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Rockland County Legislature Honored Five Local Residents For Their Personal Achievements And Their Contributions To The Community

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2 years ago

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Honorees John Duval, Inseon Hwang, Rana Park, Mark Sanchez, and Waree Sunlee were each presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the Rockland County Legislature’s highest honor. 
Each honoree is a member of the Asian American community, one of the fastest growing in the nation, with New York state home to more than 1.6 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).
“As an Asian Indian, I can say that here in Rockland, we have long enjoyed vibrant AAPI communities,” Legislator Paul said. “But we must also acknowledge that these proud communities have often encountered racism and other forms of prejudice.”
Last year, Legislator Paul sponsored a local forum that included representatives of Gov. Hochul’s Administration to discuss the massive increase in hate incidents – both physical and verbal – toward the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and to identify possible solutions. In 2022, she sponsored a resolution calling for public schools to provide Asian American history and civic impact studies to elementary and high school students that was  unanimously supported by the County Legislature.
Despite the many challenges Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have faced throughout history, they have continuously worked to overcome social, economic, educational, and cultural obstacles; to uproot harmful and painful stereotypes; and to seek their rightful place in daily American life.
“We acknowledge the struggles undertaken and the sacrifices made by members of these communities in order to build better futures and we join with them in celebrating their many successes,” Legislator Paul said.

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Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

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1 day ago

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May 9, 2026

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Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

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Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

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3 days ago

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May 7, 2026

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A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.

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