2014 Village Calendar Mix Up
The 2014 Village Calendar has been distributed through the Postal Service to every Village residence and business.
We have received reports from a few residents that their calendars were not assembled properly – specifically May/June and Sept/October months. Please look at your calendar to ensure that it is in proper order. If it is not, please call 201/670-5500 x204 to obtain a replacement. We are sorry for any inconvenience.2014 Village Calendar
EDUCATION ISSUES WILL HELP SHAPE CHRISTIE’S SECOND TERM — AND POLITICAL FUTURE
Running in GOP primaries might push governor further to the right on school reforms
After four years of political drama involving school reform and education policy in New Jersey, could Gov. Chris Christie’s second term be even more eventful?
Three major speeches by the governor over the next two months are sure to highlight education.
In the meantime, many observers are already speculating about Christie’s unfinished education-related business as he begins his next term – and possibly embarks on a run for certain higher office.
“Education is always an important political issue, because it involves two things everyone cares about: kids and money,” said Ben Dworkin, director of the Rebovich Institute of New Jersey Politics at Rider University.
“Even in a second term after a first term that saw some significant accomplishments, Chris Christie will still prioritize it,” Dworkin predicted. ”There are still schools that don’t do well, still issues in fully funding the state’s school funding law, and challenges around charter schools and vouchers. (Mooney/NJSpotlight)
EMBATTLED PORT AUTHORITY STILL FIGHTING TOLL HIKE LAWSUIT
Transportation experts question impact of soaring World Trade Center costs on agency finances, tollpayers
While political attention remains riveted on the Bridge-gate scandal that forced the resignation of Gov. Christie’s top two lieutenants at the Port Authority, the bistate agency remains embroiled in a lawsuit challenging the legality of its massive multiyear toll hike. At the heart of the suit is the allegation that toll revenue is being illegally diverted from transportation projects to pay for billions of dollars in cost overruns on the World Trade Center project.
For two years, the Port Authority has been battling to block the release of documents showing its internal deliberations leading up to its controversial September 2011 decision — jammed through after just one day of hearings — to raise tolls on the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels; George Washington, Bayonne and Goethals bridges; and the Outerbridge Crossing from $8 then to $12 today and $15 by 2015. (Magyar/NJSpotlight)
(caption notes: Ridgewood FD firefighter carrying infant in car seat to waiting ambulance is Firefighter John Baughman) Photos by Boyd Loving
Infant and mother shaken up in Ridgewood accident
January 6,2014
Boyd A. Loving
11:37 AM
Ridgewood NJ, A mother and her infant were transported by ambulance to Hackensack University Medical Center after being shaken up in a Monday morning collision between a Honda Odyssey minivan and Village of Ridgewood sanitation truck. The accident occurred near the intersection of Linwood Avenue and Solas Court. The minivan’s right front tire was punctured during the crash; there was no reported damage to the sanitation truck. Ridgewood PD, FD, and EMS units responded to aid the victims. The incident remains under investigation by Ridgewood PD.
Photo credit: Boyd A. Loving
N.J. bill on regulating drones says the sky has limits
State lawmakers are rushing to restrict how police and firefighters may deploy aerial drones in New Jersey — even if so far no one is using them to track criminals or douse fires.
Supporters say legislation is necessary to strike a balance between legitimate public safety needs, from aiding a criminal investigation to scanning a forest fire, and privacy concerns, though some argue the bill already goes too far.
The bill,which already has been passed by the state Senate and has bipartisan backing, is scheduled to go before the full Assembly today. It would restrict how police, firefighters and other first responders can use unmanned aircraft, and it would include a ban on any drone outfitted with weapons, such as those employed by the federal government to target terrorists overseas.
The lawmakers’ effort comes as an increasing number of Americans express their sensitivity to how government is using technology. Citizens have learned more and more about the sweeping collection of personal information by federal officials in disclosures by former national security consultant Edward Snowden.
Currently, drones are primarily employed by the military, and the use of unmanned aircraft in the U.S. is tightly restricted. Waivers are needed if researchers or police require the help of a drone. (Reitmeyer/The Record)
file photo Boyd Loving
Broken streetlight to be cited in suit in Ridgewood pedestrian’s death
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 2014
BY CHRIS HARRIS
STAFF WRITER
THE RECORD
RIDGEWOOD — The wife of a lawyer and author who died in March after being struck by a car has filed legal notice with the village, expressing her intent to pursue a claim.
Missing or non performing Street lights have been an issues in the Village for over 10 years
Every Time it was mentioned on this blog the writers were attacked for being complainers
Streetlight outages prompt concerns in Ridgewood
https://theridgewoodblog.net/streetlight-outages-prompt-concerns-in-ridgewood/
PSE&G : The old street light scam is back in the news once again
https://theridgewoodblog.net/pseg-the-old-street-light-scam-is-back-in-the-news-once-again/
PSE&G Plans to Light Up Streets for Less
https://theridgewoodblog.net/pseg-plans-to-light-up-streets-for-less/
Harlow tells PSE&G: “Too little, too late!” – Harlow demands PSE&G repay Village $250K – PSE&G reveals plan to upgrade ALL streetlights in Village
https://theridgewoodblog.net/harlow-tells-pseg-too-little-too-late-harlow-demands-pseg-repay-village-250k-pseg-reveals-plan-to-upgrade-all-streetlights-in-village/
Killion re: new street lights: “This project started when Quentin Wiest was mayor and it still isn’t done. Will it be done before I leave office?”
https://theridgewoodblog.net/killion-re-new-street-lights-this-project-started-when-quentin-wiest-was-mayor-and-it-still-isnt-done-will-it-be-done-before-i-leave-office/
Una Sarno’s notice of tort claim suggests a broken street-light directly contributed to the death of her husband, Ronald Sarno.
The 71-year-old partner in Sarno & De Felice in New York City was struck March 5 on North Walnut Street, near downtown Ridgewood, while walking home from the train. He died at Hackensack University Medical Center three days later.
According to his wife, Sarno had been the author of eight books on legal and religious subjects.
A notice of tort claim, the first legal step before filing a lawsuit, must be filed within 90 days on an incident. The notice was first filed in June.
According to the notice, the car that hit Sarno was driven by Scott Kunz of Ridgewood. Police did not issue a summons for the accident.
The filing says the accident happened just before 7:30 p.m.
In their reports, Ridgewood police noted the “area was dangerously dark, with the nearest streetlight out,” the filing says.
Reader says We can’t forever be stuck with those blighted remnants of the past
What are the alternatives for the eyesores of the Town Garage, Brogan Cadillac, Ken Smith Chevrolet, and the old auto dealers along North Maple in to Ho Ho Kus ? We can’t forever be stuck with those blighted remnants of the past if we want Ridgewood to remain awesome for future generations. How about a Performing Arts Center (with extra parking), a hockey arena (again with parking, will save time for all of the families who currently drive to Paramus), and more park land (with parking !) ? There have to be some suggestions for the owners of those properties on how best to redevelop them in a way that makes sense for both current and future residents. We can’t just remain forever static and say that’s what’s best for residents – progress isn’t always negative !
Reader says DO not be fooled into thinking these properties are sitting vacant because there is nothing that can be done on them
DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS
MORNING.
URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE NEW YORK NY
410 AM EST MON JAN 6 2014
…DENSE FOG SHOULD REDEVELOP INTO THIS MORNING…
…STRONG WINDS EXPECTED TONIGHT INTO TUESDAY ACROSS THE NEW YORK CITY METROPOLITAN AREA AND LONG ISLAND…
…DENSE FOG ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 10 AM EST THIS
MORNING…
…WIND ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM EST
TUESDAY…
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN NEW YORK HAS ISSUED A WIND
ADVISORY…WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS EVENING TO 6 PM EST
TUESDAY.
* LOCATIONS…THE NEW YORK CITY METROPOLITAN AREA AND LONG ISLAND.
* HAZARDS…DENSE FOG…THEN STRONG WINDS.
* WINDS…WEST 20 TO 30 MPH WITH GUSTS UP TO 50 MPH.
* TIMING…DENSE FOG SHOULD REDEVELOP AND LAST INTO THIS MORNING
UNTIL A STRONG COLD FRONTAL PASSAGE. STRONG WINDS WILL DEVELOP
LATE THIS EVENING AND CONTINUE INTO TUESDAY AFTERNOON.
* IMPACTS…HAZARDOUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS IN FOG…AND DIFFICULT
DRIVING CONDITIONS IN STRONG WINDS.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
A DENSE FOG ADVISORY MEANS VISIBILITIES WILL FREQUENTLY BE
REDUCED TO ONE QUARTER MILE OR LESS. IF DRIVING…SLOW DOWN…– USE
YOUR LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS…AND LEAVE PLENTY OF DISTANCE AHEAD OF
YOU IN CASE A SUDDEN STOP IS NEEDED.
A WIND ADVISORY IS ISSUED WHEN SUSTAINED WINDS OF 31 TO 39 MPH…
OR GUSTS OF 46 TO 57 MPH…ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. WINDS THIS
STRONG CAN MAKE DRIVING DIFFICULT…ESPECIALLY FOR HIGH PROFILE
VEHICLES. — USE EXTRA CAUTION.
Study: Dogs Relieve Themselves In-Line With Earth’s Magnetic Field
By Benjamin FearnowJanuary 4, 2014 5:46 PM
WASHINGTON (CBS DC) – Dogs are quite particular about where they choose to relieve themselves — not only do they defecate in direction with the north-south axis, but they also are sensitive to slight changes in the Earth’s magnetic field.
A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Zoology finds that a wide range of canines preferred to “excrete with the body being aligned along the north-south axis” under “calm magnetic field conditions.” The nearly 37 breeds of dogs studied were found to completely avoid urination or defecation along an east-west direction.
The study is the first time that magnetic sensitivity was proven in dogs, although previous research has shown that many mammals “spontaneously align their body axis” with Earth’s magnetic field in a diverse range of behavioral contexts.
Poll: 4 in 10 college grads end up in jobs that don’t require a college degree
Degrees of Value: Making College Pay Off
For Too Many Americans, College Today Isn’t Worth It
By Glenn Harlan Reynolds
In the field of higher education, reality is outrunning parody. A recent feature on the satire website the Onion proclaimed, “30-Year-Old Has Earned $11 More Than He Would Have Without College Education.” Allowing for tuition, interest on student loans, and four years of foregone income while in school, the fictional student “Patrick Moorhouse” wasn’t much better off. His years of stress and study, the article japed, “have been more or less a financial wash.”
“Patrick” shouldn’t feel too bad. Many college graduates would be happy to be $11 ahead instead of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, behind. The credit-driven higher education bubble of the past several decades has left legions of students deep in debt without improving their job prospects. To make college a good value again, today’s parents and students need to be skeptical, frugal and demanding. There is no single solution to what ails higher education in the U.S., but changes are beginning to emerge, from outsourcing to online education, and they could transform the system.
Though the GI Bill converted college from a privilege of the rich to a middle-class expectation, the higher education bubble really began in the 1970s, as colleges that had expanded to serve the baby boom saw the tide of students threatening to ebb. Congress came to the rescue with federally funded student aid, like Pell Grants and, in vastly greater dollar amounts, student loans.
https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303870704579298302637802002?mod=e2fb
NSA won’t say whether it spies on Congress
Posted by
CNN’s Conor Finnegan
Washington (CNN) – Congress is just like everyone else. That’s the message the National Security Agency has for Sen. Bernie Sanders.
The independent senator from Vermont sent a letter to the agency Friday, asking whether it has or is “spying” on members of Congress and other elected American officials.
The NSA provided a preliminary response Saturday that said Congress has “the same privacy protections as all U.S. persons.”
“NSA’s authorities to collect signals intelligence data include procedures that protect the privacy of U.S. persons. Such protections are built into and cut across the entire process. Members of Congress have the same privacy protections as all U.S. persons,” said the agency in a statement obtained by CNN.
https://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2014/01/04/nsa-wont-say-whether-it-spies-on-congress/
Lifeguard Training – Red Cross at YWCA
Village Council and Board Meetings
01/07/148:00PMPlanning Board Special Public Meeting
01/08/147:30PMVillage Council Public Work Session
01/15/148:00PMVillage Council Public Meeting
01/21/147:30PMPlanning Board Public Meeting
01/29/147:30PMVillage Council Public Work Session
01/29/147:30PMPlanning Board Special Public Meeting
01/30/147:30PMPlanning Board Special Public Meeting
BOE MEETS MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2014
The Board will hold a Regular Public Meeting on Monday, January 13, 2014 at 7:30 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the meeting at the Ed Center, 49 Cottage Place, Floor 3. The meeting will be aired live on FiOS channel 33 and Optimum channel 77. Or it may be viewed live via the district website at www.ridgewood.k12.nj.us using the “Link in Live” tab.
Are You Ready for Some Taxpayer-Subsidized Nonprofit Sportsball?
Jan. 5, 2014 11:00 am
With the NFL playoffs underway and the BCS National Championship Game kicking off tomorrow night, now seems like a perfect time to remind every American just how screwed up the economics behind these games actually are.
Here is the original text from the Dec. 2, 2013 video:
Whether you like football or not – whether you’ve ever bought a ticket to a high school, college, or NFL game – you’re paying for it.
That’s one of the takeaways from The King of Sports: Football’s Impact on America, Gregg Easterbrook’s fascinating new book on the cultural, economic, and political impact of America’s most popular and lucrative sport.
“The [state-supported] University of Maryland charges each…undergraduate $400 a year to subsidize the football program,” says Easterbrook, who notes that only a half-dozen or so college teams are truly self-supporting. Even powerhouse programs such as the University of Florida’s pull money from students and taxpayers. “They do it,” he says, “because they can get away with it.”
At the pro level, billionaire team owners such as Paul Allen of the Seattle Seahawks and Shahid Khan of the Jacksonville Jaguars benefit from publicly financed stadiums for which they pay little or nothing while reaping all revenue. Easterbrook also talks about how the lobbyists managed to get the NFL chartered as a nonprofit by amending tax codes designed for chambers of commerce and trade organizations.
https://reason.com/blog/2014/01/05/are-you-ready-for-some-taxpayer-subsidiz
