There’s changes to outdoor dining, new statistics on this past election and more.
Let’s get into it.
‘Soqui’ Dejesus Missing In Jersey City
A local family is seeking assistance to locate a missing family member.
Carmen Dejesus has been reported missing. Dejesus, who goes by the nickname Soqui, was last seen on Nov. 13 in downtown Jersey City by Erie Street.
She is 65 years old and only speaks Spanish, but can defend herself in English.
Her disappearance has been reported to the police and they are currently looking for her. If anyone sees her, her family asks that you contact them at 201-625-2398.
Soqui’s daughter, Hilda shared a Facebook post detailing her mother’s disappearance and also asked that people contact her if they have any information on Soqui.
Where Outdoor Dining Stands In New Jersey
This past Monday Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill to make outdoor dining in restaurants and certain liquor stores permanent in New Jersey.
“Outdoor dining has proven to be an incredibly successful venture over the past four years, benefiting business owners and patrons alike,” Gov. Murphy said. “I’m proud to continue this popular measure and look forward to seeing our restaurant industry continue to grow.”
During the pandemic, the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control issued a Special Ruling that gave restaurants, bars and breweries permission to establish outdoor dining temporarily.
Gov. Murphy’s new bill makes these permissions for outdoor dining and alcohol sales permanent. This includes the continued use of tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, chairs, and other outdoor equipment and expansion onto sidewalks, patios and other designated outdoor areas.
Restaurant owners had nothing but praise for the new bill calling it an economic boost to local communities.
“During the pandemic, outdoor dining was critical to allowing so many restaurants to stay open, keep employees on the payroll, and continue serving loyal customers,” said the Economic Development Authority CEO, Tim Sullivan.
“Though the pandemic is long behind us, outdoor dining will remain a staple in downtowns and main streets across the state thanks to the bill signed today by Governor Murphy, helping to revitalize communities by attracting more foot traffic, spurring economic activity, and bolstering small businesses.”
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Statistics Reveal Low Voter Turnout In Jersey City
Despite New Jersey having a record turnout for early voting, it seems that the voter turnout as a whole is not as high as expected.
On election night, MSNBC’s Steve Kornacki noted a major shift in Hudson County, recognizing it as one of the areas with one of the biggest Latinx populations.
“Take a look at Hudson County, Joe Biden won here by 46 points, tonight it’s 28 points, this is one of those giant, core Democratic, counties in New Jersey the Democratic party relies on. That’s a massive, massive, shift.”
Jersey City had the biggest number of registered voters in Hudson County, but also the largest decline in turnout with only 49% of the 173,784 registered voters actually voting.
Jersey City voted 72% for Vice President Harris this year, but if Jersey City would have had a 62% voter turnout, then it could have added 22,066 votes to the election tally.
While New Jersey is historically a blue state, the low voter turnout causing major shifts, may not guarantee its Democratic status in the future.
Palestinian Flag Spikes Dispute In Hoboken
The City of Hoboken raised the Palestinian flag inside City Hall on Monday and it caused controversy among certain citizens.
Hoboken Mayor, Ravi Bhalla responded Monday morning to the controversy over the flag raising stating, “the last thing we want to do is disrespect any community in Hoboken. I have been there for the Israeli community. This unchanged sentiment can co-exist with the sentiment that we support and celebrate the Palestinian community members here in Hoboken. In this regard, equality will be our hallmark here in this city.”
The ceremony spiked controversy because of the ongoing deadly war in Gaza. Some encouraged the public to support the ceremony while others heavily criticized it.
Hoboken Councilwoman Tiffanie Fisher stated in her newsletter her concern on Mayor Bhalla scheduling a flag-raising event for the Palestinian flag.
“While the intent behind the flag-raising may have been to honor a cultural, or more likely political, request, this decision is deeply divisive at a time when many residents are already grappling with the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. Symbols matter, and actions like this have the potential to create unnecessary divisions within our community,” she stated.
Councilwoman Fisher also sent Mayor Bhalla a separate email asking him to reconsider the flag raising stating:
“I would ask that you reconsider doing this not just as a member of the Jewish community but a member of the Hoboken community. I know you’ve shared with some of our Jewish neighbors your strong opposition to antisemitism, which I believe, but this action can only be construed by many as being inconsistent with that position.”
The Jewish Voice for Peace of Northern NJ wrote a letter to the Hudson County View and gave their opinion on why Hoboken should be praised and not criticized, for the Palestinian flag raising.
“Like each of the members of Hoboken’s rich tapestry of ethnic groups, Palestinians deserve to have their heritage acknowledged. And at this time when people in Palestine are experiencing a tragedy of devastating proportions, it is especially appropriate to show Hoboken’s Palestinian Americans that their neighbors see their humanity,” expressed The Jewish Voice for Peace of Northern NJ.
Mayor Bhalla posted a statement to his X account detailing the controversial flag-raising. You can read the post here.
