivera in the last election.

Poser bandit

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:27:01 PDT

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 12- Maybe he was posing for a Facebook photo but now that photo is on his wanted poster. Cops released a photo of a suspect they say was among a group of masked men who mugged a senior.

Investigators said three men ranging in age from 16 to early 20s, robbed a 68-year-old man at gunpoint at 2422 Webster Avenue. The three entered the building on March 13 and stuck up the senior removing cash.

Cops caught a break with the photo of the suspect since they say the other two had covered their faces with T-shirts acting as masks.

Cops released photos of one of the suspects they are searching for. He is described as a black male 6 foot 1, between the ages of 17 and 20. He was seen wearing a white hooded jacket and red jogging pants. Another suspect is a black male, 5 foot 2, 16 to 20 years of age. He was seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and white mask (T-shirt). The last suspect is described as a black male in his 20s. He is 5 foot 8 and was seen wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans, and a white mask (T-shirt).

Anyone with information should 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 strictly confidential.

Bronx Newsline

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 09:19:38 PDT

DA’s office sanctioned for failing to disclose change in testimony

Hoodies strike

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 07:19:27 PDT

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 10- Police are trying to track down at least four hooded bandits for two separate muggings in Bronx apartment buildings.

On March 8, a chain snatcher attacked a woman in her building. At around 3:20 p.m. the woman entered the elevator of her apartment building at 2690 Morris Avenue when a man followed her inside. He reached around her neck and ripped off the chain she was wearing and then fled on foot.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male 5 foot 8 and 160 pounds. Cops say he has dark skin with short hair and was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and gray sweatpants.

In another unrelated attack, a man was held up at gunpoint inside his apartment. At around 7:30 a.m. three men entered the victim’s Anderson Avenue apartment and held him up at gunpoint. Cops say the three robbers left with an unknown amount of cash.

All three suspects are Hispanic males between the ages of 20 and 25. The first suspect was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and white and black sneakers. Suspect number two was last seen wearing a burgundy hooded sweatshirt, blue pants and tan work boots. Suspect number three was seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants and white sneakers.

Anyone with information in either case should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Baseball in the Bronx

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 09:21:07 PDT

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 9- The baseball season is a week old, and the Yankee home opener against the Angels (led by newly acquired Albert Pujols) is Friday April 13th at 1:05 p.m. Also opening on Friday is the month long “Baseball in the Bronx” exhibit at the Bronx Museum (1040 Grand Concourse, at 165th Street). The exhibit will feature rare photos, Yankee and other baseball memorabilia, talks, book signings, a screening of the film Sugar (2008), and fan favorite (former Yankee) Roy White, among other famous people who may stop by at any time. The first thousand visitors to the exhibition will get a pack of free Topps baseball cards. This one-month-only exhibition ends May 13, 2012. For more information about “Baseball in the Bronx” go to my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com to see the full schedule of events (titled 9 innings of baseball in the archive). Also check out the children from the Highbridge Head start with Dr. Cary Goodman (of the 161st Street Business Improvement District) who sang “Take me out to the Ballgame”, launching the 161st Street BID's “Baseball in the Bronx” on the home opener of the Mets.

“There’s never been anything like this,” said Dr. Cary Goodman, Executive Director of the 161st Street BID, which organized the exhibition. “Visitors will be able to view Joe DiMaggio’s bat, Elston Howard’s Golden Glove, and see photographs of the Negro League World Series at Yankee Stadium. They can meet a movie star, talk to an ESPN broadcaster and learn about the history of Bronx baseball.” Last year Dr. Goodman and the 161st Street BID had a week long exhibit at the Bronx Museum that featured memorabilia from the “Negro Leagues.”

Brian Richards, Museum Curator for the New York Yankees, is the show’s curator. Private collections from Fordham University, The Bronx County Historical Society, New York University, The Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, and artifacts provided by Mrs. Elston (Arlene) Howard and Mr. Ricky Martinez will be on display.

The Bronx Clergy Task force and the New York City Police Department will be hosting an Immigration and Health Fair on April 18th from 6 – 8 p.m. at the Hutchinson Metro Center (near Calvary Hospital) 1200 Walters Place in the auditorium. The guest speaker is Andrea J. Quarantillo, District Director for NYC US Citizenship & Immigration Services, US Homeland Security.

It's My Park Day is Saturday May 19^th, and check with your local community board to see what park the community board has chosen to spruce up. This can be anything from gathering liter, painting benches, sweeping up or whatever else may be needed in the park to make it look better. The Parks Department supplies the brooms, paint, and plastic bags, all that you have to supply is a little loving care and work.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver would like to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50. There is much support for this, but the Republican controlled State Senate opposes the move saying that raising the minimum wage is a “Job Killer.”

It appears that Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer has “Star Power,” as actress Scarlett Johansson hosted a fundraiser for (what she described as) “The Future Mayor of New York City”, adding that he would “Take back City Hall.” This was the third such fundraiser by Ms. Johansson which drew about 600 people. Speaking like a candidate in 2013 Stringer outlines his “Take back City Hall” campaign, that will be a progressive inclusive campaign in all communities, to bring people back together to realize their dreams. Stringer ended his speech with a jab at Mayor Bloomberg, and said when asked that he is raising money to run in 2013. Manhattan BP Scott Stringer has not announced just what citywide office he will be running for, but odds are that he will be running for mayor in 2013.

Don't forget to check my blog at www.100percentbronx.blogspot.com for more details on many of the item in today’s column, photos of events, and items that may have come in after our deadline. 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.

Princesses strike back

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:14:22 PDT

Mother Nature can’t keep parade down

(Photos by Gary Quintal)

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 5- Mother nature may have dampened last year’s Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade but not the borough’s spirit. After canceling due to reports of thunderstorms, organizers this year are excited to launch the biggest party the borough has ever seen as the parade celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Last year, for the first time in over two decades there was no salsa on the Grand Concourse. No Bronxites lining the parade route listening to the music and seeing the sea of performers. Instead heavy morning rains and reports of severe thunderstorms moving into the area forced organizers to call off the parade.

“We apologize to everyone for canceling last year but we had to consider everyone’s safety,” said parade organizer Francisco Gonzalez.

If anything, organizers say last year’s cancellation has created anticipation for this year’s festivities. There is a great deal of pent up demand for celebration and good news.

This year some 120 groups from throughout the country and South America will march up the Grand Concourse in a celebration of the Bronx’s rich Puerto Rican heritage. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on June 3rd. Before the parade at 11 there will be a special ceremony for this year’s honorees. The route has been change to march up the Concourse toward Mosholu Parkway instead of marching down to Yankee Stadium.

The move was in response to the massive amount of traffic that needs to be diverted to accommodate the parade which ends near the Bronx County Courthouse and the House that Jeter Built.

“We’ve gone from a small parade to one of the largest in the borough and the city,” Gonzalez said. “We’ve asked everyone to participate in the parade and we welcome you as family.”

In addition to inviting all elected officials from throughout the city and country, there will representatives from South America. Also marching are Mariachi bands, Jamaican steel drum bands, motorcycle and car groups, salsa dancers, school bands, West Indian, salsa, Hip Hop and Ragaeton musicians and many more.

This year the parade will honor the works of unions such as DC 37 and 1199.

“We’ve embraced every ethnic group. We’re not excluding anyone,” Gonzalez said. “We’re including everyone.”

A music festival will take place on July 28th called Salsa in the Park at Crotona Avenue and Van Cortlandt Park.

For more information go online: www.bxprparade.net.

Ugly crime

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:24:54 PDT

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, April 2- She was no lady. Cops say a robber tried to pose as a woman when he robbed a pharmacy dressed in a bad wig.

The incident took place on March 12 when the twenty something walked into Brace Dental on Prospect Avenue and robbed the merchant. The thief took the victim’s wallet and iPhone. Cops say the robber used the victim’s credit card to charge for items at a local store.

The suspect is described as a black male between 22 and 25. He is 5 foot 6, 130 to 140 pounds and was seen wearing a long reddish/brown wig.

Anyone with information should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers Website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Offensive or out of touch?

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 10:45:09 PDT

Engel’s minstrel reference annoys Co-op

By Michael Horowitz

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 31- Rep. Eliot Engel, who is expected to return as Co-op City's Congressman, probably thought that he was being cute when he likened his return to a minstrel song focusing on one's return to his native California.

Engel, speaking at Tuesday's community celebration of the completion of reconstruction work here, probably did not know that he was hearkening back to the days of the minstrels, when whites painted their faces black to perform, when he evoked the memory of Al Jolson's 1924 hit song, “California Here I Come,” to focus on himself and his return as Co-op City's Congressman.

The song, which Jolson sang with his face painted black, is about return to one's roots. As a takeoff on the song's theme, the long-time Congressman said, “Co-op City here I come, back to where I started from.”

The Congressman, who had reportedly fought to have Co-op City excluded from his district in 2002, moved out of the local community years ago. He has declared, in the past, that his principal residence is in posh Potomac Village, MD, even though he maintains a two-bedroom apartment in Riverdale to qualify as a member of Congress.

Engel, who was raised in Co-op City's Section 5, has not lived in the local community for years.

Nevertheless, the Congressman declared, in a speech that was supposed to celebrate Co-op City's reconstruction successes, “They righted a wrong when they drew me back into Co-op City, making Co-op City a part of my Congressional district.”

In other remarks, Engel stressed his strong support for President Barack Obama and for maintaining Social Security and Medicare, saying that forces in the Republican Party were trying to destroy both programs.

The Congressman stressed that it was unfair to expect that the federal budget should be balanced “on the backs of senior citizens.”

Life Lessons

bronxnews@gmail.com (Bronx News) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:44:41 PDT

New seminar prepares young students for Stop and Frisk

Retired police officer Carlton Berkley speaks to youngsters regarding the NYPD's stop and frisk policy.

(Photos by David Greene)

At the stop and frisk workshop are (l-r): P.S./ M.S. 6 Principal Julliet Young, Retired NYPD captain Jerome Rice, Assemblyman Rivera's Chief of Staff Danny Figueroa and retired NYPD detective Carlton Berkley.

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, March 29- Young students of P.S./ M.S. 6 in the West Farms section participated in a special workshop conducted by a retired NYPD detective, who demonstrated how to handle a police officer's questions as well as a stop and frisk.

Presented by the non-profit, "Brothers and Sisters Who Care," in conjunction with, "1000 Blacks in Law Enforcement," with assistance from the office of Assemblyman Peter Rivera, the fourth, fifth and sixth-grade students participated in skits, trying their hand at interacting with an officer, during a mock stop and frisk.

The seminar, titled, "What To Do When You Get Stopped By The Police," was held at the school, located at 1000 E. Tremont Avenue.

Assemblyman Rivera was joined by Bronx Civil Court Judge Fernando Tapia, the pair directed the students in their role-playing interaction with retired NYPD detective Carlton Berkley. The two and-a-half hour event, hosted by Rivera's Chief of Staff Danny Figueroa, followed up with a group discussion and a question and answer period.

Speaking of the new workshop, Rivera stated, "For the safety of the student and the police officer, this workshop is necessary. It gives the student a perspective of the mindset of the police officer, their role in society, and how they respond to threats."

Rivera added, "There is no better teaching mechanism than actual role playing and interaction. I am proud to collaborate with Judge Tapia, one of our finest jurists, on this project."

The school's principal Julliet Young was on hand as the retired NYPD detective, Berkley questioned and patted down the student's.

Berkley said that his seminar was necessary because of the tragic police shooting deaths of Amadou Diallo, Sean Bell and the March 2 shooting death of Ramarley Graham in Wakefield. Offering insight, Barkley stated, "The problem is our people don't know what to do when stopped by police and because they don't know what to do, they end up tragically killed, hurt or locked up for no reason at all."

Offering tips on what one should never do when approached by a police officer, Berkley told the youngsters they should never run or fight with the officers. The children were advised to tell their parents and teachers about any police officer who acts inappropriately, before going to an organization such as Brothers and Sisters Who Care, who will seek justice on a clients behalf.

Berkley said the types of police involved shootings such as Diallo, Bell and Graham, "Doesn't happen south of 96 Street," added, "There are laws passed after the Diallo shooting that are still waiting to come out, but for some reason they are being held up by the New York State Senate, the laws will try and prevent these types of incidents. The Democrats are upset about the hold-up."

As Berkley engaged his audience, Judge Tapia stated, "These kids need to know from very early on, what to do and how to deescalate a situation when they have an encounter with the police... It's very difficult to hold their attention, but as you can see, their attention was riveting because we had little skits where we incorporate the kids into the actual program and that's something that's an invaluable program, very few workshops do that."

According to Figueroa, the participants all volunteer their time and Rivera's office provides the technical support, reaching out to school's and community centers, in hopes of expanding the program.

"We're looking to do more of these," Figueroa explained, "Because we clearly have what appears to be a systemic problem in New York City and in law enforcement. There is a high degree of people from communities of color, particularly African American and Latinos that are getting stopped, apparently unnecessarily."

Figueroa, a former prosecutor for the NYPD, who prosecuted police officers accused of disciplinary violations under Police Commissioner William Bratton in the 1990s, continued, "That is not to say that there isn't a high crime rate and that there isn't violence in some of our communities, and that we need to stay safe but in order to stay safe, we need to allow discretion by police officers. But we need to strike a very delicate balance, and your never too young to learn."

Figueroa added, "It's important that they start understanding that police are not the enemy and that respect is very important and if we can do that for them now, then hopefully we'll save a couple of lives."

Ironically, during the program officers from the 45th Precinct rushed to aid a suicidal woman, when she apparently lunged at officers with a knife and was shot on La Salle Avenue in Pelham Bay.

Police say the woman, 42-year old Joann Clarke was stabbing herself in her stomach when officers arrived at her home. Clarke tossed a knife, striking one of the officers in the hand, when one of the officers fired a single shot, striking the woman in her right thigh. Clarke was recovering at Jacobi Hospital.