Readers talk sex and security in online polls
In response to the article “Sex sells, but not for long?” last week we asked readers if they think classified websites should be banned from posting adult ads.
The results were overwhelmingly in favor of one side of the issue; check it out at www.hudsonreporter.com and look for the story under “Union City News.”
Also, a poll was featured last week in connection with the story “Sex, spies, and videotape,” in which we asked readers if they believed specific laws should be created to address online harassment and cyberbullying. The response was very strong. To find out the results, go to www.hudsonreporter.com.
Polls will continue to be added to Reporter articles covering hot topics, so be sure to check out our website every week to give your vote and voice your opinions!
Detectives continue search for fugitive in WNY murder
H omicide detectives from the Hudson County Prosecutors Office are still seeking help from the public to track down a suspect that they allege killed a West New York man on Oct. 7.
On Tuesday, Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio said investigators are searching for 20-year-old Arthur P. Silva in connection with the murder of 23-year-old Spencer Hernandez of West New York.
According to DeFazio, the victim and suspect were acquaintances, but he would not confirm how they knew each other or comment on the possible gang affiliations of either young man.
“This does not appear to be directly gang-related,” said DeFazio.
Hernandez, who was reportedly arrested on drug charges earlier this year, was shot in the early hours of the morning on Oct. 7 after he was lured out of his home by a phone call. He was killed by a single shot in the back, which DeFazio said caused “massive internal injuries.”
DeFazio said that an incident that occurred earlier in the evening involving Hernandez’s younger brother allegedly breaking into a car and robbing a purse may be related to the motive of the murder.
Within days of the shooting, a memorial page posted on Facebook for Hernandez had garnered over 750 friends, and a song and video created in Hernandez’s honor were posted on the page.
According to investigators, Silva is the only shooter allegedly involved in the incident and is believed to be in hiding. He is also charged with the attempted murder of other individuals at the scene, according to DeFazio.
Silva’s last known address is on Palisades Avenue in Cliffside Park, but prior to that, DeFazio said he was a Hudson County resident.
Anyone with information on the murder or the whereabouts of Arthur Silva should call the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad at (201) 915-1345.
Owner of UC club where murder took place indicted
On Wednesday, Eduardo Gonzalez, 51, of Union City was indicted for selling liquor without a license and possessing liquor for intent to sell it without a license, according to Hudson County Prosecutor Edward DeFazio.
Gonzalez, owner of the after-hours establishment Studio 45 Nite Club in Union City, came under investigation after a murder took place at the club earlier this year.
DeFazio said Gonzalez was also charged with disorderly persons offense due to “conduct that went on at his business.”
Studio 45 was shut down by Union City officials the day after the deadly stabbing amidst allegations that the club had been serving alcohol years after its permit was revoked.
The charges Gonzalez faces are fourth degree crimes that carry a maximum sentence of 18 months in state prison, according to DeFazio.
No specific court date has been set, but DeFazio said Gonzalez should be arraigned later next month.
Two West New York cousins and undocumented Mexican immigrants, Juan Ventura Balbuena, 19, and Daniel Balbuena, 18, were charged in the stabbing that investigators said was the result of a fight outside the Bergenline Avenue establishment that occurred on May 30.
The incident left Union City resident Ivan Restrepo, 23, dead, and his brother, Alejandro Restrepo, 19, also of Union City, in critical condition.
Juan Ventura Balbuena was caught at the scene but his cousin Daniel allegedly fled and eventually turned himself in to authorities.
Both are now in Hudson County Correctional Center facing charges of murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses.
DeFazio said that they are pending presentation to the grand jury for indictment, which should occur soon.
Union City family files $50 million lawsuit related to freak accident
The parents of a 6-month-old baby who was killed in June by a falling tree limb in Central Park plan to file a lawsuit for $50 million, according to the New York Post.
In July, the Union City family’s attorney filed an affidavit requesting that the branch and all evidence of the accident be preserved, according to published reports.
The family was posing for a photo at the zoo in Central Park with their 6-month-old daughter when a tree branch suddenly fell on them, killing the girl instantly.
Book release celebration to be held in Union City
The book release of “Espejismos de un Mundo Irreal” (“Mirages from an Unreal World”) by Laura Orvieto will be presented on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. at the Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave.
The author, Laura Orvieto, will be introduced by Spanish-language soap star Carlos Garin, and she will speak about her book as well as read excerpts. Additionally, art featured in the book by renowned artists will be on display at the event and there will be live music.
Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. For more information, visit www.ucnj.com.
Car show, ragamuffin parade to be held in WNY
On Oct. 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a car show will be held on Jackson Street between 57th and 59th streets. Cars from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s will be on display as well as hot rods, custom cars, cycles, and trucks. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy live music, games, and more. For more information, call (201) 745-0386 or (732) 525-0412 or visit www.cnjcca.com.
On Oct. 29 at 4 p.m., the town will hold the Halloween Ragamuffin Parade Costume Contest on the front steps of the municipal building at 428 60th St.
Union City will observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Union City will hold a special event in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Let’s Tie One More Ribbon for Breast Cancer,” on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. at Jose Marti Freshman Academy, 1800 Summit Ave.
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit information tables and receive educational materials. There will also be health professional speakers, free giveaways, and certificates entitling eligible women to a free clinical breast exam, mammography, pelvic exam, pap test, and colorectal exam.
Live music, entertainment, food, and refreshments will also be available. Everyone in the community is invited to attend. For more information, visit www.ucnj.com.
Fund and “food-raiser” to benefit food bank
On Oct. 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Essex County Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and the honorary chairman, County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. will host a food-raising event at the Turtle Back Zoo Carousel, Northfield Ave. in West Orange to benefit the Community Food Bank of New Jersey.
Adult contribution is $10. Musical entertainment will be provided by Brandon Sheer along with Manny Scarpinato and Joey Jarroush. Unlimited carousel rides and complimentary child identification cards will be provided by the New York Life Insurance Company.
Canned foods will be accepted. Please, no glass containers. The Community Food Bank of New Jersey serves Old Bergen Church in Jersey City, Palisade Emergency Residence Corp. in Union City, Holy Redeemer Church in West New York, and Gospel Tabernacle Church in North Bergen.