Editorial: We Hope He Hasn’t Checked Out

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. delivered his annual State of the Borough speech in a rather interesting way, sidestepping its usual ceremonial proclivities that involve absorbing all the attention while unveiling his to-do list for the upcoming year by honoring the borough’s unsung heroes (more on this can be found in our front page story). But missing in that retrospective speech complete with pomp and swagger, bespoke of Diaz’s own personality, were ideas for the borough. Where were they? Checking back on previous state of the borough speeches (unlike this year, his office would send reporters a transcript of

By DAVID CRUZ

Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. threw away the oft-formulaic State of the Borough speech he’s delivered over the last decade for a retrospective of sorts while honoring a who’s who of civic activists, educators, and captains of industry. His penultimate speech at Borough Hall comes a few weeks after announcing he won’t be running for New York City mayor after all. Diaz, 47, told reporters he’s “at peace” with his decision, mentioning that the Bronx certainly has a crop of elected officials ready to pick up the baton. He mentioned by name Assembly Members Marcos Crespo, Michael Blake, Victor Pichardo,

Inquiring Photographer: State of the Bronx

With Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. set to deliver his State of the Borough address on Feb. 20, we asked readers to offer their take on the state of the Bronx. Right now, the main thing I’m concerned about is police actions. Other than that, the Bronx is a good place to live. Yeah, they’re still doing stop and frisk. They stop people for anything: weed, guns. I don’t mind them getting the guns off the street, but stopping everyone is harassment … I do worry about gentrification and that’s scary because it pushes the poor people right out of

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s fourth edition of the Norwood News for 2020 is out with plenty of community stories to read and share. We’ve loaded up 24 pages full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on a long-awaited project announced by the New York Botanical Garden, which is now entering the residential housing market. The affordable housing residences, with one set aside exclusively to seniors, will soon pop up along Webster Avenue. The area had been rezoned in ten years, clearing the path for projects such as this.

Editor’s Pick Juggling at Jerome Park Library Jerome Park Library, 118 Eames Pl. (near Kingsbridge Road), offers for teens/young adults: Juggling 101: Watch jugglers followed by participant juggling and a juggling ball making workshop, Feb. 13 at 4 p.m. Info: (718) 549-5200. Onstage Bronx River Art Center (BRAC), 1087 E. Tremont Ave., presents Edsel Gomez’s Triumvirate, performing Latin jazz, Jan. 30 at 7 p.m. Suggested donation: $10/adults; $5/seniors/students. Info: (718) 589-5819. Events Wave Hill, a Bronx oasis at 675 W. 252nd St. in Riverdale, offers Family Art Projects: Sleepy Seeds, and Winter Dormancy, to create a variety of masks, Feb.

The Push to Expand Right to Counsel, Diaz Jr. to Retire: Latest Edition of the Norwood News is Out!

By DAVID CRUZ

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s third edition of the Norwood News for 2020 is out with plenty of community stories to read and share. We have packed 28 pages full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story focuses on a bill being championed by Councilman Andrew Cohen and housing advocacy groups that expands Right to Counsel. The act–which provides free legal counsel to those facing eviction–covers those considered extreme low income. New legislation looks to expand the income eligibility standards. Jose A. Giralt breaks it all down for us. Inside the

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

Editor’s Pick Help for Puerto Rico Elected officials are holding the following two humanitarian relief effort for Puerto Rico. Info: (718) 792-1140: Jan. 18 at noon – Held at Southern Boulevard and Aldus Street. Bring bottled water, batteries and flashlights, first aid kits, Pampers and baby formula, and canned foods. Onstage Lehman College’s Center for the Performing Arts, 250 Bedford Pk. Blvd., W., presents “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ($25 to $45); Yamato, the Drummers of Japan, Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.; and Elvis Crespo performing Latin music, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. Info/tickets/ fees: (718) 960-8833. Bronx

Dear Fellow Readers, The year’s second edition of the Norwood News for 2020 is out with plenty of community stories to read and share. We have packed 20 pages full of news from this corner of the Bronx, so let’s start with page one! Our top story looks back at the professional life of Sally Dunford, the West Bronx Housing executive director who retired in early January. Dunford leaves behind a legacy of helping thousands of renters who faced unscrupulous landlords over the years. Read what exactly she wanted to do with her life and her philosophical outlook on empowerment. Inside the

Editor’s Pick Celebrate Three Kings Day NYC councilman Rev. Rubén Diaz. Sr. presents “Three Kings Day,” Jan. 4 at noon at Public School Mott Hall V, 1551 E. 172nd St. (between Ward and Manor avenues) for the children of our community. The first 500 kids between the ages of 1 and 10 will receive a toy and book bag with school supplies. Youngsters must be present in order to receive a toy. Event includes live music and entertainment. Info: (718) 792-1140. Onstage The Williamsbridge Oval presents a free nativity play in Spanish, “El Pesebre: A Theatre Celebration of Three Kings