Assembly Republicans, including David McDonough (R, 19th A.D.), vice chair of the Assembly Minority Task Force on Sex Crimes and Violence, launched a petition drive to help get a civil confinement law passed in New York State. They rallied at a June 27 press conference in Mineola. The legislation has passed the Senate for years and Assembly Republicans are confident Governor George Pataki will sign the bill into law once it passes his desk. FULL STORY

Nassau County Board of Assessors Chairman Harvey Levinson has called upon all fire departments and police precincts to utilize a standardized Emergency Response Report to notify the Department of Assessment of unsafe living conditions caused by the illegal conversion of single-family homes to boarding or rooming houses when answering calls for service. Levinson stated that once the egregious violations are confirmed, the illegal boarding or rooming houses will be reclassified from residential property to commercial property for taxation purposes. On average, the commercial property tax rate is two-and-a-half times higher than the residential rate. FULL STORY

The Garden City Centennial Soccer Club, one of 98 member clubs of the Long Island Junior Soccer League, is gearing up for the upcoming fall season. Children of all skill levels are encouraged to enroll. Long Island Junior Soccer League, which arranges all the travel team (players U9 to U19) schedules, makes every effort to balance divisions fairly. Emphasis is on skill development and good sportsmanship. FULL STORY

The Garden City Recreation Department is again sponsoring a trip to Splish Splash Water Park, located in Riverhead, for all middle and high school aged students who reside in the village. This trip will take place Tuesday, July 12. Buses will depart from the parking lot at St. Paul's at 9 a.m. and return there at approximately 5 p.m. FULL STORY