Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn A. Murray and Newark Police Director Samuel DeMaio announced that the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Newark Police Department are investigating the shooting death of Quian Christmas, 29, of Newark.

Christmas was fatally shot at approximately 8:53 the night of Jan. 9. The shooting occurred in the vicinity of W. Peddie Street and Ridgewood Avenue in Newark. Christmas was pronounced dead at 9:15 PM at University Hospital. A second victim was shot but sustained non-life threatening injuries.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is asking for the public’s help because the surviving victim is not cooperating with law enforcement. Anyone with information is urged to call the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tips line at 1-877-847-7432.

When Alex Pino returned home from his last deployment to Iraq in 2008, after having served his country both as a Naval 3rd Class Officer and an Army Specialist, he discovered that he had come back to a host of financial troubles.

"When I came back, I was foodless, jobless, and just about homeless," Pino said. "It was a very difficult time for me and my family."

Looking for any kind of assistance, Pino came to the G.I. Go Fund Veterans Transition Center, a veterans' office located right in Newark's City Hall which had just opened its doors a few weeks before he came. He was not exactly sure what they would be able to assist him with, since he had so many different problems facing him and his family. As it turned out, though, they were ready to assist him with everything.

On December 13, 2011 in the presence of a crowd over 150, Newark Mayor Cory Booker lit the Christmas tree inside the City Hall Rotunda. Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement Margarita Muniz entertained the audience as mistress of ceremonies.

The American History High School Choir sang a beautiful rendition of “Christmas in Newark” under the guidance of Music Director Keresse Dorecely. The Newark Boys Chorus, who has performed nationally and internationally, kept the audience on their toes while singing holiday songs. Newark’s own Bobby Wise from the South Ward played “The Christmas Song” on the saxophone and received a request from the audience to have another selection. Naturally, he obliged. He has been a professional saxophonist for the past five decades.

On Sunday, December 4, 2011, the City of Newark and Guyton-Callahan American Legion Post No. 152 observed the 70th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor with a ceremony at the Archie Callahan monument, in Military Park, at Raymond Boulevard and Broad Street. Newark native Mess Attendant 2nd Class Callahan was stationed on the battleship USS Oklahoma during the Pearl Harbor attack, and became the first African-American killed in World War II when Japanese torpedoes capsized the dreadnought at anchor. Mr. Callahan’s service was honored with this memorial, which was moved from the now-demolished Douglass-Harrison Homes (where he grew up) to its present site at Military Park in 2005. Here, Chief Coley greets attendees. From left, Post No. 152 Past President Constance Jenkins, Chief Coley, Post No. 152 Commander John Sharpe James, and Post No. 152 Past President Annie Scott.