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Dear Neighbors,

This year has been like no other, and everyone has been impacted in some way. My office wishes you and yours a joyous and rejuvenating holiday season -- and Happy Chanukah to all who celebrate!

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Hearing on 2020 Presidential Election
Our office was pleased to participate in the NYC Campaign Finance Board's public hearing this week regarding the 2020 Presidential Election. Over 3 million ([link removed]) New York City voters cast a ballot in the 2020 election, an increase of about 7.5% ([link removed]) relative to 2016.

Of special note, the Campaign Finance Board reports that in this year's general election, 24% of NYC voters used absentee ballots, 36% voted early, and 40% voted on Election Day.

At the hearing we raised District-specific voting issues experienced by constituents. Central among them were the incredibly long lines (sometimes 2-4 hours) at both Upper West Side Early Voting sites. We felt strongly that there was a need for an "overflow" Early Voting site, particularly for those voting early at West Side High School.

We have also proposed that the Board of Elections establish a "senior hour" during Early Voting days. Many of our seniors were unable to vote because of the long waits -- and there were often no separate, shorter lines made available to them. And we have suggested that the BOE establish additional and more accessible sites for dropping off absentee ballots, such as museums and other public institutions.

The CFB reports that they are working on implementing the following:
* DMV-issued ID no longer required for voter registration
* Additional Early Voting sites and expanded EV hours on the weekends
* “No excuse absentee voting” and an easier process to request an absentee ballot electronically
* Expedited procedures for counting votes, particularly absentee ballots


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December Housing Clinic
Thank you to everyone who attended last week's Virtual Housing Clinic, which included a presentation on Breaking Down the Basics of Non-Payment Eviction Cases. You can watch the presentation here ([link removed]) .

Tenants can contact these organizations for free housing-related legal advice. (Phone calls only.)
* Take Root Justice Housing Hotline at (646) 459-3022
* Goddard Law Project at (212) 799-9638, x0
* Housing Conservation Coordinators at (212) 541-5996, Monday evenings, 7-9pm
* PALANTE Harlem, Inc. at (212) 491-2541 — English & Spanish spoken
* Legal Services NYC at (917) 661-4509 — serves residents city-wide in several languages
* Housing Court Answers hotline at (212) 962-4795, Monday thru Friday, 9am-5pm. Language interpreters available. Information on Housing Court / housing law, plus rent arrears assistance and homelessness prevention guidance. NYCHA tenants also assisted.

You can also check our website ([link removed]) for resources -- click on "Housing." If you have additional questions, please contact our office at (212) 873-0282, x204 and leave a message for Anna Gago, Housing Director.
COVID-19 Updates

Governor Cuomo has just announced that indoor dining will close in New York City starting Monday. The Governor noted that "hospitalizations have not stabilized, and with a rising infection rate and NYC’s density, this means that indoor dining is too high of a risk."

Takeout, delivery and outdoor dining will continue. Per the restrictions announced 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.

Do You or Your Neighbors Need Masks?
Please contact us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , and we will coordinate with you to get masks to your building.

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 ([link removed]) .
* 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:
* Download the NYS Covid Alert App ([link removed])
* Up-to-date information on NYC's COVID response ([link removed])
* COVID testing and locations of testing sites ([link removed])
* Find out whether you are in a New York State-designated COVID-19 zone ([link removed])
* Learn more about NYC Care, the City’s healthcare access program ([link removed])
* Track COVID-19 cases across the city and in our community ([link removed]) .

NYC Test & Trace Corps Webinar
Join the “COVID-19 Contact Tracing Webinar” next Thursday (12/17) at 3pm to learn more about the NYC Test & Trace Corps and ask questions about COVID-19 contact tracing. Register here ([link removed]) .

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 ([link removed]) .
* A free hotel room for up to 14 days if quarantining at home is impossible. Click here ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) .

Did You Get Your Flu Shot?
Every year about 2,000 New Yorkers die as a result of seasonal influenza and flu-related pneumonia. 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 ([link removed]) , or text “FLU” to 877877.
School Updates

My office is working to assist public school families in every way possible, and share relevant and up-to-date information. With COVID, specifics about each school and the school system change often. These links can help inform you about what is happening at your child’s school.
* NYC Dept of Education website ([link removed])
* DOE Daily Covid Case Map ([link removed])
* DOE Health & Safety Regulations ([link removed])

Of Special Note:
***D75 students resumed in-person learning this week. Click here to learn more about school re-openings. ([link removed])

***Mayor de Blasio has launched a "2021 Student Achievement Plan." Read his and Chancellor Carranza's Dec 10th remarks here ([link removed]) .

***Kindergarten applications are open.
Families of children born in 2016 have until January 19th to apply for a September 2021 seat. *All families are encouraged to participate in the application process, including families of students with disabilities.* Apply at MySchools.nyc ([link removed]) , or by phone at 718-935-2009.
* Advocates for Children of NY provides "guides" for families applying to kindergarten ([link removed]) , and families going through the "turning 5" process ([link removed]) — the transition from preschool special education to kindergarten for students with disabilities.
* In December & January, AFC is hosting a series of webinars and Q&A sessions in English and Spanish on the admissions process and the development of the kindergarten IEP. Register, review materials, and watch videos of earlier webinars on AFC's website ([link removed]) .

***DOE Virtual Elementary Admissions Events.
Learn more about 3-K, pre-K, and kindergarten admissions, what to expect, and how to apply. See all available sessions and register ([link removed]) .

Dec 16th City Council Hearing on Childcare During the Pandemic
Together with Council Member Mark Treyger, Chair of the Education Committee, I will be co-chairing a hearing on the City's initiative to provide 100,000 childcare slots via the "Learning Bridges" and "Learning Lab" programs. The slots are intended for families (irrespective of their ability to pay) with young children (3- and 4-year-olds), and school-age children (grades K through 8th) who are enrolled in blended learning.

It’s imperative that the City provide childcare for working parents who cannot afford the $15,000 - $20,000 annual cost. As Chair of the Committee on Women & Gender Equity, I’m particularly concerned about women who bear the brunt of childcare. The New York Times has several articles related to women leaving the workforce ([link removed]) and women carrying additional burdens ([link removed]) during the pandemic.

Next week's hearing takes place on Wednesday (12/16) at 10am. Watch it live here ([link removed]) . Click here for additional details ([link removed]) . This is our second hearing about childcare during the pandemic. Watch the first hearing (on Nov 18th) here ([link removed]) .

NYC's Learning Bridges/Learning Labs Childcare Sites Are 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 ([link removed]) .

If you applied previously and did not get a placement, or your placement did not work for you and your family, please check back frequently as new slots become available regularly.

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 ([link removed]) .

Parent University
The DOE has launched Parent University ([link removed]) , 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 ([link removed]) .

Meals for Students
Students and their families can pick up meals at any public school from Monday – Friday, 9am – 12pm. Click here ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) .***
Upcoming Events of Interest

MTA Fare & Toll Proposals: Final On-line Hearings
The MTA has scheduled virtual hearings to solicit public comments on its 2020 Fare and Toll proposals ([link removed]) . Several proposals are under consideration, including: base fare increases of 2 to 4 percent; and/or increased cost for 7 and 30-day passes; and/or the elimination of 7 and 30-day passes altogether.

All hearings are being held virtually via Zoom and will also be streamed live on the MTA's YouTube Channel ([link removed]) .

The two remaining hearings are on Monday (12/14) from 5:30pm - 8:30pm, and Monday (12/21) from 10am - 1pm.
* If you wish to speak at a hearing, you must register in advance.
* Information on how to register, other ways to submit testimony, and language and accessibility accommodations, can be found here ([link removed]) .
* Registration for each hearing will end promptly at 5pm on the day before each hearing date.

Town Call for Hospitality Workers
The NYC Office of Nightlife is hosting a Town Call For Hospitality Workers -- staff, freelancers, performers, artists, DJ’s, and promoters -- next Tuesday December 15th, from 1:00 – 2:30pm. Register here ([link removed]) .

The Town Call will discuss the latest COVID-19 health and safety information; gathering and performance regulations; labor law updates; and available City resources, including food support, employment, physical and mental healthcare, housing, unemployment insurance, and rent mediation.


** Resources & Updates
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Please be Fire Smart during Chanukah - NEVER leave burning candles unattended. Learn more here ([link removed]) . See general fire safety tips here ([link removed]) .

Especially for NYCHA Residents
* Resident Leadership Academy -- develop leadership skills through this FREE 24-month program coordinated in partnership with CUNY SLU. Contact: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) , or call (212) 306-8436 to learn more.
* NYCHA is hiring skilled maintenance workers -- over 100 full-time jobs available. Qualified candidates with at least three years of maintenance experience are encouraged to apply. Starting salary is $29.98 per hour, plus benefits. Click here for more information. ([link removed])
* Learn about Family Partnerships services available to the NYCHA community. Sign up for one of two virtual info sessions (advance registration is required): Wednesday, Dec 16 at 1pm ([link removed]) and Wednesday, Jan 6 at 1pm ([link removed]) .

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 ([link removed]) .

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 ([link removed]) -- including requirements that must be met by December 15th.

* Avoid fines by using the Dept of Consumer Affairs' Inspection Checklists ([link removed]) . Also, check out their Business Toolbox ([link removed]) and Tips for Businesses ([link removed]) .

Resources for Working New Yorkers
* Click here ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) .

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 ([link removed]) 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 ([link removed]) ; call: 1-888-NYC-Well (1-888-692-9355); or text: “Well” to 65173.
Holiday Happenings & More

New-York Historical Society Holiday Programming for Families

Winter in the Bronx, ca 1897. George E. Stonebridge Photograph Collection (NYHS).
* Check out the NYHS DiMenna Children History Museum's calendar of virtual family programming ([link removed]) . Of special interest -- a free family program that will explore the traditions of Kwanzaa ([link removed]) on Wednesday (12/16) at 1pm.
* Visit the Museum in person! Holiday Express features toy trains, figurines, and miniature models from the Jerni Collection. This year, NYHS has released an accompanying digital I Spy Family Guide ([link removed]) for train lovers and toy enthusiasts big and small.
* NYHS Museum hours are Fridays, 10 am – 8 pm; and Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am – 5 pm. (Fridays, 6 – 8 pm, are pay-as-you-wish.) COVID-19 safety procedures can be found here ([link removed]) .

Mulchfest!
Wrap up the holiday season by saying goodbye to your tree at Mulchfest! The City will convert it into mulch to make NYC even greener. Bring your tree to one of the following locations from Dec. 26, 2020–Jan. 9, 2021.
* W. 65th & Central Park West;
* W. 81st & Central Park West (at Bridle Path);
* Morningside Park West -- 123rd & Morningside Ave; or
* Riverside Park -- Riverside Drive & W. 83rd.

You'll also be able to bring mulch home from select locations in early January! Learn more here ([link removed]) .

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 ([link removed]) . 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] (mailto:[email protected]) ; or check our website, HelenRosenthal.com ([link removed]) . 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 ([link removed]) . Also, follow my social media accounts on Twitter ([link removed]) , Facebook ([link removed]) , and/or Instagram ([link removed]) .

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