News

Despite urges from his attorney that the charges be dropped, the case against the New City man whose one-year-old twins died while they were left in a parked car as he went to work will proceed. Juan Rodriguez was in a Bronx courtroom yesterday, where prosecutors said the investigation continues. His lawyer said he wants to start a foundation that raises awareness of the issue. Luna and Phoenix Rodriguez died on July 26th as temperatures inside the car rose to around 105 degrees. Rodriguez is due back in court on September 24th.

Rockland children’s education was at the center of a press event at the County Courthouse in New City last week. New York State law requires all non-public schools to offer a general studies curriculum that is “at least substantially equivalent to that of public schools.” The group Young Advocates for Fair Education, or YAFFED, has been urging state officials to be more aggressive in enforcing the statute, particularly in Hasidic and ultra-Orthodox communities. Rockland Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski says the law needs to be enforced…

Rockland state senator David Carlucci says testing and measuring among all schools can be difficult, but necessary…

One caller to “The Morning Show” yesterday suggested maybe the phrase “substantially equivalent” needs to be better defined…

Rockland County legislator from Ramapo, Aron Weider, has been a vocal critic of the push to enforce state laws in private schools. We reached out to him, but he did not get back to us with any comment.

A former Spring Valley building inspector was sentenced yesterday to five years’ probation following his conviction of falsifying building records and giving fake certificates to a homeowner operating two childcare operations out of his house. 57 year-old Walter Booker, who could’ve gotten four years in prison, must also perform 200 hours of community service. Booker worked for Spring Valley as an inspector for 22 years.

There will be a test of the Indian Point sirens this morning around 10:30. It’s just a test. No action by the public will be necessary.

After 60 years, despite selling its campus to the town of Clarkstown, the Rockland Country Day School has been unable to increase enrollment or make enough from donations, and will close at the end of the month. The private pre-K to 12th grade school campus on Kings Highway in Congers was sold to the town last year and they leased it back, but still weren’t able to make ends meet. Clarkstown supervisor George Hoehmann says if the school can’t continue their lease, the town could move forward with other plans for the property…

In a letter posted to the school’s website, the school said they were “heartbroken” to announce they’d be closing before the school year starts and said they are committed to assisting families, teachers, and staff with the transition. We reached out to the school’s administration, but have not heard back.