Espinal Bill Repealing 1926 Cabaret Law Moves Forward
City Council Member Rafael Espinal (D-East New York, Bushwick) yesterday chaired a council Consumer Affairs Committee Hearing on his bill to repeal the city’s archaic 1926 Cabaret Law that has long targeted particular nightlife establishments, in some cases banning dancing and keeping businesses in a state of fear and stifling the city’s iconic creative nightlife spaces.
“We aren’t in a small conservative town in Kansas, this is New York City, a sanctuary city, where you shouldn’t need a license to dance,” said Espinal. “Dancing and free expression is a vital part of our cultural identity. The cabaret law is a blemish on our history and continues to keep small businesses in fear. There is more work to be done, but this is one step in the right direction.”
Repeal of the cabaret law comes as part of a broader agenda to address the cultural, social, and quality of life issues of everyday New Yorkers, specifically related to the experience of NYC during the nighttime hours.
On August 24, Espinal passed Intro No. 1688, creating an Office of Nightlife and Nightlife Advisory Board to liaise between local residents city agencies and nightlife establishments. The Office will also address residents’ quality of life concerns, and make policy suggestions on how to support nightlife, including ways to improve its workforce conditions.
Donovan Votes To Remove Criminal Alien Gangs, Hails Trump Stand On Immigration
Congressman Dan Donovan (R-Southern Brooklyn, Staten Island) yesterday voted to pass the Criminal Alien Gang Member Removal Act, which updates immigration law to permit deportation of known members of a criminal gang who are in the country illegally.
The measure, which passed the House, 233-175, also permits immigration authorities to deny entry to criminal gang members.
“I’ve seen the tragic consequences of gang violence during my 20 years as a prosecutor and now in Congress. Violent criminal gang members should not be walking the streets, but it adds insult to injury when they never should have been in our country in the first place. Today’s vote will allow immigration authorities to deny entry to violent gang members or deport them if they’re already here,” said Donovan.
Donovan also praised President Donald Trump in his recent bipartisan efforts to work with Democrats to legalize the roughly 800,000 immigrants that came here as small children.
“For decades, previous Administrations wouldn’t dare to expend their political capital to try and negotiate an immigration solution. Naysayers of the President will find a way to criticize what he ate for breakfast, but fact is he deserves credit for trying to get it done. This should be a wake-up call to those in Congress who refuse to negotiate in good faith,” said Donovan.
Gentile To Host “Angry Birds” Movie Event
City Council Member Vincent J. Gentile (D-Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Bensonhusrt, Bath Beach) continues his Family Movie Night Series this weekend with the presentation of “Angry Birds” at McKinley Park.
The Family Movie Night Series, which is a completely free event done alongside NYC Parks, has had much success this year as families from around the neighborhood have come out to enjoy popcorn and free giveaways.
Those in attendance are asked to please bring their own chairs and picnic blankets.
The movie under the stars event is slated start at 8:15 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 16 McKinley Park on 73rd Street and Fort Hamilton Parkway in Dyker Heights.
Greenfield Hosts Bike Helmet Giveaway in Boro Park
City Councilman David G. Greenfield (D-Boro Park, Midwood, Kensington, Flatbush, Bensonhurst) is giving away free bike helmets on Sunday.
“We are giving away 1,000 helmets free bike helmets on a first-come, first-served basis,” Greenfield said. However, helmets don’t work if they are not fitted. So you must be there in person to get the helmet fitted by an expert in order to get the free helmet.”
Studies show that bike riders are 10 times more likely to get seriously hurt or killed when they are not wearing a helmet.
“Just because summer is ending doesn’t mean you have to give up biking,” Greenfield said. “I’m a jogger myself, but even I know that biking with proper safety gear is a fun and healthy activity, all year round.”
The giveaway is slated for between 2 – 5:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17 at the newly renovated 18th Avenue/Gravesend Park, between 55th and 58th Street. The event is open to everyone, children and adults alike, though children will need a parent or legal guardian to sign a form in order to participate. Free snacks will also be provided.
Gonzalez Hosts Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez is inviting the public to participate in his office’s annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Monday.
Congressman Adriano Espaillat, the first Dominican-American to serve in the U.S. Congress, will be honored. The event will be emceed by NY1 reporter Jeanine Ramirez and feature a lively discussion between her and the Congressman. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
The celebration is slated for 6-8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 18 at the Forchelli Center on the Brooklyn Law School Campus, 250 Joralemon Street in Downtown Brooklyn. from 6 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP to Communityaffairs@BrooklynDA.org.
Seddio Hosts Brooklyn Dems Post Primary Breakfast
Kings County Democratic Party Chair Frank Seddio is inviting brough Democrats to his 5th Annual Brooklyn Demps Post Primary Breakfast Reception on Monday.
The annual event helps celebrate and welcome all these newly elected Democrats to the Brooklyn Democratic Organization as the party move towards the November general election.
The event is slated for between 8-10 a.m., Monday, Sept. 18 at the World Famous Juniors Restaurant, 386 Flatbush Ext., in Downtown Brooklyn. For further information log onto http://www.brooklyndems.com/5th_annual_brooklyn_dems_post_primary_breakfast_reception.
