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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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications (EDITED).

Earlier this week Latimer announced other measures taken by the County to ease the burden facing County residents’ wallets.

These actions include:

·         Funding for Feeding Westchester: Increasing funding to Feeding Westchester by $700,000, which doubles what is included in the 2022 budget and covers the increased cost of food and fuel.

o   Feeding Westchester has experienced an increase this year to $0.71 per pound across the foods they provide, compared to $0.60 per pound last year. Overall, they are seeing an 18% year over year increase in food costs. The additional $700,000 for Feeding Westchester will enable them to support 883,838 people. In addition, the average food package provided by a food pantry has a value of approximately $60 saving a family $240/month.

Beginning Tuesday, July 5, Glen Island Beach fees will be waived, Monday through Thursday, through Thursday, September 1.  The latest move to ease inflation costs for residents will be at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle and also at the County’s pools, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains and Sprain Ridge and The Brook at Tibbetts in Yonkers. Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson is open weekends only, and Willson’s Woods in Mount Vernon is currently free daily.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “As costs continue to rise, the County is taking measures to ease the burden facing residents. Visiting pools and beaches during the summer should be a stress-fee experience, and I look forward to families coming out this summer to enjoy their time together.”

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said: “Our pools and beaches are a local destination our residents look forward to visiting each summer. I’m happy we are able to take these steps to ensure our residents don’t miss out this year.”

The beaches and pools are accessible by the Bee-Line Bus, which is free to ride this summer, through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. 

·         Free Commuter Parking: Westchester County will be providing free parking at the North White Plains Commuter Lot, and the County Center parking lot from July 1 – August 31.

·         Sales Tax CUT TO COME: 

Westchester County has the ability to lower/eliminate the sales tax on residential energy on a quarterly basis. The County needs to adopt a local law and notify NYS Tax and Finance 90 days ahead of implementation. The County is proposing eliminating the sales tax for the quarter beginning December 1. This time period would cover the start of the heating season. The sales tax elimination covers home heating oil, propane, natural gas, electric, coal and wood for residential heating purposes. It covers homeowners as well as rental units. Renters or landlords would be eligible depending on the structure of the unit’s heat and electric use.

·         Civil Service Exams: The County will waive the fees for civil service exams through December 31.

All four pools and Glen Island Beach are open daily, 11 a.m. through 6:30 p.m.; last admission at 6 p.m.; proof of residency is required. Croton Point Beach is open weekends only and Mondays, July 4 and Labor Day, Sept. 5. Parking fees at Glen Island and The Brook at Tibbetts still apply during the time admission fees are waived. For additional information, visit parks.westchestergov.com or call: 914-864-PARK.

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WPCNR WASHINGTON LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. June 30, 2022:

The Supreme Court Tuesday ruled to uphold the Trump Administration ruling to raise levels of carbon dioxide emissions from the lower standards, the Environmental Protection Agency had created in 2015 as part of the Clean Air Act to lower the climate warming, ozone destroying carbon emissions levels power plants could emit as future targets. The vote was 6 to 3, all Conservative Justices voting approval, the Associated Press and Yahoo News reported.

The Supreme Court limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in a 6-3 ruling handed down Tuesday that will have far-reaching implications on the federal government’s ability to fight climate change. It is probably the last of decisions announced by the court until they resume their work in September.

In West Virginia v. EPA the court decided the EPA in the Trump administration did not violate the Clean Air Act raising permitted limits on carbon emissions from power plants.

The Justices in an ancillary observation in the decision that the EPA did not have the power to dictate what the power industry must do (or manuafacturers, for that matter) must do to move from fossil fuels to clean energy (from wind, solar, water generated electricity).

The reasoning as described in initial Associated Press and Yahoo News reports, is the head of the EPA is a political employee so therefore, the EPA does not have the authority to do regulate conditions in states under the Clean Air Act. The upshot of that significant commentary in this decision is unclear at this time, but the most obvious is states, or congress would have to make laws proscribing clean air policies from now on.

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2022. June 29, 2022 UPDATED 2:15 P.M.:

The Westchester County Board of Elections reports that County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky has defeated Thomas Abinanti, the longtime NY Assemblyman from the 92nd District (Greenburgh to Tarrytown). Ms. Shimsky defeat Mr. Abinanti by 892 votes, 4,586 to 3,694.

Governor Kathy Hochul defeated the field handily to win the Democrat Party Nomination for Governor in November. Her opponent at this time appears to Lee Zeldin is leading Andrew Giuliani for the Republican Primary nomination to run against Ms. Hochul.

Ms. Shimsky gave this statement this afternoon:

“I am honored by the voters’ support and proud to be the Democratic nominee for Assembly in the 92nd District. This race was about fighting for our Democratic values – to believe science and fight for healthcare resources; to deliver protections for reproductive rights and stand up for equality; to fix our crumbling infrastructure and make it more resilient to climate change; and to work collaboratively in so many ways to bring a better future for our families. Democrats in the 92nd Assembly District made it clear they’re ready for change; now we move forward to November, where we’ll all be working to elect and re-elect Democrats up and down the ballot. 

“This victory would not be possible without the support, time, and dedication of so many. I want to thank my family for their never-ending patience and support, my tireless campaign team, and the scores of volunteers who talked to thousands of voters. 

“Thank you to the local leaders who endorsed me including Greenburgh Democratic Chair Steve Bass, Westchester Democratic Chair Suzanne Berger, Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Catherine Borgia, Westchester County Board of Legislators Vice Chair Nancy Barr, Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Christopher Johnson, Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Whip José Alvarado, Westchester County Legislator Benjamin Boykin II, Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce, Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith, Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo, Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, Former Westchester County Legislator Alfreda Williams, Former Yonkers City Council Member Symra Brandon, Greenburgh Town Council Member Ellen Hendrickx, Greenburgh Town Council Member Gina Jackson, Former Greenburgh Town Council Member Eddie Mae Barnes, Ardsley Mayor Nancy Kaboolian, Ardsley Deputy Mayor Andy DiJusto, Former Ardsley Mayor Jay Leon, Dobbs Ferry Deputy Mayor Donna Cassell, Former Dobbs Ferry Village Trustee Maura Daroczy, Elmsford Village Trustee Matthew Evans, Hastings-on-Hudson Village Trustee Tom Drake, Irvington Village Trustee Mitchell Bard, Irvington Village Trustee Arlene Burgos, Former Irvington Village Trustee Constance Kehoe, Pleasantville Village Trustee David Vinjamuri, and Tarrytown Deputy Mayor Becky McGovern.”  

“Thank you to the Westchester County Democratic Committee, the Working Families Party, the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester, Eleanor’s Legacy, Tenants PAC, LiUNA, and Westchester County Corrections Superior Officers Association for standing with me. 

“Most importantly, thank you to the voters who made their voices heard during this election and voted for new representation in Albany.” 

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WPCNCR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the New York State Covid Tracker. Observations & Analysis by John F. Bailey. June 28, 2022:

The 9 counties surrounding New York City reported 1,655 new cases of covid on Friday.  Westchester County reported 291;  Orange County, 100; Rockland, 90; Dutchess, 67; Ulster 28; Putnam 20 ; Sullivan-17; 554 in Nassau County and 488 in Suffolk County.

In New York City the 5 boroughs reported 3,344 new cases of covid.

Together the 9 counties and New York City had 5,004 new cases of covid in one day Friday. The Mid-Hudson region and Long Island is running 67% of the total positives in the New York Metropolitan area, (not even including New Jersey).

More troubling about acceptance of living  with covid,  is the number infections a day this month of June compared to the number of infections in  June, 2021. One year ago is when relaxed covid rules statewide lead to a third fourth and now a 5^th Wave of Covid.

This may happen again considering the 300 a day infections Westchester is running this month.

June of 2021  Westchester had 463 positives cases of covid in 30 days,  averaging   15 new covid cases a day. Remember that number!

As of June 28 of 2022, Westchester has had 7,969  new cases of covid reported, this month, an average of  295 new infections a day that is 1,886% more infections per day compared to last June

(Saturday results, available today showed 295 covid positives Saturday, bringing the week total of persons testing positive to 1,954 or 295 positives a day June 19-25

That is 531 times more covid infections a day more than last June. This is more than an omen it is telling the future.

Hospitalizations, Mr. Latimer said were steady at 100 to 110 a week. (That is about double what hospitalizations were three weeks ago when they were  60 to 80)

It is significant.

Last June only a 15-a-day new covid infections set the stage for a steady increase in infections July, August,September leading steadily into the highest rate of infections the county has had by the week before December and hitting 26,000 in one day in mid-January.

It remains to be seen what the 419 infections a day rate this June will have on the public infections in the county in July.

This is what happened last summer:

 In July of 2021, there were 1,724 new Covid positives from July 1 through July 31, an average of 55 a day—up from the 15 a day in June, with the infection rate climbing  from less than ½% of those tested the first two weeks in July to  2% by the end of July. In August, the new infections rose to  5,704,  184 new infections per day, and the average infection rate to 3% on average.

After Labor Day, September slowed to 4,530 new Covid cases for the month, 151 a day,  Still at  2% infectins a month. October dipped to 2,507 infections, 81 a day, but the socialization in October and in Novemnber lead to  4,001 new cases in November, 133 a day, followed by the December of Spread—of over 46,898 new cases oc covid, with infections rising at double digit rates as high as 23%.

So though we may not be getting sick as seriously, the number of infections in June is a warning that covid is still very out there very contagious to the unvaccinated and the elderly.

The new variants are more contagious, but not as sickening according to reports.

Mr. Latimer and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins urged parents to take advantage of  Covid Moderna Vaccinations for children taking place tomorrow by appointment.

VACCINE CLINICS FOP CHILDREN AND INFORMATION THIS WEEK

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for Ages 6 Months to 5 Years Old Only on Wednesday, June 29, 2 pm to 4 pm, White Plains Clinic at 134 Court Street. Appointments are encouraged.
Schedule a First Dose Pediatric Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)

White Plains Clinic at 134 Court Street, Fridays 9 am to 3 pm. (NO WALK-INS available for July 1, 2022 only)
Schedule a Pediatric Booster Vaccine (Ages 5-11 only)
Schedule a First Booster Vaccine (Ages 12 and over)
Schedule a Second Booster Vaccine (View Eligibility Criteria)

Schedule a First Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Ages 5 and over)
Schedule a Second Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Ages 5 and over)
Schedule a Third Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Immunocompromised)

Schedule a First Dose Pediatric Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)
Schedule a First Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 18 and over)
Schedule a Second Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 18 and over)
Schedule a Third Dose Moderna Vaccine (Immunocompromised)

Schedule a Johnson & Johnson Vaccine (Ages 18 and over)

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(L to R: Leg. Terry Clements, Vedat Gashi, MaryJane Shimsky, Majority Whip Jose Alvarado, County Executive George Latimer, Chairwoman Catherine Borgia, Vice Chair Nancy Barr, Leg. Erika Pierce)

White Plains, NY —  On Monday, the Board of Legislators voted to approve a law ensuring safe access to reproductive health care facilities. The measure passed by a 15-2 vote. Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed the act into law immediately after its approval by the Board.

The new law, which takes effect immediately, will protect health care workers and patients seeking medical treatment from being obstructed from entering or exiting a reproductive health care facility and from harassing behavior from persons within specific distances of the premises. It enacts a 25-foot no-harassment zone around the facility’s perimeter and establishes the designation of an 8-foot personal space bubble surrounding the person within 100 feet of the facility.

As the nation reels from the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade, the need to codify stronger anti-harassment legislation for reproductive health patients, providers, and staff while preserving the free speech of legitimate protestors is more critical now than ever. The decision will likely result in an increase of out-of-state residents seeking reproductive health care and, conversely, an increase in anti-choice protesting.

Chairwoman Catherine Borgia (D – Cortlandt, Croton on Hudson, Ossining, Briarcliff Manor, Peekskill), one of the original sponsors said, “Women will be looking to New York for sanctuary to reclaim their bodily autonomy, and we want to say Westchester is ready. Any person who travels to our County seeking reproductive care can access it safely without intimidation or provocation. I hope other counties can see the urgency and importance of this law and consider it for their jurisdictions, as well.”

Legislator MaryJane Shimsky (D – Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Edgemont, Hartsdale, Hastings-on-Hudson, Irvington), main sponsor of the bill, said, “The road to getting this act passed was very long and arduous. However, it’s led us to a strong, well-balanced piece of legislation that safeguards the rights of patients to receive their care without infringing on protected free speech. I am more than happy to finally see that hard work come to fruition. I thank our County Executive George Latimer for his unwavering support and understanding that this bill could not wait another minute without being signed.”

Majority Leader Christopher Johnson (D – Yonkers) said, “As Americans, we are founded on the beliefs and principles that we are a society with inherent rights and freedoms. We are free to live, worship, and speak as long as we remain peaceful and law-abiding. This bill mutually protects and respects one’s right to privacy, right to choose, and right to protest equally and fairly.”

County Executive George Latimer said, “We want to protect the women who need these services from aggressive advocacy that exceeds free speech and becomes intimidation and interference with their personal safety.”

Read the legislation at:  https://bit.ly/3bjScYb