From political shake-ups to culinary debuts and hometown icons making national headlines, this week’s episode of The Montclair Pod, unpacks the latest news in town.
A Council Resignation Raises Questions
Montclair politics saw another shake-up when Councilor-at-Large Camel Loughman resigned just over a year into her term. Elected on promises of reform and functionality, she stepped down after frustrations over stalled council changes.
The hosts spoke with Deputy Mayor Susan Shin Andersen about the resignation, what happens next to fill the vacancy, and the council’s immediate priorities on affordability and town finances.
$18 Million School Deficit Fallout
Superintendent Ruth B. Turner’s revelation last week that Montclair Public Schools face an $18 million deficit continues to ripple through town. While state officials are reviewing the numbers, questions remain about accountability.
Farnoosh points out that ignoring or obscuring financial realities could itself amount to a kind of “fraud,” even if no money is technically missing. A budget town hall is scheduled for Sept. 26 at Buzz Aldrin Middle School, and the pod will be there to cover it.
O’Bagel’s Big Montclair Debut
The buzz around bagels was real this weekend, as O’Bagel officially opened its Bloomfield Avenue location to long lines stretching down the block. Fans showed up before dawn, eager to sample the cult-favorite sandwiches.
Owner Stephen El-Hassan, who grew up in the family business his father founded in 1995, spoke with Farnoosh about expanding into Montclair and what makes their approach to bagels stand out.
Bobbi Brown’s New Chapter
Montclair’s own Bobbi Brown joined the show to talk about her new memoir Still Bobbi, her 35+ years in town, and what it’s like to build not one, but two beauty empires.
Her philosophy that makeup should enhance rather than cover up helped redefine the cosmetics industry in the 1990s. Now, with her new brand Jones Road and a memoir launch event this Friday at 18 Label Studios (in partnership with Watchung Booksellers), she shows no signs of slowing down.
Coming Up: Love in Montclair
On Oct. 8, Montclair’s own Junie Moon—better known as “The Love Coach” will tape the pilot of her new talk show Celebrating Love, Bold Living & Real Connection at Elegant Music Group on Pine Street. Expect candid conversations, inspiring guests, and even a live dating game. The pod will have Junie on to recap.
PLUS…
- The Montclair Jazz Festival lit up town last weekend.
- Mike and Farnoosh reflect on UB40’s “Red Red Wine” and the perils of leaving a concert early.
- Apple-picking season is here, and Farnoosh shares her research on the best local orchards.
- Congrats to Montclair’s own Stephen Colbert on his Emmy win.
In case you missed it…
- Farnoosh and Mike Eat Food: Oso Felipe, a New-ish Mexican Dining Spot Near Walnut Street
- Montclair’s $20M School Deficit Explained
- “Ask Our Agent”: Love It or List It? Montclair Style
- Montclair Film Fest Goes Big: Bellevue Reopening with the Sound of Music, Spike & Colbert, and a Clooney Opener
- Montclair Schools Face $19.6M Deficit: Loan and/or Tax Hike on the Horizon