(Long Island, NY) “While I believe a rent role back is appropriate, the Rent Guidelines Board’s historic decision to freeze rents will help keep New York affordable for over two million tenants,” said State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan/Bronx), the Ranking Member of the Senate’s Housing Committee. Making sure working and middle class New Yorkers have a home in this city is paramount to its future. Tenants are being asked to pay an ever increasing percentage of their income towards rent, while landlords have increased their profits due to relatively flat operating costs.”

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police arrested a Bay Shore man for driving while intoxicated following a single-car crash in Bay Shore on Monday, June 29.

Angel Taveras was driving a 2015 Subaru southbound on East 3rd Avenue when his vehicle struck two parked cars and a pole before overturning near Baily Avenue at approximately 2:45 a.m.

Suffolk County Police arrested Angel Taveras, 27, a Bay Shore ma, for driving while intoxicated following a single-car crash in Bay Shore on Monday, June 29. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

Taveras, 27, was transported to Southside Hospital in Bay Shore where he was admitted with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and will be arraigned at a later date.

The vehicle was impounded for a safety check and the investigation is continuing. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Third Squad at 631-854-8352.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) A Nurse Practioner indicted for selling Oxycodone and other prescriptions for cash was convicted on Monday, June 29 after a seven-week trial in Riverhead of criminal sale of a prescription charges, two counts of conspiracy and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

District Attorney Spota said the 2012 investigation of the criminal sale of prescription painkillers in Suffolk culminated in the indictment of the defendant Ingrid Gordon-Patterson, 49, of Patchogue.

Nurse Practioner Ingrid Gordon-Patterson, 49, of Patchogue, was convicted of criminal sale of a prescription charges, two counts of conspiracy and one count of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree. Photo Credit: SCPD.

Gordon-Patterson faces a prison term of up to 25 years when she is sentenced on July 29 in Riverhead.

“The Suffolk County police Narcotics Section and our office seized office records – and an unregistered, loaded, .38 Titan Tiger Revolver – during the execution of a search warrant at her medical office in Deer Park three years ago.  That evidence established that she was running one of the largest “pill mills” in Suffolk County, if not the metropolitan area,” District Attorney Spota said.

The district attorney said Gordon-Patterson betrayed her professional responsibility as a licensed medical professional “to operate as a drug dealer running a criminal enterprise for astronomical cash profits”, selling prescriptions for 30 Oxycodone for $250 cash.

“She sold over 1,100 Oxycodone tablets per day from June 11, 2011 to June 6, 2012; over 413,000 doses of Oxycodone that Gordon-Patterson issued prescriptions for over nearly a year’s time,” DA Spota said.  At the time of her indictment in 2012, Oxycodone, most commonly prescribed for the treatment of long-term pain from back injuries, arthritis and other conditions, was the most commonly diverted prescription medication sold on the street, selling for $20 per 30 milligram tablet.

A Suffolk County special grand jury investigating painkiller abuse in 2012 reported that Suffolk County had almost twice the state average in cash prescriptions for oxycodone. The special grand jury said the increase in arrests and overdose deaths related to painkillers in Suffolk were the product of the overprescribing of painkillers by doctors and other medical professionals and the influence of the pharmaceutical industry on lawmakers and physicians.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I – South Huntington) recently honored Frances Leek, Director of Social Ministry Outreach at St. Hugh of Lincoln Roman Catholic Church in Huntington Station. Lupinacci, a parishioner at St. Hugh of Lincoln, commended Mrs. Leek for her years of devotion to the church and the Huntington Station community.

(L to R) Rob Conte of Sen. Marcellino’s office, Frances Leek and Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci. Photo Credit: NYS.

“Mrs. Frances Leek has been a staple in our church community for over three decades and has been crucial to faith-based education programs and helping the less fortunate in our community since beginning her career in 1981,” Lupinacci said. “Over the years, Mrs. Leek has positively influenced the lives of thousands of people and made a lasting impact on Huntington Station.”

Statement from Liz Moran, water and natural resources associate

(Long Island, NY) “Because of massive citizen engagement, New York approached this decision with a thoughtfulness other states failed to employ. And because of that, it will withstand industry attacks.

New York’s fracking ban is based on the simple understanding that if it had proceeded, some of us would get sick as a result.

While industry is accustomed to getting its way, there is no way around the fact that science proves public health cannot be protected where fracking occurs.

Environmental Advocates is particularly pleased that just days after the release of the State Energy Plan which sets aggressive carbon reduction and clean energy use benchmarks, this ban acknowledges that an increased reliance on natural gas development delays our move to clean, renewable sources.

We cannot fight climate change until we move away from the dirty fossil fuels of the past, and ramp up production and consumption of solar and wind power.

This is a very big step forward, and the only major obstacle that remains is also banning out-of-state fracking waste from being dumped in our state.  We applaud the Cuomo administration for keeping their promise and prioritizing public health over industry greed. It sends a message to every single person who took time out of their lives, that their voice was heard. Above all else, we congratulate those advocates today!”

(Long Island, NY) Households and businesses with solar panels deliver greater benefits than they receive through programs like net metering, a report said today, countering increasing complaints from utilities that solar homeowners don’t pay their fair share.

“While some utilities claim they’re subsidizing solar panel owners, our report shows the opposite is probably true,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York.  “If anything, utilities should be paying people who go solar more, not less.”

The Environment New York Research & Policy Center report, Shining Rewards: The Value of Rooftop Solar Power for Consumers and Society, Society, is released just days after Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an ambitious plan to curb New York State’s carbon emissions by 40 percent by doubling the amount of power it gets from renewable energy to 50 percent by 2030.

Net metering programs credit solar panel owners at a fixed rate — often the retail price of electricity — for providing excess power to the grid, similar to rollover minutes on a cell phone plan. The arrangements have helped solar energy skyrocket across the country, but in recent years utilities have increasingly attacked them as unjustified “subsidies.”

Today’s report tells a different story. Of the 11 net metering studies reviewed, eight found that the value of solar energy was higher than the average local residential retail electricity rate. The median value of solar power across all 11 studies was nearly 17 cents per unit, compared to the nation’s average retail electricity rate of about 12 cents.

In other words: utilities were likely underpaying solar panel owners, not subsidizing them.

All 11 of the studies found that solar panel owners offered the electric system as a whole net benefits, including reduced capital investment costs, avoided energy costs, and reduced environmental compliance costs.

“Solar is an increasingly viable and valuable tool for cutting carbon emissions, and the more we know the better it looks,” said Nilda Mesa, the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “Mayor de Blasio has committed to retrofitting all City buildings with any significant energy use, and catalyzing the private sector to do the same, to get us to our goal of cutting emissions 80 percent by 2050. Solar is already installed on 27 City buildings – including nearly a dozen schools and City Hall – but we’re not stopping there: we’re currently tripling our installed capacity. Environment New York has done important work in analyzing the feasibility and the hidden value of solar and what utility commissions can do to encourage more of it.”

“This report demonstrates yet again that solar pays dividends, and we need to be investing in it,” said Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer. “It’s crucial that we reduce barriers for buildings and whole communities to buy in to solar power generation.”

The report’s findings should also help our state decision makers determine the true value of the expansion of solar power in New York, Environment New York said. And right now, the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) is considering establishing a program, called Community Net Metering, to allow expanded access to clean energy. The program would allow energy customers to subscribe to a local renewable energy project and receive a utility bill credit for their portion of the energy produced. Solar advocates hoped today’s report would shed new light on the debate over New York’s net metering program.

“Solar power’s rewards are far greater than its costs,” said Leibowitz. “We should be encouraging even more solar, not penalizing it.”

Environment New York Research & Policy Center is a statewide advocacy organization bringing people together for a cleaner, greener, healthier future. www.EnvironmentNewYork.org

(Long Island, NY) Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts (www.usdan.com), the renowned Long Island summer arts day camp whose 48^th season kicked off today, features award-winning and fast-rising professional artists of music, dance and theater on its unique Festival Concerts series. The daily performances give its 1600 students ages 5-18 major exposure to the best of the arts.  These private performances are special educational experiences running through the first weeks of the season. After that, student classes take over, and every day features a different music, dance or theatre student ensemble in Usdan¹s 1,000-seat McKinley Ampitheater.

The 2015 series opened today, June 29 with the Donald Sinta Quartet, a rising young brass ensemble, already acclaimed by fellow artists and critics:  ³Nothing pleases me more than to write and sing their praises³ ­composer William Bolcom, who also created a concerto for them.  The succeeding days will feature the Limon Dance Company (June 30), praised by critics for their ³Indescribable magic³ and ³Extraordinary theatricality³; Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist/Usdan alumna Jane Monheit (July 1), whose just-released album Hello Bluebirdwith David Benoit has already started earning raves, such as ³Monheit shines throughout (Evening Standard, London) ³; The Knights (July 2), an innovative young chamber ensemble, praised for its ³Expressiveness and exuberance (New York Times) ³ and as  ³The highest level of musicianship (Washington Post) ³; The Chameleons mime theater, which has appeared throughout the world and garnered many awards for educational excellence (July 6); ³Voices of Broadway,² a musical revue featuring members of current Broadway casts (July 7) —Alysha Umpress, currently co-starring as Hildy in On the Town, Cody Williams, featured in the same show, Bernard Dotson, whose credits include Chicago, Finian¹s Rainbow and Ragtime, and Nathan Lee Graham, most recently in Priscilla, and also on film in Zoolanderand Zoolander 2; Edward Arron (³One of New York¹s most exciting young cellists³ ­ New Yorker) and pianist Jeewon Park, of ³Full tone and fluid line ­ New York Times³; pieces by the winners of the Young Choreographers Competition (created by Usdan Dance Chair Maurice Brandon Curry, Broadway choreographer and former Director of the Joffrey Ballet School) on July 9; Ghenghis Barbie (July 13), the edgy all-female horn ensemble noted for its ³Aplomb and vitality³ by the New York Times; jazz musician Camille Thurman, a winner of this year¹s Lincoln Center Martin E. Segal Award, and her Quartet (July 14); the Metropolitan Opera¹s ³Rich and sensuous voiced³ – Anthony Tommasini, New York Times) soprano Monica Yunus, on July 15; and Blair McMillen, a young pianist about whom Tommasini already said ³When played by the formidable McMillen, any piece sounds terrific (July 16) ³. There will also be one more artist on July 20, TBA.

Usdan Center offers more than 40 programs in music, dance, theater, visual arts, creative writing, nature and ecology and chess, annually hosting more than 1,600 students from towns throughout the Tri-State New York area. No audition is needed for most courses, and transportation is provided in air- conditioned buses that depart from most New York-area neighborhoods. One- third of Usdan¹s students receive scholarship assistance based on family need. Video from many of Usdan¹s programs and special events, may now be viewed on the Center¹s website, http://www.usdan.com as well as on YouTube. Also, families can check out Usdan¹s Facebook site, where additional information and late-breaking news is featured.   One recent special event has been free art exhibits at the lobby gallery of 430 Park Avenue and at the UJA on East 59^th Street in Manhattan, showcasing the work of almost two dozen Usdan students.

(Long Island, NY) Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman released the following statement on PayPal’s new robocalling commitments:

“Again and again, Americans have demanded that companies stop invasive robocalling to promote their products. Today, PayPal, which immediately cooperated with my office’s inquiry, announced that unless a consumer explicitly consents, it will not robocall for marketing purposes. We commend the company for doing the right thing and ensuring consumers’ rights are protected.”

In response to a letter from the Attorney General’s Internet Bureau PayPal will only robocall consumers in instances of fraud, debt collection or in relation to account activity. In the long term, PayPal has committed to providing additional opt-out features to consumers for even these calls at the point when a consumer discloses her phone number. In the meantime, consumers should contact PayPal directly to express their opt-out preferences.

A copy of the letter can be viewed here.

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Pattern Crime Unit detectives are investigating a bank robbery that occurred on Monday, June 29 in Patchogue.

Surveillance photo of the suspect from the Monday, June 29 Chase Bank robbery in Patchogue. Photo Credit: SCPD.

A man entered Chase, located at 472 Medford Ave., approached a teller at approximately 9:40 a.m. and presented a note demanding cash. The teller complied and the man fled on foot.

Surveillance photo of the suspect from the Monday, June 29 Chase Bank robbery in Patchogue. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The suspect was described as white, between 35 and 45 years old, approximately 6 feet tall to 6 feet 2 inches tall with a thin build.

Surveillance photo of the suspect from the Chase Bank robbery in Farmingville on June 11. Photo Credit: SCPD.

The suspect is also believed to have robbed the following banks:

• Chase, located at 2430 North Ocean Ave. in Farmingville, on June 11
• Chase, located at 2650 Sunrise Highway in East Islip, on June 24
• Capital One, located at 131 Portion Road in Lake Ronkonkoma, on June 25

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will remain confidential.

(Long Island, NY) The big news this week is the Macy’s fireworks show, which will happen in the sky above Long Island City on July 4. There’s also plenty of outdoor fun with concerts, movie screenings, and even a beach campfire. Here’s the rundown.

July 2, Outdoor Movies, dusk. The Queens World Film Festival presents independent foreign films. Free. Diversity Plaza, vicinity of 74th Street/Jackson Heights subway stop, www.queensworldfilmfestival.com.

July 2, Beach Campfire, 7 pm. National park rangers organize a campfire. Bring fixings for s’mores, blankets, and beach chairs. Free. Jacob Riis Park, Boardwalk and Beach 169th Street, www.nyharborparks.org.

July 3, Young Mr. Lincoln, 7 pm. Shown as part of The Essential John Ford, a tribute to the consummate American filmmaker, Young Mr. Lincoln presents a series of minor, mainly fictionalized events examining the U.S. president. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.movingimage.us.

July 4, Hot Jazz/Cool Garden Series, 2 pm. The Ladybugs provide the music. The house provides the red beans, rice, sweet tea, tours, and birthday cake in honor of Satchmo’s birthday. The Ladybugs are a traditional jazz vocal group known for intricate harmonies and experimental arrangements with ukulele, guitar, trombone, bass, and drums. $18/$45 series subscription. Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107th St., Corona, www.louisarmstronghouse.org.

July 4, Pilgrimage, 2 pm; Judge Priest, 4:30 pm. Shown as part of The Essential John Ford, a tribute to the consummate American filmmaker, Pilgrimage is about a mother who sends her son to war to prevent his marriage to a woman she doesn’t like. In Judge Priest, Will Rogers plays a noble judge who tries to vindicate the secret father of a girl and change southern prejudices. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.movingimage.us.

July 5, The Prisoner of Shark Island, 2 pm; The Grapes of Wrath, 4:30 pm; Judge Priest, 7 pm. Shown as part of The Essential John Ford, a tribute to the consummate American filmmaker, Prisoner of Shark Island is about Dr. Samuel Mudd, the man who unwittingly treated John Wilkes Booth after Lincoln’s assassination. With Henry Fonda, Grapes of Wrath is an adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel about Depression-era Okies on the road to California. In Judge Priest, Will Rogers plays a noble judge who tries to vindicate the secret father of a girl and change southern prejudices. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Kaufman Arts District, www.movingimage.us.

July 6, Bug Week + Bug Day, through July 11. From 1 pm to 3 pm, take part in insect- related activities. Hold a Madagascar hissing cockroach, observe bees in a hive, make a bee mask. $12-$15. New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111th St., Corona, www.nysci.org.

July 6, Lego Camp with Bricks 4 Kidz, through July 31. Each week children (ages 5-12) get a new design challenge that builds spatial and critical thinking and engages them in creative and educational play. Themes include: Amusement Park Camp, Space Adventure Camp, Super Hero Academy Camp, and Robotics. $225 per week for half day or $450 per week for full day; or $800/month to $1,600/month. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing, www.bricks4kidz.com/355.

July 7, The Iron Giant, dusk. Outdoor movie screening. Free. O’Donohue Park Performance Space, Beach 17th Street and Seagirt Boulevard, Far Rockaway, www.nycparks.com.

July 8, Live-In Maid, 7 pm. The 17th annual, eight-week Outdoor Cinema Festival includes open-air cinema, music, dance, and food. All films are presented in their original language with English subtitles and every film is projected onto a 40-foot wide screen. Live-In Maid is about a still-elegant divorcée, living in a fashionable Buenos Aires apartment. Her maid of 30 years massages her feet and freshens her drinks, but makes moves to abandon her. Free. SSP, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., LIC, www.socratessculpturepark.org.

July 8, Bridges and Sunsets: Roosevelt Island Tour, 6:30 pm. Official Queens historian Jack Eichenbaum leads a walking tour of the Roosevelt Island bridge and a stroll down to the island’s southern tip, where a new park honors FDR. $20, jaconet@aol.com.

July 8, Italian Nights 2015, 7:30 pm. The Federation of Italian American Organizations of Queens presents outdoor live music and dancing every Wednesday through Aug. 26. Free. Athens Square Park, 30th Street and 30th Avenue, Astoria, www.italianfederation.com.

The “It’s In Queens” column is produced by the Queens Tourism Council with the hope that readers will enjoy the borough’s wonderful attractions. More info at www.itsinqueens.com.