The inside story of one mussel sucker's quest to achieve the American Dream on City Island - A Slice of New York City Paradise.
NYC natives of City Island refer to those who were not born there as “mussel suckers” while calling themselves “clam diggers,” maybe going back to the days when clam digging was in abundance. However, Clam diggers have stopped but the name remains.
Back in the 90s, I moved to City Island, NY to build News 12 The Bronx. I hired and trained my young staff. Following a successful launch, I was recruited by The Associated Press to serve as its founding television news, NY Bureau Chief, and Operations Director for North America.
I purchased a condo and quickly paid it off. Five years later, I took a buyout, with early retirement and a pension. Since then, I've been teaching at various colleges and universities, serving as a media consultant, and a volunteer citizen journalist-social media blogger. I am still serving as a proud member of the Fifth Estate.
#CityImages offers total and immediate access to ultra-local news, information, and lifestyle opportunities through a diverse range of topics of interest to all City dwellers, including those living on City Island, a slice of NYC paradise. This is a free service, where everyone can share their thoughts and events with the community, exercising the principles of free speech, participating in civic-centered building through multimedia, and encouraging positive character development through inspirational content. It offers free activity resources to engage, educate, and inform while providing entertaining and interactive experiences. Since providing news and information content is a constant work in process, this service offers an immediate source of timely, credible, and straightforward content for all members of our community. Additionally, we will provide analysis, a variety of eclectic columns, and colorful commentary.
As our content continues to evolve, we won't waver from our mission, to provide valuable information to all. Not just free to clam diggers and mussel suckers. We are committed to delivering content that informs, offers valuable details and perspectives. I hope that all of you join us expanding this unparalleled service.
Every comment or suggestion is encouraged and will be published free of charge. Please, review the content where I offer information, resources, technology, humor, wisdom, and knowledge and allow our neighbors to always be in touch. City Images is a contribution to freedom and democracy in a digital age. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from all of you. I appreciate your time and for your professional consideration.
For City Island resident Roberto Soto, there was never a question about what he wanted to pursue in his life — and he didn’t wait to start chasing it.
Image: Professor Soto gives a thumbs up, while surrounded by his students at the New York Public Library in The Bronx.