WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to issue an updated drought watch after consulting with the State Drought Management Task Force and federal partner agencies.

New York State drought region IIA, which includes New York City and Westchester, remains in normal status due to the satisfactory storage levels and refill probability of the New York City reservoirs.

According to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the City’s reservoirs are approximately nine percent below normal for this time of year, with 422 billion gallons currently in storage, compared to 469 billion gallons normally. DEC continues to work closely with DEP to monitor reservoir conditions and encourage responsible water use, especially outdoors, regardless of the hydrological conditions or season.   

The watch now includes most New York counties except those located in the Adirondack, Eastern Great Lakes, and New York Metropolitan regions. New York State is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks. 

“While recent rains have helped, severe dry conditions continue to persist across the state,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers should take steps to conserve water whenever possible in the areas now under a designated drought watch. Simple steps to reduce water consumption will be crucial to our efforts to help prevent any increased drought levels.”  

The counties under drought watch are available here. A watch is the first of four levels of State drought advisories, which are watch, warning, emergency, and disaster. No mandatory restrictions are in place under a state drought watch. 

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “This year’s below normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures continue to combine to exacerbate low stream flows, reduced groundwater levels, and ongoing wildfire risk. DEC will continue to monitor water levels and the environmental impacts of the dry conditions and encourage residents throughout the state to monitor usage and avoid wasting water.”

An increasing number of water supply challenges are being reported due to dry conditions. Below-normal precipitation during the last three months, low stream flows and low groundwater levels prompt the need for the expansion of the watch status to ensure adequate public water supplies. Local public water suppliers are urged to assess the current situation, promote voluntary conservation, and take appropriate actions to manage risk.

The drought watch is triggered by the State Drought Index, which reflects precipitation levels, reservoir/lake levels, and stream flow and groundwater levels in the nine drought regions of the state. Each of these indicators is assigned a weighted value based on its significance to various uses in a region. The State Drought Index is attuned to the specific attributes of New York and may differ moderately from some national technical drought assessments.

DEC and U.S. Geological Survey are partners in evaluating hydrologic conditions across New York State. In addition, DEC supports efforts by local governments and stakeholders to undertake water conservation measures based on specific local circumstances. Observed precipitation has been less than normal with shortfalls of two to six inches common over the last 90 days. The dry weather began in the spring and is beginning to significantly affect other metrics. Stream flows and groundwater levels are well below normal throughout much of the affected regions. Groundwater levels have been declining over the past few months and they are not expected to improve in the immediate future due to the existing precipitation deficit. 

The National Weather Service outlook for the remainder of the summer predicts above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation. By voluntarily reducing water usage, and being extra careful with fire and outdoor flames, New Yorkers can help conserve our natural resources during these dry days of summer. 

To protect water resources, homeowners are encouraged to voluntarily reduce outdoor water use and follow these tips:

• Water lawns only when necessary, choose watering methods that avoid waste, and water in the early morning to reduce evaporation and maximize soil hydration;

• Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants;

• Raise lawn mower cutting heights. Longer grass is healthier with stronger roots and needs less water;

• Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks; and

• Fix leaking pipes, hoses, and faucets.

For more water saving tips, visit DEC’s webpage at http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5009.html. For more information about drought in New York, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5011.html

Wildlife Risk

In addition to the drought watch expansion, New York State continues to encourage New Yorkers and visitors to follow the recommendations below to reduce the risk of wildfires. The majority of New York State is currently at a high risk for fires – see map here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/68329.html. Any outdoor fire can spread quickly, especially if the wind picks up. Campfires are among the top five causes of wildfires.

While camping in the backcountry, New Yorkers are advised to:

• Use existing campfire rings where possible;
• Build campfires away from overhanging branches, steep slopes, rotten stumps, logs, dry grass, and leaves. Pile extra wood away from the fire;
• Clear the area around the ring of leaves, twigs, and other flammable materials;
• Never leave a campfire unattended. Even a small breeze could cause the fire to spread quickly; and
• Drown the fire with water. Make sure all embers, coals, and sticks are wet. Move rocks as there may be burning embers underneath.

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WPCNR CORONA VIRUS REPORT. From New York State Covid Tracker. Observation & Analysis By John F. Bailey. August 14, 2022 UPDATED GRAPHIC 9:22 A.M. August 15,2022 EDT:

In the week August 7, ending Saturday August 13, 1,664 persons tested positive for covid, down 19% (398 LESS NEW CASES) from last week. It was the first 4th straight week of significant declines in 16 weeks.

Last week July 31 through August 6, Westchester had 2062 new cases of covid (Lab confirmed tests). that decline was 20%. The week of July 17 to 24, recorded 2,360 new cases, down from 2,512 cases July 10 to 16, a decline of 3%. On the week The 4 weeks in a row are a positive sign..

After Friday’s infections were reported as 214 new cases of 2,964 tested Friday, Saturday figures followed that trendline, recording only 189 cases below the 263 cases recorded a week ago Saturday.

The County found 1,664 new covid cases a week 237 new infections a day compared compared to 2062 (295 new covid cases a day) last week ( July 31 through August 6), this represents a 19% decline in infections, following a 20% decrease in cases last week.

A fourth straight week of decline was the first time this phenomena has happened since April 1.

More significantly, the infection rate despite the low number of tests (PCR –lab certified tests averaged 2,816 tests a day for the 6 days previous to Saturdat he 16,896 tests yielded 1,475 new cases through Friday for an infection rate of 8.7% down from last week when 2,052 infections in 21,065 PCR LAB TESTS resulted in a a 9.7% infection rate. The Westchester infection rate in the week just completed was 7%

Another takeaway is the midweek surge in infections that has been observed by this reporter for the last sixteen weeks. The week ending yesterday saw new positives decline significantly from last week on Thursday and Friday down 100 THURSDAY AND 37 on Friday, the first time the midweek surge has not been sustained 4 days.

WPCNR attributes this to persons taking at home tests, seeing a positive and coming in to verify they are positive to a PCR Lab testing clinic or venue, after showing symptoms.

Nevertheless this may be the first positive semi control of the spread of covid in 3 and a half months.

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THE HEADLINES:

AS MONKEY POX SPREADS IN NY.  STUDIES ON THE JYENNOS MONKEY POX VACCINE EFFECTIVENESS IN STOPPING MONKEYPOX NEW INFECTIONS IS  INCLUSIVE BASED ON ROLLOUTS IN EUROPE ACCORDING TO OBSERVATIONS BY YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMOLOGIST DR. KATELIN JETELINA. THE TRACKING OF THE JYENNOS ROLLOUT IS STILL CONDUCTED AND ANALYZED THE VERDICT ITS ABILITY TO STOP THE INFECTIONS MIXED.

INFLATION HAS BEEN SLOWED IN JULY AS ANNUAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX LOWERED TO 8.5% AFTER 9.1% IN JUNE.  AFTER AND DEDUCTING FUEL FOOD COSTS

ELECTRICITY RATES SOARED  IN JULY TO 22 CENTS A KILOWATT HOUR IN THE HOTTEST MONTH YOU AND I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED.

FOR SUSTAINABLE WESTCHESTER CUSTOMERS IT WILL BE HIGHER IN AUGUST THAN IT WAS IN JULY. DELIVERY COSTS 15 CENTS A KILOWATT HOUR AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY AN ESTIMATED 9 TO 10 CENTS.  USAGE DOUBLED

DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIMI ROCAH ANNOUNCED ARRESTS OF YONKERS RESIDENTS ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN TRAFFICKING GHOST GUNS FROM WASHINGTON D.C.  TO YONKERS

WESTCHESTER COUNTY WAS RECORDED BY THE STATE WITH 10,298 NEW CASES OF COVID IN JULY –THE THIRD STRAIGHT MONTH OF 10,000 INFECTIONS A MONTH.

HOWEVER THE RATE OF NEW CASES HAS DECLINED 22% THE FIRST 3 DAYS OF THIS WEEK TO 679—DOWN ONE THIRD, BUT TESTINGS ARE ALSO DOWN WHILE THE NEW INFECTIONS OF THOSE OFFICIAL LAB TESTS STILL AVERAGED 9%

THIS JUST IN: THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION REPORTED ANTEGEN AT-HOME TESTS ARE FOUND TO SHOW A HIGH PROPORTION OF “NEGATIVE” RESULTS

AND A FORMER PRESIDENT INVOKED THE 5^TH AMENDMENT SAYING “SAME ANSWER” TO EVERY ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES QUESTION IN HIS DEPOSITION IN MS. JAMES FRAUD HEARING.

THAT APPEARANCE BY THE FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES INVOKING THE FIFTH AMENDMENT THAT ALLOWS A PERSON TO BE PERMITTED TO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS ON THE GROUNDS THEY MIGHT INCRIMINATE THEMSELVES, RECALLS TO MIND THE ESTES KEFAUVER HEARINGS IN THE 1950S. THOSE INVOLVED ALLEGED MEMBERS OF CRIME FAMILIES IN THE 1950S, EXCEPT THOSE GENTLEMEN DID NOT INSULT THE SENATORS’ QUESTIONS. THOSE ALEDGED MOBSTERS JUST READ THE 5^TH AMENDMENT.

WITH THE FORMER PRESIDENT, IT WAS INDEED THE PRESIDENTIAL PERFORMANCE WE HAVE WITNESSED FOR YEARS FROM MR. T USING A LEGAL INQUIRY TO HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE. HE MOCKED THE PROCEDURE: HIS STATEMENT WAS COMBATIVE, BELITTLING AN IMPORTANT WOMAN, LETITIA JAMES, THE NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL. VERY NOSTALGIC.

THIS INFLATION TAMING AMAZING, IN JUST ONE WEEK WE HAVE GONE FROM PRICES RISING DISASTROUSLY TO INFLATION STOPPED?

IT’S AMAZING IN ONE WEEK—AS FAST AS GASOLINE AND FUEL PRICES WENT UP FROM APRIL THROUGH JULY— THEY CAME DOWN TO 4. 29 A GALLON. WHAT PATRIOTISM BY THE OIL COMPANIES.  WHY DID THEY HAVE TO RAISE THEM IN THE FIRST PLACE…COULDN’T THEY HAVE HAVE NOT DOUBLED GASOLING PRICES, BLAMING SUPPLY? 

THIS TURNS PRESIDENT BIDEN FROM OLD GOAT TO INFLATION FIGHTING SUPERHERO. I LOVE WASHINGTON NUMBERS WHEN THEY NEED THEM.

 I READ A GOP WEB PUBLICATION WITH THE HEADLINE, “NOW TIME TO GET AMERICA BACK ON TRACK.” REALLY? HOW DUMB IS THAT.  

IS THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOT SEEING A PERFECT CAMPAIGN SLOGAN STOLEN FROM THEM?

BUT WAIT THERE IS HOPE FOR THE DEMOCRATS FROM JOHN BAILEY THE ADVERTISING MAN.  THE BELEGUERED BIDEN IN A MASTER STROKE CAN NOW SEIZE A MUCH BETTER LINE AND I CONTRIBUTE IT WITHOUT FEE:

BUT SERIOUSLY JOHN MARINO, INFLATION IS RAGING ON THE ELECTRICITY FRONT

IN COUNTY EXECUTIVE LATIMER’S COVID BRIEFING HE SAID COVID IS NEITHER UP NOR DOWN. BUT  IT IS DOWN THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF THIS WEEK. DOWN FROM 868 THE FIRST THREE DAYS LAST WEEK TO 679 THIS WEEK, 27% DOWN TO 226 NEW LAB CERTIFIED CASES A DAY AND 250 ON THURSDAY. IF WE DO NOT SEE A HUGE MIDWEEK JUMP WEDNESDAY THURSDAY AND FRIDAY IF THAT CONTINUES WE COULD HAVE AS LITTLE AS 1,582 INFECTIONS FOR THE WEEK A DROP OF 20%.

BUT JOHN MARINO, THE NUMBER OF LAB CERTIFIED  TESTINGS IS DOWN  10% IF THAT CONTINUES, YOU WILL HAVE A SELF-FULFILLING RESULT OF LOWER COVID INFECTIONS IF YOU DO NOT REQUIRE PUBLIC LAB TESTING.

THE PROBLEM IS THE LOWER INFECTIONS BUT HIGH 9% INFECTION RATE OF THESE LOW QUANTITIES MEANS THERE MAY BE A LOT MORE “GHOST CASES” OUT THERE WALKING AROUND WITH IT.

IF YOU TESTED 5,000 A DAY AT 10% INFECTION RATES THAT IS 50 A DAY OR 2,500 A WEEK NEW CASES, NOT 1500. THIS RELIANCE ON THE AT HOME TESTS ANTEGEN TESTS, OPERATING UNDER THE HONOR SYSTEM OF PEOPLE TESTING POSITIVE QUARANTINING OR WORSE NOT GOING IN FOR A LAB TEST ARTIFICIALLY LOWERS INFECTION NUMBERS. 

THE REINFECTION RATE OF 6% BASED ON THE 10,000 JULY INFECTIONS MEANS OVER THE NEXT 6 WEEKS YOU MAY HAVE 600 ADDITIONAL REINFECTIONS IN THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER OF REINFECTEES. SPEAKING OF SCHOOLS SHOULDN’T WE BE MORE CAREFUL?

JOHN MARINO, WE HAD A VERY TIMELY INTRODUCTION OF A NEW PROGRAM TO PREVENT EVICTIONS AND CONTAIN RENT INCREASES FOR LANDLORDS WITH SMALL BUILDINGS, COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER ANNOUNCED IT THIS WEEK:

JohN MARINO: I THINK THIS IS VERY TIMELY

JOHN BAILEY: ABSOLUTELY ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY EVICTIONS ARE RAMPANT BECAUSE THE URIAH HEEPS OF THE NATION ARE RAISING RENTS AND PEOPLE ARE SCRAMBLING, LIVING IN CARS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS REPORTED YESTERDAY AND NOW THE COUNTY IS GIVING INCENTIVE TO KEEP THE WESTCHESTER ECONOMY AT LEAST LIMPING ALONG.

HERE IS A CHANCE FOR LANDLORDS TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT FOR THEIR TENANTS BY MAKING NEEDED REPAIRS UP O $25,000 A UNIT. I WONDER THOUGH IF THAT IS ENOUGH INCENTIVE TO STOP THE LURE OF THE MONTHLY RENT.

HOW LONG DOES THE RENT HAVE TO BE KEPT STABLE IS THE QUESTION.  THIS IS A REAL TEST OF CONSCIENCE AND HUMANITY FOR THE LANDLORDS BUT IT IS VERY TIMELY AND CREATIVE.

REMEMBER THAT NUMBER 914-995-2429 914-995-2429. LANDLORDS THE COUNTY LINES ARE OPEN AND YOU HAVE THE EMAIL. THE TIME IS NOW AND JOHN HOW  ARE THE PRIMARIES SHAPING UP IN THE 16^TH HERE IN WHITE PLAINS WHERE VEDAT GASHI JUST GOT A KEY ENDORSERSEMENT

JOHN MARINO NOTED THAT THE NITA LOWEY EMDORSEMENT OF VEDAL GASHI FOR THE 16TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT THIS WEEK WAS VERY GOOD FOR HIM AND ALSO NOTED JAMAL BOWMAN HAD NOT BEEN RUNNING A VERY VISIBLE CAMPAIGN RELYING ON PREVIOUS TELEVISION SPOTS.

10 DISTRICT 16 AND 17

(JOHN BAILEY ASKSJ) YOU HAVE SOME EARLY NUMBERS ON THE HOCHUL ZELDIN RACE..DO WE BELIEVE THEM?

JOHN MARINO COMMENTED THAT GOVERNOR HOCHUL, ACCORDING TO A SIENNA COLLEGE POLL, LEAD MR. ZELDIN, THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE BY 14% WITH THREE MONTHS TO GO TO THE ELECTION AND THOUGHT THIS WAS TOO MUCH OF A MARGIN TO MAKE UP. HE SAID THE POLL ALSO SHOWED IN THE DISTRICT 17 RACE, THAT SEAN PATRICT MALONY WAS LEADING ALESSANDRA BIAGGI,, IN THE PRIMARY ELECTION AUGUST 23, BUT MIKE LAWLER THE REPUBLICAN RUNNING IN THE REPUBLICAN PRIMARY LEAD BOTH MALONEY OR BIAGGI FOR THE OFFICE)

JOHN BAILEY: THE GOVERNOR STRUCK TWICE THIS WEEK WITH TWO KEY STORIES

TAKING DEAD AIM AT MR. ZELDIN’S CRIME ISSUE AND BAIL REFORM ISSUES, GOVERNOR HOCHUL IS EASTABLISHING ANTI TERROR TASK FORCES IN EACH COUNTY. EACH COUNTY HAS TO PUT TOGETHER A TERROR INTELLIGENCE COOPERATIVE EFFORT THROUGHOUT THE STATE…ON RECOMMENDATION BY THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF HOME SECURITY….

MIMI ROCCA, THE WESTCHESTER DISTRICT ATTORNEY-A DEMOCRAT  ANNOUNCED THE BREAK UP OF A GHOST GUNS INITIATIVE –WHICH TAKES DEAD AIM AT THE SELDIN LAISSEZ FARE ENABLING GUNS POLICIES.

 STILL TO COME ARE ISSUES ON MARIJUANA LICENSES, REGULATIONS AND OF COURSE REGULATIONS ON DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MARIJUANA..

HOCHUL IS VULNERABLE DO YOU THINK ON THIS QUALITY OF LIFE ISSUE, AGAIN AN INDICATION OF HOW DEMOCRATS OR REPUBLICANS DO NOT THINK A LEGISLATION THROUGH. WE’VE  BEEN WAITING A YEAR NOW FOR THE COMMISSION ON CANIBIS MANAGEMENT TO MANAGE IT.

(JOHN MARINO GRAPPLED WITH THOSE ISSUES AND ENDED SAYING ”THESE ISSUES POLITICIANS WILL TALK ABOUT BUT ONE THING NO POLITICIAN TALKS ABOUT ARE THE ELECTRIC POWER RATES SOARING, RIGHT JOHN?”

(JOHN BAILEY:) NO POLITICIAN OTHER THAN ASSEMBLYMAN  NADIR SAYEGH OF YONKERS AND PAUL FEINER OF GREENBURGH WHO BROKE THIS BIG LITTLE SECRET IN THE SPRING POINTING OUT HOW SUSTAINABLE WESTCHESTER SAID IT WAS GOING TO GO ON PAUSE BEGINNING JULY 1^ST UNTIL IT COULD NEGOTIATE A BETTER LONG TERM RATE. WELL JULY 1^ST CON EDISON TOOK OVER SUSTAINABLE CLIENTS IN WESTCHESTER….LOOK HOW IT IS KILLING ALL OF US SUSTAINBLE CUSTOMERS AND THOSE NOT SUSTAINABLE CUSTOMERS. LOOK AT THESE RATES AND LOOK WHAT’S AHEAD

THIS IS A DISASTER FOR EVERYONE THAT NO POLITICIAN WANTS TO STEP IN AND SAY HOLD ON POWER COMPANIES. SHOW US YOUR COSTS. SHOW US WHY SMALL POWER COMPANIES IN SMALL MARKETS HAVE TO CHARGE JUST AS MUCH A BIG MARKETS WHEN THEY HAVE SMALLER CLIENTS.

THIS WAS WHAT HAPPENED. IT WAS SUSTAINABLE’S REASON WHY THEY COULD NOT GET A COMPETITIVE RATE. HOLY CRIMINY, MORINO MAN HOW COULD WE POSSIBLY ALL HAVE THE SAME COSTS? JUST LIKE STANDARD OIL 122 YEARS AGO?

(JOHN MARINO ENDED WITH COMMENTS ON HOW THE MARIJUANA ISSUE IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE MARIJUNA IS THE PATHWAY TO MORE SERIOUS DRUG ADDICTION AND ABUSE, AND TOUCHING ON THE ELECTRIC RATES WERE REALLY HURTING WESTCHESTER AND NO ONE SEEMS TO NOTICE.

THIS IS JOHN BAILEY, GOOD NIGHT FOR WHITE PLAINS WEEK

(YOU MAY VIEW THE TELECAST MONDAY EVENING AT 7 P.M. ON FIOS CH 45 OR OPTIMUM CHANNEL 76)