QUEENS - Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, along with Councilmember Helen Sears, celebrated Women's History month tonight at a reception honoring five women for their leadership and work advocating for children. Hosted by Jodi Applegate from Good Day New York, the reception highlighted the achievement of one woman from each of the city's five boroughs. Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum said, "As the first female Public Advocate and the only female city-wide elected official, I am inspired every day by the hard work and compassion of my female colleagues, in and out of government. An event like tonight, that gathers so many successful and inspirational women in one place, shows us just how far we've come." More...

BRIARWOOD, NY (March 28, 2008) -- Councilman James F. Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows) gathered with Briarwood residents, including members of the Briarwood Community Association, to discuss and celebrate a recent downzoning they all championed that will save many area private homes from being converted into large apartment buildings. "Briarwood has always cherished the charming private homes of its rolling streets and thanks to this downzoning, many of these homes won't be razed to make way for tall apartment buildings," said Councilman Gennaro, who is working to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods all over his eastern Queens City Council district. "I commend the Department of City Planning, Sey Schwartz and the Briarwood Community Association for working with me to preserve Briarwood's character." More...