Queens Simmers as Power is Spotty

Hey ConED, it gets hot in the summer EVERY YEAR SINCE THE BEGINNING OF HUMAN CIVILISATION!! Give us more electricity, it's your damn job. You can't F-ING BLAME the citizens for using electricity when it's 100 degrees out! You call them "Peak Load Days"; well I call them "The Jerkoffs at ConED Need to F-ING Work Harder Days".

Shut your yaps and do your goddamn job.

The most maddening part is the fact that there has been absolutely no effort whatsoever made to communicate any kind of ETA on when things will be fixed.

And Con Ed blamed Queens residents...

Of course, because Queens residents just HAPPEN to use more electricity than the rest of us.

Douchebags.

If I had an entire refrigerator of spoiled food, I'd bag it up and drop it off at the nearest ConEd office.

What makes this a little more disconcerting is that this summer, overall, has been relatively cool. What would happen if we had a crazyass scorcher of a summer? And why do they tell only the Queensers to reduce usage? Couldn't they ask the whole city to curtail consumption and then shift some juice to QNS?

Do you think Con Ed will accept a pro-rated account payment for July???

They've cost me $50 in spoiled groceries, 3 nights decent sleep when I have to work full-time, hours in additional commuting time this week.

"If you have incurred spoilage losses during a power outage, you may file a claim with Con Edison. To file a claim, either fill out a claim form or write a letter within 30 days of the power outage." https://m020-w5.coned.com/lawclaims/default.asp

I wonder what would happen if everyone in the affected areas wrote in.

My wife works at the Citibank building in Court Square, LIC. Everyone got sent home early yesterday after shutting everything down, and they the building is still closed as of this morning.

It's "good" to have a couple days off--but bad when they get back--they will have 2 days worth of work.

I'm passing on that link from ConEd as best as I can!

Is it true some of you guys (by guys, meaning NE Queens blackout affected areas) had been without Power since Sunday, when the Heatwave started?
Did you get any ETA of when the power come return?
On the news, I recall someone mentioned Friday.

Man, I was going to move to Woodside, but I think I'll delay that until September. 3 days without power? That is unlivable in present times - it sounds like West Queens is living in Iraqi conditions.

So why is it just Queens and not Manhattan or Brooklyn? I wonder how much the Bronx goes through without people ever hearing about it? There definitely seems to be a NYC tier system of service when it comes to boroughs/areas, yet everyone pays the same taxes. Whuhh?

Re: *Everyone* has an AC now. This didnt' use to be the case. Now everyone has to have thiers on FULL BLAST as well, not just on Low, they don't know how to control their energy usage. No wonder ConEd is over burdened.

Jamie in Astoria, it's called capacity planning and forecasting. All major utility / service based companies practice and employee these methodolgies. Not saying your wrong, they should have been well prepared for this type of event and then some. It is either poor planning, poor inspection of the infrastrucutre or poor maintenance. Either way you slice it, the onus is on Con Ed.

Shutting down the unnecessary exterior spotlights on the Empire State, Chysler, and other Manhattan buildings for one night could power Sunnyside for a week. WTFuck???

"I keep trying to look into how I switch to another power company, but it all looks so complicated. I'm told the power companies made it that way to reduce competition." -Interlard

It doesn't matter if you switch, ConEd is still responsible for the area's delivery system. Some of your money may go to the competitor, but they still pay ConEd to "maintain" the system.

As for the problem, ConEd has the same issues every year, and we get the same bullshit excuses. I really did not enjoy walking 3 miles to get home since the N/W was dead on Tuesday night. Did I mention that it was 96°??!!!

Total rumour but I've now heard it from 3 different people. Power will be out till Sunday or Monday. Don't know how true it is, but it wouldn't surprise me one bit.

How do we go about getting people to do as JR says he's doing--not paying the utility bill this month? I'm willing to, but it's not going to do much if only a couple of us participate.

From Channel 7: Apparently, six to eight blocks of overhead cables in Astoria started to melt this morning as crews were trying to fix the current power outages.Con Ed crews say literally blocks and blocks of wires just started melting.

You guys, we are in the middle of a *nationwide* heat wave. Hello?

Between the loss of food in the fridge, the fact that there was no way for me to eat dinner Tuesday night(I came home from work after midnight), and the fact that I ate out last night, and will have to again tonight, we're talking about well over $200 dollars in expenses incured because of the lack of preparation on Con-Ed's part. Thats my electric bill for 3-4 months. And I'm not one of those people that leaves the AC on all day. If I'm out, the AC is off.

Astoria's a crazy mixed bag... we finally got the trains back (after my 40 minute commute became 110 yesterday), and my building has spotty power (full power that shuts off for a few seconds every now and then, very annoying), but my grocery store hasn't been open for three days now. I can't eat any more bagels. About 40% of the traffic lights in the neighborhood seem to be busted, too.

Cripes. You'd think being next to a power station would get you something, but I guess that's no good.

If you upgrade your electric service to 100 amp....Con Ed should be responsible to provide up to 100 amps 24/7....as long as you pay the bill. Infrastructure improvement fees are included in your bill and are set by the Public Service Commission. Conservation of energy is optional...just like buying a Hummer that gets 9 miles per gallon...if you can afford the gas.

I just called the Astoria New York Sports Club -- only business in the neighborhood I have programmed into my phone -- from my office and they're back up and running after being closed yesterday. They have full power back. That bodes well, but at the same time, wouldn't treadmills and ellipticals be classified as "non-essential"? I have flickering light bulbs and a fridge full of rotten food, but hey, I can go get my cardio in.

While I would like to take a hot shower, and while the bike shop hasn't been open for me to get more tire patches to fix the flat I got Sunday making me commute by slow train...

I'm actually having fun. I live about a block from commenter Joe and right by the eight blocks of cable which came down. We're all just hanging on the stoop, drinking beer and chatting each other up. I'm quite pleased last night was cooler. We just slept out on the roof with a portable alarm clock.

Kojak-

I'm flattered that you consider me a hipster, as an Astoria father of two. Never thought parenthood would be so cool!

Jackass.

Well Aaron, I hope you and you're kids enjoy yet another evening, in the dark.

Flashlight Scrabble anyone?

I love how commenters like "Kojak" -- and with a self-given id like Kojak, who's calling who the hipster? -- are rude and obnoxious on an anonymous forum, but would never entertain doing the same face-to-face. Too bad the folks didn't go with the abortion, pal.

So when do we get our power back? Is it really a wait until Sunday?

Man!

I /JUST/ got cable TV and internet - I haven't had any chances to even watch a show yet!

Whoops. We're only human Loser.

It sure is nice to have another fan in my fan club. Did you meet ethos yet? He’s my pal.

No power until Sunday? This is insane, my last bill from Con Ed was $200!! Is the protest at 6PM still going on? I am sure that if this were to happen in certain neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn power would be restored immediately since the the Mayor and the NYPD would be afraid of a riot. Is this the price I have to pay for living in a neighborhood filled with families, hipsters and yuppies???

We live in Astoria, close to Ditmars Blvd. We lost power on Monday afternoon, around 7 pm. Since then, it has been a long and sweltering wait for Con Edison to repair the damage. The first day, Con Edison did not even acknowledge that there were people in the dark. They kept issuing press releases asking for people in Astoria to conserve electricity. No one was reporting about the situation, except for NY1.

All convenience stores and supermarkets are closed, except for Trade Fair at Ditmars, operating with generators. There are so many senior citizens suffering because of the outage, it is hard to believe. They depend on facilities located close to their apartments. Many cannot go out of Astoria to get food supplies.

We have called Con Edison and got the same reply every time. They say there are no details about when the power will be restored. On the meantime, all the food in fridges has gone bad, take out is impossible and cooking at home nearly as difficult, for lack of grocerie sources.

It is incredible that Con Edison can go ahead with this kind of failure. Where is the Mayor? Where are the officials that should ask for explanations? Where are the elected representatives of our community? Peter Vallone waited almost two days to, shyly, ask some questions.

There should be some kind of assessment of responsibilities at Con Edison. Someone should be held accountable about this unbelievable situation. Many of the people in the Con Edison crews have been simply killing time on their trucks and vans. On Monday afternoon, at around 8pm, in the corner of Stenway and 23rd Avenue, two Con Edison employees were using their time cat calling women crossing by. This kind of "service" is probably what has caused this debacle.

Can we all dump our garbage bags full of rotting food in Con Ed's driveway on 31st St.? That might be a fitting protest.

What demonstration at 6? Where is that happening?

Any truth to the rumor that those south of Grand Central Parkway have had power restored, while those north might go without for a bit longer? (It's hearsay, so don't kill the messenger -- just curious.)

"Can we all dump our garbage bags full of rotting food in Con Ed's driveway on 31st St.? That might be a fitting protest."

Umm...I live right up the block, which might put my nose in the way of completely appreciating that gesture.

On the other hand, it's proximity to my front door makes it sound like a very tempting thing to do myself....

"Can we all dump our garbage bags full of rotting food in Con Ed's driveway on 31st St.? That might be a fitting protest."

Umm...I live right up the block, which might put my nose in the way of completely appreciating that gesture.

On the other hand, its proximity to my front door makes it sound very tempting....

Exactly as M@T says, patmikenyc. Those people don't live in Astoria. They're only ever seen at the Beer Garden or on the way to and from the Ditmars stop. Otherwise they just ain't walkin' the streets.

Tough to see how a PR disaster is gonna force much change with no competition. Ahh, incompetence, gotta love it. I mean what else can we do, let the government run it? And give the job to ol' Hally Burton? They probably have some extra folks on hand since they just lost a bunch of Iraq work...

i just got off the phone with someone at con ed, and they told me they are working toward having power restored by 6pm tonight to all of astoria. why don't i believe them? and why would they tell me this, and tell other people defintely not this weekend?

i'm still planning on spending the weekend in brooklyn so i can at least get some sleep and hot food.

I have proof of what is in my fridge, its called a grocery receipt.

If anyone wants to write a formal complaint to ConEd, you can send it to: Personal Services (or lack thereof!) 4 Irving Place, New york NY 10003.
The way ConEd has mishandled this situation is truly enraging. I am going to spend some time making sure my voice is heard, and I urge everyone to do the same.

Here is the latest Press Release from Con Ed

http://www.coned.com/newsroom/news/pr20060720_3.asp

They say they are doing everything possible, that's a load of crap and they say they'll keep the customers updated, another lie.

I saw Con Ed work on the situation Tuesday night at 30th Ave and 44th St. All they were doing was standing around. I even think that I saw one of them at the local pub.

The city's infrastructure is not keeping up with the enormous growth that has occured these past 10 years. There are more people with less services. We pay $2 for a subway that has not expanded. Power that is unrealiable during a heat wave. At least the city is safer than it was when I was in high school. Eventually, this is going to implode in many people's faces, the city government, Con Ed, TimeWarner, the MTA, etc.

Isn't it about time all of us just threw one heck of a block party. I mean, I know the beer's going to be warm, but come on!

Mayor Mike: "You're doing a heckuva job, Connie!" erm... didn't work so well for the last guy.

Jeremy, I hear you about the block party. Funny thing is I had three cases of beer and a nice bottle of pinot grigio in my refrigerator on Tuesday night. Now it is all wasted!

Can Con Ed reimburse me for the loss of alcohol??

We just got off the phone with ConEd and they repeated the usual nonsense they've been telling other posters, ie, "you need to cut down on your usage."

Uh, what usage? We have no electricity!

Anyhow, power is still out in Sunnyside, where we live, and won't be back on until Sunday, the rep. said.

Looks like you'll still have no power tomorrow.
they are hoping for Friday, at best.
Boy, is the mayor smug.
He says you can just go out and shake the hand of the police officer, just to say hello.

Here's something that hasn't been covered yet: THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT THE NORTH END OF STEINWAY STINKS LIKE GRIM DEATH. Yes, it always smells, but this is about 20 times worse than normal, I would bet money that it is OFFLINE and that there is a huge amount of untreated waste going straight into LI Sound and the East River.

This happened during the 2003 blackout as well. just about every treatment plant failed because back up power systems were never maintained, thus the rivers got direct sewage dumped into them and I believe all city beaches were closed to swimming for a few days afterwards.

So if you're thinking about going to the beach this weekend, might I suggest traveling a very long distance fom the city?

Update on the situation in Astoria: Northern Queens is still out of power. Yesterday night Bloomberg finally showed up in Astoria Park. Shamelessly, he repeated that Con Ed is doing a good job, congratulated himself in that no one has died yet, and asked people to wait tow weeks more for an explanation about the causes of this situation.

Also yesterday night for the first time since Monday night, police were in Ditmars Boulevard, directing traffic, using little red burning lights in the intersections. Curiously, they were only around the places in which TV vans were parked. Also close by, in Steinway and Ditmars, there were two Red Cross vans giving out small bottles of cold water and refreshements. No sight of any Con Ed van or mobile center, even though it was reported they were to be just there "providing information".

This morning in the radio, the big news were taht Con Ed finally had admitted that there are not 2,000 customers out of power but 25,000, TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND. Their explanation is that they only counted initially those who called them to report problems.

The truth about how many people are affected starts to emerge. The initial reports about 2,000 customers was nothing but a smoke screen. I doubt there are even 25,000, it must be many more but they are hiding the real numbers as much as they can.

Today morning also the storm crossed by Northern Queens. Water galore. The geniuses at Con Ed crews had been opening manholes and other underground places all over the neighborhoods and did not cover them. Now, after the downpour, those places are full of water. Even more damage, most likely. At Steinway and 23rd this morning they had a crew siphoning water out.

What kind of brainless pleople are running this circus?

I think one of the most upsetting things about this crisis is that there have been no city wide notifications for people in other boroughs (which apparently are of a higher priority) to CONSERVE ENERGY!! I work on wall street, and my office building is freezing, as i am sure it is in other offices all over manhattan. Even the trains are freezing cold. People leave their AC's on all day for their dog, or so they can be immediately comfortable when the arrive home from work. As Americans, we think that we are entitled to luxuries that we actually view as necessities. There should be city-wide and government planning for preventative measures, not plans for once the crisis hits. Example, Hurrican Katrina. It makes me so mad that if this was occuring on the upper east side or in park slope that this would all over the news, all over newspapers, Bloomberg would have been there in a heartbeat. Since it's affecting Queens, its deemed a lesser issue. I mean, this is some sort of '-ism', like BOROUGH-ISM. I really could go on and on about this. I am also concerned about the elderly and the small business owners who are suffering. I wonder if they will be redeemed for their losses, and somehow I truly doubt it.

Honestly, I don't get these people who say other boroughs should conserve their energy and other boroughs have higher priority over queens.

First off, another borough conserving energy would not help our problem one bit. They cannot move that energy from their infrastructure (grid) to ours. It's physically impossible. So forget it.

Secondly, if this happened in Midtown or the Upper East Side the problem would not be resolved by now. Sure they would have had immediate media attention and city aid but I don't think the majority of the people understand just how messed up the electric infrastructure is in our area.

First thing is, they need to clean up all the melted cable, burnt out switches, interconnects, panels...etc, etc. TIME CONSUMING. Then comes implementing these new cables (which are huge and heavy). This included dressing, connecting, grounding, and securing these cables. Then your talking about all the new switches that need to be replaced. To make a long story short.....TIME CONSUMING!

I truly believe Con Ed wants this problem resolved and as quickly as possible, it's a PR nightmare.....but this problem can't be resolved quickly.

As for the Con Ed people standing around doing nothing, well, their idiots for hanlding themselves in an unprofessional manner. I guarantee they are there because Con Ed reacted by throwing a ton of people at the problem. People that aren't as skilled as the guys who are doing the major fixes. Guys that are waiting for the foreman to come up and say "Do this", "Do That". I'm sure there are people below ground that are out of site that are working pretty darn hard in poor conditions to get this problem resolved.

In no way am I defending Con Ed. Believe me, I'm as pissed off as the next resident.....Con Ed lied to the public about how many people were out of service, they were hush hush about how long the problem would last, they are slow to react to helping the community, but what they are most guilty off is not preparing for this. There is no way periodic inspections of this equipment didn't raise a ton of red flags. No way. They dropped the ball by not preventing this mess.

Carmel doesn’t want to have a McDonalds or other such franchises but they allow a corporation in which treats ethical employees with wrongfully termination while out of work with a doctors note and they lie to their clients in Carmel about why I am not their anymore. WHY??? Why don’t they just tell them that they fired me while I was at home ill? I don’t have a problem with telling them the truth why do they?

WHY DOES CITIBANK IN CARMEL LIE TO THEIR CLIENTS ABOUT WHY I AM NO LONGER AT THE BANK? ARE THEY ASHAMED OF WHAT THEY DID TO ME? THEY KNOW VERY WELL THAT I DID NOT LEAVE TO WORK WITH MY HUSBAND THEY FIRED ME VIA UPS AND I AM ON DISABILITY DUE TO THEIR TREATMENT, THREATS AND HARASSMENT
Why hasn’t Citibank responded to the Dept. of Thrift Supervision and what else will they lie about to the Dept. of Fair Employment & Housing ?
Citibank Ethics?! Please post & forward my story I need your help, please help us get this story out, please forward to everyone you know. Why do the employees at branch 915 in Carmel, Ca., tell their clients that I left the bank to go work for my husband, instead of telling them the truth which is that I was fired on 12/13/05 via UPS & their HR- Connect One system has me as an active employee out on disability and now I am an active employee on leave of absence with pay. So, am I fired or on leave of absence??? If I am on leave of absence then why don’t they say that instead of lying to the clients and telling them that I left to work for my husband. I don’t work for my husband, I am not allow to work , I am ill thanks to Jeff Ursino and Citibank treatment. Why won’t they tell the truth to the clients and what else are they lying about? Are they ashamed of what they have done? Perhaps I should take out an AD in the local paper and tell the community the truth myself? Why do these employees tell clients that they aren’t allow to talk about why I am not at the bank, but yet when they do talk about it they lie!!
On 5/31/06
Sharon Law Tucker sent me her new business card and asked me to call her because she had miss placed my phone number during the phone call she mentioned that it was Laura Richardson which told her a few months ago that I left to work for my husband, is there anyone at the Carmel branch that can tell the truth???
The letter I’ve include with this email is from a concern client of Citibank
My question is will the teller be fired and if not why not? This teller left out about $10,000.00 in the unlocked front drawer 2 different times with in a two week period and had two shortages in one year, one for $100.00 and the other for $450.00.
Where the cash drawer is concern two employees signed the vault book stating they witness her put the cash away, obviously not true.
One of these two employees had the bank pay for her daughters overdrafts and the manage was aware, against company policy.
This teller entered false referrals into the systems to make the banks numbers look better and this was done under the supervision and direction of the supervisor, when I brought this up to the manager none of the three tellers which input false referrals were written up, falsifying bank documents and no write up but I get written up for missing a Saturday, why? Unfair and unequal treatment by the manager. Where are the ethics?
As I’ve stated, the unethical employees still have jobs and I get fired after the manager receives my email on 12/13/05 at about 1:45 p.m., and he acknowledges receiving it, it clearing answers his question/comment that he was calling to see if I was coming. The email states that my doctor had called in and spoke to Kathleen: as well as faxing in my doctors note which the manager returned to me with my termination letter received two days after I had been fried with no check, with no break down explanation, no vacation pay, misleading information and so on, note clearly stating my disability time off. Did he read the doctors note? Did he let upper management know that my doctor had call and faxed information?
The manager called I returned his call but he was with a client.
I requested to communicate via email and I emailed him, Kathleen and Human Resource, so why was I fired sometime after he received my email and the end of the day if he was just calling to see if I was coming in and if not to contact HR? Unfair and unequal treatment.
It makes no sense. Why weren’t the labor codes followed? Did he get HR permission to fire me?
Why then wasn’t my check included with my letter of termination? Aren’t I to be fired at the location which I work? Were my rights violated when he had Kevin send me my termination letter, did he know I was getting fired prior to me receiving my letter?
March 25, 2006 Dear Ms. Deloney,
I would like to take a moment and thank you for responding to my comments regarding Damari and the manager. I am sure that you are a very busy and important person and I appreciate your time. Damari is truly missed at the bank, since her unfair termination by the manger, the atmosphere at the bank is boring to say the least. Damari added life and laughter and she enjoyed serving the customers. I feel deeply, that the manager made a huge mistake in dismissing her while she was ill. What kind of a manager would dismiss an employee while they are ill?
As I say this, I now have further concerns about another teller name Andrea. I was in the bank and was told that she has injured her knee and will be out of work for about six weeks. I’m sure that Andrea has a doctors note as Damari did, I hope that the manager doesn’t make the same mistake and decides to terminate her and mail her a letter before she returns as he did Damari when he terminated her instead of waiting for her to get well and return to work. Although I would understand if he were let her go as she spends most of her time at work doing her homework , reading and she isn’t available everyday. Andrea will move on, on her own to become a teacher, this is what she goes to school for two days a week. By her going to school, I feel this puts a strain on the staff. I understand that the rest of the tellers along with Kathleen are now having to work six days a week and Kathleen is running a window: she doesn’t have the charm or customer service skills which Damari offered the bank.
We go into the bank often and we rarely see that manager. I feel that it would be in the best interest of the bank to find a permanent manager as soon as possible, one whom appreciates competent employees as Damari. Frankly, I don’t understand how a temporary manager was given the authority to dismiss an employee such as Damari with her wonderful skills , talents and dedication to her job. Therefore my concerns are now for Andrea whom doesn‘t compare with the kind of service Damari offered your customers. As I stated before, the other tellers spend too much time speaking to customers about personal things and shopping on the computer instead of banking conversations. I frequently witness them reading and eating while at their windows: this is very unprofessional.
I feel it would be in the best interest to Citibank to launch a complete investigation on the manager, as you stated would be done and seriously consider removing him from Carmel. In my opinion since he arrived the atmosphere is tense and if I can sense it I am sure that other customers do. This manager has taken all the personal touch and charm out of the bank and I feel the employees fear for their jobs: no one should have to work under those conditions. Keeping this manager at this or any branch is sure to destroy you business. Again, thank you for your letter and taking the time to look into this situation.
Sincerely, Clifford Bagwell
In a letter dated 01/06/06,Citibank states, Pursuant to Section 1089 of the Ca. Unemployment insurance Code, regarding notification of changes in employment status, please be advised that your employment was terminated on 12/13/5 for failure to follow call in procedures
RE Section1089 and other codes which Citibank may have violated
Other codes they may have violated labor code section 208, 226, 226.3,201.25,2441, 2800,2802,2926,2927,6400,3602(6),3852,2922,civil code 47(c)
I was fired on 12/13/05,it states that each employer shall notify the employee immediately, yet I didn't find out until 12/15 as I received my notice of termination via UPS on12/15
When I was fired I was not supplied with "copies of printed statements or materials relating to claims for benefits by Citibank.
Citibank claims that I didn't follow the call-in procedure yet my doctor called on 12/12 & faxed in a notice which stated that I would be out from the 12th-16th.
Jeff claims that he called me to see if I was coming in on 12/13 at 10:25am,almost 2hrs after my shift started, he states that if I wasn't coming in that he wanted me to contact HR to inform them of my extended absence. How does one go from calling to see if I'm coming in & ask me to call HR to Jeff stating & deciding that I should be fired yet in my email to him at 1:45pm on 12/13 it states that the doctor had spoken to Kathleen & faxed in my doctors note which he returns to me w/letter of termination.
How does he justify terminating me? I was out on work related stress and my blood pressure, my doctor called for me to keep my stress & blood pressure down, as far as not calling in I had my doctor call: the call was made for me to protect my health. Why wasn't it stated in my termination letter that I failed to follow the call in procedure. Why does Citibank state to the DFEH that I called in on 11/15 & said that I would be out the rest of the week yet I worked on the that day & the supervisor approved my timecard on 11/22. What else are they not being honest about?
Why are the employees which falsify bank documents & break policy still have jobs?
Reply to Damari Stratford 1291 Ord Grove Ave, Seaside 93955 831-583-9077
CITIBANK IS NOT BEING HONEST WITH DFEH THIS IS A LETTER I SENT MY GOVERNOR
Dear Governor, First Lady and Staff,
I have been awake since 1:05 a.m. I was having a difficult time sleeping again due to my conversation with Ann Lueckeman from the DFEH. Ann and I spoke on 3/08/06, Citibank apparently faxed in their reply on 3/07/06. Ann read to me some of the statements that Citibank made on their reply Citibank states: that I called in on 11/15/05 and that I stated that I would be out the rest of the week, this is a lie!!! I happen to have my time card for the week ending 11/19/05 and it clearly shows that I worked the 15th, I was off the 16th and I worked the 17th and that I was out sick on the 18th and 19th and that the manager approved my time. Citibank states that I refused to work on Saturdays but they don't mention that I, unlike them, was willing to meet them half way. Citibank is not telling the truth. To further support that I was at work on the 15th and 17th I have my journal notes with specific times of things that occurred on those two days. How does an honest and ethical person fight against unethical people who lie? How can I protect myself if I can't afford an attorney and I can't find one to work on a contingency basis? The other night, on TV, my husband and I heard that the government spends 4 million to train wasp and I can't get help from The White House or our Senators or Congress, to defend myself against a corporation which is taking advantage and lying about this situation? The only one that has offered to help is the Governors office and although I appreciate the letter and the call from the Governors office this does not get me an attorney. I have diligently search for assistance to no avail. I am now begging for help, I can't continue to loose sleep and live on anxiety medication; this situation is wearing on me. Again, please, is there anything more that you or our government can do to help my family and I, for this wrongful termination? Why is Citibank lying? I feel like I am going to have another panic attack and I had to resign to taking medication to calm down. This is totally and completely unfair, unjust, wrong and no one should have to go through what Citibank has put my family and I through. I only wonder how many other wrongful termination's Citibank has gotten away with because people are afraid to go up against them or just don't have the money to fight and protect them selves? My husband and daughter are worried about me and so am I.
PLEASE HELP US. I don’t know what else to do and I don’t want to give up. Sincerely. Damari
AS OF 4/21/06 SENT TO THE GOVERNOR
I SPOKE WITH THE EMPLOYEE RELATIONS DIRECTOR OF CITIGROUP TODAY, IT WAS ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS SOME WRONG INFORMATION GIVEN TO THE DFEH REGARDING THE 17th OF NOVEMBER, 2005. CITIBANK WILL BE SENDING IN A "NEW' RESPONSE DUE TO NOT DOING THE INVESTIGATION THOROUGHLY THE FIRST TIME. SO WHAT ELSE ARE THEY NOT DOING THOROUGHLY OR ETHICALLY? DAMARI
I HAVEN'T HEARD FROM YOUR OFFICE AS I WAS TOLD I WOULD BE CONTACTED PLEASE FOLLOW UP WITH ME, THANK YOU
A BETTER EXPLANATION Mother fired by Citibank for no good reason
I am searching for an Employment Attorney willing to work on a contingency basis. I was fired while I was out sick, the managers states in a note added to my personnel file that he had called me to see if I would be coming into work on Dec. 13th but yet with my letter of termination he returned to me the faxed in doctors note, faxed in at 3:44p.m. on 12/12/05 by my doctor, which clearly stated that I would be out from 12/12-12/16/05. He sent me my letter of termination thru UPS, which arrive on 12/15/05. The manager knew that I was out on work related stress and I had a workers comp case pending. The manager states that I was fired for not complying with my warning and I asked how I could comply if I wasn't there to comply so then I get a letter from HR stating that I was fired for failure to follow the call in process but my doctor had called in for me on the 12th due to my stress level and blood pressure. The doctor had spoken to the supervisor on the 12th so they were aware that I wouldn't be in on the 13th and my doctor has the notes on my file that she had made a call in for me. Citibank did not follow their own procedures when they fired me. The EEOC has given me the right to sue and the letter arrived on 2/17/06 so my 90 days have started. The DFEH has also launched their own investigation which Citibank received notice on 1/23/06 and should be responding to the notice any day now, (as of 3/8/06they haven’t responded). I had an outstanding performance history with the bank; I had worked there for 4 years 2 months 6 days. I was the head teller one of the notary and the only Spanish-speaking teller. I have at least 40 letters of support from Citibank clients and I can prove that the manager was not equal with all the employees and although he was aware of the teller cooking the books under the direction of the supervisor none of them were put on corrective action yet I was written up for missing my first Saturday and then again when I missed my 2nd Saturday although I had a doctors note to be out of work due to my blood pressure and stress brought on by the manage and the unfairness in treatment. I had been threaten with job abandonment but at that time I hadn't missed any work long enough to be accused for this. Citibank violated code 132A of the worker comp law and I do have an attorney for that but they are unable to deal with all the other issues. I have a strong feeling that the manager never told HR that my doctor had called in for me nor did he share my doctors note with them, he is to get approval from HR before firing me yet fired me by 4:30 pm or so, I had also emailed him that day at 1:45 pm and explained that my doctor had spoken to the supervisor and faxed in a note, again he was aware that I wouldn’t be in. The manager had called my cell phone and left a message at about 10:25 am, he states that he called because I hadn’t called in a half an hour prior to my shift, which started at 8:30 a.m., why did it take him 2 hrs before calling me? And I would bet that the supervisor had made arrangements to have a teller there to cover my shift since my doctor called her. Please help my family and I. Sincerely, Damari
Home 831-583-9077 all calls to this number are screen please leave a message, Cell phone 831-236-0112 Again please help us
Sheri, (4/22/06)
The reason the conversation came to an abrupt ending is due to my frustration with this issue, yes I was upset and angry and my stomach was turning and my chest tightening, I had it get off the phone and calm down and I took some Xanax to calm the anxiety attack which I felt coming on.
As I explained on the phone, I have lost 25 pounds since Jeff Ursino first threaten me with job abandonment, I don't sleep well, I grind my teeth , I have gone to the emergency room for chest pains and a heart doctor and so much more. I have nightmares. From my house I see Highway 1, a constant reminded of the unjust done to me.
I have seen about 10 different doctors and I have been given about ten different medications, I have been seeing a therapist every Friday since Nov. 2005 and I have only missed 2 appointments with him.
My job was very important to my family and I, I have cashed in my IRA and 401k, my pension is on the way, I have sold some stocks at a lost to insure I have funds and all this because I was fired and I don't know how long I will be ill and I have bills. I have spent hours doing paper work for things such as unemployment, disability, activating credit protection dealing with connect one, Met Life. health insurance and more. I don't know how my benefits are being paid, I am not being directly billed and no one sends me the information I requested. I have lost my employee rate on my credit card and I still have to make payments to one of them.
Can you imagine arriving home and seeing a UPS envelope addressed to me from Kevin Squires only to open it and find a letter from Jeff terminating me. Every time I see a UPS truck I feel I will be getting more bad news from Citibank. I did call him, he was with a client, I called his cell phone, he didn't answer, I emailed him, he received it and didn't respond but instead fired me, he lies, he returns my doctors note which stated the time I would be off, they lie to the DFEH, why wasn't the research done thoroughly in the first place, why were both of my write ups sloppy with incorrect dates and information? I wasn't fired for my performance, Jeff just wanted to hurt me more and this was his way.
I was told that the center didn't have enough employees for some one to have Saturdays off but even though the center is short staff he fires me and allows Andrea to be out every Tuesday and Thursday but yet we were short staffed. I can't believe that all of this has happened to me for being ill and yet other employees did things that were more of a risk to the center than being out ill.
I am sorry for raising my voice at you, I hope you understand it isn't directed at you, it is about the situation which Jeff created. I can't deal with more paper work and I don't trust anything Jeff or Kathleen say, they are unethical and will say anything to make themselves look good. At this point I will not be reading the attached Arbitration policy which you attached to this email, I can't deal with more paper work, I will research other avenues and continue to tell my story since I can't sleep.
Met Life denied my long term disability but yet didn't talk to any of my doctors and I need to deal with that and other issues. Thank you for you time, Sincerely, Damari
SENT TO SHERI PAULO 5/01/06 Hello Sheri,
I received your phone call and all I want to know is what is it that we need to speak about?
I don't understand what we have to say to each other. I feel that you and Citigroup will stand behind Jeff Ursino no matter what really happened. Jeff states that he called to see if I was coming in 2 hours after my shift was to begin and if not to call HR. I did call him and emailed him but he ignored that and fired me. He returned my note which stated that I would be out and yet called to see if I was coming in, did he not read the note he returned with my letter of termination and did not Kathleen let him know that my doctor called in at least I did something about it and my doctor and I were just protecting my health. Why did they lie? You said that they got bad information and now will submit a new response to the DFEH why not check your facts first before submitting information to the DFEH? why, because Jeff Ursino couldn't tell the truth.
Hope to hear form you soon. Sincerely, Damari God bless us all
AS OF 5/3/06 ==CONNECT ONE OF CITIBANK STATES THE I AM ON LEAVE OF ABSENCES WITH PAY AND THAT I HAVE 163 HRS OF VACATION TIME 80HRS OF HOLIDAY PAY AND 96HRS OF SICK TIME YET I HAVE LETTERS WHICH STATES I WAS FIRED ON 12/13/05
05/06/06 ==IS THIS APPROPRIATE? SEARCHING FOR A CHAIR ON CITIGROUP TIME, I BET HE DOESN’T GET FIRED!AND ALL THE OTHER ONES DOING PERSONAL SEARCHES ON CITIGROUP TIME, I BET THEY DIDN’T GET WRITTEN UP OR HARRASSED AS I DID FOR BEING ILL AND WANTING TO PUT MY DAUGHTER FIRST!!!
ronald.a.walter@citigroup.com I am interested in buying a good condition mid-nineteenth century Shaker rocking chair. Ron Walter office - 212-559-4393 home - 212-752-8453 fax- 212-793-3402
On 8/27/2003, X Sananda Maitreya FAN wrote:
I want the old....not the new. The hard vibrator with batteries. Not the soft, supple dildo. What the hell did you smoke, drink, eat or whatever to make your career drop like cow excrament. Your ego get to be so big that it couldn't fit on stage with your band? Yeah you're music is (slash that) WAS cool but you should've kept your mouth shut on your opinion of being a God. We're all Gods....and you're no more special than anyone else. I don't know a soul in the US under 25 that even knows who you are. What the hell happened to you? The name change and all that crap.... I was your biggest fan. Now I think you're an egotistical idiot shannah.l.olsen@citigroup.com
Zachary Green :: zachary.green@citigroup.com :: 12/5/2005, 6:51 PM
I somehow found my way onto this website, I don't remember how, but I have been really impressed with how well you guys are doing. I used to work in television sports in San Francisco, and I wish I had this sort of early training when I was younger. Great luck and keep up the strong work.
I am looking for a friend Robert Norton-Edwards who went to the University of Cape Town with me and who was a DJ at the varsity radio. He emigrated to the UK, got married to Vanessa Edwards and worked at Volt Delta Europe. I lost touch with him about 7 years ago and want to re-establish contact so if anyone has an email address or work details or telephone number I would be very grateful! My email address is paula.vantonder@citigroup.com
Dragon Boat Rowing Our dragon boat rowing team practises on Sundays 4-6pm at Kallang Sea Sports Club. All ICAAS members are welcome. Please contact our co-captains Matthew Lim (matthew.lim@citigroup.com) or Chan Tze Hoe (tzehoe_chan@hotmail.com).
Oxbridge Challenge Cup, 26-27 March 2005; SAVA SPRINTS International, 9 Oct 2005
We purchased several limited editions at PWG auctions in the late 1970-s - early 1980's (in Cleveland, OH & Philadelphia, PA). Is it possible that you have records of these purchases and, if so, might we have the ability to get duplicate certificates of authenticity?
Lou Buccino Tampa, FL - Tuesday, September 30, 2003 at 12:43:47 (CDT) Name - Rich Warner Email - richard.warner@citigroup.com
Date -- Thursday, 16 June 2005, at 8:25 a.m. From - Brooklyn Will never forget Echo 1973. The experiences and memories came right back to life when I found the site while looking for a counselor position for my daughter. I remember a bat that was trapped in our bunk and Chuck would laugh that we had bats in the belfry. Bonnie Newman, Susie Trachtenberg, Bambi and Diane Wilk- Where are you guys? I had a Dodge Charger that summer that we rode over to Monticello Raceway for the summer concerts (Jay and the Americans, Four Seasons) I found a softball at home that was signed by all the counselors in August, 1973 on the last day of camp! Here are some of the names of my old friends from that wonderful summer: Chris Mitterdorfer, Tim Marx, Mike Bleiberg, Jeff Luxenberg, Paul Achitoff, Mike Tex Stevens, Nathan Hale, Rochelle Morra,, Julie K, Wayne Weinryb, Mike Alaloff, Jon Hauser, Tom Leopold, Susie Trachtenberg, Diane Wilk, Bonnie Newman, Bambi - BJ, Mike Salemi, Richie Eder, and Mark Paschter. If any of you guys are out there, drop me a line.
Regarding your question about Kew Gardens: I have a 1 bedroom in Hampton Court (Metropolitan & Park Lane S) for $179,900 (negotiable) in Kew Gardens. See my add below. Contact me at Cindy.Hecht@citigroup.com if interested in seeing it! Thanks
Jeff Hack W’87 and his wife, Amanda, recently welcomed their first child, Andrew Lee, on Jan. 8. Jeff was recently named chief financial officer of Citigroup’s Smith Barney unit, while continuing as chief operating officer of Smith Barney’s global private-client division.
Posted 4-15-05Steve Bowers, 1977 - 1978steven.p.bowers@citigroup.com
I was stationed aboard the USS Truxtun CGN-35 from 1977 to 1978. We went to Subic Bay twice that I remember. The last time was in July of 78. I rotated off the Truxtun while it was in Subic. I was a RM3.
Date: 06-Nov-2002 REQUEST #1407Name: MichaelE-mail: michael.c.eterno@citigroup.com
Subject: Anthony Badalamenti Comments: Hi, My cousin's father was a medic in the army and that he landed in Sicily. That's all he knows about his father, as the father didn't talk about it much.
The medic's name is Anthony Badalamenti. Do you have records of the medic in the 3rd infantry?
I only found three infantries that landed on Sicily 3rd, 1st, and the 45th. The 45th said they have no record of Anthony Badalamenti. Thanks Michael
May 09, 2002 BILL MCDONNELLWILLIAM.R.MCDONNELL@CITICORP.COM>
I AM LOOKING FOR MARGARET LOWE SHE LIVED IN BAY SHORE,N.Y. GRADUATED 1964 I THINK SHE LIVES IN YAHPANK,NY
Name: Allison St. Pierre Email:allison.k.stpierre@citigroup.com
IP Address: 199.67.140.75 ()Location: Rocky Hill, CT USA
Date: Friday, April 25, 2003 at 13:01:11Comments:
Just finished Last Dance, Last Chance. You have to pity a man for his inability to see how stupid he really was, you have to pity a mother for not being able to say "I'm Sorry" to a woman who deserves to be apologized to, and you really must applaud a woman whos love of her children, strenght in her friendships, and commitment to health helped her overcome the greatest challenge she will ever have to face. I honor Debbie Pignataro. You go girl. To Ms. Rule: Excellent job on the writing. This is my first book that I have read of yours, and I'm hooked. Now I have to find volumes 1-7. Sign me...a new and forever fan. Allison St. Pierre
You can reach Damari at dcsbears@aol.com
Why was there "false/wrong information given? What does Citibank expect will happen when the doctors finally release me from disability? Does Citibank plan on giving me my job back? I was offered Cobra and then given my insurance back, why? Why did Citibank wait to the last day to respond to the DFEH and then fax in there reply with false information, they had 45 days or so to get their facts right so who gave them the false information and why? Why didn't they check their facts first?
I was fired then the status was changed to active employee out on short term disability the on leave of absence? Why was my 401k sent to me? If I am an active employee why was the rate changed on my employee credit card? Why did HR tell connect One that they had made an error yet I have a letter of termination and one letter that was sent over night to make sure that I did not return to work on 2/01/06? Why did the bank not follow their own firing procedure? If I was fired why do I have all that vacation, sick leave and holiday time. Why was I sent a check for my vacation time and then they rolled over the time to the 2006 year? Why can't I get an answer to my question regarding who is paying for my medical, dental, vision? Why is Met Life now billing me for premiums for the Life insurance policy which I carry for my husband and also mine?
I WAS AT COSTCO (5/17/06) WITH MY NEIGHBOR AND RAN INTO RICHARD WHITE HE MENTIONED THAT HE HAD GONE INTO THE BANK AND MISSED SEEING ME THERE, WHEN HE ASKED WHERE I WAS THEY TOLD HIM I HAD LEFT CITIBANK TO WORK WITH MY HUSBAND, YET AGAIN ANOTHER LIE FROM THE UNETHICAL EMPLOYEES AT CITIBANK , WHAT AND HOW DO YOU FIGHT AGAINST LIARS? I DO NOT WORK FOR MY HUSBAND, I WAS FIRED AND I AM OUT ON DISABILITY
5/19/06 My daughter and I were at Ross to day and we ran into another Citibank clients, we said hello and he said that he had gone into pay his credit card bill and when he asked about me he was told that I had left to work for my husband, yet again another lie from Citibank in Carmel. I gave him my address and asked him to put this in writing and mail it to me, he said he would get the letter out to me on Saturday

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!
DAMARI AND CITIBANK
HERE IS THE TRUTH!!
To set the record straight!
Damari was fired by Citibank in Carmel!
Damari did not leave the bank to go work for her husband!!!!
DAMARI HAD NO PLANS TO LEAVE CITIBANK!
DAMARI PLANNED ON STAYING FOR ANOTHER 16YRS.
THE BENEFITS WERE VERY IMPORTANT TO HER FAMILY!!
DAMARI WAS FIRED VIA UPS WHILE AT HOME ILL DUE TO WORK RELATED STRESS BROUGHT ON BY THE MANAGER AND THE UNFAIR AND UNEQUAL TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES
ALONG WITH BEING THREATEN AND HARASSED
BY THE MANAGER FOR JOB ABANDOMENT.
SEVERAL OF
Citibank clients have TOLD HER that they have been told by the staff at the Carmel branch :
THAT SHE LEFT TO GO WORK FOR HER HUSBAND!
THIS IS AN OUTRIGHT LIE!!!!
What else will they lie about?
Are they ashamed of what was done??
WHY DO THEY FEEL THEY NEED TO SAY SHE LEFT TO GO WORK WITH HER HUSBAND INSTEAD OF JUST TELLING THE TRUTH ?
IS THERE ANYONE IN THE CARMEL BRANCH THAT COULD SWEAR TO THIS? NO!
You can reach Damari at dcsbears@aol.com
ENOUGH WITH THE LIES CITIBANK!!!
IF YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS PLEASE SEND HER AN EMAIL
Dear Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, 01/28/06
My name is Damari Carollo Stratford, my daughter, Leah Carollo, attends Seaside High School and I wanted to personally thank you for visiting the school on Friday, January 27, 2006.
My husband, Jeff Stratford and I have a small plumbing business named JND Plumbing, Inc., we, as a company, we donated money to the volley ball team to purchase 36 warm up uniforms for the girls. My daughter was on the freshman team and I was team mom and proud of it. I never missed a game and I drove to all the away games with team players in my mini van. I made sure they had sandwiches, fruit and water for all the away games and water for all the home games and practices.
On, December 13th, Citibank in Carmel, California wrongfully terminated me. On, Dec. 15th, 2005 I received a letter via UPS telling me that I had been terminated on the 13th. At the time I was terminated I was in the middle of a pending workers comp case which wasn’t denied until Dec. 21st, 2005, this is in violation of code 132A of the workers comp law. Also, I had been out of work since the 6th of December with a doctor’s note, 2 notes that excused me from work from the 6th thru the 16th. I was out due do work related stress and anxiety. My doctor called in for me, upon my request, spoke to Kathleen and faxed in my doctors note on 12/12/05. According to HR, Chrys Smith, I was terminated for ‘ failure to follow call in procedure’ on 12/13/05. My doctors note which had been faxed in on the 12th was returned to me with my letter of termination from Jeff Ursine, acting manager of the branch. The note clearly stated that I would be out from the 12th thru the 16th.
I went and spoke to an attorney in Salinas, California and after about 45 minutes to an hour of listening to what I had to say, they took the case on a contingency basis. Also, I have filed a complaint with the EEOC and they have launched an investigation on my behalf.
I was not allowed an exit interview, which is their policy, nor was I ever asked to turn in my keys, which is also their policy. I was a very good employee and my reviews can prove this, one of them even stated the I
‘ Greatly exceeded expectations’. I was the Head teller, a Notary and the only Spanish-speaking teller. Before some one is terminated they are, per their own policy, to consider the employees performance. I worked the for 4 years 2 months and 6 days.
Please take some time and read the pages I have sent you and also forward it to your friend Oprah because when you and her speak people listen. This situation has caused my family and I emotional and financial burden and I need some help. Corporate America needs to be kinder to their employees and more understanding of their personal needs.
I am currently on disability and the legal system is too slow, I need help now. Due to loosing my job I can no longer offer the athletes at Seaside High School the financial support that I was willing to give them but I will still give my time. We need more parents like me, please help me.
Sincerely,
Damari C. Stratford
1291 Ord Grove Avenue
Seaside, Ca. 93955
Home phone: 831.583.9077
Dear Office of Thrift Supervision.

RE: letter dated 06/05/06
Case # 0505382006
Citibank advised you that Human Resources and Employment Legal Departments have handles this internal matter. How did they handle this matter? They lie to clients about why I am not there. They tell clients that I left to work for my husband, this is a lie. Lisa Austin from Citibank Benefits departments states that when I come back to work they will set up payments for arrears regarding my benefits yet how can I go back to work if they fired me? Citibank states in a letter to a former clients on 3/13/06 that they would like to thank her for the comments on “our former” employee.
Citibank lied to the Department of fair Housing and employment and they are telling lies to clients, what else will they lie about? Citibank never offered me FMLA, violated Labor codes and this is all I get?
I would like details of what was said. If Citibank will lie to the DFEH and clients they will lie to you also.
You say you can’t provide me assistance but Citibank gets away with lies, wrongful termination, etc. I was not fired at work I was fired while at home, ill with a doctors note. How can they get away with ruining my life and lying to clients about it. Their Human resources department has had me listed as terminated, then on short term disability and now on leave of absences, so which is it? Am I suppose to go back to work there when my doctor releases me from disability. If I am an active employee on leave of absences then why did they send me my pension, change me employee rate on my credit card and make me do something with my 401k?
Would you kindly ask them what my status is ?
Sincerely
Damari Stratford

I reside in Sunnyside, Queens where I eventually lost all power late Tuesday evening after spending the entire day living through a brown out condition. I spent several hours Wednesday afternoon placing telephone calls in an attempt to get some information on this power outage. Con Edison's telephone circuits were busy; the telephone operators at the City Hall's Office of Emergency Management and it's 311 information office had "no" information regarding the power crisis. By "no information" I mean those agencies had no knowledge on the status nor the problem itself.

Basically City Hall got caught with it's pants down. Instead of doing it's own independent review, the Mayor's office relied on information from Con Edison, a private company, whom themselves do not have a handle on the situation. It wasn't until Thursday evening, after pleas from Queens politicians, did the Mayor and his staff visit the area only to learn that the situation was far worst than that reported by Con Edison. Now City Hall is attempting to project a positive PR image by throwing in all of it's resources into Queens. City Hall is just as responsible and negligent to some extent as Con Edison for letting this problem reached this point. Just as the Mayor's office has requested a full report from Con Edison concerning the power outage, so should we demand the same from the Mayor's office for City Hall's failure to act responsively. All I can say to Mayor Bloomberg for his initial lack of response to the Queens' residents in their time of need and his defending of Con Edison is "when you sleep with dogs, you'll get up with flees".

ps.

If I hear the Mayor sign the praises of Con Edison just one more thing I'm gonna scream!!!
Rick, Sunnyside Queens

Thank you for all the comments, good, bad and indifferent.For those of you whom I upset I am very sorry. It has now been about a year and things are moving along, yes I have had some, alot of therapy, this hit me hard but we are moving on. I have 2 attorneys dealing with this. I admitt that I had alot to learn and I have learned that we really don't matter to corporate America it really is just about profits. My fight is not just for me but for all those wrongfully treated by corporate America. I didn't realize that all caps was so offensive, sorry to that one. Life is all about learning and this was a very hard lesson for us. Again, sorry if I offended anyone I am getting better now. As far as the manager goes, he will just have to live with what he has done and I wish him and his family the best hoping that no one ever treats them as he did us. God Bless Us All