Rangel, Espaillat and Walrond Square Off in First Debate

By David Cruz The two main candidates for the 13th Congressional District achieved moments of glory in the first debate against incumbent Congressman Charles Rangel, who also managed to hit the pair with several one-two punches. And though the debate may have been miles away from the northwest Bronx, a key battleground borough for each rival, it was certainly mentioned, albeit in broad strokes.

Brightening Up MS80

These students add a touch of vibrant green to the vestibule at MS 80 on March 22. The neighborhood school received a face lift courtesy of Publicolor, a nonprofit working in partnership with Benjamin Moore. Several dozen students decked in old clothes worked alongside some Benjamin Moore staffers for the weekend event. The color in question is eco-friendly Natura. Photos by Adi Talwar

Neighborhood Notes

Editor’s Note: If you have an item you would like to submit for Neighborhood Notes please email dcruz@norwoodnews.org. Legal Workshop State Sen. Gustavo Rivera presents a “Know Your Rights Legal Workshop: Stop and Frisk” on Wednesday, April 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Renaissance Youth Center, 3485 Third Ave. For more information or to RSVP (required), call (718) 933-2034 or email RSVPSenatorRivera@gmail.com. Crime Prevention Workshops The Bronx DA’s Crime Victims and Community Affairs Units will sponsor several free workshops, for adults ages 21+ only, honoring Crime Prevention Week, at Community Board 12’s Carriage House, 4101 White Plains Rd.: “Protecting

By DAVID CRUZ Assaf Gal stood on a sidewalk on 205th Street near Webster Avenue one afternoon in January, promoting his newest venture—a Crunch Fitness gym in the Bronx. He spotted a mailwoman, handing her a Crunch ad that caused her to jolt.

Bronx Religious Groups Urge Mayor de Blasio to Allow Them To Worship In Schools

by David Cruz Clergy leaders are hopeful Mayor Bill de Blasio reverses a city Department of Education mandate that forbids them to practice their religion inside empty public school. The rallying cry comes a day after a federal court panel ruled it unconstitutional for so-called mobile churches to practice inside schools.

Cars Found Smashed Along Stretch of Norwood

by David Cruz Norwood residents woke up early this morning to find several cars smashed on Parkside Place, a quiet street running parallel from Webster Avenue. The vandalism, first reported by News 12 the Bronx, happened during the overnight hours. Neighbors found front bumpers torn, glass on the floor and in one case tires slashed. Debris was found strewn about the hilly street. Car vandalism is commonplace in Norwood, according to neighbors. Police are investigating.

Rivera Faces Challenger in 78th Assembly District

By DAVID CRUZ At the Sea Shore Restaurant in City Island, a medium-size crowd turned up for Assemblyman Jose Rivera’s fundraiser on March 7. Rivera took to the dance floor, ushered in his daughter, former Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera, and even schmoozed with her opponent, current Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj. He was in his comfort zone, engaging with supporters bearing donations. For nearly 50 years, Rivera has stood virtually untouchable. He shattered racial barriers in a Bronx legislative caucus that was largely white, serving as a power groomer for rising Puerto Rican legislators like him, reflecting the changing demographics of the Bronx.

By DAVID CRUZ

by David Cruz When Eva Bornstein was asked to describe the atmosphere at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts prior to becoming its executive director, she turned to her secretary who knew the history beforehand. “Very dead, very sparse,” the secretary said bluntly. “We had no movement.” That was nearly 10 years ago. These days, Bornstein has inspired the borough’s cultural jewel to get its second wind, showcasing some big names in its theater while also shattering borough stereotypes. Not bad, considering performers often prefer to showcase their talents at Madison Square Garden or Radio City rather than a venue

NCBH will Deliver Late on Maternity Ward

By Justin McCallum NOTE: Community members are welcome to voice their concerns of the closure at a meeting with HHC, elected officials and advocates on Tuesday, March 18 at North Central Bronx Hospital at 6:30p.m. Amid growing unrest over closure of their maternity ward, North Central Bronx Hospital officials assured the community of their ongoing commitment to reopening the ward.