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Quick Thinking by Westwood First Responders Saves July 4th Celebration After Transformer Explosion

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

WESTWOOD, NJ — A potentially disastrous Fourth of July evening in downtown Westwood was averted thanks to the swift and coordinated actions of local first responders and utility crews, according to Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo.

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Westwood Hatches Three New Eagle Scouts

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photo courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, according to Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo on Saturday June 14th, Westwood Councilmembers Cheryl Hodges, Beth Dell, Erin Collins, and I convened at Zion Lutheran Church and presented Certificates of Achievement to BSA Troop 350’s newly hatched Eagle Scouts: Eric Herzing, Mark Marinkovic, and Ean Ralston.

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Westwood Police Department is Currently Investigating a Misinformation Campaign of an Imminent ICE Raid

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, the Westwood Police Department is currently investigating the source of a misinformation campaign that was aimed at creating a level of hysteria in our community. The individual(s) responsible for this act purported that the Westwood Police Department contacted a local church and reported that immigration raids would be taking place on Friday 06-13-2025. This misinformation spread like wildfire and led to an unnecessary level of hysteria in our community. The religious institution was not responsible for sending the messaging that was put out publicly. The Police Department did not contact the church and pass that alleged information along.

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Gangs of Teenage Bicyclist Terrorize Pedestrians and Businesses in Westwood and Surrounding Towns

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, Chief Michael R. Pontillo and the members of the Westwood Police Department would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the growing number of complaints regarding unsafe and disruptive behavior by juvenile bicyclists in our community. These complaints vary in nature but have been occurring in the Central Business District and surrounding areas.

We want to be clear: while we fully support outdoor activity and youth independence, that must be balanced with responsibility and public safety. Reckless riding, disregard for traffic laws, and obstruction of roadways place both the juveniles and the public at serious risk.

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Toba Restaurant & Bar Debuts in Westwood, Bringing Modern American Global Cuisine to Bergen County Led by Food Network “Chopped” Executive Chef Gregory Stott

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, a fresh culinary destination has arrived in Bergen County. Toba  Restaurant & Bar has opened its doors in Westwood, New Jersey, offering a bold take on modern American  global cuisine, in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting. With every dish crafted entirely by hand, Toba sets a  new standard for approachable fine dining in the region. 

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Proposed NJ Senate Bills Eliminates all Parking Requirements and Allows High Density Development Near Public Transit Hubs

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, New Jersey lawmakers are set to vote on two controversial bills—S2974 and S1408—that could dramatically change suburban communities across Bergen County and Pascack Valley. These bills, expected to go before the NJ State Senate on March 24, 2025, would:

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Bomb Scare at Westwood Community Center Following Gubernatorial Forum

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, a bomb threat disrupted a Democratic gubernatorial forum at the Westwood Community Center on Wednesday night, prompting police to clear the building shortly after the event concluded.

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Emerson Man Arrested After Crashing Car Into Westwood Home

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photos courtesy of the Westwood Volunteer Fire Department

Early Morning Crash on Fourth Avenue Leads to DWI Arrest

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, An Emerson man was arrested for driving while intoxicated after crashing his car into a Westwood home early Monday morning, according to police.

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Westwood Seeks Community Input for FEMA Flooding Study

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photo courtesy of Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo 

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo is calling on residents of Westwood and surrounding neighborhoods to share their personal experiences with flooding. The Borough of Westwood is gathering firsthand accounts to support a FEMA application aimed at identifying flood-prone areas and developing potential solutions.

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Westwood’s Iconic Kissing Tree Honored as a New Jersey Champion Tree

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photo courtesy of Pascack Historical Society

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, For over 150 years, the Westwood Kissing Tree has been a symbol of love, romance, and history, towering over couples who have shared their first kiss beneath its sprawling branches. This Valentine’s Day, the legendary tree is getting a tribute of its own.

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Resident Dan Zambrano Recognized as the Westwood 2025 Volunteer of the Year

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, during the recent Westwood Reorganization Meeting, Westwood resident Dan Zambrano was recognized as the 2025 Volunteer of the Year. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Dan expressed his surprise and gratitude, saying:

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Honoring the Nam Knights: Westwood Recognizes a Legacy of Service and Patriotism

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, Westwood Mayor Ray Arroyo and the Governing Body recently paid tribute to the Nam Knights Motorcycle Club for their unwavering support and dedication to the community. Following this year’s September 11th ceremonies, the club was formally recognized during Westwood’s final meeting of 2024, marking the 35th anniversary of the Nam Knights’ founding.

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Spread Holiday Cheer: Support Westwood Cares by Donning Santa’s Hat

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Westwood NJ, this holiday season, residents of Westwood have a simple and festive way to support their neighbors in need—by purchasing a Santa Claus hat.

Westwood Cares, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting residents who don’t qualify for government aid, has launched its annual holiday drive to fund its vital community services. Through this initiative, you can make a difference and showcase your holiday spirit at the Home for the Holidays Parade on Saturday, December 7.

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