The Supreme Court has rejected Sen. Bob Menendez’s attempt to throw out the bribery and corruption charges against him, setting the stage for a trial for the New Jersey Democrat this fall.
With Monday’s announcement, Menendez can no longer block the proceedings against him from moving forward, a major setback for his efforts to avoid criminal trial.
Abbe Lowell, Menendez’s lead defense attorney, said the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the appeal was “disappointing,” but still said Menendez will be “vindicated when all the facts are heard at trial.”
“It’s disappointing that the Supreme Court did not take this opportunity to set a clear, bright line of the separation of powers to ensure that Congress remains an independent and co-equal branch of government, free of interference and retribution from the executive as the Framers intended,” Lowell said in a statement. “While the senator always understood it is rare that the Supreme Court hears any case before trial, given the gravity of the Constitutional issues raised, he believed it was important to try.”
Think the Port Authority is slow and dysfunctional now? Watch what happens if lawmakers OK Gov. Cuomo’s demand for a new “New York” inspector general/prosecutor for the PA. A wooly mammoth trapped in a tar pit would move faster.
That became clear over the past two weeks amid a wave of scathing criticism — and not just from the New Jersey side of the bi-state agency.
Cuomo’s IG would be installed by — and answer to — him alone, with the power to prosecute crimes that affect New York. But a resolution in the Jersey Senate calls that “patently illegal.” Its Office of Legislative Services concludes the PA would “have no obligation to comply.”
So, expect the idea to be dragged into court, tying up vital agency business, possibly for years. That would slow or freeze a host of vital, multibillion-dollar projects, from airport renovation to a new Hudson rail tunnel.
In a letter to lawmakers, six PA commissioners (including Ken Lipper, who was tapped by Cuomo himself) say the gov wants “dictatorial” control over the PA by gaining the power to threaten prosecution. They say some of them would quit, along with top managers, if the IG were OK’d.
Plenty of things can kill the romance in a relationship.
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, But traditionally, money and all the complications that come with it sit near the top of the list.
“I’ve worked with hundreds of married clients and have seen a lot of spending habits over the years, both good and bad,” says Dan Carter, an Investment Advisor Representative for Safeguard Investment Advisory Group (www.safeguardinvestment.com).
“There’s no doubt that when the numbers in the bank account start dropping, the tempers can start flaring.”
Carter recalls that when he and his wife were planning their wedding, the minister declined to perform the ceremony unless they met with him three times beforehand.
“Guess what he talked about – money,” Carter says. “He said money can cause a lot of problems in a marriage. When the wolves are at the door, couples stress, argue, and often break up.”
In fact, 20 percent of couples say that financial decisions cause tension in their relationships every day, and 31 percent say money issues lead to stress weekly, according to a survey by the American Institute of CPAs and the Ad Council.
The key is for couples to get on the same page about money, Carter says. Tensions can’t help but grow if one spouse is extraordinarily frugal while the other is a spendthrift. He suggests:
• Sit down and talk about what is important. If a husband’s financial goals and a wife’s financial goals are at odds, trouble is inevitable. He might want to stash more away for retirement. Her chief concern might be saving enough to help the kids through college. The important thing is that each understands the other’s priorities and concerns, and then they can work from there, Carter says. • Understand that there must be a balance. Some couples spend recklessly, racking up massive credit-card debt, while others go to the opposite extreme, fearful of parting with money for anything other than basic necessities. Be disciplined, but treat yourselves once in a while, Carter says. An occasional splurge isn’t a bad thing. Couples can benefit from a dinner at a nice restaurant or a weekend trip to the beach. “The problem is when splurging becomes the norm,” Carter says. “But life shouldn’t just be one dreary chore after another. You do need to live a little.” • Ignore the Joneses. Let your neighbors, relatives and co-workers do what they do, buying unnecessarily expensive cars, living in houses they can’t afford and traveling to exotic destinations that are really outside their budgets. Enjoy life, but live within your means.
“There are plenty of sayings about money, like ‘money can’t buy you love’ and ‘the love of money is the root of all evil,’ ” Carter says. “Those sayings may contain a little truth, but I’d say money also can be a useful tool, a very positive thing. If you use it wisely, it can enhance your life and your loved ones’ lives, too.”
About Dan Carter
Dan Carter, an Investment Advisor Representative for Safeguard Investment Advisory Group (www.safeguardinvestment.com), has 18 years experience in the insurance and estate planning industry. Carter also is the radio host for a financial radio program, “The Big Picture Radio Show,” on KVTA 1590, Ventura County’s Gold Coast “News Talk” station. Carter holds California Life-Only and Accident and Health licenses (#0C32681), and holds a Series 65 license, and is registered through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
State Police and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations Seize 14 Kilos of Fetanyl
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Camden City NJ, A cooperative investigation by the New Jersey State Police Trafficking South Unit and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cherry Hill Office resulted in the arrest of Yahmire Boardley, 22, of Camden, N.J. and the seizure of 14 kilograms of fentanyl.
On Thursday, March 16, State Police detectives from Trafficking South, Hazmat, K-9, Crime Suppression South, and T.E.A.M.S Units along with agents from HSI, U.S. DEA Camden HIDTA, U.S. DEA Camden Resident Office, and officers from the Camden County Police Department executed several search warrants throughout the city as the result of a month-long investigation. Investigators seized a total of 14 kilograms of fentanyl from multiple locations and arrested Boardley at his city residence.
Yahmire Boardley was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute. He was processed at the New Jersey State Police Bellmawr Station and lodged at the Camden County Jail pending a bail hearing.
Fentanyl is one of the deadliest opioids. While it has been spotlighted for killing celebrities including Prince, it also has been responsible for a growing death toll in New Jersey, where 417 deaths were attributed to fentanyl in 2015. Used to treat acute pain, fentanyl is up to 50 times more powerful than heroin. In addition, seven fentanyl knock-offs have been sold on the street in New Jersey, usually disguised as less-powerful drugs like heroin or oxycodone, triggering overdose deaths. The Attorney General’s Office issued an emergency order last year adding those fentanyl knockoffs to the list of drugs subject to the strictest level of state control.
“This is a huge bust. By arresting this alleged drug dealer and seizing 14 kilograms of fentanyl, which is 50 times more powerful than heroin, the State Police and HSI stopped many thousands of doses of this lethal opiate from reaching the street,” said Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino. “Our ongoing interdiction of major drug traffickers is just one aspect of our multi-faceted efforts to fight the tragic epidemic of opiate addiction, but it is an important one that, in this case, undoubtedly saved many lives. Another area of focus for our office includes a new strike team that has criminally charged six doctors with indiscriminately prescribing pain pills for profit.”
“This massive seizure of fentanyl, which is a highly addictive and lethal opioid, almost certainly saved lives,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “This cooperative effort between the New Jersey State Police, HSI, and our other law enforcement partners demonstrates our resolve to aggressively target anyone peddling this poison in our communities.”
“Through multi-agency operations such as this one, we’re working to stop the flow of opiates into our communities and save lives,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “I commend our partners in the State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their work on this outstanding investigation.”
This case is being prosecuted by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice.
Charges are mere accusations the suspect is considered innocent until proven guilty.
Jermaine Ong
8:30 AM, Mar 17, 2017
2:02 PM, Mar 17, 2017
SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – Stone Brewing is breaking new ground by becoming the first to try making beer using water that “comes from the toilet.”
On Thursday, at the Stone Brewing location at Liberty Station, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer was among the first to drink the Full Circle Pale Ale.
Stone Brewing Senior Manager of Brewing and Innovation Steve Gonzalez created the beer that uses recycled water, and it ended up being one of his favorites.
He was skeptical, at first, to brew it with recycled water from the Pure Water San Diego program. Now, Gonzalez said, “Among the pale ales that I’ve made, it’s probably in the top three.”
After taking a drink, Faulconer called the beer “delicious.”
Ridgewood Nj, Roots Steakhouse & Tobacco Shop of Ridgewood will host a “Davidoff 702 Dinner” on March 28th at 6pm at the Davidoff Lounge and then 7pm at Roots Steak House .
Tickets are $125 and you will receive at 3 coarse meal and 2 Davidoff 702 cigars . Tickets are limited .Call (201)447-2204 by March 22nd .
“One of the most iconic blends to ever come from Davidoff was the original 702, a limited edition cigar that was met with accolades. This year, Davidoff has released a cigar under the guise of that brand name, that is significantly different then the original release. The most obvious is the wrapper. The original release features a 702 Connecticut wrapper, while this time around it features a 702 Habano wrapper. The other difference is the cigar is released in a multitude of sizes that are the same blend as their corresponding lines, with a different wrapper.” Cigar Review
“It is time to unexpect. Davidoff Masterblenders have taken on the challenge to reimagine and reinvent our most iconic cigars –2000, Special R, Special T, Aniversario No. 3 among others – and give them an exciting twist for those seeking a more intense, bolder taste experience. These cigars, that have defined and refined Time, are wrapped in the new 702 ‘Habano’ wrapper from Ecuador to give them a bolder edge. The 702 Series is an exciting opportunity for those who have not yet had the chance to discover, or may want to rediscover, these iconic cigars,” explained Charles Awad, Senior Vice President Global Marketing and Innovation at Oettinger Davidoff AG in a press release.
10 Chestnut St
Ridgewood, New Jersey
@TheTobaccoShopOfRidgewood
Call (201) 447-2204
The NJ Board of Education’s choice of PARCC as a HS graduation requirement is an overreach by the executive branch that the Legislature must correct
Sarah Blaine
On March 16, the New Jersey Assembly overwhelmingly passed ACR-215, which is a resolution declaring that the state Board of Education’s new regulations requiring students to pass the PARCC Algebra 1 and the 10th grade PARCC English Language Arts tests to graduate from high school are “inconsistent with legislative intent.”
The existing law requires a comprehensive 11th grade test (which these two PARCC tests, neither of which is generally administered in 11th grade, are not). The resolution will not stop New Jersey’s schools from having to offer PARCC each year, but if adopted by the state Senate as well, it is a step toward ensuring that students will not have to pass PARCC to graduate from high school.
With this resolution, the Assembly took the first step in one process by which our New Jersey legislators can check the authority of our governor and his appointees (in this case, the state Board of Education): invalidating regulations that our Legislature determines are “inconsistent with legislative intent.” In English, that means that if the Legislature passes a law, and the executive branch decides to ignore the law and do something different, the Legislature can tell the executive branch: “No, you’re wrong, please go back to the drawing board.” Because this is a check on the executive branch’s authority, the governor’s signature is not required.
As at least 180,000 New Jersey students demonstrated by refusing to take PARCC tests in 2015 and 2016, opposition to PARCC testing is widespread. But leaving the substantive issues surrounding the PARCC test aside, important as they are, ACR-215 and its senate companion resolution, SCR-132, are about governance. That is, in considering these resolutions, the key question our legislators must decide is whether they are willing to allow Gov. Chris Christie and the Christie-appointed Board of Education to openly ignore New Jersey law.
Location Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ
The public is invited to attend the meeting, or watch it live on Fios channel 33, Optimum channel 77, or on the “Link in Live” tab of the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
Revised Budget Resolution
Approval: Revised Resolution for Adoption of the 2017-2018 Preliminary Proposed Budget for Submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools
It is recommended that the Board approve the following revised resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Ridgewood Board of Education, to approve the 2017-2018 school district preliminary proposed budget, as follows, for submission to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools:
Dr. Fishbein Budget Tax Levy General Fund $ 100,503,229 $91,519,173 Special Revenue Fund $ 1,378,767 $ 0 Debt Service Fund $ 3,683,597 From: $ 3,265,784 To: $ 3,265,783 Total Budget $ 105,565,593 From: $ 94,784,957 To: $94,784,956 The district has proposed programs and services in addition to the Core Curriculum Content Standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
Information on this budget and the programs and services it provides is available from the school district. There should be raised for the General Fund Tax Levy $91,519,173 for the ensuing School Year: (2017-2018).
UPDATE FOR SANITATION PICK UP – WEEK OF MARCH 20TH
Update on Sanitation Pick-Up
March 20,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Due to the recent snow storm and a prediction of additional snow over the weekend , placing solid waste at the curb will be extended into next week. Regular rear-yard pickup will resume Monday, March 27th. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
“Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Kim DePaola’s car is at the center of a double murder in New Jersey — and her son’s friend could be one of the victims … TMZ has learned.
Two badly burned bodies were found in the ‘RHONJ’ star’s torched car Friday — both had reportedly been shot in the head … execution style.
We’ve learned Kim’s son, Chris, was the one who regularly drove the car. We’re told a friend drove Chris to the airport last Wednesday, and was in possession of the car while Chris was out of town.
FROM MSNBC POLITICS shows to town hall meetings across the country, the overarching issue for the Democratic Party’s base since Trump’s victory has been Russia, often suffocating attention for other issues. This fixation has persisted even though it has no chance to sink the Trump presidency unless it is proven that high levels of the Trump campaign actively colluded with the Kremlin to manipulate the outcome of the U.S. election — a claim for which absolutely no evidence has thus far been presented.
The principal problem for Democrats is that so many media figures and online charlatans are personally benefiting from feeding the base increasingly unhinged, fact-free conspiracies — just as right-wing media polemicists did after both Bill Clinton and Obama were elected — that there are now millions of partisan soldiers absolutely convinced of a Trump/Russia conspiracy for which, at least as of now, there is no evidence. And they are all waiting for the day, which they regard as inevitable and imminent, when this theory will be proven and Trump will be removed.
By Rebecca Everett | For NJ.com
on March 18, 2017 at 8:35 AM, updated March 18, 2017 at 8:37 AM
On Tuesday, the day that Jason “Jay” Eitner ceased to be the Waterford Township school superintendent via a separation agreement, his Twitter and LinkedIn profiles said that he already had a new job.
“Superintendent-in-Residence, U.S. Department of Education,” they read. Both featured the Department of Education’s official seal.
But on that same day a spokesman for the Department of Education said Eitner does not work anywhere in the department.
“There’s not a shred of truth to anything this guy is peddling,” he said.
Eitner, who is active on social media and also maintains a blog on educational topics that he encourages the public to subscribe to, also wrote a post in January about a two-hour meeting he had with Education Secretary Betsy Devos.
“He’s never met with the secretary,” the spokesman said. “I’ve never heard of him and neither has [DeVos’] chief of staff.”
Ridgewood NJ, while the mainstream media made much of the Irish Prime Minister claiming Saint Patrick is the symbol, “the partron of immigrants”. The truth however could not however be further ,and if so illegal Immigrants are in big trouble .
The truth comes from Saint Patrick himself through the chance survival of two remarkable letters which he wrote in Latin in his old age.
The real Saint Patrick was not Irish at all, but a spoiled and rebellious youth of Roman citizenship living a life of luxury in fifth-century Britain. Saint Patrick was kidnapped from his family’s estate as a teenager and sold into slavery across the sea in Ireland.
For six long years he endured torture and brutal conditions as he watched over his master’s sheep on a lonely mountain in a strange land.
Saint Patrick went to Ireland an atheist, but there heard what he believed was the voice of God. When he finally escaped and risked his life to make a perilous journey across Ireland, he found passage back to Britain on a pirate ship.
His family welcomed back their long-lost son with open arms and assumed he would take up his life of privilege, but Saint Patrick heard a different call. He returned to Ireland to bring a new way of life to a people who had once enslaved him.
There he became a warrior ,constantly faced opposition, threats of violence, kidnapping, and even criticism from jealous church officials, while his Irish followers faced abuse, murder, and enslavement themselves by mercenary raiders. But through all the difficulties Saint Patrick maintained his faith and persevered in his Irish mission.
The Ireland that Saint Patrick lived was utterly unlike the Roman province of Britain in which he was born and raised. Dozens of petty Irish kings ruled the countryside with the help of head-hunting warriors while Druids guided their followers in a religion filled with countless gods and perhaps an occasional human sacrifice.
Saint Patrick was not an illegal immigrant but a kidnapped slave forced into servitude , To quote Democrat Senator Bob Menendez says on Twitter what may have felt is the real purpose for illegal immigrants the Senator commented on Twitter, “A #DayWithoutImmigrants means Senators & Senate staff couldn’t get their coffee because immigrants are part of our everyday lives” . Associating Saint Patrick with illegal immigration simply implys the illegals are here as seconclass citizens to shine your shoes, cut your lawn and make your coffee.
JOHN LATKA, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT ELECTRIC & GAS OPERATIONS – PSE&G
Ridgewood NJ, You may have seen dramatic TV coverage of manhole covers popping off in the street and hurdling through the air. While rare in our service area, manhole covers sometimes become dislodged. The root cause varies; however, these incidents all have two ingredients: combustible fumes and an ignition source.
During the snowy months and spring thaw, the flammable gases are often caused by the salt we put on roads and sidewalks to keep us safe from slippery snow and ice. Other sources of potentially dangerous fumes include sewer lines, gas pipes, decaying organic matter, and the disposal of combustible materials in the streets.
In the late winter and early spring, salty runoff can make its way down a manhole shaft and compromise the insulation around electric cables. The cables begin to smolder, releasing gases like carbon monoxide, methane and hydrogen. In high concentrations, all that’s needed to release this energy is a spark.
Manhole covers serve an important purpose. They keep debris from falling into our electric vaults, keep unauthorized people out and ensure we can provide you the safe, reliable electricity service you expect from PSE&G.
We have 28,547 manholes in our system. Underneath their 400-pound cast iron covers are vaults measuring 6 feet high, by 12 feet long and 8 feet wide. The vaults house high-voltage electric cables about the size of your fist in diameter. Multiple cables are bundled together and wrapped in insulation. Those cables feed transformers that step down the high voltage electricity to a level suitable for distribution to homes and businesses.
We have another 11,251 “hand holes” that are covered by the small, rectangular metal covers you most often see in urban areas. These smaller vaults house low-voltage lines that bring electricity to individual customers such as small businesses, apartment buildings, or street and traffic lights. The covers on these hand holes don’t pop often. The lower voltage, combined with a smaller space, make it less likely to trap and ignite gas.
Manhole incidents in our system happen very infrequently. However, if you see something suspicious, like a manhole spewing smoke, it is important to report it. Call 911. Also, be sure to call PSE&G if you see a manhole or hand hole cover ajar or in any way out of place. It could be a sign of a problem lurking underneath.
