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Dear Neighbors,

As you are no doubt hearing, we are seeing rising rates of COVID-19 infection throughout the city. It’s important to remember that the increase is currently linear, not exponential -- our behavior can maintain that trend. Zip codes 10024 and 10025 continue to have 7-day positivity rates below 2%.  

City testing vans are visiting neighborhoods in all five boroughs — please respond to this email if you would avail yourself of that service in our district. And please scroll below for additional COVID-19 updates.
 

Last week the City Council held an oversite hearing which reviewed the funding crisis facing front-line social service providers who contract with the City. This question is more urgent than ever given both the pandemic and the economic crisis it has unleashed. New York City's non-profit providers serve those most in need, yet they have been systematically underfunded. Watch the hearing here.


 
After sustained advocacy by non-profits, the City Council and City Hall agreed in July 2019 to fully fund provider overhead costs -- an agreement referred to as the "Indirect Cost Rate Funding Initiative." To our great dismay, not a single dollar of the additional funding promised in last year’s budget has gone out the door.

This shortfall has crippled our non-profits at a time when they are needed more than ever. Many of them were already strained financially, and now they face retroactive funding cuts. Hundreds of providers, and hundreds of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers --seniors, people with disabilities, children, tenants facing eviction-- have been impacted.

The Mayor has used our budget crisis as an excuse to not honor the City's funding agreement with social service providers. This is incredibly short-sighted. As I stated at last week's hearing, cutting funding to our social safety net in the middle of a pandemic and economic crisis will cost us greatly -- both in terms of human suffering and our long-term social spending needs.
 

This coming Monday (12/7), the Committees on Women & Gender Equity, Health, and Hospitals (chaired by myself, Mark Levine, and Carlina Rivera respectively) will conduct an oversite hearing focused on the maternal mortality crisis facing New York City, most especially for black mothers. Monday's hearing begins at 10am and will be live-streamed here. (Click on "Room 2.") 

The key driver of soaring maternal mortality rates in the U.S. is the rate of death among black women. Here in New York City, an analysis of 2006-2010 data found that black women are 12 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. We will examine the crisis in depth, as well as potential solutions.
 

Tonight: December Housing Clinic
Tenants with legal and/or housing court-related questions are warmly invited to join us for our December Housing Clinic --Breaking Down the Basics of "Non-Payment" Eviction Cases-- led by Goddard Riverside Law Project. The clinic will be conducted via Zoom this Wednesday, December 2nd, from 6 to 7pm. Click here to register and receive Zoom information.
COVID-19 Updates

A reminder that Governor Cuomo announced new COVID-19 restrictions last month.

Bars, restaurants, gyms and fitness centers, and any other State Liquor Authority-licensed establishment, must close from 10pm to 5am daily. Restaurants are still allowed to provide curbside, food-only pick-up or delivery after 10pm, but are not permitted to serve alcohol to go. 

Indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to no more than 10 people. 
 
Winter Holidays: Celebrate At Home!
The holidays are here! The NYC Dept of Health is urging all New Yorkers to protect your loved ones and prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this festive time. Learn more here.
  • Please do not travel (rediscover holidays at home!);
  • Please do not host or attend a holiday party (go virtual instead!), and do not gather in groups;
  • Only celebrate with household members (less is more!). 
Stay Informed! Helpful COVID-19 information sources include: 
Assistance for NYers Who Test Positive for Covid
NYC Health & Hospitals' Test & Trace Corps is providing special services for New Yorkers who test positive, and their close contacts:
  • “Take Care” packages which include enough personal protective equipment for a household of three to quarantine for 10-14 days. Learn more here.
  • A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Click here to learn more or call (212) 268-4319 to book a room.
  • Free dog walking and other pet drop-in services to ensure New Yorkers can remain safely separated in a hotel or at home. Learn more here.
Did You Get Your Flu Shot?
Every year about 2,000 New Yorkers die as a result of seasonal influenza and flu-related pneumonia. As both the flu and the coronavirus will be in our community this fall and winter, getting your flu shot is more important than ever.

Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated. The flu vaccine is safe and quick -- it’s available now at low cost or for free at locations around the city. Click here to learn more, or text “FLU” to 877877.

Volunteer with the Mask Force!
Every month since July, MTA employees and other volunteers have been handing out masks to Transit customers who don’t have one, or could use an extra one. The goal is to encourage 100% mask compliance to keep riders and front-line employees safe, and this effort has made a big difference. As we enter the coldest months of the year, mask wearing remains one of our best tools against community spread. 



This month, volunteers also have a more accessible option to stay at a station and distribute masks while seated behind a table. Click here to learn more about the Mask Force, and sign up here to volunteer!
School Updates
 
On November 29, Chancellor Carranza published this letter to public school families, outlining his plan to reopen school buildings for in-person instruction for many of our students.

My office is working to assist public school families in every way possible and share relevant information.
A reminder that the City's Learning Bridges/Learning Labs childcare sites remain open. Learning Labs provide childcare to students (grades K through 8) who are enrolled in blended learning. Learning Bridges sites provide care for 3 and 4-year-olds. Learn more here.

Affordable Internet Service
Are you a lower-income student? Spectrum now offers Internet Assist, a high-speed, low-cost broadband service for qualified customers. Learn more here.

Parent University 
Last week, the DOE announced the launch of Parent University, a collaboration between the Office of Family and Community Empowerment (FACE) and the Division of Instructional and Information Technology (DIIT).
 
Parent University seeks to educate and empower all families from early childhood through adulthood, with free courses, resources, events, and activities. Parents can register for free trainings on a wide range of topics, including adult education, student social-emotional learning, and special education. Click here to learn more.

Meals for Students
Students and their families can pick up meals at any public school from Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm. Click here for a school near you. No registration, ID, or documentation required.

***Free "Grab & Go" meals remain available for ALL New Yorkers at hundreds of schools throughout the city, Monday – Friday, 3 – 5pm. No questions asked. Click here to learn more and see locations.*** 
Upcoming Events of Interest
 
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Across the globe, girls, women, and transgender and gender non-binary people are targeted for violence simply because of their gender identity or gender expression. In New York City, gender-based violence continues to rise.



Join the Commission on Gender Equity and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Campaign from November 25 to December 10. Learn more, see a calendar of events, and sign up for training on how to stand up against street harassment here.

15th Annual West Side Tenants Conference: December 5th & 6th 
Please join Housing Conservation Coordinators and the West Side Neighborhood Alliance for their annual West Side Tenants Conference this Saturday (12/5) and Sunday (12/6). I’m honored to be giving Saturday's keynote presentation about affordable housing and homelessness.

The conference runs from 10am to 12:30pm on both days. Saturday's program also includes a 1pm forum on housing and homelessness for mayoral candidates. Please click here for more information or call (212) 541-5996. Register for the conference here.

Workshops
  • Housing and Public Benefits for Seniors 
  • Towards a Just Recovery: The Future of Housing in NYC 
  • Landlord Tactics to Deregulate Apartments and What You Need to Know 
  • Affordable Housing: Now and Tomorrow 
  • Housing, Homelessness, and the Fight for Immediate and Permanent Solutions
  • How to Tell Your Story So People Listen: Creating Change and Building Community Through Personal Narrative 
  • Housing Court During COVID 
MTA Fare & Toll Proposals: On-line Hearings
The MTA has scheduled virtual hearings to solicit public comments on its 2020 Fare and Toll proposals. In keeping with Covid-19 safety protocols, all hearings will be held virtually via Zoom and will also be streamed live on the MTA's YouTube Channel.
  • If you wish to speak at any of the hearings, you must register in advance.
  • Information on how to register, other ways to submit testimony, and language and accessibility accommodations, can be found here.
  • Registration for each hearing will end promptly at 5pm on the day before each hearing date.
Hearing Schedule
  • Wednesday (12/2): 5:30pm – 8:30pm (Satellite hearing-- public comments only. MTA leadership & board members will not be present.)
  • Thursday (12/3): 10am - 1pm
  • Monday (12/7): 5:30pm - 8: 30pm
  • Tuesday (12/8): 10am - 1pm (Satellite hearing-- public comments only. MTA leadership & board members will not be present.)
  • Wednesday (12/9): 5:30pm - 8:30pm
  • Monday (12/14): 5:30pm - 8:30pm
  • Monday (12/21): 10am - 1pm
Police Reform & Reinvention Listening Session
Together with community partners, the NYPD is undertaking a Department-wide initiative aimed at transforming policing in New York City. This joint effort between Commissioner Shea, Mayor de Blasio, the City Council and external advisors is intended to respond to and extend beyond Governor Cuomo's NYS Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative.
 


There are many ways to get involved in this process, including listening sessions held in each of NYPD's Patrol Boroughs. I’ve listened to nearly all of the sessions and found them to be constructive. 

Next Wednesday, December 9, from 7 - 9pm, the NYPD is hosting a multi-lingual Zoom listening session to discuss policy reforms. You may submit questions in advance by emailing them to [email protected] or participate during the live stream. During the live event, there will be multiple translators that will be translating from English into the 10 most-commonly spoken languages in NYC. Click here to learn more and register.

Post Election Hearing: December 9th
A reminder that the New York City Voter Assistance Advisory Committee (VAAC) will hold a post-election virtual hearing on December 9, from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. The VAAC is asking voters and poll workers to share their experiences with:
  • Voting in person during Early Voting and on Election Day;
  • Voting by mail and requesting absentee ballots; 
  • Recommendations to improve the voting experience in New York City.
Please RSVP here for the hearing. All testimony will be shared with elected officials and the Board of Elections. While there is limited time to testify during the hearing, all New Yorkers may submit written testimony for the public record. Those interested in submitting written or spoken testimony should email Jordan Pantalone at [email protected]. 

(VAAC's nine members advise the NYC Campaign Finance Board and its nonpartisan voter engagement initiative, NYC Votes, on ways to improve elections in New York City.)

Important Deadlines, Updates & Resources


2021 Medicare Open Enrollment Deadline: December 7th
Medicare health and drug plans (and their cost) change every year. Make sure your coverage still fits your needs. Click here to learn about 2021 plan options, make a change to your current Medicare plan, or enroll in a new one. You can also call Medicare directly at (800) 633-4227.  

If you need further assistance, please call the Medicare Rights Center at 1-800-333-4114.  And check the Medicare Rights Center's Six Things to Know About Fall Open Enrollment.

Affordable Internet Service
Are you a lower-income student or a senior? Spectrum now offers Internet Assist, a high-speed, low-cost broadband service for qualified customers. Learn more here.

Con Edison: Assistance with Paying Your Utility Bill
Residential Con Ed customers who have experienced a change in financial circumstances as a result of the pandemic may be eligible for special protections to avoid future service terminations. Call 1-800-75-CONED (1-800-752-6633) to learn more.

By law, if you are a residential customer and contact Con Ed to affirm that you experienced a change in financial circumstances as a result of Covid-19 starting on or after March 7, 2020:
  • Con Ed will not disconnect your service for non-payment before March 31, 2021.
  • You will be eligible for a payment agreement or to request a new agreement that requires no down payment, late fees, or penalties.
 Updates for Small Businesses
  • Participants in the City's Open Restaurants program should check the program's Updated Guidelines -- including requirements that must be met by December 15th.
Resources for Working New Yorkers
  • Click here to learn about updates to NYC’s Paid Safe & Sick Leave Law, guidelines for returning to work during COVID-19, and employee rights generally.
  • Worker Protection Hotline: Call 311 or (212) 436-0381 with questions about reopening, health and safety guidelines for the workplace, or to report an employer that is not following reopening requirements.
Stay Connected!
  • Are you missing your library? Click here for the latest on-line and telephone-based programs and services from St. Agnes Library. 
  • Especially for Seniors --- Learn how to Zoom, take an online class, "meet" your "peers," play games, and more! Click here to learn more.
Prevent Package Theft
Both the pandemic and the holiday season mean that a growing number of us are relying on the safe delivery of packages. Check out these tips from the AARP to help prevent package theft.

Mental Health Support
As we all know, this is a profoundly stressful time. If your symptoms of stress become overwhelming, please reach out for support and help. One option is NYC Well, the City's confidential helpline for mental health and substance misuse services. Trained counselors can provide you with support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in over 200 languages. Click here; call: 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355); or text: “Well” to 65173.
Cultural Happenings

Film: Big Lil Sis
Last month I was honored to give opening remarks for Goddard Riverside's on-line screening of Big Little Sis, a new documentary by Upper West Sider Jody Prusan. Big Lil Sis tells the story of Doris Darden and how she has approached her life and family relationships as a person who is three feet, nine inches tall. It is a truly beautiful film. You can watch the trailer here, and follow the film's Facebook page for future showings.



Holiday Concert Next Week!
Take an hour to enjoy the approach of the winter holidays. Please RSVP by Tuesday (12/8) to [email protected] or (914) 960-6830 to receive log-in info.



On-Line Lecture: Mapping the Subway
Subway buffs are invited to join this free on-line lecture given by social and architectural historian John Tauranac next Tuesday (12/8) at 6pm. Tauranac chaired the MTA subway map committee in the late 1970s, and was the creative director of the 1979 MTA subway map. Click here to learn more!

Exhibition: They Were Here
Learn more about the rich history of the immigrants who lived and worked on Columbus Avenue by visiting this on-line neighborhood history map and exhibition. Thank you to Landmark West! for putting this wonderful project together.
We're Here to Help

My office assists people with housing issues, seniors, the disabled, the recently un (or under) employed, the food insecure, and all those suffering the many consequences of this pandemic, to help in any way we can. We also provide on-going advocacy with our public schools and other public services.

Please call (212) 873-0282, leave a message and we will call you back as soon as possible; email [email protected]; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com. We update it on a regular basis with information about public benefits, non-profit resources, and health facts Upper West Siders need to get through this crisis. 

Warmly,



P.S. Please forward this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested, or have them subscribe to my e-blasts here. Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Instagram.
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