We need action

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Dear John,

There has been so much trauma over these past few years; it made this week difficult to process. Everyday gun violence has claimed countless lives in our City since the onset of the pandemic, and for decades the sale of dangerous semi-automatic weapons has scarred communities in every state. From Sandy Hook to Parkland to Buffalo and now Uvdale, far too many of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones have been taken long before they needed to go. It has been difficult to look at the images of the 17 children who we lost this past week. All the pictures we have of them show such bright young faces, full of hope and wonder. I cannot imagine the grief those families are feeling right now.

But in my sadness, I am also angry. It has been over two decades since Columbine. In that time, the United States Senate has become a graveyard for even the tamest of gun control measures. Raising the age to buy a gun, banning the sale of semi-automatic weapons, and strengthening background check laws have all passed the House of Representatives time and time again, only to fail because of procedural votes or filibuster rules. This is not how a functioning democracy works. This inaction in the face of tragedy is shameful. It is impossible to explain how we are the only country where this happens. Yet, we still refuse to do anything about it.

There is no magic bullet to fix gun violence or end school shootings, but we have lost far too many people to continue to do nothing. We must act. The Senate must act. We cannot let another generation become traumatized because of our unwillingness to do the right thing.

Upcoming Opportunities For Community Engagement
First things first, on June 12th, I'll be joining the Park Slope Civic Council and a host of District 39 organizations for our first community town hall! As we come up on six months, I'm excited to share the work I've been doing in the Council and introduce several members of my team who will be presenting on our office's work. This event will be at the Old Stone House lawn, and we're asking people to RSVP ([link removed]) in advance so we know how many to expect.

In other exciting news, we now have a hearing date for our composting bill! On June 15th, our bill will be moving through the legislative process to its hearing at the Committee on Sanitation. We'll be updating everyone with details on how and when to testify ([link removed]) . Our office is also planning on holding a training very soon to strategize before the hearing. In the meantime, we've drafted up a short social toolkit ([link removed]) to help build momentum!

COVID-19 ([link removed])
Unfortunately, not much has changed from last week. Cases are still steadily rising in Brooklyn and across the City, putting us well above the post Omicron rates and above where the City has been for most of the pandemic. It's imperative with the holiday weekend that you get tested before gathering with friends and family. Given the caseload and the nice weather, consider moving your events outdoors if you can!

If you do test positive, Health & Hospitals has an online quarantine and isolation questionnaire ([link removed]) . If you need to isolate, answering the questionnaire will make you eligible for a "take care package" from the City that includes masks, tests, and PPE! Last but not least, our City is STUCK at a 38% booster rate. Look, I know we're all tired, but getting your booster shot ([link removed]) is the best way to prevent infection and severe illness. Today is the day if you're waiting to get your shot or know someone who hasn't gotten theirs yet.

Community Bulletin
* Be sure to sign up for the Prospect Park Family Fun Ride on Saturday, June 4th. All are welcome to join this FREE community event! Free CitiBikes are available for those 16 and older with registration ([link removed]) .
* Check out the Tastes of Brooklyn ([link removed]) , Park Slope Edition ([link removed]) ! On Saturday, June 4th, crawl up and down Park Slope to check out amazing Brooklyn eateries, bars, and small businesses.
* Our office will be offering up in-person constituent services appointments starting on Thursday next week! If you need help navigating City services, you can use this link ([link removed]) to set up an appointment with our Constituent Services Director. Please note, you will be given a verbal COVID-19 screening upon arrival to ensure the health and safety of our staff, and masks will be required.
* Thank you to everyone who has filled out our newsletter survey ([link removed]) so far! We're keeping it open for just a few more days, so please help us help you and fill it.
* The Prospect Park Track Club's Spring Grant Applications ([link removed]) are now open! Grants up to $2,000 will be awarded to organizations that encourage diversity and inclusion in Brooklyn running.
* The MTA will be performing track maintenance on the Brighton line during the spring and summer of 2022. Alternate service along the Q line will be as follows:
+ From 11:30 pm until 5:00 am, Weeknights from May 24th until August 19th: Q operates in two sections, from 96th Street (Manhattan) to Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center and from Prospect Park to Stillwell Avenue. A free shuttle bus will connect these two sections, from Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center to Prospect Park.
+ Weekends from 11:30 pm to 5:00 am Monday, from July 15th until August 15th: Q operates from 96th Street (Manhattan) to Stillwell Avenue via 4th Avenue express (for beach service) AND regular service from Prospect Park to Stillwell Avenue; a free shuttle bus will operate from Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center to Prospect Park.
* The MTA is continuing track improvement work along the G line this spring and summer, which will require alternate service plans while this work is performed. Please see below for a summary of the upcoming alternate-service schedule:
+ Weeknights May 31-June 3 and June 6-10, 9:30 pm-5:00 am: G operates between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Church Avenue; free shuttle buses between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and 21st Street-Queensbridge.
* Calling all teens! Are you looking for a summer job that will get you outside, enjoy nature, and help your community? Join the Prospect Park Alliance's Woodland Youth Crew for paid, hands-on training, mentorship, and professional experience in environmental conservation and park stewardship while helping to sustain and restore Brooklyn's woodlands and waterways. Learn more and apply: prospectpark.org/wyc.
* As AAPI Heritage Month comes to a close, check out AAPI-LEAD (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders- Learn. Engage. Advocate. Dream). This 4-day youth conference brings together NY's AAPI and allied youth to discuss the experiences and issues most relevant to AAPI young people. Sign up here! ([link removed])
* On June 1st, after a two-year hiatus, the New York Music Month annual conference is back in person for an in-depth look at the Future of NYC's Music Industry. RSVP here! ([link removed])

Before we go, I want to give a quick note about the construction on Smith Street. We've gotten several complaints about this construction and are working closely with other elected officials and City agencies to get to the bottom of this. The unannounced pile driving activity has been a nuisance to the community and potentially harmful to the environment. We're working ([link removed]) on getting more information and coordination between the City and EPA as soon as possible to ensure we can keep the community safe and informed.

Happy Memorial Day,
Shahana

P.S. If you're looking for ways to talk to your kids about the recent news, the Child Mind Institute has some helpful resources ([link removed]) on how to broach the subject appropriately, and in a way, they'll understand.

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Contact us:
New York City Council District 39
456 5th Ave Ste 3
Brooklyn, NY 11215-4076
USA
[email protected]
718-499-1090

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