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Rockland County Legislature Honored Four Local Residents During Its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

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2 years ago

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The Rockland County Legislature honored four local residents during its 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. Jacquelin Contreras, Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco, Jose Champagne Pedro and Alejandra Silva. All four were awarded the “Distinguished Service Award”.

Jacquelin Contreras grew up in Haverstraw Village, the daughter of Gladys and Bolivar Contreras, who immigrated from the Dominican Republic. She graduated from North Rockland High School and then attended Rockland Community College.
For 19 years, Jacqui has been a dedicated employee of the East Ramapo Central School District. She currently serves as a Senior Clerk Typist and previously spent 14 years as a Discipline Secretary, working with students facing suspensions and other challenges. She believes her work has significantly impacted the lives of at-risk children.
Sabrina E. Vargas-Greco is the daughter of Rafael and Lourdes Vargas, immigrants from the Dominican Republic who made Haverstraw their home. She grew up in Haverstraw Village and graduated from North Rockland High School and St. Thomas Aquinas College.
Sabrina began her public service career while still a senior at STAC, starting as an intern in the State Assembly, then advancing to Legislative Assistant, and finally becoming Chief of Staff in 2001.
In 2004, she was appointed Director of Operations and Constituent Services Assistant for the Town of Clarkstown, serving until 2015. From 2016 to 2022, served as the Confidential Assistant to the Chairman of the Rockland County Legislature. In December of 2022 she was appointed as Commissioner of Jurors for Rockland County by the New York State Unified Court System. She is the first Latina to hold this esteemed position.
Jose Champagne Pedro embodies hard work and resilience, refusing to let his challenging beginnings define him. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, as one of nine siblings, Champagne moved frequently as a child, eventually spending some time in the Bronx. His family faced numerous challenges, including separation and foster care.
However, Champagne always believed there was a better path. He eventually settled in Haverstraw, where he has been a presence for the past 24 years, exhibiting his entrepreneurial skills and successfully implementing his business ideas. He has operated several stores in the village and organized events, including Reloaded Videos & Games, Champagne’s Collectibles, Champagne’s 2nd Hand, The Corner Store, and perhaps his most famous venture, Ice Is Nice, Oh Yes It Is.
Alejandra Silva is the daughter of immigrant parents from Colombia and Venezuela. She grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens, and has lived in Rockland since 2012. Alejandra graduated from Vassar College with a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Hispanic Studies, later earning her Juris Doctor and a Certificate in Law and Public Policy from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is a member of both the New York and Connecticut bars. In June of this year, she was appointed Town Justice in Ramapo, where she addresses misdemeanor prosecutions, violations, infractions, civil actions, and small claims.
Alejandra is the first Latinx person to serve in this role.

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Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

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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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4 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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