Man in stolen car kills New Bedford man in Las Vegas collision on Sunday

A local man out of state was killed over the weekend and a driver arrested after a two-vehicle collision.

According to the Las Vegas Police Department, on Sunday just before 3:00 p.m., a fatal collision occurred at the intersection of West Laredo Street and South Torrey Pines Drive.

Evidence at the scene and surveillance video indicated that a stolen 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Pickup truck, driven by 26-year-old Alexis Pineda, was traveling eastbound on Laredo at a high rate of speed, approaching the intersection with South Torrey Pines Drive intersection. A 2022 Dodge Challenger was traveling southbound on Torrey Pines Drive approaching the intersection with Laredo Street.

Stephanie Castellone Facebook photo.

A collision occurred when the Chevrolet failed to stop for a marked stop sign at the intersection. The front of the Chevrolet collided with the passenger door of the Dodge.

Pineda and two passengers exited the vehicle and fled the area on foot. They were all taken into custody a short time later.

The occupants of the Chevrolet were taken to the hospital for medical evaluation.

The driver of the Dodge was also transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

The passenger of the Dodge, 63-year-old Michael Hope of New Bedford, MA, was transported to the University Medical Center Trauma Center, where, despite all life-saving efforts, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Pineda showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DUI and other related charges. The driver was released from UMC and booked into the Clark County Detention Center.

“At approximately 3p Sunday, almost directly across from the house we live in, Adam was hit by a drunk driver who had stolen a car and was in a high speed chase with the police.

The man T boned Adams car going 70-80 mph. My step father was with him. Adam was taking him for a quick spin in his challenger. At approximately 4:30p the wonderful man who I am very proud to have called my step father breathed his last breath. I am still in utter shock, as him and my mother just came to down Saturday night to visit us for the week.

Adam survived and has two broken ribs. He was kept overnight at UMC for observation and did well. I am hoping to take him home today. My mother is with me and we are doing all we can for her. My step father was such a wonderful man, the best of the best. I apologize to all ahead of time if I don’t answer right away. Thank you.”-Stephanie Castellone.

Massachusetts Sen. Markey to Zuckerberg: “Stop Meta’s plan to use AI targeted at youth!”

“Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and author of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998 (COPPA), sent a letter today to Mark Zuckerberg, chairman and chief executive officer of Meta, urging him to pause the company’s plan to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots into its social media platforms to attract and retain younger users. Senator Markey’s letter follows Meta’s announcement earlier today that it would launch a series of AI chatbots on its platforms.

Specifically, the AI chatbots could create new privacy harms and exacerbate those currently prevalent on the platform, including invasive data collection, algorithmic discrimination, and targeted advertisements. Research has [doi.org/10.1509/jppm.09.003]shown that targeted advertising is addictive, manipulative, and misleading for children and teens who are still developing their cognitive skills. In 2019, Facebook launched its Messenger Kids app for kids between the ages of 6 and 12, which allowed them to bypass protections and talk to strangers.

In his letter to Zuckerberg, Senator Markey wrote, “Although artificial intelligence has recently attracted significant attention in Washington, AI-powered algorithms — and their risks — are nothing new. For years, Meta and other social media platforms have employed algorithms to collect vast amounts of user data, build precise user profiles, and target users with advertising. These black box algorithms have caused serious harms — from collecting and storing detailed personal information to facilitating housing discrimination against communities of color.”

Given Meta’s past violation of young users’ privacy rights, Senator Markey requested answers to the following questions by October 18, 2023:

1. Please describe Meta’s plans for introducing chatbots into its services, including any efforts to encourage younger users to use the chatbots.
2. Please describe Meta’s plans to collect data from users of its chatbots and how this data will be used.
a. Will Meta commit to not using the data to target advertisements to young users? If not, why not?
b. Will Meta commit to not using the data collected from young users to train its chatbots? If not, why not?
3. Does Meta intend to include advertising in its chatbots? If so, how will Meta ensure that those advertisements are clearly identified and do not confuse users, especially younger users? Will Meta commit to not including targeted advertising in these chatbots? If not, why not?
4. Has Meta tested its chatbots to ensure they do not discriminate against users based on protected characteristics, including race, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity? If so, please identify the testing that Meta has performed.
5. Has Meta conducted any research on the potential social and emotional impact of chatbots on younger users? If so, please include that research in your response. If not, why not? Has Meta consulted with experts and parents on the impact of chatbots on young users? If so, please describe those conversations. If not, why not?
6. How will Meta ensure that it complies with the commitments it made to the White House on AI safety in July 2023? For example, will Meta commit to publicly reporting its AI-powered chatbots’ capabilities, limitations, and areas of inappropriate use and to prioritize research on potential discrimination and bias in its chatbots?

For years, Senator Markey has been a national voice in working to hold Meta accountable for its privacy protections. In March, he and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) wrote a letter to Zuckerberg calling on the company to halt its reported plan to open Horizon Worlds, its landmark virtual reality environment platform in the metaverse, to teens ages 13 to 17. In April 2022, the lawmakers, along with Representatives Lori Trahan (MA-03) and Kathy Castor (FL-14), demanded answers from Zuckerberg about pro-eating disorder content on Instagram that targets kids and teens. In 2012, then-Rep. Markey queried Facebook about reports that it was considering a plan to allow children under the age of 12 to have access to the social networking site.

In July, Senators Markey and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) were successful in advancing their Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) through the Senate Commerce Committee. The legislation would update Senator Markey’s 1998 COPPA law and expand online privacy protections to better ensure children and teens are protected online.”

New Bedford Fire Department offer helpful advice after space heater fire

“Shortly after 5:00am this morning, the NBFD responded to 90 Clark Street for a reported fire. The fire was caused by combustibles placed on top of a natural gas powered space heater. The fire was quickly extinguished and the only tenant residing in the apartment was displaced.

With the cooler weather on the way, this is a good opportunity to remind everyone to make sure their heating units, whether stationary or portable, are free of combustibles. The thermostat may still be set from last season and turn the unit on without you knowing and ignite combustibles placed on top of or nearby the heating element.

Here’s a few precautions you can take to stay safe and remember to make sure you have working smoke alarms installed in your residence.”-New Bedford Fire Department.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.

New Bedford Police Department reminds resident to “Lock It Up!” after spate of car breaks, thefts

“***LOCK IT UP****

The New Bedford Police Department would once again like to remind you that the single best thing you can do to prevent vehicle theft is to keep your doors locked.

Please also be aware that since a popular post on “Tik Tok” was shared across social media, thefts of Kias and Hyundais are up.

• Lock your car
• Remove your valuables
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Call suspicious activity into 911

Stay Safe ☺️!”-New Bedford Police Department.

New Bedford Police Department photo.

New Bedford man arrested twice in one day for allegedly dealing crack cocaine

“NEW BEDFORD – Narcotics detectives arrested a man last Thursday afternoon for crack distribution, and then again in the evening after he had been released.

At around 1 PM on Thursday the 21st, detectives were conducting surveillance in the County St. bar district. At this time, Sgt. Jonathan Lagoa observed a drug deal taking place on Acushnet Ave. in the area of Delano St. Units moved in and it was soon discovered that Mr. DANILSON MONIZ, 19, of 73 Dunbar St., had sold a baggie of crack cocaine to EDWIN REYES, 45, of 177 Cove St. Both parties were taken into custody and MONIZ was found to be in possession of $160 that was seized as proceeds from illicit drug trade.

MONIZ was arraigned in New Bedford District Court shortly thereafter and released without bail.

At around 7 PM, detectives were still conducting surveillance in the south end, and Det. Sgt. Jonathan Lagoa once again observed MONIZ in the area of the County St. bars. MONIZ entered a vehicle and made his way to Buttonwood Park in the area of the library. While there, he was observed meeting with a second male and yet another drug transaction was suspected. As the second male left the scene on foot, he was stopped by detectives. He was identified as Mr. ANTHONY DAROSA, 57, of North Dartmouth. DAROSA was found to have a baggie of crack cocaine in his possession that he had just purchased from MONIZ.

MONIZ was located and stopped shortly thereafter in the County St. bar district. He was once again taken into custody, this time having $70 in his possession that was seized as a result of the nature of his charges. He was released shortly thereafter from the Ash St. Jail.

DANILSON has two previous charges for the distribution of crack cocaine stemming from incidents in both November and December of last year. Both of these incidents took place in the County St. bar area and both were subsequently dismissed in New Bedford District Court.

DANILSON MONIZ is now charged with two counts of distributing crack cocaine and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance laws. EDWIN REYES and ANTHONY DAROSA are both charged with possession of class B substance and conspiracy.

“We will continue to focus efforts on the County St. bar district and address the problems that the neighborhood faces. We seek the partnership of the community in providing us with information and continued support. It’s unfortunate that we do not have stronger cooperation from New Bedford District Court in terms of how the cases we bring before them are handled, however, this will not deter our officers from performing the great work they do on a daily basis.”
-Chief Paul Oliveira

If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.If you have any information you would like to share with the police, you can do so anonymously by visiting our website, newbedfordpd.com, or by calling 508-99-CRIME.” -New Bedford Police Department.

Lithium-ion battery scooter “explosion” causes fire at Crapo Street home in New Bedford

“Yesterday morning at 8:25am, 911 calls were received reporting some type of “explosion” and fire at 23 Crapo Street. This structure is a two-story, wood-frame, two-family dwelling and was protected by working fire alarms.

First arriving crews observed a smoke condition on both floors and located a fire in the basement. The fire was extinguished with one hose line. Fire crews located a 60V electric scooter powered by lithium-ion batteries. The scooter was removed to the exterior. Crews performed ventilation and air monitoring.

Lithium-ion battery mitigation equipment was deployed by the Hazardous Materials Officer and the crew of Ladder 3. The battery assembly was removed from the scooter and placed in a steel container and filled with CellBlockEX. The container was transported to an approved storage site.

The fire was investigated by the NBFD Fire Investigation Unit. NBEMS evaluated several adults and six children on scene but they did not require transport to the hospital. None of the tenants were displaced. NBPD also provided assistance on scene.”-New Bedford Fire Department.

All photos by the New Bedford Fire Department:

Massachusetts education officials release accountability results; recovery plans for New Bedford

Tackling learning loss & achievement gaps are the focus of district plans.

“The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released the 2022–2023 statewide accountability results that include achievement and growth scores from both ACCESS and MCAS testing. The accountability results also measure progress in the areas of attendance, graduation and dropout rates, and advanced coursework.

For New Bedford Public Schools, accountability measures set a new baseline compared to 2019, the last time a full accountability report was issued. District results summarize scores seen across New Bedford schools with some schools landing above the state average and some below.

Interim Superintendent Andrew O’Leary noted, “MCAS offers a consistent measure of student achievement and compared to 2019 most of our schools have either maintained or seen a decreased number of students meeting or exceeding expectations. This very clearly demands a focused plan for recovery. We’ve got work to do.”

When compared to the pre-pandemic rate of English Language Arts (ELA) achievement for students in Grades 3-8, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations has dropped from 34 to 24 percent.

Mathematics achievement has experienced a similar 10 percent drop, from 32 to 22 percent, for students taking the MCAS in Grades 3-8.

However, 10th Grade ELA performance has improved slightly during that same period, from 24 to 25 percent of students meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. High school mathematics is down from 20 to 16 percent.

NBPS is building goals and targets starting from these accountability results, recognizing that learning loss and achievement gaps must be overcome.

Specific district actions underway this year include:

• A dedicated Academic Achievement Subcommittee to monitor academic progress
• Strategic professional development for all staff in culturally and linguistically sustaining teaching practices
• Prioritization of specific student groups who may need more support to meet and exceed grade-level standards
• Internal accountability systems overseen by a District Instructional Leadership Team
• Progress monitoring in partnership with MADESE’s Office of the Statewide System of Support
• Strategic support and monitoring of individual School Improvement Plans.

Although New Bedford Public Schools exceeded DESE’s targets set for improvement of chronic absenteeism, the DESE targets still represent a rate of chronic absenteeism that will make recovery from learning loss difficult to improve. “We need students in school every day for the 180 days of the school year. Even when a child has perfect attendance, they are in school less days than they are out of school during the 365 days of the year,” urges Interim Deputy Superintendent, Darcie Aungst. “Attendance matters.” “Our students are amazing and they can achieve at grade-level and beyond and good attendance is the first step in doing so.”

Families will be receiving their child’s individual state report cards in October and the Interim Deputy Superintendent, Darcie Aungst encourages families to partner with their child’s teacher and schools to ensure that all New Bedford students achieve at grade-level and beyond.

MCAS, as well as all other accountability measures for NBPS and for all of Massachusetts school districts, are published on the DESE website.”

Massachusetts police arrest Ecuadorian allegedly operating dentist’s office out of convenience store

“On Monday, Sept. 18, after an extensive investigation, the Milford Detective Bureau and Milford Patrol Division, in conjunction with the Milford BoH, investigated an elaborate illegal dental operation being conducted at No. 140 Main Street, Suite 7, Alternativa Convenience Store.

The proprietor, Ms. Maria Magdalena Guaman-Castro of Alternative Convenience Store, rented a room in the rear of the store to a Mr. Juan Hermida Munoz without a license and provided dental services including examaniations, tooth extraction, anesthetics, and cleanings.

Mr. Munoz is not Board Certifie and holds no certifications to practice medicine within the United States. This practice puts th elives of patients in danger by unsanctioned and unsanitary conditions in receiving medical treatments.

The following have been arrested and charged:

1. Mr. Juan Hermida Munoz
• Medicine, Unauthorized Practice Of
• Dentistry, Unauthorized Practice Of

2. Ms. Maria Magdalena Guaman-Castro
• Conspiracy.” Milford Police Department.

Milford Police Dpeartment photo.

Milford Police Dpeartment photo.

New Bedford Oktoberfest Is Back! A Seventeen Year Tradition Returns October 7th

Every fall, The Southcoast is brought to the peak of autumn with an event that celebrates the season with a huge impact. New Bedford Oktoberfest, the South Coast Business Alliance’s Signature event boasts its position as being THE signature fall event of the Southcoast! This is more than just a beer festival. It’s more than amazing live and local music. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and make a huge difference by being the voice for those who do not have one. This year’s event returns Saturday, October 7 from 3pm to 11:30pm.

The SCBA’s Mission has been, since inception, to provide services, funding and hope to the most vulnerable and at-risk youth of the Southcoast. The organization is comprised of a 100% volunteer board, and the passion for every member runs deep. Being able to provide opportunities and services to at-risk youth is paramount to creating a safer and stronger future for our region. The South Coast Business Alliance has generated over one million dollars through this event over the last nearly two decades.

The event runs from 3:00pm to midnight and tickets start at just $15 when purchased in advance. In addition to a variety of brews available, food trucks and food vendors are on-site ready to provide delectable choices to pair with your drink.

Part of the Oktoberfest tradition is to also provide local entertainment a platform to showcase their talents at one of the most well-attended and high-profile events in downtown New Bedford. The bands featured range from young musicians just getting their feet wet on the performance circuit, to local staples that define artistry on the Southcoast. This year’s line-up includes Off-Kilter, Craig Demelo Band, Alexa Cabral (Cathching Arrows Band), Morrissey Boulevard, and 7 Day Weekend. For stage times and additional details on performers, visit southcoastbusinessalliance.org.

Because the SCBA is all volunteer-based, 100% of proceeds are donated and circulated right back into the Southcoast through non-profit organizations whose mission and direct services align with our own. Be part of one of New Bedford’s most memorable and benevolent events by getting your tickets now at nboktoberfest.com.

“Jim Jordan’s disingenuous indignation: where was his outrage when MAGA attacked the capitol?”

The following is an opinion sent to New Bedford Guide. It does not reflect the opinion of New Bedford Guide, nor is it an OP-ED. In fairness and objectivity, we share opinions from our readers whether we agree or disagree with their opinion.

Do you have a counter opinion to this opinion? Have an opinion about something else? Email us at info@newbedfordguide.com.

_____________________________________________________________

“If only Representative Jim Jordan showed such outrage when the Capitol was attacked by MAGA supporters, when Donald Trump withheld and lied about classified documents, and when the legion of lawyers and public officials joined the chorus of election deniers, thereby contributing to the further erosion of the public’s trust in the electoral system. And of course Jordan looked the other way while Trump and family continually enriched themselves during his entire presidency.

Jordan has spent much of his congressional career inveighing against one person or proposed policy after another. Never leading the charge for something positive ,he always pops up with loud and hyperbolic accusations against any Democrat he can smear and thereby bring media attention to himself.

His anger is never directed at corrupt legislators or officials clearly affiliated with his own party or policies. His fury is also not necessarily aimed at substantiated allegations. Not applying criticism to some of the most blatantly corrupt figures his periodic outbursts ring hollow to those who see it for what it really represents:

anger motivated by pure opportunism.”-Betty Ussach, Dartmouth.