THE FORUM NEWSGROUP | OCTOBER 10, 2024 by Mike Kurov

STAND BY OUR LAND

Photo Courtesy of Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association

Civic Meets with NPS, Updates Community on Area Park Crackdowns

green spaces routinely host ritual sacrifices.

The civic met with NPS last month. This week, it reported that zero-tolerance enforcement has begun at all land in South Queens, including Frank Charles Memorial Park and Spring Creek Park in Howard Beach.

On the first weekend, NPS officers gave warnings to revelers in the parks after dark and rubbish removal. On the second weekend, they issued official summonses. There have been seven arrests for closure violations on NPS properties; meanwhile, there is a person of interest who could be involved in the killing of animals.

The NPS is working on an interim solution until the actual barriers are installed at the east side of the NPS property at 165th Avenue.

Park officials are looking into gates and additional fencing for the periphery of Spring Creek.

By Michael V. Cusenza

The Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association this week met with officials from the National Park Service to discuss

ongoing crackdowns on after-hours gatherings and illegal dumping in area federal green space.

Last month, the New York Post reported that “at least nine animals or

carcasses have been discovered in the federally-managed Spring Creek Park in Howard Beach and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Broad Channel,” fueling the long-time claim that these

And the civic noted that it’s waiting on the Borough President’s Office for funding for area surveillance cameras.

“They should have movement soon,” civic officials said.

Borough Gathers to Mark One-Year Anniversary Heinous Hamas Attacks on Israel

By Michael V. Cusenza

The City this week marked the one-year anniversary of the atrocities committed in Israel by Hamas. City flags were lowered to half-staff on Monday, while City Hall, Borough Hall, and other municipal buildings were lit yellow.

On Oct. 7, 2023, over 1,200 men, women and children, including 46 Americans and citizens of over than 30 countries, were slaughtered by Hamas – the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

“The depravity of Hamas’s crimes is almost unspeakable,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

Queens, which has been home to a sprawling Jewish population for generations, gathered at a memorial service organized by the Queens Jewish Community Council.

“So many of my neighbors are hurting from the pain and loss of that day,” City Councilwoman Lynn Schulman (D-Forest Hills) said. “Praying for the return of all hostages and stability in the region.”

Israel’s response and last week’s missile barrage on the Jewish State, courtesy of Iran, were also on Mayor Eric Adams’s mind on Monday.

“With the brutal murder of more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children by cowardly terrorists, a part of all of us died that day. Hundreds more were taken hostage in the aftermath, and many still remain in captivity today,” Adams said.

“And as we see the devastation wrought on innocent people in the Middle East in

the aftermath of this unprovoked attack, the thought of peace becomes even more distant. But that is exactly why we must continue to strive for peace — for the safe return of all of the hostages, for the defeat of Hamas, and for an end to this deadly conflict. To those who plan to use this day to peacefully protest, that is your right.

As you do so, remember to follow the law and I ask you to please hold a place in your hearts for those who lost everything a year ago today.”

Photo Courtesy of Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic

Officials indicated that they are looking into gates and additional fencing for the periphery of Spring Creek Park.

Photo Courtesy of Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic There is zero tolerance for anyone trespassing in area federal parks after hours.

Photo Courtesy of QJCC

Last October, over 1,200 men, women and children, including 46 Americans, were slaughtered by Hamas.

Photo Courtesy of QJCC

The NYPD Shomrim Society, composed of Jewish members of the City Police Department, provided the honor guard at the QJCC memorial service.

City Announces New Lithiumion Battery Enforcement Powers

By Forum Staff

The City on Tuesday announced expanded regulations to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of uncertified lithium-ion batteries.

Through Local Laws 49 and 50 of 2024 that recently took effect, the City now has the authority to padlock — or close — any brickand-mortar retailer that repeatedly violates the City’s regulations on the sale of uncertified batteries and battery-powered micromobility devices. Local Law 39, which originally took effect in September 2023, mandates that all battery-powered micromobility devices — including electric bicycles, electric scooters, and the batteries those devices use — must be certified to accredited lab safety standards as set forth by local law to be sold or rented in the five boroughs.

In addition to the authority to close repeat violators, the maximum penalty for violating the certification requirements will increase to as much as $2,000 per device type. The new laws also require retailers — including those online — to publicly display the City’s new fire safety disclosure sign to help consumers understand certification and how to safely store and charge battery-powered micromobility devices. The safety disclosure sign, which is available in multiple languages, will also be distributed to educate consumers. The law additionally mandates that online retailers must post certification information on the product page.

The City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the City Fire Department have partnered to conduct joint inspections to ensure compliance with the law and make sure that batteries and devices are being safely charged. FDNY’s E-Safety Task Force — which has inspected businesses to ensure safe charging since 2022 — has conducted 983 inspections, issued 782 sum -

monses, including 77 criminal summonses, 367 violation orders, and 20 vacate orders with the Department of Buildings.

Since Local Law 39 of 2023 went into effect on Sept. 16, 2023, DCWP has conducted over 650 inspections and issued over 275 violations to local brick-and-mortar retailers, both independently and in conjunction with FDNY’s E-Safety Task Force and issued 40 cease-anddesist letters and over 25 violations to online retailers.

Under Local Law 39, all devices and batteries must be certified by an accredited testing laboratory in compliance with Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) standards if they are being sold, leased second-hand, or rented:

• Electric bicycles must be certified in compliance with UL standard 2849.

• Other battery-powered mobility devices, like electric scooters, must be certified in compliance with UL standard 2272.

• Batteries must be certified in compliance with UL standard 2271.

According to the City, businesses that sell batteries or battery-powered micromobility devices must ensure they are certified and display the certification, logo, or name of the testing laboratory on the device, packaging, or documentation that will be provided to consumers at the time of sale.

“Every year, far too many New Yorkers experience devastating tragedy as a result of uncertified lithium-ion batteries,” said City Councilmember Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park), chairwoman of the Committee on Fire and Emergency Management. “These new regulations will help to protect the people of this city from these devices and are steps towards ensuring that no one in the future needs to suffer again because of a lithium-ion battery fire.”

File Photo

Last year, lithium-ion batteries were blamed for fires that resulted in 18 deaths and 133 injuries.

New Law has Immediate Impact on DOE Retirees

By Forum Staff

A recently enacted law has resulted in over 28,000 men and women in the City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) enrolling in the pension plan, according to Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Howard Beach).

For years, certain public employees who were part of the BERS pension plan

had to manually enroll, while every other pension had an automatic enrollment. This caused massive problems when people decided to retire, only to learn that after a career of public service they were not in the pension plan. The bill, A.7156, which Pheffer Amato changed the law to ensure all BERS employees going forward would be automatically enrolled, but also enrolled all eligible current employees into the BERS pension plan.

The assemblywoman said the new law honors the legacy of Krystyna Naprawa, a Howard Beach resident who worked as an NYPD crossing guard. She was killed in the line of duty last year at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue, while helping students and other pedestrians cross the street.

“This bill created needed parity and fairness. We are now ensuring our

crossing guards, school meal workers, school nurses, substitute teachers, school custodians and so many other important roles are given the chance to be in a pension plan and grow a form of financial stability,” Pheffer Amato said. “They’ve worked and earned this pension, and it was in Krystna’s honor that I fought to make this dream a reality. All of our public employees are now in a pension plan and can get everything they deserve.”

Photo Courtesy of Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato

“All of our public employees are now in a pension plan and can get everything they deserve,” Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato said.

File Photo

The new law honors the work and legacy of City Crossing Guard Krystyna Naprawa.

Adams Touts City Crime Numbers

The Pharmacist’s Corner

PREPARING FOR A STORM

With a mumbling of “a storm is coming” in some of the weather reports, while we have escaped any threat of a major storm yet this year, we all have that gnawing feeling—it’s coming. In this case we think it’s prudent to take the path of the Boy Scouts—Be Prepared! While snowfall can be a beautiful thing, many dangers and unforeseen problems can occur as the result of an extreme weather occurrence.

We've prepared a list for you that will help ensure your safety when home bound.

By Michael V. Cusenza

The Big Apple “continues to be the safest big city in America,” according to beleaguered Mayor Eric Adams.

Hizzoner was all smiles on Tuesday as he delivered third-quarter crime statistics, even as he’s facing a federal indictment and hemorrhaging close aides in the aftermath.

Overall citywide crime has been down for nine consecutive months, Adams said.

“We have been able to achieve this through [being] tough and smart on crime, both on our streets and in our subway system. Nothing personifies that more than yesterday, October 7th, when we commemorated the loss of lives of 1,200 individuals,” Adams said. “And we heard much noise about protests and disruption of our city. Commissioner [of Intelligence & Counterterrorism Rebecca] Weiner and her team did an amazing job on the intelligence, sharing the information, making sure that we were at the right places at the right time where people were able to protest peacefully and family members were able to commemorate the pain that came from that vicious attack from Hamas a year ago.”

Adams said the City cannot rest on its recent laurels.

“But we have also made sure we remain laser focus on one of the number one enemies in our city, handguns and guns and the use of guns. This administration has removed over 18,500 guns off our streets, out of our neighborhoods and out of our communities. We've arrested violent criminals. We've taken more than

29,000 close to 30,000 ghost cars off our streets and illegal mopeds off our streets. Something that New Yorkers have been talking about,” the mayor said. “These ghost cars and illegal mopeds, they have been a menace to our city. And former Deputy Mayor [for Public Safety Phil] Banks, what he has done in partnership with Commissioner [Jessica] Tisch over at the Department of Sanitation to zero in on ghost cars. We partnered with the governor to handle this at our tolling booths. But we now are doing an initiative where we go in through the night and finding these ghost cars, and we have been successful. Over 1,000 have been removed thus far.”

Again, Adams stressed that Gotham’s public-safety structure needs to keep moving.

“[W]e also looked at the menace of cannabis. This administration closed more than 1,100 illegal smoke shops,” Adams said. “And we put more cops on the streets and on our subways, and the results are clear. We're also going after the root causes of crime to make sure this city and our communities are safer, investing in upstream solutions, education, affordable housing, and holiday school program and early intervention. You think about it, and I always want to remind us, August was one of the safest Augusts in recorded history for gun violence. Many people thought it was going to be a very dangerous summer, and the NYPD and our partners, both the crisis management teams and our patrol force responded and made sure we were able to successfully move through August without the violence that was expected in the area of gun violence.”

Water—at least a 3-day supply; one gallon per person per day • Food—at least a 3-day supply of nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food • Flashlight • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible) • Extra batteries • First aid kit • Medications (7-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.) • Multipurpose tool—a Swiss Army knife type that can perform many tasks • Sanitation and personal hygiene items • Copies of

personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies) • Cell phone with chargers • Family and emergency contact information • Extra cash • Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers) • Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl) • Tools/ supplies for securing your home • Sand, rock salt or non-clumping kitty litter to make walkways and steps less slippery • Warm coats, gloves or mittens, hats, boots and extra blankets and warm clothing for all household members •

Ample alternate heating methods such as fireplaces or wood- or coal-burning stoves Vehicles should also be equipped with similar kits. Free smart phone apps available from FEMA and the American Red Cross provide tips on finding shelter, giving first aid, and seeking recovery assistance. Stay warm, stay safe, and start this New Year off with the confidence that you can weather any storm. Until next week…

For your family’s prescription needs, please call CROSS

Park: Mon-Sat 9am-7pm. Sunday: Closed.

Cops Called to Move Hardheaded Mister Softee Driver

City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) recently called on area cops to ensure that a particularly stubborn Mister Softee operator, who has posted up in the middle of 157th Avenue at dismissal time for St. Helen Catholic Academy in Howard Beach, moved to a spot safer for students and parents.

“While parents, the crossing guards, the civic, and the NYPD have tried to reason with the operator of the Mr. Softee route, he refuses to be fair or care about the safety of our residents. We are asking that everyone call the Mr. Softee Corporate office at 856939-4103 if you have a complaint about his behavior. We have been in touch with the director of the routes at corporate and will continue to follow up with them as well as monitor his behavior throughout the neighborhood,” the Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association posted on Facebook.

Photo Courtesy of Howard Beach Lindenwood Civic Association

Photo Courtesy of Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

Mayor Adams on Tuesday delivers third-quarter citywide crime statistics.

FDNY Honors Members of Department who Died in the Past Year

By Michael V. Cusenza

On Wednesday morning, at its 117th annual Memorial Service, the City Fire Department honored the 14 members of the FDNY who died in the past year.

Those who were honored are:

Firefighter Daniel Powers, Engine 250

EMT Frederick Whiteside, Public Safety Answering Center II

Rev. Monsignor John E. Delendick, Ladder 170

EMT Sebastian Vazquez, Station 26

Firefighter Wilkins Vega, Engine 221

EMT David Davis, Station 50

Firefighter Kamran Khan, Engine 219

Firefighter Jason Baldwin, Ladder 46

EMT Marc Jansen Bolanos, Station 26

Firefighter Deo Lall, Jr., Engine 153

Firefighter Anthony Calieno, Ladder 158

Firefighter Hugo Reyes Parada, Engine 24

Lieutenant Ryan Charkowick, Division of TrainingRopes

Supervising Fire Marshal George E. Snyder, Jr., Bureau of Fire Investigation, Special Operations Command Whiteside and Snyder perished in the line of duty.

“More than 370 members have died of illness related

to their time at the World Trade Center, time spent in rescue and recovery, time they gave selflessly. We know those numbers will continue to increase. The FDNY knows all about loss. Our members take this job knowing that loss is a possibility given the dangerous work they do. Today, we’re saddened by the weight of these losses,” City Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said. “The members we honor today were all selfless, amazing people who gave their lives in dedication to service of our city. Their sworn

oath to serve and protect guided their every day, and we know they lived as they worked with honor and dignity. Let us pay tribute to them. Let us honor them. We do that by honoring our traditions, by lining the streets in salute, by donning your uniforms and standing silently in respect for the families of the deceased. Be comforted in knowing that we do this every year in the same way with the same reverence.”

Borough President Announced Two Appointments to Library Board of Trustees

By Forum Staff

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. today announced the appointments of Alexandria Sumpter-Delves and Johanna Carmona to the Queens Public Library’s Board of Trustees.

Sumpter-Delves currently serves as Queens Community House’s Director of College and Career Services, while Carmona is a legislative administrative manager at the City Council.

“The Queens Public Library served

as the greatest support to my family during my most formidable years,” SumpterDelves said. “I am happy to support the legacy of vital services provided to Queens residents today.”

“I am so excited to join the Board of Trustees of such an important and vital institution,” Carmona said. “As a lifelong Queens resident, my local libraries were instrumental to my education and fueled my curiosity. I am happy to support this organization.”

The Queens Community House’s college and career services programming pro -

vides young adults between the ages of 14 to 24 with the essential skills they need to succeed as they enter the workforce. Previously, Sumpter-Delves managed the City University of New York’s partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations in the wake of Superstorm Sandy and served as the Police Athletic League’s Manager of Training and Volunteer Services. Sumpter-Delves is a graduate of the CUNY School of Professional Studies in Manhattan.

Carmona is running for the Assembly District 37 seat. It encompasses Sunnyside, Sunnyside Gardens, and portions of Ridge-

wood, Maspeth, and Long Island City. Before joining the City Council, Carmona worked as an attorney in a number of public and private sector capacities, including as an assistant district attorney prosecuting special victims cases in the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Carmona is a member of the Latino Lawyers Association of Queens and is a graduate of both New York University and Seton Hall University.

“The Queens Public Library system is a vital lifeline for countless Queens residents all across our borough, led by true public servants who care deeply about the future of our families and our communities,” Richards said. “Throughout their careers, Alexandria Sumpter-Delves and Johanna Carmona have shown that same dedication toward those they serve, and I am proud to appoint these two leaders to the Queens Public Library’s Board of Trustees.”

The Queens Public Library is governed by a 19-member Board of Trustees, members of which are appointed alternately by the Mayor and the Borough President. The Mayor, Borough President, New York City Comptroller, the Speaker of the City Council and the New York City Public Advocate all serve as ex officio members of the Board.

Trustees serve three-year terms and are eligible to be reappointed following the conclusion of their terms. Both SumpterDelves and Carmona are serving the remainder of terms that run through December 2025.

Photo Courtesy of Johanna Carmona

Before joining the City Council, Carmona (l.) worked as an attorney in a number of public and private sector capacities.

Photo Courtesy of BP Richards

BP Richards lauded Sumpter-Delves and Carmona for “dedication toward those they serve.”

Photo Courtesy of Google

The FDNY this week added 14 names to its memorial on Riverside Drive.

Photo Courtesy of FDNY

Commissioner Tucker called the 14 honorees “selfless, amazing people who gave their lives in dedication to service of our city.”

Bill Ensuring Expanding Access to Prenatal Vitamins Signed into Law

By Forum Staff

A bill introduced by State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (DWoodhaven) that would expand access to prenatal vitamins has been signed into law, the senator reported this week.

The new law requires individual and group medical policies and contracts to provide coverage for prescription drugs, including coverage for prenatal vitamins.

The new law specifies coverage for prenatal vitamins will be subject to annual deductibles and coinsurance

consistent with the policies in place. By making prenatal vitamins accessible, the legislation aims to alleviate the financial burden on expectant mothers, promoting healthier pregnancies and outcomes for families across the state.

Addabbo called the new law a reflection of New York’s commitment to improving maternal health care and ensuring that women from all socioeconomic backgrounds receive the support they need for healthy pregnancies.

“Today marks a significant step forward for maternal health in New York. This law will ensure that women, re-

gardless of their financial circumstances, have access to vital nutrients necessary for a healthy pregnancy. Prenatal care is a personal issue, but it is also a public health priority that deserves our utmost attention and support,” Addabbo added. “Every woman in New York deserves the right to a healthy pregnancy and the support necessary to achieve it. This law is about equity in healthcare, ensuring that all women can access the resources they need during one of the most critical times in their lives.”

The new law will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Ragesoss

The new law requires individual and group medical policies and contracts to provide coverage for prescription drugs, including coverage for prenatal vitamins.

Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo

“Today marks a significant step forward for maternal health in New York,” Sen. Addabbo said.

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Reputed Gang Member Charged in Murder of Teen outside South Conduit McDonald’s

By Forum Staff

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Friday that Rayvon Phillip has been charged in the murder of 18-yearold Akim Cisse last month outside a fastfood restaurant along South Conduit Avenue in Springfield Gardens.

Phillip, a reputed gang member who

calls Jamaica home, was arraigned Thursday on charges of murder in the second degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.

According to the charges, on Sept. 27, between 10:15 and 10:20 p.m., video surveillance footage shows Phillip outside a McDonald’s on South Conduit Avenue in Springfield Gardens. A car is seen on vid -

eo driving by the restaurant with four men inside, including Cisse. As the car drove past, Phillip allegedly pointed a gun and shot at the vehicle approximately three times.

Cisse, who was seated in the passenger seat of the car, sustained a single gunshot to the back of the head. He was rushed to an

area hospital where he lost brain function and died hours later.

“This was a completely senseless act of gun violence, and we will aggressively investigate and prosecute those that destabilize our communities,” Katz said.

If convicted of the top count, Phillip faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

Nearly One in Three Students were Chronically Absent from NY Schools: Report

By Forum Staff

Chronic absenteeism rates among New York public and charter school students increased sharply as schools transitioned back to in-person learning after the COVID-19 pandemic subsided and remained high with nearly one in three students habitually absent during the 2022-23 school year, according to a new report by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.

Chronic absenteeism is defined by the U.S. Department of Education as the share of students who miss at least 10 percent of days (typically 18) in a school year for any reason, excused, unexcused, or on disciplinary grounds. New York state excludes suspensions and extended medical absences from the state’s chronic absenteeism calculation.

DiNapoli’s report found during SY 2022-23:

• Large city public schools (Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Yonkers) and charter schools had the greatest high school chronic absenteeism rates: 64.2 percent and 52.1 percent, respectively. These high schools also had the greatest increase in chronic absenteeism between SYs 20182019 and 2022-2023. New York City high schools had a 43.1 percent chronic absenteeism rate in SY 2022-2023.

• Chronic absenteeism rates are higher in high-need school districts than in low-need districts. High schools in highneed rural districts had a chronic absenteeism rate of 33 percent, a 10.1 point increase

from SY 2018-2019, and high-need urbansuburban districts had a rate of 40.9 percent, an 8.6 point increase from SY 20182019. Low-need districts had a high school chronic absenteeism rate of 13.4 percent, a 4.9 point increase from SY 2018-2019.

• Racial disparities also impact chronic absenteeism rates. Asian or Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander (21.3 percent) and White (24.7 percent) high school students have much lower chronic absenteeism rates than Hispanic or Latino students (43.7 percent) and Black or African American students (46.4 percent).

• Absenteeism rates are also higher among economically disadvantaged students, English language learners and students with disabilities. In the large city high schools, the SY 2022-2023 rate for these students was an alarming 71.2 percent.

New York’s public and charter schools were forced to quickly shift to remote learning when the pandemic affected daily life in March 2020, and through SY 2020-21. As a result, these school districts continued to utilize a mixture of remote, in-person and hybrid formats: 61 percent of students were fully remote, 38 percent were in-per-

son, and 1 percent were hybrid. Chronic absenteeism increased to 24.1 percent in SY 2020-2021 from 18.6 percent in SY 2018-19. When fully in-person instruction returned in SY 2021-22, chronic absenteeism spiked further with 32.6 percent of students chronically absent—an increase of 14 percentage points from SY 2018-19.

While the public health emergency remained in effect, many school districts implemented restrictions preventing students who tested positive for COVID-19 from returning to school for a period of time. These restrictions likely had a significant bearing on the increase of chronic absenteeism rates. Rates improved in SY 2022-23 but remained significantly above pre-pandemic rates.

The State Department of Education has proposed eliminating the chronic absenteeism metric altogether in SY 2025-26 in favor of an attendance index rank metric. SED has also engaged as a partner with the Council on Children and Families, who launched the Every Student Present initiative, a public awareness campaign to help parents, school staff and communities understand the impact of chronic absence. SED has recommended that school districts reduce chronic absenteeism with expanding school breakfast programs as a means of getting students to school each day and on time, engaging in frequent and positive communications with parents and caregivers and recognizing good attendance and improvements in attendance, among other initiatives.

Photo Courtesy of Google

The murder took place outside this McDonald’s in Springfield Gardens.

Photo Courtesy of DA Katz

DA Katz called it “a senseless act of gun violence.”

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia/Liz

As Comptroller DiNapoli noted, “Chronic absenteeism has been linked to lower grades, lower standardized test scores, and increased risk of dropout.”

Attorneys General Sue TikTok for ‘Addictive Features’ that Lead to Poor Mental Health

By Forum Staff

State Attorney General Tish James and California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday co-led a bipartisan coalition of 14 attorneys general in filing lawsuits against the social media platform TikTok for misleading the public about the safety of its platform and harming young people’s mental health.

The lawsuits, filed individually by each member of the coalition, allege that TikTok violated state laws by falsely claiming its platform is safe for young people. In fact, many young users are struggling with poor mental health and body image issues due to the platform’s addictive features and are getting injured, hospitalized, or dying because of dangerous TikTok “challenges” that are created and promoted on the platform.

James said that the bipartisan coalition of attorneys general is seeking to stop TikTok’s harmful practices and impose financial penalties on the social media company, including the forfeiting of all profits resulting from fraudulent and illegal practices, and to collect damages for users that have been harmed.

According to the lawsuits filed by Attorney General James and the bipartisan coalition, TikTok’s underlying business model focuses on maximizing young users’ time on the platform so the company can boost revenue from selling targeted ads. TikTok uses an addictive content-recommendation system designed to keep minors on the platform as long as possible and as often as possible, despite the dangers of compulsive use.

According to the suits, TikTok uses a variety of addictive features to keep users on its platform longer, which leads to poorer mental health outcomes. Multiple studies have found a link between excessive social media use, poor sleep quality, and poor mental health among young people. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, young people who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Some of these addictive features include:

• Around-the-clock notifications that can lead to poor sleep patterns for young users;

• Autoplay of an endless stream of videos that manipulates users into compulsively spending more time on the platform with no option to disable Autoplay;

• Attention-grabbing content that keeps young users on the platform lon -

ger;

• TikTok “stories” and TikTok live content that is only available temporarily to entice users to tune in immediately or lose the opportunity to interact;

• A highlighted “likes” and comments section as a form of social validation, which can impact young users’ selfesteem; and

• Beauty filters that alter one’s appearance and can lower young user’s selfesteem.

Beauty filters have been especially

of car thefts. In October 2022, four teenagers were killed in a car crash in Buffalo that police suspect was the result of the TikTok Kia Challenge. A Kia Forte was also stolen in New York City and crashed into a house in Greenwich causing significant damage to both the car and the residence. The ignition was damaged consistent with descriptions in the TikTok Kia Challenge.

Additionally, according to the lawsuits, TikTok also violates the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a federal law designed to protect children’s data on the internet. TikTok actively collects and monetizes data on

to continue watching videos.

• Mispresenting the effectiveness of its “Refresh” and “Restricted Mode” features. TikTok claims that users can “Refresh” the content the recommendation system feeds them and that they can limit inappropriate content through “Restricted Mode.” However, those features do not work as TikTok claims.

• Failing to warn young users about the dangers of its beauty filter.

• Misrepresenting that its platform is not directed toward children. TikTok publicly claims that it is not for

harmful to young girls, according to the lawsuits, with studies reporting that 50 percent of girls believe they do not look good without editing their features and 77 percent saying they try to change or hide at least one part of their body using these filters. Beauty filters can cause body image issues and encourage eating disorders, body dysmorphia, and other health-related problems.

According to the lawsuits, TikTok challenges are viral videos that encourage users to perform certain activities, some of which have been harmful and sometimes deadly for young users.

In one example, a 15-year-old boy died in Manhattan while “subway surfing,” a trend where people ride or “surf” on top of a moving subway car. After he passed away, his mother found videos on his TikTok account about subway surfing.

Another example of a dangerous TikTok challenge is the Kia Challenge, videos that show users how to hack the ignition to start and steal Kia and Hyundai car models, which has led to thousands

users under 13 years old, in violation of COPPA, and does so without parental consent. Researchers estimate that 35 percent of TikTok’s U.S. ad revenue is derived from children and teenagers. While TikTok claims to only allow users over age 13 to access all of its features, TikTok’s deficient policies and practices have knowingly permitted children under the age of 13 to create and maintain accounts on the platform.

TikTok falsely claims that its platform is safe for young users and has misrepresented the effectiveness of its so-called safety tools that are intended to address some of these concerns, the suits claim. Specifically, James’ lawsuit alleges that TikTok also violated New York’s consumer protection laws by misrepresenting its safety measures, including:

• Misleading users about its 60-minute screen time limit that it adopted to address concerns of compulsive use of its platform. TikTok deceptively advertised that teens can have a 60-minute screen time limit on the app. However, after using TikTok for 60 minutes, teens are simply prompted to enter a passcode

children under 13, however, the platform features child-directed subject matter, characters, activities, music, and other content, as well as advertisements directed to children.

Last month, James co-led a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in urging Congress to implement warning labels on social media platforms, as called for by the U.S. Surgeon General.

“Young people are struggling with their mental health because of addictive social media platforms like TikTok,” James said. “TikTok claims that their platform is safe for young people, but that is far from true. In New York and across the country, young people have died or gotten injured doing dangerous TikTok challenges and many more are feeling more sad, anxious, and depressed because of TikTok’s addictive features. Today, we are suing TikTok to protect young people and help combat the nationwide youth mental health crisis. Kids and families across the country are desperate for help to address this crisis, and we are doing everything in our power to protect them.”

Courtesy of TikTok

“TikTok claims that their platform is safe for young people, but that is far from true,” AG James said.

DENTAL Insurance

DESHPREMIK. US LLC Filed 9/5/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: JB MEMITONE, 21 CLARK AVE. MELVILLE, NY, 11746.USA Purpose: General.

RAPTOR STUDIOS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/22/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to MENGXI ZHOU, 13105 40TH RD, APT PH3N, FLUSHING, NY, 11354,USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

MARVEL CLEANING NYC LLC Filed 9/5/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: ANDREA MARTINEZ, 2315 121ST. STREET, 2F, COLLEGE POINT, NY, 11356, USA. Purpose: General.

SWEET LUXE OASIS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/21/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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JIWOO PARK ARCHITECTURE PLLC Filed 9/5/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: The PLLC, 3215 35th Street, #E2, Astoria, NY, 11106, USA. Purpose: General.

RI TATTS LLC. Filed 5/10/2024. Office: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: FRANCES MOSLEY, 107-33 118TH ST. QUEENS, NY 11418. Purpose: General.

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUMAN 2021 SC9 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. KEYA ROYSTER AS ADMINISTRATRIX AND HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF PAMELA JAMES, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 10, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, on the second floor in Courtroom 25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435 on September 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 6932 Burchell Avenue, Arverne, NY 11692. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Arverne, in the Fifth Ward of the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block 16048 and Lot 45. Approximate amount of judgment is $312,382.74 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #728147/2021. Michael F. Mongelli, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 221030-1

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: MOM 43RD LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 06/21/2024, office location Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to the LLC, 102-38 43rd Avenue, Corona, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

JPS HIGHGATE GROUP LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/02/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of Hillside Story Property LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State (SSNY) on 8/12/24. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 15 Francis Terrace, Glen Cove, NY 11542. Purpose: any lawful activity.

MELANYX SKIN LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/01/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

EONLIGHT LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 06/23/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to YA XI WANG, 58-40 217TH STREET, BAYSIDE, NY, 113641912,USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

ORDINARY SUNDAY FILMS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 08/21/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Nightcap Creative, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/29/2024. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 5205 Queens B lvd, 6G Woodside, NY 11377. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

AD INSPIRE LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 07/15/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 6913 58TH RD, MASPETH, NY,11378,USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Legal Notices

JP&L PRO CLEANING SERVICE

LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/16/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: JANY PEREZ 28-28 43RD STREET, 2ND FLOOR, QUEENS, NY, 11103,USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

WHL HOLDINGS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/11/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 42-06A, Bell Blvd, Ste 248, Bayside, NY 11361. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

KAISENCE SOLUTIONS LLC

Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/12/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: BRANDON LAM, 139-39 35TH AVE, APT 2D, FLUSHING, NY, 11354,USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

BRILLISKIN LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/24/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 1, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

LOPEZ-RIVERA GROUP LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/24/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Rafael Lopez, 126-41 148th Street, Jamaica, NY 11436. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

WYNONA CREATIVE AND EVENTS LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 05/30/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to BIANCA WYNONA ALEXIS CABALDA PLANAS, 58-12 QUEENS BLVD, SUITE 2 #1024, QUEENS, NY, 11377, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

WAGS&WIGGLES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/18/24. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice is hereby given that license #NA-0340-23-109913 has been applied by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, cider and wine in a restaurant under the alcoholic beverage control law at 11611 SUTPHIN BLVD, JAMAICA, NY 11434 for on-premises consumption. AKASHA BAR & EVENT HALL INC d/b/a AKASHA RESTAURANT.

MEDELLACARE LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 09/26/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

CXRE 5 LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/01/2024. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: ZENBUSINESS INC., 41 STATE STREET, SUITE 112, ALBANY, NY, 12207, USA. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Midtown Oral Surgery PLLC filed w/ SSNY 8/7/24. Off. in Queens Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the PLLC, 102-10 Queens Blvd, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Any lawful purpose.

SHOP UP LLC filed w/ SSNY 8/13/24. Off. in Queens Co. Process served to SSNY - desig. as agt. of LLC & mailed to the FRANCISMAR MIQUILENA, 23915 88TH AVE, BELLROSE, NY, 11426, USA. Any lawful purpose.

SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF QUEENS.

NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, as Collateral Agent and Custodian for the NYCTL 1998-2 TRUST, Plaintiffs -against- 118-80 MONTAUK LLC, et al. Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 15, 2024 and entered on July 24, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County Supreme Courthouse, 88-11 Sutphin Blvd., in Courtroom # 25, Jamaica, NY 11435, on Friday, or at such other location in the courthouse that the Court may designate for conducting this foreclosure auction on October 4, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Montauk Street, distant 732.74 feet southerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the said westerly side of Montauk Street and the southerly side of Baisley Boulevard; being a plot 76 feet by 156.13 feet by 229.22 feet by 30 feet. Block: 12452 Lot: 79 Said premises known as 118-80 MONTAUK STREET, SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412 Approximate amount of lien $285,733.99, through January 4, 2024, plus interest fees & costs.Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Tems of Sale.Index Number 704668/2020.

JOSEPH F. DEFELICE, ESQ.., Referee Sey farth Shaw LLPAttorney(s) for Plaintiffs 620 Eighth Avenue, New York, NY 10018

Notice is hereby given that license #NA-0340-23-109913 has been applied by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, cider and wine in a restaurant under the alcoholic beverage control law at 116-11 SUTPHIN BLVD, JAMAICA, NY 11434 for on-premises consumption. AKASHA BAR & EVENT HALL INC d/b/a AKASHA RESTAURANT.