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Wednesday, December 18, 2013

'Loko' Bandit at Large



By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 18- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to track down a gunman who stuck up a convenience store and a parking garage. Investigators are hoping a sketch of the suspect will spur tipsters to call.

The gunman struck most recently around 4 a.m. on December 5. Cops say the man walked into a 7-Eleven store on University Avenue and took two cans of Loko beer from the refrigerator. The suspect placed the beers on the counter, whipped out a handgun and demanded cash. The 58-year-old female clerk put $100 on the counter and the gunman fled with the cash and the beer.

Detectives from the 46th Precinct have identified the convenience store bandit as the suspect wanted for sticking up a parking garage. At around 6 a.m. on November 28, the suspect entered RG Parking Garage on Loring Place South. He went up to an employee at the garage, displayed a handgun and demanded cash. The worker forked over money and the gunman fled. 

Thursday, December 12, 2013

Highbridge News: Santa Spotted in the Bronx

Highbridge News: Santa Spotted in the Bronx: BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 12- Santa had a busy time in the Bronx last week. First he attended the annual lighting of the Parkc...

Santa Spotted in the Bronx

BRONX, NEW YORK, DECEMBER 12- Santa had a busy time in the Bronx last week. First he attended the annual lighting of the Parkchester Christmas tree at the Oval. The event, filled with local singers and dancers, was capped off with the
holiday lights inside Met Oval. Then Old St. Nick was on hand for the tree lighting at the Fordham BID.
Arthur Avenue kicked off the holiday season with a tree lighting and a visit from Santa. In addition, holiday carolers sang to inspire the crowd.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Highbridge News: Holiday Train Show Returns

Highbridge News: Holiday Train Show Returns: (Photos by Seitu Oronde) BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 22- A critically acclaimed and always eagerly anticipated tradition, th...

Holiday Train Show Returns

(Photos by Seitu Oronde)
BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 22- A critically acclaimed and always eagerly anticipated tradition, the Holiday Train Show presents an enchanted New York enlivened by model trains amid the glow of twinkling lights in America’s premier Victorian-style glasshouse, the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. The exhibition showcases replicas of New York landmarks, artistically crafted of natural materials such as bark, twigs, stems, fruits, seeds, and pine cones by designer Paul Busse’s team at Applied Imagination. The original Pennsylvania Station and Yankee Stadium, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Radio City Music Hall, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Rockefeller Center are among the favorites in the Botanical Garden’s collection of more than 150 Holiday Train Show replicas.
Visit the Garden’s Web site, nybg.org, to check dates and times for all of the Garden’s holiday offerings and to purchase advance timed tickets.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Highbridge News: Yanks Give to Those in Need

Highbridge News: Yanks Give to Those in Need: Photos courtesy of NY Yankees The New York Yankees and White Rose teamed up once again to hold their annual Thanksgiving Food V...

Yanks Give to Those in Need

Photos courtesy of NY Yankees
The New York Yankees and White Rose teamed up once again to hold their annual Thanksgiving Food Voucher Giveaway on November 21, at Yankee Stadium. Bronx residents were invited to come to Yankee Stadium and pick up a food voucher, which can be redeemed at a local Met Food market or Pioneer Supermarket (while supplies last). 
Tags: Yankees, Vouchers, Turkeys, Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Highbridge News: Red Cross Leading Relief Effort in Philippines

Highbridge News: Red Cross Leading Relief Effort in Philippines: Using Facebook to Help Those Hit by Tragedy (Photos courtesy of Red Cross)   WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 14- The American Red Cross an...

Red Cross Leading Relief Effort in Philippines

Using Facebook to Help Those Hit by Tragedy
(Photos courtesy of Red Cross) 
WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 14- The American Red Cross announced an initial contribution of $6 million in support of the global Red Cross response to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. These funds will be used to distribute relief items, repair and rebuild shelters, provide healthcare and ensure access to clean water and sanitation systems.
“We are grateful for the American public’s generosity and compassion following what has been called one of the strongest storms in world history,” said David Meltzer, chief international officer for the American Red Cross. “The American Red Cross is in a unique position to help provide support by airlifting relief supplies from its warehouses around the world, providing trained disaster responders specializing in damage assessment and telecommunications, and by channeling its financial support to the Philippine Red Cross and its more than 500,000 staff and volunteers and our other global partners in the Red Cross network – all of which go to providing relief from this devastating storm.”
In addition to financial assistance, the American Red Cross is lending people, expertise and equipment to this effort with four specialists already on the ground in the Philippines. These include two people who specialize in telecommunication and who are traveling with satellite equipment, and two others who specialize in disaster assessment.
The Philippine Red Cross has extensive experience in search and rescue and large-scale relief and recovery programs. The Philippine Red Cross is the largest humanitarian organization in the country, with 1,000 staff members and an estimated 500,000 active volunteers engaged in this disaster response. Their volunteer relief teams continue to provide assistance in the hardest hit communities, including assisting in search and rescue efforts.
The Philippine Red Cross has begun distributions of emergency supplies and has provided meals to people affected by the storm. On Sunday, 6,000 packs of relief supplies were sent to Leyete and other affected communities. However, supply delivery in the worst affected city of Tacloban has been significantly constrained by destroyed infrastructure, blocked roads, and downed communication lines.
Specialized emergency response teams from Red Cross societies across the globe are moving into the Philippines to assist the Philippine Red Cross. These include teams with expertise in logistics, disaster assessment, shelter, health, water and sanitation.
“A global Red Cross relief effort is well underway and we are working closely with our international partners to help get aid where it is needed,” said Meltzer.
Despite the tragic aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, thousands of survivors are grateful for their lives. The Philippine Red Cross worked closely with local disaster authorities to support preemptive evacuations, helping move more than 125,000 families to safer shelter prior to the storm making landfall. The Philippine Red Cross also disseminated early warning messages and safety tips in areas along the path of the typhoon.
Here in the United States, the American Red Cross is helping to reconnect families separated by the typhoon and has activated its family tracing services. If people are looking for a missing family member in the Philippines, please remember that many phone lines are down. If people are unable to reach loved ones, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross to initiate a family tracing case.
The American Red Cross expects to make additional contributions to support the humanitarian response in the coming weeks. Donations received from American Red Cross and other Red Cross partners will aid the Philippines relief and recovery efforts through the Philippine Red Cross and possibly other organizations as experts on the ground determine the best way forward.
HOW TO HELP Those who want to help can go to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS to donate to typhoon relief. People can also mail in a donation to their local Red Cross chapter. Gifts to the American Red Cross will support our disaster relief efforts to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. On those rare occasions when donations exceed American Red Cross expenses for a specific crisis, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other crises.
In a new partnership, Facebook is making it possible for users to donate directly to the American Red Cross either through a notification in News Feed, or directly on the Red Cross Facebook page. This is the first time that the American Red Cross has engaged in such a large-scale fundraising program with a social platform. For the Red Cross that means that with the click of a button on Facebook, we can connect people who want to help with those who are so desperately in need in the Philippines. This Facebook effort for the Philippines in the United States will continue through November 15.
Tags: Haiyan, Typhoon

Highbridge News: SHAMELESS!

Highbridge News: SHAMELESS!: Con Men Ca$h in on Typhoon Tragedy Prey Off People Trying to Help the Philippines  WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 14- The Department of Jus...

SHAMELESS!


Con Men Ca$h in on Typhoon Tragedy
Prey Off People Trying to Help the Philippines 


WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 14- The Department of Justice, the FBI, and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) remind the public that there is a potential for disaster fraud in the aftermath of a natural disaster. 
Suspected fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts associated with Typhoon Haiyan should be reported to the toll-free NCDF hotline at 866-720-5721. The hotline is staffed by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the purpose of reporting suspected scams being perpetrated by criminals in the aftermath of disasters.
NCDF was originally established in 2005 by the Department of Justice to investigate, prosecute, and deter fraud associated with federal disaster relief programs following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma. Its mission has expanded to include suspected fraud related to any natural or man-made disaster. More than 20 federal agencies—including the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General, FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Secret Service—participate in the NCDF, allowing the center to act as a centralized clearinghouse of information related to disaster relief fraud.
In the wake of natural disasters, many individuals feel moved to contribute to victim assistance programs and organizations across the country. The Department of Justice and the FBI remind the public to apply a critical eye and conduct due diligence before giving to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of hurricane victims. Solicitations can originate as e-mails, websites, door-to-door collections, mailings, telephone calls and similar methods.
Before making a donation of any kind, consumers should adhere to certain guidelines, including the following:
Do not respond to any unsolicited (spam) incoming e-mails, including by clicking links contained within those messages, because they may contain computer viruses.
Be cautious of individuals representing themselves as victims or officials asking for donations via e-mail or social networking sites.
Beware of organizations with copycat names similar to but not exactly the same as those of reputable charities.
Rather than following a purported link to a website, verify the existence and legitimacy of non-profit organizations by using Internet-based resources.
Be cautious of e-mails that claim to show pictures of the disaster areas in attached files, because those files may contain viruses. Only open attachments from known senders.
To ensure that contributions are received and used for intended purposes, make donations directly to known organizations rather than relying on others to make the donation on your behalf.
Do not be pressured into making contributions; reputable charities do not use coercive tactics.
Do not give your personal or financial information to anyone who solicits contributions. Providing such information may compromise your identity and make you vulnerable to identity theft.
Avoid cash donations if possible. Pay by debit or credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Do not make checks payable to individuals.
Legitimate charities do not normally solicit donations via money transfer services.
Most legitimate charities maintain websites ending in .org rather than .com.
If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud by a person or organization soliciting relief funds on behalf of disaster victims, contact the NCDF by phone at (866) 720-5721, fax at (225) 334-4707, or e-mail at disaster@leo.gov.
You can also report suspicious e-mail solicitations or fraudulent websites to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

Tags: Haiyan, Typhoon



Friday, November 8, 2013

Highbridge News: Red Panda Cubs Make Their Zoo Debut 

Highbridge News: Red Panda Cubs Make Their Zoo Debut : BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- Four red panda cubs are debuting at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zo...

Red Panda Cubs Make Their Zoo Debut 

BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 8- Four red panda cubs are debuting at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo. 
Two cubs are at the Himalayan Highlands at the Bronx Zoo and two are at Discovery Trail at the Prospect Park Zoo.
Both litters consist of a male and female and were born this summer.
WCS has a successful history breeding red pandas at the Bronx, Central Park and Prospect Park Zoos as part of the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums designed to enhance the genetic viability and demographic stability of animal populations in accredited zoos.
Red pandas are native to Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. The subspecies of red panda at the Bronx Zoo (Ailurus fulgens fulgens) is found in the western part of their Himalayan range. The Prospect Park pandas (Ailurus fulgens refulgens) are a subspecies from the eastern portion of the range and are characteristically darker in color and slightly larger.
Panda cubs are born with a very soft, plush coat. They reach adulthood at around 18 months.
Adult red pandas have reddish-brown and black coats that serve as camouflage in the wild. They have an adaptation on their wrists much like a thumb that enables them to grasp food items like bamboo as well as tree branches.
The species is listed as “Vulnerable” by the International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss caused by deforestation for timber, fuel and agricultural use. Their population is declining. WCS works in China and Myanmar to save red pandas and other Asian wildlife. 

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Highbridge News: Not Too-Bright

Highbridge News: Not Too-Bright: Day-Glo Dimwit Caught on Tape By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 7- If the burglar wanted to keep a low profile may...

Not Too-Bright

Day-Glo Dimwit Caught on Tape
By Dan Gesslein
BRONX, NEW YORK, NOVEMBER 7- If the burglar wanted to keep a low profile maybe he should not have worn the day-glo traffic safety vest when he was caught on camera ripping off a medical facility.
Although this criminal mastermind did keep his hoodie up when he robbed a West Farms medical center, he did not wear a mask. In addition the day-glo traffic safety vest helped illuminate his face when his image was caught on surveillance video.
At around 3:45 a.m. on November 2, cops say the suspect broke the glass door of a medical center at 979 Cross Bronx Expressway and robbed the center. The suspect is seen on video carrying a giant screen TV out of the facility. 
Police are also asking for the public’s help in catching suspects in another burglary caught on tape. At around 2:30 p.m. on September 21, the two suspects entered a University Heights apartment through a window. Cops say the pair removed electronic equipment and paperwork.
The first suspect is described as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a white shirt underneath, grey pants and white sneakers. The second suspect is described wearing a red and black baseball hat, a white hooded sweatshirt, green pants and black boots.
Anyone with information is urged to 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 texting their tips to 274637(CRIMES) then enter TIP577.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Woman, 79, Shot Near Yankee Stadium

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Woman, 79, Shot Near Yankee Stadium: (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 29- A 79-year old woman is recovering after being shot along E. 153 Street....

Highbridge News: Woman, 79, Shot Near Yankee Stadium

Highbridge News: Woman, 79, Shot Near Yankee Stadium: (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 29- A 79-year old woman is recovering after being shot along E. 153 Street....

Woman, 79, Shot Near Yankee Stadium

(Photo by David Greene)

By David Greene

BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 29- A 79-year old woman is recovering after being shot along E. 153 Street. 

Police say the unintended victim was walking along a courtyard with her grandchild when the gunfire began at 3:45 p.m. on Monday, October 28. Police were looking for the gunman, who was wearing a hooded jacket and fled in an SUV, believed to be a silver Volkswagen. 

Detectives were using surveillance video to identify the gunman, but police have no suspects at this time. 

Friday, October 25, 2013

Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape

Highbridge News: Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape

Highbridge News: Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape: By Dan Gesslein BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 25 - Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a gunman who stuck up a ...

Chinese Takeout Stickup Artist Caught on Tape

By Dan Gesslein
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 25- Police are asking for the public’s help in trying to catch a gunman who stuck up a Chinese takeout restaurant near Yankee Stadium.
A gunman robbed a Highbridge Chinese takeout restaurant and it was all caught on tape. At around 11:46 p.m. on October 17, the crook walked into the restaurant at 1023 Ogden Avenue and displayed a black handgun. Waving the weapon, the gunman demanded cash from the register. The worker handed over the money and the thief fled but not before his image was captured on the business’ surveillance cameras.
On the tape the man is seen calmly walking up to the counter like a customer. He does not wear a hat, mask, hoodie or anything that could conceal his identity. Instead the suspect walks up to the cashier next to a waiting customer and then pulls out his gun. As the clerk collects the money out of the register the gunman shakes down the waiting customer of any valuables.
The suspect is described as a black male who is 5 foot 6. He has short black hair with a dark skinned complexion.
Anyone with information is urged to 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.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Highbridge News: Bronxites Walk to Find Cure for Breast Cancer

Highbridge News: Bronxites Walk to Find Cure for Breast Cancer: By Patricia McDow BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24- Marie Barbarto, along with her Mom Dorothy are breast cancer survivors. On October...

Bronxites Walk to Find Cure for Breast Cancer

By Patricia McDow
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 24- Marie Barbarto, along with her Mom Dorothy are breast cancer survivors. On October 20th, Marie joined thousands of local breast cancer survivors, volunteers, business and community members at Orchard Beach as they united to fight breast cancer and save lives at the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 3K walk. This noncompetitive, inspirational event raises awareness and funds to fight breast cancer and provides hope to all people facing the disease.
More than 229,060 women and men in the United States will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year, and more than 39,920 will die from the disease. Funds raised through Making Strides will help the American Cancer Society save lives and create more birthdays by helping people stay well by taking steps to prevent cancer or find it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking research; and by fighting back by encouraging lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight.
Many of the participants are already looking forward to next year October 19, 2014, hope you can join. If interested visit their website http://makingstrides.acsevents.org to join, donate or create your own team.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Highbridge News: Crime Comes Back with a Bloody Vengeance

Highbridge News: Crime Comes Back with a Bloody Vengeance: Murder-Free Week Ends with Bloody Weekend (Photo by David Greene) By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23- A rare lull i...

Crime Comes Back with a Bloody Vengeance

Murder-Free Week Ends with Bloody Weekend
(Photo by David Greene)
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 23- A rare lull in citywide homicides ended with a weekend of gunfire that claimed the lives of four individuals across the borough.
The bloodshed began shortly after Pennsylvania resident Tyrek Singleton returned to his childhood home at the John Adams Houses on Tinton Street.
Singleton and a friend were ambushed by two assailants outside of 680 Tinton Avenue, at just after 6 p.m., of October 18.
Singleton was shot in the chest and was dead on arrival at Lincoln Hospital. His still-unidentified 26-year-old friend was shot in the leg and is recovering.
One police source stated that the surviving victim stated he did not know his assailants and no arguments took place before the shooting.
Police were once again called to reports of gunfire at 2:15 a.m., on October 19, when officers from the 42nd Precinct and PSA 7 discovered a man shot in the head outside the Arthur H. Murphy Houses, located at 1575 Vyse Avenue.
Investigators say Pablo Pagan, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene, steps away from his apartment.
Neighbors described Pagan as a dedicated father of three children who volunteered at the Castle Hill Little League.
After a third call of gunfire, police in Soundview were called to 1550 Westchester Avenue and discovered a man shot in the head and chest and lying on the ground at 4:14 a.m.
Authorities say Marco Castillo, 24, was shot after an argument with two men. According to one published report, Castillo was brawling with one of his attackers and winning the battle, when the second individual pulled out the gun and shot him.
Castillo was rushed to Jacobi Hospital, where he died.
Residents reported hearing two gunshots and police are reportedly looking for two individuals, described as male Hispanics. The hooligan who started the fistfight was wearing a blue hooded jacket, the gunman reportedly had a mouth full of gold teeth.
A fourth victim was reported at 6:40 a.m. the following morning when police say Julio Ortiz, 38, of West 246 Street was also shot in the chest as he sat in his vehicle at a gas station.
Ortiz attempted to drive away, when he rear-ended another vehicle at Boston Road and Conner Street.
Ortiz was transported by EMS, but died at Jacobi Hospital.
A week earlier the city had reported a nearly unprecedented week as the NYPD released crime statistics for the week of October 7 through October 13, in which no homicides were reported in the five boroughs.
Marching at the annual Columbus Day Parade, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly told reporters, "We had no homicides in the city, which is, I think, emblematic of how safe the city has become and what a great job the New York City police officers are doing."
Despite the bloodshed, if current trends continue the city could have the lowest murder rate in half a century. Last year the city recorded 419 killings.
Statistics show there have been 256 murders around the city in 2013, compared with 346 reported at the same time last year.
The NYPD also reports that overall gun crime is down with 879 shootings, compared with 1,145 recorded during the first ten-months of 2012.
Despite the statistics detectives have yet to make a single arrest in any of the most recent Bronx killings. Anyone with any information in any of the cases are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS.

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Highbridge News: Thousands to Bike Through the Bronx

Highbridge News: Thousands to Bike Through the Bronx: BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 10- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives announce...

Thousands to Bike Through the Bronx

BRONX, NEW YORK, OCTOBER 10- Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., The Bronx Tourism Council and Transportation Alternatives announced the 19th Annual “Tour de Bronx,” the largest free bicycling event in New York State which will take place on Sunday, October 27th.
Sponsored by the Montefiore Medical Center, St. Barnabas Hospital and the Bronx Lebanon Medical Center, the “Tour de Bronx” traditionally brings together nearly 6,000 bicyclists from around the world.
“The ‘Tour de Bronx’ is a wonderful event, and each year I am always excited to join my fellow Bronxites and thousands of visitors from around the city, nation and the world to ride and see all the great things The Bronx has to offer. Riding a bike around our borough is the healthiest way to see the best of the Bronx, and I am delighted to hear the positive feedback from visitors each year when they participate in the ‘Tour de Bronx.’ I invite everyone to join me again this year to tour our beautiful borough,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
"This great event shows Bronx residents that biking is not only a fun and healthy way to get around the borough. It's a viable transport option," says Transportation Alternatives’ Executive Director Paul Steely White.
To further prove that The Bronx is fast becoming a destination, last year’s event welcomed registrants from all over the United States, as well as Europe, South America and even Asia. “Given the amount of positive coverage we’ve been enjoying in national and international media, we expect to see an increase in visitors participating in this event,” stated Olga Luz Tirado, Executive Director of The Bronx Tourism Council. “We are anxious to show off our borough to the rest of the world.”
“The New York Botanical Garden looks forward to welcoming the Tour de Bronx cyclists to nature’s showplace, dressed in its finest fall colors,” said Aaron Bouska, Associate Vice President for Government and Community Relations at the New York Botanical Garden. “Not only do cyclists get to see the best of the Bronx on October 27, but they do so in a healthy and sustainable manner – values we share and promote every day at the Garden.  Congratulations to Bronx Borough President for his leadership in this endeavor.”
“For the past five years, Montefiore has supported Tour de Bronx as a way to promote healthy living and wellness in our community while celebrating the historic neighborhoods and beautiful greenways of the Bronx," said Steven M. Safyer, president and CEO, Montefiore Medical Center. "Montefiore is committed to improving the health of the community we serve and we are proud to sponsor this borough-wide biking event."
It could not be easier to participate in the “Tour de Bronx,” as numerous City agencies and corporate sponsors are rolling out the red carpet for cycling enthusiasts. Metro North Railroad will waive their bicycle permit requirements and quantity limits for the day, allowing for groups of riders to participate. The Department of Transportation will fit and distribute free bicycle helmets beginning at 8 a.m. while supplies last. The rider must be present and sign a waiver. For children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must be present and will also need to sign a waiver. Coca Cola will distribute Dasani water, Powerade sports drinks and Fuze. Pizza will be provided after the ride courtesy of Domino’s.
The event offers both a 25- and 40-mile course, each of which winds through dozens of beautiful Bronx neighborhoods, historic districts, parks, waterfront, Greenway paths and more. Both routes culminate at the New York Botanical Garden for end-of-ride pizza, refreshments and a music festival.
Log onto www.ilovethebronx.com to register.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Highbridge News: Summer’s Over But Bullets Still Flying

Highbridge News: Summer’s Over But Bullets Still Flying: Residents on Edge as Bloody Mayhem Continues By David Greene BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 4- The NYPD's own statistics show t...

Summer’s Over But Bullets Still Flying

Residents on Edge as Bloody Mayhem Continues
By David Greene
BRONX, NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 4- The NYPD's own statistics show that the city is on pace to have the lowest murder rate in the last 50 years, but that offers little comfort to family members of those killed or wounded by the almost daily, random street violence.
Detectives are still hunting the gunman who shot and killed Raymond Hernandez, 22, who was shot in the hallway of 2860 Grand Concourse on July 15.
On August 3, officers from the 46th Precinct reported a person shot and killed at 2377 Creston Avenue. Police were looking for two black males seen fleeing the scene.
Kahleed Adams had returned to the ruff and tumble streets of Fordham Heights where he was shot in the buttocks a week earlier. At 12:30 a.m. on August 19, he was approached by a group of men at E. 184 Street and Morris Avenue, when someone opened fire, striking Adams in the head.
Despite being in full view of an NYPD surveillance camera, installed after Adams was shot the first time, detectives continue to hunt for the young man's killer.
But the most blood-spilling, effecting the most people are the random acts of violence that often go unreported. Information can now be found on social media websites as the community seems to be trying to keep itself informed, but rumors continue to be almost as big a problem as the violence itself.
Officers from the 52nd Precinct responded to calls of a person stabbed at 12:10 a.m. on August 3. The victim was reportedly stabbed at the intersection of Morris Avenue and E. Kingsbridge Road. Police were looking for a black male wearing a white and gray shirt and dark jeans. 
At 7 p.m. on August 4, a livery taxi driver was stabbed in the chest an neck as he sat behind the wheel at Bainbridge Avenue and E. Fordham Road. An unidentified resident of the block reportedly tossed a large rock at the car, causing the suspect to flee the stolen car.
Police reportedly discovered Luis Ferrierra, 22, hiding in a backyard. He has since been charged with felony assault and robbery--his eighth arrest for 2013.
When asked about the member of the community tossing the rock, one resident responded, "This area is flooded with crack and crime and I think the residents are fed up with it already." 
Residents near PS 8 at Mosholu Parkway South and Bainbridge Avenue reported hearing shots during the night of Friday, August 9.. Residents awoke the following morning to discover a bloody park bench. So far the incident remains a mystery.
At just before 11 p.m. on Sunday, August 11, a person was reported shot at E. Gun Hill Road and Decatur Avenue. However, this incident could not be confirmed.
Police say it was a drug dealer who shot a potential customer on August 13, outside of 2685 Valentine Avenue in Bedford Park. The 31-year old victim was shot in the left hand and right thigh and was treated and released from Jacobi Hospital.
That gunman was described as a male wearing a white shirt and blue hat.
On August 15, Yonkers police were apparently in pursuit of a vehicle that crashed as it exited the Major Deegan near the Van Cortlandt Park Golf Course, the armed suspect reportedly fired at least one shot at pursuing officers before making an escape into the woods.
On August 16 three people were shot over the period of two-hours. At 12:15 a.m. a victim was discovered inside of a building at 2725 Webb Avenue. The 19-year old victim had been shot in the hand and leg and was expected to survive.
Residents of the Fordham Manor block that intersects with W. Kingsbridge Road don't even flinch when they hear gunshots anymore. The block has had two other recent shooting's. A 51-year old man was shot in the arm back in April and two men were shot outside of a bodega on July 28.
Police were still looking for the gunman in the July 28 case, described as wearing all red and carrying a black plastic bag.
Forty-five minutes later officer's from the 46th Precinct in Fordham were called to another 24-hour deli at 375 E. 188 Street. The victim in that shooting was transported by a civilian vehicle to Jacobi Hospital and was also recovering.
At just before 2 a.m., a man was wounded outside of 2258 Grand Avenue in University Heights. The 25-year old victim suffered a gunshot to the right leg and was taken to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was treated and released.
EMS reported the transport of a stabbing victim from the intersection of the Grand Concourse and E. 197 Street at just before 10 p.m. on August 17.
At some time after 4 a.m. on Sunday, August 18, a man was shot in the leg outside of 275 E. Gun Hill Road. The unidentified victim was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition. Police were reportedly looking for two male Hispanics who fled the scene.
Recently police did announce an arrest in the May 29 shooting of Alex Rodriguez, who was shot in the head at the intersection of E. 184 Street and Tiebout Avenue in Fordham Heights. Rodriguez died after being taken off life support.
Jamie DeJesus has been charged with manslaughter in the case.
Outspoken Bedford Park resident Ron James Sorenson who was shot as a young man as he drove a livery taxi in the South Bronx back in the late 1960's, recently stated about the judge's recent decision to re-evaluate the NYPD's stop-and-frisk, offering, "None of these people who are against stop-and-frisk have ever been shot. I have and I think the practice saves lives."
Despite the recent surge in killing, NYPD statistics show murder is down over the same time period as last year. So far this year there were 42 homicides in the Bronx, compared with 68 last year.
Community Board # 7 is still in a transition as it's new District Manager Socrates Caba and Chairperson Adaline Walker-Santiago are in the process of taking over the day to day operations of the board. But a blind man can see they have their work cut out for them.
Anyone with any information on any violent crime are asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS. 

Monday, August 19, 2013

Highbridge News: Police Seek Couple in Sedgwick Avenue Shooting

Highbridge News: Police Seek Couple in Sedgwick Avenue Shooting: By David Greene    BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 19- Police are asking for the public's help in identifying two individuals,...

Police Seek Couple in Sedgwick Avenue Shooting

By David Greene
  
BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 19- Police are asking for the public's help in identifying two individuals, including one who fired several shots at a crowd of people on the Morris Heights - Highbridge border.
According to officials, the incident took place at just before 1 a.m., outside of 1600 Sedgwick Avenue on July 21, when the male fired three times into the crowd.
Police say the female then took the gun and the pair fled.
  
The duo are now wanted on reckless endangerment and weapons charges by detectives in the 46 Precinct. No one in the crowd was injured.
The gunman is described as a dark-skinned, heavy-set male wearing a black shirt with white design. His cohort appears to be a female Hispanic wearing a tank-top and shorts.
Anyone with information on the couple are asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS or by texting CRIMES then enter TIP577. All information forwarded to the NYPD remains confidential.   

Monday, August 12, 2013

Highbridge News: Community Plays Hardball with Strippers

Highbridge News: Community Plays Hardball with Strippers: Doesn’t A-Rod have enough distractions?  BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 12- Community leaders are fuming over a sign promoting a strip club...

Community Plays Hardball with Strippers

Doesn’t A-Rod have enough distractions? 
BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 12- Community leaders are fuming over a sign promoting a strip club in the shadow of Yankee Stadium.
The following letters was sent to OTR MEDIA GROUP, Inc. calling for the removal of a sign advertising Scores strip club in the shadow of Yankee Stadium.
To whom it may concern:
As District Manager of Community Board Four, I write to inform you that we have received several complaints regarding the choice of advertisement currently displayed above 103-107 East 161st Street.  While we respect your right to contract and post advertisements, we feel this particular ad is simply not appropriate for the area and not the image that we have fought hard to change.
We pride ourselves as the Capital District of the Bronx. Our district is a great place to visit, work and live. We are the host community to the world renown, Yankee Stadium, The New Gateway Center at the old Bronx Terminal Market, the Bronx Museum of the Arts and many Art Deco buildings along the Grand Concourse Historic District. We just recently developed and renovated recreational facilities, such as, tennis courts, a state of the art track & field and a new water front park.  We are the administrative center of the County, housing the offices of the Borough President, The District Attorney, the Courts and the County Clerk. 
We are a community of contrasts. Sleek silhouettes of art-deco buildings are a short stroll away from lovely small homes. Acre for acre we have more parks throughout our two square miles than any other district and as such we have experienced a commercial, residential and economic revival, nearly 200,000 residents celebrate our resurgence, and welcome new cultures, languages, hopes and dreams of the many new Americans making this district their home, from around the globe. We celebrate their distinct and varied positive contributions.
While the ad itself is not overtly suggestive, we believe this to be an issue of image and mindset not morality. It is our hope that you understand and so we respectfully ask that you remove said advertisement and place one that does not directly contradict the change and changes we have for the area. 
Sincerely
Jose Rodriguez
District Manger

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dominican Delegation Tours Bx in Advance of Sunday...

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Dominican Delegation Tours Bx in Advance of Sunday...: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. welcomed a delegation of elected officials and other leaders from the Dominican Republic to The Bronx...

Highbridge News: Dominican Delegation Tours Bx in Advance of Sunday...

Highbridge News: Dominican Delegation Tours Bx in Advance of Sunday...: Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. welcomed a delegation of elected officials and other leaders from the Dominican Republic to The Bronx...

Dominican Delegation Tours Bx in Advance of Sunday's Parade

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. welcomed a delegation of elected officials and other leaders from the Dominican Republic to The Bronx.

The day's events included a tour of the borough aboard the Bronx Trolley. The group specifically visited the New York Botanical Gardens, the Yankee Stadium Museum, Arbor House, which is a privately-owned 124-unit housing complex on East 166th Street.

Among the visitors, the deputy mayor of the city of Moca, City Council Members, the Director of Department of Education and Cultural Affairs of the City of Moca, local business owners, as well as the representative of the Bronx Dominican Parade in the Province of Espaillat.

The delegation is visiting the Bronx to take part in the festivities leading up to the Bronx Dominican Day Parade, which will take place on Sunday July 28.