How Do We Stop Gun Violence? |
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Dear Friend,
Gun violence is fast proving to be the second pandemic of 2020. All across our nation, there are reports of significant increases in gun violence.
Here in Plainfield, we have also been impacted by this awful trend, and it begs the questions, how do we stop it?
It is unrealistic to expect our police force to be everywhere at all times. It requires everyone to play a part to combat this scourge and keep our community safe.
· We must keep continued pressure on our lawmakers to pass sensible gun reform laws and reduce easy access to dangerous weapons.
· We must begin to establish a culture of gun safety and reduce firearms access to youth and individuals who pose a risk to others and to themselves.
· We must hold the gun industry accountable and establish credible oversight regarding the sales of guns.
· Our dialog around gun safety must include gun owners and dealers so they can buy into the solution(s)
· Parents, guardians, teachers and the community at large must be a part of the solution
Gun violence must be recognized as a public health crisis - one which is critical and preventable. There should be research and guidance from health-based organizations such as the CDC to provide science-based advice. Aside from legislation from lawmakers, it also requires the community to move in co-operation with elected leaders to implement plans that include intervention.
After the announcement of a national emergency and the release of social distancing guidelines in mid-March, many Americans rushed into gun stores. This rush was fueled by the NRA's fear-mongering messaging that social unrest was inevitable and that the government would not protect them. This buying spree resulted in an estimated 5.9 million guns sold from March to May 2020, an 80 percent increase over the same time last year.
Along with a surge in gun sales came an unprecedented increase in kits and parts orders to make ghost guns. These are homemade guns assembled from readily available, unregulated gun building blocks. Because these guns cannot be traced, they have become a weapon of choice for violent criminals, gun traffickers, dangerous extremists, and other people legally prohibited from buying firearms. Congress should pass the newly introduced Untraceable Firearms Act of 2020. States should pass laws to regulate the sale of ghost guns and the parts necessary to build them.
As a community, we must remain vigilant and protect our city by being the eyes and ears. If you see something, say something. We cannot do it alone, and at the end of the day, this impacts every single one of us. Stopping gun violence requires multi-faceted action and buy-in from all the stakeholders. If we don't act together, we will continue to be set upon by those who mean no good to our community.
We will continue to take all of the actions necessary to find and stop those who want to hurt and spread fear. We ask that you work with us to keep our city safe for all who live here.
God Bless and Stay Safe
Creating One Plainfield. One Future.
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¿Cómo detenemos la Violencia Armada? |
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Querido Plainfield,
La violencia con armas de fuego está demostrando ser la segunda pandemia de 2020. En toda nuestra nación, hay informes de aumentos significativos en la violencia con armas de fuego.
Algunas ciudades se están viendo muy afectadas. En Cincinnati, los homicidios están duplicando con creces lo que fueron en 2019. En Louisville, los tiroteos aumentaron un 82% con respecto a 2019. La semana después de que entró en vigencia su orden de quedarse en casa, Filadelfia vió 40 incidentes de tiroteo, aproximadamente el doble de lo que suele ver. . Y Jacksonville, Florida, experimentó 17 homicidios en marzo, lo que lo convierte en el marzo más mortífero en 15 años.
Aquí en Plainfield, también nos ha impactado esta terrible tendencia, y surge la pregunta, ¿cómo podemos detenerla?
No es realista esperar que nuestra fuerza policial esté en todas partes en todo momento. Requiere que todos participen para combatir este flagelo y mantener a nuestra comunidad segura.We must keep continued pressure on our lawmakers to pass sensible gun reform laws and reduce easy access to dangerous weapons.
· Debemos comenzar a establecer una cultura de seguridad de las armas y reducir el acceso a las armas de fuego a los jóvenes y las personas que representan un riesgo para los demás y para ellos mismos..
· Debemos responsabilizar a la industria de las armas y establecer una supervisión creíble con respecto a las ventas de armas.
· Nuestro diálogo sobre la seguridad de las armas debe incluir a los propietarios y distribuidores de armas para que puedan aceptar la (s) solución (es)
· Los padres, tutores, maestros y la comunidad en general deben ser parte de la solución.
La violencia con armas de fuego debe reconocerse como una crisis de salud pública, una crisis crítica y prevenible. Debería haber investigación y orientación de organizaciones de salud como los CDC para brindar asesoramiento con base científica. Aparte de la legislación de los legisladores, también requiere que la comunidad actúe en cooperación con los líderes electos para implementar planes que incluyan la intervención.
Después del anuncio de una emergencia nacional y la publicación de las pautas de distanciamiento social a mediados de marzo, muchos estadounidenses se apresuraron a entrar en las tiendas de armas. Esta prisa fue impulsada por los mensajes de la NRA que sembraron el miedo de que el malestar social era inevitable y que el gobierno no los protegería. Esta juerga de compras resultó en un estimado de 5,9 millones de armas vendidas de marzo a mayo de 2020, un aumento del 80 por ciento con respecto al mismo período del año pasado.
Junto con un aumento en las ventas de armas, se produjo un aumento sin precedentes en los kits y pedidos de piezas para fabricar armas fantasma. Estas son armas caseras ensambladas a partir de bloques de construcción de armas no regulados y fácilmente disponibles. Debido a que estas armas no se pueden rastrear, se han convertido en el arma preferida de los criminales violentos, traficantes de armas, extremistas peligrosos y otras personas a las que legalmente se les prohíbe comprar armas de fuego. El Congreso debería aprobar la Ley de Armas de Fuego Intrazable de 2020, recientemente introducida. Los estados deberían aprobar leyes para regular la venta de armas fantasma y las piezas necesarias para construirlas.
Como comunidad, debemos permanecer vigilantes y proteger nuestra ciudad siendo los ojos y los oídos. Si ves algo, di algo. No podemos hacerlo solos y, al final del día, esto nos impacta a todos y cada uno de nosotros. Detener la violencia armada requiere una acción multifacética y la aceptación de todas las partes interesadas. Si no actuamos juntos, seguiremos siendo atacados por aquellos que no significan nada bueno para nuestra comunidad.
Continuaremos tomando todas las acciones necesarias para encontrar y detener a aquellos que quieren herir y sembrar el miedo. Le pedimos que trabaje con nosotros para mantener nuestra ciudad segura para todos los que viven aquí.
Dios los bendiga y manténgase a salvo.
Creando un Plainfield, un Futuro
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It's Up to Me to Stop Gun Violence |
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Indoor Dining Open with Restrictions |
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From the Mayor’s Office
Indoor Dining Open with Restrictions
September 3, 2020
Dear Plainfield Residents,
Governor Murphy has issued an Executive Order allowing for the resumption of indoor dining, effective September 4th. This is not a full scale re-opening, there are guidelines that must be followed to protect the health and safety of restaurant patrons, i.e.:
- Only 25% of seating capacity allowed inside
- Patrons are required to wear masks unless they are eating, under the age of 12, or have a health issue
- Staff members are required to wear masks
- Tables are to be spaced at least 6 feet apart
- Guests can only place orders while seated at a table
- Staff can only bring food and beverages to tables
- Patrons are barred from walking around while eating
- Seating is limited to a maximum of 8 customers per table – unless from an immediate family or the same household
- Restaurants that provide food service at their bars may allow patrons to dine at the bar – provided that all diners are kept at proper social distance. Any group seated together at the bar is capped at four individuals
- Customers are required to provide a phone number to facilitate contact tracing
- Windows must be opened to ensure a proper flow of fresh air into the dining areas
- Air conditioner units must be operated to allow for the maximum amount of outdoor air to be introduced to the dining area
You can read more specifics of the Governor’s Order by clicking HERE, or going to www.nj.gov
If you have questions pertaining to the new indoor dining guidelines, please contact the Plainfield Health Division at (908) 753-3084
It has been a long road back to this point and I thank you for your patience and diligence as we work to keep everyone safe. I ask that you remain vigilant and exercise the utmost care even as we cautiously re-open. All patrons should adhere to all the guidelines as stated in the Executive Order.
I have no doubt that this will pass and we will soon be able to get back to full capacity – but until then your continued co-operation is greatly appreciated.
Thank you, and I look forward seeing our fine restaurants serving our residents once again
Creating One Plainfield, One Future
Sincerely,
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From Mayor Adrian O. Mapp, the City Council and Administration
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
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JOIN US FOR
Plainfield COUNTS! 2020 Census Party
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Below is the sign in information for Zoom:
Meeting ID: 494 831 0281
Passcode: census2020
One tap mobile
+19292056099,,4948310281#,,,,,,0#,,8769016851# US (New York)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 494 831 0281
Passcode: 8769016851
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Plainfield Residents - Time is Running Out for Us to Complete the 2020 Census
It Will Shape Our Future for 10 Years
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25 Days Left for Plainfield to be COUNTED! |
¡Quedan 25 días para que se cuente Plainfield!
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Wednesday Business Webinar Series Presented by Plainfield SID
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Plainfield Action Services - CARES
Relief & Recovery Program
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Haga clic aquí para ver la versión en español (Click Here for the Spanish Version) |
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Plainfield is a Report It Community
"See Something Say Something"
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Mayor Adrian O. Mapp and the City of Plainfield are committed to making it as easy as possible to report concerns in your city. To that end, we've partnered with REPORT IT, which is now live in Plainfield and ready to be used as an important supplemental reporting tool.
Report it makes community reporting easier than ever! Residents and visitors can download the app by scanning the barcode below or by going to your phone's app store. Your reports will be submitted to the appropriate city department, and the city will work to resolve the issue or complaint.
You have the power to be the eyes and ears of our city! Your reports can greatly increase the quality of life in Plainfield. Let's work together to keep our city safe- If you see it, say it with Report It.
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Summer Meals Program 2020 |
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The annual summer meals program concluded today with 55,246 meals distributed. Thank you to the Division of Parks and Recreations and the Plainfield Public Schools for ensuring that our children did not experience food insecurity during the summer months. |
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City Hall - COVID-19 - Modified Schedule |
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Skip the Trip to City Hall - Do Business Online!
Omita el Viaje al Ayuntamiento -
Hacer negocios en línea
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The situation with the Coronavirus changes rapidly and we want to ensure that you are aware of all resources available to you. Please click on the below button for a COVID-19 resource Guide |
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COVID-19 Testing Options
for Plainfield Residents
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Emergency Food Providers & Resources|
Proveedores de emergencia y recursos
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September is National Literacy Month |
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September is National Literacy Month, a time to encourage the young people in your life to go to the library, pick up a good book, and explore new worlds.
For younger students, it's a great time to sit down together and read a book out loud.
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UNION COUNTY: Union County Urges Residents to Help Fight Against the Spotted Lanternfly |
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Invasive insect threatens native trees and plants, and can destroy valuable crops.
Union County residents who are looking for ways to help the environment are advised to be on the lookout for the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that can destroy native trees like the black walnut, red maple, silver maple, and river birch.
The spotted lanternfly is also notorious for damaging crops and ornamental flowers.
“Union County residents have worked hard to preserve open space and protect native habitat in our public parks, so we all have a stake in ensuring that the spotted lanternfly does not take hold in our area,” said Freeholder Chairman Al Mirabella.
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“I encourage everyone to help do a service to our native ecosystems by learning how to recognize this pest and its eggs, and destroying any that you encounter.”
The adult spotted lanternfly is easily recognized by black speckles on whitish upper wings and red lower wings. The insect lays egg masses of 30-50 eggs over a small area of about 1 inch, typically on flat surfaces including the outsides of vehicles. Masses laid on trees are mainly found about 10 feet above ground.
The spotted lanternfly is an invasive species of Asian origin that was originally confirmed to be spreading in Berks County, Pennsylvania, in September 2014. However, in 2018 the plant hopper was seen in New Jersey.
Lanternflies feed on more than 70 different trees and plants, but are particularly dangerous to New Jersey flora such as grapevines, roses, and the river birch, silver/red maple, and black walnut trees. Because of the lethality to these particular NJ plants, a lanternfly infestation could potentially prove damaging to New Jersey’s economy.
The New Jersey Department of Agriculture currently has eight counties under “quarantine” for the spotted lanternfly, including Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Somerset, and Warren. Union County may soon be next on that list, as residents have reported lanternfly sightings in Westfield, Springfield, and more.
Residents are advised to kill any lanternflies they encounter, whether by force or sprayed insecticide. Since the spotted lanternfly typically lays its eggs in October, residents are also instructed to be on the lookout for egg sacs and, if spotted, scrape them into a plastic bag full of rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
Residents are also advised to inspect their cars for lanternflies or eggs after traveling to one of the aforementioned quarantine counties, particularly if on a hiking or other nature trip, and act accordingly to prevent the lanternfly from hitchhiking back to Union County.
Spotted lanternfly sightings should be reported to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture by calling 609-406-6943 or emailing slf-plantindustry@ag.nj.gov.
For more information and updates on all Union County services during the COVID-19 outbreak, including guidance for using the Drive-Through Test Center at Kean University and a list of locations for walk-up tests in local communities, visit ucnj.org/coronavirus-update.
For general information about COVID-19 and phone contacts for 24/7 assistance with questions, visit the New Jersey Department of Health at nj.gov/health.
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FROM THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE:
Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Criminalizing a False 9-1-1 Call Based on Race or Protected Class
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Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation (A1906), which would amend current law to include false incrimination and filing a false police report as a form of bias intimidation. The bill also establishes crime of false 9-1-1 call with purpose to intimidate or harass based on race or other protected class.
“Using the threat of a 9-1-1 call or police report as an intimidation tactic against people of color is an unacceptable, abhorrent form of discrimination,” said Governor Murphy. “This irresponsible misuse of our 9-1-1 system places victims in a potentially dangerous situation, and can erode trust between Black and Brown New Jerseyans and law enforcement. Individuals who choose to weaponize this form of intimidation should held be accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”
"Over the past two years we've worked hard to build and strengthen trust between communities and law enforcement, and this law will help us further racial justice while keeping our residents safe," said Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal. "Not only is falsely calling 911 a form of intimidation against people of color that places its victims in danger, it interferes with 911 emergency operators trying to save lives and puts law enforcement at risk. This law demonstrates New Jersey takes addressing racial bias incidents seriously."
In a joint-statement, Assemblymembers Benjie Wimberly, Yvonne Lopez, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, and Cleopatra Tucker said:
"With the ongoing protests further highlighting the turbulent relationship between police officers and the black community, the insidious threat of a false 9-1-1 call or police report has never been clearer. We cannot allow anyone to call the police or file a report against someone simply because they do not like the victim’s race, gender, religion or some other identifier. The police are not personal enforcers to be called whenever someone’s identity offends you – they are to be called in the event of a true emergency. Today, our state makes it clear that this intimidation will not be tolerated here.”
"Calling the police when no crime has occurred can be incredibly dangerous for victims of this attempt at bias intimidation, since officers have wide latitude to detain people in ways that can quickly escalate into life and death situations,” said Senator Nia Gill. "The adoption of this law moves us one step closer to ensuring that New Jersey’s police are not weaponized for purposes of bias intimidation, and those who attempt to do so will be held accountable under this law."
“As our country finds itself in the grips of racial and social unrest, those who seek to weaponize and enflame these tensions should be held accountable,“ said Senator Troy Singleton. “Not only are false 9-1-1 calls a waste of resources, but when they are used to harass or intimidate someone based on their race, religion, sexuality or other protected classes, they risk escalating it into a potentially deadly situation. Under this new law, anyone who files a false police report will be subject to criminal penalty.”
“We have seen, time and time again, the immense physical and emotional impact of weaponizing the police against Black and brown individuals. No one should fear having the police called on them simply because they are walking their dog, barbequing with friends or asking a fellow New Yorker to follow the law," said Senator Shirley Turner. "I am grateful Governor Murphy saw the value in criminalizing this dangerous tactic and I hope other states will follow suit."
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One Plainfield. One Future |
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