2/23/13

Islip's Latino Community Fights Pool Closures

“It is important for the community to stand up and send a message to the authorities that our communities are concerned about the pools, and more importantly, that we need them. These parks are safe spaces which our families deserve, they should be kept as a right." Renee Ortiz



Article

2/20/13

Spanglish by Bill Santiago


A little Spanglish humor from the funniest Brooklyn Nuyorican -- Bill Santiago

2/10/13

Long Island vs Connecticut



Did you know that Long Island (Kings, Queens, Nassau, Suffolk counties) has more than double the population of Connecticut, 7.5MM vs 3.5MM? Or that it has triple the number of Latino residents, 1.5MM vs 495K? Or that the island's residents have per capita income totaling $204 billion vs $135 billion for its LI Sound neighbor? Or that Long island is 28 miles longer than Connecticut? Or that if Long Island was a state it's capitol would be the City of Brooklyn (2.5 million) to Connecticut's Hartford (125K)? Or that Long Island has 4 major league sports franchises (Mets, Nets, Islanders, Lizards -- and soon the Cosmos), US Open (tennis), Belmont Stakes and US Women's Open (golf) vs Connecticut's Travelers PGA Tournament? Or that Long Island has 8 full and 6 partial congressional districts vs 5 for Connecticut?

Of course, Connecticut does have many advantages including: four times the space, 5540 square miles versus 1400 for Long Island (though LI is bigger than Rhode Island at 1200 sq mi); its own governor and legislature; and its own two US senators. 

2/7/13

Patchogue-Medford HS Students of the Month

Twenty eight percent (28%) of Patchogue-Medford School District students are Latino. So it's great to see that 15 of the 40 students, 37%, recognized as 'students of the month' are of Latino heritage. Very nice! The scholars are: Josue Sorto-Reyes, Abigail Gonzalez-Medina, Charleen Colon, Michael Rivera, Abril Costanza, Venessa Callejo, Carla Castro, Milton Jara, Aaron Rodriguez, Marc Negrin, Fedrik Durao, Noe Martin, Juliana Garcia, Sean Acosta and Yamnia Pena-Peguero. Congratulations!
Patchogue Patch Article

2/5/13

Rise of the Dreamers: Pivot Point in US History


Rise of the Dreamers! The US and the world will be hearing from this class of bright, courageous young leaders for a long time. We may also be witnessing an historical pivot point, or course correction, in which the dreams, ideas and energy of our newest members reanimate the 'American Dream' and helps propel the nation to new heights. 

Mark Bonilla: Toys for the Children Album



Mark Bonilla, Hempstead Town Clerk, had a very busy holiday season bringing joy and toys to his youngest constituents. Here he is at the Three Kings Day Celebration sponsored by Inwood's Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish on January 6th.

Holiday Photos

2/2/13

Latino Enrollment % @ Nassau County School Districts



63% WESTBURY SD
58% HEMPSTEAD SD
(57% EVERGREEN CS)
56% FREEPORT SD
44% GLEN COVE SD
43% ROOSEVELT SD
41% UNIONDALE SD
39% LAWRENCE SD
30% VALLEY STREAM 24 SD
29% WEST HEMPSTEAD SD
28% ISLAND PARK SD
28% SEWANHAKA HS DISTRICT
28% VALLEY STREAM 30 SD
24% VALLEY STREAM HS DISTRICT
22% ELMONT SD
22% HICKSVILLE SD
21% LONG BEACH SD
20% BALDWIN SD
19% VALLEY STREAM 13 SD
19% MALVERNE SD
18% MINEOLA SD
17% ISLAND TREES SD
15% EAST MEADOW SD
15% EAST ROCKAWAY SD
15% OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH SD
15% PORT WASHINGTON SD
14% FARMINGDALE SD
13% CARLE PLACE SD
13% FRANKLIN SQUARE SD
12% FLORAL PARK-BELLEROSE SD
11% HEWLETT-WOODMERE SD
11% LEVITTOWN SD
11% NEW HYDE PARK-GARDEN CITY PARK SD
10% LOCUST VALLEY SD
10% OCEANSIDE SD
10% ROCKVILLE CENTRE SD
(10% ROOSEVELT CHILDREN'S CS)
9% LYNBROOK SD
(9% ACADEMY CS)
7% BETHPAGE SD
7% GREAT NECK SD
7% NORTH MERRICK SD
6% NORTH BELLMORE SD
6% ROSLYN SD
5% BELLMORE SD
5% BELLMORE-MERRICK HS DISTRICT
5% HERRICKS SD
5% MERRICK SD
4% NORTH SHORE SD
4% PLAINEDGE SD
4% SEAFORD SD
3% EAST WILLISTON SD
3% MANHASSET SD
3% PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE SD
3% WANTAGH SD
2% JERICHO SD
2% MASSAPEQUA SD
2% SYOSSET SD
1% GARDEN CITY SD

*NYS Ed Dept data for 2010-11 school year

2/1/13

Michaelle Solages: NY's 1st Haitian American State Legislator


Michaelle Solages became NY's 1st Haitian American state legislator when she easily defeated her primary and general election foes last year in her first bid for office. She's a Nassau County suburban gal and her Assembly District 22 covers a chunk of the West Central portion of the county...from Bellerose to North Woodmere and includes Valley Stream, Elmont, South Floral Park and part of Franklin Square. Assemblywoman Solages is the sister of attorney CarriĆ© Solages (left) who also won his race bid for county legislator.