Somerville Cyclist Fatally Injured on Broadway

Somerville Cyclist Fatally Injured on Broadway

72-year-old Somerville resident succumbed to injuries after August 12 collision

SOMERVILLE – On Friday, August 12, a 72-year-old Somerville man was fatally injured in a collision while cycling near 1055 Broadway just outside of Teele Square. Somerville Police officers responded to the report of the crash at 11:20 a.m. The operator of the vehicle involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. The cyclist was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Continue reading Somerville Cyclist Fatally Injured on Broadway

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor, Operate w/ Suspended License)

On 08/12/2022, while assigned to marked unit East-4, I responded to the area of Broadway and Lombardi for a motor vehicle accident. East-1, had requested my assistance. Upon my arrival Officer VanNostrand pointed out a male party, later identified as Mr. Daniel Escobar who had been involved in the accident. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor, Operate w/ Suspended License)

$165.5 MILLION TO MODERNIZE THE STATE’S COURTHOUSE AND COURT TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM AND A CHANGE IN GUN LAWS

By Bob Katzen

The governor signed into law a bill providing $165.5 million to modernize the state’s courthouses and technology system. The measure also includes a section dealing with state’s gun laws.
Provisions include $95 million to allow courts to go digital; $35 million to ensure the safety of the courts’ employees and guests; and another $35 million for the technological modernization of court administrative operations.
Continue reading $165.5 MILLION TO MODERNIZE THE STATE’S COURTHOUSE AND COURT TECHNOLOGY SYSTEM AND A CHANGE IN GUN LAWS

MARIJUANA LAWS (S 3096)

By Bob Katzen

Governor Baker signed into law a bill that makes changes in the cannabis industry including a section that would require the state to put some of its tax and licensing revenue from the sales of marijuana revenue into a newly created Social Equity Trust Fund to provide grants and loans, including forgivable and no-interest loans, designed to assist entrepreneurs and businesses from communities disproportionately harmed by the decades of marijuana prohibition. The measure would also allow municipalities to vote by a local referendum or through a vote of the municipal government for social consumption of marijuana to take place in their community.
Continue reading MARIJUANA LAWS (S 3096)

LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law a bill that legalizes sports betting on professional and college sports for Massachusetts residents over 21 years old at the state’s casinos, slots parlors, simulcast centers and through mobile platforms. Betting on Massachusetts colleges and universities would not be allowed unless the school is playing in a tournament like March Madness. The betting would be regulated by the Gaming Commission, the same commission that regulates the state’s casino gambling. Continue reading LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING

SKATING RINKS

By Bob Katzen

The House 133-20, Senate 39-0, overrode Gov. Baker’s veto of a provision that requires Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) skating rinks to remain open and staffed for the full rink season and that ice skating be available from September 1, 2022 to April 15, 2023. The provision also requires the MDC to prepare and submit reports to the House and Senate including the status of hiring for additional staffing levels; the staffing levels for the previous ten fiscal years; and the average staffing level at each park. Continue reading SKATING RINKS

Somerville Board of Elections Commissioners Seeks One New Member

Open Positions: One
Term: Three years
The City of Somerville seeks one registered Democrat to serve on the Board of Elections Commissioners. The Board consists of four people who represent each of the two leading political parties (Democratic and Republican), as defined in Chapter 50, Section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws. Continue reading Somerville Board of Elections Commissioners Seeks One New Member

Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities Seeks Four Members

Open Positions: Four
Term: Three years
The Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) seeks four new members, and Somerville residents are encouraged to apply. Three of the openings must be filled by people who identify as having a disability, and one must be filled by a Somerville resident who is a family member of a person with a disability. Continue reading Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities Seeks Four Members