YONKERS: Dwanita M. Crosby announced on Martin Luther King Jr. Day that she is taking on County Legislator Christopher A. Johnson.

And James Nolan has been telling folks that he is going to challenge Legislator Ruth Walter.

#DwanitaCrosby has two Masters Degrees, in Public Management and Leadership, and a Dual Degree in Human Resource Management/ Management and Operation and Bachelors of Science in Psychology.

She is also working on her Doctoral degree in Public Management and will officially launch her campaign this weekend.

If elected, Crosby would be the youngest African-American woman to serve on the County Board.

#JamesNolan has volunteered in many capacities in the city of hills and has worked to get guns off of the streets of Yonkers

Important Information For #Yonkers Residents….

COVID EVICTION PROTECTION: Governor Andrew Cuomo signed into law the COVID-19 Emergency Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2020…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2861518070772419/

###

YONKERS PIC: The City Of Hills

With breathtaking views of #NewYork and the #Palisades, luxury waterfront living, restaurants, shops, entertainment, parks and so much more, all within walking distance to the Metro-North Station in #Yonkers ….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876903312567228/

###

YONKERS PIC: The Yonkers Police Department and Partner Agencies Target Fraudulent License Plates in #Yonkers

The #YonkersPD fraudulent and counterfeit license plates, including many out-of-state temporary license plates, paper tags, and dealer assigned plates.

Please report traffic violations to the #YPD at (914) 377-7900….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876898355901057/

###

YONKERS ROUNDUP: The Beauty Of The Charter School Of Educational Excellence In Yonkers Is That Children Are Empowered To Achieve Their Greatest Potential As Students And Members Of The Community

PHOTO: Cindy Lopez Superintendent of the Charter School of Educational Excellence In #Yonkers, NY

YONKERS, NY – Now the Charter School of Educational Excellence been recognized by the New York State Board of Regents as a “recognition school” for the sixth straight year. #CSEE is continuing to accept applications from outside Yonkers for the 2020-21 school year…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876891635901729/

###

MAKING HIS COMMUNITY PROUD: Recently #ChaimHurwitz, 13, son of Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz and Rebbetzin Chanie Hurwitz has completed his #BarMitzvah

PROUD FATHER: Rabbi #MendyHurwitz can give thanks to the “Great I Am” that he is no longer punished for the child’s sins.

Before the child reaches bar mitzvah age, parents hold the responsibility for their child’s actions….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876858769238349/

###

#OMG…. The Police says a #Yonkers woman took more than $5,000 worth of merchandise….

PATCH: #YolandaEmery, 60, of Yonkers Accused Of Stealing From Macy’s

YORKTOWN, NY — A Yonkers resident was accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from Macy’s in Yorktown.

#Yorktown police said, shortly after 4 p.m. Oct. 10, an officer was sent to investigate a report of theft from the department store…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876846265906266/

###

YONKERS ROUNDUP >>> YONKERS MAN: Meet Biden’s Choice For Secretary Of State – Antony Blinken

PHOTO: For #AntonyBlinken, the incoming administration’s pick for America’s top diplomat, returning to the U.S. State Department brings the opportunity to continue both professional and family traditions.

Antony Blinken was born in #Yonkers, New York, he comes from a family of public servants and diplomats…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876833885907504/

###

YONKERS NEWSWIRE >>> VIDEO: Top 10 best Restaurants In And Around Yonkers, New York – From Brian Harrod And YonkersBestRestaurants.com

YONKERS EATS: These are the Top 10 Restaurants of #Yonkers by the ratings of Brian Harrod’s contributing experts at the Yonkers Best Restaurants Website…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876799279244298/

###

YONKERS ROUNDUP: Greenstein And Milbauer, LLP Opens New Office In Yonkers

PHOTO: If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, Don’t Be a Victim Twice….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876773849246841/

###

Fortunately, This Wont Put The Yonkers Police Department Under Another #DOJ Consent Decree, Because It Appears that No #YPD Officers Were Involved…..

BLACK WESTCHESTER: Black Law Enforcement Organizations call for US DOJ to Place Local Law Enforcement Agencies under Federal Consent Decree – Damon K. Jones

New York, NY – January 18, 2020 – Today, as the nation celebrates the legacy of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the National Coalition of Justice Practitioners….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876630579261168/

###

#WOW…. It Looks Like Yonkers Voice Video Journalist Ru Ros Might Not Be Out Of The Woods Until The End Of March

METRO UK: 1 in 8 ‘Recovered’ Covid Patients ‘Die Within 140 Days

A third of people who recovered after suffering from severe Covid were readmitted to hospital within five months with complications including heart problems, diabetes and chronic liver and kidney conditions…..

#OMG…. But I thought Donald J. Trump said “it’s just like the flu”, no problem….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876672579256968/

###

THANKS TRUMP: U.S. Surpasses 400,000 Covid Deaths

NBC NEWS: More than 400,000 people have died of the coronavirus in the U.S., according to an NBC News tally early Tuesday, a milestone that seemed unimaginable at the start of the pandemic a year ago.

#FACTS…. US makes up 4% of the world’s population, but 20% of the world’s 2 million COVID deaths.

#OMG…. With the full resources of the U.S. government, Donald J. Trump left it to states to manage this pandemic…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876638839260342/

###

YONKERS NEWSWIRE: An Alarming Drop At The Empire City Casino At Yonkers Raceway, Which Previously Produced $290.5 Million In Education Funding, But Only Brought In $60.9 Million Last Year – By Brian Harrod

PHOTO: The cratering of revenues at at the Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway during the coronavirus pandemic has damaged Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget and made #NewYork state’s schools losers…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876496582607901/

####

Social Media Post In #Yonkers Leads To Potential New York Jets Trade……

NEW YORK POST :Deshaun Watson is fueling Jets trade buzz — all thanks to The Post

The Texans star’s official Instagram account liked a picture of The Post’s back page from Monday that said that Jets should do “Whatever It Takes” to acquire the disgruntled quarterback. 

The picture was posted by Yonkers entrepreneur Wayne Schneider.
Watson, 25, is reportedly very unhappy with Houston owner Cal McNair….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876476662609893/

###

TRUE LEADERS: They quietly serve Yonkers year after year after year after year and so many families and seiors benefit from their service to the community.

A PROUD TRADITION: Two Thumbs Up To Yonkers- East Yonkers Rotary President Steven Simpson And Vice President #BinaAhmad and members like Sundra Lee-Ingemanson, Tim Hodges, #BarbHanna, #AliKoprencka, #GeorgeKallor, Parul Bhatnagar and Matts Ingemanson…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876473575943535/

###

YONKERS CRIME SURGE CONTINUES: it Has Been A Very Bloody January In The City Of Hills….

YONKERS SHOOTING DEATH:Yonkers Voice Video Journalist Ru Ros Covers The Yonkers Police Department Investigation Of The Death Of A Victim Of An Incident Where Five Shots Were Fired Into 56 Fairview Street.

YONKERS LIVE: It Is unclear If the #YonkersPD has a description of the suspect…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875983445992548/

###

Attorney Michael Sussman Complains About The Treatment Of Minority And Low-Income Students In #Yonkers Schools…..

YONKERS TRIBUNE: Ongoing Educational Disparities in Yonkers Public Schools

MICHAEL H. SUSSMAN: I write again on behalf of concerned City of Yonkers residents and parents to protest the ongoing disparities in educational opportunities for students in Yonkers Public Schools (YPS) and to respectfully request that you both urgently address the issues enumerated…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876460009278225/

###

County Legislator Christopher A. Johnson Is Being Challenged By Democrat Dwanita M. Crosby…..

YONKERS INSIDER >>> Election 2021 Desk: Dwanita Crosby, Democrat Announces bid for Westchester County Legislator in the 16th District – By Delfim Heusler

#DwanitaCrosby Announces on #MLK Day her Run for #WestchesterCounty Legislator, District 16….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876452272612332/

###

YONKERS NEWS BREAKERS: Publisher Rivera John Says Properties Like The Empty Sears Store At Cross County Should Be Used To Test And Vacinate People So That #Yonkers Hospitals Are Not Overwhelmed

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876442925946600/

###

THANKS ANDREA: Yonkers’s Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is Giving Fellow Dem John Rubbo And Other Restaurateurs A Nice New Years Gift

ALBANY: Senate Democrats are aiming to restrict how much food apps can charge to deliver meals as part of a package of bills meant to assist small businesses impacted by the COVID pandemic.At the heart of the legislative slate, scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, is a measure that would limit the fees imposed by companies like #Grubhub and #Seamless on delivery orders as restaurants across the state are increasingly reliant on takeout…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876172415973651/

###

YONKERS ON THE MOVE: A multi-pronged development plan that will bring more than 3,500 apartments and more than 4.5 million square feet of new construction for the Yonkers Downtown/Waterfront BID is currently in the approval process….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876219795968913/

###

YONKERS NEWSWIRE: Potential Domestic Terrorists Operating In #Yonkers And one Of Them Is Being Funded By Yonkers City Council President Mike Khader’s Democratic Majority’s Legal Ads

DOMESTIC TERROR: New York Prosecutors Interview Cohen About #Trump Finances As Yonkers Rising Publisher #DanMurphy Worries That The Former Trump Lawyer Will Spill The Beans On His And Frank Spotorno‘s Talks About Attacking Protesters In Front Of #TrumpTower For Cash.

FLASHBACK: Wannabe Political Player And Failed Publisher Dan Murphy Tried To Get Donald J. Trump To Pay Him And #FrankSpotorno To Organize Mobs To Counter Protesters Of Color In Front Of The Trump Organization’s HQ Building (December 13, 2018)….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876135655977327/

###

YONKERS ROUNDUP: The National Day Of Racial Healing Will Be Held In Westchester County On January 19th – By Brian Harrod

PHOTO: The National Day of Racial Healing is an opportunity for people to call for racial healing, bring people together in their common humanity, and take collective action to create a more just and equitable world…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876212572636302/

###

ONLINE EVENT: #Yonkers‘ State Senator Shelley Mayer Hosted Tenants’ Rights During the COVID-19 Crisis

Attendees heard from Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV) & Hudson Valley Justice Center (HVJC) attorneys and Westchester County about….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876204449303781/

###

MAYOR MIKE SPANO: We Have A $56 Million Affordable Housing Development Investment In Yonkers

“Yonkers reaffirmed its commitment to urban renewal, redeveloping an old building structure to create a new affordable housing complex,’ Mayor Mike Spano said in a statement…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876134762644083/

###

CALLING YOUNG ARTISTS:The City of Yonkers Youth Bureau is in search of a new look.Residents are encouraged to participate in a fun and creative contest to design the

Yonkers Youth Bureau logo.The submission deadline is Friday, January 22, at 5 pm. The logo design submissions should be sent to youthbureau@yonkersny.gov……

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876131469311079/

###

YONKERS CARES: The Homelessness Taskforce hosts a toiletry drive to donate to those in need at shelters in #Yonkers.

If you would like to make a contribution, please contact Deana Renee Robinson at Deana.Robinson@YonkersNY.gov or call 914-377-6319…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876130195977873/

###

MOVING FORWARD: Yonkers @Assemblyman Nader Sayegh was has appointed me to the Committee on Racing and Wagering

This an important assembly appointment, because #MGM, Yonkers Raceway and the Empire City Casino are #Yonkers‘ largest private employer and is a mainstay of the local economy,

The Committee Chair is Yonkers Assemblyman J Gary Pretlow….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876128902644669/

###

YONKERS ROUNDUP: Nepperhan Community Center’s MLK Virtual Breakfast To Honer MBK Activist Joshua Heron – By Brian Harrod

PHOTO: #NYSMBK Fellow Joshua Heron with @Mysonne in #Albany

YONKERS: The Board of Directors and staff of the Nepperhan Community Center, Inc. will celebrate our 35th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Virtual Celebration on Monday January 18 at 6pm by honoring Joshua Heron….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875190556071837/

###

WCBS RADIO: Local officials fear UK variant of COVID-19 will become dominant strain in New YorkAuthorities are fearful that the COVID-19 variant first discovered in the United Kingdom will become the dominant strain in the United States in a matter of months.

New York State has 18 confirmed cases of the UK variant, some of which were discovered in Westchester County….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2876111695979723/

###

YONKERS NEWSWIRE: Did Racism Cause The Destruction Of The Yonkers Carnegie Library? – By Brian Harrod

YONKERS HISTORY: The #YonkersCarnegie Library was commonly held to be the most beautiful building in the city, but for decades nobody really wantede to talk about why it was torn down…..

ONLINE PRESENTATION: Was #SystemicRacism A Reason The Beautiful Yonkers Carnegie Library Was torn Down?

YONKERS RUMORS: The circumstances that led to the death of this #Yonkers library… 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875917772665782/

###

YONKERS TRIBUNE:COVID-19 Update of January 14, 2021 at Yonkers Public School District

YONKERS, NY — January 15, 2021 — The most recent tabulation of positive COVID cases that were self-reported to the district or school….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875909185999974/

###

YONKERS LIVE:Yonkers Voice Video Journalist Ru Ros Is At The Open Air Drug Market That Exists In Front Of The Deli At 203 Ashburton Avenue As Bricks And Rocks Fly And The Yonkers Police Department Officers Arrive With Guns Drawn.

CRIME TV: Reporter Ru Ros captures the #YPD arrests on live video as a lady screams, “Don’t shoot him!” over and over…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875147286076164/

###

Hey Yonkers Would You Like To Pay More For Your Electricity In The City of Hills…..

POWER PLAY: The he Westchester Power Community Energy Program Wants To Change Your #Yonkers Electric Power Provider To Save The Planet.

AUTOMATIC SIGN UP: Because the program relies on bulk purchasing, the program design is an opt-out model.

This means that all Yonkers residents who have not already contracted with an energy supplier different from Con Ed (a separate ESCO) are automatically enrolled into the 100% renewable supply option of program, which may increase their electric bills….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875244799399746/

###

YONKERS NEWSWIRE:Jacobson’s’ Trained Pharmacists Are Your Go-To Source For Fast Hassle Free Flu Shots In Yonkers – By Brian Harrod

PHOTO: Jacobson’s specially trained pharmacists know which flu shot is right for you based on your age and health history.

JACOBSON PHARMACY: Hurry, These #Free Flu Shots From Jacobson Pharmacy Go Fast….

WALK INS WELCOME: Defend Your Family Against The Flu – No Cost For Medicare, Medicaid And Most Other Insurances….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875235756067317/

###

YONKERS POLICE DEPARTMENT: “Congratulations to #YonkersPD ESU Officer Douglas Brady and members of the Town of Greenburgh Police Department for being recognized last week by the FBI for their actions at the Ardsley Acres Motel shooting incident last year…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875225422735017/

###

This News Is Sure To Get #Yonkers UFO Theorist Paul Greco All Excited….

YONKERS DAILY VOICE: CIA Declassifies Hundreds Of Local, International #UFO Documents….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875204042737155/

####

THAT WAS QUICK: A fraudulent charge of $900 was charged at a store on Central Park Avenue in Yonkers….

SCARSDALE NEWS: Wallet snatched from purse at grocery store

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875004589423767/

###

NEWSDAY :NY budget hole shrinks, but problems loom as Cuomo readies plan
#Yonkers‘

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins has expressed for higher taxes on the wealthy.

Andrew Cuomo, while painting tax hikes as likely, also has downplayed the amount of money it would generate and questioned whether it would drive further out-migration from New York.

Governor Andrew Cuomo also held out on taking any actions — tax hikes, spending cuts — before Biden takes office and…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875001152757444/

###

YONKERS NEWSWIRE >>> YPD SOURCE: The Yonkers Police Department Has Had No Credible Allegations Of Any Of Their Members Attending Trump’s Rally Or Taking Part In The Attacks On The Capitol, Despite Yonkers Rumors Claiming So – By Brian Harrod

PHOTO: The Yonkers Police Department is the largest police department in #WestchesterCounty with 611 officers and they say they are ready for any potential trouble on inauguration day…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2871699539754272/

###

#ROFLMAO….. All Of The Mega Lotto Players in #Yonkers Lost….

DAILY VOICE :$1M Mega Millions Ticket Sold In NY As Jackpot Hits $850M

The jackpot for next week’s Mega Millions drawing has climbed to $850 million after there were no grand prize winners in the drawing held Friday night, Jan. 15.Eight $1 million second prizes were sold — including one in New York, on Long Island….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875033209420905/

###

YONKERS NEWSWIRE: Governor Andrew Cuomo Calls For Improvements And New Programming At Philipse Manor Hall In Yonkers – By Brian Harrod

PHOTO: Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing an investments to expand and improve the Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site

YONKERS: The Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in #Yonkers will become a center for “interpreting and educating” visitors about almost 400 years of the….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2875017762755783/

###

YONKERS TRIBUNE >>> SCAM ALERT: Scammers are Continuing to Spoof Yonkers Police Telephone Numbers, Impersonate Officers

YONKERS, NY — January 16, 2021 —The Yonkers Police Department yesterday issued this alert on January 15th at 4:30pm advising that the Yonkers Police continued to receive reports that unknown scammers have been calling residents and community members and impersonating #Yonkers Police Officers, demanding personal information, money transfers, and payments…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2874719989452227/

####

YONKERS NEWSWIRE >>>> YONKERS MOVING DOWN: Moody’s downgrades to A3 Yonkers, NY’s GO debt; outlook revised to stable

RATING ACTION: Moody’s downgrades to A3 Yonkers, NY’s GO debt; outlook revised to stable.

RATINGS RATIONALE: The downgrade to A3 reflects a financial position that continues to experience strain given state aid withholding.

The A3 also reflects a growing long-term liability profile that is likely to worsen in….

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2873908442866715/

###

MORE NEWS: Local news and events from #SleepyHollow

HYPER LOCAL NEWS: The Sleepy Hollow Newswire lets you stay up to date with the latest community news written by award-winning reporters and columists.

FULL COVERAGE:#SleepyHollowNY news stories – get the latest updates from thousands Of sources monitored by the #RoundupNewswires Network…..

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2873713112886248/

###

Brian Harrod is the publisher and editor of the RoundupNewswires.com news website, as well as, the hyper local YonkersNewswire.com news and social media pages. You can learn more about Mr. Harrod at BrianHarrod.com.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire

ARTY is an informal monthly gathering of people who want to see more arts and culture in Yonkers.

They are visual artists, performers, painters, filmmakers, writers, musicians, photographers, graphic artists, muralists, architects, and art enthusiasts from all over the city.

This is a chance to get together, catch up and raise a glass.

Please bring a savory or sweet dish to share.

A cash bar is available.

If you are looking for a food guide for Yonkers than you are at the right place.

We try to provide you with the best restaurants and places to eat in Yonkers.

These are our Top Ten Restaurants for Yonkers:

– Xaviars On The Hudson
– Gianna’s
– Rory Dolan’s Restaurant
– Texas de Brazil
– Yard House
– Yonkers Brewing Company
– Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
– Rosie’s Bistro Italiano (Actually In The Bronx, But Close By)
– Carlos Restaurant
– Liebman’s Delicatessen (Actually In The Bronx, But Close By)

YONKERS: Casino revenues dedicated to education and the state treasury have plummeted by $600 million in the current fiscal year and about a quarter of that is caused by the Empire City Casino at the #Yonkers Raceway.

The #EmpireCityCasino was closed for five months and produced no revenues for New York State from April to August.

Then fewer gamblers showed up at the #YonkersRacino when the electronic gambling parlor reopened, leading to a drop in typical monthly revenues.

It is unclear, if the the haul from its Lottery games can make up the education funding gambling gap in New York.

It is said that the $850 million Mega Millions jackpot, $730 million Powerball jackpot and the $15.5 million Lotto jackpot have helped revenue over the last couple of weeks, but many doubt that it will be enough to make up for lost revenue at the #WestchesterCounty casino.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo is seeking to close the multi-billion shortfall with legalizing mobile sports betting.

Some lawmakers agree with the governor and say the loss of casino revenues during the pandemic bolsters the case to legalize mobile #SportsBetting.

Currently, New Yorkers can only wager on sports by showing up one of the four upstate casinos.

Last month, nearly $1 billion in sports bets were wagered on #NewJersey‘s betting site and some estimate that about a fifth of that cash comes from #NewYorkState betters.

DOMESTIC TERROR:NY Prosecutors Interview Cohen About Trump Finances As #YonkersFailing Publisher #DanMurphy Worries That The Trump Lawyer Will Spill The Beans On His And Frank Spotorno Talks About Attacking Protesters In Front Of #Trump Tower For Cash

ASSOCIATED PRESS: New York prosecutors conducted an hourslong interview Thursday of Michael Cohen, President Donald Trump’s former personal attorney, asking a range of questions about Trump’s business dealings, according to three people familiar with the meeting.

https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-new-york-trump-investigations-us-news-manhattan-55dd15e84db5fa7d4dcded088f39e888

FLASHBACK: Wannabe Political Player And Failed Publisher Dan Murphy Tried To Get Donald J. Trump To Pay Him And Frank Spotorno To Organize Mobs To Counter Protesters Of Color In Front Of The Trump Organization’s HQ Building (December 13, 2018)

DAN MURPHY: My Conversation With Michael Cohen About Organizing Pro-Donald J. Trump Rallies In New York City

MAHOPAC,NY: In addition to my duties as a Westchester, N.Y., reporter and editor of a small group of weekly newspapers, where Frank Spotorno, helps me deliver newspapers and I work on his political campaigns that never ever seem to get off of the ground

GUIDING FRANK: Over the past three years, my friendship with Frank Spotorno, a Yonkers resident and small businessman has bankrolled my #failed “Yonkers Times Blog”, Because it has absolutely has no community support.

TRUMP SUPPORTER: The #YonkersRising publisher had Frank Spotorno visiting #TrumpTower in the days and weeks after Trump kicked off his presidential campaign June 16, 2015 in hopes of making some easy money.

#FrankSpotorno began to make friends within the Trump Organization, and knew a few active and retired Trump employees from his work on elevators and in the construction industry in NYC.

Frank Spotorno eventually got Dan Murphy in contact with #MichaelCohen for his proposal to help coordinate a pro Donald J. Trump rally in front of the The Trump Organization’s building.

Frank Spotorno got Dan Murphy the cell number for Michael Cohen, who took the call and thought the #RisingMedia publisher was #BatShit crazy, and declined his offer to organize pro Donald J. Trump rally’s for a fee.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/YonkersNewswire/permalink/2260266684230897/

YONKERS HISTORY: The #YonkersCarnegie Library was commonly held to be the most beautiful building in the city, but for decades nobody really wantede to talk about why it was torn down…..

ONLINE PRESENTATION: Was #SystemicRacism A Reason The Beautiful Yonkers Carnegie Library Was torn Down?

YONKERS RUMORS: The circumstances that led to the death of this #Yonkers library are steeped in half-truths, incredible lies, and wild rumors that range from political corruption, bumbling incompetence and racial prejudice.

One rumor, hinting of racism, focuses on the true intentions of the Mayor of the time, #AngeloMartinelli, and his desire to undo the white flight to the east side of Yonkers.

Some say incompetent Yonkers Public Library administrators were their own worst enemy as this Yonkers jewel was destroyed.

YONKERS: The Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site in Yonkers will become a center for “interpreting and educating” visitors about almost 400 years of the Black experience in New York.

Exhibits will concentrate on the Underground Railroad, emancipation, the Great Migration, when Blacks in the last century fled the South for what they hoped would be better lives in northern states, and civil rights battles.

In addition, the Office of Historic Preservation will expand its capacity to inform programming and exhibits that tell the untold stories of Indian nations and indigenous cultures residing in New York,” Andrew Cuomo said.

YONKERS STRONG: Board of Regents Names CSEE “Recognition School” for 6th Straight Year

ONE OF NY’S BEST: Among select group of “exemplary public schools that demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels with the right supports and resources,” Regents Chancellor says

YONKERS PROUD: The Charter School of Educational Excellence (CSEE) serves children in #Yonkers, the Bronx and Westchester County, and already is one of the region’s highest performing tuition-free, public schools.

YONKERS, NY – Now the Charter School of Educational Excellence been recognized by the New York State Board of Regents as a “recognition school” for the sixth straight year. #CSEE is continuing to accept applications from outside Yonkers for the 2020-21 school year.

QUOTE: “These are exemplary public schools that demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels with the right supports and resources,” Board of Regents Chancellor #BettyRosa said in a news release.

“Recognition Schools help to ensure equity for all children across New York State. The Regents and I are grateful to all of the teachers and administrators who, in concerted effort with their school communities, are guiding our students toward success.

”“Recognition schools are the highest performing and rapidly improving schools across the state,” Interim Commissioner #ShannonTahoe said in the same news release.

“Recognition Schools across the state demonstrate the relentless commitment of teachers, administrators, staff and parents, without whom this growth would not have been possible.”This is the 6th straight year the Regents have recognized CSEE in this select group. (Note: the designation was changed this year from Reward School to Recognition School.)

The award comes as CSEE continues to deliver strong remote teaching and learning during the COVID-19 shutdown, with average student attendance at 95 percent.

All academic and extracurricular programs are continuing, including CSEE’s unique partnerships with the Giants, Jets, Knicks and the nation’s top orthopedics and sports medicine hospital, the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.CSEE has ensured that all students have access to educational technology, including laptops and WiFi.“We thank the Board of Regents, Chancellor Rosa and Interim Commissioner Tahoe for this honor,” CSEE Board Chair and Founder #EduardoLaGuerre said.

“It’s a tribute to our hard-working teachers, school leaders, coaches, board members and all our staff, and of course to our scholars, their parents and entire families. Everyone in the CSEE family is dedicated to learning, growth and development of the whole child.”

CSEE Superintendent Cindy Lopez, in an email to staff, said: “It is because of you and your dedication and unwavering faith in our work as a team, faith in our students and families that CSEE has once again received recognition from the state as being a highly effective school. I cannot wait for us to be together, back in our buildings so that we may celebrate.”

To be identified as a Recognition School under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, a school must:

● have an accountability status of Good Standing;

● have a Level 4 for the Combined Composite Performance and Growth indicator for elementary and middle schools or a Level 4 for the Combined Composite Performance and Graduation Rate for high schools for the All Students group;

● not have a Level 1 for any accountability indicator (English language arts (ELA) and mathematics progress; Chronic Absenteeism; English language Proficiency; College, Career, and Civic Readiness for High Schools) for the All Students group;

● not have any subgroups that were identified as Potential Targeted Support and Improvement (PTSI) based on 2018-19 school year results; and

● not have a 2018-19 Participation Rate for ELA or Math for the All Students group that is less than 95%.

If a school did not have enough students to receive a participation rate, the school is still eligible to be identified as a Recognition School.

CSEE educates some 850 students in grades K-9 and will grow to K-12 in the next three years.Upon completion of its new, privately funded high school campus, CSEE will be serving approximately 1,150 students.

For More Information Contact Carmen Gomez Goldberg

Charter School of Educational Excellence

Address:

260 Warburton Ave, Yonkers, NY 10701

Phone:

(914) 476-5070

Website:

https://www.charterschoolofeducationalexcellence.org/

RATING ACTION: Moody’s downgrades to A3 Yonkers, NY’s GO debt; outlook revised to stable

Read the full article at Moody’s

New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins started the 2021 Legislative Session by advancing major voting reforms on Monday to modernize the vote by mail system and increase transparency and voter turnout. The legislation passed builds on the Senate Majority’s historic election reforms passed during the 2019 and 2020 Legislative Session. The package of bills includes legislation to require absentee ballots be counted as they come in, requires absentee ballot drop boxes at voting locations to reduce long lines, and allows voters to track their absentee ballot.

“Elections matter, voting matters, and leadership matters. We have seen how fundamental change can be achieved when people exercise their Constitutional right to vote,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “The Senate Democratic Majority has started the past two Legislative Sessions with legislative packages to empower New Yorkers and reduce barriers to voting. The bills advanced by the Senate Majority continue those efforts and will help reform and modernize our electoral system. I applaud the bill sponsors for their leadership on this foundational issue, and thank my colleagues for advancing these bills and standing up for New York voters.”

The bills advanced by the Senate Majority include:

· Speeding Up the Absentee Ballot Counting Process: This bill, S.1027, sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Senator Michael Gianaris, amends various provisions of the Election Law in order to allow for expedited review and canvassing of absentee ballots without compromising the integrity of elections.

· Preventing Disenfranchisement of Absentee Voters: This bill, S.253, sponsored by Senate Elections Committee Chair, Senator Zellnor Myrie, prohibits voiding absentee ballots on technicalities where intent of voters is clear and the law has been substantially complied with, including where there are stray marks or the ballot is undated but is time stamped by the Board of Elections.

· Permanently Authorizing Absentee Ballot Drop Boxes: This bill, S.492, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, authorizes the Board of Elections to establish absentee ballot drop-off locations or drop-boxes to provide voters with a convenient and secure option for delivering their absentee ballots.

· Increasing Transparency and Information about Absentee Ballots through a Tracking System: This bill, S.1028, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie, ensures that all voters in the state have access to absentee ballot tracking by requiring the New York State Board of Elections to create a statewide absentee ballot tracking system for absentee voters ensure that their vote is counted in the election while allowing counties and the New York City Board of Elections to also maintain their own absentee tracking systems.

· Implementing Permanent Authorization for Applying for Absentee Ballots Online: This bill, S.632, sponsored by Senator Robert Jackson, permanently allows voters to apply for absentee ballots online and allows absentee ballots postmarked through Election Day by making permanent Chapter 91 of the Laws of 2020, which sunset on December 31, 2020. Under current Election Law, applications may only be made by mail or fax.

· Creating Accountability for Timely Receipt of Absentee Ballots: This bill, S.516, sponsored by Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris, establishes a mandatory timeframes for processing of absentee ballot applications and ballots by Boards of Elections based on when the application was received.

· Enabling Earlier Applications for Absentee Ballots: This bill, S.631, sponsored by Senator Julia Salazar, permits Boards of Elections to receive absentee ballot applications earlier than thirty days before the applicable Election Day by making permanent Chapter 138 of the Laws of 2020, which sunset on December 31, 2020.

· No-Excuse Absentee Voting Constitutional Amendment: This legislation, S.360, sponsored by Senator Leroy Comrie, amends the State Constitution to allow for any voter to vote by absentee without an excuse.

· Ensuring Voters Timely Receipt of Absentee Ballots: This bill, S.264, sponsored by Senator Zellnor Myrie, sets deadline for absentee ballot applications sent by mail to 15 days before the election, up from 7 days, to better allow for voters timely receiving their absentee ballots.

Jennifer Wilson, Deputy Director of the League of Women Voters of NYS, said, “The reliance on absentee voting during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for several important fixes to the state’s absentee voting operations. This package of bills will ensure New York State voters have adequate access to apply for, submit, and track their absentee ballot. These procedural fixes will give voters greater peace of mind when electing to vote by absentee ballot in future elections. We applaud the Senate for moving forward this package of bills and hope to see additional reforms related to the timing and transparency in reporting election results to the public.”

Jarret Berg, Co-Founder of VoteEarlyNY said, “The voting reform package being advanced by the Senate Majority will help modernize New York elections by expanding access, improving administration, and enshrining a series of due process safeguards to better ensure our fundamental rights are protected and respected.”

Dustin Czarny, Onondaga County Elections Commissioner and Chair Democratic Caucus of the NYS Elections Commissioners Association, said, “These legislative changes will go a long way towards fixing some of the byzantine process we have in New York. Improving our absentee and vote by mail system will not only give voters more options but will give clear direction to Boards of Elections across the state. I am happy to support these bills.”

Blair Horner, NYPIRG Executive Director, said, “Thanks to the reforms enacted over the past two years, New York has dramatically improved its voter participation rate. When it comes to voting, New York, which was once among the worst, is now getting closer to the middle of the national pack. But New York ‘s voting rate in 2020 was still below the national average. The package of bills being advanced this week, particularly the constitutional changes, will, if enacted, move New York closer to the national leader.”

Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY, said, “Common Cause/NY is pleased the New York State Senate is starting session the same way it has the past two years: putting New York voters first. Clearly, today’s package is just the beginning. We look forward to working with the Senate and the Assembly to pass even more crucial election reforms, most particularly restoring voting rights for folks recently released, this year.”

Huda Rabadi was born December 21st, 1948 in Ajloun, Jordan.

She was the youngest of 6 children, and graduated from Al-Nahda Al-Arabia high school in 1968.

Huda Moved to the United States in 1969 and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Mercy college in 1979.

Afterwards she received three Masters degrees, in Psychology, Education (with Permanent Certification as a School Counselor) and Special Education, from Long Island University.

Huda also went to complete a Doctorate Degree in Psychology.

During the period from 1971 to1976 she worked with various schools in the New York area, developing second language programs to assist immigrant students.

After that she worked as a Committee Advisor in Educational Development and Civil Awareness for the Arabic Committee, as well as a translator for Westchester County from 1976 to 1986.

In addition to her role as a Committee Advisor, she taught various courses at Mercy College, such as Psychology Today, Practical Counseling and School Counseling, from 1981to1984.

Huda moved back to Jordan in 1986, where she worked as a Dean’s Assistant at Queen Alia College from1987t o 1991. From 1992 to 1996 served as Head of Guidance and Counseling for the Directorate of Handicapped Affairs.

Her final achievement was working as the Director of Interior Control and Surveillance for the Ministry of Social Development from 1996 to 2008.

Huda will always be remembered for her love of family, especially her siblings, nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her three siblings Nafal, Najeeb, Victoria, as well as her many nieces and nephews. She also had two siblings, Suleiman and Naemeh, who are deceased.

She will indeed be forever missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Memorial Services will be held this Sunday, January 17th at 12:00 pm at St. George’s Orthodox Church/Church of Our Savior, 2195 Westchester Ave East, Rye, NY 10580.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St George’s Orthodox Church.

GOOGLE MAP UPDATE: A Yonkers Police Department source says that New York Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins has joined President Donald J Trump security level, by also having Google obscure her private office.

While you can see the White House quite clearly on Google Maps, the Oval Office, where President Trump does is work, is colored white.

While you may not be able to see the Oval Office President Trump uses on Google Maps, the White House swimming pool does look very inviting.

It is sort of like how the Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s house in Washington State has been blurred on Google Maps Street View.

Google Maps Street View gives you the unparalleled ability to go places you’d never thought you’d go and to see things you never thought you’d see, but on of those places is not NY Senate Majority Leader Cousins office in Yonkers.

First launched in 2007 in the United States and later expanded to other countries, the Google Maps feature delivers an almost virtual reality-experience through stitched-together panoramic images taken mainly by cameras mounted on the roofs of Google cars driving up and down streets.

While many love Google Street View, the technology has come under fire by privacy advocates who point to instances of images showing people engaged in activities they might not want made public, such as men leaving strip clubs.

There’s no hiding from Google – at least in several U.S. cities, where the company has taken snapshots up and down the streets in America and made the images available through its online maps.

They even caught a man apparently trying to hop over an apartment building gate in a hilarious Google Street View image.

In 2008, Google has began to blur faces in its Street View in an attempt to better balance privacy and the usefulness of a driver’s-eye view of the world..

The technology uses a computer algorithm to scour Google’s image database for faces, then blurs them,

Dealing with privacy–both legal requirements and social norms–is hard but necessary, especially in a time when the he FBI has received information indicating “armed protests” are being planned at all 50 state capitols and the US Capitol in Washington, DC in the days leading up to President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on January 20th.

YONKERS: The #YPD has no information of any threats in #Yonkers or Westchester County, but they are are increasing patrols, monitoring social media, because of an internal FBI bulletin has warned of nationwide protests that may start later in the week and continue until Biden’s inauguration on January 20th.

The #YonkersPD is planning and preparing to have extra resources available in the city of hills, as they stay in touch with other #Westchester law enforcement agencies.

County Executive George Latimer, 67, officially announced Monday morning that he is running for a second term this fall.

CE George Latimer said there are still plenty of issues for him to tackle over the next four years. in a video that was released on his campaign Facebook page.

George Latimer’s announcement had been expected, but so far he is not facing an opponent for his seat, because the Westchester County Republican Committee is currently on life support.

However, if George Latimer is re-elected it will be his last term, because he proposed and won a new law setting a two-term limit for the county executive’s position.

YONKERS: With a thousand protesters in the streets; Yonkers PBA President Keith Olson took a knee with protesters and promised to support police reforms, as Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller stopped and shook hands with Hector Santiago.

But later when the Yonkers PD Police received an open-records request from the media seeking documents detailing any allegations of misconduct against current or former officers and any discipline the department imposed the YPD requested requested thousands of dollars for the public records paid for by taxpayers.

Six months ago, New York lawmakers and Gov. Andrew Cuomo repealed Section 50-a of the state Civil Rights Law, a once-obscure provision that the Yonkers Police had used to shield police disciplinary records from public view for decades.

The Governor’s repeal came amid protests in Yonkers and across the state following the death of George Floyd, who died in police custody after an officer pressed a knee into his neck for nearly nine minutes.

But the Yonkers Police Department is refusing to release the documents on bad YPD officers and is seeking to illegally obstruct the state’s Freedom of Information Law (FOIL).

Some online comments on Yonkers forums have suggested that the YPD disciplinary records have been mishandled and possibly illegally destroyed.

Even though Section 50-a has been repealed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the battle for disciplinary records wages on in the city of hills.

In an executive order issued the same day he signed the Section 50-A repeal, Governor Andrew Cuomo had required local governments to submit plans for reform in their police departments in order to qualify for state aid.

And Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller could cost the homeowners of Yonkers multi-millions, by jeopardize the state aid by illegally obstructing the release of public records in an effort to protect bad cops in the city of hills.

Police Commissioner John Mueller has admitted that there were at least 40 complaints against officers and they were primarily from communities of color in Southwest Yonkers.

Community activists say there are many more complaints, because residents of color are often threatened with arrest, when they go to their local police precinct to complain.

Under FOIL, state and local agencies have five business days to acknowledge requests for documents.

Just three weeks after the repeal, the New York State department committee on open government the law would apply to “all law enforcement disciplinary records maintained by a law enforcement agency regardless of the current employment status of the subject individual.”

But police sources say there have been some that have tried to claim that the law doesn’t apply to existing records, only those created after the 50-a repeal. 

They claim releasing unfounded complaints would be an unwarranted invasion of privacy and should be kept from the public eye.

So far state and federal courts have ruled on the side of transparency, ruling against unions in Buffalo and New York City and New York’s fourth largest city may find that it is once again making national headlines

In July and August, ProPublica and the New York Civil Liberties Union released New York Police Department misconduct information they had received following a FOIL request to the New York City Civilian Complaint Review Board, an independent agency tasked with investigating reports of civilian abuse by police.

The unions had tried to block the public release of the more-than-300,000 documents, but a federal district judge allowed them to be posted.

The New York Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit against the Rochester Police Department, which had not responded to a request for disciplinary records.

Police police-reform groups say the difficulty with police transparency in Yonkers and Rochester could cause a renewed look in Albany, that will greatly strengthen the public right to law enforcement documents.

In a letter to the Committee on Open Government last month, nine government watchdog organizations called on the committee to step in prevent police departments, like Yonkers from obstructing the public’s right to access police disciplinary records.

Currently New York State media outlets, not for profits and universities are filing records requests with police agencies in order to create a searchable, first-of-its-kind database with disciplinary records from across the state, but Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller is refusing to cooperate with the good government initiative.

The bottom line is that Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller needs to put in place plans to allow residents of color, and all others, to easily see YPD disciplinary records – and he is required to this with community input and be completed by April 1, 2021.

The state Legislature, approved the repeal in June and Yonkers’ Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins needs to stand up for those she represents in the city of hills and legislatively make sure that Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller Follows the spirit of the law that lets residents see the public disciplinary records of YPD officers.

The record clearly shows that when the time came to stand up for good government and modern police practices, Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller hid in his office and refused to participate and protect the good people in the city of hills.

IT HAS BEEN A YEAR: The Yonkers IDA kicked off 2020 with approval of incentives for the 109,000-square-foot motion picture studio to be built in the iPark parking lot next the Yonkers waterfront.

TAX BREAKS ARE APPROVED: The $60 million Lionsgate complex is supposed to include 70,000 square feet of studio space and 36,600 square feet of ancillary spaces.

The entertainment complex, which is supposed to create up to 420 full-time jobs and 400 construction jobs,

The Lionsgate Studio project’s promoters say it will put Yonkers on the map as a high end filming destination.

NEW YORK: Governor Andrew Cuomo says those who qualify can go to the state health department’s website for a virtual application.

After you show you’re eligible for the vaccine, the New York State site will provide a local facility and time for your appointment.

The deadline for renters to apply for help under the New York State COVID Rent Relief Program has been extended to February 1, 2021 and eligibility has been expanded.

The program provides eligible households with a one-time rental subsidy that will be sent directly to the household’s landlord. Applicants will not need to repay this assistance.

Previous Applicants for COVID Rent Relief will not have to reapply to be reconsidered.  Using the new criteria, New York State Home and Community Renewal will re-evaluate all previous applications who were denied and issue revised determination letters to applicants.

For the next round of applications, tenants will have to meet all of the following criteria:

• Must be a renter and have a primary residence in New York State;
• Applicants must have lost income during the period of April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020;
• Before March 7, 2020, household income must have been at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, adjusted for household size; and
• Households must be “rent burdened” during the months they are applying for assistance between April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020.

For help, applicants can contact HCR’s COVID Rent Relief Extension Program Call Center for assistance at 1-833-499-0318 or covidrentrelief@hcr.ny.gov. Call Center representatives are available Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm.

Call Center staff are available to assist residents in filling out the application over the phone.

To access applications online and for further information visit https://hcr.ny.gov/RRP.

ALBANY – The New York State Board for Historic Preservation has nominated a Yonkers site for inclusion on the State and National Registers of Historic Place

New York Central & Hudson River Railroad Power Station located on the east bank of the Hudson River in Yonkers is about to receive historic New York State Landmark status.

This coal-fired power plant opened in 1907 as part of efforts by the railroad to electrify the rail network in Manhattan and its northern suburbs after steam engines were banned in Manhattan due to safety concerns.

It was designed by Reed & Stem, one of the firms also responsible for the design of Grand Central Terminal. 

Sold to Yonkers Electric Light & Power Co. in 1936, the power plant operated until 1963 and is currently vacant with redevelopment plans coming before the City of Yonkers.

YONKERS VOICE: Video Journalist Ru Ros s At 5 WIhetone Avenue, Where Mumford Gardens Used To Be, As The Yonkers Police Department Responds To A Report Of A Man Stabbed

Reporter Ru Ros says confirmed that in fact a man was stabbed in the upper left chest and is not sure how critical his condition at this time.

#RuRos,will update as more information becomes available.

https://www.facebook.com/ykersvoice/videos/159713778886926

WHITE PLAINS: A former Yonkers man who was convicted in Westchester County Court for killing his mother, has lost the appeal of his guilty plea and sentence.

Andre Coverdale, 32, pled guilty to manslaughter in the stabbing death of Dawne McCray in her Yonkers apartment on January 16, 2016.

He appealed his conviction before the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court, Second Judicial Department, which affirmed the judgment of the county court.

“Contrary to the defendant’s contention, the court’s explanation, in sum and substance, that the defendant would be subject to a life sentence if convicted of murder after trial, and that his attorney succeeded in securing a nonlife’ sentence, did not amount to coercion or deception,” the appeals court wrote in a December 30, 2020 decision.

“In addition, the record belies the defendant’s contention that he was coerced into pleading guilty, as he expressly denied that he was subjected to any threats, force, or coercion to plead guilty.”

Yonkers, NY — Since it’s the final day of 2020, let’s take a look back at the last 12 months and the biggest stories that shaped. 

The past year is one that will certainly not be forgotten. The city of hills was hit hard from the coronavirus pandemic that has changed the way we live to the demand for change in the racial disparity and the need for Yonkers police reforms. 

The past 12 months brought insurmountable obstacles that forced many of us to adapt, along with complex problems that we’ll continue to deal with in the years to come. 

Never in our wildest dreams did we anticipate that 2020 would be dominated by the uncontrollable spread of the new coronavirus, which gave rise to words that are now commonplace: Social distancing. Contact tracing. Pandemic fatigue.

Through the injustice pandemic and innovation, Yonkersites have shown their strength and desire to move forward.

Here is a list of the top stories in the dumpster fire that was 2020. 

JANUARY:

In 2019 the City Council and the Mayor changed the term limits for the mayor and also gave themselves allowing 3 instead of 2 four year terms. Yonkers Mayor Michael Spano to be entering his third term in office.

Democrat Tasha Diaz joined the Yonkers City Council which now had a 5-2 Democratic supermajority, since former Republican John Rubbo switched parties last year.

Mayor Mike Spano appointed Judge Brendan McGrath to fill a vacancy on the City Court. He and Elena Goldberg-Velazquez, who won a seat in November were sworn into office.

The 65th Annual Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade on McLean Avenue named Pat McCrudden as Grand Marshall of a parade that would not take place, because of the pandemic.

The Yonkers Industrial Development Agency reported providing multi-millions financial tax incentives to nearly a dozen projects in 2019 representing a total private investment of $851 million, but critics complained about the loss of tax revenue.

Showtime’s hit series “Billions” now in its fifth season was once again filming in city hall and other areas of Yonkers.

Mayor Mike Spano demanded this week that New York also stop sending homeless individuals to Yonkers. New York City’s controversial Special One Time Assistance (SOTA) program provides homeless individuals or families who have been in a shelter for at least 90 days with one year’s prepaid rent into housing outside of the big apple.

FEBRUARY:

February the Yonkers City Democratic Committee City Court Judge Tom Daly, who has served for 20 years on the Yonkers City Court and is the near-unanimous choice of Yonkers Democrats to serve another 10 years, and succeed Chief Judge Michael Martinelli, but their choice failed the primary, as did their selection of Judge Brendan McGrath.

Administrative Law Judge Karen Best strongly questioned the manner that Yonkers Democratic Chairman Tom Meier ran the local convention and challenged his preferred candidates in a primary that she ultimately won.

The Yonkers Board of Education unanimously gave Superintendent. Edwin Quezada to a new five-year term extension.

The Board of Directors of the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency gave preliminary approval of financial tax incentives for construction of the $60 million first phase of a studio complex for Lionsgate motion picture company. The approximately 109,000-square-foot development, which would be built on the parking lot of the iPark complex next to the Riverfront Library.

Saint Joseph’s Medical Center opened the hospital’s new physician-supervised outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at its Cardiovascular Center at 530 Yonkers Avenue.

MARCH:

March 20, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered a shutdown and social isolation to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus that brought commerce in Yonkers to a halt.

In compliance with Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Yonkers DMV New York State office was closed until further notice.

Newly posted pension data at SeeThroughNY.net also posted retirement benefits that showed two-thirds of the 39 newly retired Yonkers police officers eligible for annual pensions greater than six figures. Leading the pack was YPD officer Edmund Leahy ($177,778). The one unanswered question from this list is: Why are there little or no retired cops or firefighters on the list of top pensions outside of Yonkers? What are these communities doing right to control their pension costs

Also highlighted on the SeeThroughNY.net list was Bernard Pierorazio, Yonkers Public Schools, $205,423, NYS Teachers Retirement System benefit.

Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams has proposed legislation that will increase the percentage of affordable housing units that new development projects are required to set aside to 20 percent – double the current 10 percent.

David Nahmias, owner of Nahmias Distillery at 201 Saw Mill River Road started to switch to manufacturing hand sanitizer during the pandemic.

The Board of Trustees of the Yonkers Public Library has appointed Jesse Montero to be the library director. Montero joins YPL as library director after a 15-year career at Brooklyn Public Library,

APRIL:

Students at the Charter School for Educational Excellence, CSEE, in Yonkers have begun home learning, something that all students will have to transition to in the City of Yonkers public schools will have to do soon..

At first the Yonkers Public Schools started mailing instructional materials via the U.S. Postal Service to students.

Mayor Mike Spano released his Fiscal Year 2021 Executive Budget proposal, which stays within the property tax cap, contains no reductions in City services and, once again, provides its largest contribution to Yonkers Public Schools.

Governor Andrew Cuomo set up a Yonkers COVD-19 test site at 2 Park Avenue (Ashburton Avenue) in Yonkers, at St. John’s Riverside Hospital’s Parkside Pavilion.

Yonkers parking restrictions at meters will now be enforced between the hours of 10am-6pm, and alternative side of the street parking regulations were rescinded as residents were forced to stay home during the pandemic. This was a compromise between Mayor Mike Spano and members of the Yonkers City Council at total suspension of parking enforcement. Parking meter revenue was said to bring in over $13 million a year.

WCBS TV took some video of the empty Sprain Lake reservoir which is located off of Jackson Ave in Greenburgh and continues along the Sprain Parkway to Tuckahoe Road. Repairs are being made at the lake and sometime in 2021 the lake will once again be a great community asset.

MAY:

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano revealed that an antibody test for COVID-19 that he recently took resulted in a positive test result.

Mayor Mike Spano issued an emergency order suspending the City’s zoning and building codes which will allow restaurants to provide outdoor dining for patrons.

Ribbons of Remembrance, dedicated to Westchester County residents who have lost their lives to COVID-19 at the  Lenoir Preserve in Yonkers.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been praised for his handling of the Coronavirus in the Empire State, but he has also been criticized for the astronomical Nursing Homes residents, who died from COVID-19. It clearly was a mistake to send virus positive patients back into nursing homes after hospital visits.

The Yonkers Police Department partnered with local law enforcement agencies once again to address numerous community complaints of drag racing, speeding, and excessive noise from motor vehicles and motorcycles on local roads and the effort continued throughout the summer.

Yonkers Public School Superintendent Edwin Quezada presented his proposed budget for the 2019-20 school year to the Board of Education and it called for 106 staff cuts and $3.8 million in program cuts for the upcoming school year that starts in September.

JUNE:

1,000 Black Lives Matter protesters marched in Yonkers along Yonkers Avenue and on South Broadway and in Getty Square. Westchester Jewelers and Merk Pharmacy on McLean Avenue, and the Zales jewelry store at  Cross County Shopping Center was looted by criminal elements. Yonkers PBA President Keith Olson took a knee in support of the protesters seeking police reforms. Former write in mayoral candidate Prince Robinson was arrested as he tried to lead marchers on to a highway.

The City Council voted 6-1 to approve a $1.2 Billion budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. The adopted Budget also increases the School District’s budget, totaling the city’s contribution to $269.6 million. This time Councilman Anthony Merante, the lone no vote on the council for the budget.

Yonkers got a new member of Congress who lives in the City. Jamaal Bowman beat Eliot Engel in a landslide in the democratic primary. Engel had spent 32 years in Congress.

Former federal prosecutor and MSNBC commentator Mimi Rocah received 68% of the vote to Scarpino’s 32%, a more than 2 to 1 margin over a sitting, incumbent DA. Rocah’s campaign had been extremely aggressive campaigning against Scarpino’s record, or lack of prosecution of some cases involving police corruption.

Verris Shako, Karen Best and Dan Romano won the primary for three seats on the Yonkers City court bench. Judge Tom Daly, who lost out in the primary, vowed to fight on with the Republican and Conservative lines, but this effort failed in November on Election day.

Yonkers Democratic City Party Chairman and DPW Commissioner Thomas Meier, along with the city’s powers that be were frustrated that the candidates that Zehy Jereis’ advised repeatedly won by huge margins that upset the status quo. Judge Tom Daly and Judge Brendan McGrath campaigns said Jereis’ insight into rapidly changing demographics and ability to motivate new voters was key to their losses.

JULY

New York State announced a planned summer payment of $97 Million to the City of Yonkers in AIM funding (Aid to Municipal Governments) has been cut by 20% to $77 Million. The decision was reversed in september and the funds were sent at the end of that month.

Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Edwin Quezada released a “hybrid learning plan” plan to educate the 27,000 students. The plan called for most students will attend in person schooling 2 days per week, with 2 days of remote learning. The fifth day of the school week will be used for special ed. and multilingual learners, who will get a half day instruction, with the remainder of students learning online.The Yonkers Federation of Teachers, (YFT) was opposed to this plan.

A  Black Lives Matter street mural was proposed for roadway across from the daylighting at Van der Donck Park, formerly Larkin Plaza, but was rejected after business and resident objections to city hall.

City Councilman Anthony Merante organized a car rally for neighborhood residents to let their voices be heard against UPS expansion plans in Yonkers.

AUGUST

A Black Lives Matter mural was created by Ray Wilcox in downtown Yonkers in front of city hall by hundreds of volunteers and 17 different organizations who came together over a weekend.

Efforts to Save St. Paul’s School in Yonkers failed as the Archdiocese of NY said $3 Million is needed in three weeks or else.

The Yonkers Board of Education held a special meeting on August 26, and approved the furlough of 414 bus monitors for a period of five weeks, until October 5.  The bus monitors, members of CSEA Local 9169 complained loudly with President Dulani Turner.

Several Yonkers residents in downtown Yonkers have complained to City Hall and the Yonkers Police Department about repeated Saturday night parties at O’Boyle Park on Buena Vista Avenue. The parties have been taking place between midnight-4AM, with hundreds of cars, and more than 1,000 noise people tying up Buena Vista Avenue as promoters illegally sell tickets to the events.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano announced the city has partnered with Bird to launch New York State’s first-ever electric scooter pilot program.

The City of Yonkers’ partnership with the U.S. Soccer Foundation and Target to create the City’s first mini-pitch soccer field at Stefanik Park on Nepperhan Avenue.

The City’s annual “Backpack to School” school supply donation drive went forward. The 9th Annual Donation Drive provides backpacks and school supplies to Yonkers Public School students most in need. The Yonkers Rap Trio The LOX, made up of Jadakiss, Sheek Louch and Styles P also gave out book bags at Juices for Life on Nepperhan Avenue.

SEPTEMBER:

Yonkers Police officers and FBI agents, pulled over Darren Smith, of New Rochelle, in Getty Square, Yonkers. After law enforcement officers attempted to stop Smith’s car, he fled on foot with a handgun. As officers, including a FBI Task Force Officer, attempted to arrest him, Smith fired his handgun into Getty Square in Yonkers.  

Yonkers public school parents complained that there was a lack of laptops and tablets available students forced to learn online at home. School Superintendent Edwin Quezada said priority for available devices was given to high needs students, which includes Special Education and Multilingual learners.

The New York State Board of Elections has launched an online Absentee Ballot Application Portal, through which registered Yonkers voters could apply for an absentee ballot during the pandemic.

The Board of Directors of the Yonkers Industrial Development Agency (IDA) gave approval of financial incentives for a $72 million project ran by  developer Conifer Realty LLC that will feature a mid-rise building with approximately 120 income-restricted one- and two-bedroom affordable housing rental units

Yonkers’ Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige released a new wine called “Sun Goddess” and to recognize Mayor Mike Spano and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Spano declared Sept. 17, Mary J. Blige Day.

OCTOBER:

Former City Councilman John Larkin was named the Yonkers Republican City Committee Chair replacing  Justin Tubiolo, who for several years failed to keep the republican brand in Yonkers viable. John Larkin retired from a career as a Senior Systems Analyst with Verizon. He holds masters degrees in Education and in Human Resources from Lehman and Mercy Colleges.

Target and H&M announced that they had signed new retail leases at the Cross County Shopping Center in Yonkers. Target signed a 40-year retail lease to occupy over 130,000 square feet of retail space at what was once home to sears. H&M signed a 10-year renewal to occupy 28,000 square feet.

City officials joined with Erin Construction and Development Co. for the groundbreaking of 9-11 Riverdale Avenue, a nine-story, mixed-use residential and commercial building to be built near Getty Square.

The group Yonkers Parents Seeking Solutions (YPSS) and Civil Rights Attorney Michael Sussman, Esq. complained of gross disparities faced by many vulnerable students who currently lack computers and other resources from the Yonkers Public Schools.

The New Main Street Community Garden, located at the corner of New Main Street and School Street officially opened. Pedro Álvarez Marin, Liver Sanchez and a Latin American Youth Group created the new community space from a trash filled empty lot.

Early voting kicked off in Yonkers at the Will Library (1500 Central Park Avenue) and the Riverfront Library (One Larkin Center)

Once again the Yonkers Police Department issued a citywide curfew for children 16 years of age and younger on Halloween night.

NOVEMBER:

Three democratic candidates for City Court Judge, Dan Romano, Karen Best and Verris Shako, won election Nov. 3rd

State Senator Shelley Mayer won re-election on Nov. 3, defeating republican Liviu Saimovici.

State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins was re-elected without opposition, as was Assemblyman Nader Sayegh

One again Yonkers political adviser Zehy Jereis was the biggest winner of all as Yonkers Democratic City Party Chairman and DPW Commissioner Thomas Meier, along with the city’s powers that be tried to figure out where they went wrong.

Pat Quinn, co founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge, died at the age of 37 on November 22, after a long, heroic struggle with ALS

Parts of Yonkers were declared a COVID-19 Yellow Zone, by Governor Andrew Cuomo, as Westchester County Executive George Latimer said that the “Second Wave” of a spike in virus cases and hospitalizations was hitting the county hard.

Concerned residents and seniors who attend the Bernice Spreckman Community Center at 777 McLean Avenue stopped a planned dog park, behind the senior center at Coyne Park.

Westchester Board of Legislators unanimously approved a plan to make substantial improvements to Tibbetts Brook Park in Yonkers.

DECEMBER

Former Yonkers Police Department Deputy Chief Tim Hodges announced a democratic party run for City Council in the 6th District against first term councilman Anthony Meranti, who is taking heat from constituents for repeatedly raising taxes. 

Yonkers City Councilwoman Shanae Williams spoke to the committee and announced that she will be running for Westchester County Clerk Tim Idoni, who is running for re-election to a fifth, four-year term.

Four teenagers who were killed in a fatal police involved car crash three days before Christmas in Yonkers. Brandon Sierra, Randy Brisbane, Tamari Jamal “TJ” Watkins and Anthony Cruz, all 18-year-old Yonkers Public School graduates.Fundraisers for the funerals of four teenagers killed in horrific crash raised more $100,000 from saddened residents. Devon Haywood, killed four teenagers and himself  fled the YPD after an officer on patrol saw his 2009 Infiniti sedan had an ‘equipment violation” and initiated a pursuit.

A Yonkers police vehicle was involved in a car crash on the New York State Thruway. The crash happened around 2 a.m. as officers were chasing a stolen vehicle with people inside. Police said the suspects’ vehicle slammed into the back of a sergeant’s squad car and escaped on foot. 

###

Brian Harrod is the publisher and editor of the RoundupNewswires.com news website, as well as, the hyper local Yonkers Newswire news website and social media pages. You can learn more about Mr. Harrod at BrianHarrod.com. 

ALBANY, NY: In 2015 Governor Andrew Cuomo Issued An Order That Allowed The State Attorney General Can Investigate Any Deaths Involving Any #NY Police Department.

In 2020 The #NewYork State Legislature Gave The Attorney General #LetitiaJames Even Greater Powers To Investigate Local Police Department Involved Deaths As Part Of New Police Reform Laws Passed In The Summer.

#YonkersPolice Commissioner Mueller Has Confirmed There Are More Videos They Have Collected More Videos That Have Not Been Released To The Public And Are Going To Be Sent To Attorney General Letitia Ann “Tish” James For An Independent Review And Possible Investigation.

#YonkersPD Commissioner Mueller Says The #YPD investigation Has Not Been Completed and No Determinations Have Been Made At This Time.

The Commissioner says has said he has not reviewed the interviews of the Yonkers officers and supervisors involved in the deadly crash that left four dead teenagers scattered all over Riverdale Avenue.

Former Yonkers Police Department Commissioner Charles Gardner updated the department pursuit guidelines after Sharlen Stinson, a a 46-year-old Yonkers mother, and her two children were killed in 2015, when the YPD was chasing a 16-year-old boy and the 14-year-old girl for stealing change from parking meters.

YONKERS POLICE: “This morning at approximately 2:07 AM an unmarked Yonkers Police unit was working a crime suppression detail in the area of Central Park Avenue in response to recent commercial burglaries which include local car dealerships.

They observed a white Honda Pilot loitering in the area which appeared to be casing commercial locations; the Honda Pilot then drove southbound on Central Park Avenue passing several red lights.

Officers checked the license plates which were reported stolen.

The unmarked unit with the assistance of marked units attempted to pull over the Honda Pilot but they refused to stop and instead fled southbound on Central Park Avenue at a high rate of speed.

Yonkers Police pursued the Honda Pilot, which was discovered to be stolen from a dealership on Long Island, on to the southbound New York State Thruway. On the Thruway, the Honda Pilot collided – rear-ended – with a marked Yonkers Police unit driven by a police sergeant.

Both vehicles were disabled on the Thruway; the occupants of the Honda Pilot fled on foot on the southbound service road and the police sergeant required extrication – he was transported to a local area trauma center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Thruway was temporarily shut down but is now reopen.

Police and Detectives are actively investigating this incident working to develop information, identify and apprehend the suspects. No other injuries have been reported.

Additional information may be released as it becomes available.