Author Archive
Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: I was left off the Gen X list
City & State somehow missed including its editor-in-chief from its newest, and possibly coolest recognition.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Politics
Politics
The latest from Somos 2023
Whether you’re in San Juan or not, keep up with the gossip from New York’s buzziest event of the year.
- By Rebecca C. Lewis, Annie McDonough, Holly Pretsky and Ralph R. Ortega
Nonprofits
Personality
Ninfa Segarra on Somos 2023
An interview with the former New York City deputy mayor for education and human services under Rudy Giuliani, who also sits on the board of the annual event in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Politics
Editor’s note: Eric Adams ditching Somos is his loss
Besides partying, the whole point of the conference is to support the relationship between the island territory and New York.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Heard Around Town
Politics
Democrats and Republicans turn out for opening of Brooklyn facility for older New Yorkers
The new Bay Ridge Center was celebrated with a show of bipartisan support that helped make the facility possible.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: I confess I too forgot Staten Island
I visited the borough as a teen and didn't return for years until I needed it as a place to live.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Personality
Editor’s Note: As Penn Station redevelopment plan moves forward, Moynihan Train Hall shouldn’t be taken for granted
The building evokes the grandeur of the original Penn Station, which was demolished 60 years ago this month.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Personality
Editor’s note: Is the NYPD’s K5 robot an example of friendly AI?
The robot has been working the midnight shifts and a recent holiday, which makes sense for keeping a watchful eye on crowds.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Personality
Editor’s Note: Eric Adams sadly delivered mixed messages on trip to Latin America
The New York City mayor was applauded for saying, “mi casa es su casa,” while at the same time warning there was no more room to house asylum-seekers.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Target should do more to stay in East Harlem
The retailer claimed it tried everything to fight theft at its first Manhattan store, but it’s still leaving the neighborhood when it’s desperately needed.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Nonprofits
Personality
What brings Nicole Malliotakis together with Justin Brannan? A senior center in Bay Ridge
The Bay Ridge Center raised $5 million and secured a major grant to go from operating out of a church basement for nearly half a century to occupying a newly renovated 21,000 square foot building.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
MagazineShow All
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Don’t let migrant protests taint New York’s reputation
The violence that erupted at a Staten Island rally against asylum-seekers moving into a local shelter was a warning.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: Penn Station redevelopment plan deserves an RFP
A competitive selection process may be the best way to reimagine the nation’s busiest transit hub.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Heard Around Town
Politics
Remembering Ruschell Boone: A journalist who connected with New Yorkers and their elected officials
State Attorney General Letitia James, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams joined other politicians at the NY1 anchor’s funeral Tuesday.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Luis Miranda Jr.: Elected officials need to improve outreach to Latino voters
The veteran political consultant reviewed the results of his own poll of Latino New Yorkers and urged for better communication from politicians.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: A much-needed hug on 9/11 that I’ll never forget
I don’t often talk about that day, but a recent phone call reminded me how New Yorkers showed up for one another.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
How connectivity fits into New York’s future infrastructure plans
Boingo Wireless CEO Mike Finley talks about his election to the Regional Plan Association and insights for New York’s wireless tech future.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s Note: Name-calling over the asylum-seeker crisis is the real ‘buffoonery’
This is no time for New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his former mayoral challenger Curtis Sliwa to get personal over the influx of migrants.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Opinion
Opinion
Editor’s Note: A longer-term permit renewal might get James Dolan to contribute to Penn Station’s redevelopment
Incentives may get the Madison Square Garden owner to do his part for the redevelopment of the nation’s busiest transit hub.
- By Ralph R. Ortega
Editor's Note
Opinion
Editor’s note: Congestion pricing is a necessary evil that waits for no one
It’s not a great time to roll out the tolling program, even if it’s the right thing to do.
- By Ralph R. Ortega