RyeCity REVIEW THE
August 3, 2018 | Vol. 6, Number 31 | www.ryecityreview.com
Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus found in Westchester
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GOLD Tuckahoe’s Malik Moore goes up for a layup against Woodlands’ Noe Fleurimond during a Hudson Valley practice at Stepinac High School on July 31. On Aug. 3, Moore, Fleurimond and the rest of the Hudson Valley All-Stars will travel to Johnson City, New York, to vie for a championship at the BCANY Summer Hoops Festival. For story, see page 15. Photo/Mike Smith
Report shows marijuana arrests higher for minorities By JAMES PERO Staff Writer Non-white residents of Westchester County are arrested for marijuana at dramatically higher rates compared to their white counterparts, according to a new study. The report, released on July 26 and penned by Kathy Kaufman, a member of the Westchester Coalition for Police Reform—a group self-described as being devoted to “progressive social change”—says that racial bias is at the center of arrest discrepancies. “In Westchester County—despite an abundance of research showing that black and Latino
people use marijuana at similar or lower rates than white people— people of color are arrested on misdemeanor marijuana possession charges at dramatically higher rates than their white neighbors,” the report states. “[This reveals] a consistent pattern of racial bias that prevails in virtually every corner of the county, from its smallest villages to its most populous urban centers.” According to the report, while only 14 percent of Westchester’s population is black, black arrests for low-level marijuana possession—25 grams or fewer—accounted for 52 percent of overall arrests made between 2013 and 2017. Latino’s, the report states,
are also overrepresented in these types of arrests, with the demographic representing just 24 percent of residents countywide yet 32 percent of total arrests. Marijuana-related arrests, which have constituted 28 percent of all arrests made in Westchester since 2010, also happen primarily in the county’s urban centers, according to the report. the cities of Mount Vernon, White Plains and Yonkers accounted for four out of every five marijuana arrests—83 percent in total. According to Kaufman, who is a researcher by trade, the disproportionate arrest rates persist in Westchester even despite overwhelmingly similar rates of mar-
ijuana usage between whites and people of color. Statistics from a 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows that lifetime marijuana usage rates between races—respondents who say they have smoked marijuana at least once during their life—are higher for whites than people of color; 50 percent compared to 42 percent of black people and 32 percent of Latinos. Additionally, usage rates in the past month are substantially similar between races with 11 percent, 8 percent, and 9 percent between blacks, whites and Latinos, respectively. Kaufman ARRESTS continued on page 11
The Westchester County Health Department announced that this season’s first two batches of mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus in Westchester were identified in Yonkers. The area surrounding the positive mosquito batches was inspected by the Health Department, which has treated nearby catch basins to protect against further mosquito breeding nearby. Westchester County Executive George Latimer recommended residents follow the Health Department’s West Nile Virus prevention advice to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents and removing standing water after it rains. “Mosquitoes are often thought of as merely a nuisance but they can carry serious diseases, including West Nile Virus,” Latimer said. “With more rain expected this week, it’s important to remember we can keep mosquitoes from breeding and biting us in our own backyards if we pour out standing water after it rains and remove or turn over wheelbarrows and watering cans.” To date, these are the first two positive batches out of 134 batches of mosquitoes collected in Westchester that were tested for West Nile Virus by the state Department of Health. Statewide, the state Health Department had identified 69 positive mosquito batches as of July 20. “The summer months are when we expect to find mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus here,” said county Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler. “Besides removing standing water around your home, to protect yourself and your family when you spend time outdoors, it’s a good idea to use repellents, especially from dawn to dusk,
when mosquitoes are most active.” The Health Department prepared for the mosquito season by educating the public through news releases, flyers, social media and our website, where a new report on mosquito control and surveillance can be found on the West Nile Virus page. The Health Department also gave 400 pounds of free fathead minnows to residents with ponds to reduce the mosquito population. The minnows reduce the mosquito population by feeding on larvae and pupae before they emerge into adult mosquitoes. Throughout the season, the Health Department also traps and tests mosquitoes to track the presence of mosquito-borne viruses in the county. Last year, West Nile Virus was identified in five local mosquito batches out of 380 submitted for testing and three people were diagnosed with West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus infection most often causes a mild or moderate flu-like illness, but can be more serious particularly for people 60 and older, and those with other health complications. Three residents were diagnosed with West Nile Virus last year and all recovered. To reduce the chances for mosquitoes to breed and bite around your home, follow these tips: • Avoid the outdoors in the late afternoon and early evening when mosquitoes are active and feeding, and use insect repellents when outdoors during these times. Follow the label instructions. • To protect infants over two months of age, adults can apply insect repellents with up to 30 percent DEET to their own hands VIRUS continued on page 8