Velázquez Calls for Federal Effort on K2 Drug
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (Sunset Park, Bushwick, Red Hook, Vinegar Hill, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Greenwood, DUMBO, Cobble Hill) yesterday wrote the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calling on the agency to take steps to address the effect of the drug “K2” on local communities.
The letter comes after 33 people were sent to area hospitals after smoking K2 near the Myrtle Avenue and Broadway intersection.
“The recent rash of hospitalizations in Brooklyn made clear that K2 remains a threat to our neighborhoods,” Velázquez said. “We need action at all levels of government, which is why I’m calling on CDC to dedicate resources specifically to the synthetic cannabinoid problem.”
Velázquez’s letter calls for CDC to study treatment and prevention strategies for K2 and, subsequently, to undertake a national education campaign on the dangers of the substance.
Felder Warns About Leaving Children In Hot Cars
State Sen. Simcha Felder (Borough Park, Midwood) yesterday issued a warning after two more children died over the weekend after being left in hot cars.
“Over the last 15 years, 682 children have died in hot cars,” said Felder. “That’s 682 too many.”
Felder’s warning also comes after his colleagues unanimously passed a bill introduced by Senator Jack Martins this year to make it illegal to leave children younger than eight alone in a vehicle.
Studies show that when outdoor temperatures reach between 70 and 96 degrees, the temperature inside a car can quickly rise more than 40 degrees in an hour. Cracking the windows has been shown to have little effect on the temperature inside a car.
“Parents should be aware of the risks of leaving children alone in hot or cold cars, even for a short time,” said Felder, who praised Martins for remaining in the forefront of this issue. “It should be the law—and hopefully it will be soon—but minimally it’s common sense. And we’re in the middle of a heat wave. Do the right thing. Don’t leave children alone in your car.”
Velazquez Joins Pelosi, Other Female House Members On DNC Stage
Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez today will join Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and other Democratic female House members on stage at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday.
“This will be a historic convention with the first major party female nominee for President – and it will be a landmark election when we elect Hillary Clinton President of the United States,” Velázquez said. “I’m proud to join Leader Pelosi in showcasing the diversity of the House Democratic Caucus and lending my voice to help underscore the importance of this election.”
The first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, Velázquez serves as the top Democrat on the House Small Business Committee. She has long fought to expand entrepreneurship, particularly among women, communities of color, veterans and other disadvantaged groups.
“Democrats understand that entrepreneurship is a proven path out of poverty for women and other low-income Americans,” said Velázquez. “We’ll be working alongside Hillary to unlock doors of opportunity for all Americans and to empower more of our neighbors to pursue dreams of small business ownership.”
Adams, Bratton To Discuss Changes to J’Ouvert
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner William J. Bratton today will announce #WeAreJOuvert, a campaign comprised of public safety and community outreach efforts that will be undertaken by a coalition of local stakeholders in advance of J’Ouvert festivities in Brooklyn this September.
The move follows a continued problem with shootings, including fatal shootings on the partying night before the annual West Indian Labor Day Parade. Adams and Bratton will join J’Ouvert City International President Yvette Rennie and elected officials representing the area to discuss changes being implemented to prioritize safety of residents and revelers alike.
Adams and Bratton, and others will discuss the importance of combating violence that has been connected to this popular celebration of Caribbean culture.
The press conference is slated for 11 a.m., today at Medgar Evers College, 1650 Bedford Avenue in Crown Heights.
Bratton Announces Cops To Get Heavy Ballistic Vests and Helmets
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner William J. Bratton announced yesterday that the NYPD has begun a $7.5 million project to purchase personal protective equipment, including heavy ballistic vests and helmets, to further enhance the safety of responding officers in the event of an active shooter situation.
In all, 20,000 ballistic helmets will be distributed to all uniformed members of the service assigned to patrol functions. Additionally, 6,000 heavy ballistic vests, which contain a front and rear level three panel, will be furnished in 3,000 vehicles assigned to patrol duties (two per vehicle.) Delivery of the equipment will begin at the end of the summer and continue through January, until all vests and helmets have been distributed.
The $7.5 million purchase of the updated equipment follows the events of the last month have once again brought the issue of officer safety to the forefront. Instances of localized terror attacks, active shooter incidents, and even direct ambushes of police officers have all played out across our nation.
“Now, more than ever, society is asking its police officers to go into harm’s way and to face grave danger,” said Bratton. “The department is fortunate to have the financial support to ensure that as they do, they have the best equipment and protection available. I want to thank Mayor de Blasio for his continued support in ensuring our officers and, by extension our City, remain as safe as possible.”
Williams, Perry Continue Movie Series At Paerdegat Park
City Council Member Jumaane Williams (Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood) and Assemblyman Nick Perry (East Flatbush) tonight will continue their summer movie series in Paerdegat Park with the screening of The Might Quinn as part of Caribbean Night.
Festivities for the night begin at 7 p.m., and the screening will start after sundown. Paerdegat Park is on East 40th Street between Farragot Road and Albany Avenue.
