BASEMENT WATERPROOFING IN West New York

WEST NEW YORK, N.J. -- A large fire destroyed five businesses Wednesday morning in West New York, New Jeresy.

The flames burned through a row of shops along Bergenline Avenue near 61st Street.

No injuries were reported, but more than a dozen people were displaced.

See live updates below for the latest.

Updated 6:00 PM / February 8, 2023

Fires leave dozens of people homeless

Officials are investigating a fire in Union City and and another in West New York.

It's still unclear if they're connected, but both burned down key shopping areas and left dozens of people homeless.

They happened on the same avenue four miles apart and within in three-hour timespan, so fire officials said they had to share resources. Both fires destroyed business and homes.

"It's smoke, a lot of smoke, inside my house," Union City resident Dennys Daniam said.

Daniam said she woke up to the smell of burning rubber. She ran outside and saw one of her friend's businesses on fire.

"My friend lost the beauty salon. She lost everything," Daniam said.

The fire broke out at a strip of shops along Bergenline Avenue and 10th Street, officials said.

"This was a tough one to fight. Believe it started in the basement, traveled throughout the void," said Joseph Isola, director of Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue.

The fire spread to at least five businesses.

"Beauty salon and next to it was a radio repair and smoke shop. Another small store and then there's a supermarket, an auto parts store, and a liquor store," said Justin Mercado of the Union City Board of Education.

Earlier Wednesday morning, another fire swept through a commercial district along Bergenline and 61st Street in West New York. Thick smoke could be seen billowing over the Hudson River.

"This sky was very black," one person said.

"It was more or less like something you would see in the movie, the black clouds, the fire," another person said.

Chopper 2 was over the scene, showing the scale of the damage. At least five businesses were destroyed, their roofs collapsed.

"We have a pizzeria. We have an ice cream shop. We have a nail salon. We have a beauty supply store and an electronics shop," West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez said.

Two dozen people had to be evacuated.

"I saw the kids come out, and the family. The family was crying, come out in pajamas," West New York resident Daisy Fernandez said.

"Unfortunately, the 10 families have been displaced. The good thing is that nobody was hurt," Rodriguez said.

The fire marshal's office and an arson task force is investigating both fires. Officials say as soon as the investigation is complete, the focus will shift to rebuilding.

Officials said nearly 50 people were being moved to temporary housing.

By Natalie Duddridge

12:06 PM / February 8, 2023

"Like something you would see in a movie"

A fire burned through a retail section of West New York early Wednesday morning, destroying multiple businesses and displacing at least a dozen nearby residents.

CBS2's Natalie Duddridge was on there scene where it was incredibly smoky.

The fire has been contained, but firefighters are still putting out hot spots.

It broke out in the heart of the Business District. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

Thick smoke engulfed the main shopping district along Bergenline Avenue and could be seen billowing over the Hudson River.

"Something burning, like rubber," one person said of the smell.

"The sky was very black," another person added.

"It was more or less like something you would see in a movie, with the black clouds, the fire," said another.

It started around 4:30 a.m., destroying at least five businesses after their roofs collapsed.

"We have a pizzeria, we have an ice cream shop, we have a nail salon, we have a beauty supply store and an electronics shop," West New York Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez said.

More than a dozen people who live nearby were forced to evacuate.

"I saw the kids come out and the family," resident Daisy Fernandez said. "The family was crying, coming out in pajamas."

"Unfortunately, 10 families have been displaced. The good thing is that nobody was hurt," said Rodriguez.

"That's really scary, and all those businesses that we go to. It's really sad and scary," one resident said.

Some residents said they couldn't get to work because their cars were stuck in a parking lot next to the burning buildings.

"Nobody can move the cars, we have to wait. They're stuck," said Delfim Barbosa.

"I can get to it, I just can't get out," another person added.

The fire marshal's office is on the scene investigating what started the fire, and the arson task force is also looking into it.

Officials told residents and a nearby school to keep their windows closed.

Bergenline Avenue will likely be shut down from 60th to 62nd for several hours.

By Natalie Duddridge

10:37 AM / February 8, 2023

2nd fire breaks out down Bergenline Avenue

Crews had to deal with a second fire that broke out Wednesday morning in Hudson County.

This one was reported shortly before 9 a.m. at a building on Bergenline Avenue in Union City.

The scene is about 2.5 miles down Bergenline Avenue from the West New York fire.

Chopper 2 was overhead, where thick smoke could be seen billowing across the area.

By CBS New York Team

9:21 AM / February 8, 2023

Five businesses destroyed

Fire officials say five businesses have been destroyed by the blaze.

The flames broke out shortly before 4:30 a.m.

No one was injured, but the roofs of all five businesses collapsed.

Nearby residents are advised to keep their windows closed due to smoke.

By CBS New York Team

7:20 AM / February 8, 2023

Chopper 2 overhead

By CBS New York Team

Alleva Dairy, a 130-year-old cheese store in Little Italy, closed its original location on Wednesday but will reopen in Lyndhurst, N.J. The pandemic dealt financial blows to the shop, which opened in 1892 and became known for its fresh ricotta and mozzarella. The cheese store accumulated $628,000 in back rent and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year. Its landlord agreed to drop attempts to collect back rent if the business vacated its space by March 5. The store will relocate to a 3,700-square-foot space at 9 Polito Avenue — work has already begun on the new location — and there are plans to reopen in August. “One thing is certain,” said Karen King, who bought the shop with her husband in 2014 from the family who founded it, in a statement, “Alleva Dairy will continue to be bigger and better than before.” CHRISTINA MORALES

Sakura, the pink abundance of cherry blossoms, is the totem of spring in Japan and a time to celebrate flowers. (Hanami is another term for the season.) With that in mind, Deux Cranes, a chocolatier making bars with Japanese ingredients in Los Gatos, Calif., has assembled a spring market, or ohanami, on Saturday at Café Kitsuné in the West Village. The participants will be selling their wares, including Japas Brewery, Misomaru soup mixes, Bessou Pantry condiments, Yip Studio pastries and Deux Cranes confections. Rice balls, teas, miso caramel popcorn and bento box assortments of sweets will also be sold. Admission is free.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Hanami Market, Café Kitsuné, 550 Hudson Street (Perry Street), 646-755-8158, maisonkitsune.com.

This year’s toast to St. Patrick could take you in a new direction. Powers, the Irish distiller founded in 1791, has introduced Irish rye, leveraging some of rye’s continuing growth in popularity. The 100 percent rye mash gives the spirit an earthier, sturdier profile than is typical for Irish whiskey, which tends to be lighter and is made from a mix of grains. (Rye grain was once used, but over time it was replaced by barley.) Powers commissioned the cultivation of 163 acres of rye near the sea. Neat or on the rocks, the drink leaves your palate kissed with sweetness; it also makes a lovely Manhattan.

Powers Irish Rye Whiskey, $32 for 750 milliliters, Park Avenue Liquor Shop, 270 Madison Avenue (39th Street), 212-685-2442, parkaveliquor.com.

Oishii, the indoor vertical farm in Jersey City, N.J., devoted to raising exquisite strawberries without herbicides or pesticides, has introduced a new variety, the Koyo Berry. These giant berries, bright ruby red and about two inches long, come in packs of six with each nestled in its own compartment under the observation roof of the plastic package. They’re roughly two inches long and exude a persistent candied fragrance even before the container is opened. A lusciously flavorful year-round treat, sweet with true strawberry flavor, they deserve to be enjoyed on their own with perhaps a pillow of crème fraîche alongside.

The Koyo Berry, $15 for six, freshdirect.com.

This year, the Noriega family and their partner, Chris Lin, are selling fresh salicornia — a crunchy, briny seaweed also called glasswort, samphire and sea beans — which they have been cultivating in Baja California, Mexico, and dehydrating and pulverizing into a green salt. The slender verdant branches can be used raw, in salads, as crudités and as perky garnishes, especially for seafood. Blanched and buttered, they can be tossed with boiled potatoes, rice or pasta; cooking diminishes the salinity. They will be available until the end of the month.

Green Salt Salicornia, $9 for four ounces, trygreensalt.com.

In the 1880s and through the 1920s, immigrants from Eastern Europe, mainly Ashkenazi Jews, began filling tenements and crowding the streets of the Lower East Side with pushcarts, the food trucks of the day. The traditional foods they prepared and peddled are known as Jewish foods, closely associated with New York. They’re the subject of the food writer June Hersh’s authoritative book, “Iconic New York Jewish Food.” Today these specialties — bagels, lox, pastrami, knishes, rye bread, seltzer and matzo ball soup — have reached a wider audience. The author did her homework, explaining, with a light touch and punnacious style, their origins and evolution, defining “appetizing” stores (there were 500 of them in New York in 1930, she writes) and delicatessens. She documents key purveyors like Russ & Daughters and Katz’s that still thrive, along with glimpses of bygone examples, including Rabinowitz Delicatessen, owned by the father of Jerome Robbins, the choreographer. Illustrated with vintage and modern photographs, the book lists where to find the foods today and suggests noshing tours.

“Iconic New York Jewish Food: A History and Guide with Recipes” by June Hersh (The History Press, $23.99 paper).

Located in the Ocean State, the picturesque town of Warwick, R.I., is just 12 miles south of downtown Providence. Proximity is a strong economic driver for area companies, and two-thirds of New England's population is accessible within a 75-mile radius. For locals, however, there's no real reason to leave home. From retail to recreation, Warwick's array of amenities, a high-performing education system, quality healthcare and an engaged citizenry make this one of the best places to live in the Northeast. And with a solid median income level relative to average residential real-estate values, the homeownership rate in Warwick sits at 71.5%, significantly higher than the U.S. average. When you add in a rich history and 39 miles of stunning coastline, it's easy to see why this quaint Rhode Island town is the perfect place to put down roots.

Related: How weather and the great outdoors influence where Americans choose to live

State College, Pa.

Located in the heart of central Pennsylvania, State College, is home to Penn State University's flagship campus. With nearly 46,000 undergrads, the university literally doubles the size of State College and provides access to the many amenities tied to a world-class academic institution. As a result, the city enjoys a diversified economy powered by an able workforce, a vibrant arts scene, an eclectic array of restaurants, a robust public school system and plenty of parks. This community is also great for raising a family, thanks to fun children's activities like the Childhood's Gate Children's Garden at Penn State's 395-acre arboretum.

Known colloquially as Happy Valley, it's no wonder State College has been named one of the best places to live in the Northeast. On crisp fall Saturdays, as nearly 107,000 cheering fans fill the seats in Beaver Stadium, the valley moves the needle from happy to downright joyous whenever the beloved Nittany Lions score a win.

Ithaca, N.Y.

Live and learn. In Ithaca, N.Y., you can do both at the highest level. As home to Cornell University and Ithaca College, the community benefits from the educational and cultural advantages of having two highly ranked collegiate programs within the city limits. Ithaca, part of New York's Finger Lakes region, is situated along the southern shore of Cayuga Lake and is blessed with uncommon beauty. Surrounded by trees and water, there are 150 cascades in and around the city, including Ithaca Falls on the edge of downtown spanning 175 feet in width and 150 feet in height. All these attributes make Ithaca one of the best places to live in the Northeast.

But wait, there's more. Ithaca also enjoys excellent dining and shopping, strong healthcare and education systems, high walkability and a commitment to preserving its natural beauty by lowering the city's carbon footprint. And if all that wasn't enough, it's also home to Circus Culture as one of a handful of places in the country where you can learn the fine art of circus performance, so if you're feeling inclined to leave it all for the big top, Ithaca is the place to do it.

Newport, R.I.

The beautiful seaside community of Newport is famous for its lavish, 19th-century Gilded Age mansions and centuries-long sailing tradition. Located on the southern tip of Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, Newport boasts sweeping seaside views. Newport's excellent quality of life makes it one of the best places to live in the Northeast.

The area's 25,000 residents take full advantage of the city's mild weather and abundance of outdoor recreation activities, from sailing to swimming and cycling. Residents in Newport are socially and civically engaged and have access to high-quality education, lively entertainment, beautiful scenery and never-ending seafood options.

Check out: 'I hate living in New York City': I have a $450,000 condo unit. Should I sell it now -- or should I rent it out and move to New Jersey?

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Saratoga Springs, a dynamic city of just under 30,000 residents, is widely considered one of the best places to live in the Northeast. The city is known for its Victorian architecture and a charming downtown area filled with unique shops, restaurants, and galleries. Planning your next vacation? Saratoga Springs' natural mineral springs have been a draw for tourists since the late 1800s and have helped turn the city into a resort destination. The springs are said to have healing properties and can be found at various locations throughout the city.

But there's plenty of entertainment to be had on land, too. Saratoga Performing Arts Center hosts concerts and events throughout the summer, attracting international performers. Saratoga Springs also has a thriving business community, and the city is home to industries like healthcare, technology and manufacturing. As a result, a growing number of startups and small businesses are choosing to set up shop in the city too.

Also see:Here are the 10 'cheapest cities' to buy a home in the U.S

Fair Lawn, N.J.

Just outside New York City, Fair Lawn, N.J., is a suburban town of about 34,000 people, a destination for families who want to be close to the city but still enjoy small-town living. Fair Lawn offers an ideal balance between city conveniences and suburban tranquility, with plenty of recreational opportunities, which makes it one of the best places to live in the Northeast. In addition, compared with other suburban areas in the region, the town has a relatively low cost of living, attracting more young people.

Downtown Fair Lawn's park-lined streets are home to various stores, restaurants and cafes. The Fair Lawn Food Truck Festival, held annually in the fall, is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. A popular farmers market is also held in the city's walkable downtown area.

West Hartford, Conn.

The rich history and natural beauty of West Hartford, Conn., an affluent suburb just 5 miles outside of Hartford, is one reason it's known as one of the best places to live in the Northeast. In the early 1600s, those drawn to its fertile land and abundant natural resources first settled in what is now West Hartford.

A focal point of West Hartford is "The Center," the town's downtown district that has been a gathering place since the 17th century. Creating a sense of community is important here; each year, the Celebrate! West Hartford celebration draws in nearly 40,000 people to participate in the weekend-long festival. Regarding education, residents can think smarter, not harder, as the West Hartford School District is one of the country's most highly-rated public school systems.

Many locals enjoy the quaint downtown area's lively shops, restaurants and boutiques. As if that wasn't enough, West Hartford is also home to several natural attractions. The 84-mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail offers scenic paths for walking, biking and enjoying nature. In addition, West Hartford has plenty of fun and entertainment options that cater to a wide range of interests. If you're looking to explore and breathe in some fresh air, there are many places to get out and about in town, including the Elizabeth Park Conservancy, which covers 102 acres and is on the National Register of Historic Places and even hosts community concerts during the summer.

Read: We want to retire to a place with lots of cultural activities, a beach and a major airport. Our budget is $4,000-$5,500 a month, including rent -- so where should we look?

Albany, N.Y.

The growing tech scene and entrepreneurial spirit in Albany, N.Y., make it one of the best places to live in the Northeast. The city is conveniently located just three hours from both New York City and Boston and has long been known as a hub for art, culture and history (the city is more than 400 years old.). In addition, thanks to its proximity to major markets, Albany has become a hotbed for health tech, biotech and information technology talent. The growing number of startups has created a range of job opportunities for young professionals in the tech field, while established companies like IBM (IBM) and General Electric (GE) have offices in the greater Albany area. Albany is also one of the more affordable cities in the Northeast, making it an attractive option for those just starting their careers.

Albany offers a wide range of outdoor recreation options for nature lovers. The city is located near the Adirondack Mountains and the Hudson River Valley, which offer hiking, skiing and kayaking. In addition, numerous cultural events and festivals are held throughout the city, such as the Tulip Festival, where more than 100,000 tulips bloom and residents come together to celebrate Albany's Dutch heritage. Albany's mix of affordability, location and recreation make it a unique and fascinating city to call home.

Lowell, Mass.

Lowell is located just 30 miles north of Boston, making this city of 115,000 an excellent choice for professionals who work in the city but prefer the pace of a midsize town. Proximity to a major metro aside, the city's natural beauty makes Lowell one of the best places to live in the Northeast.

The city has several parks and natural areas, including the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest and the Merrimack River, offering nature lovers a chance to enjoy hiking, biking and other outdoor activities. Lowell also boasts many historic textile mills that have been converted into cultural and entertainment venues, including the Boott Cotton Mills Museum, a must-see destination for those interested in American history and the Industrial Revolution. In addition to its rich history, vibrant arts and culture scene, and beautiful natural surroundings, residents of Lowell enjoy the city's one-of-a-kind community spirit.

Bergenfield, N.J.

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Among the words you don't hear often these days — "cuspidor," "britches," "floppy disk" — is an old favorite from 100 years ago.

"Chautauqua" is a town in western New York. But it also used to be the name of a lecture circuit.

Back in the days before PBS, traveling speakers, usually equipped with a magic lantern, would fan out across the country giving talks about China, the Holy Land, The Galveston Flood — anything that might draw crowds to the local opry house or grange hall.

About time someone brought this tradition back. And Wheeler Antabanez, a Montclair resident, is just the guy to do it.

"Walking the Old Boonton Line: A Photographic Journey on the Abandoned Rails of New Jersey" is a talk and video presentation he has evolved from his experience as author and urban explorer. And it's the closest thing to a Chautauqua lecture you'll find this side of Chautauqua itself (this type of presentation began there in 1874).

With the aid of you-are-there footage and live narration, he'll take you on a virtual trip down 9 miles of forgotten North Jersey railroad track, with its endless scenic delights: abandoned factories, decaying drawbridges, creepy tunnels. And you'll have the perfect guide.

"I've been describing this to people as, 'You know when your relatives go on vacation and they come back with a slide show? This is that, but it's interesting,' " Antabanez said.

More:Kids 18 and under go free: How to get the golden ticket to Broadway shows like 'Hamilton'

The shows will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 23, and Friday, March 24, at Silver Stream Studio, a small venue (22 seats) in Upper Montclair.

"Walking the Old Boonton Line" is not typical Chautauqua material. But then, Antabanez is not your typical public speaker.

Out of left field

Author of "Walking the Newark Branch" and "13 From the Swamp," a frequent contributor to Weird NJ magazine, Antabanez makes it his business to look into the things other people look away from.

Abandoned railroad tracks, decaying infrastructure, polluted waterways, rusting drawbridges stuck permanently in the "up" position — that's the stuff that jazzes him. And, looked at through his eyes, it is sort of beautiful.

"It's still gorgeous out there on the railroad tracks," said Antabanez, originally from West Caldwell. "When I'm out there, I'm experiencing the woods in all their beauty, even though it's corrupted by all this decay."

More:Oradell historian provides one-of-a-kind show of presidential memorabilia

And the 9.5 miles of the old Boonton line is of exceptional interest — not least because it no longer exists. Antabanez got in there just under the wire. About a month ago, those old tracks were torn up to make way for the coming Essex/Hudson Greenway.

With the aid of his storytelling skills, his video camera and his drone — yes, he did aerial photography — Antabanez will take his audience up the tracks and through the backside of a dozen towns, including Montclair, Glen Ridge, Bloomfield, Belleville, Newark, Kearny, Secaucus and Jersey City.

The climax of it all is The Bergen Arches, aka the Erie Cut. It's a part of Jersey City few people see now.

"It's a series of bridges and tunnels that holds up the infrastructure above it," he said. "It's been abandoned since the 1950s."

More:The news at 9, with a beat and a rhyme: Rappers as citizen reporters | Matters of Fact

What he wasn't able to explore himself, he sent his drone down to capture.

"There are these huge tunnels cut through the rock of Jersey City," he said. "If you have a drone, you can fly right down there. I flew right underneath, right into the bowels of Jersey City."

Go: "Walking the Old Boonton Line: A Photographic Journey on the Abandoned Rails of New Jersey." 7:30 p.m. March 23 and 24, Silver Stream Studio, 594 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, $5, advance tickets only; Wtobl.brownpapertickets.com.

Update - February 7, 2023: The Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) certificate for Advanced Women Imaging, located at 6414 Bergenline Avenue, West New York, NJ (Bergenline) was revoked until January 4, 2025. The facility is currently unaccredited, uncertified, and cannot legally perform mammography. Additionally, the FDA has identified two individuals that qualify as owners or operators at the time of the violations: Saifulla K. Chaudhary and Zainab Shahid (also known as Zainab Chaudhary). These individuals may not own or operate a facility that requires a certificate under the MQSA for two years, starting January 4, 2023.

Patients who scheduled mammograms at Bergenline, and whose mammography was performed at the 560 or 560A 60th Street location in Guttenberg (also known as West New York), NJ 07093 or at 538 62nd Street, West New York, NJ 07093, should follow the FDA’s recommendations provided below.

Date Issued: May 21, 2021

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting patients who had mammograms at Advanced Women Imaging, located in Guttenberg, NJ, on or after March 11, 2020, about possible problems with the quality of their mammograms.

A mammogram is a safe, low-dose, X-ray picture of the breast. It is currently the most effective primary screening method for detecting breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

The FDA became aware of problems associated with the quality of mammograms performed at:

Advanced Women Imaging 560A 60th Street Guttenberg, NJ 07093

The facility’s annual MQSA inspection indicated that required quality control tests were not performed from March 11, 2020, through August 25, 2020. As a result, the FDA notified the facility that it was required to undergo an Additional Mammography Review (AMR) to determine if the overall quality of mammography performed at the facility was compromised due to the failure of the facility to operate in compliance with the MQSA, and whether there was a need to notify affected patients.

The American College of Radiology (ACR), at the request of the FDA, contacted the facility to request the clinical images and documentation needed to conduct the AMR of mammograms performed at Advanced Women Imaging. The facility did not comply with the ACR’s request. On September 12, 2020, the facility’s accreditation expired, and on September 15, 2020, the FDA notified the facility that it was no longer certified and must cease performing mammography.

Under the MQSA, the FDA requires that all mammography facilities meet certain baseline quality standards and be certified to legally operate in the United States. This facility did not meet the standards for mammography quality under the MQSA. This facility may not legally perform mammography at this time, as it does not have an active MQSA certificate.

The FDA will continue to monitor this issue and keep the public informed as new information becomes available. At this time, the FDA recommends that patents contact Advanced Women Imaging to gain access to their medical records.

If you have questions about this communication, please contact the Mammography Quality Standards Act Hotline by phone: 1-800-838-7715, email: [email protected] or fax: 1-443-285-0689.

West New York amateur boxer Jean Pierre Valencia earned “Fight of the Night” honors in a victory over a decorated champion on Saturday.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

The 23-year-old defeated Isaiah Mack by decision on Saturday at Aces Boxing Club in Boonton, staking his claim among the elites of New Jersey boxing.

Mack, a Paterson native was the reigning 156-pound open class N.J. Golden Gloves and Diamond Gloves champion, and had also represented the state last year at the National Golden Gloves in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Furthermore, he had also been honored last month by the N.J. Amateur Boxing Hall of Fame with an Athlete High Achievers award.

Valencia, a native of Esmeraldas, Ecuador, was the aggressor from the opening bell, hammering Mack with hard right hands and left hooks early and often.

He scored a standing eight count in the second round when an uppercut knocked Mack’s head straight up, with his eyes staring at the lights above.

The more experienced Mack switched stances between orthodox and southpaw but couldn’t find the answer to hold off his opponent’s relentless pressure.

“I feel like a champion after defeating a top fighter. I could tell that the pressure that I put on him was breaking him down, but this is just the beginning. We will continue working,” said Valencia, who won the 165-pound novice N.J. Diamond Gloves title last year.

Valencia now improves to 14-1 in his amateur career.

Head trainer Ryan Songalia says he put this blueprint together when they first began working together last year, with the goal of building popular support around Valencia as a fan favorite.

“Jean Pierre is the people’s champion because he fights everyone and everywhere. He wants to test himself against the best boxers because we believe in the work that we do. Whoever they say is the best, that is who we want to fight,” said Songalia, who has led Valencia to eight consecutive victories.

The victory caps off a busy month for Valencia, who started February by defeating Delaware’s Deron Elias on February 4th in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania and then beat Abedallah Elaiwah for the second time on February 10th in Kenilworth.

Next up for Valencia is the N.J. Golden Gloves, which begin on March 10th and run through April 15th. He is matched with Christopher Campbell in the semi-final round of the 165-pound open class competition.

Should he win the tournament, Valencia will then represent the Garden State at the National Golden Gloves, which take place May 8-13 at Harrah’s Casino in Chester, Pennsylvania.

Liz Urtecho, the founder of the Hoboken for Responsible Cannabis Inc., has announced she plans on challenging 5th Ward Councilman Phil Cohen this fall.

By John Heinis/Hudson County View

“I am excited to announce that I am running to be elected as Hoboken’s 5th Ward Councilwoman in November,” Urtecho said.

“Many of my 5th Ward neighbors have approached me desperate for new leadership who will listen and better address their concerns about issues such as increased development, pedestrian safety, the need to invest in our schools and rising taxes. It’s been with their overwhelming support that I have decided to run for city council.”

She and her husband, Erik, have lived in Hoboken for 30 years where they have raised their four children.

Liz worked in the finance industry for over a decade where she specialized in financial reporting, budgeting, and project management prior to staying home full-time with her family.

In October, Hoboken for Responsible Cannabis, Inc. filed a legal challenge against the planning board’s approval of the Blue Violets dispensary and the case is still pending.

“Liz is a person of enormous integrity, who will add a breath of fresh air to our council; an independent, community-minded public servant who is entirely motivated by doing what is right for her neighbors,” noted 5th Ward residents Deb Jacobus and Bob Conrad.

“It is time to begin changing the fabric and character of our council – and we believe Liz Urtecho will be an essential first step in that direction.”

She is also coming out the gate with an endorsement from Cohen’s predecessor, Peter Cunningham, who retired at the end of 2019 after three terms in office.

“Liz is a dedicated community leader, who is a trusted neighbor. She will bring a much needed common sense approach to all legislative matters for the diverse needs of the 5th Ward,” he stated.

“As already proven, Liz will ask the right questions in order to get to the best solutions. She will work hard and be a strong voice for the 5th Ward in City Hall.”

Urtecho will host a campaign kick-off fundraiser on March 9th at 7 p.m. at the Kolo Klub, the same venue where Cohen launched his re-election bid in December after a recall effort fizzled out.

Cohen was the sole member of Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla’s slate to get elected in 2019 and has already received his backing again.

The non-partisan Hoboken ward council races are on November 7th.

Thus far, the only other candidate that has announced a challenge to an incumbent is Paul Presinzano, who declared last month that he would take on 1st Ward Councilman Mike DeFusco.

John Jiler of THE ROSENBERG/STRANGE FRUIT PROJECT at NJ Rep

New Jersey Repertory Company (NJ Rep) will present The Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project written by John Jiler and directed by Margarett Perry. The play stars John Jiler and clarinetist, Lee Odom. Performances run March 9 through April 2.

Award-winning actor and playwright John Jiler tells the remarkable story of the youngest child of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. Orphaned at six following his parents' execution for espionage, the boy was adopted by the man who wrote the song "Strange Fruit" - seared into our consciousness by Billie Holiday. Playing a gallery of rogues, heroes and saints, Jiler takes us on a journey from then 'til now...

Broadwayworld had the pleasure of interviewing John Jiler about his career and the upcoming show at NJ Rep.

Jiler is a writer of both drama and prose. He was the recipient of both the Richard Rodgers Award and the Kleban Librettists' Award for his musical Avenue X, which played in New York at Playwrights' Horizons and in some fifty cities around the world. He was a runner-up for the Weissberger Prize for his first full-length play Sour Springs. His work has been seen coast to coast, from the Eugene O'Neill National Playwright's Conference to the Kennedy Center to Seattle Rep and many places in between. His most recent book, "Sleeping With The Mayor" was named a New York Times' "Most Notable Book." His first, "Dark Wind" was called by the Village Voice "a classic." As a journalist he has also written for the NY Times, The Nation, and the Village Voice, where the stories that led to Avenue X and "Sleeping With The Mayor" first appeared. Among his current theatrical projects are Big Red Sun a World War Two era story with composer Georgia Stitt, recently seen at the NAMT Festival and shortly to appear at the York Theatre; Channel, a new play at the Labyrinth Theatre's Barn Series; and Sirocco, ink still wet. His first one-man show, Explicit Vows, was seen at both Playwrights Horizons and the Flea Theatre; his new one, Ripe, also work-shopped at Playwrights Horizons, was performed at Theatre For The New City and hailed by the New York Times as "classic." In his former life as an actor he appeared at the New York Shakespeare Festival, the Hartford Stage Company, and Chicago's Body Politic, where he won the Chicago Drama Critic's Best Actor Award. He has just completed his first novel, "North Of Here."

We'd love to know about your earliest interest in the theatrical arts and writing?

My best friend growing up was the son of a Broadway Musical Director. He would sometimes take us to work. and there we would sit---at the age of 9---and watch Ethel Merman rehearse 'Call Me Madam.' We were in the first row, and all I remember is the plush velvet seats and the size of her larynx. For some reason, it made me think "I want to be up there.."

Who were some of the first people to recognize your talents?

My very first play, African Star, was chosen by the O'Neill Playwrights Conference. It was terrifying and empowering all at once. I tried to mask it all with youthful arrogance, but it was thrilling to be among my theatre heros.

You wear many hats. How do you balance the many elements of your artistic career?

I've always had aspirations to both crafts, writing and acting, and I think one feeds the other. And at a certain point, the one-man show becomes an irresistible temptation. I've done three. The first two were highly personal (my romantic life and the death of my father) but this one allows me to widen my net, and talk about the world around me..

How do you like working with NJ Rep?

New Jersey Rep is a creative beacon in this country. Most if not all important regional theatres feel obliged to pepper their seasons with the occasional light comedy or holiday show to avoid subscriber rebellion. NJ Rep feels no such obligation. They ONLY do new plays, and as such, they are like a mountain stream feeding fresh water into the somewhat stagnant pool of American culture.

What have been some of the challenges of both writing and acting in Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project?

The sheer exhaustion of it! And the moments in rehearsal when the director says "this line is a little odd. Can I have a conference with the writer?"

This is an important play for our times. What would you like audiences to know about the show?

The polarization that we're all feeling in this country at the moment is nothing new. It was roiling us apart during the Vietnam War, twenty years before that in the McCarthy era when the Rosenbergs were executed, and frankly all the way back to the Civil War. Sometimes the warriors in these battles-with guns or words---have children. And it is those children who often pay the price, in neglect or martyrdom.

Can you tell us a little bit about the team that is bringing Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project to the Long Branch stage?

The RosenbergStrange Fruit team is one of the most exciting I've ever been a part of. Clarinetist Lee Odom, with whom I share the stage, is a consummate musician, equally at home in a gospel setting, a jazz club, or a concert hall. The clarinet is the unifying sound between the Jewish (klezmer) and Black (jazz) cultures.....a major theme of this piece.

Director Margarett Perry needs no introduction to theatre audiences. Her work has been seen everywhere; from New York, to regional theatres around the country, to the Edinburgh Festival, where she has won several Fringe First Awards....and where The Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project will be heading in August!

What are some of your future plans?

After New Jersey Rep, the show will at some point return to Playwrights Horizons Downtown, where it was spawned as a workshop last spring. In July it will be seen at 59E59, and in August at the Edinburgh Festival.

My 'day job' during all this will be finishing a screenplay, "Smoke Ring Day," an adaptation of a coming-of-age novel by Andrew Fisher, a wildly talented west coast writer.

Is there anything else you'd like our readers to know?

Support live theatre!

New Jersey Repertory Company is located at 179 Broadway in Long Branch, NJ. Patrons use the rear entrance where there is plenty of free parking available. Performances of The Rosenberg/Strange Fruit Project run March 9 through April 2, Thursdays & Fridays 8pm; Saturdays 3pm & 8pm; and Sundays at 2pm. Patrons can purchase tickets by visiting www.njrep.org or calling 732.229.3166. Tickets are $35-$60.

Photo Credit: Andrea Phox Photography

Hudson County thrives on the occasional political contest to assert and reassert power and will pack the most into a local collision in any of its towns as a statement of countywide chessboard authority.

North Bergen and Union City have been the twin solidified powers, respectively the realms of warlords Sacco and Stack for three and two decades.

Weehawken, too, has quietly maintained a Turnerized concretized presence.

Otherwise, elections subject the towns around these powers to change.

Sometimes, it’s Jersey City. Sometimes, it’s Bayonne. Sometimes it’s Hoboken.

And sometimes it’s West New York.

Prior to 2007, the town was essentially stabilized, first by Anthony Defino (1971-1995) and then Albio Sires (1995 to 2006). Then came Sal Vega, the torchbearer of the Sires era, who served a full, single term (2007 to 2011) before his dethroning at the hands of Felix Roque.

The anti-establishment Roque served two terms (2011-2019) before getting upended by Gabe Rodriguez, who had the backing of Congressman (and former Mayor) Sires.

Now, after a single local term, Mayor Gabriel Rodriguez is going to the Assembly under the auspices of district-ruling Senator Stack, and Sires wants to return to the throne of local power, a local warlord in his own right, with the backing of Stack.

Roque wants back on that same throne, too, in an effort to elasticize West New York back to his post-Sires era.

But Sires and Roque aren’t the only men who want to run the town.

Commissioner Cosmo Cirillo, an academic who labors with the support of at least a fragment (Joey Muniz) of the Sacco organization, also craves the job.

Keep in mind that the latest redistricting configuration replanted the town from Sacco’s district to Stack’s.

The election more than arouses the interest of the old neighboring warlords.

For his part, Roque continues to present as the unfettered wildcard.

Of course, unfettered in Hudson can literally lead to chains, as it once did for Roque, a political survivor in the daunting face of power.

This May nonpartisan election will grab most of the Hudson oxygen – and the scrutiny of the county’s political Caesars – over the coming months, as West New York tries to figure out which version of itself it wants to emerge from this gladiatorial clash.

Here’s the question…