the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, every year, our downtown transforms into a winter wonderland, but this year, the competition was fiercer—and more festive—than ever. From whimsical greenery to “magical” sourdough setups, these local businesses went above and beyond to bring holiday spirit to the streets of Ridgewood.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, known affectionately as “Paulie,” Bechtel’s death was confirmed by Mayor Carlos Rendo and the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department (WLFD) on December 28, 2025. The news follows reports of police activity on Saddle River Road, which authorities later clarified was related to the sudden passing of the beloved former Fire Official.
the staff of the ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, to make the process as smooth as possible, here is everything you need to know about the requirements, hours, and location for obtaining your new sticker.
Continue reading 2026 Ridgewood Parking Permits Now Available: How to Get Yours at Village Hall
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, What began as a picturesque snowfall in Downtown Ridgewood quickly turned into a “dangerous mess” along major arteries like Route 17, where near-whiteout conditions and multiple vehicle spinouts were reported Friday evening.
Continue reading “Icy Mess”: State of Emergency Declared as Winter Storm Hammers New Jersey Roadways
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Teanck NJ, In a Christmas miracle that feels straight out of a movie, the rare instruments stolen from Lark Street Music in Teaneck have been returned.After a week-long search that made national headlines, the man accused of swiping two high-end mandolins worth nearly $9,000 walked back into the store on Friday, December 26, 2025, to return the stolen goods—along with a handwritten apology.
Continue reading Stolen $9,000 Mandolins Returned to Teaneck Store
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a significant shift from previous policy, the Ridgewood Village Council has officially approved $350,000 for the installation of protective fencing on the top floor of the Hudson Street Parking Garage.
The decision marks a complete turnaround from 2021, when the Council famously opted against fencing to preserve the “magnificent beauty” of the award-winning structure. However, persistent safety concerns—including juveniles throwing objects and individuals sitting on high ledge walls—have forced a rethink of the garage’s security profile.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, this year, the Village has traded modern snapshots for a stunning collection of historic photographs. From the early days of Dutch farming to the Victorian-era railroad boom, each month offers a window into the iconic buildings and long-standing traditions that make the Garden State’s premier suburb so unique.
Continue reading A Trip Down Memory Lane: Historic Ridgewood Stars in the 2026 Village Calendar
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, following a heavy overnight snowfall that saw rates of up to 2 inches per hour, our local Department of Public Works (DPW) and emergency services are working around the clock. To ensure the safety of all residents and to allow for efficient snow removal, the Village has issued the following mandatory safety protocols.
Continue reading Winter Storm Warning Update: How to Stay Safe as 9 Inches of Snow Hits Our Area
photo courtesy of the Teaneck Police
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TEANECK, NJ — A legendary music store that has served the likes of Johnny Cash, the Rolling Stones, and AC/DC is asking for the public’s help after a brazen shoplifter made off with two rare mandolins worth nearly $9,000.
Continue reading Rare Mandolins Worth $9,000 Stolen from Teaneck’s Iconic “Lark Street Music”
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
TRENTON, NJ — New Jersey is officially one of the safest states for motorists in the nation. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced today that the state’s seat belt usage rate has surged to a record-breaking 94.97% following the 2025 “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
Continue reading New Jersey Drivers Hit Historic High: Seat Belt Usage Rockets to Nearly 95%
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In a historic shift for American taxpayers, IRS CEO and Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano has confirmed that the vast majority of middle-class families are about to see a massive financial windfall.
photos courtesy of the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — If you’ve taken a stroll through downtown Ridgewood lately, you may have noticed a beautiful new addition to the storefronts: 62 uniquely crafted wreaths, each telling the story of a local hero.
In a powerful display of community spirit, the Ridgewood Chamber of Commerce and American Legion Post 53 have successfully launched the village’s first annual “Wreaths of Courage” campaign. This grassroots initiative has turned East Ridgewood Avenue and its surrounding streets into an outdoor gallery of gratitude, honoring both living and deceased veterans from every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — A long-standing resident of Hackensack is seeing red after the local school district allegedly cut down a massive, century-old oak tree on her private property—without ever asking for permission.
Lenora Pascuzzo, who has lived in her home next to the Fanny Meyer Hillers Elementary School for two decades, has filed a tort claim notice seeking $750,000 in damages. The notice, a precursor to a formal lawsuit, names both the City of Hackensack and the Board of Education as responsible parties for the unauthorized destruction of her landscape.
photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Residents on Grove Street were jolted awake early Saturday morning, December 20, 2025, by the sight of a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.
The Ridgewood Fire Department and EMS units were dispatched to the 600 block of Grove Street after multiple reports of a car fire. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a compact SUV completely overtaken by fire.
Continue reading SUV Engulfed: Ridgewood Firefighters Battle Grove Street Vehicle Fire
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
NEWARK, NJ — A high-ranking detective has pulled back the curtain on what her legal team calls a “pervasive pattern of hostility” within NJ Transit.
Detective Safiya Daniels, a 23-year veteran of the NJ Transit Police Department, has filed a bombshell lawsuit in Essex County Superior Court. The suit names the agency and recently retired Lieutenant John Sullivan, alleging a toxic cocktail of racism, sexism, and calculated career sabotage.
Continue reading Systemic Scandal: NJ Transit Faces New $20 Million Racism and Retaliation Lawsuit
