At Rally for Blake, Supporters Offer Take on 15th Congressional District Issues

At Rally for Blake, Supporters Outline 15th Congressional District's Issues

By DAVID CRUZ

At the epicenter of a district partially on the mend, Assemblyman Michael Blake, who officially declared a run for Congress for the 15th Congressional District, told supporters he sought to remove the label that the district is the country’s poorest. “I’m not proud of that,” said Blake, standing before supporters on a stage erected on East 134th Street between Alexander Avenue and Bruckner Boulevard. Serving as the nation’s most impoverished district has prevailed since the current seat-holder, Congressman Jose Serrano–who announced he’ll retire after his current 15th term is up–took office in 1990. While the quality of life within the

By SHA-NIA ALSTON

As part of Bronx Week, Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. joined business owners and students in announcing a new organization that aims to reduce the Bronx’s stubbornly high unemployment rate, which stands at six percent for the Bronx. The Bronx Private Industry Council (PIC) is leading the fight. Founded by HERE TO HERE, a Bronx non-profit that helps with economic development issues, PIC looks to create a pipeline between high school students and potential employers. It differs from the ordinary summer-youth employment program, according to PIC executive director Eddie Summers. “They get special development opportunities throughout their experience, whether its

19-Year-Old Charged In February Fordham Killing

By DAVID CRUZ

Police have made an another arrest in the stabbing death of a teen that happened in February. Police have charged 19-year-old Justin Flores with the murder of 17-year-old Pernell “Blizz” Pompey, which happened on Feb. 13 near the area of East 193rd Street and Decatur Avenue, a known gang and narcotics sales area. “Great job by all involved,” wrote the Five-Two’s official Twitter page of the arrest. Officers found the victim with stab wounds to the body. EMS rushed the victim to St. Barnabas Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His name has not been released until the family gets

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

Before the start of the third season of Papi Tennis at Williamsbridge Oval Park, its founder Daniel Arzuaga, is busy clearing the puddles left from an overnight rain. “There’s a real community aspect to tennis because it’s played all over the world,” says Arzuaga. As members of the group begin to appear on the nearly dried courts, the special bonds of the participants are clear as they hug, say hello, and laugh before the more advanced players start their serves accompanied by grunts and yelps. “I like to think of this group as a tennis family,” Arzuaga says. Founded in

By DAVID CRUZ

For Jonathan Ortiz, the first Democratic candidate to officially enter the 15th Congressional District race, the hardcore campaigning starts at 5:01 p.m. on weekdays. On weekends, Ortiz is in full-blown campaign mode. After leaving his day job as director of the Phipps Neighborhood Financial Empowerment Center, the South Bronx-bred Ortiz and his team can be spotted door-knocking and distributing literature across the district. Ortiz, a lover of media, also relies on various mediums to amplify his message for greater equity in the South Bronx. And Ortiz, 33, is running this grassroots campaign with zero support from the Bronx Democratic Party,

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

By PROF. ANTHONY RIVIECCIO, MBA PFA

An IPO, or an Initial Public Offering, is when a private company decides to go public. Why would a company do this? Many reasons, but two are 1) to show fundamental success and 2) a needed increase of cash flow by selling of their securities Uber, the car-sharing company just became public. It is a company that many say is reinventing the taxi space. It is a new, cute and revolutionary business model. Hire independent drivers, set up appointments via your cell phone through phone apps and the Internet, and voila! Your ride is waiting outside. The private money world

New Anti-Gang Initiatives Added to Five-Two’s Arsenal

By DAVID CRUZ

The presence of gangs across the 52nd Precinct’s jurisdiction has become something of a staple. While the weight of the police force can put a stopgap to gang culture that leads to arrest, the agency has expanded its use of anti-gang groups that, while not necessarily falling under the NYPD, have been given carte blanche to stymie gang violence. And they’ve begun to make their way to the 52nd Precinct. David Caba, program director for Bronx Rises Against Gun Violence (BRAG), falling under the umbrella of Good Shepherd Services, leads the newest anti-gang initiative within the precinct’s borders. Introducing the

Editor’s Pick Bronx Week Parade The public is invited to join the free Bronx Week Parade on Sunday, May 19 which closes out a week of borough activities and events. Marchers stroll along Mosholu Parkway from Hull Avenue starting at 11:30 a.m. to Van Cortlandt Avenue. Invited are celebrities, marching bands, community organizations, schools, sports teams and civic groups. The parade is followed by a Food & Arts Festival offering food for purchase, hand-crafted and specialty items, free health screenings and health insurance information. For more information on the week’s events, visit www.ilovethebronx.com. Onstage Bronx Library Center, 310 E. Kingsbridge

Bronx Connections: The Health Impact (Part 5 of 5)

By DAVID CRUZ

The Fail-Safe Fight Against Obesity The Norwood News, WFUV Radio, and BronxNet Television complete their five-part series focusing on health-related struggles impacting the Bronx. Jennifer Hernandez, 43, of Soundview faced a brick wall when it came to losing weight. At 248 pounds, Hernandez attempted to reverse the outcome for her obesity, a disease that’s often a nexus to even more debilitating conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. And so it goes for the 28 percent of Bronx residents considered obese, according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s 2015 Health Rankings. Stubborn obesity genes can be the culprit, with poor