Hackensack’s Road to Recovery: A $17 Million Battle for the District’s Future
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, The Hackensack City Board of Education is taking aggressive steps to regain its financial footing following the discovery of a staggering $17 million budget shortfall. In a move aimed at “rebuilding the public’s trust,” the board voted on Feb. 11 to bring in a heavyweight financial consultant to steer the district through its current crisis.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 42-year-old FERNANDO SANDOVAL of Hackensack, NJ on charges of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal sexual contact. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.
Disaster Averted: How a Sprinkler System and Hackensack Firefighters Saved a Residential Building from a 4th-Floor Fire
photos courtesy of the The City of Hackensack Fire Department
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, The City of Hackensack Fire Department demonstrated rapid response and efficiency this morning after a fire broke out on the 4th floor of a residential building at 389 Main Street. Thanks to a quick-acting sprinkler system and the specialized efforts of the fire crews, potential structural and water damage was significantly limited, allowing residents to return home swiftly.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 42-year-old JENNIFER GARCIA-MOTA of Hackensack, NJ, on the charge of endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 46-year-old JORGE E. MEJIA of Hackensack, NJ on charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck; the Garfield Police Department, under the direction of Chief Joseph Delaney; and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 19-year-old JONATHAN D. VELOZ of Hackensack, NJ, on the charge of possession of child sexual abuse material. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 34-year-old ELIJAH E. HOLDER of Hackensack, NJ on charges of endangering the welfare of a child and aggravated assault. The arrest was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.
Forget the Scale! New Study Says 70% of Americans Could Be Obese, Forcing a Massive Rethink of BMI and Drug Eligibility
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Aarevolutionary new study is poised to upend how the medical community defines obesity, suggesting that the decades-old reliance on Body Mass Index (BMI) is fundamentally flawed. This groundbreaking research, published in the prestigious journal JAMA, proposes a new, more comprehensive framework that incorporates waist circumference, potentially skyrocketing the official rate of obesity in America.
Bergen County Executive Tedesco Dedicates New Boat, Highlighting Rowing’s Power to Build Student Leaders
photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack, NJ – The commitment to empowering youth in underserved communities took a significant step forward as Hope on Water, a vital nonprofit organization, celebrated a special boat dedication ceremony. The event, held in honor of the Hackensack Crew Team, underscored the profound, life-changing impact that increased access to the sport of rowing can have.
Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco joined local Hackensack officials and enthusiastic community supporters to mark the occasion. The dedication wasn’t just about a new piece of equipment; it was a powerful symbol of dedication to student-athletes and a strong belief in building the next generation of leaders.
Bergen County Honors World War II POWs on National Recognition Day
photos courtesy of Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, in a powerful ceremony on National Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day, Bergen County paid tribute to two local heroes who endured the unimaginable hardships of being World War II Prisoners of War. The event, held in Hackensack, honored Harold Friedeman, a 100-year-old veteran, and posthumously recognized Staff Sgt. Frank S. Demeraski, a Purple Heart recipient.
Giants Legend Harry Carson Reveals His Cancer Journey to Encourage Men’s Health Screenings
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, this Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a New York Giants legend is using his powerful platform to save lives. Pro Football Hall of Famer Harry Carson is sharing his own recent cancer diagnosis to inspire men, especially those at higher risk, to prioritize their health and get screened.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County’s Republican Commissioner candidates are kicking off their fall campaign with a direct voter contact initiative in August by conducting a door-to-door campaign in key municipalities in the county.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the sentencing term handed down in Bergen County Superior Court on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, against 46-year-old CLARENCE STOKES of Paterson, NJ in connection with the 2021 murder of 44-year-old Latrice Avery and 67-year-old Stanley Gunter, both of whom resided in Hackensack, NJ when the defendant murdered them.
Hackensack NJ, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests and indictments of 21-year-old OMAR I. CETINER of Hackensack, NJ; 20-year-old ISLAM A. SALAAM of Hackensack, NJ; and 29-year-old ALAN A. VALDEZ-METZ of Paterson, NJ related to an armed robbery investigation. Prosecutor Musella also announced charges against a 17-year-old juvenile from Paterson, NJ. Also related to this investigation, Prosecutor Musella announced the arrest and indictment of 23-year-old MICHAEL N. FENNER of Hackensack, NJ on CDS-related offenses. The arrests, charges, and indictments are the result of a months-long investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Matthew Finck, and the Hackensack Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Antista.