Quick Update...

Hello! First, apologies for not updating especially when there has been so much happening within the first 2 weeks of the month of the new year! This post is going to be just a quick rundown of what has happened, thoughts, and updates. I will be back updating regularly soon!

Oakland, CA
A BART (San Francisco area public transportation) officer, Johannes Mehserle, fatally shot an unarmed young man, Oscar Grant, in the back, on New Year's Day. This incident was caught on video by many passengers waiting on the train. Protests ensued to end police brutality. Mehserle showed up in Nevada to avoid aggression to him and his family. He surrendered to the police and is currently charged with murder. Protests are on the rise and Oakland has hired private security guards to help quell the violence. Oscar Grant's mother has pleaded with the Oakland community to stay peaceful and stop the violence because it will only harm the community even more, which is something Oscar will not want.

NYC Firehouses
After a last minute City Council meeting regarding the firehouse night closures throughout NYC, its still closing. Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scopetta stands by these closures that will save the Fire Department roughly $9 million a year. Staten Island Councilman Oddo mentioned that if there were going to be any changes, then a City Council meeting would have happened earlier and not the day right before the closures are planned to happen.

NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson
Comptroller Bill Thompson(Dem) officially announced his candidacy for NYC Mayor on January 14, 2009. This will be a hard race to win with the popular incumbent NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg running for re-election for a third term. U.S. House Representative, Anthony Weiner is also a candidate for mayor for the Democratic ticket. It is too early to tell who will run on the Republican ticket, but Mayor Bloomberg might fill that position. The election will be held on November 3, 2009.

Hillary's Empty Seat
Now that Senator Hillary Clinton has become the Secretary of State, her position will have to be filled by appointment by New York Governor Paterson. There are at least two possible contenders. Caroline Kennedy (daughter of President John F. Kennedy) and Andrew Cuomo (son of NY Governor Mario Cuomo). With these political dynasties vying for one seat, it will be an interesting appointment for Governor Paterson to make. Hopefully, all New Yorkers will be in good hands. Caroline Kennedy is an attorney, and also acts on the boards of many non-profits, schools, and commissions. Andrew Cuomo is the current Attorney General of New York, who was elected in 2006. Cuomo has also served in President Clinton's cabinet as a member of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Also on a side note, Caroline Kennedy is the cousin of Andrew Cuomo's ex-wife. So this practically makes it a family affair.

Inauguration Day is Jan. 20th!
Parties and get-togethers are happening everywhere. Check out the local political groups (such as NY Young Democrats/Republicans). Also the local listings in your local papers. Many bars/lounges will also be celebrating.