Glen Rock NJ, A reported bomb threat forced the evacuation of the Glen Rock Middle School/High School building located at 600 Harristown Road, Glen Rock on Friday afternoon, 10/13. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the incident. A sweep of the building’s exterior by a Bergen County Sheriff’s Office K9 Team yielded negative results. Students were eventually allowed back in to the building, however they were “sheltered in place.”
Glen Rock NJ, An individual dressed in a bear costume with a GoPro camera strapped to its chest and a large dog in tow, was observed standing outside of a Glen Rock elementary school at afternoon dismissal time on Friday, 10/13. Glen Rock Police received at least one (1) 911 telephone call about the individual from a concerned parent, and dispatched a uniformed patrol officer and a uniformed patrol supervisor to investigate. Responding units located the “bear with dog” two (2) blocks away from the school. The individual was identified as a local juvenile male. He was interviewed and then escorted back to his home and released to his mother. The intent of standing in front of the school dressed in a bear costume with an attached GoPro and dog was not made public.
Wyckoff NJ, Wyckoff and Waldwick Police report that a Waldwick Police Officer interrupted a suspect committing a burglary to an unlocked vehicle in their Borough.
Wyckoff Police have also experienced this in the past and would like to remind our residents to please remove all valuable items and especially key fobs from your vehicles and to lock your car doors at all times. Locking your vehicles and removing the key fobs is a simple way to deter criminals. It only takes a second to lock the doors. We cannot stress enough the value of our residents remaining alert in their neighborhoods and reporting anything unusual or suspicious to the police, “Hear It! See It! Report It!” We encourage all residents to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring in their neighborhoods at any time to Wyckoff Police- County Dispatch (201)891-2121.
Old Tappan NJ, Bob is an old friend of the Ridgewood blog and he is running for Assembly in District 39. Bob never forgets he is a small business owner . Bob is somone who can fight to set the balance right against ANTI-Business , ANTI-jobs Trenton.
District 39 is (Bergen and Passaic Conties) Bloomingdale, Closter, Demarest, Dumont, Emerson, Harrington Park, Haworth, Hillsdale, Mahwah, Montvale, Norwood, Oakland, Old Tappan, Park Ridge, Ramsey, Ringwood, River Vale, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, Wanaque, Washington (Bergen), Westwood, Woodcliff
Unlike most modern day politicians Bob entered into politics to help the everyday people of New Jersey, like himself. After graduating from New York University, Bob opened a small insurance company with my wife, Elsa. While it was prosperous at first, the state of New Jersey began to pass heavy regulations that placed a burden on insurance companies like his. After all but six of my competitors went out of business because of these new laws I realized that it was very possible that I might also lose everything I had worked so hard for. It was at that point that I decided to reach out to my friend Senator Cardinale to see if there was any way that he could help me. With a little negotiation Senator Cardinale was able to get Allstate Insurance to work with me which stopped me from having to go out of business. Through this experience, I witnessed firsthand the power of the government to both destroy and to aid.
After Senator Cardinale had helped him Bob decided to try and return the favor. Little by little, Bob started to do additional work for him until finally he became an unpaid volunteer aide for him in Trenton. After working for Senator Cardinale for 25 years a seat in the Assembly opened up; and while Bob was hesitant at first to run for office, he realized that this was my opportunity to help people, just as Senator Cardinale had helped him.
So in 2014, against all odds and very tough competition, I won a seat in the assembly. Even after all his time in the New Jersey Legislature I have kept one rule; before Bob votes on anything he must ask himself how would I feel as a taxpayer seeing my own vote? Bob is an Assemblyman because he has witnessed firsthand the power of the government to both impede and to aid, and Bob wants to ensure it will not impede again.
Westwood NJ, A peewee football league has banned a parent and his family for life after the father allegedly snapped when his son was rotated out as quarterback on a flag football team and attacked a teenage coach.
Peter Iappelli, 50, who earns $171,136 a year as school business administrator in Closter, was charged Wednesday by Westwood Police with simple assault and disorderly conduct after allegedly placing the 16-year-old coach in a chokehold.
Westwood Youth Football is for 6 to 12-year-olds and Westwood Youth Football is a founding member of newly created and formed NNJJFL ( The Northern New Jersey Junior Football League). This newly formed league was built with fair competitive play as the cornerstone of its development. Joining Westwood in the NNJJFL are the following programs: Washington Township, Hillsdale, Rivervale, Lodi, Garfield and Hawthorne.
Ridgewood NJ,A Wednesday morning, 10/11, single vehicle rollover crash at the intersection of East Midland and Beech Avenues in Paramus sent the vehicle’s adult female driver to Hackensack University Center’s main campus by ambulance. Paramus Police, EMS, and Fire Department Company #2 responded to the incident. Paramus EMS was assisted by a paramedic team from The Valley Hospital. The wrecked vehicle, a 4-door Chevrolet, was up righted and removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. A portion of East Midland Avenue was closed to through traffic while emergency responders worked at the scene. The vehicle appeared to have hit a tree just prior to rolling over.
Ho Ho Kus NJ, according to the Ho Ho Kus Police another burglary was discovered today on Ardmore Rd. Following are some good advice for residents of Ho Ho kus, Ridgewood , Glen Rock , Midland Park , Hawthorne ,Washington Twp, Paramus and so on .
Again, please do not hesitate to call the Ho Ho Kus Police at anytime. Always go with your gut. If something doesn’t seem right, you heard a strange noise, or see something unusual, call immediately and we will always check it for you. 201-652-1700 or Dial 911 in an emergency.
Ridgewood Police (201) 652-3900
Glen Rock Police (201) 652-3800
Washington Twp Police (201) 664-1140
Paramus Police (201) 262 -3400
Hawthorne Police (973) 427 -1800
Midland Park Police (201) 444-2300
Tips to prevent home burglaries:
Start outside: Burglars target your house by how it appears from the outside. Reformed burglars tell police they avoid houses with good lighting, any crunchy surface on driveways and patios that could make noise, an alarm box, cameras and signs of a dog in the house.
Tips to deter burglars on the outside of your home:
*Keep your home well lit—motion sensors, dusk-to-dawn lighting or timers all work
*Keep your shrubs and hedges trimmed—burglars love to hide behind shrubbery Gates, shrubs, etc. should be less than a couple feet high so your house is visible from the street
*Place a brightly colored burglar alarm to the front of your house in a prominent place
Items like prickly bushes and flower pots under windows make a burglar’s life more difficult
*If you have a dog, make sure the burglar knows it, as most burglars won’t target a house that could have dogs
*Install video cameras
*In the backyard, a tall fence is a good security measure, but make sure it is topped with trellising that can’t support the weight of a human—most burglars are athletic and will try to jump a fence if they can, but tend to avoid those that might break underneath them or draw attention to them
*Don’t leave anything outside that would make the burglar’s life easier—this includes tools, gardening equipment, ladders, garden furniture, etc.
Tips to secure your garden shed:
*Make sure your shed is up to the task—if you think the structure won’t stop burglars, don’t leave anything of value in the shed, including tools, lawnmowers and bicycles
*Fit the shed windows with steel grates, if you can
Install a cage inside your shed for valuable tools—but make sure it is securely attached
*Lock down ladders that could be used by a burglar to gain access to your home
cartoon-burglar
*When you’re home, don’t leave downstairs windows open in rooms you’re not occupying; burglaries happen very quickly and the 10 minutes you spend in another part of the house could be a burglar’s chance to climb in, take your belongings and leave before you’ve even realized he was there.
*Single-glazed windows are particularly vulnerable to attack by burglars since plain glass is easily breakable. Consider replacing them if it is within your budget.
*Be sure to add additional locks to wooden and metal windows, sash windows in particular. They’re easy to install and the added safety will help secure your home.
*Regardless of the type of windows you have, they should be locked at all times you’re not using them.
*Don’t forget to shut and lock your windows when you go out or go to bed. Upstairs windows should always be locked when you’re not home, and if you’re not using them when sleeping.
*Doors and mail slots tempt would-be thieves—so if you have a mail slot, use a basket or cage on the inside, making it difficult or impossible for thieves to use a tool such as a fishing rod, stick or metal bar to steal items like your car and house keys. If you use a basket or cage on the inside of your mail slot, remove the bottom to prevent mail theft.
*When it comes to doors, locks are king. Here are some things to look out for:
*Make sure your door frames are strong and fit well
Ensure you have five-lever mortice deadlock (if your door is over 44mm)
*Have an internal security chain or stopper
*Glazed panels on doors should be avoided; if used, they should be laminated glass (two pieces of glass bonded together with a sheet of laminate), as laminated glass is much tougher to break
*UPVC doors normally come with deadlock shoot bolts or a multi-point locking system, adding several bolts from the door into the frame
*Install a peep hole or video camera, so you don’t open your door without knowing who is on the other side
*French doors and patio doors are often the weak link in a house’s security—ensure they have extra locks and security precautions installed; consult your local police or an expert for more information on securing these types of doors
*Keep valuables out of sight, even if you’re leaving the room for just 10 minutes.
*Keep car keys far away from doors and windows, and never on display
*Keep laptops hidden securely when not in use
*Keep mobile phones and tablets away from prying eyes at windows, and when not in use, store them securely
*Don’t leave handbags, wallets, purses, checkbooks, cash or credit cards on display
Other home security and protection considerations
*If you’re going away, don’t advertise it on social media
*When you’re out of town, ask a neighbor to take out your trash
*Stop all deliveries if you’re out of town
*If you’re going on vacation, either leave your car in the driveway or ask a neighbor or friend to park there
*Don’t hide keys to your home outside—burglars know the spaces where people hide them, and it isn’t worth the risk
*Keep suitcases in the attic, as thieves will use these to carry away your valuables.
*Make sure you have sufficient insurance to protect you in case all of your precautions still result in your house being burgled
*Periodically take photos of the inside of your house and date them, so you can prove what items you own should you need to make an insurance claim.
*Mark your belongings with an anti-theft marking pen, as this can help not only with you getting your items back, but also prosecuting the thief.
Hasbrouck Heights NJ, The Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance in the state’s Department of Education investigated South Bergen Jointure Commission Superintendent Dawn Fidanza after receiving a complaint about her conduct.
Dawn Fidanza of Ridgewood is one of the highest paid public officials in Bergen County and one of the state’s highest-paid superintendents .
The Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance found that Fidanza transferred her daughter, Julia Fidanza, to another job in the district without the board’s approval in early 2016.
Specifically the state Education Department’s Office of Fiscal Accountability and Compliance found Fidanza created new job titles and transferred her daughter without board approval. She covered camera lenses so co-workers could not see her daughter’s “comings and goings” and attempted to influence her daughter’s supervisors about her evaluations.
Fidanza submitted her resignation, effective Dec. 31.
Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Police and EMS personnel responded to a two (2) vehicle crash with injuries at the intersection of Utter and Ninth Avenues on Tuesday afternoon, 10/10. An adult male victim was transported to The Valley Hospital by Hawthorne EMS; he sustained a non-life threatening arm injury. The wrecked 4-door sedan involved in the collision was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck.
Ridgewood NJ, on Monday, October 23 at 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM the Village of Ridgewood will host a District 40 candidate forum at the Village Hall in Ridgewood . The 40th Legislative District includes portions of Bergen, Essex, Morris and Passaic counties, including Allendale, Cedar Grove, Franklin Lakes, Ho-Ho-Kus, Little Falls, Midland Park, Pequannock, Pompton Lakes, Ridgewood, Riverdale, Totowa, Waldwick, Wayne, Woodland Park, and Wyckoff .
Senate candidates Republican Kristin M. Corrado, the Passaic County clerk, and Democrat Thomas Duch will debate, as will Republican Assembly candidates Christopher P. DePhillips and incumbent appointee Kevin J. Rooney and Democrats Christine Ordway and Paul Vagianos.
River Vale NJ, Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi comments on the Weinstein sexual harassment controversy and the Hollywood as well as Democrat double standard:
“I’ve found hypocrisy in politics fascinating as well as disgusting as it oftentimes involves women. Several months ago, in a room filled with more than 60 people, a local NJ democratic chairman made repugnant sexual based comments about a dear female professional friend of mine and yet not one person who was present said a word or spoke up. The press refused to cover the story after cowards who were present all claimed to be in the bathroom at the same time and therefore co…uldn’t confirm what had transpired.
Two years ago, another woman I know was sexually assaulted by a total piece of garbage who is prominent in NJ democratic state politics but she was convinced to remain silent by people in power as the perpetrator continues to receive promotions.
Where is the outrage one would expect against these examples? Why did people remain silent on Harvey Weinstein while accepting millions in campaign contributions? I worked in entertainment 20 years ago and stories about him were rampant back then. Why hasn’t the NJ state Democratic Party returned the monies he’s donated to them? Today, I challenge the three Democratic females running for office in my district to end their hypocrisy.
Time after time, you have launched baseless negative attacks, undertaken
hashtag politics, and fought on identity-based politics at the smallest
perceived slight or anytime you believe you can score cheap points yet you have remained silent on real issues within your own party.
Today, it is time for your games to end. The money you receive from
your Democrat Party, and from groups like Emily’s List and Emerge (which received donations of Weinstein’s money from the national Democratic Party) must be returned immediately. If it is not, and
you do not, it is clear that your words are meaningless.
The money you have taken is tainted by the very things you say you
oppose. Money from Hollywood’s Harvey Weinstein, who we now know
is an accused serial sexual assaulter has flowed into the coffers of your state
party. Millions of dollars were also raised at a state party fundraiser arm in arm with Alec Baldwin, who is well-known for calling a NY Daily News photographer a ‘nutty bi#*h,’ deriding a Starbucks barista an ‘uptight queen,’ an airline stewardess who asked him to stop playing a video game and attacking his own daughter by calling her a ‘pig’ who ‘doesn’t have brains.
When candidates stand silent because it helps them financially but then
play politics on the same issue to help their ambitions, it’s clear they only care about one things: themselves.”
We harp on the massive, unsustainable, yet largely unnoticed, debt burdens of American cities, counties and states fairly regularly because, well, it’s a frightening issue if you spend just a little time to understand the math and ultimate consequences. Here is some of our recent posts on the topic:
Luckily, for those looking to escape the trauma of being taxed into oblivion by their failing cities/counties/states, JP Morgan has provided a comprehensive guide on which municipalities haven’t the slightest hope of surviving their multi-decade debt binge and lavish public pension awards.
If you live in any of the ‘red’ cities below, it just might be time to start looking for another home…
To add a little context to the map above, JP Morgan ranked every major city in the United States based on what percentage of their annual budgets are required just to fund interest payments on debt, pension contributions and other post retirement benefits.
The results are staggering. To our great ‘shock’, Chicago residents win the award of “most screwed” with over 60% of their tax dollars going to fund debt and pension payments. Meanwhile, there are a dozen municipalities where over 50% of their annual budgets are used just to fund the maintenance cost of past expenditures.
As managers of $70 billion in US municipal bonds across our asset management business (Q2 2017), we’re very focused on credit risk of US municipalities.
The chart below shows our “IPOD” ratio for US states, cities and counties. This measure represents the percentage of a municipality’s revenues that would be needed to pay interest on direct debt, and fully amortize unfunded pension and retiree healthcare obligations over 30 years, assuming a conservative return of 6% on plan assets. While there’s no hard and fast rule, municipalities with IPOD ratios over 30% may eventually face very difficult choices regarding taxation, non-pension spending, infrastructure investment, contributions to unfunded plans and bond repayment
Washington Twp NJ, Washington Twp Police , Fire and EMT’s responded to what appeared to a false alarm on Hampton Court at around 3pm on Tuesday 10/3 .Police received a call from an elderly women claiming to be in trouble. After repeated attempts were made to reach the women , Police and Fire used a latter to enter the townhouse only to find it empty with no sign of the women . Whereabouts of the women was is as of yet is undetermined , but her car was also missing from her garage .
Update : Women returned to her home around 530pm and was then recontacted by Washington Twp . Police .
Paramus NJ, Paramus Police, Fire, and EMS responded to a single vehicle MVA on Route 17 southbound at A&S Drive on Tuesday morning, 10/03. The wrecked 4-door sedan was removed from the scene by a flatbed tow truck. PSE&G was summoned to address a downed wire associated with the crash. Injuries to the vehicle’s occupants are unknown.
