Bronx Voice - December18

BRONX VOICE

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9th Year, No. 14

RALLY FOR BODEGA OWNER

FREE December 18 - 24, 2024

Santa hands out toys in the Bronx

Page 15

Man with machine gun at address Charged with shooting lives that gunman with ‘found’ houses daycare Page 13 weapon Page 2 center Photo by David Greene

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2• BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

Election Day machine gun toting suspect returns home to building that houses Bx. daycare center

By David Greene A man arrested for trespassing at a Kingsbridge Road subway station on Election Day, who was found to be armed with a AR-15-style assault rifle, has been indicted on weapons charges and remains free on bail. The alleged gunman could be back at his Van Nest home—where police say the home houses a daycare for young children.

Announcing the indictment, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “The defendant allegedly brought a disassembled semi-automatic rifle and ammunition typically used in hunting into a subway station, putting commuters at risk. We will not tolerate firearms in public places, especially high-powered weapons that can cause mass injuries.”

According to police two men were discovered urinating in an unauthorized area of the transit system at the Kingsbridge Road Station along the Grand Concourse at 4:30 p.m. on November 5. One suspect refused the officer’s request for identification and a scuffle ensued, when a loaded Palmetto State Armory PA15 machine gun fell from the man’s backpack.

Police arrested Abraham Sosa, 20, of 1729 Fillmore Street in the Van Nest section of the borough. Sosa was hit with a slew of

charges including criminal possession of a machine gun, criminal possession of a defaced weapon and 25 separate counts for the bullets loaded in the weapon.

Police arrested the second man identified by police as Christopher Mayren, 21, of Rhinelander Avenue in Morris Park, who they say attempted to interfere with Sosa’s arrest. Mayren is alleged to have kicked an officer’s body-worn camera onto the tracks and allegedly picked up an officer’s cell phone when it fell to the ground.

Mayren was charged with obstruction of governmental administration, criminal mischief and criminal possession of stolen property.

Quoting police sources, the New York Post reported that both men are suspected migrants from Mexico and a tattoo on Mayren’s arm links him to a Mexican drug cartel.

The Post also reported

that Sosa was freed from Rikers Island on November 12 after posting a $25,000 bond, none of which could be verified at the time.

Sosa faces 14 criminal charges including criminal possession of a weapon, possession of ammunition, assault and resisting arrest. He was arraigned on December 6 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Seth Streed who set bail at $25,000 cash/$75,000 bond/$75,000 partially secured bond at 5%. Sosa is due back in court on March 26.

On November 19, the Bronx Voice visited the Fill-

more Street home of Sosa and found two women in the front yard of the home.

The two women, workers for Tiny Fingers Daycare, were busy watching a half dozen children. The women declined to answer any questions.

When contacted by phone the unidentified female owner of the daycare said, “That house has like three apartments, so my daycare doesn’t have anything (to do) with that.” She added that she does not own the home and only rents the first floor.

The owner claimed not to know Sosa. Asked how she

does not know the tenants of the home, she fumed, “No, no, no. I have been in daycare since 2011, so you’re not going to tell me what to do or not do with my program.”

The owner added, “I’m there since 2011 and nothing has happened at my daycare. I don’t have anything to do with that name, I don’t even know anybody with that name.”

After learning of the gun arrest one male resident of the block was asked if he was concerned, he replied, “It should concern everybody, what’s happening these (expletive) days bro, people are doing what they want to do. The world is changing man.”

According to the Palmetto State Armory website, the PA-15 assault rifle lists for $879.99 and is currently on sale for $499.99.

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4 • BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

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Yanks collect 60,000 lbs of food for needy families

Yankee fans descended on the Stadium with cans of food in an attempt to help those less fortunate this holiday season.

The New York Yankees, in conjunction with C-Town & Bravo Supermarkets and Krasdale Foods, held their 30th Annual Holiday Food Drive at Yankee Stadium.

From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Yankees staff members accepted in-person food donations.

Any fan that donated at least 40 pounds of non-perishable food received a ticket voucher valid for two (2) complimentary tickets in designated seating areas to select 2025 Yankees regular season home games.

Additionally, the first 100 fans that donated at least 40 pounds of non-perishable food received an “Aaron Judge #62 Bobblehead presented by TikTok” (originally distributed to fans as a promotional item on April 20), and the next 100 people that made a donation of 40-plus pounds received a “Yankees Jersey Hoodie presented by Starr Insurance” (originally distributed to fans as a promotional item on Sept. 13).

The Yankees, in conjunction with the Bronx Clergy,

Photo by NEW YORK YANKEES PARTNERSHIP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

will distribute all food donations to families in need throughout the Bronx this holiday season.

Monetary donations were also made through the New York Yankees Foundation

Photo by NEW YORK YANKEES PARTNERSHIP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Virtual Holiday Food Drive, which ran from Nov. 26 through 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon. Virtual Holiday Food Drive donations will be used by the New York Yankees Foundation to purchase additional food at wholesale prices to distribute in conjunction with the Bronx Clergy.

As a result of the drive: • 8,885 lbs. of food were collected from fans, which will be combined with an additional donation of 60,000 lbs. of food from Krasdale Foods, totaling approximately 68,885 lbs.

• A record-breaking $34,720 was donated by fans via the Virtual Holiday Food Drive. The New York Yankees Foundation will make an additional contribution to bring the donation total to $40,000, which will be used to purchase additional food at wholesale prices to distribute to families in need throughout the Bronx.

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Halloween Horror

BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024• 5

Man stabbed inside Bronx Target plexion. He was last seen

By Dan Gesslein wearing a black balaclava, Cops are looking for a man who turned black hoodie, black pants a Bronx Target store into a House of and black sneakers. It is Horrors on Halloween night when he unclear what led to the deadly confrontation. stabbed a fellow customer, cops said.

Anyone with informa-

At around 8 pm on October 31, a 36-year-old shopper was inside a Target store in the Throggs Neck Shopping Center at 815 Hutchinson River Parkway. Cops said the shopper got into an argument with another man who was dressed all in black.

As the argument got heated, the man in black pulled out a knife and

stabbed the shopper in the abdomen.

EMS raced the victim to Jacobi Medical Center where he was treated and listed in stable condition.

The NYPD released surveillance video from inside the store. In the video the suspect is seen running out of the store at the time of the stabbing.

The suspect is described as a male with a dark com-

tion in regard to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the CrimeStoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/ or on Twitter @NYPDTips.

All calls are strictly confidential.

The NYPD is searching for this man in connection with a stabbing inside a Target store in the Bronx.

6 • BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

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Council approves Adams’ ‘City of Yes’ housing Agenda, with many ‘no’ votes

This Article originally appeared in The City.

By Samantha Maldonado A divided City Council gave the goahead Thursday on an update of the city’s zoning codes projected to create new capacity to construct up to 80,000 new residences over the next 15 years.

The Council voted 31 to 20 to advance Mayor Eric Adams’ City of Yes for Housing Opportunity agenda — with some members saying they were moved to approve the package after obtaining concessions from the mayor’s original plans.

The overhaul aims to address a housing shortage that has given New York City its lowest rental vacancy rate since 1968.

Before casting her vote in support, Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens) made an impassioned speech on the floor of the Council chambers, saying New Yorkers who need places to live are counting on the Council.

“I am tired of the homelessness rate going up. I am tired of my community going south because their city is unaffordable for them to live in. I am tired of watching daily people on the brink of eviction and other means of losing their homes,” she said.

“This cannot be the Council that turns their back on [the] homeless. This cannot be the Council that turns their back and continues to say ‘Scrap

it.’ Let’s move ahead.”

City of Yes aimed to create a “bit more housing in every neighborhood” in order to address growing inequities between areas that have produced a disproportionate amount of new housing and others insulated from new development by restrictive zoning codes.

The vote culminated a long campaign by the mayor and deputies. Administration officials, including Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick and First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer appeared at rallies at City Hall over the past year to galvanize support for City of Yes, joined by some borough presidents.

Meanwhile, fierce opposition arose in many outer-borough areas — including eastern Queens, southern Brooklyn and Staten Island — where residents voiced fears the zoning changes would dramatically alter the character of their neighborhoods and put further pressure on stretched sewers and streets. Some tenant advocacy groups also criticized the

plan, saying it would not create truly affordable housing.

The plan moved forward despite the opposition and a politically weakened mayor. Negotiations between the Council and the administration got down to the wire and resulted in a scaled-down plan.

As part of negotiations, the Council secured $5 billion — including $1 billion from Gov. Kathy Hochul — to invest in sewer and flood-prevention projects, as well as initiatives that include financing for affordable housing development, expanded legal services for homeowners, help with down payments and a boost for rent vouchers.

In a press conference after the vote, the mayor and Hochul celebrated the outcome.

“This milestone vote by the City Council will clear the way to build a new generation of affordable housing for our city,” Adams said. “It is not just four walls that we’re building: it is hope, it’s opportunities, it’s a safe haven.

Today, we say yes to that.”

Hochul called New York City the state’s economic engine, one she wanted to make more affordable.

“The biggest expense anyone has is their rent or their mortgage payment, if they’re lucky enough to have a home,” she said. “It comes down to one thing: building more housing will drive down the cost of housing.”

Bigger Buildings

Photo by Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams celebrate at City Hall the Council passing the City of Yes housing plan, Dec. 5, 2024.

Among other measures designed to boost growth, the new zoning lets developers build larger buildings if they include more than the minimum required housing for lower-income tenants, allows a minimum of five stories in areas that are close to transit and above retail, and makes it easier to convert office buildings to apartments.

In the chambers, Councilmember Carlina Rivera (D-Manhattan) framed her support of the plan as an acknowledgement that the city is “woefully behind in housing production.”

In response to concerns from officials representing mostly low-density, suburban-style districts with many single-family homes and high car dependency, changes made to the proposal prior to a committee vote last month slashed the expected

housing by about one-fourth.

The Council speaker defended the changes. “Our modifications to the zoning reforms balance respect for neighborhood character — because not all districts are alike — with the citywide need to build housing, especially to build affordable homes,” she said. “While we recognize the importance of zoning reform to build more housing, especially amidst the housing shortage, we knew more was needed to keep New Yorkers housed and address growing housing insecurity.”

In the original proposal, three- to five-story buildings were allowed half a mile from Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road stations, but are now only allowed within a quarter mile. Those buildings are also no longer allowed in areas with sinCONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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Council approves Adams’ ‘City of Yes’ housing Agenda, with many ‘no’ votes CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

gle-family homes.

While the original proposal sought to get rid of parking requirements for new development entirely, the plan that passed Council instead preserves parking mandates in most areas but scales them back, dividing the city in three zones. Now creating parking for new housing is optional in most of Manhattan plus western Brooklyn and Queens, with reduced minimums in areas in outer boroughs close to public transit. Elsewhere, the status quo remains — new development must include a prescribed minimum number of parking spaces.

Apartments in basements

and garages — known as accessory dwelling units — would be limited to a single story unless they include parking, backyard cottages are limited to onethird of the yard space and homeowners must live on the property in order to build one of these types of apartments. First-flood and basement apartments would be banned in places prone to coastal and stormwater flooding.

The amendments won the votes of some who had been on the fence, including Councilmembers Althea Stevens (D-The Bronx), Rita Joseph (D-Brooklyn) and Nantasha Williams (D-Queens).

“I recognize halting the advancement of housing development will only deepen this crisis and harm the communities that I fight so hard to serve,” Stevens said, explaining her yes vote.

Still, the modifications didn’t appease everyone.

Councilmember Christopher Marte (D-Manhattan), voting no, described the City of Yes as a giveaway to developers, while others criticized it as a one-size-fits-all approach.

Councilmembers Bob Holden (D-Queens) and Kalman Yeger (D-Brooklyn) called the $5 billion commitment “Monopoly money,” that they didn’t trust.

The Council also approved three pieces of legislation to accompany the City of Yes plan. Two bills set up a basement apartment legalization program and lay out safety standards for those and other types of so-called accessory dwelling units.

The third would reestablish a tax incentive to help co-op and condo owners rehabilitate their homes.

City of Yes for Housing Opportunity is the third of three City of Yes land use packages from Mayor Adams, two of which — for businesses and environmental projects — the Council previously approved.

Multiple groups — includ-

ing Open New York, the New York Building Congress and the Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development — weighed in after the vote to emphasize that City of Yes and the accompanying $5 billion spending plan represented just the start of the work ahead.

“Passing City of Yes for Housing Opportunity is a very important victory that will spur much-needed housing development all across the city,” said Citizens Budget Commission President Andrew Rein in a statement that reflected a common sentiment. “While a critical and welcome step, there’s more to be done to solve our housing crisis.”

Community Op Ed

8 • BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

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Making New York City affordable for working New Yorkers

By Mayor Eric Adams Working-class New Yorkers are the backbone of our city; they keep our city safe, healthy, clean, and help us continue to take the greatest city in the world to new heights.

These dedicated workers deserve the chance to build a better future for themselves, their children, and their families. This includes securing good-paying jobs, affordable homes, and a world-class education for their children. That is why, from day one of our administration, we have focused on making New York City more affordable for working-class New Yorkers.

We have done this by helping to save New Yorkers more than $30 billion through programs that help them get ahead, like the “Earned Income Tax Credit,” which enables families and working-class people to have more money to pay for groceries, bills, and rent.

We have helped New Yorkers in public housing access free high-speed internet and basic TV through Big Apple Connect, and we are on the path to eliminate medical debt for 500,000 New Yorkers — saving them an estimated $1.8 billion.

We have created homes

that working people, families, immigrants, and young people need with back-toback record years of building affordable housing; this includes a combined nearly 29,000 affordable and public housing units just this year. We signed two historic agreements with our partners in labor that allow us to build more and build faster, all while creating good-paying career pathways and apprenticeship opportunities for New Yorkers living in New York City Housing Authority housing or low-income zip codes.

But we’re still delivering for New Yorkers. Later this week, we will continue to advance the generational Willets Point transformation, which will deliver new, resilient infrastructure, the largest 100 percent affordable housing project in 40 years in our city, over 20,000 square feet of retail space, a 250-key hotel, and the city's first-ever soccer-specific stadium for the New York City Football

Club.

Also, this week, the City Council will vote on our historic “City of Yes for Housing Opportunity” proposal that will allow us to build a “little more housing in every neighborhood.” By enacting this plan, we can clear the way to build a new generation of affordable housing for our city, including housing for our seniors, our families, our young people, our unhoused, our neighbors, and so many others. It will allow us to take on the long-running housing crisis that has

made life far too difficult and far too unaffordable for far too many New Yorkers.

And we have expanded FutureReadyNYC, our learning program that connects public school students to real job credentials, paid work-based learning, and puts our students on pathways to good-paying careers.

Now an additional 36 schools will participate in FutureReadyNYC, bringing the program to 135 schools across the five boroughs. This means a total 15,000 students will

have the chance to receive real world experiences in tech, education, business and finance, and health care.

As someone raised by a single mother who worked several jobs to support our family, I know the struggle many are facing.

That is what drives me to make sure that hard-working New Yorkers can get the chances I was given to get ahead. We want to make and keep New York City affordable, so that all New Yorkers can build their dream here in the greatest city in the world.

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BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024• 9

Tips to donate wisely, avoid charity scams

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is warning consumers to be cautious of charity scams this holiday season.

Charity scams can happen at any time, but they are often more prevalent during the holiday season when donors are moved by both generosity and the end-ofyear deadline for securing tax deductions. On many occasions, these fraudsters pretend to be affiliated with well-known organizations or even the government to scam people out of their hard-earned money. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there were 9,809 reports of charitable solicitation fraud nationwide in 2023, but many of these scams go unreported because individuals may not know where their donations are going or that they are being scammed.

“The holiday season is here, and many New Yorkers are looking for ways to donate to their favorite causes through charitable

organizations,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “While the holidays are a time for kindness and giving, scammers may also see this time as an opportunity to exploit the generosity of others. Make sure to follow our tips and use our Division of Consumer Protection’s website and Consumer Assistance Helpline as go-to resources so you can prevent your donation money from falling into the wrong hands.”

Consumers should take the following precautions before donating: * Check the legitimacy of the charitable organization: Charities located or engaging in substantial fundraising in New York State should be listed on the New York State Attorney General's database of registered charities. Research before you donate to verify

registration by checking the database and other websites such as bbb.org, www.give. org and www.guidestar.org, in addition to visiting the charity’s website. If donating toward relief efforts, visit a site such as disasterphilanthropy.org to ensure your donation is going to help those in need. * Learn to detect a phony charity: Some scammers will create fake “charities” and try to trick you with names similar to wellknown charities. Pay attention to the charity’s full name, web address, contact information, donation policies, etc. Scammers may copy or mimic the name of a familiar, trusted organization to swindle you. * Designate your donation: Ask how your donation will be allocated between direct services and administrative fees. Unless you designate a specific purpose for your donation, it will go into the organization’s general fund, so make sure to note if you are sending money for a specific purpose (i.e.: “Playground Fund”). * Be cautious of third-party fundraisers: If a solicitation comes from a third-party company, the charitable organization will receive only a percentage of your donation. If you want to ensure the charity receives the whole amount, donate directly to the charity instead.

For more information, access the New York State Attorney General’s website and review the annual “Pennies for Charity” report.

Pay attention to vague claims: Be on alert for

claims without any clear plan, such as “all proceeds go to cancer treatments” or “donations go to veterans who can no longer work.”

Instead do some research on the charity before you decide.

Resist high-pressure tactics: Charity fraud scams can come in many forms, whether by email, social media, crowdfunding platforms, cold calls, etc. Watch out for direct e-mails from “victims” and solicitors who employ heart-wrenching stories, insisting that you donate immediately.

It is highly recommended to never provide personal information to unsolicited telemarketers, but instead ask the caller to provide you with the full name of the charitable organization, website address and contact information to research and verify.

Find out who's behind the crowdfunding request: Online crowdfunding websites like GoFundMe, Indiegogo and Crowdrise make it easy for people to create crowdfunding campaigns.

To protect yourself, remember to only give to people you know directly. It’s also important to understand the crowdfunding site’s rules, policies and vetting procedures. It can be helpful to know these ahead of time to determine how they are protecting consumers from potential fraud.

Never disclose personal information: Do not provide any personal information such as your credit card number, Social Security number or any other person-

al identifying information in response to an unsolicited charitable request.

Never give cash: Give your contribution by check or credit card to ensure that you have a record of the donation. Make checks out to the charity, not to an individual. If you choose to make a donation via a charity's website, check that the website is secure and that your computer is equipped with the latest anti-virus protection. Check for the padlock to the left of the URL search bar to ensure the site is secure. Do not send funds to anyone asking for bitcoin or cryptocurrency as these payments typically have no protections against fraud.

Don’t mail checks from public collection boxes: According to the US Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, the number of check fraud crimes nationwide has increased since 2020. To avoid this fraud, go directly to the post office to deposit mail.

If you need to use a public U.S. Postal Service collection box, try to do so before the last pickup of the day to minimize the amount of time the check spends in the box.

Double check before you deduct: Donations made to individuals or organizations that are not tax-exempt are not deductible. To find out if a donation will be tax deductible, research an organization’s tax-exempt status at the Internal Revenue Service Tax Exempt Organization Search. Request a receipt and track the status of your donation.

Health Matters 10 • BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

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Monte empowers residents with knowledge of living with diabetes

Global diabetes rates have doubled since 1990. In the Bronx, almost 14% of adults have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. During November, American Diabetes Month (ADM), Montefiore Einstein hosted almost 40 events, engaging with patients, staff, and community members.

These events focused on empowering attendees with knowledge about diabetes prevention and management, including nutritional strategies, early detection, and treatment options.

Montefiore Einstein’s Office of Community & Population Health hosted more than 20 workshops and webinars, in partnership with local community-based organizations. The events, which were informed by the community, educated approximately 600 participants on ways to prevent type 2 diabetes, how to differentiate between reliable and unreliable education resources, and how to navigate support apps like “Findhelp.”

For children with diabetes, the Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore (CHAM) coordinated a special Halloween Candy Exchange, to educate families about diabetes management. Local children and their family members interacted with

podiatrists, ophthalmologists and dietitians. At the end of the event, the kids exchanged their Halloween candy for a toy.

Evidence Based Efforts

Reinforcing the educational focus of Montefiore’s ADM events, research published in Diabetes Care, by Shivani Agarwal, M.D., M.P.H., director, Supporting Emerging Adults with Diabetes (SEAD) and associate professor, medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, demonstrated the importance of high quality, patient-centered care, and improved access to new technologies and therapies for young adults with type 1 diabetes. Dr. Agarwal and her team showed that flexible communication and shared decision making for young adults with type 1 diabetes significantly raises the uptake of continuous glucose monitors and automated insulin delivery uptake,

Montefiore Health runs a series of programs to help people learn more about how to manage their diabetes. Every Halloween, Montefiore holds a candy give back to provide toys to children who turn in their Halloween candy. They also hold talks on nutrition on how to live with diabetes.

leading to improvements in hospitalization rates and A1c levels.

“It is clear that how we eat, how we live and our access to educational resources are significant factors that impact diabetes rates in the Bronx and beyond,” said Dr. Agarwal.

“Our goal is to better understand how marginalized communities are impacted by diabetes and ensure community feedback is front and center to our management strategies, so we can make a meaningful

impact on the prevalence and severity of diabetes for people of all ages.”

Beyond ADM, Montefiore Einstein will continue conducting research, providing clinical and behavioral interventions, connecting people with diabetes resources and investigating new ways to address racial and socioeconomic disparities.

“We believe that community engagement, education and research are essential to improving health outcomes,” said Edwin Tor-

res, Ph.D., MSN, EMBA/ MS(c), RN, CHNP, FNP-C, nurse practitioner and diabetes specialist at Montefiore’s Fleischer Institute for Diabetes and Metabolism.

“Throughout November, we coordinated a variety of events offering individuals and families resources, tools, and support to manage and prevent diabetes, but our work is not done.”

For more information about Montefiore’s diabetes care and services, please visit - Diabetes Awareness | Montefiore Einstein

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BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024• 11

Understanding eczema triggers, treatment This story originally appeared in NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital’s Health Matters.

By Dorothy Cucci Dry, flaky skin, itching, redness, and blisters. These are just a few of the nagging symptoms of eczema — a common skin condition that affects up to 30 percent of children and up to 10 percent of U.S. adults.

People may see eczema appear as angry red patches or rashes in babies, and adults may experience itching or blisters that seem to come and go. While many experience this common chronic inflammatory skin condition, the cause of eczema is unknown, and eczema triggers (irritants or conditions that cause flare-ups) vary for each person.

“While there isn’t a cure for eczema, there are certain lifestyle changes that can help you manage symptoms,” Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine. “And for more severe cases, there are many medical treatments that can be very effective.”

Health Matters spoke with Dr. Lipner to better understand how eczema affects the body, at-home remedies, and long-term treatment options.

What are some common types of eczema?

While there are many forms of eczema, the most common is atopic dermatitis, which mostly affects babies and young children but can persist into adulthood.

It first shows up as dry skin accompanied by an itchy

rash and can develop into flaky, swollen patches of skin. Without treatment, eczema flare-ups can last for weeks to months at a time.

Contact dermatitis is a form of eczema that is triggered by an allergic reaction to certain substances, such as poison ivy, nickel, or products that contain irritating fragrances or preservatives.

Dyshidrotic eczema, another common type of eczema that mostly affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40, causes small itchy blisters mainly on the hands and feet.

In lighter skin tones, eczema may appear pink or red, while in darker skin tones, it may appear dark brown, gray, or purple and more difficult to see because it blends in with the surrounding skin.

What causes eczema?

While the cause of the condition isn’t clear, many people with eczema have a family history of the skin condition, as well as allergies or asthma. It mainly affects babies and young children, most of whom will outgrow the condition.

However, it can persist past childhood and sometimes

won’t even appear until adulthood.

The skin barrier, or the outermost layer of the skin, is meant to protect us from pollutants like dust, smoke, and chemicals, as well as to help lock in moisture. The skin barrier of someone with eczema is damaged — basically, it’s full of little holes.

This allows both environ-

mental irritants to enter the skin and moisture to escape out of the skin, leading to infections and dryness. In addition, the immune system of someone with eczema is essentially overreacting to foreign substances, which causes inflammation and, consequently, a rash.

Eczema is not contagious or infectious, so there’s no

risk of spreading eczema to another person.

What triggers can cause eczema a flare-up?

Common eczema triggers include stress and products that contain certain fragrances and chemicals — but it varies from person to person.

Climate also plays a role: CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

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12 • BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

Understanding eczema triggers, treatment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Dry air, high humidity, as well as excessive heat or cold can all trigger a flareup. Many people experience intense flare-ups in the winter, due to indoor heating (which strips moisture from the air) and cold outdoor conditions.

What are some tips on managing eczema?

There are at-home remedies and strategies that can significantly help control eczema symptoms.

Moisturize well Keeping the skin moist is essential to managing eczema and protecting that outer skin barrier. When choosing the right lotion to treat your eczema, the thicker the better. Tip: If you apply the cream onto your palm and turn your palm upside down, it should stick to your hand; if it drips off, it’s too watery.

I recommend opting for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free lotions that contain more oil (such as petroleum jelly) than water. It’s helpful to keep a travel-size moisturizer with you on the go, so that you’re able to reapply throughout the day.

For babies and kids, petroleum jelly is a great moisturizer.

You should moisturize your skin directly after showering or bathing, once you’ve patted the skin dry.

Sleeping with a humidifier can help keep the skin moist, especially in the winter months.

Proper moisturization will also help reduce itchiness; it’s important to avoid itch-

ing or picking at an eczema rash, as it will exacerbate the itch-scratch cycle and make you more prone to infections.

Take shorter showers and baths People with eczema should limit baths and showers to about 10 minutes or less and use lukewarm water with gentle, fragrance-free soaps. Hot water, and too much water, can dry out the skin. Colloidal oatmeal baths can also be helpful in soothing irritated skin.

Avoid irritating products Avoid soaps and skincare products with fragrances and preservatives; before trying any new products on your face, test a small amount on your arm to see how your skin will react.

Be aware of your clothes and outer layers, which help protect the skin.

Wearing loose clothing made of 100% cotton can also help minimize irritation. Make sure to wash them with a fragrance-free, gentle detergent. When venturing out into cold weather, try to cover as much of your skin as possible using gloves and scarves.

When should someone see a doctor about eczema?

If at-home care is not helping to reduce eczema symptoms, it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist. They can help you find a treatment plan that will help, in combination with those everyday lifestyle changes.

For mild eczema, a dermatologist might recommend

trying an over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1% cream.

But in severe cases (rashes that aren’t going away after treatment, swelling, severe pain, fever, etc.) medical treatment will likely be necessary. If severe eczema is left untreated, it can become secondarily infected, so it’s important to see a doctor if your eczema is not going away or is worsening.

What should people know about topical treatments for eczema and how long should they be used for?

Topicals are prescription medications that are applied to the affected area of skin and are meant to decrease itching and inflammation;

they often contain steroids.

It’s important to apply topical steroids correctly to avoid damaging the skin. For example, certain creams that might work for the skin on your arms might not be suitable for the skin on your face, which is more delicate. Misuse can cause side effects such as stretch marks, broken blood vessels, and thinning the skin.

Topical steroids can be used to treat eczema in babies and children, but only under the direction of aboard certified dermatologist.

What are some eczema treatments for more serious cases?

If someone has extensive eczema covering the whole body or if the rash is severe (oozing and extremely itchy), topical treatments may not be effective. In these cases, a doctor may recommend oral medications or injectable medications (also known as biologics) that alter the immune system response.

Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, in which the affected areas are exposed to controlled UV rays for seconds or minutes, can also help reduce symptoms over time.

There are a wide variety of treatment options available, and it’s important to work with a dermatologist to find the most effective regimen for you.

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Bodega owner facing charges after shooting gunman with ‘found’ weapon

BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024• 13

By David Greene On December 4, the dent, “Jhony Gomez is ones.”

A Bronx bodega owner is facing ille- a hardworking family In a statement issued Bronx District Attorman, not a criminal. He by Radhames Rodri- ney announced that Gogal weapons charges after he claimed acted in a moment of ter- guez, the President of mez was released withto have found a stashed handgun in his ror to protect his life, UBA, he said, “Bodega out bail and is due back customers, and his owners are the back- in court on December public bathroom and used it against two his employees from armed bone of our communi- 19. Meanwhile, the alleged stickup men before he could robbers. The fact that ties, yet they are left 17-year-old who Gomez those robbers are free vulnerable to crime wounded, his case was turn it in to police.

According to the United Bodegas of America (UBA), Jhony Gomez, the owner of Mi Gerizin Market at 777 Elton Avenue was behind the counter on Thanksgiving morning, November 28, when two masked men entered the store demanding cash.

UBA claims Gomez was defending customers inside his store and himself when he fired at the two masked men, striking one in the leg.

On December 4, members of the UBA and friends of Gomez held a rally outside of the shop demanding that all charges be dropped against Gomez, that the Bronx District Attorney prosecute the two-armed robbers and legislators strengthen protections for small business owners.

According to UBA, Gomez had owned the shop for 13 years and is the father of four children and has been married for 20 years. UBA also claims that Gomez

found the illegal weapon in a trash can inside his store’s public bathroom and that Gomez was going to bring it to a police station before church later that day.

UBA founder and spokesman Fernando Mateo said of the inci-

while Jhony is being prosecuted is an injustice that no New Yorker should tolerate.”

Mateo added, “District Attorney Darcel Clark must take a stand for justice, not against a man who did what anyone would do to protect their loved

every single day.”

Rodriguez added, “Prosecuting him sends the wrong message to criminals that they can terrorize our businesses without consequence. We demand justice for Jhony and accountability for the real criminals.”

sent to family court as a source at the district attorney’s office said, “he was not charged with something eligible for criminal court.

Gomez faces four counts of criminal possession of a weapon and possession of ammunition.

Photo by David Greene

Founder and spokesman for the United Bodegas of America Fernando Mateo (Center) is calling on the Bronx District Attorney to drop all charges against bodega owner Jhony Gomez during a rally on Elton Avenue.

Culinary Road

14 • BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

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By Morris Gut

My favorite foodie encounters of 2024

I have had many fine culinary encounters this past year. Here is a short list of favorite dishes and dining venues you should try not to miss in 2025!

A DELIGHTFUL HOLIDAY SOUFFLE AT BIA

During one of the most exciting restaurant openings this past year, Simi and Miranda Polozani and their team have been showing off their skills at their flashy Bia American Kitchen & Bar at Chappaqua Crossing. Chef William Deluca’s global menu has been surprising all comers including us.

Our recent indulgences here included their signature Burrata Burger with baby arugula, roasted peppers, crispy burrata and balsamic; a big bowl of Southwest Chicken Salad with Cajun chicken, mixed greens, corn, red onions, avocado, black beans, roasted peppers, tortilla chips, cheddar and boom boom dressing. Delicious and satisfying. I admit I was especially smitten with their classic Grand Marnier Souffle for dessert. Every spoonful fluffy, decadent and delightful.

The artsy dramatically designed 220-seat space has two dining rooms, a party/catering area and contemporary bar and lounge. The Polozanis also operate popular Prime Pub gastropubs in Somers and Danbury. According to Simi: “Bia is an elevated, full-service chef driven restaurant featuring an open kitchen for fish,

DINING AT HUDSON GARDEN GRILL

erous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohue’s kitchen include decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Lamb Lollipops; Burrata Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Guinness braised Short Ribs; Woodfired Pizzas and big juicy Burgers. Check out their decadent Grilled Cheese Menu.

The staff could not be more friendly. Open daily. Weekend brunch. TVs. Municipal parking; free evenings. Jack’s Bar & Restaurant, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-652-7650 www.jackseastchester.com

IRISH AMERICAN WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR

PHO STOP AT SAIGONESE Vietnamese cuisine craving brought us to Saigonese in Hartsdale one recent afternoon. A good cozy spot for Spring Rolls, big bowls of Pho, spareribs, and delish Bun Vermicelli Bowls with lettuce wraps. I went for the Beef Stew Noodle Soup with noodles, beef chunks, tendon, served in an aromatic beef broth with carrots, lemongrass, fried shallots, scallions, cilantro and onions. Bean sprouts, basil, jalapenos and lime served on the side. Quite soothing and satisfying. My partner ordered the traditional Vietnamese Crepe, pan-fried crepe with shrimp & pork, onions, scallions, bean sprouts, mung beans, served with lettuce wraps, mint & fish sauce on the side. Enjoy doing those wraps. A treat! Saigonese, 158 S. Central Ave., Hartsdale.

914-288-9088 www.saigonesehartsdale.com SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY AT FREEBIRD KITCHEN & BAR

premium steaks and chops, organic products, vegan and light options.”

Bia is located at 480 North Bedford Road, at Chappaqua Crossing, Chappaqua. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m.

914-855-0123 www.biaamericankitchen.com

The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx operates themed Dining Pavilions throughout the park and near the Enid Haupt Pavilion: the casual Pine Tree Café and a lovely more formal dining room with waiter service called Hudson Garden Grill serving an eclectic American menu with locally sourced ingredients. At Hudson Garden Grill look for such seasonal specialties as Burrata with salsa verde, Lobster Club, a juicy Hudson Burger with the works, and Vanilla Panna Cotta.

Check it out online: www. nybg.org/visit/dining/thehudson-garden-grill/ Owner Shane Clifford and his staff have been drawing a fine crowd. Jack’s offers an enhanced Irish/American tavern menu on steroids. The best way to describe it. Gen-

Seasoned proprietor Nick Fusco serves tasty versions of Fried Calamari, meaty Baby Back Ribs, Cobb Salad, spicy Chicken Wings, crispy Brussels Sprouts. Shrimp & Grits,

Coriander crusted tuna at Bia. Braised Short Ribs, Chicken & Waffles, too. The cooking here is very satisfying, and all done with a friendly Southern theme. Portions are ample and shareable. The lighting and those artsy birds hanging from the ceiling in the dining room give it a magical atmosphere.

There is a seasonal rooftop lounge for drinks and dining.

Sprawling bar. Craft beers.

Great happy hours: Tues.Thurs. 4-6pm; Fri. 2-6 p.m.

Weekend Brunch. Live music schedule. Closed Mondays.

Freebird Kitchen, 161 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains.

914-607-2476 www.freebirdkitchenandbar.com ANTIPASTI BAR AT LA BOCCA

A meal here usually begins with platters from chef/proprietor Tony Spiritoso’ s signature antipasti bar loaded daily with tempting cured imported meats, cheeses and appetizing

house made salads. Tony has brought his vintage bright red slicing machine along wherever he has been, and it sits here ready to roll at the antipasto counter. Some consider La Bocca the most authentic Italian kitchen in the area. Seasonal pastas, meats, fish and game. The wine selection is among the best in the county.

The dining room is strewn with artistic columns and seasonal

artifacts. There is a wine room for private events. Open 7 days.

Happy Bites Monday thru Friday, 3-6 pm. La Bocca, 8 Church St., White Plains. 914-948-3281 www.laboccaristorante.com (Morris Gut is a restaurant

marketing consultant and former restaurant trade magazine editor. He has been tracking and writing about the food and dining scene in the Bronx and Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. Email: gutreactions@optonline.net)

Boro Prez plays Santa during tree lighting

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BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024• 15

The Bronx Borough President joined Santa in handing out toys to local children during the annual lighting of the Bronx Christmas tree in the shadow of Yankee Stadium.

On December 5th, at Lou Gehrig Plaza at 161st Street and the Grand Concourse, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Transportation Workers Union Local 100, Univision New York, and others to host the annual Tree Lighting Extravaganza

Winter Wonderland celebration that officially ushers in the holiday season here in the Bronx.

During the program, close to 1,000 children with their families choose from over 1,000 toys on display in the Rotunda of Bronx Borough Hall located at 851 Grand Con-

course.

Other highlights of the program included performances by the NYPD La Jarra Band, the official countdown to the lighting of this year’s 25-foot Concord Fir, adorned with over 2,000 lights located at Lou Gehrig Plaza, and more.

This year’s sponsors included Essen Health Care, BXEDC, MetroPlus Health, ProHealth Connect, 161st Street Business Improvement District, The Home Depot, Sentry, Nissan, the New York City Parks Department, and others.

16 • BRONX VOICE• December 18 - 24, 2024

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