April 2023 - ciaooo!

Today’s Newsletter is sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of NYCGet tickets to the upcoming Night Market Fundraiser here!

GOOD NEWS

Block Parties are Back!   Open Streets is back this summer! Launched in 2020, the free program allows community groups and businesses to close down streets around the city for street par-tays. Prepare for 160 locations stretching almost 300 blocks, including 25+ new sites. Apply to throw your own!

WTF! NEWS

But What About the Libraries?! – The NYPL is facing a $52.7 million budget cut, which would cut programs, including weekend service. On the other hand, the NYPD had their budget increased by $366 million. Shoutout to our reader Ayumi for sending this tip! Unfair? Write a letter here 

GIVE US THE SCOOP

2. THE WEIRD HISTORY OF MAY 1ST

AND YOU THOUGHT MOVING WAS ROUGH IN NYC?
If you thought moving was annoying, imagine if EVERYONE moved on the same day every year. Did you know that May 1st was once the only day New Yorkers could move from their apartment? All leases in the city used to expire at 9 AM on May 1st at the same time.

It’s estimated that over a million city residents changed their residences simultaneously.  It wasn’t until the start of World War II that Moving Day ended, as the moving industry lost its strapping young men to the war overseas. 
 
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH “MAYDAY!”
The term “Mayday” was created by Frederick Mockford, a radio officer at Croydon Airport in London, as an international distress call in 1948 after the French word m’aider, which means “help me”. 
 
Next week, May 1st, count your blessings so you no longer have to move on the same day! Like this weird history? Let us know if you want more! 

OH HEY, HELLO, ciaooo! 

3.  THE BEST NIGHT MARKET IS COMING TO TOWN

If you like Smorgasburg, the Queens Night Market, and being a fantastic human, this event is for you! 
 
Join Big Brothers and Big Sisters of NYC for a night of food, parties, and prizes! Get ready for an Asian and Latino feast of epic proportions with food from NYC classics like Jing FongAy Cachapas, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, and more!
 
You’ll also have the chance to win prizes from 15 brands like Barry’s, Estee Lauder, Grit Boxing, NBA store, and Sleep No More! 
 
*Funds raised directly support language access programs at BBBS of NYC, namely the New American Program(NAP), which pairs 1st generation immigrant youth with safe and affirming culturally supportive mentors*
 
Details:
The Penthouse
617 W 46th Street
June 15, 2023
Early Bird Special $99
Open Bar
PS – If you can’t make it, you can donate directly to the organization via the link below! 

Community-first. Women-led. ciaooo! is on a mission to empower brands and organizations that make NYC a better place. Learn more! 

Chau Mui

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SHE’S AN ICON. SHE’S A LEGEND, AND SHE IS THE MOMENT. 

GOOD NEWS

“A Goat is Tied to the Stairwell in My Building” –  Did you know? 311 turned 20 years old this year! The city’s complaint hotline celebrated over 525 million reports since its launch in 2003. Tap the link to read some of the funniest complaints the city has seen.

NYPD Arrests Robbery Suspects in Hell’s Kitchen – Last summer, robberies, and drug deaths rocked the gay community in and around nightclubs in Hell’s Kitchen. The suspects were caught after they drugged the victims and Cashapped thousands of dollars to themselves.

BAD NEWS

Rent Is On The Rise-  If you’re looking for an apartment…you should start saving now. The average rent in Manhattan is up 10% compared to last year. Exp: a studio apartment costs $3,268 compared to $2,896 last year. A 1 bedroom is $4,269 compared to $3,885. Roommates are still cool, right?

GIVE US THE SCOOP

2.  WHO IS THE RAT CZAR OF NEW YORK CITY?

All ye rats, bow down to the rat Czar!!
 
FAMOUS RATS IN NEW YORK CITY CULTURE
First, there was Splinter, the mutant rat and martial arts sensei of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Then came the infamous Pizza Rat in 2015, a real-life rat dragging a full-size slice of pizza down the stairs at the West 4th station. But today? In 2023? We are here to talk about this generation’s newest icon…The Rat Czar. 
 
WHO IS THE RAT CZAR?
While rats have always been synonymous with NYC (sadly), the number of rat sitings has skyrocketed since the Pandemic. In 2020, the city saw about 16 K complaints; in 2022, the city saw 26 K! 
 
Last November, Mayor Eric Adams announced a viral job posting for NYC’s first-ever Rat Czar. The role would be tasked with working with city agencies to reduce the number of rats. You may have seen other initiatives like rat-proof bins and trash pick-ups no earlier than 8 pm.
 
The Rat Czar is Kathleen Corradi, a sustainability expert who beat out 900 applicants for the role. As a former director at the NYC Department of Education, she developed the city’s Zero Waste Schools initiative to reduce waste…and rodents!
 
ARE RATS A SIGN OF THE TIMES?
While the concept of a rat czar is funny…the reality isn’t. 
 
According to NY’s Chief of Staff, Camille Joseph Varlack, “Rats are more than just a quality-of-life issue – they are a symbol of systemic issues that for too long have plagued New Yorkers, particularly low-income and communities of color.”
 
Rats indicate that the city struggles with essential social services – from sanitation to education to housing, parks, and even schools. The first initiative will occur in Harlem, dispersing over $3.5 million across six city agencies to mitigate rodents.

OH HEY, HELLO, ciaooo! 

3.  DISCOVER YOUR FAVORITE NEW ARTIST AT THE CLIO ART FAIR

Want to discover the next big artist? Dubbed the “Anti Fair for Independent Artists,” the Clio Art Fair showcases independent artists without exclusive gallery representation in NYC.
 
It is held biannually in May and September. The fair is known for its democratic approach to art and emphasis on showcasing artists from various backgrounds and styles. The fair is named after Clio, the Greek Muse of History and Poetry, and is intended to give artists a platform to create a legacy through their work.
 
Location:
Clio Art Fair 
Free – $20
May 18-21, 2023
550 West 29th st.
New York, NY 10001

Community-first. Women-led. ciaooo! is on a mission to empower brands and organizations that make NYC a better place. Learn more! 

team ciaooo

ciaooo! is an NYC based editorial site, newsletter, and events company. We're the local's guide to conquering NYC. Follow us on Instagram @ciaooomag for the latest. Nice to see you here!

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