Interim Paving and Streetscape Planning for Highland Avenue

Interim paving on schedule for early summer 2024

Full streetscape redesign process with community input in planning

SOMERVILLE — To help community members stay informed on planned work for Highland Avenue, the City
of Somerville is sharing important information regarding the current timeline for utility work, upcoming interim paving, and the streetscape redesign process. Continue reading Interim Paving and Streetscape Planning for Highland Avenue

Members of Somerville Local 76 Participating In BFit Challenge

Strong work by the members of Local 76 once again participating in the BFit Challenge! The money raised by the team this year benefited the On-Site Academy which is an organization for the training and treatment of emergency personnel struggling with critical incident stress and/or substance abuse. Continue reading Members of Somerville Local 76 Participating In BFit Challenge

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“Partnership between law enforcement and the communities they serve is the cornerstone of effective public safety. This funding is an investment in the enduring success of strong partnerships. Through this grant program, we provide public safety with essential resources to enhance community engagement and deliver evidence-based programs.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

GOV. HEALEY PLANS TO CLOSE OPERATION AT MCI-CONCORD

By Bob Katzen

The Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) announced its intention to shut down MCI-Concord, a medium-security men’s prison which currently operates at 50 percent capacity with an incarcerated population of approximately 300. The shutdown is proposed by Gov. Healey in her fiscal 2025 budget proposal. The shutdown needs legislative approval before it goes into effect.

Continue reading GOV. HEALEY PLANS TO CLOSE OPERATION AT MCI-CONCORD

STATE PANEL DENIES EFFORT TO REMOVE FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FROM MARCH 5 REPUBLICAN PRIMARY BALLOT

By Bob Katzen

The State Ballot Law Commission dismissed a challenge that alleged Donald Trump is ineligible for office due to his role in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, ruling that it does not have jurisdiction over the case.
Continue reading STATE PANEL DENIES EFFORT TO REMOVE FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP FROM MARCH 5 REPUBLICAN PRIMARY BALLOT

FREE BUSES (H 3266)

By Bob Katzen

The Transportation Committee held a hearing on legislation that would create a 1-year pilot program for free access to bus service for the MBTA and regional transit authorities. The measure also would establish advisory committees to evaluate the impacts of the pilot program on ridership, equity, increased access, efficiency, on-time performance, cost savings and other metrics. Continue reading FREE BUSES (H 3266)

Somerville City Council overwhelmingly Passes Ceasefire Resolution

Prior to the 9-2 vote, hundreds of Somerville residents rallied in support and packed the council chambers

SOMERVILLE, MA: On January 25th, the Somerville City Council voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution calling on the Biden administration to work toward an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza. Continue reading Somerville City Council overwhelmingly Passes Ceasefire Resolution

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“We set high goals for our first year in office. I stood here a year ago and made promises. And because we came together, and we acted with urgency, we delivered results. We met every one of our goals. Today, Massachusetts is more affordable, more competitive and more equitable than it was a year ago. And the state of our commonwealth, like the spirit of our people, is stronger than ever.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

BAN DECLAWING OF CATS (S 2552)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would prohibit surgeries that declaw cats, tendonectomies and similar procedures except in cases of medical necessity in which a veterinarian determines that the surgery would address a condition that jeopardizes the cat’s health. Declawing a cat means amputating the first bone on each toe and tendonectomies involve cutting a tendon in each toe that controls the extension of claws.
Continue reading BAN DECLAWING OF CATS (S 2552)

Somerville Community Invited to Learn More About Davis Square Commercial Area Plan

SOMERVILLE – Somerville community members are invited to join a community meeting on Monday, January 29, to learn more about the updated commercial area plan for Davis Square. The presentation will review changes to the previous draft of the plan released in 2020 and offer the opportunity for initial feedback from attendees.
Continue reading Somerville Community Invited to Learn More About Davis Square Commercial Area Plan

STUDENTS MUST TAKE A FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE (H 4199)

By Bob Katzen

The Education Committee held a public hearing on legislation that would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and assist in the implementation of curriculum on personal financial literacy to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become self-supporting and to enable them to make critical decisions regarding personal finances. All students in grades 9-12 would be required to take the course. Continue reading STUDENTS MUST TAKE A FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE (H 4199)

REQUIRE INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS TO GET CUSTOMER’S CONSENT (H 3179)

By Bob Katzen

Another measure heard by the Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee would prohibit telecommunications or internet service providers from collecting personally identifiable information from a customer as a result of the customer’s use of the telecommunications or internet services, without the customer’s express written approval. Continue reading REQUIRE INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS TO GET CUSTOMER’S CONSENT (H 3179)

PROHIBIT GIVING LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE SENTENCES TO 18, 19 AND 20 YEAR OLDS

By Bob Katzen

A 4-3 ruling by the State Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) overruled the Legislature and ruled that life sentences without the possibility of parole for offenders who were 18, 19 or 20 when they committed their crimes violate the prohibition against cruel or unusual punishment and are unconstitutional. Continue reading PROHIBIT GIVING LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE SENTENCES TO 18, 19 AND 20 YEAR OLDS

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log 1/2/2024 – 1/8/2024

Assault

24000645: On 1/4/24 at approximately 9:40 PM, Somerville Police responded to a business in Assembly Row for report of an assault. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated he was out to dinner with a group of people and an altercation ensued. During the altercation, the victim was attacked by four individuals. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log 1/2/2024 – 1/8/2024

Western Medicine Quacks vs Eastern Medicine Knowledge, Who Should We Believe In These Days?

By William Tauro

Either I am super human or the doctor/surgeon misdiagnosed my injury and/or lied to me?

Dec 31st (New Year’s Eve Day):
Fell 12’ feet off a ladder while fiddling around on my boat and landed on my right heel.

Jan 1st 10:00am (New Year’s Day):
Went to Mount Auburn Hospital Emergency Room where they told me I had a completely torn off Achilles tendon and a fractured ankle where they put me into a cast up to my knee informing me that I need surgery. Continue reading Western Medicine Quacks vs Eastern Medicine Knowledge, Who Should We Believe In These Days?

Somerville Musician and Performer Tackle Birthday Lore On Stage

Alexandria Nunweiler with collaborative dance company The Click presents a new dance/theater work “Edge of Aquarius.” The performance takes inspiration from the surprisingly strange phenomenon of birthdays – the rituals surrounding them, the odd bonds people have with others who share theirs, the increasing malaise about them as people age, and the rites of passage and physical milestones they represent.
Continue reading Somerville Musician and Performer Tackle Birthday Lore On Stage

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log

Commercial Breaking and Entering

23074563: On 12/27/23 at approximately 9:35 PM, Somerville Police responded to a business on Holland St for report of a breaking and entering in progress. Upon arrival, officers conducted a search of the business and located a male party inside. He was then placed under arrest.

Commercial Breaking and Entering Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Log

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES On Beacon Hill

QUOTABLE QUOTES – By the Numbers Edition

MOVIN’ IN AND OUT – United Van Lines 47th Annual National Movers Study of the 50 states and the District of Columbia found Americans “are moving eastbound and southbound – and relocating to less expensive areas with comparable amenities to larger metropolitans.” The Top Ten “inbound” that attracted more residents in 2023 were Vermont, District of Columbia, South Carolina, Arkansas, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Dakota, Alabama, New Mexico and West Virginia.

Here is how the Bay State ranked:

7th
—Where Massachusetts ranked in the number of “outbound” states from which people moved from in 2023. The only states that lost more people than Massachusetts were New Jersey, Illinois, North Dakota, New York, Michigan and California.

28.4 percent
—Percentage of Massachusetts residents who said they moved because of their job.

19.2 percent
— Percentage of Massachusetts residents who said they moved for family consideration.

18 percent
— Percentage of Massachusetts residents who said they moved because of their retirement.

16 percent.
— Percentage of Massachusetts residents who said they moved because of lifestyle.

ID FOR LIQUOR PURCHASES (H 4131)

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would allow alcohol-serving establishments to accept all out-of-state motor vehicle licenses and Global Entry cards issued by the United States Customs and Border Protection office, as valid proof of age and identification.

“As a state that welcomes visitors from across the country to enjoy our museums, sporting events, tourism attractions and other venues, this is a vitally important economic measure that takes the burden off of our small businesses and allows out-of-state visitors to enjoy a drink if they choose,” said House sponsor Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham). “This bill will go a long way in supporting the commonwealth’s businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic and compete with surrounding states.”

“A constituent brought the issue to me where she couldn’t purchase alcohol with a well vetted international identification document, and it seemed like an issue where we needed to update the law to make sure it doesn’t stand in the way of everyday commerce,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville).

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville does not care about the most vulnerable of the population

Photos by William Tauro (File footage photographed at Federal Realty)

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

In my opinion Somerville does not care about the most vulnerable of the population. They Mayor and her Chief of Staff, Nikki Spencer have failed me and the City. The City is more proud of protecting their conflict of interest relationship with the Federal Realty (FRIT) than doing what is LEGAL AND RIGHT. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville does not care about the most vulnerable of the population

Is Strezo the Bozo-At-Large Still Living at Assembly Row Under False Pretenses?

By William Tauro

I believe you ran on the platform of how affordable, American Disabilities Act (ADA) units are so vital for those with Mobility Needs and you were able to get one for you and your family including your grandmother (who with her mobility needs provided you access to get on the waitlist/lottery for the ADA unit) Continue reading Is Strezo the Bozo-At-Large Still Living at Assembly Row Under False Pretenses?

STATE APPROVES WHEELCHAIR WARRANTY AND REPAIRS (S 2541)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a bill that would strengthen consumer protections for wheelchair users. Current state law does not set any timeline for assessing repairs, does not require dealers to offer wheelchairs on loan within a fixed time period and only requires customized wheelchairs to come with express warranties. Continue reading STATE APPROVES WHEELCHAIR WARRANTY AND REPAIRS (S 2541)

Somerville Police Department Crime Log 12/12/23-12/25/23

Commercial Breaking & Entering

23071991: On 12/15/23 at approximately 8:36 AM, Somerville Police responded to a business on Highland Ave. Upon arrival, officers discovered a male and female sleeping inside the bathroom. Officers identified both individuals. Nothing was reported missing.

Commercial Breaking & Entering Continue reading Somerville Police Department Crime Log 12/12/23-12/25/23

REQUIRE AIRWAY CLEARANCE DEVICES IN SCHOOLS (H 4207)

By Bob Katzen

This bill would require all public and private schools to have a portable airway clearance device onsite. The bill defines portable airway clearance device as an FDA-approved medical device that uses manually created suction to remove blockage from the airway during a choking emergency. The popular brand name of the device is Life-Vac. Continue reading REQUIRE AIRWAY CLEARANCE DEVICES IN SCHOOLS (H 4207)

STUDENTS MUST TAKE A FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE (H 4199)

By Bob Katzen

This bill would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop and assist in the implementation of curriculum on personal financial literacy to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to become self-supporting and to enable them to make critical decisions regarding personal finances. All students in grades 9-12 would be required to take the course. Continue reading STUDENTS MUST TAKE A FINANCIAL LITERACY COURSE (H 4199)

FREE EXPRESSION IN LIBRARIES (S 2528)

By Bob Katzen

This bill would prevent book removal from school or public libraries due to personal or political views of individuals or groups. Other provisions would empower school librarians and teachers to determine access to age-appropriate materials in school libraries; require public libraries to adopt the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights; and protect librarians from retaliation. Continue reading FREE EXPRESSION IN LIBRARIES (S 2528)