Join Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice to Honor the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Through Acts of Service Continue reading Somerville Hosting MLK Day of Service Youth Workshop and Community Clothing Drive →

On Thursday, January 5, 2022, I Officer Paul Beckford, was on duty for the Somerville Police (East 3). At approximately 10:38AM, Officer Robert Anaya (West 5) and I were dispatched to Sathi Convenience located at 153 Highland Ave for a shoplifter. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B PO, Disorderly, Resisting Arrest, Shoplifting x 2) →

The following is a brief summary to incident #23000978.

Members of the Somerville Police Community Action Team along with Officers Thomas Lambert and Samir Messaoudi, initiated a drug investigation engineered by a Karl Maurice AKA Malachi (DOB XXXXXX), and his alleged role in the distribution of Crack Cocaine. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Cocaine, Trafficking in Over 14 Grams x 2; Drug, Distribute Class B, Subsq.) →

Richard M. Mangan, of Somerville, died suddenly on December 31, 2022, he was 64 years old. Son of the late Richard and Shirley (Silva) Mangan. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Richard M. Mangan →

BOSTON, January 6, 2023—The Massachusetts Democratic State Committee announces today that it has overwhelmingly endorsed legislation to legalize life-saving drug consumption care and grant municipalities the option of creating dedicated overdose prevention centers to combat the surge in fatal drug overdoses in Massachusetts. Continue reading State Democratic Party calls on lawmakers to decriminalize overdose prevention centers →

By Bob Katzen

Excerpts from Gov. Maura Healey’s inaugural speech

“I thank Gov. Baker, who has led this commonwealth with a steady hand. He has governed with integrity and care—eager to study problems and work together on solutions. The example he set for eight years was in the best traditions of public service, and it now becomes his legacy. Gov. Baker, I thank you, and our state thanks you.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate both approved a bill that would allow legislative governing bodies of cities and towns the option to expand the definition of local residency for civil service hiring preference to include anyone who received a high school diploma from a school in that city or town. Neither branch gave the measure final approval. Continue reading EXPAND CIVIL SERVICE OPTION FOR CITIES AND TOWNS (S 1661) →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate on November 21, approved and sent to then-Gov. Baker legislation that would repeal a current state law which creates professional licensure consequences for anyone who defaults on their student loan. Under current law, a borrower’s state-issued professional or occupational certificate, registration or license can be suspended, revoked or canceled if the borrower is in default on an education loan.
Continue reading PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES (H 5195) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Baker signed into law a bill that would ensure that pregnant and postpartum mothers get necessary and potentially life-saving health care by extending MassHealth insurance coverage to 12 months after pregnancy. MassHealth is the state’s Medicaid program that provides health care for low-income and disabled persons. Continue reading PREGNANT AND POSTPARTUM (S 2731) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Baker signed into law legislation that would create a “chain of custody” for used catalytic converter sales. A catalytic converter is a device that converts the environmentally hazardous exhaust emitted by a vehicle’s engine into less harmful gases. Continue reading THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (S 3169) →

By Bob Katzen

Gov. Baker signed into law a bill that would protect vulnerable road users which includes pedestrians, construction workers, emergency responders bicyclists, skateboarders, roller skaters and wheelchair users. A key provision requires vehicle drivers, when passing a vulnerable user, to pass at a safe distance of not less than 4 feet. Continue reading REDUCED TRAFFIC FATALITIES AND PROTECT PEDESTRIANS AND BICYCLISTS (H 5103) →

By Bob Katzen

Last week was full of activity on Beacon Hill. The Legislature approved and sent to then-Gov. Charlie Baker, before his term was up, several bills passed on voice votes, without roll calls, prior to the end of the 2021-2022 session on Tuesday, January 3. Continue reading ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL, THE HOUSE AND SENATE: →

Majano Yanes, Luis- Of Somerville, passed away on January 1, 2023. He was 52. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Luis Majano Yanes →

HARDY, Gerda E. ( Krist) – Of Somerville January 7, 2023 surrounded by her family. Beloved wife of George J. Hardy. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Gerda E. Hardy →