Bronx Voice - February 2, 2022

BRONX VOICE

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What you should know about evictions Page 2

Detect heart problems before an attack Page 11

FREE

GUN MADNESS

February 2 - 18, 2022

5th Year, No. 17

Hospital shooting shows no place is safe Page 5

Cops, baby shot Page 8

Task Force targets guns Page 6

2• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

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As eviction pause ends in New York, here’s what tenants should know

This story was originally published in The City.

By Rachel Holiday Smith With no indication that Albany lawmakers will move to extend the state’s pause on most evictions, New York’s pandemic-era moratorium is set to sunset.

That means that the nearly 200,000 city eviction cases against New Yorkers currently pending in Housing Court will begin to move forward once again.

Muriel Robbins is among them. The 54-year-old tenant lives in a Pelham Bay apartment with two cats, Garfield and Patchie Poo, and supports herself on Social Security, she said. She got sick in the month

before the pandemic, and remained hospitalized for several months as the COVID-19 crisis unfolded, recovering from a ruptured gallbladder and other organ issues, she said.

“I wasn’t thinking straight really, my mind wasn’t focused on anything,” she said. “I lost so much. I was just sick.”

She fell behind on the $154 in rent she owes to her landlord each month; the rest is paid

through a Section 8 voucher for her $1,400 unit. She now owes about $3,000 to her landlord of 10 years.

In the fall, he asked her for what she owed. A few weeks later, in November, she got a notice from Bronx Housing Court.

“I told him I didn’t have it, and the next thing I know, the court was getting in contact with me about the eviction,” she told THE CITY. Robbins has faced homelessness before, previously living in a couples shelter for two years in the late 2000s. Now, she

Photo Ben Fractenberg/THE CITY

Tenant advocates protest outside Manhattan civil court against the resumption of evictions.

would have to go to one of the city’s shelters for single people, which have a notorious reputation.

“That’s what really got me nervous. I really don’t want to go to the singles shelter,” she said. “I’ll see if anyone in my family would hold my cats for me and, if I have to, I’ll go to the streets before going to the shelter.”

The end of the moratorium means the legal process for evictions will start up again in earnest for thousands of New Yorkers. But that doesn’t mean everyone threatened with eviction in the past two years will be kicked to the curb, experts say.

Court proceedings will take a long time to unspool, and there are many resources available to tenants fighting cases or looking for assistance.

Still, it’s a frightening time for those facing eviction, and a wave of New Yorkers is going through it for the first time, said Nakeeb Siddique, director of housing in Brooklyn for the Legal Aid Society.

“Sadly, we have a whole new category of newly downwardly mobile folks who have lost their job and don’t have any means — working people, your cooks, your chefs, cab drivers, all kinds of people — who were never inside of Housing Court,” he said. “They have fallen behind for the first time in their lives, and are facing this abyss.”

Here’s some key information about what the lifting of the eviction moratorium means, and what those affected should do next.

Who will be evicted first, and when?

The courts move chronolog-

ically, which means the people to be evicted first are likely the people whose housing cases were already coming to an end just as the COVID crisis put a hold on everything in March 2020.

Anyone who received a final judgment and eviction warrant — the last phase of the proceeding — in early 2020 would be the first removed from their homes in 2022, said Jonathan Fox, director of the tenants’ rights unit at the New York Legal Assistance Group.

“We represent plenty of clients who we’ve retained over the course of the pandemic where their case started well before COVID, and the only reason the person wasn’t evicted is because of the pandemic,” he said. “They could have been evicted in March of 2020, but they weren’t, and now they will.”

Second in line are those people who have cases that involve a “wrongful conduct” allegation, said Siddique. That could mean a tenant accused (but not necessarily convicted) of destroying property, or committing violence against another resident.

Then come all the rest, which include more recent eviction cases for nonpayment of rent.

“Everybody else, which is a massive number of people, is third in line,” Siddique said.

According to eviction case data from the Office of Court Administration compiled by the Right to Counsel Coalition and other tenant rights groups, 183,565 residential nonpayment cases are currently pending in the five boroughs. Right CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022• 3

Assault rifles, high-capacity magazines sold to cop, prosecutors said

4• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

A college student is accused of being a one-man gun pipeline into the Bronx and Manhattan after being busted with 73 weapons, including assault rifles and high capacity magazines. The student is charged with transporting guns from his college town in the south into NYC and selling them to an undercover cop.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell announced that a 23-year-old man has been indicted on hundreds of counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Firearm and related charges for trafficking 73 weapons and high capacity magazines to the Bronx and Manhattan, where they were sold to an undercover NYPD officer.

Clark said, “The defendant allegedly brought these semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines up from the south, sometimes transporting them in a duffle bag by bus. Dozens of the firearms were loaded and four are considered assault weapons. The NYPD worked diligently to intercept these deadly weapons before they hit our streets. Bronxites are dying from gunfire and we

cannot tolerate one more illegal gun in our community.”

Commissioner Sewell said, “Stopping traffickers who flood our streets with illegal guns is mission critical in our work to smash the Iron Pipeline. The NYPD’s officers, working with their prosecutorial partners in the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, are the first line of defense in protecting our residents, our families, and our children from the scourge of gun violence and I commend their work in this important case.”

Clark said the defendant, Shakor Rodriguez, 23, originally from the Bronx, who was attending Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee, is charged in two indictments totaling 304 counts. He was arraigned January 24, 2022 on 79 counts including Criminal Sale of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon,

Photo from Bronx DA's Office

Assault rifles, handguns and high-capacity magazines were seized during an investigation into gun running.

Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and Possession of Ammunition before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Albert Lorenzo. He was remanded and is due back in court January 31, 2022.

On December 23, 2021 Rodriguez was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado on 225 counts including Criminal Sale of a Firearm, Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Conspiracy and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

According to the investigation by the NYPD Firearms Investigations Unit and the Bronx District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, dubbed “Operation Overnight Express,” between July 17, 2020 and December 22, 2021, in the Bronx and Manhattan, Shakor Rodriguez, also known as “Sha,” allegedly sold an undercover

officer 73 firearms, of which 59 were loaded, as well as over 40 high capacity magazines, including multiple “drum” magazines. The undercover paid typically between $1,000 and $1,500 per gun.

According to the investigation, the defendant sold most of the weapons near his former home in the vicinity of Weeks Avenue and Nelson Avenue in the Bronx, and multiple sales occurred on Allen Street in Manhattan.

The investigation is continuing into how he obtained the guns and where they were purchased.

The investigation found the defendant transported guns in duffle bags and in some instances traveled with them by bus.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and is not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Dim bulb hospital shooter gave name, address to Jacobi, cops say

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BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022• 5

By Dan Gesslein The criminal mastermind who shot up a hospital waiting room was arrested hours after the gunfire erupted after investigators found the alleged gunman had given hospital officials his name and address during his intake in the ER. Keber Martinez, 25, was studying the surveillance arrested by police a day after video saw the suspect had the shooting inside the Jaco- filled out a hospital intake CONTINUED ON PAGE 9 bi ER waiting room. Cops

Hospital surveillance video of recorded the shooting inside Jacobi Hospital.

Gov Hochul hosts gun task force to stop the violence

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6• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

Governor Kathy Hochul led the first meeting of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns.

The multi-state consortium convened to share intelligence, tools, tactics, and strategies to combat gun violence, especially as it relates to the trafficking of firearms between states. Among other things, the State Police discussed the latest tools and technologies available as well as analysis of the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other data sources in furtherance of this endeavor.

"Gun violence is a public health crisis driven by a plague of illegal guns flowing into New York from out of state," Governor Hochul said. "We are taking action to tackle this crisis head-on, and this collaboration with our local, interstate, and federal partners will help stop the flow of illegal guns and save lives.”

Representatives from the New York State Police, the New York Police Department, and ATF were joined by law enforcement representatives from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Ohio, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New

leaders, including Governor Hochul, Lieutenant Governor Benjamin and Mayor Adams, to the crucial issue of public safety.

"Today, we gathered the best and brightest minds of law enforcement that the Northeast region has to offer, and frankly, I feel heartened by the collaboration I witnessed," Lieutenant Governor Brian Benjamin said.

"With these seasoned experts leading the strategy on how we interdict the trafficking of illegal guns, I can say with assurance that we are on our way to a safer New York. I thank the Governor for her leadership in creating the Interstate Taskforce on Illegal Guns. The intervention and intel efforts you've empowered through this consortium will save the lives of New

Yorkers.”

"In the last three weeks, we have seen an alarming rise in gun violence, and it has inflicted too much heartbreaking tragedy on our city," New York City Mayor Eric Adams said. "We are going to turn our pain into purpose and unite to take action. We know New York City is far from alone in dealing with

Hampshire and met for three hours to discuss a host of issues surrounding firearm-related investigations, policing strategies and best practices.

The group discussed ways to improve gun data sharing across local, state and federCONTINUED ON PAGE 7 al lines and explored the differences in federal and state laws that relate to ghost guns.

The group will have a follow-up meeting in the coming weeks, and NYSP will plan an intra-state consortium to share information with local law enforcement agencies across the state.

Easily obtainable firearms fuel much of New York's recent surge in gun violence and a rise in ghost guns, with most of these weapons trafficked into and throughout the state from other areas of the country.

To take a holistic approach, in her 2022 State of the State Governor Hochul announced the interstate gun-tracing consortium which is working in partnership with law enforcement agencies from neighboring states and New York City. It is the latest joint Photo by Mike Groll/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul effort to bring a unified ap- Governor Kathy Hochul delivers remarks at the first meeting of the Interstate Task Force on Illegal Guns in East proach from State and City Greenbush.

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BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022• 7

Gun task force to stop the violence CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6

this crisis, and I am grateful to Governor Hochul and all of our partners.”

Governor Hochul's FY 2023 Executive Budget includes important investments for State Police staffing that will increase their analytical bandwidth, allowing them to aid local departments in thorough anti-gun trafficking and crime investigations.

Investments are broken down into: * $215,000 increase for gun crime tracing team.

* $527,000 for social media analysts. * $1.4 million for troop computer crimes. * $6 million for the recruitment of two academy classes of 300 Troopers each. * $3.9 million for equipment/software/special onboarding for computer/cybercrimes unit.

A $13 million investment into the Department of Criminal Justice Services' Crime Analysis Center network will include the purchase of dedicated crime gun and ballistic

tracing equipment for each center.

Equipment will also be used by the State Police for investigations into gun violence and gun trafficking, especially in the Finger Lakes Region and Western NY, where the agency is noticing incoming shipments from Pennsylvania and Ohio.

Governor Hochul also announced the appointment of Calliana S. Thomas as the Director of the New York State Office of Gun Violence Prevention. As part

of the Governor's actions to prevent and reduce gun violence throughout New York State, the OGVP will identify and bring together key partners in the community and law enforcement to identify steps that can be taken to curb gun violence in New York State. Located within the Department of Health's Center for Community Health, the OGVP will collaborate with the Division of Criminal Justice Services and other State agencies to coordinate efforts and direct resources to exist-

ing and emerging gun violence hot spots.

In October, Governor Hochul signed legislation to further address the gun violence epidemic by prohibiting the possession of unfinished frames or receivers by anyone other than a licensed gunsmith or dealer in firearms; prohibiting the sale of ghost guns and requiring gunsmiths and dealers in firearms to register firearms in their possession, and; adding firearms designed to resemble toys to the definition of a 'disguised gun.'

Prayers for baby shot in face, calls to end gun violence 8• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

By David Greene A host of local elected officials stood together with Mayor Eric Adams as they joined local clergy members, violence interrupters and Bedford Park residents as they held a prayer vigil for Baby Catherine, who was shot in the face as she sat in a parked car at Valentine Avenue and East 198 Street on January 19th.

The vigil was held outside of the East 198 Street Grocery and hosted by Pastor Jay Gooding who was joined by Mayor Adams, Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Councilman Oswald Feliz, Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia and State Senator Jamaal Bailey.

Representatives of several anti-violence disrupter groups were on hand, including Stand Up to Violence (SUV), Save Our Streets (SOS), Guns Down, Life Up and Bronx Rising Against Gun Violence (BRAG.) Pastor Gooding told the crowd, "Today we've come and gathered

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our clergy along with our elected officials, along with our cure violence sites that are with us today to let the community know, to let this county know we don't stand by, but we stand up to the violence that's plaguing our streets.”

Gooding continued, "Today we've called a prayer vigil, we're praying right now for baby Catherine, today as she celebrates her first birthday."

Gooding later added that the child's family had planned on attending the prayer vigil, but Catherine had been transferred to Cornell Hospital in Manhattan and on that evening she would be undergoing emergency surgery.

Speaking of the child's parents, Adams said, "I remember the night of the shooting when they just walked into the room to speak with me and all they said was, 'can we just hold hands together in a circle and pray.’"

Adams continued, "But we're going to match that prayer with action and to be here with the cure violence team, these young

Photo by David Greene

Mayor Eric Adams speaks to community residents in Bedford Park at a prayer vigil for baby Catherine held at Valentine Avenue and East 198 Street.

people who are here are just amazing." He continued, "Historically, we have not had the coordination that I believe we should have with the men and women in law enforcement, community, working with these men and women who are on the streets, that they understand some of the issues that people are going through, and we want to coordinate with them.”

"Why are there so many guns in our community?” Adams asked before continuing, "Why are we allowing the southern parts of this country to continue to ship guns into the inner cities, we have to answer that question.”

Borough President Vaness Gibson offered, "This violence is unacceptable. Our children don't feel safe. Our people don't feel safe and we have a problem with that and so we are here tonight to not only stand in unison with one collective voice standing against violence, but we are declaring war on those who choose to engage in violence in this borough.”

Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D-13) told the crowd, "We must all work together to ensure that violence stops in the city of New York... today we're here because an 11-month-old baby was shot in the face... we will continue until this neighborhood is safe, the neighbors of this neighborhood deserve that.”

State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-33) offered, "Why do things like this continue to happen? We must, we must, we must make sure that this does not happen.

Our borough president said it, let's make sure we provide the resources so that young people do not see it as an option to come out shooting in these streets without caring for families or communi-

GoFundMe

Baby Catherine is still recovering after being shot in the face. ties.”

Councilman Oswald Feliz (D-15) said, "That an 11-monthold... already traumatized by the gun violence plaguing the Bronx.

Our communities deserve safety. No one should have to worry about whether they'll make it back home when they're going to the grocery store." Feliz added, "As Councilmember of this district I have one message for the constituents that I represent. I feel your pain and I am listening to you, and I am going to be working with all of my colleagues to build a system that does not allow anybody to threaten your safety.”

Speaker Brenda Cauldwell-Parish, the President of the 52nd Precinct Community Council told residents, "As president of the council I feel that my obligation is to make sure the community is involved, and I need them to be involved. As of tonight, we've got a campaign going here, a campaign of stopping the violence in the community, not only in this one but in everybody's

community." She ended by urging residents to attend community council meetings.

Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia (D-86) added, "I'm here because I feel for Baby Catherine as a parent, because having four sons, I know how difficult it is to raise a family here in the Bronx.

We as elected officials are going to continue fighting to stop this violence. We're going to do whatever is in our hands, walk with the community, so we can stop this violence.”

The final speaker State Senator Jamaal Bailey (D-36) stated, "We're grateful that Catherine is okay, but one centimeter to the left or to the right it could have been a different story. I just continue to pray for her family, and I pray for us in hope that we get to gather together in positivity as opposed to the circumstance. But you can count on us to continue to work and to work together to find any solution that we can" at ending the gun violence issue.

Stoop shooter wounded 2 cops in Little Italy

BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022• 9

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The alleged gunman who shot at cops as he sat on a stoop in the Bronx’ Little Italy has been charged in the attempted murder of the officers.

According to the investigation, on November 24, 2021, at approximately 8:06 p.m., uniformed NYPD Police Officers Robert Holmes and Alejandra Jacobs of the 48th Precinct, responded to a 911 call about a man with a gun at 2405 Beaumont Avenue. When they got to the location, they approached Charlie Vasquez, who was sitting on the stoop. The defendant allegedly took out a pistol and fired six shots at the cops, wounding Officer Jacobs in the arm. Officer Holmes struggled with the defendant in an attempt to restrain him, and Officer Jacobs shot at the defendant.

Two other police officers responding to the scene rushed to the wounded cops’ aid and

assisted in restraining Vasquez.

During the exchange of gunfire, Officer Holmes was shot once in the chest. The officers were taken to a local hospital where they were treated and released.

The defendant was shot several times and is expected to make a full recovery.

District Attorney Darcel Clark said, “Two uniformed NYPD Police Officers approached the defendant after responding to a 911 call about a man with a gun.

The defendant allegedly pulled out a pistol and fired multiple shots at the officers, and one of them returned fire, wounding the defendant. During the incident, one officer was wounded in the arm and the other was wounded in the chest. Thankfully, the injuries the Officers sustained were not life-threatening and they are expected to fully recover.”

Clark said Charlie Vasquez,

23, of Featherbed Lane, was arraigned on two counts of Attempted Murder in the first degree, two counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, two counts of Attempted Aggravated Assault Upon a Police Officer, two counts of Attempted Assault in the first degree, two counts of second-degree Assault, first-degree Criminal Use of a Firearm, second-de-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

shows the shooting inside the hospital.

Video from nside the waiting room shows the shooting. The ER waiting room, quiet for a Tuesday afternoon, erupted in chaos when one patient shot another. Investigators said the victim and the shooter had exchanged words.

The video shows the man

dressed in a black hoodie and face mask then pulls out a gun and opens fire.

Photos from inside the waiting room detail the carnage as blood covered the floor. Jacobi officials said hospital staff rushed into action to treat the victim who was rushed to the operating room. No hospital officials, staff or pa-

gree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, and second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Albert Lorenzo. Remand was continued and the defendant is due back in court on April 22, 2022.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof In surveillance video released by the NYPD of of the November 24th shooting, Police Officer Robert Holmes is seen struggling with the suspect of a defendant’s guilt. who allegedly fires a gun at the officers.

Hospital shooter gave name, address cops say

form before shooting another man in the waiting

room.

Hospital officials called the shooting inside the waiting in Jacobi Hospital’s ER a “cowardly act” and said hospital officials are working with the NYPD. The news comes as new surveillance video

tients were wounded.

“Earlier this afternoon an individual walked into the NYC Health + Hospital/Jacobi emergency department and shot another individual who was in the waiting room,” a Jacobi spokesperson said in a statement. “This was a cowardly act in a space where New Yorkers come

for healing and care. Our health care heroes swiftly took care of the shooting victim and took actions to protect the other patients in the waiting room. Our immediate focus is on caring for the patient and ensuring the safety of our staff. We are working closely with the NYPD as they conduct their investigation.”

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10• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

Dingbat drivers crash, head to jail

Photo by David Greene

After the collision the white Acura came to a rest on the sidewalk between a telephone and the front of a home on January 27, 2022.

By David Greene A wild and potentially deadly 2-vehicle crash, that resulted in one driver's injury and at least one vehicle mounting a sidewalk in the Allerton section, has resulted in the arrest of both drivers.

According to police, the crash was reported at 12:13 p.m. on January 27, at the intersection of Astor Avenue and Laconia Avenue.

NYPD detective Annette Shelton said of the crash, "It was discovered that an 18-year-old male was operating a 2020 Acura on Laconia Avenue when it collided with

a 2021 Mercedes operated by a 35-year-old male that was traveling westbound on Astor Avenue.”

After the crash Sheton continued, "The operator of the Mercedes fled on foot but returned to the scene and was arrested and charged.

The 18-year-old male was removed to Jacobi Hospital and upon further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle was stolen, he was also arrested.”

Police officers from the 49th Precinct promptly arrested Leroy Misir, 35, who police said resides in Connecticut, he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

A woman answering the phone at the Connecticut home on January 31, told the Bronx Voice, "Oh I don't know, he's not living here.

We have no ties with him. Oh no, we don't know anything about him, we haven't spoken to him in about 3 years.”

M e a n w h i l e , Rasgawn Lalor, 18, of Palmer Avenue in the Edenwald section was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and two counts of criminal possession of stolen property.

A call to Jacobi Hospital on January 31, found that Lalor was no longer a patient at the hospital and attempts to reach him at his home were unsuccessful.

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Health Matters

BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022• 11

There’s more to chest pain than a heart attack

By Dr. Bradley Clark, pediatric cardiologist, the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore

While chest pain may be harmless in many cases, it could be an indicator for severe disease.

Most people may think of a heart attack when experiencing chest pain, however diseases of the aorta are something people are less familiar with but should also be aware of. The aorta is the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body. Aortic disease can lead to enlargement of the blood vessels, tears in the vessels, rupture of the aorta and potentially sudden cardiac death.

Approximately 2-3 people per 10,000 have aortic disease. Many of them may not experience symptoms, while some people with tears or rupture of the aorta may have severe symptoms such as chest pain that travels to the back.

Some people may experience sudden and unexplained episodes of passing out.

Early detection of aortic diseases, often in childhood or young adulthood, can lead to early treatment and surgical intervention, if needed, that could save lives.

There are many different causes of aortic disease, including Marfan Syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, familial thoracic aortic aneurysm, and others. Importantly, many of these diseases are genetically based and are passed from parent to child.

Currently, it’s estimated that 75% of individuals afflicted with these diseases will have other family members affected, so knowing your family’s medical history is vitally important.

At Montefiore, long-time pediatrician Dr. Patricia McQuade-Koors, lost her son Dr. Paul Koors, a young healthy doctor, unexpectedly in 2018.

He collapsed during a workout at the gym and could not be revived. An autopsy revealed a rupture of his aorta, which was not previously diagnosed. Dr. Koors and her family set up a foundation in Paul’s memory to prevent further tragedies.

Through the foundation and working with the divisions of adult and pediatric cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery and medical genetics at Montefiore Medical Center and the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, the Paul Koors, MD Aortic Clinic was formed.

The goal of this clinic is to evaluate individuals and their family members with diagnosed or suspected aortic Dr. Bradley Clark, pediatric cardiologist, the Children’s Hospital at Mondisease. Adult and pediatric tefiore providers collaborate to serve entire families who may be affected.

My colleagues, including adult cardiologist Dr. Aldo Schenone, medical geneticist Dr. Robert Marion, cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Joseph DeRose, and genetic counselor Monisha Sebastin, offer formal evaluation, genetic testing, and counseling.

During this American Heart Month, we encourage families to discuss their heart health and contact a medical professional if you or a loved one could be affected by one of these potentially deadly diseases.

For more information call 718-741-2343 or email (koorsaorticclinic@montefiore. org) for an appointment.

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12• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

A nurse’s visit helps keep high blood pressure in check

By Chandra Wilson It’s American Heart Month, and there’s no better time to raise awareness of the signs of hypertensive heart disease (HHD), which is better known as hypertension, or elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is often called the “silent killer” because, as reported by the American Heart Association (AHA), nearly half of all Americans have hypertension, and many don’t even realize it.

The facts are clear. HHD is the leading cause of death for all Americans. For African American men and women, the risk for developing HHD is even higher, as roughly 40 percent are estimated to have high blood pressure. The condition increases with age, and if not properly managed can lead to heart failure, coronary artery disease, kidney failure, and other serious health issues.

However, with early diagnosis and proper treatment, hypertension is reversible.

Ruth Caballero, RN, a public health nurse with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York for more than two decades, provides home health care for people of all ages living in Washington Heights, Harlem and other areas of the City. She shares the following insights into the risks, signs and treatment of hypertension that may be useful for you or someone you love.

What is hypertension?

Hypertension exists when

the pressure of blood pushing against blood vessel walls is too high. When blood pressure is elevated, it’s comparable to pressure cooker that affects all organs, resulting in a greater risk of stroke, renal failure, and congestive heart failure.

What are the signs of hypertension?

Warning signs of hypertension include headache and swelling in the hands and feet. It is most prevalent in people who eat a lot of salt, fried food and fast food. Hypertension affects people of all ages, weights, ethnicities, and fitness levels. It is imperative to see a doctor if these warning signs appear.

How does a patient get diagnosed?

A simple blood pressure test can determine whether or not someone has hypertension. If the top number reads above 160 and the bottom is higher than 80 for three consecutive blood pressure read-

ings, the diagnosis is hypertension and treatment should start immediately.

How is hypertension treated?

New York City residents come from diverse backgrounds, and many traditional foods are high in salt and fat, increasing their risk for hypertension. Caballero works with her patients to modify traditional recipes to make them heart healthy.

“The first thing I do during home visits is bring my hypertension patients a low salt diet booklet, then we go into the kitchen together and go through the cabinets to see what seasonings they have,” said Caballero. She teaches patients how to substitute healthy alternatives to highsalt seasonings, how they can prepare their favorite dishes by baking, not frying, and how to incorporate more green, leafy vegetables.

According to Caballero, “The patients who have agreed to these changes, along with taking their medication, see their blood pressure normalize within a week or two.”

What other lifestyle changes should hypertension patients consider?

Stop smoking and move! If you smoke, try to stop. According to the CDC, smoking is a primary cause of cor-

onary heart disease. In fact, your risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker in just one year after quitting.

For exercise, even if you can’t get outdoors to walk, moderate activity can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease. If you’re able, try marching in place while watching TV. Taking short indoor walks – even to the mailbox can help!

Can hypertension be safely managed in the long term?

By developing good eating habits, eliminating bad habits like drinking and smoking, and establishing a regular exercise routine, hypertension patients see vast improvements in their health, with many eventually coming off their high blood pressure medications.

“Home Care nurses are also teachers. It’s one of the most important things we do. My goal is to instruct a patient and their family how to live effectively,”

said Caballero. “It touches my heart to see a patient stabilized because now this person has increased their life span.”

While American Heart Month is a great time to begin implementing heart healthy habits, it is important to keep up with these lifestyle improvements throughout the year. As always, consult your health provider before making significant changes.

If you or someone you know is looking for information about hypertension, in addition to talking to a healthcare professional, visit this CDC list of resources compiled from a number of organizations, as well as VNSNY’s Managing High Blood Pressure Self Care Guide.

Learn more about how home health care can support your well-being by visiting www.VNSNY.org or calling 1-800-675-0391.

BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022• 13

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Omega Health joins Assemblywoman Tapia to distribute Covid-19 test kits

In an effort to meet the demand for testing as COVID-19 cases surge in New York City, Omega Health Urgent Care partnered with Bronx Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia for district 86, to distribute hundreds of free testing kits and KN95 face mask to residents in the Morris Heights section of the borough on January 28.

The event was held outside of the urgent care center, located at 1 West Burnside Avenue, from 2 pm until supplies last.

Testing kits and masks

were distributed on a first come, first serve basis with a limit of two test kits per household. Each kit contains two COVID-19 antigen rapid tests that can produce results in 15 minutes.

Since the onset of the new omicron variant, data has shown that the Bronx has seen some of the highest cases in the city.

“Testing is an essential tool in mitigating the spread of COVID-19,” expressed Assemblywoman Yudelka Tapia “By partnering with local commu-

nity-based organizations and trusted health care providers such as Omega Health Urgent Care, we can ensure that residents in Bronx communities where we see higher COVID-19 positivity rates have access to testing options and proper resources.”

In addition to the athome testing kit distribution, Omega Health Urgent Care continues to offer COVID-19 testing services at their location Tuesday-Friday,12 pm - 8 Yorkers can also visit through the U.S. governpm and Saturday and Sun- covidtests.gov to order 4 ment to have mailed to day, 10 am - 6 pm. New free COVID-19 test kits their home.

Caring for preemies

Marking 100 years of community service, Bronx mom Rebecca Ramos-Hedgemond, whose now 18-year-old son Elijah was born at 34 weeks and cared for at Weiler Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and her Sigma Gamma Rho sorority sisters recently delivered 100 gifts bags to NICU moms and babies at Montefiore and Jacobi.

This generous donation was part of Project Cradle Care, a collaboration between Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. and the March of Dimes which aims to have a positive impact on the quality of life for children who are born prematurely and improve pregnancy outcomes in high-risk communities by promoting prenatal education and care.

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14• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

As eviction pause ends in New York, here’s what tenants should know CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

before the pandemic, 139,439 such cases were pending.

Eviction processes can be slow, however, and have only slowed further during the pandemic.

Even before the health crisis, Siddique said the pace of court proceedings meant it “was not possible to actually evict somebody in anything less than two or three months from the first court date.”

Now, the timeline will almost certainly be longer: As the backlog of cases has piled up, and virtual court hearings have become common, the process has slowed down.

Leah Goodridge, a housing attorney who represents Robbins, noted virtual courts make things safer when it comes to the coronavirus, but tougher for clients without laptops, phones or broadband web access.

“It’s kind of a Catch-22 — you want to be virtual to be safer, but then there’s also a digital divide,” she said. “For so many people, it’s even more difficult for them to actually engage in their own court proceedings.”

And now that many tenants have free attorneys through the relatively new Right to Counsel law, cases take longer to conclude — which is a good thing for anyone trying to stave off homelessness.

“I honestly don’t understand how Housing Court is going to operate with all of these thousands of cases, that basically weren’t moving forward, that now have to have regular appearances,” said Fox. Lucian Chalfen, a spokesperson for the Office of Court Administration, said the courts have operated special “gate-

way parts” in the four largest boroughs for more than a year to put older cases on court calendars, make sure attorneys are appointed, and generally move things along.

“This initiative has not affected the pace of scheduling of older cases,” he said. “Staffing challenges have affected some clerical functions, but not our courtroom operations. Three newly appointed judges will take the bench at the end of this week [Friday], a fourth at the beginning of next month. Calendars will expand accordingly.”

So, you got an eviction notice.

What should you do now?

Whether you have court papers in hand or you think you may

soon, here’s what to do next according to housing experts.

Don’t move out, said Fox. Getting court papers or an eviction case notice does not equal an immediate order to get out.

In particular, language on a document called a “predicate notice,” which arrives ahead of the start of a Housing Court case, “can be misinterpreted that you have to go,” he said. But “you don’t have to go until there’s a marshal at your door,” he noted.

“Don’t give up, said Siddique.

His clients often fear that “there’s nothing they can do.” But tenants “absolutely do have due process rights,” he said, and should not treat eviction as inevitable.

Seek professional legal help right away. This is a big one, the attorneys said, and recent statistics following the implementation of Right to Counsel programs bear it out. New Yorkers with low incomes have more access to legal representation than they did before the pandemic. Thanks to the 2017 law, tenants facing eviction in the city can get a free attorney if they make up to 200% of the fed-

eral poverty rate, currently about $53,000 a year for a family of four.

Those with higher incomes can get free legal advice through the program, too, though not court representation.

How? Call 311 and ask for the Tenant Helpline or say “right to counsel,” visit HRA’s Right to Counsel portal or, if you are already in court, ask a clerk or court attorney to connect you with a free lawyer, according to the Housing Court website.

Respond to the court. Not responding to Housing Court papers will put you in jeopardy. “Answer your petition and show up in court,” said Siddique. “You can do that nowadays, often, by phoning in the court or participating virtually.”

“Any courts, pandemic or no pandemic, in New York City or anywhere else, they don’t like being ignored,” he said. “When somebody shows up, and they’re actively participating and answering the summons — judges generally like that.”

You do not necessarily need an attorney representing you for an initial answer or appearance, but get one soon after. When you first appear, ask the court staff for a lawyer and they should help connect you to legal services.

Learn about the court process.

A great place to start is Housing Court Answers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to demystifying eviction proceedings. They operate a help hotline at 212-962-4795 five days a week, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 pm.

What help is available for people who owe back rent?

The amount of rent debt owed

by New Yorkers in the five boroughs is at least $1.4 bil-

lion among more than 407,000 households, according to an analysis of Census Bureau and Treasury Department data by the National Equity Atlas.

Finding a way to fill that gap is still the subject of debate among politicians and advocates at all levels of government.

But there are public resources available to help New Yorkers who are at risk of losing their homes, Siddique said.

“The city, even before the pandemic, has long had the ability and an interest in paying arrears, for those who qualify, to prevent their eviction, and to keep people from becoming homeless and having to go to the shelters,” he said.

Getting public assistance for back rent, like anything, requires lots of paperwork and patience, Siddique said. But here are some options for people who need a financial boost to stay in their homes: • One Shot Deal • Public assistance from the city’s Human Resources Administration that can be used as a one-time measure by people dealing with a sudden or unexpected crisis, including a pending eviction.

• Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention (FHEPS) This is a voucher designed to help families on public assistance with children under 18 avoid homelessness. Last month, the governor signed a law boosting the value of the

voucher by several hundred dollars per household.

• Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) The state created this $2.4 billion fund for tenants harmed by the COVID-19 crisis, using federal dollars. But the pot of money soon dried up, then the state closed the portal to apply.

Because of a lawsuit from the Legal Aid Society, the state recently reopened the portal to apply — but Governor Kathy Hochul warned there is no guarantee applicants will get money. Still, tenant advocates are encouraging New Yorkers to apply because those who do are by law protected from evictions while the state considers their application. Meanwhile, the state and Mayor Eric Adams have urged the federal government to allocate more funding for ERAP. I gave my landlord a hardship declaration. Are those still valid?

Yes, though their legal purpose will change after Jan. 15.

Hardship declarations are the document in which a resident swears under penalty of perjury that they were unable to pay rent because of a hardship caused by the pandemic.

Tenants who submitted them to their landlords before January 15 are protected from eviction only until then.

But even for people who fill them out after that date, they could help bolster future housing cases, Siddique said, and he encouraged tenants coping with nonpayment cases to complete them.

The forms are available in 20 languages through the state court system.

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Culinary Road

BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022• 15

By Morris Gut

Where to dine out for Valentine’s Day

Amore! The coupling of good food and wine with the sensual is the aphrodisiac of literature and verse through the ages.

Pucker up! Valentine’s Day is Monday, Feb. 14th. While not all eateries are open on a Monday, warm things up a bit- make a whole weekend out of it!

Restaurants and nightspots throughout Westchester are gearing up to serve some of their most titillating specialties. Take-out/delivery remain a good option. Here is an eclectic round-up of delectable dishes and dining venues for you and your loved one and don’t forget to reserve early…FOLLOW CURRENT COVID PROTOCOLS AND STAY SAFE! STEAK FOR TWO AT MACELLERIA, PELHAM! This high-end Italian steakhouse with locations in Pelham, Armonk and Greenwich serves classic cuts of prime beef and chops along with a hearty helping of Italian/American specialties. Tony Lala and his crew will take good care of you. Be seated in the handsomely renovated dining rooms and consider the menu over a glass of fine wine. Diver Scallops, Steak Tartare, slabs of Canadian Bacon, great Meatballs, Spaghetti Carbonara, Pappardelle with Short Rib Ragu, Zuppa di Pesce, even a Classic Burger. Carnivores should consider the Lamb Chops, Veal Chop, New York Strip Steak, or Porterhouse for two. Macelleria, 142 Fifth Ave., Pelham.

914-365-2561 www.macelleriai-

taliansteakhouse.com

SUPER BOWL AND VALENTINE’S DAY AT MORRIS PARK INN!

There’s a new reasonably priced chef driven tavern menu served here. While enjoying a cocktail recently, I could not help but notice a big German-style soft pretzel with side of cheese sauce served to a nearby patron. Enough to share. Great finger foods. Tried the Chicken Wings and they were delish. Baja Crispy Fish Tacos; HalfPound Burgers and Sliders; Baby Back Ribs, and Panko Crusted Fish & Chips. Beers and cocktails, too.

Open 7 days. Bustling bar and dining room. TVs. Happy Hours. Live entertainment nights, check ahead.

Morris Park Inn, 1024 Morris Park Ave., Bronx. 718-239-4109 www. morrisparkinn.com ‘VERA’ ROMAN-STYLE CUISINE AT SPADARO, NEW ROCHELLE!

Walk into Spadaro Roman Kitchen in New Rochelle and you are treated like family. Chef/owners Antonio and Rina Spadaro will take you on a Roman Culinary Holiday and they are wonderful tour guides. From their charming open kitchen, the seasonal menu touts such specialties as: Chef Antonio’s Green Eggplant, pistachio sauce, asparagus, figs, and house made mozzarella; Grilled baby octopus with lemon sauce; Rigatoni Lamb Ragu; Veal Ossobuco, crosscut shanks with parsley, garlic and carrots topped with mushrooms; Branzino, whole grilled sea bass with chef’s house made lemon sauce; and Lamb Chops, baby rack of lamb grilled and served with spinach and potatoes. Rina’s desserts are extraordinary: house

made Tiramisu, Chocolate Mousse Cake, and Rina’s Pistachio Cheesecake. Take-out. Spadaro, 211 Main Street, New Rochelle. Phone: 914-235-4595 www.spadaroromankitchen.com TITILLATING FLAVORS AT MARIA, NEW ROCHELLE!

Two-time winners of Michelin’s prestigious ‘Bib Gourmet’ Award, brothers Peter and Giovanni Cucullo have been drawing patronage from all over for their flavorful riff on Italian/global cooking. Enjoy their Happy Hours from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when they offer some favorite beverages and small plates that are loaded with flavor. I am hooked on such eclectic dishes as: Glazed Pork Ribs, Truffled Green Beans, Grilled Sausage with sweet & spicy Peruvian peppers, Mom’s Meatballs, Cauliflower Fritters, and Roasted Shishito Peppers.

Special mention must go to their tender baby Lamb Chops. Dining room and bar filled with artifacts from home. Friendly staff, too.

Good networking spot. The family also operates bustling Fratelli’s Pizza and Pops Café next door.

Maria, 11 Huguenot St., New Rochelle. Take-out & delivery. 914636-0006 www.marianewrochelle. com FINGER FOODS WITH PIZZAZZ AT JACK’S BAR, EASTCHESTER!

Owner Shane Clifford and his friendly crew have all the TVs and finger foods you want. Generous specialties coming out of Chef Brendan Donohoe’s kitchen include Double-Stacked Smash Burger; decadent Short Rib Mac N’ Cheese; Jack’s Meatballs; Seared Scallops; Chicken Curry; Shroom

Specialities at Spadaro.

Pizza out of their woodfired oven; Berkshire Pork Chop; and Grilled Lamb Sliders. Jack’s Bar, 219 Main St., Eastchester. 914-6527650 www.jackseastchester.com CASUAL COOL AT THE 808 BISTRO, SCARSDALE!

This eclectic Italian and American eatery on Scarsdale Ave., Scarsdale, glows nightly in a rainbow of alternating colors. Glistening ceramic and metal tiles highlight the 50-seat dining room and ceiling. There are modern artworks and lighting, silver metal chairs softened by stressed leather seats for comfort. It’s a Manhattan vibe and it’s all kept properly casual.

Chef/owner Sal Cucullo Jr. is a C.I.A. graduate who practically grew up in restaurants. He knows how to cook Italian, but for as long as I have known him his creativity has never been bound by culinary borders. He can knock out a delicious version of Grandma’s Gnocchi in a basil-pomodoro sauce one moment, and in another prepare a decadent Baked Macaroni and Cheese with chunks of lobster and shrimp, infused with truffle oil, that will propel you to foodie heaven. The 808 Bistro, 808 Scarsdale Ave., Scarsdale. 914-722-0808

www.the808bistro.com

SALSA ROMANCE AT MINIS LATIN FUSION,

Nicole Pirraglia-Piparo of City Island operates Minis Latin Fusion, a charming eatery serving colorful, flavorful Latin/Caribbean specialties such as fresh made traditional Sancocho Stew and Pulled Pork Pernil. ‘Plato’s Fuertes’ include Mofongo, Ropa Vieja, and Churrasco with rice & beans, Seafood Paella, and Caribbean Snapper. New Haitian dishes via Chef Evens Auguste include Conch, and Tassot de Cabrit, and Fritay Lakay.

Special Valentine’s Day menus.

Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch. Take out. Free parking. Minis Latin Fusion, 237 Main Street, New Rochelle.

Reservations: 914-355-5609 www.minislatinfusion.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 & Westchester for 30 years. He may be reached at: 914-235-6591. E-mail: gutreactions@optonline.net)

16• BRONX VOICE• February 2 - 8, 2022

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