School Board supports Superintendent in ticket-fix incident
The Peekskill School Board of Education has exonerated Superintendent Dr. David Mauricio of any wrongdoing in a case of ticket-fixing that led to the resignation of former City Court Judge Reginald Johnson.
Reading a four-and-a-half-minute statement at the School Board’s Oct. 8 meeting, Board President Michael Simpkins recounted the episode from Dr. Mauricio’s perspective and announced the Board’s conclusion.
“Dr. Mauricio maintains, and the board believes, that he did not ask for the ticket to be dismissed,” Simpkins read. “The board has accepted the explanation of events by Dr. Mauricio and believes that his legitimate inquiry to the judge was never intended to lead to any unethical practice.”
Dr. Mauricio was named as one of the prominent or favored people who had their traffic violations voided by former Judge Johnson in a report issued by the state’s Commission on Judicial Conduct in late September. Johnson stepped down from his Peekskill City Court bench on Sept. 30 after serving for 11 years.
In the state ethics report, Dr. Mauricio is quoted saying “Tell your husband I said a big thank you” after then board member Pamela Hallman-Johnson, wife of the judge, told him at an event in February 2020, “My husband took care of that issue today.”
In his statement, Simpkins said the board believes Dr. Mauricio’s claim that he merely asked for help in scheduling a long-delayed court date to plead his case and not that the ticket be voided by the judge.
“After waiting for approximately a year for a court date we understand that Dr. Mauricio saw the judge at a public event and inquired about how to address the status of the court date delay dilemma as he had still not received written notice,” Simpkins read. The board’s statement was prepared in consultation with the school board’s attorneys.
Dr. Mauricio has not responded to several inquiries from the Herald and other media outlets for comment. He has not publicly addressed the matter himself.
– By Jim Roberts
County Legislator Smith secures $10.5 million for Peekskill pumping station
Westchester County Executive George Latimer’s proposed 2025 capital budget calls for $385.15 million to cover a variety of capital projects in areas ranging from housing to airport improvements and flood mitigation.
“This Capital Budget has been developed with a focus on fiscal responsibility,” Latimer said. “Where possible, we have sought out partnerships with state and federal agencies to secure matching funds for key projects.”
Projects in the budget include one from County Legislator Colin Smith for a $10.5 million capital project to upgrade Peekskill’s Highland Avenue Pumping Station.
“I’m thrilled to share that County Executive Latimer has approved my proposal for a $10.5 million capital project to upgrade the Highland Avenue Pumping Station in Peekskill,” Smith said. “This facility is crucial for our city’s future, especially as our population grows. Enhancing our infrastructure is vital to ensure that we continue to provide clean water and essential services. This project is a forward-thinking investment in the sustainability of our community. I appreciate the County Executive’s support in recognizing the significance of this initiative.”
Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins said “This budget builds on a legacy of balanced investments, ensuring continued progress in critical infrastructure, public safety, environmental sustainability specifically flood mitigation and climate resiliency projects, and enhanced community amenities. It reflects our commitment to Westchester’s future.”
The county is allocating $25 million from the Housing Implementation Fund for affordable housing projects and an additional $25 million for the New Homes Land Acquisition Program, used to secure land for building affordable housing. The proposed capital spending includes $71.67 million for county buildings and technology, $69.46 million for roads and bridges and $74.75 million for refuse, sewer and water systems.
The Board of Legislators will review the proposed Capital Budget as well as the Operating Budget when submitted. The new budgets need to be in place by the end of December.
Black Diamonds honoring Turner Construction at Oct. 22 benefit
The Black Diamonds Academic Success Program annual Benefit Fundraiser takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cortlandt Colonial Restaurant.
This year, Black Diamonds are proud to honor Turner Construction for their outstanding support of the mission to help Black and Brown boys graduate high school on time and be well prepared for life after high school.
Turner Construction has made a profound impact by making significant donations to help grow the operating budget and providing internships, mentorship, and real-world experiences that align with the Black Diamonds’ mission to empower young men of color. Their dedication has helped inspire academic success and leadership development in our students.
Sponsors include New York Presbyterian, Edward Jones, Turner Construction, Clearview Global and Alliance Security.
Tickets are $125 per person and may be purchased here. For more information, visit the Black Diamonds website.
‘Itsa’ Pasta Night at Mount Saint Francis Oct. 26
Mark your calendars on Saturday, Oct. 26 and make a date to join the Franciscan Sisters for their annual Pasta Dinner at Mount Saint Francis, 250 South St.
Join the fun for an evening of delicious food, raffles, 50/50 and wonderful company from 6 to 8 p.m. The menu features pasta with homemade meatballs and sausage, salad and bread along with dessert, wine, soda, water, coffee and tea.
Tickets are $35 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Takeout meals are also available. Please call in advance to reserve tickets, phone (914) 737-5409.
Employment figures keep rising in Hudson Valley region
The Hudson Valley’s private sector job count grew by 9,400, or 1.2 percent, to 822,300 in the year ending September 2024, according to figures from the state Department of Labor.
Employment gains were largest in private education and health services (+10,200), other services (+2,300), financial activities (+1,300), leisure and hospitality (+1,000) and manufacturing (+200). Job losses were greatest in mining, logging and construction (-2,500), professional and business services (-1,300), trade, transportation and utilities (-1,200) and information (-600).
In September 2024, the region’s private sector job count reached 822,300, a record high. The over-the-year picture remained positive, with five of nine sectors adding jobs from October 2023 – September 2024. Private education and health services remained the region’s leading jobs generator, climbing 4.7 percent to 227,900, this sector’s highest September employment count on record.
Private sector job growth was spread throughout the region. Year-over-year, Sullivan County posted the strongest gains, up 6.0 percent. They were followed by the Kingston MSA (+1.5 percent), the Orange-Rockland-Westchester labor market area (+1.1 percent), and the Dutchess-Putnam Metropolitan Division (+0.4 percent).
DRI grant money to fund repairs at Early Electrics
Money from Peekskill’s $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) state grant will be used to complete two renovation projects for the Early Electrics company at 115 N. Water St.
The city issued two Request for Proposals (RFP) for the projects, one for a new heat pump and the other for a new roof. Proposals were due by Oct. 18.
The money will come from a $700,000 Downtown Revitalization Fund created from the $10 million grant for projects to enhance the vitality of Downtown Peekskill. The focus of the program is capital improvements for small businesses. Matching funds from the business is required.
Prix-fixe specials at Apropos Restaurant at The Abbey Inn
The Fall 2024 Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is happening this year from Oct. 28 to Nov. 10 and one of Peekskill’s finest dining venues is on the menu.
A total of 136 eateries will be celebrating the local culinary scene and offering special, three-course lunch and dinner menus.
Participating restaurants span seven counties: Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, Ulster, Orange, Sullivan, Greene and Dutchess. Prix-fixe lunches and dinners will be offered at $24.95, $29.95, $39.95 or $44.95. (Pricing does not include tax, beverages, or gratuity.)
Apropos Restaurant at The Abbey Inn is the lone Peekskill restaurant participating in the event. For a searchable list of all participating restaurants, click here.
Reservations are strongly encouraged (and sometimes required). You can book an online reservation through OpenTable by clicking on the “Book Now” button. If the button is not available, just call the restaurant directly.
It’s ‘Trunk or Treat’ at the Peekskill Fire House Oct. 25
The City of Peekskill Fire Department is hosting the 3rd Annual Peekskill Community Trunk or Treat event on Friday, Oct. 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Peekskill Firehouse parking lot.
The event is presented in partnership with the City of Peekskill Police Department and the Peekskill Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
Show off your costumes and bring the family out for some treats, music, and fun activities. Mark your calendars to make sure you come on down for a night of fun, treats and SPOOKYNESS!!
Also, the Peekskill PTO and SEPTO will host a Trunk or Treat event during Saturday Academy at the Middle School on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The first 30 minutes will be low sensory with no music or flashing lights.
Guess giant pumpkin’s weight at Farmers Market Oct. 26
Visit the Peekskill Farmers Market on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Bank Street for a day of shopping and to enter the “Guess the Weight of the Giant Pumpkin” Contest.
The contest is free to enter and the person with the closest guess without going over will win a $100 gift card. In addition, there will also be trick or treating at each vendor booth on that day. Stop by and pick up your free trick or treat bag at the BID booth, starting on Saturday, Oct. 5th.
Children accompanied by an adult are invited to wear their Halloween costume and trick or treat at participating vendors. Come on out and enjoy the bounty of autumn at the weekly BID Farmers Market.
Decorate a pumpkin at Pugsley Park Oct. 26
The Parks and Recreation Department and the Peekskill Business Improvement District are hosting their annual Halloween Pumpkin Design on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pugsley Park.
The event is open to children in pre-k through 6th grade and is free to Peekskill residents. For more information or to register, please contact the Parks and Recreation office at (914) 734-7275.
NAACP Freedom Fund ‘Sneaker Ball’ Nov. 2 at PHS
The Peekskill NAACP is holding its Freedom Fund Sneaker Ball on Saturday, Nov. 2 at Peekskill High School from 6 to 10 p.m.
The theme of this year’s ball is “Stand Tall and Be Heard.” The evening will feature an award ceremony, food, drink, DJ/dancing, raffles and live entertainment. The attire is formal with sneakers.
This year’s honorees are: Drum Major for Justice Award – Sandra Blackwell; Distinguished Service Award – Rev. James Perry; Ambassador of Education Award – Michael Simpkins; Mel Tapley Award – Lawrence (LA) Anthony; Community Empowerment Award – Peekskill Pride; Unsung Hero Award – PHS Coaches Demetric Gardner and Tyrone Searight; Unsung Heroine Award – Judge Lissette Fernandez; Posthumous Community Service Award – Maria Coto; Exemplary Service by a Peekskill NAACP Branch Member – Meghan Kelly.
Enjoy an evening filled with empowerment, community, and celebration in support of the Peekskill NAACP. Purchase your tickets here.
Peekskill’s Guaman honored in Hispanic Heritage month
Four outstanding members of the community were honored to mark Hispanic Heritage Month during a special ceremony at the Hendrick Hudson Free Library on Oct. 10.
State Senator Pete Harckham presented state Senate proclamations to Shirley Acevedo Buentempo, founder and Executive Director of Latino U College Access (LUCA); Simon Guaman, founder and President of Copa Peekskill; Rosendo Martinez, entrepreneur, business owner and Putnam County Hispanic community leader; and Rev. Jeniffer Rodriguez, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Ossining.
“We are fortunate in the Hudson Valley that we have benefited so much from the contributions of our many Hispanic neighbors,” Harckham said. “In the 40th Senate district, more than 26 percent of residents are Hispanic. Our schools have a large percentage of Latino students. And Hispanic owned businesses are an important part of keeping our economy vibrant and main streets filled with opportunities. That is why we have worked so hard in our office for our Latino residents.”
Guaman was born in Cuenca, Ecuador, immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 in 1998, and settled in the City of Peekskill. In 2015, he was one of the founders of the Peekskill Hispanic Community Corp., a grassroots rapid response group that helps the community.
Guaman is the founder and president of the Copa Peekskill Organization, which supports the most vulnerable sectors in Ecuador, especially children and older adults. The organization is also dedicated to promoting physical fitness, culture, and education in the community.
“I thank Senator Hackham for his constant support of our Latino community and his vision and leadership that has been fundamental to promote policies that allow us to grow and reach our full potential,” Guaman said.
Officer Justin Quiles joins Peekskill police force
Please join us in welcoming the newest member of the Peekskill Police Department, Police Officer Justin Quiles.
PO Quiles comes to us with prior law enforcement experience, having most recently served with the City of Middletown Police Department.
PO Quiles is currently assigned to the Field Training Program, guided under the tutelage of PO Kreuscher. Take a moment to welcome PO Quiles to Peekskill.
Community Policing Unit adds Officer Luna to force
Congratulations to PO Ramon Luna on his recent graduation from Drug Awareness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) training school.
D.A.R.E. Police Officers undergo an 80-hour training course conducted by mentors with experience in the classroom and university-level educators.
PO Luna will be assigned to Peekskill City School District’s Hillcrest Elementary School, where he will be educating students at the 5th grade education level.
PO Luna is also the newest member of the Community Policing Unit. Please join the Peekskill Police Department on congratulating PO Luna and wish him all the best with his new assignment.
Obituary
Dr. Valentino Paz Mendoza
Dr. Valentino Paz Mendoza of Cortlandt Manor, NY died on October 16, 2024. Devoted husband of Corazon Tiangco Mendoza and beloved father of Rodolfo (Stella), Valentino (Dawn), Exequiel (Cynthia) Eduardo (Nanette) and Christopher (Elvira). Celebrated grandfather of Linda Alling, RJ Mendoza Nadal, Matthew Mendoza, Kristina Porcaro, Jonathan Mendoza, Andrew Mendoza, Alexa Mendoza, Kevin Mendoza, William Mendoza, Ian Paul Mendoza, and David Mendoza. Great-grandfather of eight.
Born in Marikina, Philippines 1927, he was a survivor of WW2 Japanese imprisonment. He studied at dentistry at National University in Manila and worked as a dentist. Upon arriving in the United States in the early 1970s, he made his living as a dental lab technician before being admitted to NYU Dentistry and eventually becoming a practicing dentist for 25 years.
A harmonica player in his childhood, talented cha-cha dancer, fisherman and camper in his adulthood, and golfer in his retirement, Val lived life making every moment count. His amazing legacy lives within his cherished family. Through death, he is reunited in paradise with his siblings; his beloved mother Isabel Paz; his father, Bernabe Mendoza; and his two children who passed during infancy, Carlos and Vilma.
