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.
photo courtesy of Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco
October 3,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Paraums NJ, On Monday Bergen County officials unveiled the new name of the former Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus.Bergen Regional Medical Center is now New Bridge Medical Center, a clinical affiliate of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences.
Care Plus Bergen, Inc. was welcomed at a ceremony Monday morning . The new non-profit is an alliance between Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Integrity House, and Care Plus NJ Inc., and will manage the day to day operations of the hospital and its core services of behavioral health, addiction treatment, long-term care and acute care.
John Mitchell Former Chairman at Bergen County Freeholder said ,”New Bridge Medical Center is the new name for the former Bergen Regional Medical Center…
…A bridge to a bright new future is underway as the County of Bergen and Care Plus Bergen begin a new partnership at NJ’s largest public hospital…
…I very much look forward to serving on the Care Plus Bergen Board of Trustees and having the goal of connecting compassion with quality care…”
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco said ,
Today, the County of Bergen officially began the new and exciting journey for New Jersey’s largest public hospital. Members from the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders, the new medical center management team of Care Plus Bergen with third party-operators- Care Plus NJ, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, and Integrity House, and I officially unveiled the name new name of the facility – New Bridge Medical Center – at a ceremony morning.
New Bridge is a name that reflects both Bergen County history and the vision for the future of this medical center.
New Bridge Medical Center will enhance long-term care, acute care and behavioral health services while maintaining the hospital’s core mission of treating people with mental health and substance abuse issues. New Bridge Medical Center will also increase access to much-needed services across 27 medical specialties in order to meet the needs of Bergen County residents and patients.
New Bridge Medical Center will pursue innovative ways to improve health care access for the nearly 40,000 veterans living in Bergen County and northern New Jersey. Furthermore, New Bridge Medical Center, which is recognized as a leading health care provider in substance abuse treatment, will continue to be at the forefront of combatting the opioid epidemic by increasing access to these specific services. The hospital is committed to working with each of its partners to deliver first-rate, compassionate and innovative care to support every patient through their recovery.
This is truly another great day for Bergen County!
Paramus NJ, Paramus Police report coyote sightings .While there are significantly less coyotes in our Boro, the Paramus Police Department is aware that several coyotes have been spotted throughout Paramus over the year.
If you see a coyote that is an actual immediate threat to a human or pet call us via 911. Coyotes that are not a threat should be left alone. Groups of coyotes can worry residents, but experts say they are not a likely threat .
Glen Rock NJ, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is reporting that phone scammers are targeting those who have Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance.
Horizon does not make phone calls to confirm your personal information.
If you’re targeted for a phishing scam, you will receive a call from someone claiming to be your health insurer. The caller will ask for personal information such as address, date of birth or social security number.
Be suspicious. Protect your information. End the phone call.
45 kilos of fentanyl seized by the State Police could have yielded 18 million lethal doses
September 30,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Trenton NJ, Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino today announced the indictment of four men in connection with the record-setting seizure of 45 kilograms – or nearly 100 pounds – of the super-potent synthetic opioid fentanyl by the New Jersey State Police in June. The State Police also seized nearly 40 kilos of heroin.
Fentanyl is one of the deadliest opioids, with a potency that is 50 times greater than heroin. The 45 kilos of fentanyl could have yielded over 18 million lethal doses, since a dose as small as 2 to 3 milligrams can be fatal. This case shatters the prior record for the largest seizure of fentanyl by law enforcement in New Jersey, which was set in March when the New Jersey State Police and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations seized 14 kilos of fentanyl in Camden. The fentanyl seized in June – including 40 kilos seized in North Bergen and five kilos seized in the same operation in Willingboro – was initially suspected to be heroin because of the huge quantity, but lab testing revealed it was fentanyl.
“The 45 kilos of fentanyl seized in this case is the largest fentanyl bust in the history of the state, having broken the prior record announced only a few months ago,” said Attorney General Porrino. “Dealers lace heroin with this deadly poison to boost potency, and with these amounts of fentanyl being stockpiled in New Jersey, I am desperately urging heroin users to seek treatment now more than ever, as their next dose could be their last. Fentanyl is so deadly that just these 45 kilos of fentanyl could have yielded enough lethal doses to kill the entire populations of New Jersey and New York City combined.”
The Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau obtained a state grand jury indictment charging the following three men with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl (2nd degree), possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute (2nd degree), and possession of fentanyl (3rd degree), in connection with the seizure of 40 kilos of fentanyl in North Bergen:
Jesus Carrillo-Pineda, 31, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
Jesus Yanez-Martinez, 22, of Somerton, Arizona, and
Daniel Vasquez, 28, of Somerton, Arizona.
Yanez-Martinez and Vasquez each face a charge of distribution of fentanyl (2nd degree), and Carrillo-Pineda faces a charge of possession of heroin (3rd degree) related to the North Bergen arrests.
The indictment also charges Carrillo-Pineda and Omar Zeus Rodriguez, 38, of Willingboro, N.J., in connection with the seizure in Willingboro of five kilos of fentanyl, nearly 40 kilos of heroin, and a smaller quantity of methamphetamine. They are each charged with conspiracy (2nd degree), possession of heroin with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of heroin (3rd degree), possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute (1st degree), possession of methamphetamine (3rd degree), possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute (2nd degree), and possession of fentanyl (3rd degree).
“Cases like this involving the interdiction of major drug traffickers represent just one facet of our efforts to fight the opiate epidemic,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We also have a strike team that has criminally charged six doctors with indiscriminately prescribing opioid pain pills for profit, including two who face first-degree charges of strict liability for a drug-induced death. We are bringing the full force of the law to bear on those responsible for fueling opiate addiction.”
“The unfortunate trend of adding fentanyl to narcotics has created a demand for this deadly opiate, putting not only the lives of users in grave danger, but also the lives of troopers and other first responders who may have come into contact with it,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “It is without question that this record-setting seizure of fentanyl preserved life and saved countless families the agony of losing a loved one to this terrible scourge.”
During the investigation, New Jersey State Police detectives from the Trafficking North Unit developed information that a shipment of drugs was being delivered to a location in North Bergen. On June 28, 2017, State Police detectives, assisted by members of the North Bergen Police Department, located and arrested Carrillo-Pineda, Yanez-Martinez and Vasquez in the parking lot of a business in North Bergen after observing an alleged drug transaction, in which the fentanyl allegedly was transferred from a tractor-trailer occupied by Yanez-Martinez and Vasquez to a Mercedes Benz driven by Carrillo-Pineda. The arrests resulted in the seizure of the 40 kilograms of fentanyl, which were individually wrapped and held in two black duffel bags that had been transferred to the trunk of the Mercedes Benz. A search of the car also revealed a handbag containing $1,050 in U.S. currency and a small quantity of heroin. The 40 individually wrapped kilos of fentanyl were initially suspected to be heroin, but lab testing revealed the packages contained fentanyl.
The next day, June 29, State Police detectives of the Trafficking South Unit continued the investigation with assistance from the Willingboro Police Department, conducting a search at Rodriguez’s residence in Willingboro, where Carrillo-Pineda had been staying. As a result, detectives arrested Rodriguez and seized nearly 80 kilos of suspected narcotics. Rodriguez was loading suitcases into a Range Rover outside his residence when he was approached by detectives. The drugs were found in the suitcases and an open Fed Ex box in the vehicle’s trunk. Testing confirmed that the seized kilos included five kilos of fentanyl, nearly 40 kilos of heroin, and a smaller quantity of methamphetamine. Other kilo packages contained cutting agents.
While it has been spotlighted for killing Prince and other celebrities, fentanyl also is responsible for a growing death toll in New Jersey, where there were 417 overdose deaths from fentanyl in 2015, and 394 overdose deaths from fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in just the first six months of 2016. Fentanyl is commonly mixed with heroin or cocaine for sale on the street, or is sold in powder compounds or counterfeit pills disguised as heroin, oxycodone or Xanax. Fentanyl is now found in approximately 30 percent of the heroin specimens tested by the New Jersey State Police forensic laboratories. By comparison, fentanyl was found in only 2 percent of the heroin tested by those labs in the first quarter of 2015. Given the tiny size of a lethal dose, drug users are dying because dealers are careless about how much fentanyl they put in such mixes and pills.
Fentanyl is so potent that medics and police across the U.S. have been sickened by coming into contact with it while responding to overdoses or making arrests. The State Police Hazardous Materials Response Unit assisted with the search in Willingboro to address the concern about collateral exposure.
In addition to fentanyl, 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.
Deputy Attorney General Norma Garcia presented the indictment to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau, under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Annmarie Taggart and Bureau Chief Lauren Scarpa Yfantis.
Detective Sgt. Jeovanny Rodriguez was the lead detective for the investigation for the State Police Intelligence Section, Violent & Organized Crime Control Bureau North, Trafficking North Unit. Detective Garrett Cullen was the lead detective for the investigation for the State Police Intelligence Section, Violent & Organized Crime Control Bureau South, Trafficking South Unit. Attorney General Porrino commended all of the detectives and troopers who participated in the investigation for the New Jersey State Police. He also thanked the North Bergen Police Department and Willingboro Police Department for their assistance.
The first-degree charges carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000. Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while the third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000.
The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Hudson County, where the defendants will be ordered to appear in court at a later date for arraignment.
River Vale NJ , according to Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi , “As the first female in my family to graduate from college or run for political office, I have always worked towards helping other women succeed. I am a professional woman who has worked in male dominated fields. I am a mother who struggled with infertility and multiple miscarriages while working 80 hour weeks as the primary breadwinner in my household, I am a brain aneurysm and melanoma survivor who champions health care awareness programs for women and has created scholarsh…ip programs for women in transition. That is why I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey for my work on behalf of women.”
Trenton, NJ , The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of forty-six female legislative candidates for the General Election in November. The WPCNJ PAC is set to distribute nearly $40,000 in contributions to support a key group of its endorsed candidates at an event in Trenton on October 5.
“These forty-six endorsements reflect a strong showing of female candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission of protecting reproductive freedom and promoting equal rights, regardless of party affiliation,” said WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner.
The WPCNJ PAC is prepared to make significant contributions to candidates in the 2017 election cycle. WPCNJ PAC Chair Jennifer Mancuso added, “We are thrilled to contribute nearly $40,000 to support a diverse group of talented women who are ready, willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique perspectives.”
The WPCNJ PAC will hold an event to celebrate its endorsed candidates on Thursday, October 5th from 8:30-10:30am at the NJ Realtors’ offices at 10 Hamilton Avenue, Trenton, NJ.
According to The Center of American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120 (30%) New Jersey legislative seats, down from last year’s record of 37 women legislators (30.8%). “Women make up more than 50% of voters, however, their elected representation pales in comparison,” said Weiner. “It is incumbent upon organizations such as ours to endorse and support these women candidates and break that glass ceiling.”
