Author: James
Blue lives under fire: Deadly ambushes of police officers at two-decade high
file photo by Boyd Loving
By Andrea Noble – The Washington Times – Updated: 2:28 p.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2016
The number of ambush-style killings of police officers in the U.S. reached a two-decade high this year, pushing law enforcement fatalities to their highest rate in five years, with 135 officers killed in the line of duty, according to a year-end report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Shootings were the number one cause of death for law enforcement in 2016, claiming the lives of 64 officers — including eight gunned down in two ambush attacks in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in July. The report notes 21 of the officers were shot and killed in ambush-style attacks.
Firearms-related deaths were up 56 percent over the 41 officers killed by gunfire in 2015, but are still far below the all-time high of 156 officers killed by gunfire in 1973.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/dec/29/deadly-police-ambushes-two-decade-high-report/
Driver Hits Tree ,then transported to a local hospital
photo courtesy of Boyd Lovings Facebook
December 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paramus NJ, Paramus PD and EMS responded to a car vs. tree motor vehicle accident at the intersection of East Midland Avenue and Roedel Place on Thursday morning, 12/29. The injured driver was transported by a Paramus EMS ambulance to a local hospital. A paramedic team from The Valley Hospital assisted Paramus EMTs with the transport. The wrecked vehicle was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.
Sentencing delayed for ex-Assemblyman guilty in fraud case
Updated: DECEMBER 28, 2016 — 3:38 AM EST
by The Associated Press
SOMERVILLE, N.J. (AP) – The sentencing of a former New Jersey lawmaker who admitted to stealing more than $5.3 million from creditors for a business venture has been delayed until mid-January.
NJ.com reports (https://bit.ly/2icVBZ6 ) the sentencing of former Assemblyman Robert Schroeder was initially set for Dec. 22, but state prosecutors confirmed Tuesday that it’s been rescheduled for Jan. 13.
N.J. Legislature tightens rules for Uber, Lyft
Updated: DECEMBER 29, 2016 — 1:08 AM EST
by Andrew Seidman, TRENTON BUREAU @AndrewSeidman
Ride-sharing companies such as Uber and Lyft have been operating in New Jersey for years, but the state doesn’t regulate how they contract with drivers, insure, or provide other protections to consumers.
That could change soon, pending Gov. Christie’s approval.
During a marathon session before the holidays, the Democratic-controlled Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass a bill that specifies how much insurance ride-hailing companies must maintain, and establishes requirements for conducting background checks on drivers.
So-called transportation network companies would be prohibited from discriminating against riders based on their destination, race, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity, among other things.
Recycling Changes Send Ridgewood Residents into a Frenzy
December 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj, the recent changes in Village recycling procedures took residents by surprise, Concern centers compliance and enforcement, questioning will the Village be “issuing a summons. Same as leaf collection rules. You issue summons and then people know not to do it again.”
And what about No Deli Containers?
“No DELI CONTAINERS?? Is this for real? They have the recycle symbol. What are we supposed to do with all those clean clear deli plastic containers and lids that potato salad, macaroni salad, chicken salad, crunchy vegetable salad, etc. came in ? Are they to go in with regular household garbage to the landfill – thought that was illegal !!!”
Newspaper vs shiny paper
“Styrofoam, window glass, and other items listed here have never been accepted. This is not an entirely new list. If we can’t rely on the markings on the bottom of a container to know whether to recycle it or not, how is the average person supposed to get it right? And do the plastic boxes now go in the garbage? Or does curbside recycling have different rules from taking things to the recycling center, like the difference between having and not having to separate newspaper from shiny paper (recycling center yes, curbside not any more)?”
Hospitals’ lawsuit on tiered network can proceed
MICHAEL L. DIAMOND, @mdiamondapp4 p.m. EST December 28, 2016
Three hospitals — two in Bergen County — sued after they were left out of a leading insurer’s preferred network.
Three hospitals – two in Bergen County – that were left out of the preferred network of Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s Omnia plan can continue their lawsuit, a state judge has ruled.
Superior Court Judge Robert Contillo in Bergen County dismissed three of the hospitals’ claims. But he said three other claims – including one in which the hospitals take exception to Horizon’s marketing campaign – should be left on the table.
Trump Down Plays Russian Election Tampering
December 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, President-elect Donald J. Trump released the following statement in response to Presidents Obama’s action against Russia:“It’s time for our country to move on to bigger and better things. Nevertheless, in the interest of our country and its great people, I will meet with leaders of the intelligence community next week in order to be updated on the facts of this situation.”
The Obama administration is under intense pressure to release any evidence confirming Russian interference in the presidential election before leaving office.
The administration up until now has provided little documentation to back up its official October assessment that the Russian government was attempting to interfere in the U.S. election.
Nor has it corroborated subsequent leaks from anonymous officials contending that the CIA believes the campaign was an attempt by Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure Donald Trump’s victory.
Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) called the Obama administration’s new sanctions targeting Russia for meddling in the U.S. presidential election “overdue.”
“While today’s action by the administration is overdue, it is an appropriate way to end eight years of failed policy with Russia. And it serves as a prime example of this administration’s ineffective foreign policy that has left America weaker in the eyes of the world,”
The Joint Analysis report of JAR released today by the Administration comes with a huge disclaimer and little evidence other than conjecture by some intelligence analysis reminding one of the “weapons of Mass destruction” claim that led to the invasion of Iraq.
Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group Returns Home
December 30,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NORFOLK, Va. (NNS), More than 6,000 Sailors from Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 are scheduled to arrive at their homeports Dec. 30 after completing a highly successful seven-month deployment.
The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94) are returning to Naval Station (NS) Norfolk. USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) is returning to its homeport of NS Mayport, Florida.
Commanded by Rear Adm. James Malloy, the Eisenhower CSG is comprised of Ike, embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, CSG 10 staff and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff and ships.
CVW-3 is commanded by Capt. Marc Miguez and is comprised of squadrons based out of Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, NAS Whidbey Island, NAS Jacksonville, NAS Lemoore and NS Norfolk. CVW-3 includes Strike Fighter Squadrons (VFA) 32 “Swordsmen,” VFA-86 “Sidewinders,” VFA-105 “Gunslingers” and VFA-131 “Wildcats;” Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 130 “Zappers;” Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 “Screwtops;” Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 “Rawhides;” Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 74 “Swamp Foxes;” and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 7 “Dusty Dogs.”
While deployed, the strike group performed admirably in the 5th and 6th U.S. Fleet areas of operations while providing maritime security, conducting combat missions and launching F/A-18 strikes against ISIL in Syria and Iraq. The strike group’s support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Operation Odyssey Resolve and Operation Oaken Steel was integral to each mission’s success.
While conducting operations in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb Strait, USS Mason defended itself and other U.S. ships from multiple inbound anti-ship cruise missiles during the week of Oct. 9. In response to these threats, Sailors aboard Nitze swiftly carried out a defensive Tomahawk strike against three radar sites on the Yemeni coast. These combined actions reduced adversary capabilities in this strategic maritime chokepoint and helped ensure continued free-flow of commerce throughout the region.
RIDGEWOOD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RESTAURANT WEEK – JANUARY 15 – 19 & 22 – 26
December 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce presents ,Restaurant Week $25.17!
Sunday-Thursday, January 15-19
Sunday-Thursday, January 22-26
Back by popular demand – RESTAURANT WEEK 2017!!!
FREE parking all day Sunday and after 6:00pm Monday-Saturday.
Come to Ridgewood and treat yourself to a selection of prix-fixe dinners for $25.17
(+tax/tip/beverage not included)
Check out www.experienceridgewood.com for the restaurants participating
Start the New Year with a treat….
PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE A FEW EXCEPTIONS
WITH DETAILS,PLEASE READ CAREFULLY
ENJOY!
Visit the following participating businesses.
Call for details.
A Mano
201-493-2000
Cravings Tapas Bistro
201-857-8533
Daily Treat Restaurant
201-652-9113
Kids 2 for 1 at $25.17
Finca
201-444-1199
Fish Urban Dining
201-857-5151
It’s Greek to Me
201-612-2600
LaTour, A French-American Grill
201-445-5056 – lunch & Dinner
Leon Mexican Cuisine
201-857-0297
Novo Mediterranean
201-444-4910
Park West Tavern & Loft
201-445-5400
Pearl Restaurant Rustic Italian Cuisine
201-857-5100
Piccolo Bistro
201-882-1111
Raymond’s
201-445-5125
ROOTS Steakhouse
201-444-1922 Lunch only
Sakura-Bana Restaurant
201-447-6525
Steel Wheel Tavern
201-882-1800
The Sensible Fork
201-857-8686
Village Green Restaurant
201-445-2914
White Maple Café
201-447-1953
Catering
Chestnut Catering
201-445-3031
Specialty Offerings
Kilwins Ridewood
sweet treats
201-445-4837
Super Cellars Fine Wines & Marketplace
201-444-0012
Ridgewood Wine Seller
201-444-3300
See you in Ridgewood!
FREE parking on Sunday
Free Parking after 6:00pm
everyday.
HOW CAN WE MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER?
HOW CAN WE MOVE FORWARD TOGETHER? A bipartisan discussion on the political path ahead featuring
conservative and progressive political analysts, Guy Benson and Julie Roginsky
Thursday, February 2, 2017 7:30-9:00 pm
113 Cottage Place, Ridgewood, NJ
$25.00 per adult
$15.00 per student with ID
Coffee, tea, and dessert from will be served.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2738722
Guy and Julie will be available afterward for…discussion!
This in-person meeting will provide a platform for discussion of often-divisive political issues that matter most to each of us. Their discussion will include insight as to how Guy and Julie work to remain civil while navigating emotionally charged exchanges.
Join us to benefit worthy causes and help reconnect our country, one community at a time.
Proceeds will benefit Family Promise, Helping Hands for the Homeless and the Borough of Montvale
Guy Benson is a Ridgewood High School graduate. He is the Political Editor of Townhall.com, a Fox News Contributor, and co-author of the book End of Discussion. In 2015, Forbes magazine named Guy to its ’30 under 30′ law & policy roster. Guy is a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism
Julie Roginsky is a Democratic Party strategist and Fox News contributor. Roginsky founded Comprehensive Communications Group, which has worked on behalf of Fortune 500 corporations, elected officials and non-profit organizations. Senators Cory Booker and Frank Lautenberg have been among the firm’s clients. Julie hails from New Jersey, having attended high school in Princeton. She is a graduate of Boston University with a BA in political science and an MA in Russian economics.
For more information please contact: [email protected]/201-851-3262
Ridgewood Public Library continues with its oral history project
December 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the Ridgewood Public Library continues with its oral history project. 2016 may be coming to an end, but our oral history project Storytellers @RPL will continue on. We’ve added two more recordings for you to listen to on ridgewoodlibrary.org/storytellers. Learn about Ali’s Broadway debut and Gwenn’s family ties to Ridgewood. You can also read the transcripts of Roberta’s stories and Bob’s experiences.
We’ll continue to add oral histories to the website, so make sure to check in to hear the different voices that make up Ridgewood’s rich history. If you’re interested in sharing your story, please contact Sarah Kiefer at 201-670-5600 x135 or [email protected]
Cold Weather is Coming the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters reminds us that now would be a great time to review cold weather safety
file photo by Boyd Loving
December 29,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood Nj , you know that real winter weather is coming and the Ridgewood Professional Firefighters FMBA Local 47
reminds us that now would be a great time to review cold weather safety.
Snow-buried hydrants present unusual fire hazards across North Jersey . The responsibility for keeping hydrants clear of snow varies from town to town.
If you have a fire hydrant in front of your house, help yourself and help your neighbors by keeping it clear of snow. Ridgewood Police and Fire Departments urge resident to clear a path around the hydrant of 3 feet by 3 feet .
Top Ten Red Cross Cold Weather Safety Tips
Protect yourself, your loved ones and your home with these cold weather safety tips!
Posted February 18, 2015
As temperatures drop this winter, the American Red Cross offers ten steps people can take to stay safe during the cold weather.
1. Layer up! Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing your body heat.
2. Don’t forget your furry friends. Bring pets indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water.
3. Remember the three feet rule. If you are using a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least three feet away – things such as paper, clothing, bedding, curtains or rugs.
4. Requires supervision – Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.
5. Don’t catch fire! If you are using a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.
6. Protect your pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent your pipes from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage.
7. Better safe than sorry. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Your heating bill may be a little higher, but you could avoid a more costly repair job if your pipes freeze and burst.
8. The kitchen is for cooking. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.
9. Use generators outside. Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.
10. Knowledge is power. Don’t hook a generator up to the home’s wiring. The safest thing to do is to connect the equipment you want to power directly to the outlets on the generator.
https://www.redcross.org/news/article/Top-Ten-Red-Cross-Cold-Weather-Safety-Tips
Councilman Voigt’s accusations against Ridgewood’s Mayor made after the Mayor was already cleared
file photo by Boyd Loving
COUNCILMAN VOIGT’S ACCUSATIONS AGAINST MAYOR WERE FALSE!!!
December 28,2016
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
In regards to Councilman Voigt’s accusation against Mayor Knudsen, “Based on the facts and circumstances presented, there was no violation of the law/Faulkner Act.”
During closed sessions, in November, Mayor was cleared of all wrong doing. In December, Councilman Voigt publicly accused Mayor Knudsen of breaking the law. At the time he made this accusation he knew it was untrue. With malice and intent he stated it loudly, clearly, and rudely during a public meeting. A week later, in a room full of firefighters waiting to be promoted, he blew his top again. This time, Councilman Voigt had a message for residents about his ruthless attacks, “I can’t and won’t apologize. I don’t intend to and I just want to make sure people know that.” As if that wasn’t enough, he then turned to social media to expand his smear campaign and started a movement to talk about Mayor Knudsen, behind closed doors, with residents.
We now have documentation that Mayor Knudsen did not break the law. What we do not have is any sort of explanation, apology, motivation, or contrition from Councilman Voigt regarding this malicious character assassination. Why is he so loud when lying, and so silent when faced with the truth?
The question now is, why did Councilman Voigt lie and stoop to such levels; slander, libel, defamation and intentional malice? Why is Mayor Knudsen his target?
Document posted to Facebook, on “It Takes a Ridgewood Village” group, December 28.
