EPA Reaches Settlement for $6.6 Million Groundwater Cleanup at San Gabriel Valley Superfund Site

The U.S Environmental Protection Agency has entered into three settlements totaling $6,605,080 to help pay for groundwater cleanup at the South El Monte portion of the San Gabriel Valley Area 1 Superfund Site in Los Angeles, Calif. Since EPA began cleaning up this site in 2008, approximately 4,600 pounds of contaminants have been removed from the groundwater.

EPA has recovered a total of $25 million for the South El Monte cleanup, with the latest $6.6 million to pay for extraction and treatment of groundwater polluted with industrial solvents such as TCE (trichloroethylene) and PCE (perchloroethylene), a chemical once common in dry cleaning operations.

"EPA remains committed to pursuing parties responsible for environmental damage in the San Gabriel Valley," said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA's Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. "So far, more than ten billion gallons of water have been treated to provide safe drinking water for the local communities."

The three settlement claims were brought by the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of EPA and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control against eleven current or former landowners and operators of business facilities that contributed to the contamination in South El Monte.

The first of the recent consent decrees was entered in the federal District Court on April 13, 2012. The second and third consent decrees were lodged on May 15, 2012. All three resolve liabilities for contamination.

The eleven responsible parties are Quaker Chemical Corporation; Art Weiss, Inc.; Astro Seal, Inc.; Craneveyor Corp.; EBA, Inc. D/b/a Earl Butler & Associates; M&T, LLC; Mary Brkich; New Air, Inc.; Pacific Coast Drum Co.; Seachrome Corporation; and Linderman Living Trust A.

The San Gabriel Valley Area 1 Superfund site was placed on the National Priorities List in 1984, and overlays approximately eight square miles of solvent-tainted groundwater in the areas of South El Monte, El Monte and Rosemead. The San Gabriel Valley is a suburban, largely-developed portion of Los Angeles County containing more than one million residents and covering more than 170 square miles.

EPA signed an interim Record of Decision with the goal of containing contaminated groundwater at the site in 2000 and issued an Explanation of Significant Differences to address new contaminants in 2005. The San Gabriel Basin Water Quality Authority implements the cleanup under a Cooperative Agreement with EPA. The agreement funds groundwater extraction and treatment systems operated by the City of Monterey Park, San Gabriel Valley Water Company, and Golden State Water Company.

For more information on the San Gabriel Valley Superfund Area 1 Site, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region9/southelmonte

A cocktail reception, with food and an open bar

Thursday, May 24, 2012, from 6:00 until 9:00 PM,

• Feminist $150
• Bra Burner $250
• Aspirin Holder $500
• Wonder Woman $1,000. 

              

With JPMorgan Chase Bank, one of the nation's biggest financial institutions, under scrutiny for its recent $2 billion in trading losses, Americans feel more strongly than ever that no bank is "too big to fail."

Seventy-one percent (71%) say the government should let troubled banks, even ones that big, go out of business rather than find a way to keep them going, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey of American Adults. That's up 15 points from 56% in July 2010.

Just 19% think that if some of the largest banks in the country reach a point where they can no longer meet their obligations, the government should find a way to keep them in business. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

The national survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on May 14, 2012 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

NYC Rules Updates ~ May 15, 2012

The following NYC Rules update includes: (1) all City agency proposed rules posted to NYC Rules that remain open for written public comment, (2) adopted rules that took effect during the previous week, (3) adopted rules soon taking effect; and (4) agency regulatory agendas for fiscal year 2013 posted to the NYC Rules website.

Please visit NYC Rules to read agency rules, to submit comments online on proposed rules, and to learn about the rulemaking process.

Proposed Rules Open for Written Public Comment

• Health Tribunal Rules of Practice (OATH)--Written comments must be submitted by May 28.
  
  
• Commercial Motor Vehicle Tax Payment (TLC)--Written comments must be submitted by May 29.
  
  
• Street Hail Livery Technology System Security (TLC)--Written comments must be submitted by May 30.
  
  
• Violation Classifications--Concrete Washout Water & Unsafe Facades (DOB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 1.
  
  
• Waiver of a Finding of Non-Responsiveness (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• Performance Evaluations Required for Contracts for Goods Procured by Competitive Sealed Bids on the Basis of Best Value (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• Authorizing the Purchase of Goods and Standard Services on the Basis of Best Value Through Competitive Sealed Proposals (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• Purchase of Goods and Standard Services on the Basis of Best Value Through Competitive Sealed Bidding (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• Special Case Determination for Contracts Awarded on the Basis of Best Value to the City Through Competitive Sealed Bidding (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• Public Hearing Requirements for Contracts Awarded Based on Best Value (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• Definitions of the PPB Rules (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• Micropurchases (MOCS/PPB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 4.
  
  
• ** Board of Standards and Appeals Rules of Practice and Procedure (BSA)--Written comments must be submitted by June 6.
  
  
• ** Street Activity Permit Requirements and Processes--Technical Amendment (Loft Board)--Written comments must be submitted by June 11.
  
  
• ** ECB's Buildings Penalty Schedule (OATH/ECB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 12.
  
  
• ** ECB's Buildings Penalty Schedule (OATH/ECB)--Written comments must be submitted by June 12.
  
  
• ** Apartment/Loft Guidelines Order No. 44 and Hotel Guidelines Order No. 42 (Rent Guidelines Board)--Written comments must be submitted by June 18.
  
  
• ** Occupant Qualified for Article 7-C Protection (Loft Board)--Written comments must be submitted by July 12.
  
  
• ** Sales of Improvements (Loft Board) --Written comments must be submitted by July 12.
  
  
• ** Harassment (Loft Board)--Written comments must be submitted by July 19.
  
  
• ** Sales of Rights (Loft Board)--Written comments must be submitted by July 19.
  
  
• ** Interim Rent Guidelines & Rent Adjustments (Loft Board)--Written comments must be submitted by July 27.
  
  

Adopted Rules That Took Effect During the Previous Week

• Directed Accident Response Program Participation Fee (DCA)--Rule took effect May 10.
  
  
• ECB's Health Code and Miscellaneous Food Vendor Violations Penalty Schedule (OATH/ECB)--Rule took effect May 11.
  
  
• Amendment to Special Inspectors and Special Inspection Agencies (DOB)--Rule took effect May 13.

• Amendment of Hoisting Machine Operator Rules (DOB)--Rule takes effect May 26.
  
  
• Taximeters for Street Hail Liveries (TLC)--Rule takes effect May 27.
  
  
• Drivers of Street Hail Liveries (TLC)--Rule takes effect May 27.
  
  
• Street Hail Livery Bases (TLC)--Rule takes effect May 30.
  
  
• Street Hail Technology System (TLC)--Rule takes effect June 2.
  
  
• Street Hail Livery Service (TLC)--Rule takes effect June 2.
  
  
• Carbon Monoxide Detecting Devices (HPD)--Rule takes effect June 2.
  
  
• ECB's Buildings Penalty Schedule (OATH/ECB) --Rule takes effect June 8.
  
  
• ** Home Improvement Contractor Exam Fee (DCA)--Rule takes effect June 11.
  
  
• ** Home Improvement Business Trust Fund Invasion (DCA)--Rule takes effect June 11.
  
  

Obama administration presents national plan to fight Alzheimer's disease

HHS Secretary Sebelius outlines research funding, tools for health care providers, awareness campaign and new website

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius yesterday released an ambitious national plan to fight Alzheimer's disease. The plan was called for in the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), which President Obama signed into law in January 2011. The National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease sets forth five goals, including the development of effective prevention and treatment approaches for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by 2025.

In February 2012, the administration announced that it would take immediate action to implement parts of the plan, including making additional funding available in fiscal year 2012 to support research, provider education and public awareness. Today, the Secretary announced additional specific actions, including the funding of two major clinical trials, jumpstarted by the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) infusion of additional FY 2012 funds directed at Alzheimer's disease; the development of new high-quality, up-to-date training and information for our nation's clinicians; and a new public education campaign and website to help families and caregivers find the services and support they need.

To help accelerate this urgent work, the President's proposed FY 2013 budget provides a $100 million increase for efforts to combat Alzheimer's disease. These funds will support additional research ($80 million), improve public awareness of the disease ($4.2 million), support provider education programs ($4.0 million), invest in caregiver support ($10.5 million), and improve data collection ($1.3 million).

"These actions are the cornerstones of an historic effort to fight Alzheimer's disease," Secretary Sebelius said. "This is a national plan--not a federal one, because reducing the burden of Alzheimer's will require the active engagement of both the public and private sectors."

The plan, presented today at the Alzheimer's Research Summit 2012: Path to Treatment and Prevention, was developed with input from experts in aging and Alzheimer's disease issues and calls for a comprehensive, collaborative approach across federal, state, private and non-profit organizations. More than 3,600 people or organizations submitted comments on the draft plan.

As many as 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and that number is likely to double in the coming years. At the same time, millions of American families struggle with the physical, emotional and financial costs of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

The initiatives announced today include:

• Research - The funding of new research projects by the NIH will focus on key areas in which emerging technologies and new approaches in clinical testing now allow for a more comprehensive assessment of the disease. This research holds considerable promise for developing new and targeted approaches to prevention and treatment. Specifically, two major clinical trials are being funded. One is a $7.9 million effort to test an insulin nasal spray for treating Alzheimer's disease. A second study, toward which NIH is contributing $16 million, is the first prevention trial in people at the highest risk for the disease.
• Tools for Clinicians - The Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded $2 million in funding through its geriatric education centers to provide high-quality training for doctors, nurses, and other health care providers on recognizing the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and how to manage the disease.
• Easier access to information to support caregivers-HHS' new website, www.alzheimers.gov, offers resources and support to those facing Alzheimer's disease and their friends and family. The site is a gateway to reliable, comprehensive information from federal, state, and private organizations on a range of topics. Visitors to the site will find plain language information and tools to identify local resources that can help with the challenges of daily living, emotional needs, and financial issues related to dementia. Video interviews with real family caregivers explain why information is key to successful caregiving, in their own words.
• Awareness campaign - The first new television advertisement encouraging caregivers to seek information at the new website was debuted. This media campaign will be launched this summer, reaching family members and patients in need of information on Alzheimer's disease.

Today's announcement demonstrates the Obama administration's continued commitment to taking action in the fight against Alzheimer's disease.

In 2013, the National Family Caregiver Support Program will continue to provide essential services to family caregivers, including those helping loved ones with Alzheimer's disease. This program will enable family caregivers to receive essential respite services, providing them a short break from caregiving duties, along with other essential services, such as counseling, education and support groups.

For more information on the national plan to address Alzheimer's disease, visit: www.alzheimers.gov.

Jonlly Fruits Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Allergens In Several Products

Jonlly Fruits Inc., Bayamón, PR, is alerting consumers about their brands Jonlly Fruit and Natural Tropic: China (Orange), Acerola (Wild Cherry), Uva (Grape), Parcha (Passion Fruit), Fruta (Fruit Punch), Limón (Lemon), Toronja (Grapefruit), Guava-Piña (Guava-Pineapple), Guanábana (Soursop), China Light (Orange Light), Mandarin (Mandarina), and China-Zanahoria (Orange-Carrot) because it may contain undeclared sodium caseinate (a milk derivative). People who are allergic or are severely sensitive to milk run the risk of a serious or a life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Jonlly Fruits and Natural Tropic brand beverages were distributed through supermarkets, bakeries and retails stores throughout the island. The products are coded with expiration dates from March 1, 2012 to July 2, 2012 and were packed in plastic containers (1 gal) and bottles (64 oz).

The recall was initiated after it was discovered during an FDA inspection that products were distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk derivative ingredient. The formulation was adjusted to eliminate the use of the ingredient and provisional labels declaring the allergens were prepared to re-label products already available for distribution.

Consumers should verify if the products they have at home are dated with an expiration date from March 1, 2012 to July 2, 2012. If the product does not contain the additional label declaring the ingredients, consumers are urged to contact the company at 787-787-0625.

Nestlé Purina Voluntarily Recalls Single Lot of Therapeutic Canned Cat Food Due to A Low Level of Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

Nestlé Purina PetCare (NPP) is voluntarily recalling one specific lot of its Purina Veterinary Diets® OM Overweight Management canned cat food, available through veterinarians in the U.S. and Canada.  This precautionary measure is being taken in response to one consumer complaint received by FDA.  Analytical testing of the product sample by FDA indicated a low level of thiamine (Vitamin B1).  Purina has received no other complaints of thiamine-related or any other health issues related to this product. 

Only cans with the following "Best By" date and production code shown are included in this voluntary recall:

*"Best By" Date and Production Code are found on the bottom of the can.

Cats fed this affected lot exclusively for several weeks may be at risk for developing a thiamine deficiency.  Thiamine is essential for cats.  Symptoms of deficiency displayed by an affected cat can be gastrointestinal or neurological in nature.  Early signs of thiamine deficiency may include decreased appetite, salivation, vomiting and weight loss.  In advanced cases, neurological signs can develop, which may include ventriflexion (bending towards the floor) of the neck, wobbly walking, falling, circling and seizures.  Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat is displaying any of these signs.  If treated promptly, thiamine deficiency is typically reversible.

This product was distributed to veterinary clinics between June, 2011 and May, 2012 throughout the U.S. and Canada.  The product is not sold in retail stores.

No additional Purina cat or dog products are involved in this voluntary recall.  No other Purina Veterinary Diets® products are involved, and only Purina Veterinary Diets® OM canned cat food which match the "Best By" dates and production code above are included in this recall.

Consumers who have purchased Purina Veterinary Diets® OM canned cat food cans with these specific "Best By" Date and Production Codes should discontinue feeding the product, and discard it. 

At Nestlé Purina PetCare, the safety and efficacy of our products are our top priority.  We apologize for any inconvenience due to this voluntary recall.  For further information or to obtain a product refund, please contact Nestlé Purina as follows:

U.S. Consumers & Veterinarians:
Call toll-free 1-800-982-8837 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time, or visit www.purinaveterinarydiets.com^{1 2}.

Canadian Consumers & Veterinarians:
Call toll-free 1-866-884-8387 Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, or visit www.purina.ca^{3 4}.

MAYOR BLOOMBERG AND COMMISSIONER KELLY HONOR 15 FALLEN NEW YORK CITY POLICE OFFICERS

Late last week, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly presided over a Police Memorial Day ceremony at One Police Plaza honoring 15 members of the New York City Police Department, 13 of whom died of illnesses developed after performing rescue, recovery and clean-up work following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Two others were killed while responding to criminal incidents: Detective Peter Figoski was shot Dec. 12, 2011 while responding to a home-invasion robbery in the 75th Precinct. The suspect was chased by Figoski's partner and apprehended minutes after the shooting; four accomplices also were later apprehended and charged. Police Officer Alain Schaberger was killed while attempting to place a domestic violence assailant under arrest last March, in the 84th Precinct. Officer Schaberger was pushed by the perpetrator from a building stoop, causing him to fall nine feet.

"Today, we pay tribute to 15 members of the world's greatest police department," said Mayor Bloomberg. "When you hear the roll call of their names, you'll recognize that they traced their origins to many different parts of the world, but wherever their roots ran back to, they all had this in common: they swore a sacred oath of service. Each never swerved from fulfilling it - whatever the risks they faced - and each gave their lives protecting the rest of us. Today, their names join hundreds of others on the wall of honor here at One Police Plaza. It's a memorial to all those in the long and heroic blue line who have for more than 160 years kept us safe, and who have reduced crime today to levels not seen in decades."

"It has been said that, 'Whoever renders service to many puts himself in line for greatness.' Today, we commemorate the lives of these 15 officers who, in service to the people of this city, have earned their rightful place in our hall of heroes," said Commissioner Kelly.

The names of six police officers, five detectives, two sergeants, a lieutenant and captain were unveiled on plaques in the "Hall of Heroes" inside Police Headquarters. They are:

Detective Peter Figoski joined the Department in 1988 and worked on patrol in the 75^th Precinct, where he helped to reduce crime in East New York by more than 70 percent over two decades. Detective Figoski was looked upon as a mentor and a model for young police officers. He was 47.

Police Officer Alain Schaberger was a member of the United States Navy who was awarded two service medals in the military. He joined the Department two months before 9/11 and was recruited along with his classmates in the Police Academy to direct traffic and provide security at Ground Zero. Officer Schaberger worked in Midtown South Precinct, Manhattan Court Section and then served in Brooklyn's 84^th Precinct. He was 42.

Captain Barry Galfano was a biology teacher before he joined the department in 1981. He served as Commanding Officer of Transit District 34, Patrol Borough Brooklyn North Anti-Crime and the Queens North Narcotics Division. Three weeks before 9/11, Captain Galfano was chosen to lead the Emergency Service Unit. He responded to the World Trade Center despite being on vacation and spent nine straight months at Ground Zero. He was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and passed away in June 2011, at age 57.

Lieutenant Jacqueline McCarthy served the Department for 25 years, including 10 years as commander of the Counseling Services Unit that provides assistance to police officers and civilian employees. Lieutenant McCarthy held a master's degree in social work and was a credentialed substance abuse counselor who helped ensure that the Counseling Services Unit achieved state certification. After September 11^th, Lt. McCarthy counseled the families of lost police officers at Ground Zero. She was 50.

Sergeant Charles Clarke spent 20 years serving in public housing Police Service Areas 7 and 8 in the Bronx. As Police Service Areas 8's Crime Analysis Supervisor, he helped to identify trends in criminal activity. During his six years in that position, crime in the command fell by 44 percent. Sergeant Clarke responded directly to Ground Zero on September 11^th and perished of lung cancer in 2009. He was 53.

Sergeant Harold Smith joined the NYPD in 1985 and was in charge of the construction workers who came from all over the country to assist first responders at Ground Zero. He served in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island, where, in 2005, he helped to lead a team of narcotics officers in Staten Island, culminating in the arrest of 45 suspected drug dealers. Sergeant Smith was 47.

Detective Kevin Czartoryski was a former Police Cadet who served the Department for 20 years, in commands including the Organized Crime Control Bureau Narcotics Division, the Hate Crime Task Force, where he was a founding member. Detective Czartoryski was assigned to a makeshift morgue established at Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11 and later to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information. While in that command, he also worked as liaison to the city's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community. He was 46.

Detective John Goggin made 500 arrests in his 20-year career, most of them for felonies. He joined the Department in 1982 and served the Citywide Street Crime Unit and the Narcotics Division, earning promotion to detective in 1990. He worked in Detective Squads in the 88^th, 83^rd and 94^th precincts, was widely admired for his skill, experience, and instincts. He was 53.

Detective Edwin Ortiz served 20 years in the Department, in Manhattan and the Bronx. After serving as an investigator in the Vice Enforcement Division and Bronx Narcotics, Detective Ortiz spent the last eight years of his career in the 40^th Precinct Detective Squad. He made 600 arrests during his career. Detective Ortiz died one week before his 57^th birthday.

Detective Joseph Seabrook began his career in 1995 in the 28^th Precinct and spent five years in the Narcotics Division before serving in the 20^th Precinct, where he was honored several times as "Cop of the Month." In 2009, he helped to launch an investigation into drug sales in Manhattan's Amsterdam Houses, enabling detectives to arrest 28 suspected drug dealers. Detective Seabrook was active in his church and coached the youth basketball team, having played himself and won a basketball scholarship to Queens College. He was 46.

Police Officer Bobby Ehmer spent most of his 20-year career in the 110^th Precinct, assigned to a sector that included the Grand Central Parkway and other major roadways. His personnel folder contained multiple letters of gratitude from stranded motorists and accident victims whom he kept safe. On his days off, Officer Ehmer served as Emergency Medical Technician and ambulance driver for Saint Joseph's Hospital in Queens. He spent countless hours at Ground Zero, both as an Emergency Medical Technician and as a Police Officer. He was 47.

Police Officer Edward Ferraro joined the Department in 1984 and served one decade of his career in the Queens Task Force where he was part of a unit that targeted drunk drivers. He also made several gun arrests, including one in which he wrestled a loaded firearm away from the suspect. Officer Ferraro later joined the Management Information Systems Division, where he is remembered as being indispensable. He was 49.

Police Officer David Mahmoud served 15 years in the 75^th Precinct and was assigned to the Burglary Apprehension Team. Working in plain clothes and in uniform, he once chased a gunman who had just committed a murder. Officer Mahmoud earned 21 medals and two commendations, and is remembered as a caring colleague and mentor to many new officers who arrived at the 75^th Precinct. He was 49.

Police Officer Martin Tom joined the department in 1990, inheriting his older brother's police shield after his brother was promoted to detective. Officer Tom was first assigned to the 7^th Precinct and was chosen for the Patrol Borough Manhattan South Task Force, later becoming a member of the Taxi Unit. He joined the department's licensing division in 2008, where he investigated people seeking gun permits. Officer Tom was 49.

Police Officer George Wong spent 14 years of his 21-year career working the overnight tour in the 5^th Precinct in Chinatown, where his ability to speak Cantonese and his interpersonal skills helped him to earn the trust of the public. In May of 2001, he joined the department's Identification Section, analyzing fingerprints and conducting criminal background checks. Officer Wong helped to provide security at Ground Zero, and for the last two years of his career, was part of Headquarters Security. He was 48.

Twenty-three members of the service were killed Sept. 11, 2001. Since then, a total of 51 officers and one civilian now have been recognized as having died of illnesses developed after work they performed at the World Trade Center site and Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island, where debris from the destruction was received and processed.

Police Memorial Day was established by Congress in 1962 and proclaimed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963, designating May 15 of each year as Peace Officers Memorial Day in honor of the Federal, State, and municipal officers killed or disabled in the line of duty.

Friend -

Two years ago, we worked together to clean up Albany and send a message that the people of the Northwest Bronx deserve a Senator that will fight for them and with them. With your help, I became that State Senator.

Last year, I pushed to extend the millionaire's tax and strengthen rent laws to protect tenants. I helped pass legislation that has made it mandatory for public officials to disclose all sources of their income.  I worked to get an Executive Order signed into law that will ensure immigrants in New York State are able to receive translation services when accessing state services. Thanks to your work, I have relayed messages and stories from my neighbors in the Bronx directly to the Governor and had conversations that led to changes in policy.

But there's a lot more work to do in Albany and I cannot continue to serve the people of the 33rd Senate District without your help.

In less than a month, on June 5th, petitioning will begin and I will be collecting signatures to get on the ballot.  That's why I am asking you to sign up to volunteer and to be a part of my 2012 campaign.

I couldn't have won without your hard work - the work of the hundreds of folks that knocked on doors, made calls and collected signatures two years ago. Please help me do it again.

Sincerely,

Gustavo Rivera

Presidential Proclamation -- Older Americans Month, 2012

OLDER AMERICANS MONTH, 2012
- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

America endured great trials and heralded defining triumphs over the course of the 20th century, and the men and women who saw us through that time remain among our Nation's greatest assets. Through their guiding wisdom, enduring love of family, and inspiring commitment to country, older Americans continue to steer and enhance our national life.

Our seniors make countless contributions as active participants in communities across America. From our parks and schools to our faith and service organizations, the generosity and talents of active seniors augment our children's education, bring our families together, and strengthen the fabric of our society. This year's theme for Older Americans Month, "Never Too Old to Play," celebrates the accomplishments of older Americans and encourages them to find even more ways to stay engaged. May 7 through May 11, 2012, is also Senior Corps Week, when we celebrate the service of the over 300,000 Senior Corps volunteers. Individuals interested in information on local volunteer opportunities can visit www.SeniorCorps.gov.

As we honor the achievements and ongoing contributions of older Americans, my Administration is working with States, territories, and tribes to provide them with support to stay healthy, independent, and engaged. We remain deeply committed to strengthening Medicare, protecting Social Security, enhancing Older Americans Act programs, and implementing the historic Affordable Care Act, which provided more than 32 million seniors with at least one free preventive service or wellness visit last year and helped over 5 million save more than $3.2 billion on prescription drug costs in 2010 and 2011. The Department of Health and Human Services recently awarded more than $1.3 billion in grants to ensure the health and independence of America's older adults, including $20 million focused on fitness, chronic disease self-management, and medication management. And the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is safeguarding older Americans from unscrupulous financial schemes that threaten their fiscal security.

Our seniors have devoted their entire lives to building the future their children and grandchildren deserve. During Older Americans Month, we celebrate their successes and recommit to supporting them as they shape America's next great generation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2012 as Older Americans Month. I call upon all Americans of all ages to acknowledge the contributions of older Americans during this month and throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Stop-and-Frisk is in dire need of reform.

New Yorkers are demanding solutions, and we've outlined several on our new website, including how we can reduce unwarranted stops by using COMPSTAT to hold officers accountable for the bad stops in their precincts.

But while we're proposing common-sense policy changes, the Mayor is stuck in the mud.

Refusing to even acknowledge our proposals, the Mayor's only response has been to ignore the substance of the people's concerns and resort to cheap personal attacks.

But no amount of insults will overshadow the unavoidable truth: we must act on this now.

That's why we launched our petition demanding Mayor Bloomberg take action.

Click here to sign the petition now, get the facts on Stop-and-Frisk and find other ways to make an impact.

Thank you,

Bill de Blasio

Debt Collectors Settle with FTC, Agree to Stop Deceiving and Abusing Consumers

Consumers Were Subjected to Collection Efforts for Magazine Subscription Debts They Did Not Owe, FTC Alleges

Defendants in a debt collection operation that allegedly sought payment for bogus magazine subscription debts have settled with the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC alleged in its complaint that the defendants knew, or should have known, that some of the magazine subscription debts they were collecting were not valid. The defendants, who handle collection of hundreds of thousands of accounts each year, violated the FTC Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, and the Telemarketing Sales Rule, according to the complaint.

The proposed settlement order, filed by the Department of Justice on the FTC's behalf, bars Luebke Baker and Associates, Inc., Kevin Luebke, and other defendants from representing that a consumer owes a debt without having a reasonable basis to do so, and from making any other misrepresentations when collecting debts or selling goods and services.  It also requires the defendants to conduct a reasonable investigation when a consumer disputes a debt or when the defendants otherwise have reason to question whether the debt is valid.

Under the proposed settlement order, when the defendants attempt to collect debts, they must provide consumers with disclosures about their rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.  The proposed order also requires the defendants to inform their collection employees of their personal obligations under the Act.

The Luebke defendants allegedly collected on debts for magazine subscriptions despite the fact that the FTC had successfully sued the company that originally sold the magazine subscriptions for deceptive marketing.  The defendants were notified of a 2003 federal court order against Cross Media Marketing Corp. that placed special requirements on anyone attempting to collect payment for these magazine subscriptions.

The FTC alleged that the Luebke defendants ignored these requirements and repeatedly told consumers the debts were due and payable.

The complaint also alleges that the Luebke defendants:

• illegally masked their identity and sent false information over caller ID, falsely posing as Ed McMahon, attorneys from a law firm, and other entities;
• falsely told consumers that magazine subscription debts are exempt from the statute of limitations; and  
• illegally threatened to garnish wages and take other unintended legal actions.

The defendants also marketed a credit repair CD titled "Credit Solutions," allegedly collecting an up-front fee before providing any goods or services, in violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, which bans advance fees imposed by companies selling credit repair goods and services, according to the complaint.

The complaint and proposed settlement against Luebke Baker and Associates, Inc. and Kevin Luebke also name as defendants Leslie M. Farrar, Matthew T. Scott, and Joel P. Ferguson. They also name Kevin Luebke's wife, Julissa Luebke, as a relief defendant.

The proposed settlement imposes monetary judgments totaling $3.1 million - $2.3 million in civil penalties for violations of the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, $730,000 in disgorgement for collecting Cross Media Marketing Corp. accounts in violation of the FTC Act, and $45,000 in restitution to consumers for charging an advance fee for a credit repair product in violation of the Telemarketing Sales Rule.  In addition, a judgment is imposed against relief defendant Julissa Luebke for $420,000.  The judgments will be suspended, based on most of the defendants' inability to pay, when Farrar pays $20,000.  If it is later determined that the financial information the defendants provided was false, the full amount of the judgments will become due.

For consumer information about dealing with debt collectors, see Debt Collectio n
FAQs:  A Guide for Consumers.

The Commission vote to authorize the staff to refer the complaint to the Department of Justice and to approve the proposed consent decree was 3-1, with Commissioner J. Thomas Rosch voting no.  The Department of Justice filed the complaint and proposed consent decree on the FTC's behalf in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, Peoria Division, on May 11, 2012.  The proposed consent decree is subject to court approval.

NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has "reason to believe" that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest.  The complaint is not a finding or ruling that the defendant has actually violated the law.  This consent decree is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by the defendant of a law violation.  Consent decrees have the force of law when signed by the District Court judge.