Friday, July 26, 2024

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: 7/29 AT 2 P.M. - DEPUTY COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS TO GIVE WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.

 


Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins to Give Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Monday, July 29


2 p.m.


Michaelian Office Building


Press Room – 9th Floor


148 Martine Avenue


White Plains, NY 10601

 

*Press Conference to be Streamed Live on Facebook*

 

Watch Live:


 https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/


 

During the Weekly Westchester Briefing:

 

·         Westchester County Health Department Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler and Dr. Reena Agarwal, Director of Clinical Services to join and discuss the importance of back-to-school vaccines and free back-to-school vaccine clinics.  New this year, the County Health Department will bring vaccines to two Yonkers schools – the Yonkers Montessori Academy and the Enrico Fermi School – where any Yonkers student who is eligible for the state’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) program can receive free immunizations.

·         Minority and Women-Owned Business Development and Immigrant Affairs Director Martha Lopez-Hanratty to discuss the Hispanic Advisory Board’s survey targeting the Latino community. This initiative is conducted in collaboration with Pace University and marks the first needs assessment of its kind in over two decades. The survey aims to gather insights and data from the Latino community within Westchester County, addressing various aspects such as education, healthcare, employment, housing and social services.

·         Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commissioner Kathy O’Connor to join and discuss their three facilities that were Westchester Magazine’s 2024 Best of Westchester winners.

o   Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm in Katonah was voted Reader’s Choice as “Best Place to Take the Kids.”

o   North County Trailway was the Editors’ Pick for “Best Running Trail for Strollers.”

o   Croton Gorge Park their choice for “Best Picnic Spot.”

·         Westchester County continues to serve as a premier filming destination, garnering a remarkable 32 Emmy nominations for film and television productions filmed in the County during the past year. Westchester County's film industry is a true powerhouse that showcases the beauty of our region. The industry's economic impact is undeniable, generating over $2 billion in economic activity in 2022-2023. These Emmy nominations are a testament to the world-class productions that choose Westchester County as their backdrop.

 

 


Thursday, July 25, 2024

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Police: Fugitive Who Scammed Immigrant Community in Yonkers Arrested in Washington State and Brought Back to Westchester.

 




FUGITIVE ACCUSED OF DEFRAUDING IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY IN YONKERS ARRESTED IN WASHINGTON STATE.


Brought back to Westchester by WCPD Warrant-Fugitive Unit detectives.

 

(Hawthorne, NY)  A man accused in 2019 of scamming members of the Hispanic community through an immigration fraud scheme was returned to Westchester from Washington State last night by detectives from the Westchester County Police Warrant-Fugitive Unit.

 

Juan Cedillo, 69, was arrested on July 8 by the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Marshals Regional Task Force in Olympia, Washington. After Cedillo waived extradition, WFU detectives flew to the west coast to take custody of him and return him to Westchester.

 

Cedillo was brought to the Westchester County Jail in Valhalla last night. He is scheduled to appear today in Westchester County Court in White Plains.

 

Cedillo was arrested following a lengthy investigation by the Yonkers Police Department in 2019 and accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars from members of the Hispanic community. YPD detectives said Cedillo bilked his victims by claiming he could help them obtain so-called U visas and other documents that could pave the way to legal immigration status and citizenship. 

 

In November 2019, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office announced that a grand jury had returned an 87-count indictment against Cedillo. He was arraigned and sent to the Westchester County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bail. After his release in 2020, he made several virtual court appearances from Washington state but failed to appear in person when later directed to do so by the court.

 

An arrest warrant for Cedillo was issued at that time. WCPD detectives lodged the arrest warrant with law enforcement in Washington state and other locations, including Kansas, where Cedillo had been known to operate his immigration assistance fraud scheme.

 

About the Warrant-Fugitive Unit


The Westchester County Police Warrant-Fugitive Unit is tasked with locating and apprehending persons wanted on warrants issued by Westchester County Supreme Court, Westchester County Court and Westchester County Family Court. It also handles extraditions when a defendant is apprehended in another state and is wanted by Westchester County or any of its municipalities.

 

In 2023, the Unit made 236 arrests of suspects wanted on warrants, including for Murder 2nd Degree, Attempted Murder, Assault 1st Degree and various sex crimes, robbery and weapons charges. The Unit executed warrants in virtually every municipality in Westchester, in every borough of New York City and throughout the metropolitan area. In addition, detectives also traveled to multiple states across the nation to return suspects to Westchester to face justice.

 

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

Westchester Insider: Westchester County: FYI - County Officials from Hudson Valley Named to National Leadership Posts.

 


For Immediate Release - July 22, 2024.

County Officials from Hudson Valley Named to National Leadership Posts.

 

County officials from Orange and Westchester Counties will take on new posts with the National Association of Counties (NACo) following appointments - https://www.naco.org/page/2024-2025-presidential-appointments by President James Gore during NACo’s recent Annual Conference in Hillsborough County, Florida.

 

Orange County Legislator Kathy Stegenga (District 11) was appointed Vice Chair of the Membership Standing Committee and Vice Chair of the Transportation Steering Committee

 

Deputy Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins was appointed Vice Chair of the - Transit/Rail Subcommittee

 

Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce (District 2) was appointed Vice Chair of the Environment, Energy and Land Use Steering Committee

 

"The appointment of New York county leaders to key leadership roles at the National Association of Counties is a reflection of the exceptional skill, talent, and dedication of our local officials,” said NYSAC President and Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “New York’s county leaders know how to roll up their sleeves and work together to solve problems, and I’m confident that these individuals will bring that skill to NACo to move our counties and our nation forward.”

 

“The National Association of Counties plays a key role in advocating for action at the federal level that has a direct impact on county governments and local taxpayers here in New York State,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “It’s critical that we have strong representation in our nation’s capital, and I know that these leaders will be effective voices on behalf of New York’s 62 counties,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. 

 

NACo serves nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees. Founded in 1935, NACo advocates for county priorities in federal policymaking, promotes exemplary county policies and practices, nurtures leadership skills, optimizes county and taxpayer resources and cost savings, and enriches the public’s understanding of county government. 

 

The New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), founded in 1925, is an affiliate of NACo and works closely with the organization to advance priorities of New York’s counties at the state and federal level. 

 


Westchester Insider: Westchester County: 7/24 AT 2 P.M. - LATIMER AND HISPANIC ADVISORY BOARD ANNOUNCE SURVEY FOR LATINO COMMUNITY WITH PACE UNIVERSITY.

 


WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER AND HISPANIC ADVISORY BOARD ANNOUNCE NEW SURVEY FOR LATINO COMMUNITY IN CONJUNCTION WITH PACE UNIVERSITY.

 

(White Plains, NY) – The Hispanic Advisory Board, under the leadership of Westchester County Executive George Latimer, will announce a new comprehensive survey targeting the Latino community. This initiative is conducted in collaboration with Pace University, and marks the first needs assessment of its kind in over two decades.


Wednesday, July 24
2 p.m.  
148 Martine Ave
Press Room - 9th Floor
White Plains, NY

*Press Conference will be Streamed Live on Facebook*


Watch on https://www.facebook.com/westchestergov/

 

The survey aims to gather insights and data from the Latino community within Westchester County, addressing various aspects such as education, healthcare, employment, housing and social services. The last assessment, conducted more than 20 years ago, highlighted the necessity for updated information to better understand and address the evolving needs and challenges faced by the Latino population.

The Hispanic Advisory Board and Latimer urge all Latino residents to take part in this important survey. The collective input will be instrumental in shaping the future of community support and services.

For more information about the survey or to participate, please click here - https://pace.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5BZuvSBzMKX2Hyu or contact Martha Lopez-Hanratty, Director of Minority and Women-Owned Business Development and Immigrant Affairs, at mlopez@westchestercountyny.gov or 914.995.2947.


 


Westchester Insider: Westchester County: THREE WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS’ FACILITIES NAMED WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE’S 2024 BEST OF WESTCHESTER.


 

THREE WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS’ FACILITIES NAMED WESTCHESTER MAGAZINE’S 2024 BEST OF WESTCHESTER.

 

(Ardsley, NY) - Three facilities owned and run by the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation were among Westchester Magazine’s 2024 Best of Westchester® winners.

 

Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm in Katonah was voted Reader’s Choice as “Best Place to Take the Kids, while the North County Trailway was the Editors’ Pick for “Best Running Trail for Strollers” and Croton Gorge Park their choice for “Best Picnic Spot.”

 

The prestigious monthly publication’s annual Best of Westchester® celebrates the county’s top restaurants, shops, services and professionals as chosen by its readers and editors. All of the choices were announced in the magazine’s July issue.

 

Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm began in 1880 as a gentleman’s farm. Today, its 777 acres provide an educative experience for visitors through its historic buildings, public programming, year-round events, and resident goats, sheep, cattle, horses, donkeys and poultry animals.

 

The 22.1-mile North County Trailway is a paved multi-use path that goes north through the heart of Westchester, from Eastview in the Town of Mount Pleasant to the Putnam County border.

 

Croton Gorge Park is a 97-acre property at the base of the historic Croton Dam in Cortlandt. The stunning views of the mighty dam and its gushing spillway, along with the beautifully restored fountain at the dam’s base, offer a peaceful setting for all visitors. The Park also offers cross-country skiing, hiking trails, fishing, a ballfield and a playground.

 

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “We are proud of all of Westchester County Parks’ offerings, and these three accolades show that we foster a supportive, engaged and appreciative community.”

 

Westchester County Parks and Recreation Commissioner Kathleen O’Connor said: “We’re thrilled that parents and kids love Muscoot, the North County Trailway and Croton Gorge Park. All three get moms, dads and their children out in the fresh air and natural surroundings.”

 

Winners are invited to participate in the 2024 Best of Westchester® Party on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.

 

 

 

Monday, July 22, 2024

Westchester Insider: 2024 Election Desk: ***STATEMENT FROM THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS OF THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS***.

 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 


July 22, 2024.

 



 




 

STATEMENT FROM THE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS OF THE

WESTCHESTER COUNTY BOARD OF LEGISLATORS.

 

Yesterday President Joe Biden, in announcing his decision to suspend his reelection campaign, put country first.

 

We all owe President Biden an enormous debt of gratitude for his leadership in delivering unparalleled progress to America during the last four years. His valuable work continues as he completes his term.

 

The Democratic Caucus of the Westchester County Board of Legislators offers our full support and endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the nominee of the Democratic party.

 

For four years, Vice President Harris worked closely with President Biden and his top advisors, expertly presided over the Senate, engaged with leaders around the globe, and campaigned across the country. She has been committed to addressing critical issues facing the nation and the world. 

 

Now, we call on our fellow Americans to come together and put your support behind Vice President Harris as the Democratic candidate for the presidency. Let’s vote blue in November and win.


Westchester Insider: Westchester County: VIDEO: COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER GIVES WESTCHESTER WEEKLY UPDATE.

 


Westchester County Executive George Latimer Gives Westchester Weekly Update.

 

Watch the News Conference Here:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4EMr1s04io

Westchester Insider: Westchester County Parks: BEACH CLOSURE AT CROTON POINT PARK.

  BEACH CLOSURE AT CROTON POINT PARK. (White Plains, NY) – The Westchester County Health Department has closed the Croton Point Park beaches...