This report was published on YouTube on August 26.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Saving Our Youth: GAP Gang Awareness & Prevention
This report was published on YouTube on July 16, 2019.
G.A.P. ~ Gang Awareness & Prevention offers a comprehensive approach
to the unique needs of youth who have taken a wrong turn. Since 2008
we’ve considered all of a young person’s physical, mental, social and
spiritual circumstances in the treatment of emotional, economic, and
decision-making needs in our community.
G.A.P. is a non-profit dedicated to helping high-risk, gang-involved and hardcore youth in Sacramento escape the violence, crime, and
desperation found in their relationships and neighborhoods. We aid
parents and guardians by finding alternatives for teenagers to keep them
from getting into trouble! We reach minors and older adolescents (ages
13-24).
The Importance of Community
This video was published on YouTube on November 13, 2017.
Source: Mark Hyman, MD
Woman Brings Wedding Dress, Photographer to Grandmother in Hospice Care
This report was published on YouTube on August 28.
Louisiana Eighth Grader Creates Closet for Students in Need
This report was published on YouTube in August 29.
Teen Wears Silly Costumes to Surprise Little Brother at Bus Stop
This report was published on YouTube on August 29.
Haben Girma: How Did a Deafblind Woman Conquer Harvard Law?
This report was published on YouTube on August 28.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, A Sneak Peek Inside Disney World's Newest Park
This report was published on YouTube on August 29.
New York Alert: Bogus Letters Demanding Payment Sent to Taxpayers
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today alerted taxpayers to fake letters that demand immediate payment for an outstanding tax debt and threaten revocation of passports and driver licenses if the warning is ignored.
The return address on this letter, which was sent to at least one person, is: Tax Processing Center, Internal Processing Service and Public Judgement Records.
The letter states that the recipient has failed to respond to prior notices, demands full payment by a specific date, and provides an 888 number to call to avoid having personal property levied and sold. It also threatens to revoke the recipient’s driver license and passport.
View a copy of the scam letter here.
View copies of other similar scam letters sent to New York taxpayers here.
“This is a common scam in which the recipient is threatened out of the blue with punitive action unless payment—in this case, $12,444 —is made immediately,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt. “In contrast, our department works with taxpayers who have existing tax debt, such as by establishing an installment payment agreement, to resolve the issue. We also work with all levels of law enforcement to bring the fraudsters who commit these types of crimes to justice.”
The Tax Department also routinely explains a taxpayer’s right to challenge a bill or notice, or other departmental actions, and offers several ways to pay a bill.
How to spot a fake collection letter
The Tax Department never threatens arrest or revocation of passports. A legitimate letter from the department will include: Tax Department logo; a complete return mailing address; an option to respond online, by phone, or by mail; the Tax Department website address; a detailed explanation for why it was sent; andan explanation of your rights as a taxpayer.
Learn more about letters sent from the Tax Department Respond to a letter webpage.
Report impersonation scams
Con artists will often try to impersonate representatives from the Tax Department or IRS. If you receive a suspicious letter from someone claiming to be an employee of either agency, it’s critical that you report it.
You can report possible scams to the Tax Department and IRS online or by phone. We will review your complaint promptly and, if appropriate, take corrective action.
If you receive a suspicious letter that claims to be from the NYS Tax Department, contact the Tax Department by phone (518-451-1566) or email (dtfoia@tax.ny.gov).
Scammers have also claimed to be from the New York State Treasury. If you receive one of these calls, notify the agency at 1-800-771-7755.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should also be alerted. You can file a complaint on the FTC website or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).
Source: The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance
Thursday, August 29, 2019
New York State DMV Head Addresses License Plate Issue
Statement from Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder
"The hypocrisy and misstatements from certain legislators seeking cheap press hits are irresponsible and need to be clarified.
"The fee for new license plates has been $25 for over ten years - it was set by a law passed by the legislature and that law has been in place pre-dating this administration, since 2009. The legislature has not acted to change that fee, continuing the $25 charge every year since, under both Republican and Democratic control.
"Some legislators have now expressed an interest in lowering the fee. The Governor would like to lower the fee. If the legislators are sincere and want to lower the fee immediately, although they haven't in the past decade, the Governor has made clear he invites them back for a Special session to do it.
"The second issue is to make sure license plates are in good condition especially as we are now moving to statewide electronic tolling which uses cameras reading license plates to charge tolls. If a plate is damaged or the reflective coating is degraded the camera will not work and the person will not be charged the toll. The revenue loss will be borne by other drivers which is unfair. The national standard by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is that 10 years is a license plate's useful life. It is possible that a plate may still be in good condition after 10 years but that determination would need to be made on a plate by plate basis after inspection. If the legislature can agree to a cost effective and practical plate inspection mechanism to determine what plates are still in good operating condition after the 10 year life and thus do not need to be replaced we would welcome the opportunity to be cooperative. The 10 year life replacement program does not go into effect until next April so we have time to work with the legislature to explore alternatives. We support reducing costs wherever possible."
"The fee for new license plates has been $25 for over ten years - it was set by a law passed by the legislature and that law has been in place pre-dating this administration, since 2009. The legislature has not acted to change that fee, continuing the $25 charge every year since, under both Republican and Democratic control.
"Some legislators have now expressed an interest in lowering the fee. The Governor would like to lower the fee. If the legislators are sincere and want to lower the fee immediately, although they haven't in the past decade, the Governor has made clear he invites them back for a Special session to do it.
"The second issue is to make sure license plates are in good condition especially as we are now moving to statewide electronic tolling which uses cameras reading license plates to charge tolls. If a plate is damaged or the reflective coating is degraded the camera will not work and the person will not be charged the toll. The revenue loss will be borne by other drivers which is unfair. The national standard by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is that 10 years is a license plate's useful life. It is possible that a plate may still be in good condition after 10 years but that determination would need to be made on a plate by plate basis after inspection. If the legislature can agree to a cost effective and practical plate inspection mechanism to determine what plates are still in good operating condition after the 10 year life and thus do not need to be replaced we would welcome the opportunity to be cooperative. The 10 year life replacement program does not go into effect until next April so we have time to work with the legislature to explore alternatives. We support reducing costs wherever possible."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
10,872 New Yorkers to See Their Marijuana Convictions Disappear
Under a new law, New York State will expunge the records of those convicted of low-level marijuana crimes.
Click here for the report.
Source: The New York Times
The Power of the Pen: 'Erin's Law' Signed
Governor Andrew Cuomo today signed legislation (S.4070-B/A.2577-B) - known as Erin's Law - that requires public schools to teach child sexual abuse and exploitation prevention classes to students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Erin's Law is named for Erin Merryn, an abuse survivor and activist against child sexual abuse who has advocated for similar laws nationwide for over a decade. This legislation mandates that these prevention classes include practical and age-appropriate instruction on how to recognize the warning signs of child sexual abuse and exploitation and resources on how to find help. The law will take effect on July 1, 2020.
"Sexual abuse is a nationwide epidemic that has inflicted unimaginable pain on countless children, and we must use every lever at our disposal to stop it," Governor Cuomo said. "Many children who have been a victim of these horrific crimes or who are still suffering from abuse don't have the information or emotional tools they need to fight back. By requiring schools to teach kids how to recognize and ultimately thwart this heinous behavior, we are giving our most vulnerable New Yorkers a voice and empowering them to protect themselves."
"No child should have to go through the lifetime of pain and suffering caused by sexual abuse and exploitation," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This legislation will help to ensure young people have the knowledge and resources to help them recognize and prevent abusive behavior. Erin's Law builds on our continuing efforts to protect children and combat all forms of abuse across the state."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
New York County GOP Posts Anti-Semitic Video Warning Of Jewish ‘Takeover’
Click here for the report.
Source: The Forward
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
"The video created and shared on social media by the Rockland County Republican Committee is not just disturbing, it is disgusting. This type of attack and incitement against the Hasidic community is the very definition of discrimination and anti-Semitism. I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.
"There is no excuse for anti-Semitism masquerading as concerns over zoning or development. While this video has since been removed, its impact will still be felt by the members of the Jewish community targeted by their own neighbors. This video is the latest example of the politics of division and hate permeating the nation and it must be called out. Every single member of New York's GOP must openly denounce this hateful rhetoric immediately and make clear that we will not tolerate this despicable behavior.
"In New York, we must continue to stand united and not let this hatred and rancor poison our nation."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
"There is no excuse for anti-Semitism masquerading as concerns over zoning or development. While this video has since been removed, its impact will still be felt by the members of the Jewish community targeted by their own neighbors. This video is the latest example of the politics of division and hate permeating the nation and it must be called out. Every single member of New York's GOP must openly denounce this hateful rhetoric immediately and make clear that we will not tolerate this despicable behavior.
"In New York, we must continue to stand united and not let this hatred and rancor poison our nation."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
PBA Delegates Vote 'No Confidence' in De Blasio, O'Neill
The NYC PBA’s delegate assembly today unanimously approved
resolutions of no confidence in Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police
Commissioner James O’Neill, calling for Commissioner O’Neill’s
resignation and Mayor de Blasio’s removal by the governor. See copies of
the approved resolutions on de Blasio and on O'Neill.
PBA President Patrick J. Lynch said:
“Today’s votes are an unequivocal
indictment of our failed leaders in City Hall and 1 Police Plaza. For
years, Mayor de Blasio has demonized police officers and undermined our
efforts to protect our city. For years, Commissioner O’Neill has
cravenly acquiesced to the Mayor and his anti-cop allies. The unjust
termination of P.O. Daniel Pantaleo was merely the final straw: both men
have displayed an appalling pattern of malfeasance and nonfeasance that
disqualifies them from continuing to serve in their current offices.
Neither can hope to regain the trust or confidence of New York City
police officers. They must resign or be fired.”
The NYC PBA’s nearly 400 delegates are the directly elected precinct-
and command-level representatives of nearly 25,000 active NYPD members
in the rank of police officers.
Source: NYCPBA.org
Man Vows To Move Forward After Suspected Anti-Semitic Attack In Brooklyn Park
Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo
"I am sickened to learn of the vicious attack on a Hasidic Jewish man in Lincoln Terrace Park in Brooklyn. This incident is unfortunately just the latest in a string of horrific anti-Semitic attacks happening across the state and the country - part of the cancer of division and hate that has been injected into the body politic of this nation.
"In New York, we have zero tolerance for bigotry and hate-fueled violence of any kind, and I am directing the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to provide the NYPD with any resources necessary to investigate this incident and bring the individual responsible to justice.
"We stand shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community - and any community targeted by such vile acts - and no matter what happens we will always stay true to our values of dignity and respect for every New Yorker."
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
From The G-Man wishes Mr. Gopin a speedy recovery. The site also urges anyone with information about the alleged attacker to contact the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force at (888) 440-HATE or hctf@nypd.org.
Thank you.
The Effects of Climate Change
Andrew Light talked about the effects of climate change on the U.S. Mr. Light, a senior fellow at the World Resources Institute, worked in the State Department during the Obama administration and helped negotiate the Paris climate change agreement.
This video may not play on certain browsers. Click here if you experience problems.
Puerto Rico on Edge as Tropical Storm Dorian Nears
Governor Cuomo Deploys Resources to Puerto Rico
and U.S. Virgin Islands in Advance of Expected Hurricane
and U.S. Virgin Islands in Advance of Expected Hurricane
Update: New York, 2:35 PM (EST) - As Puerto Rico continues to recover from the damage of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the deployment of New York State personnel and resources to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as Hurricane Dorian is expected to impact the region. The Governor directed the New York Power Authority to send a team of personnel to monitor the situation from the two locations and work with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and U.S. Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority on emergency response. Additional NYPA personnel are ready to be deployed as needed. The Governor also directed New York State Police to have 100 troopers on standby to be deployed to the islands, and the Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services is prepared to assist with command and control logistics, communication, planning and other emergency support functions on the ground.
Click here for the full announcement. If not listed, check the site a little later.
Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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