At-home COVID-19 tests are a quick, convenient way to reduce transmission of the virus and protect friends and loved ones. Stock up now if you’re running low. Free test kits are available at the following locations (one kit per family member): Continue reading Stock Up on Free COVID-19 Tests →

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

PSA to the RATS on See click fix and the Building dept who want to make demands to my mother a Senior with a disability who has lived in this home for over 50 years:

1. The stuff I have on the sidewalk my mom who suffers from dementia mind you, called Waste Management not her fault they are short staffed and never picked this up. We had 2 pick up dates I made one for the 27th of July also. We did our part. Not my fault the city can’t do theirs.

2. My mother nor will any other Senior in this city pay a dime especially $300 a day, due to the Mayor and her administrations mismanagement of money. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: PSA to the RATS on See click fix and the Building dept who want to make demands to my mother a Senior with a disability who has lived in this home for over 50 years →

By Arthur Moore

This would be a great thing for the people of Winter Hill as most never wanted this. What is really desperately wanted here regardless of what a council of large says is a store. Ocean State was the best chance we had of having something to help this area. I was told when the Star ended it was going to be multiuse property and no store was going in. Continue reading Good News, Star Market Project May Not Happen →

SOMERVILLE – Somerville has been announced as a host city on this year’s nationwide tour of The Moving Wall, a half-sized replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Moving Wall has been traveling to cities and towns across the country for nearly forty years to give those who can’t get to Washington a chance to experience the power of the memorial. This fall, it makes its way to Somerville for the first time, setting up in the Mass General Brigham Great Lawn at Assembly Row (399 Revolution Drive), November 10-14. Continue reading Somerville to Host “The Moving Wall” Vietnam Veterans Memorial, November 10-14 →

Hello All

The deadline for registration for the Fishin with a Mission Striped Bass Fishing Tournament is at 9 p.m. this Friday July 29th If you would like to register, please go to:

I would like to wish everyone good luck in the tournament and thank everyone that is participating. Also, I would like to thank everyone who has made donations to the My Little Buddy’s Boat Charity! This is a great cause so if you haven’t registered to fish there is still time left. Or if you would like to make a donation please send your donation to My Little Buddy’s Boat, c/o Mystic Wellington Yacht Club, P.O.Box 235, Medford Ma 02155
Continue reading Fishin’ With A Mission Medford MA →

On the morning of March 25, 2022, Officers Mackenzie Richardson, Alex Lorenti, Joseph Moreira and Detective Jason Costa were assigned to serve a Harassment Prevention Order and an Arrest Warrant to a male party residing at 32 Kent Street # 308. Prior to the Officer’s responding to Kent St. an operational plan was established. Detective Costa provided the Officer’s with information pertaining to the individual’s past violent criminal history and possession of firearms. Continue reading Somerville Police Firearms Recovered →

Click on link below to see video:IMG_0511

Thank you to the residents of Clarendon Hill Towers for your invite tonight to address the problems with the city and especially with the MBTA canceling multiple bus routes throughout the city! The worst part is that the city officials are allowing it to happen because they don’t care. Continue reading Somerville Residents Fighting To Save Bus Routes →

Click on link below to read July 26th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online July 26th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1) (1)

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville invite you to a design workshop for 90 Washington Street, a 4-acre site near the East Somerville Green Line station envisioned as the future home of a new Public Safety Building and a range of civic, commercial, and residential uses. This is the latest engagement event for the 90 Washington Street project, coming after a series of community meetings and listening sessions held earlier this year. At this workshop, participants can use LEGOs to design their ideal redevelopment of the site. Each model will be photographed and used with other feedback collected to inform a development concept for public review.
Continue reading Envisioning 90 Washington Street: Design Workshop →

By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. Continue reading HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved an amendment filed by Veterans and Federal Affairs Committee chair Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) that would repeal a current law that restricts Gold Star spouses from receiving their annuity if they remarry. The amendment would also increase from $2,000 to $3,000 the annual annuity payment that Gold Star parents and spouses receive annually from the state. Continue reading GOLD STAR FAMILIES →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate gave final approval to and sent to Gov. Baker a bill that would prohibit any person or entity including educational institutions workplaces and public spaces from implementing any policy that would explicitly target someone who wears their natural hairstyle. The measure defines natural hairstyle as hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles including braids, locks, twists and other formations. Continue reading PROHIBIT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST A PERSON WITH A NATURAL HAIRSTYLE →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 7-31, rejected an amendment that would reduce the short-term capital gains tax from 12 percent to 5 percent; increase the no-income tax status threshold from $8,000 to $12,500; and increase the rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $5,000, instead of just to $4,000 which the original bill provides. Continue reading MORE TAX RELIEF (S 3018) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a $4.57 billion economic development and tax relief package.

The bill provides $500 million one-time tax rebates to an estimated 2 million eligible people. A $250 rebate would go, by September 30, to individual taxpayers and a $500 rebate to married taxpayers. Eligibility will be determined by annual income reported in 2021, with the minimum income required to be $38,000, and the maximum $100,000 for individual filers and $150,000 for joint filers. Continue reading ECONOMIC GROWTH AND TAX RELIEF →

By Bob Katzen

The House 120-33, approved an amendment that makes changes to the Bay State’s gun laws. The amendment was attached to a separate bond bill. The changes were proposed in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling in in New York Pistol and Riffle vs Bruen, that a state licensing authority could not ask applicants applying for a license to carry firearms to demonstrate they have a special need or proper cause to carry a firearm. The court also ruled that the licensing authority could not have unfettered discretion to decide whether that proper cause existed. Continue reading CHANGES TO GUN LAWS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 143-9, Senate 38-2, approved and sent to Gov. Baker legislation that would expand the clean energy industry and reduce emissions from the transportation and building sectors across the state with the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Continue reading CLEAN ENERGY AND REDUCED EMISSIONS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 126-27, Senate 36-3, approved a motion to suspend the rules so that the House-Senate conference committee version of a clean energy bill can be considered immediately. Under the Legislature’s rules, all conference committee bills must be filed by 8 p.m. the day before they are up for debate and a vote so that legislators have ample time to read the measure. This bill was not filed until 12:11 a.m. on Thursday morning so without suspending the rules, the bill could not be considered until Friday morning.
Continue reading SUSPEND RULES TO ALLOW IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION OF CLEAN ENERGY BILL (H 5060) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 152-0, Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a $52.7 billion fiscal 2023 state budget for the fiscal year that began July 1, including $1.23 billion in unrestricted general government aid to cities and towns, an increase of $63.1 million over last year.
Continue reading $52.7 BILLION FISCAL 2023 STATE BUDGET (H 5050) →

By William Tauro

It looks like they are finally going to reopen the McGrath Highway Overpass offramp again after a long unexpected closure. The sudden closing of this offramp a few years ago was unexplained to this very day and was especially damaging to multiple local businesses in that area. Continue reading Letter from the Editor:McGrath Highway Overpass Offramp Apparently Being Groomed to Reopen →

First they took away our parking spaces, now they’re taking away the bus routes! Instead of making things better for the people, they are making it worse! It’s time for residents to speakup! It’s time for change!
Continue reading Letter from the Editor: Somerville Losing MBTA Routes →

BOSTON – Today the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump released an audit of the Juvenile Court Department (JCD) in which the time period of November 5, 2018 through March 15, 2020 was reviewed. The intended scope was to examine the JCD’s pretrial diversion program and use of restraints during juvenile court proceedings. However, the Office of the State Auditor’s (OSA) objectives could not be thoroughly examined as the JCD lacked data to review. Continue reading Audit Recommends Juvenile Court Department Improve Administrative Practices, Data Tracking →

By William Tauro

Former Somerville Resident Joe LoRusso co-hosted an successful annual Jimmy Fund event on July 16th. The organization raised over 10K for the Jimmy fund. Continue reading Former Somerville Resident Raises Money for Jimmy Fund →

JEROMA “GERRY”‘S OBITUARY
Jeroma M. “Gerry” Capotosto- A lifelong resident of Somerville passed away on Monday July 18, 2022. She was 99. Continue reading Jeroma “Jerry” M. Capotosto →

Click on link below to read July 19th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online July 19th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. Continue reading HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? →

By Bob Katzen

“Taxpayers are experiencing the largest inflation spike in 41 years and our Statehouse leaders have a pile of money they could give back to help taxpayers with these high costs. Instead, they are choosing to hold onto the vast majority of the money and they even have the nerve to continue to push for their graduated income tax surcharge amendment which will increase the state income tax by 80 precent on some high-income earners and small businesses.”
—Paul Craney, spokesman for the Mass Fiscal Alliance. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved a new version of a bill that would prohibit any person or entity including educational institutions workplaces and public spaces from implementing any policy that would explicitly target someone who wears their natural hairstyle. The measure defines natural hairstyle as hair texture, hair type and protective hairstyles including braids, locks, twists and other formations. Only final Senate approval is needed prior to the measure going to Gov. Baker for his signature. Continue reading “CROWN ACT” – FORBID DISCRIMINATION AGAINST A PERSON WITH A NATURAL HAIRSTYLE →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would repeal current state laws which created professional licensure consequences for anyone who defaults on their student loan. Under existing law, a borrower’s state-issued professional or occupational certificate, registration or license can be suspended, revoked or cancelled if the borrower is in default on an education loan. Continue reading PROHIBIT REVOCATION OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSES IF A PERSON DEFAULTS ON A STUDENT LOAN →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate gave final approval to and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker $56 million in funding for the families of the victims of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
Continue reading $56 MILLION FOR FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would regulate poaching—the illegal hunting that harms or kills wildlife including fish, birds, mammals and endangered or threatened species. Other provisions elevate the fines and penalties for poaching; align Massachusetts poaching regulations with other states; and bring Massachusetts into the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, which helps states to work together to prevent illegal hunting across state lines. Continue reading POACHING →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House legislation designed to protect the health and safety of puppies and kittens in cities and towns by addressing inhumane practices relating to the transfer of pets. Continue reading PROTECT PUPPIES AND KITTENS (S 2994) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved a bill that would require research labs to make every effort to offer healthy animals up for adoption by registered non-profit animal rescue organizations rather than euthanizing them when the research is done.
Continue reading ADOPT ANIMALS USED IN RESEARCH – “THE BEAGLE BILL” →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved a nearly $11 billion transportation and infrastructure package that includes $1.375 billion for Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) modernization; $400 million for MBTA safety projects; $275 million for the East-West rail project; $1.27 billion for non-federally aided roads and bridges; and a provision that directs the MBTA and allows Regional Transit Authorities across the state to create a low-income fare program. The House has approved a different version of the package and a House-Senate conference committee will likely hammer out a compromise version.
Continue reading $10.9 BILLION TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved a bill designed to further protect reproductive health care and those who perform abortions in the Bay State. The measure specifically declares that both reproductive health care and gender-affirming care are rights secured by the constitution or laws of Massachusetts and would shield providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care and their patients from out-of-state legal action.
Continue reading REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE →

By Bob Katzen

The House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a $4.2 billion economic development package. The bill provides $500 million one-time tax rebates to an estimated 2 million eligible people. A $250 rebate would go, by September 30, to individual taxpayers and a $500 rebate to married taxpayers. Eligibility will be determined by annual income reported in 2021, with the minimum income required to be $38,000, and the maximum $100,000 for individual filers and $150,000 for joint filers. Continue reading $4.2 BILLION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE AND TAX CUTS (H 5077) →

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding Can Be Used to Address Systemic Public Health and Economic Challenges

(MEDFORD)—The City will be distributing surveys to engage and solicit feedback from the public on where to invest federal COVID-19 response funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced.
Continue reading Medford-City is Asking for Community Feedback on How to Spend COVID-19 Federal Stimulus Funds →

Learn more at an Info Session on July 28

The City of Somerville is hiring polling place workers for the upcoming 2022 election cycle. Hundreds of poll workers will be needed this year to conduct a successful election. Interested residents are encouraged to attend an information session on Thursday, July 28, to learn more.
Continue reading Somerville Hiring Polling Place Workers for 2022 Election Cycle →

Lemmons, Ray W. – Of Medford July 13, 2022.
Former husband and friend of Michelle Lemmons.
Loving father of Christopher Lemmons and his partner Nicole Smith of Stoneham, Shayla, Safiya and Jayson Lemmons all of Medford. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Ray Lemmons →

“Yart” Sale (yard sale + art show) returns this year on Saturday, August 13, to transform yards, stoops, and porches into one giant open-air art sale and display. Continue reading “Yart” Sale – August 13 →

Somerville’s Municipal Scholarship Committee is seeking to fill one vacancy for a three-year term, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. This committee awards scholarships to high school graduates to use toward their higher education expenses. Funding for the scholarships comes from voluntary contributions made by Somerville taxpayers. Continue reading Join the Municipal Scholarship Committee →

Starting Saturday, July 16, the new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will be available 24/7, 365 days a year in Massachusetts and across the country. 988 is a direct three-digit phone line to trained National Suicide Prevention Lifeline call takers. With an easy to remember number like 988, the Lifeline hopes to reach many more people in emotional crisis and connect those to services if needed.
Continue reading 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Starts July 16 →

I Voted stickers spread out on a wooden table
The City of Somerville is hiring polling place workers for the upcoming 2022 election cycle. Hundreds of poll workers will be needed this year to conduct a successful election. Here are the basics: Continue reading Work at a Polling Place This Election Season →

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, Ward 5 City Councilor Beatriz Gómez Mouakad, and City staff invite you to a virtual community meeting to discuss the expansion and renovation of Junction Park, located off of Central Street near the Community Path extension. Continue reading Somerville Junction Park Expansion & Renovation Virtual Meeting, July 26 →

$293 million FY23 budget delivers on urgent needs and lays foundation for longer-term progress across all departments
​
Major investments include largest increase in history for Somerville Public Schools, nearly $8.3 million for affordable housing, and $1 million for participatory budgeting Continue reading Somerville Enters New Fiscal Year with Historic Investments Planned for Youth, Affordable Housing, Sustainability, & More →

Denise Donahue Foscarota, born on April 22, 1966, passed peacefully at home with her family by her side on July 16, 2022 at the age of 56.
Denise was truly loved by all who knew her. Cherished daughter of the late Philip C. and Sandra Donahue, Denise was the beloved wife of John Foscarota and loving mother to son, Richard Foscarota of Somerville, MA. She was a dear sister to Philip R. Donahue and wife Janice, Mark Donahue and wife Maureen, and Keith Donahue and a special godmother to Renee Marzullo and Jessica Colleameno. She was a loving aunt to Renee Marzullo, Patrick, Connor, Julia, John, Paul, and Rachel Donahue, Kayla and John Foscarota, and Emily Hight. Denise will be deeply missed by the many aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws and lifelong friends who all loved her dearly. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Denise Donahue Foscarota →

On Wednesday, July 13, 2022, the Somerville Police and Cambridge Police Department, working collaboratively, served two search warrants at the homes of Ibrahim Barry, 18, Cambridge, and Craig Smith, 20, Cambridge, in furtherance of an investigation of a Somerville shooting incident that occurred on February 20, 2022 at 500 Mystic Avenue in Somerville. Continue reading Firearm Recovered From Somerville Shooting Incident →

The Somerville-based organization was chosen from a total of 580 applicants during a competitive review process. It will receive $100,000 over three years.
The Welcome Project builds the collective power of immigrants to participate in and shape community decisions through programming that strengthens the capacity of immigrant youth, adults, and families to advocate for themselves and influence schools, government, and other institutions. Continue reading The Welcome Project (TWP) is one of 140 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 to $500,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s $25 Million Grant Program →

Click on link below to read July 12th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online July 12th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

EVENTS

Bingo – Tuesday, July 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th at Ralph & Jenny Center starting at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, July 7th, 14th, 21st & 28th at Holland Street starting at 10:00 a.m. Keep your eyes open for occasional Wednesday Bingos. Lunch available following Bingo. RSVP to Debby Higgins by calling 617-625-6600, ext. 2321 or email Debby at DHiggins@Somervillema.gov Continue reading Somerville COA Press & Organizational Outreach →

LAZAROS’ OBITUARY:

Lazaros Lazarou of Somerville, formerly of Kato Fteria, Greece passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on July 9, 2022. He was 83. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Lazaros Lazarou →

By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozen s of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.
Continue reading HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? →

By Bob Katzen

“These toxic chemicals don’t belong anywhere, let alone in food packaging. Kudos to Rhode Island for taking this important step to protect the public from PFAS. I hope Massachusetts will soon become the next state to act.”
— Ben Hellerstein, state director for Environment Massachusetts, on Rhode Island’s passage of a new law banning PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) in food packaging. Supporters say that PFAs are dangerous chemicals which have been linked to a wide variety of health problems including immunosuppression, low birthweight, liver disease and testicular and kidney cancer. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL →

By Bob Katzen

The Registry of Motor Vehicle announced that applications for the 2022 Low Number License Plate Lottery are now being accepted and must be submitted online by 5 p.m., Friday, September 2. This year’s goodies are 199 low license plates including F7, 36, 78K, X44, 1S, and 6666. Applications are available online at http://www.mass.gov/RMV Continue reading LOTTERY FOR LOW LICENSE PLATES →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved a bill that extends the authority for remote participation for all public bodies and the authority for representative town meetings to meet by remote means through March 31, 2023.
Continue reading SOME COVID-19 POLICIES EXTENDED (H 4978 AND S 2559) →

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate leadership unveiled legislation that would use some of the state’s estimated $3.6 billion surplus to give one-time tax rebates to an estimated 2 million eligible people. The package is estimated to cost $500 million. Continue reading $250 OR $500 TAX REBATE TO SOME TAXPAYERS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 40-0, approved and sent to the House a bill designed to expand access to high-quality, affordable early education and care.
Continue reading EARLY EDUCATION AND CHILD CARE →

By Bob Katzen

Senate 39-0, approved $56 million in funding for the families of the victims of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. The Senate has already approved the measure and only final approval is needed in each branch before the measure goes to the governor for his signature. Continue reading $56 MILLION FOR FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME →

By Bob Katzen

The House 154-0, approved legislation that would support military families who relocate to the Bay State by providing career stability for the spouses of service members and education for their children. The Senate has already approved a different version of the bill and the House version now goes back to the Senate for consideration. Continue reading BENEFITS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES →

The Somerville Council on Aging is hosting a meeting with the MBTA about accessibility and amenity upgrades at Davis station. The MBTA plans to install a new elevator at the Holland St. entrance and replace the elevator at the College Ave. entrance, among other updates. The project team will give a presentation, then attendees can ask questions and share feedback. Continue reading Davis Station Accessibility Improvements – July 18 →

Round up your friends and family one Thursday evening this summer for a free outdoor movie in a Somerville park. The City’s annual SomerMovieFest film series returns July 14 with an alfresco screening of Ghostbusters: Afterlife in Lincoln Park (290 Washington St.). Continue reading Somerville’s Outdoor Movie Series Starts July 14 →

Mayor Ballantyne is putting together an American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Advisory Committee. The Committee will review the results of the ARPA community engagement process and work with the Mayor to create broad guidelines for how Somerville will use its once-in-a-generation ARPA funding. ARPA funds are intended to support an equitable and prosperous recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading Apply for the ARPA Advisory Committee by July 29 →

Illustrated fruits and veggies on the Mobile Farmers Market logo
The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market is now open for the season, selling fresh, local produce through October 15. This week, pick up a colorful array of veggies including yellow squash, green beans, kale, onions, carrots, and much more. 
Continue reading Get Your Fresh Fruits & Veggies at the Somerville Mobile Farmers Market →

Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
Please post to letter addressed to Councilwoman Strezo for her ignoring of Cobble Hill Resident’s reaching out to her for help.

Dear Councilwoman Strezo:
 
I am resending my email with the entire string of email exchanges I have had with the City concerning our advocacy for Cobble Hill.  It should come as no surprise to anyone on this distribution that there remain important questions that continue to be ignored.  They will continue to be asked at every resident meeting with public officials. 
 
Respectfully,
 
Evelyn Ortiz

Subject: 90 Washington Street/coffee hour
  Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Councilwoman Strezo Called Out for Ignoring Cobble Hill Residents Re: 90 Washington St. City Plan →

Open Positions: One
Term: Three years
The City of Somerville seeks one new member for the Municipal Scholarship Committee, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. Applicants must be Somerville residents. Boards and commissions offer an opportunity for residents with a range of experience, skills, expertise, and perspectives to share their talents and insights with their community. Continue reading Somerville Municipal Scholarship Committee Seeks One Member →

Per State Regulations, City is Installing New Signage and Issuing Reverse 911 Notification to Warn Public of Hazardous Water Quality After Significant Rainstorm

(MEDFORD)—In accordance with new Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection regulations on combined sewer and sanitary sewer overflow notifications, the City of Medford will be installing permanent signage at all public access points to the Mystic River informing the public of potentially hazardous water conditions following significant rainfall. Continue reading State DEP Issues New Guidance on Alerting Public of Hazardous Water Quality Following Rainstorm →

ArtBeat, the Somerville Arts Council’s annual multicultural arts showcase, returns to Davis Square on Saturday, July 16 (rain date: July 17). Now in its 36th year, ArtBeat features an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, performance, and activities. Come enjoy nearly 100 vendors and community groups, two stages of music, and a dance showcase at the Somerville Theater, all inspired by this year’s theme: Rise.
Continue reading ArtBeat Returns to Davis Square July 16 →

Congratulations to Bicycle Shop-E on your “Grand Opening” in Somerville!

20 Broadway East Somerville (Next to Mount Vernon Restaurant)
Continue reading Bicycle Shop-E Grand Opening (617)251-6134 →

Happy 97th Birthday to Lifelong Somerville Resident Rita Endicott. Her birthday is July 8th and we wish her many, many more!

ROBERT’S OBITUARY
Robert L. Pedro – A lifelong Somerville resident, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on July 5, 2022. He was 78. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Robert L. Pedro →

SIMI VALLEY, CA — Today, the Postal Service issued a commemorative Forever stamp celebrating the life of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, CA. Continue reading USPS Releases Nancy Reagan Stamp Dedication Took Place on Her 101st Birthday →

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Housing Division are pleased to announce 11 income-restricted condominiums for sale to eligible, first-time homebuyer households through the City’s Inclusionary Housing Program. Six units are available to households making at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), and five are available to households making between 81% and 110% AMI. Continue reading 11 Affordable Homeownership Opportunities: 60 Cross Street East & 109 Prospect Street →

Open Positions: 15

Term: August 17 through September 14, 2022

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne is building an ARPA Advisory Committee, and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. The ARPA Advisory Committee will be a diverse group of 15 constituents who will work with Mayor Ballantyne to co-create broad funding guidelines for Somerville’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program. These guidelines will be used by: ARPA staff, to solicit and judge applications; the public, to have a transparent view of how this once-in-a-generation funding source will be spent in their community; and project applicants, to understand the City’s priorities for project funding. Continue reading Apply to Serve on Somerville’s ARPA Advisory Committee →

Commercial fire at Angelicas Laundry fFacility 30 Innerbelt Rd., Somerville.

This story is still developing…
Continue reading Industrial Fire: Angelicas Laundry Facility 30 Innerbelt Road Somerville →

On June 14th at around 11PM the Somerville Police were on Washington St doing a follow up on an incident. As the officers were doing this, a pickup truck pulled over and a man got out to talk to the officers. His wife was in labor and was about to give birth. Quickly switching roles from law enforcement to medical aid, Lt. Vivolo, Officer Reece, and Officer Dylan Lambert assisted this expecting mom. Lt. Vivolo tried to get her comfortable and assessed her current status, while Ofc. Reece called for an ambulance, reassured her, and got information from the husband. They were on their way to Mt. Auburn Hospital, but realized they weren’t going to make it. Continue reading SPD & SFD Deliver Baby Roadside →

On Tuesday, June 28, 2022, I, Officer Jorge Morel, was working patrol during my assigned 8 AM to 4 PM shift in full uniform. In the West District cruiser #186. At approximately 12:07 PM, I was dispatched to 399 Highland AV Rockland Trust bank for a report of a party trying to cash a stolen check. Officer Ryan Sullivan Responded as a backup. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Utter False Check, Check Forgery, Receive Stolen Property) →

Click on link below to read July 5th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online July 5th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (1)

3 Alarm fire 1241 Broadway Somerville

Photo by @Sean Horgan

The Somerville Police & Fire Departments have responded to 18 overdose incidents since May 1, 2022, four of these have been fatal. Fentanyl continues to be a primary substance increasing overdose, please see below for the Fentanyl Fact Sheet. Other factors increasing fatalities are the use of other substances such as Xylazine, which is not an opioid thus Narcan may not be enough. Overdoses have not been limited to opioids; another shift contributing to this is cross contamination, it is not uncommon for suppliers to distribute multiple drugs, and thus we have also seen individuals using stimulants as well as other substances also at risk of overdose. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Public Service Announcement →

By Bob Katzen

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.
Continue reading HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION ON BEACON HILL? →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would allow pharmacists to prescribe, dispense and administer a short-term supply (60-days once in a two-year period) of HIV prevention drugs, known as pre-exposure prophylaxis(PrEP), to a patient without a prescription. The bill requires pharmacists to provide counseling regarding the use of PrEP and to connect patients without a primary care provider with a health care provider for ongoing care and to obtain a prescription for PrEP. Continue reading HIV PREVENTION DRUGS →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved and sent to the House a bill that would have the Bay State join 27 other states and allow certain qualified health care professionals to perform the standardized 5 needle-point ear acupuncture detoxification protocol (5NP) – an extremely cost-effective treatment that has been shown to help those suffering from addiction and trauma. Research shows the treatment helps with addiction withdrawals, reduces drug cravings, decreases stress, anxiety, depression and other symptoms.
Continue reading ACUPUNCTURE DETOX SPECIALISTS (S 2957) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 32-8, approved and sent to the House a bill that would expand the number of offenses for which juvenile courts may divert accused juveniles from prison to community service. The measure gives juvenile judges the opportunity to decide, based on the facts of the case, if a child would be better served through a diversion program and receiving appropriate services in a community setting. Continue reading JUVENILE DIVERSION (S 2942) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 31-9, approved and sent to the House a bill that would make changes to the current civil asset forfeiture law that allows law enforcement and prosecutors to seize property which is alleged to have been involved in a crime. Under current law, the burden of proof is on the owner of the items who believes that their possessions were improperly forfeited. That person is required to demonstrate that these items were not involved in a crime. Continue reading CHANGE CIVIL ASSET FORFEITURE LAW (S 2944) →

By Bob Katzen

The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a measure that would repeal several archaic laws, still on the books in Massachusetts, which many people no longer see as criminal and/or may be unconstitutional. Continue reading REPEAL ARCHAIC LAWS →

By Bob Katzen

The House 153-0, approved $56 million in funding for the families of the victims of the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home.
Continue reading $56 MILLION FOR FAMILIES OF VICTIMS OF HOLYOKE SOLDIERS’ HOME (H 4932) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 153-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that limits the use of health care plan mandated prescription drug “step therapy” protocols and provides more exemptions to the mandate. Step therapy requires the patient to try less expensive options before “stepping up” to drugs that cost more. Continue reading LIMIT STEP THERAPY (H 4929) →

By Bob Katzen

The House 136-17, approved and sent to the Senate legislation designed to further protect reproductive health care and those who perform abortions in the Bay State. The measure specifically declares that both reproductive health care and gender-affirming care is a “right secured by the constitution or laws” of Massachusetts and would shield providers of reproductive and gender-affirming care and their patients from out-of-state legal action.
Continue reading REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE (H 4930) →

James J. “Jake” Wade, 86, of Medford, originally from Somerville, passed away peacefully on June 29th. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 19, 1935, he was the son of the late Edward and Margaret (Callahan) Wade. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering James J. “Jake” Wade →

The Somerville Public Library is hosting a pair of virtual seminars to showcase two fascinating topics relevant to New England. Both seminars will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom.
Continue reading Join the SPL for a Pair of Virtual Seminars Showcasing Books with Local Ties →

Somerville’s Arbor Day celebration has been rescheduled for Wednesday, July 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Nathan Tufts Park (850 Broadway).
Continue reading Arbor Day Festivities Rescheduled for July 6 →

Applications are now open for 11 income-restricted condominiums, available to eligible households through the City of Somerville’s Inclusionary Housing Program. Nine units, ranging from studios to three bedrooms, are available at 60 Cross Street East. Two units, both with two bedrooms, are available at 109 Prospect Street.
Continue reading Somerville-11 Affordable Units Available for Eligible First-Time Buyers →

ArtBeat, the Somerville Arts Council’s annual multicultural arts showcase, returns to Davis Square on Saturday, July 16. Now in its 36th year (!), ArtBeat features an eclectic mix of music, dance, theater, food, performance, and activities, drawing thousands of visitors.
Continue reading ArtBeat Returns to Davis Square on July 16 →

Group is tasked with developing strategies and recommendations on changes to the Charter

(MEDFORD)—Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn announced today that she is forming a committee that will comprehensively study the City’s current charter, gather input from the community and ultimately propose recommendations on changes and content to the existing document. Continue reading Medford Mayor Lungo-Koehn to Establish Committee to Study City’s Charter →

Department issuing pro-rated residential and business parking permits beginning July 1

(MEDFORD)—The Medford Parking Department has been issuing tickets, accepting payments and granting permits to residents and visitors for over two months and with the process in full swing, the City is providing an update to residents on parking procedures and violations. Continue reading Medford-Reminders and Updates on Parking Procedures and Violations →

All said they enjoyed the night. Good chat, food, company. Our Medford Lions scholarship recipient-Isabella Sasso. Continue reading MEDFORD LIONS ROAR MHS →

BOSTON – In an audit released today, State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump called on the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (MSA) to improve guidance to sheriff’s offices ensuring that all “Total Operational Spending per Inmate” reports are completed as consistently as possible in a timely manner. In addition, the audit, which examined the period of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020, encourages MSA to establish procedures and policies for the coordination and standardization of services and programs at the sheriff’s offices. Continue reading Audit Advises Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association Ensure Consistency of Inmate Reports →

https://fb.watch/e02ETxW9c7/

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Colonel John Arthur Moore on his passing.

John was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here both in Somerville and Medford.

OBITUARY
Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Colonel John Arthur Moore →

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Donna M. Fay on her passing.

Donna was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in both Somerville and Medford.

DONNA’S OBITUARY

Donna M. Fay, a lifelong Somerville resident, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on June 25, 2022, she was 53.
Donna’s biggest accomplishment were her children which she leaves behind; Joseph Hardy and his wife Adrianna of Manchester, NH, Edward Cooper, Jr. and Christopher Cooper of Somerville. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Donna M. Fay →

Shared Streets programs allow streets in residential areas to be utilized by abutters only, creating traffic calming and opening streets for more walking, biking, etc.

Streets will be chosen based on nomination from residents.

MEDFORD – The City of Medford’s residential Shared Streets program is returning for summer/fall 2022, by resident request. Continue reading Residential Shared Streets Program Returning for Summer/Fall 2022 →

Sanctuary Medicinals, Inc. approved to set up marijuana dispensary on Riverside Avenue.

As part of community benefits, Sanctuary Medicinals will provide funding for fire station maintenance and DPW equipment. Continue reading Mayor Lungo-Koehn Signs Second Host Community Agreement with Retail Marijuana Dispensary →

Click on link below to read June 28th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition OnlineJune 28th, 2022 The Somerville Medford News Weekly Print Edition Online (2)

The City is continuing the discussion as we reimagine the landscape of Somerville’s Junction Park. Join us for the second virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 29, at 6 p.m. to hear proposed plans, discuss future park programming, and to give your ideas for the space. Continue reading Imagine Somerville’s Junction Park →

BOSTON – Today the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) released an audit of the Department of Higher Education (DHE), which identified that DHE did not ensure all employees responsible for managing and administering Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Funds, completed annual cybersecurity awareness training. Continue reading Audit Advises Massachusetts Department of Higher Education to Ensure All Employees Receive Cybersecurity Awareness Training →

Robert (Bob) and Nancy (Noble) Barletta are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on Thursday, June 30, 2022. Bob and Nancy were Somerville High School sweethearts. Bob played on the football team and Nancy was a cheerleader. Bob went on to be a lieutenant at the Somerville Fire Department and Nancy spent 27 years as an Avon District Sales manager representing Somerville and Medford. Currently Bob and Nancy split time in Medford and Cape Coral, FL. They have 3 grown children and 9 grandchildren who they will be celebrating this terrific milestone with later this week. Continue reading Congratulations to Somerville High School Sweethearts Robert and Nancy (Noble) Barletta Celebrating 60th Wedding Anniversary →

HANLEY, Rosemary (Murphy) – Of Somerville suddenly June 22, 2022.
Beloved daughter of the late Catherine Murphy.
Sister of Kathleen Lyons. Also survived by many loving neices, nephews and cousins. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Rosemary M. Hanley →

On Sunday, June 26, 2022, I, Officer Sergio Garcia, was working patrol in full uniform during my assigned 12 AM to 8 AM shift. In the West District, cruiser 186. At approximately 06:26 AM, I responded to XXX Highland Ave for a report of a suspicious person. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (B&E for Misdemeanor) →

Former Somerville Police Officer Martha Costa today is at the Powder House Rotary standing out in response to the Somerville DPW Commissioner for ordering the cruiser of the deceased police officer off the rotary island! 🇺🇸 ❤️ R.I.P. Randy Isaacs

By Bob Katzen

Sen. Sonia Chang Diaz (D-Boston) dropped out of the race for the Democratic nomination for governor. Her name will still remain on the September Democratic primary ballot as June 10 was the last day a candidates can withdraw their name from the ballot. Her exit leaves Attorney General Maura Healey as the only Democrat actively campaigning for the Democratic nomination. Former Sen. Geoff Diehl and Chris Doughty are vying for the Republican nod.
Here are some quotes from Chang-Diaz upon her exit from the campaign: Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL – BAY STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION EDITION →

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would expand current law and make more farmers eligible for a favorable valuation of property process that results in a tax break. Under current law, to be eligible for the favorable valuation and the resulting tax break, a farmer must own and be farming a minimum of five contiguous acres of land. The bill would reduce the required number to two and not require the acres to be contiguous. The bill also reduces the required acres to two in cities or towns with a population of more than 50,000. Continue reading EXTEND TAX BREAKS TO MORE FARMERS (H 3059) →

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would change a current law that imposes a fine of between $500 and $1,000 on any all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or other recreational vehicle driver who leaves the scene, without giving information to the driver of the other vehicle, of a hit and run accident that does not result in death. Continue reading HIT AND RUN LAWS →

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law the bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This version of the bill did not include the controversial section allowing same-day voter registration. Continue reading BAKER SIGNS ELECTION LAW BILL →

By Bob Katzen

There was swift reaction across the state to the Supreme Court’s ruling that the constitution does not confer the right to an abortion and that decisions about regulating abortion are now up to each of the 50 states.
Continue reading REACTION ON BEACON HILL TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING STRIKING DOWN ROE V WADE →

By Bob Katzen

House 155-0, approved and sent to the Senate a nearly $11 billion transportation and infrastructure package that includes $400 million for the MBTA to address safety problems identified by the Federal Transit Administration’s Safety Management Inspection and $250 million for initial steps toward a western Massachusetts rail extension. Continue reading $10.9 BILLION TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE (H 4897) →

The City’s Mobility Division is hosting two opportunities virtually next week to discuss the findings from the Citywide Parking and Curb Use Study. Staff will discuss key learnings from data analysis and potential policy and occupancy recommendations to bring citywide parking policies in alignment with City goals, community values, and future needs. Attendees can provide feedback on the proposed recommendations to help inform next steps to policy changes.
Continue reading Citywide Parking Data & Potential Policy Changes →

Mayor Ballantyne and the City of Somerville are hosting a pair of listening sessions next week to hear from the community about the future of 90 Washington Street. Participate in person on Tuesday, June 28, at 6 p.m. at the East Somerville Community School (50 Cross Street) or virtually on Wednesday, June 29, at 6 p.m.
Continue reading Pair of Community Listening Sessions to Address Future of 90 Washington Street Site →

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

Check out this crock of crap from a carpet bagger whack job Somerville City Councilor. He has no idea what he’s talking about. Welcome to Somerville you fool!:

FYI. From city councilor Jake Wilson’s newsletter today if you haven’t seen it

“I’ve had a number of folks ask me about the FBI’s arrest on Friday of local attorney and former Ward 5 alderman Sean O’Donovan on federal charges stemming from allegations of attempted bribery of the Medford police chief. This is an extremely sad development and the charges are gravely concerning. But I also want to stress the importance of due process here — and the presumption of innocence in our legal system.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: New Somerville City Councilor Jake Wilson Has No Clue →

Photos by Medford Firefighters Local 1032

A second group of Medford Firefighters is continuing their SCUBA certification requirements, on their own time and paid for with their own money. Both groups will complete the training with an open ocean dive in August. Continue reading Medford Firefighters Local 1032 News Updates →

By Arthur Moore

This has been an ongoing issue here in Winter Hill. Despite this whole bike lane project not working from the start and to this day the lane sits empty with the rare exception of a bike once in a great while. The lane is useless here as there is no use for it. It hurts everyone who is handicapped or has mobility issues and even prevents them from going to places they like and want to go and for absolutely no reason other than to hurt them. Continue reading Somerville Ignores Their Own in the Fight to Help Handicapped People →

10-21-19 – Licensing Commission Meeting Minutes – REVISED Posted on 11-21-19 at 1030am-converted

Statement from Then City Council President and Ward 7 Councilor Katjana Ballantyne serving as Acting Mayor for the Host Community Agreement Process for Marijuana Retail

Entities

Adult Use Marijuana was approved in Massachusetts in a 2016 ballot question by 53.6% statewide and by 73.6% in Somerville. The duty of The Marijuana Advisory Committee is to help fulfill this mandate. The MAC conducted a careful and thorough review of 15 applications, from the first round, for Community Host Agreements. Three were selected to be recommended to the Licensing Commission (see #’s 2,3 & 4 below). The MAC will soon review the second round of applications. According to the

criteria in Section 2.221 of the City Code of Ordinances, priority applicants were identified and based on a number of factors to insure they will best serve our community. The MAC recommended Category A priority applicants only. Category B applicants are Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Somerville. At least half the licenses issued must be issued to Priority category A applicants. President Ballantyne respectfully submits these recommendations to the Licensing Commission for review

“This indictment shows our community that your leaders in Medford will not tolerate any suspected attempts of influencing or misleading the public, nor misconduct, and we will bring any such occurrences directly to the authorities. Continue reading Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn’s statement on the indictment and arrest in an attempted bribery scheme to influence the retail marijuana licensing process: →