HERALD
Celeste P. Gullo 516-671-0001
VOL. 34 NO. 50
A fun trip to New York City
Blakeman will run for governor
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Page 12 DECEMBER 11 - 17, 2025
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Immigrants are focus of vigil opposing ICE seen “firsthand the devastating impact that these policies are having on people who are innoOn a cold Monday night in cent, people who are hardworkGlen Cove, more than 100 resi- ing … their mothers and their dents, advocates, faith leaders fathers.” and immigrants gathered for Lavine also highlighted the the second time this year to call Glen Cove Rapid Response Netattention to what organizers work, a newly formed volunteer described as the group created to escalating fear gripsupport vulnerable ping local immiresidents. “These grant communities. are such good peoThe vigil, led by ple,” he said, directAssemblyman ing attendees to the Charles Lavine, feagroup’s sign-up tured personal tessheet. The network, timony, moral Lavine explained, is appeals and a “dedicated to prorenewed push for tecting our commucommunity-based nity, including our support networks, neighbors who hapas speakers detailed pen to be here and the human impact happen to be immiof immigration grants.” Volune n f o r c e m e n t b y ERIC VILLALOBOS teers, he said, help Immigration and connect families Locust Valley Customs Enforcewith resources and ment agent across mobilize quickly Long Island. when community members feel Lavine opened the program unsafe. by emphasizing the human toll Faith leaders from across his office has witnessed. Local the North Shore followed with immigrant families, he said, powerful accounts from their should not be “fearful about own work. The Rev. Kimberly going into a store to get a cup Wilson, of Our Savior’s Lutherof coffee … or fearful to wait at an Church, in Glen Head, a school bus with their chil- shared stories of immigrant dren.” His office, he noted, has CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
By ROKSANA AMID
ramid@liherald.com
K
Roksana Amid/Herald
Wait — isn’t he powered by reindeer? Tony Rif, a.k.a. Santa Claus, brought holiday cheer to families during the Business Improvement District’s annual Downtown Glen Cove Holiday Festival last Saturday. More photos, page 10.
City approves ban on smoking marijuana in public spaces By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Glen Cove has become the first municipality in Nassau County to ban smoking marijuana in public spaces, following two public hearings. The hours-long hearing Tuesday night exposed a sharp divide over balancing community health with individual freedoms. The City Council unanimously approved the measure after hearing from dozens of residents, many of whom said the visibility and smell of marijuana in public areas has increased significantly in recent years. The new law prohibits smoking cannabis on
sidewalks and beaches, and in parks, public squares, parking lots and any other public areas. Violators face fines of up to $100 for a first offense and up to $250 for subsequent offenses. Councilman Kevin Maccarone emphasized that judges have full discretion. “We specifically made it that way so a judge could say, you know what, go do two hours of community service instead of having to pay a fine,” Maccarone said. “There is no mandatory minimum in this.” Supporters of the ban argued that it is needed to maintain the character of Glen Cove’s shared spaces. Resident Bruce Kennedy said the meaCONTINUED ON PAGE 17
nowing your rights is not going to stop you from getting detained or from getting violently persecuted.