All posts by thesomervillenewsweekly

Letter from the Editor:Explaining Details of Last Week’s Murder to a Keyboard Poster Online on The Somerville MA Community Page Website

By William Tauro

Poster Online Comment From Edward Faulkner:

As was totally predictable, this was a domestic crime. Which means it has nothing to do with whether the area is safe. And makes Billy seem even more unhinged for suggesting there should have been robo calls.
Let the police do their jobs and investigate this family tragedy. Trying to drag it into your culture war is just gross.

William Tauro’s Comment Answer:

Edward Faulkner, unhinged? Sorry that you feel that way about me. Aside from it being very cruel, it’s not really classy to talk like that.
If you don’t like me, personally, or you don’t agree with my politics simply just don’t vote for me, but keep it classy without cheap keyboard bashing attacks. Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Explaining Details of Last Week’s Murder to a Keyboard Poster Online on The Somerville MA Community Page Website

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Disabilities Act? Not in Somerville!

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

As I read this little paragraph: “A new ADA Field Associate will also add technical expertise to oversee Americans with Disabilities Act compliance across the city. 
Supporting a Healthy, Resilient Environment” Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Disabilities Act? Not in Somerville!

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: The conditions of the majority of city buildings is atrocious

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

Thought you would find this interesting, Billy. The conditions of the majority of city buildings is atrocious. With all the buildings the city owns, who is responsible for facilities inspections, building audits, etc. Seems like the city should have a huge staff dedicated to maintaining the aging buildings they own and expect their employees to work in. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: The conditions of the majority of city buildings is atrocious

Letter from the Editor:Why Is 90% of Somerville City Hall Still Closed?

By William Tauro

Can anyone please explain to me why 90% of Somerville City Hall is still closed? As I noticed the only departments that are open is the election department on the basement level and the Tax Collector on the first floor level. Why are all the other departments still closed and working from home? Is it just me finding this disturbing or is anyone else wondering why?
Continue reading Letter from the Editor:Why Is 90% of Somerville City Hall Still Closed?

Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Updates

Robbery

23028731: On 5/24/23 at approximately 7:15 PM, Somerville Housing Police responded to 530 Mystic Ave for report of a past robbery. Upon arrival, officers spoke with a juvenile male who stated while in the area of the parking lot, he was approached by a group of males wearing masks. One of the males then punched him in the face and took several of his belongings.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department Weekly Crime Updates

Somerville Police Department June 1st Crime Update

SOMERVILLE – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Somerville Chief of Police Charles Femino have confirmed that April Monroe, 48 of Somerville has been charged with strangulation and assault and battery causing serious bodily injury on a person on a person over 60 in connection with an alleged assault on her mother, Gail Gasperini, 73 of East Boston, who was found dead inside the defendant’s Summer Street apartment on May 28, 2023.
Continue reading Somerville Police Department June 1st Crime Update

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Small section of concrete fell onto a stairwell inside of the school

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

Thank God my son is out of Winter Hill. I guess parents were not even notified. I don’t know anything about this, but Mayor What’s-her-Name and pure idiocy once again. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Small section of concrete fell onto a stairwell inside of the school

Wellness Instructors Wanted for Community Program MVES Offers Free Training for New Wellness Leaders

Are you a wellness instructor, or have you ever been interested in leading a wellness class? Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is holding signups for leaders in its Healthy Aging Program. Class leaders will receive a stipend, training and mentoring.

Continue reading Wellness Instructors Wanted for Community Program MVES Offers Free Training for New Wellness Leaders

Letter for the Editor:Murder In Somerville, City Not Notifying Anyone

By William Tauro

Murder In Somerville

I am totally appalled that this past Sunday night there was a murder at 10:00PM at 157 Summer Street in Somerville and nobody in city hall had the decency to send out a Robo phone blast, and email blast or report it to the news stations to notify residents in the city of what transpired! Today, Tuesday morning and still no notification to the city residents! Continue reading Letter for the Editor:Murder In Somerville, City Not Notifying Anyone

Mayoral Candidate William “Billy” Tauro Dedication to Honor Somerville War Hero’s

By News Staff

The Veterans of the VFW Post 529 – George Dilboy Post in Somerville bestowing the honor of dedicating a beautiful memorial wreath to Somerville Mayoral Candidate William “Billy” Tauro in honor of the wonderful stonework at their post in honor of George Street (WWII) and Thomas Kelly (Vietnam) and George Dilboy (WWI)
Continue reading Mayoral Candidate William “Billy” Tauro Dedication to Honor Somerville War Hero’s

Somerville Republican Committee Endorses Independent William “Billy” Tauro 2023 Mayoral Candidate

By Karen Glover

The Members of The Somerville Republican Committee were honored to participate in yesterday’s Veterans Parade. Countless numbers of onlookers cheered for us along the parade route!
We welcome new active members. We are Proud Patriots and Proud Republicans! The Somerville Republican Committee meets once- a- month, often with a guest speaker, to discuss solutions to effectively communicate with Somerville elected officials. Continue reading Somerville Republican Committee Endorses Independent William “Billy” Tauro 2023 Mayoral Candidate

REVIVE “HAPPY HOURS” (S 157)

By Bob Katzen

The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee held a hearing on legislation that would allow cities and towns to permit restaurants that are licensed to serve alcohol to offer discounted prices on alcoholic beverages during dates and time periods specified by the city or town. The measure prohibits any alcohol from being discounted after 10 p.m.
Continue reading REVIVE “HAPPY HOURS” (S 157)

TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 5-34, rejected an amendment that would remove a section in the budget that exempts tax revenue generated from the recently voter-approved Millionaire Tax from counting toward the allowable state tax revenue limitations, under Chapter 62F, which provides that whenever revenue collections in a fiscal year exceed an annual cap tied to wage and salary growth, the excess is returned to taxpayers. Continue reading TAX REVENUE FROM MILLIONAIRE’S TAX (S 3)

SENATE APPROVES $55.9 BILLION FISCAL 2024 BUDGET (S 3)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a $55.9 billion fiscal 2024 state budget after adding an estimated $82.2 million in spending during four days of debate. The House has already approved a different version and a House-Senate conference committee will eventually craft a plan that will be presented to the House and Senate for consideration and sent to the governor.
Continue reading SENATE APPROVES $55.9 BILLION FISCAL 2024 BUDGET (S 3)

2023 SomerStreets Festival Season to Kick off with Carnaval Celebration on Sunday, June 4 SomerStreets: Carnaval returns for the 13th year to East Somerville on Sunday, June 4th, from 2 to 6 p.m.

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Arts Council invite the Somerville community to shake off the winter and join the SomerStreets: Carnaval street festival in East Somerville on Sunday, June 4 from 2-6 p.m. Returning for the 13th year, the Carnaval celebration will kick off the 2023 SomerStreets season, which includes a series of three neighborhood street festivals across the City.
Continue reading 2023 SomerStreets Festival Season to Kick off with Carnaval Celebration on Sunday, June 4 SomerStreets: Carnaval returns for the 13th year to East Somerville on Sunday, June 4th, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville’s 2023 election off to a bad start even before it begins

Please read this:

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

Like everyone I have talked to we had no idea what that card that was mailed to us was about. It looked like a form to get a mail in ballot form a fast look. I happened to see a post by Christine Doherty and from that it was obvious it was something we are supposed to do in order to vote. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville’s 2023 election off to a bad start even before it begins

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: children will miss at least 10 hrs a month of education

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

Can you look into how the heck did they vote every Wednesday starting September that Somerville school children will have a half day every Wednesday so the teachers can plan? That means if I’m right the children will miss at least 10 hrs a month of education. I believe they get out at noon on these days rather than 2:30. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: children will miss at least 10 hrs a month of education

Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary E. Hagerty

MARY’S OBITUARY

Mary E. (Hussey) Hagerty, a life long Somerville resident, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on May 22, 2023. Born and raised in Somerville, Mary was one of ten children of Helen (Mehigan) and Peter Hussey. The beloved wife of 61 years to Robert W. Hagerty, together they raised their family on Laurel Ave. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Mary E. Hagerty

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: MBTA ACHIEVES POTHOLE PATCH-UP SLOB JOB WHILE MBTA SWEEPER MACHINE CREATES A THICK AIR POLLUTION PLUME DUST UP!

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

On Thursday, May 18, 2023, approximately between 11:30 pm – 1:30 pm, an MBTA Sweeper Machine was busily spinning ’round and ’round in the interior of The Clarendon Hill Towers/MBTA Bus Terminal.

It appears the mission of this sweeper was to create a plume of dust soaring high into the atmosphere and wider than the circumference of the terminal. The bus terminal was transformed into the likes of a Sahara Desert Sandstorm!
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: MBTA ACHIEVES POTHOLE PATCH-UP SLOB JOB WHILE MBTA SWEEPER MACHINE CREATES A THICK AIR POLLUTION PLUME DUST UP!

“Partial Paving” In Somerville A Bad Decision

 

By William Tauro

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is now having the City of Somerville utilizing a road paving technique called “Partial Paving!” This technique of paving in past years in other cities and towns has proven not to be the right decision. Paving just the center drive lane strip and not the two parking lanes will create a lip at the edge of the pavement. This edge would pose a safety hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists or motorcycles that can easily trip or lose control of their bicycle or motorcycles over it.
Continue reading “Partial Paving” In Somerville A Bad Decision

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Assault w/ Dangerous Weapon)Arrest

The following report is a brief summary of incident #230327023:

On May 16, 2023, I, Officer Dylan Lambert, was working my assigned shift in marked unit East-1. At approximately 10:30 PM, I was dispatched to the area of Cambridge Street and Carter Street in Boston, MA in regards to an assault that occurred in Somerville, MA. Boston Police Department was on scene.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Assault w/ Dangerous Weapon)Arrest

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Brothers Killed World War II Memorial Shouldn’t Be Located in Middle of Intersection

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

This stone is located at Powder House Boulevard and Route 16 where they are doing construction. What is the city going to do with it? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Brothers Killed World War II Memorial Shouldn’t Be Located in Middle of Intersection

William “Bill” Mazaka Honored for his service to the City of Medford and Medford Public Schools

Photos from Medford Police Department Facebook page

We were recently able to honor William “Bill” Mazaka for his service to the City of Medford and Medford Public Schools. Bill worked as a Security Officer at Medford High School for 47.5 years before retiring in April 2022. Continue reading William “Bill” Mazaka Honored for his service to the City of Medford and Medford Public Schools

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“Today’s awards set in motion 27 innovative, mixed-use projects that will build and preserve nearly 1,600 affordable units across every region of our state. These are the types of projects that our Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will be driving in close collaboration with local, federal and private sector partners to address our housing crisis.”
Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: This week’s report is on the latest fundraising and expenditure numbers

By Bob Katzen

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: This week’s report is on the latest fundraising and expenditure numbers for the state’s 40 senators’ campaign committees from the latest filing period of April 1, 2023 to April 30, 2023. It also includes how much money each senator has on hand as of April 30, 2023. The numbers are from the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance. Continue reading THE HOUSE AND SENATE: This week’s report is on the latest fundraising and expenditure numbers

LYNDELL’S BAKERY ANNOUNCES SEAN COLLIER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND GOAL MET THIS YEAR

Lyndell’s Bakery is extremely proud to announce that thanks to the generosity of it’s customers, the $100,000 goal of the Sean Collier Memorial Scholarship Fund was met after this past Marathon weekend in April. Once again, The bakery contributed $1 for every half moon sold during the 3 day weekend and this year’s total pushed the grand total to over $108,000. Continue reading LYNDELL’S BAKERY ANNOUNCES SEAN COLLIER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND GOAL MET THIS YEAR

Accident Waiting to Happen at the Intersection of Berkley & Central Streets in Somerville

Photos by Jim Veneziano

By William Tauro

Either somebody’s going to fall flat on their face and get seriously injured on these decaying sidewalks and/or somebody’s going to lose a frontend strut, a tire or their exhaust system on their automobiles on these massive potholes. Somerville, we can do much better than this! Continue reading Accident Waiting to Happen at the Intersection of Berkley & Central Streets in Somerville

DORMITION CHURCH BLESSED AND CROSS PLACED ON NEW DOME TOWER

By William Tauro

The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Parish located on 29 Central Street, in Somerville celebrated a milestone on Friday, May 19th when the presiding priest Fr. Anthony Tandilyan was hoisted by a crane using a metal basket and blessed the new cross and cupola. The beautiful gold cross that acomed the new tower were also hoisted by a crane and set into place above the church tower cupola. Continue reading DORMITION CHURCH BLESSED AND CROSS PLACED ON NEW DOME TOWER

All Invited to Healey Schoolyard and Joe Mackey Field Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, May 26

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Scheduled for Friday, May 26, from 9 to 11a.m. at the Healey School

SOMERVILLE – All are invited to join Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 4 City Councilor Jesse Clingan, and Interim School Superintendent Jeff Curley, to celebrate the official opening of the redesigned Healey Schoolyard and Joe Mackey Field. Continue reading All Invited to Healey Schoolyard and Joe Mackey Field Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Friday, May 26

“Partial Paving” In Somerville A Bad Decision

By William Tauro

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is now having the City of Somerville utilizing a road paving technique called “Partial Paving!” This technique of paving in past years in other cities and towns has proven not to be the right decision. Paving just the center drive lane strip and not the two parking lanes will create a lip at the edge of the pavement. Continue reading “Partial Paving” In Somerville A Bad Decision

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: If I have to drive again due to Brad, once again, screwing up my transportation life

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

❤️YES!❤️YES!!
and YES!!! I MUSTadd this Showcase– Make-a-State-ment, Masterpiece of Perfection to my Dream Fleet of Cars!!
It may actually turn into a reality because Brad didn’t jump on fixing the glitches in the #89 bus and #87 bus when he had the perfect window of opportunity last Summer. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: If I have to drive again due to Brad, once again, screwing up my transportation life

Letter from the Editor: Somerville Mayor Only Paving Center Drive Lane, Not Parking Lanes

The newest thing there’s a new mayor of Somerville is doing her channel is that she is only paving the center traveling lane of every road in Somerville leaving the two left and right parking lanes in despair and it just leaves a hazard by tire and plow blades still on the edging of the plowing and driving on the edges of the surfaces of every road in peril of repair. Think before you do it! Continue reading Letter from the Editor: Somerville Mayor Only Paving Center Drive Lane, Not Parking Lanes

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“It took over a decade but as a result of this litigation and with credit due to the brave officers who filed this case, the commonwealth is now taking steps to create a police promotional exam that will fairly treat Black and Hispanic candidates. This outcome means the officers are going to get some substantial money.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

EXPAND THE THE BAN ON THE USE OF PESTICIDES WHERE CHILDREN ARE PRESENT (S 444)

By Bob Katzen

The Environment and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing on a proposal that would expand a current law which restricts pesticide application where children are present including outdoor property of a school, childcare center or school age childcare program while children are located in, Continue reading EXPAND THE THE BAN ON THE USE OF PESTICIDES WHERE CHILDREN ARE PRESENT (S 444)

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Administration Perpetrating a Psychological Warfare Assault on its Citizens

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

Remember the pleasurable days when you could drive thru Powderhouse Sq. and even enjoy the scenic ambience of the rotary? Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: Somerville Administration Perpetrating a Psychological Warfare Assault on its Citizens

Displaced Somerville War Memorial Monuments Found Crated Up at MBTA Storage Yard

By William Tauro

Condolences to Somerville residents for the three year mystery of the missing Somerville War Memorial Monuments solved! They were dismantled and in some instances unthoughtfully dismantled with a sawsall then transported to an old dusty MBTA storage lot on Inner Belt Road in Somerville in October of 2020. Continue reading Displaced Somerville War Memorial Monuments Found Crated Up at MBTA Storage Yard

Dormition Church to Bless and Place Cross on New Dome Tower

Somerville, MA – The Dormition of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Parish located on 29 Central Street, in Somerville will celebrate a milestone on Friday, May 19th at 11 am when the presiding priest Fr. Anthony Tandilyan is hoisted on a cherry picker forklift and places a beautitu gold cross to acom the new come tower. Continue reading Dormition Church to Bless and Place Cross on New Dome Tower

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B on Police Officer, Poss. of Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest) (Lowell Warrants)Arrest

On Sunday, May 7th, 2023, I was working my assigned 4PM to 12AM shift in the East-1 cruiser. At approximately 9:10PM, I was dispatched to the intersection of Myrtle Street and Washington Street for a female passed out. The Somerville Fire Department and Cataldo Ambulance were also dispatched. The following is a summary of the incident:
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (A&B on Police Officer, Poss. of Dangerous Weapon, Resisting Arrest) (Lowell Warrants)Arrest

William “Billy” Tauro Pulls Nomination Papers to Run for Mayor of Somerville

By Somerville/Medford News staff

William “Billy” Tauro pulled nomination papers at Somerville City Hall this past Wednesday to run for Mayor of Somerville. He promises that he will be that mayor who will be bringing people together and promises he will be that Mayor for everyone! Continue reading William “Billy” Tauro Pulls Nomination Papers to Run for Mayor of Somerville

RAW OR UNPASTEURIZED MILK SALES (S 43)

By Bob Katzen

The Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture’s hearing also included legislation that would allow licensed raw milk farmers to deliver raw milk directly to the consumer. Current law allows only the on-farm sale of raw milk. The measure also allows raw milk farmers to sell raw milk from their farm stands even if the stand is not contiguous to their raw milk dairy. Continue reading RAW OR UNPASTEURIZED MILK SALES (S 43)

May 19 Medford Lions Scholarship Recipient

You are cordially invited to attend the Medford Lions Club Scholarship Social – 2023 for a MHS Senior who has shown fine academic and character standing at MHS! It is designed for an eye or hearing impaired student or a student with a challenge. Many of you have attended in the past, and we are SO grateful for your interest in this evening and the student. Continue reading May 19 Medford Lions Scholarship Recipient

Information Session and Public Hearing on FY 2024 Water and Sewer Rates, May 15

The City of Somerville will hold an information session and public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2024 water and sewer rates on Monday, May 15. The information session will start at 6 p.m. and the public hearing will begin at 6:30 p.m. Anyone who would like to testify is welcome to attend and will be heard. Additional Q&A time will be offered following the hearing if attendees have remaining topics of discussion.
Continue reading Information Session and Public Hearing on FY 2024 Water and Sewer Rates, May 15