All posts by thesomervillenewsweekly

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Street Signs Dead Safety Hazard Center In Middle Of Sidewalk

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

They put a sign on the side walk for the speed hump/bump on Kidder Avenue coming from College Avenue and it’s dead center in the sidewalk!! Handicap people with wheel chairs and people with baby carriages have to go around it.
Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Street Signs Dead Safety Hazard Center In Middle Of Sidewalk

Honoring Tamar Bucci A Young State Trooper Who Tragically Lost Her Own Life While Assisting A Broken Down Motorist

Woburn’s Renee Leavitt and her Country band the Renegades are providing the music for the Tamar A Bucci Foundation Event on Thursday November 17 at Premiere on Broadway in Somerville. Doors open at 6 pm.

Bucci was the young state trooper who lost her life tragically while assisting a broken down motorist on Route 93 in Stoneham. Continue reading Honoring Tamar Bucci A Young State Trooper Who Tragically Lost Her Own Life While Assisting A Broken Down Motorist

Being The Change! The First Gas to Electric Conversion!

 

Interviewed by William Tauro
By Justin Bernard

My name is Justin Bernard and I’m set to launch a conversion from gas to electric boat next spring. This boat is for sale and intended to fund future sustainability projects.

The Electric boat has fantastic key features; ample and expandable power storage with 800w energy production…which is a perfect example of converting an existing gas power outboard motor to Electricity. The 1969 Chrysler Charger hull used is a beautiful and powerful boat to restore. The boat was designed ask one of the first water ski boats. Continue reading Being The Change! The First Gas to Electric Conversion!

Honoring Veterans Day in Somerville

This year, there are several opportunities to honor Veterans Day in Somerville. First, The Moving Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial will welcome visitors 24 hours a day starting Thursday, November 10, at noon. This half-sized replica of the monument in Washington, D.C., will be on view at Mass General Brigham, 399 Revolution Dr., through Monday, November 14, at 9 a.m. Continue reading Honoring Veterans Day in Somerville

Massachusetts Expands Waste Disposal Ban to Include Mattresses & Textiles

A worker deconstructs a mattress at a recycling facility

As of November 1, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has expanded its waste disposal bans to include mattresses and textiles. MassDEP reports that residents and businesses dispose of approximately 230,000 tons of textiles annually, about 85% of which could be donated, reused, or recycled instead. Similarly, approximately 600,000 mattresses and box springs are discarded in Massachusetts each year, even though 75% of a mattress is made of recyclable materials. Continue reading Massachusetts Expands Waste Disposal Ban to Include Mattresses & Textiles

Rats Taking Over Somerville Everywhere And Nothing Being Done About It

By William Tauro

Today I was on Minnesota Avenue in Somerville. When I checked out a friend of mine‘s house, the house was infested with rat holes/boroughs in and around his entire front yard. How are people supposed to live like this in Somerville? He was told that funding for zapping these critters was unavailable in his side of the city. Now that’s totally unacceptable! Continue reading Rats Taking Over Somerville Everywhere And Nothing Being Done About It

SOMERVILLE POST OFFICE COMMUNITY FONDLY REMEMBERS GLEN MEMORY

By Karen Glover

Glen Memory (yes, that’s Glen’s correct last name) will remain among our fondest memories. The Day Street, Davis Sq. Somerville Post Office Employees and Customers are so saddened by the recent loss of a really genuine, consistently sincerely helpful, always pleasant coworker and Customer Service Front Window Employee. Glen worked for the United States Post Office for approximately thirty-five years, and he was close to retirement. Continue reading SOMERVILLE POST OFFICE COMMUNITY FONDLY REMEMBERS GLEN MEMORY

TYRANNY IS ALIVE AND WELL IN SOMERVILLE, MA! YOU THINK NOT? THINK AGAIN AND THINK HARD!! TODAY! NOW! VOTE WOKE OUT!

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of Boston News Group/Somerville News Weekly Publications belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of Boston News Group, it’s publications, its staff or publishers.)

By Karen Glover

The words Woke and Totalitarianism are becoming interchangeable. The only difference is The Woke People attempt to come off as all-knowing, sweet, genuine, and, eventually, you will come around because if we act so sweet and smiling, we must be right about everything hideous thing we inflict upon you, your children, your city, your property, in other words, everything that is you really belongs to us. TYRANNY! Continue reading TYRANNY IS ALIVE AND WELL IN SOMERVILLE, MA! YOU THINK NOT? THINK AGAIN AND THINK HARD!! TODAY! NOW! VOTE WOKE OUT!

HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION ON BEACON HILL?

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. Continue reading HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION ON BEACON HILL?

INCREASE PENALTIES FOR HIT AND RUNS WITH RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate legislation, known as the James Ward Act, which would increase the penalty of a hit and run with a recreational vehicle that causes bodily injury from a fine between $500 and $1,000 to a jail sentence of one year and/or a fine between $500 and $1,000. The proposal also creates the penalty of up to a $5,000 fine and/or a jail sentence of 2.5 years for a hit and run with a recreational vehicle that results in the death of the other party. Continue reading INCREASE PENALTIES FOR HIT AND RUNS WITH RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

STEP THERAPY (H 4929)

By Bob Katzen

Governor Charlie Baker signed into law 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. Conditions which would exempt a patient from trying the less expensive drug first include if the treatment will harm the patient, or if the patient previously tried the required treatment, or similar treatment, and it was ineffective. Continue reading STEP THERAPY (H 4929)

$3.8 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE (H 5374)

By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved different versions of a $3 billion plus economic development bill in July. The funds are from the state’s surplus of money. The two versions went to a conference committee to hammer out a compromise version. Finally last week, the House and Senate crafted the compromise version and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker a $3.8 billion spending bill to fund an economic development package and a supplemental budget to close out the state’s books on fiscal 2022. Continue reading $3.8 BILLION SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE (H 5374)

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Medford vs Charlstown Tackle Scuffle

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

On Sunday, October 30th the Medford Mustangs(3-3) played the Charlestown Townies(1-5). Medford had already secured a playoff spot with their week 6 win over Watertown/Belmont . During the game #12 from Medford got an interception and after getting tackled by #12 on the townies the medford player got shoved back to the ground by #12 . Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Medford vs Charlstown Tackle Scuffle

Apply for the 90 Washington St. Redevelopment Civic Advisory Committee

The City of Somerville is forming a 12-member Civic Advisory Committee to represent the public in the redevelopment of 90 Washington St., and all residents are encouraged to apply. The Committee will meet regularly starting in January 2023 to advise City staff and consultants in selecting one or more development partners for 90 Washington St. Committee members will include eight residents, two local business or non-profit representatives, and two City Councilors. Continue reading Apply for the 90 Washington St. Redevelopment Civic Advisory Committee

Prospect Hill Academy Girls Volleyball Wins State Championship


Photo of the team with their trophy. The coach, Kenny Lee (also a PHA teacher), is pictured at right.

Prospect Hill Academy Charter School’s (PHA) varsity girl’s volleyball team won their first ever MCSAO (Massachusetts Charter School Athletic Organization) championship this past Saturday 10/29, 3-0 over Pioneer Charter School of Science II. Continue reading Prospect Hill Academy Girls Volleyball Wins State Championship

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: West Somerville Neighborhood School

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

Just when I thought city administration was through thinking of stupid, inconsiderate things to do, they have outdone themselves with this one! Teachers had a very nice lot to park their cars in and now it’s all dug up so mayor can make a green grass park there! Guess where teachers are parking now! They are on PowderHouse Blvd and Raymond Ave and any side street where there is a space! Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: West Somerville Neighborhood School

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne Testifies in Support of Home Rule Petition Establishing Net Zero Emissions Standard for New Construction & Major Renovation Projects in Somerville

Bill sponsored by Somerville Representatives Barber and Connolly would create path for Somerville to seek to pilot standards for fossil-fuel free construction and major renovations
Continue reading Mayor Katjana Ballantyne Testifies in Support of Home Rule Petition Establishing Net Zero Emissions Standard for New Construction & Major Renovation Projects in Somerville

Sprinkler systems prevent two serious fires this past week in Somerville

Sprinkler systems in two Somerville buildings prevented serious fires this past week during the early morning hours while occupants were asleep. On Friday, October 28th at 425 a.m. the Fire Department was notified of a fire alarm activation via a building alarm system which was directly connected to the City fire alarm box system. Continue reading Sprinkler systems prevent two serious fires this past week in Somerville

GRANDMA! …PROMISE NOT TO SIT THERE…!!! A SENIOR CITIZEN “SITTING DUCK” BENCH!! YIKES!

By Karen Glover

Once again, The Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD} outdoes itself and achieves THE VERY OPPOSITE RESULT from the goals outlined in its statements regarding its plans to implement changes to advance Somerville’s goal of making transportation, for instance, SAFE.
SAFE: Webster’s Dictionary defines the word SAFE as meaning:
1. Free from harm or risk, unhurt.
2. Secure from threat or danger, harm or loss.
3. Affording safety and security from danger, risk or difficulty.
MADE SAFE: Continue reading GRANDMA! …PROMISE NOT TO SIT THERE…!!! A SENIOR CITIZEN “SITTING DUCK” BENCH!! YIKES!

This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

By Bob Katzen

“These facilities will provide a wonderful opportunity for our Massachusetts students and workers to get the hands-on skills training they need to enter into cybersecurity careers. At the same time, these new centers will offer cost-effective security monitoring to support small towns, businesses and nonprofits, protection that is becoming increasingly important for these institutions.” Continue reading This Week’s QUOTABLE QUOTES on Beacon Hill

BEHIND THE SCENES ON QUESTION 1

By Bob Katzen

The first question on the November ballot asks voters if they favor a proposed constitutional change that would allow a graduated income tax in Massachusetts and impose an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. Language in the change requires that “subject to appropriation, the revenue will go to fund quality public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.” Continue reading BEHIND THE SCENES ON QUESTION 1

Limited Drop-Off Service for Residential Household Hazardous Waste Offered This November & December

The City of Somerville will offer limited household hazardous waste (HHW) drop-off service to residents starting Thursday, November 3, through the end of the year. Residents may dispose of eligible items each Thursday in November and December, excluding Thanksgiving, between 4 and 7:30 p.m. at the Department of Public Works yard (1 Franey Rd.). Drop-off will be canceled in the event of heavy snow. HHW will not be accepted outside of the designated hours.
Continue reading Limited Drop-Off Service for Residential Household Hazardous Waste Offered This November & December

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: LIBRARIES MAY NO LONGER PROVIDE WHOLESOME ENVIRON- MENTS FOR CHILDREN… JUST THE OPPOSITE!

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

HOW ABOUT IF I, Karen Glover, a woman, decide that I want to be a DRAG KING? Yes, that’s right, a DRAG KING…I’ll wear an oversized mustache, thick fake eyebrows, a man’s wig…I’ll wear exaggerated muscular padding to emulate that of the most extreme body builder. I’ll have to attach a huge, prominent plastic male appendage below my waist to be hidden in extra room jeans to achieve my desired effect. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: LIBRARIES MAY NO LONGER PROVIDE WHOLESOME ENVIRON- MENTS FOR CHILDREN… JUST THE OPPOSITE!

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Larceny)Arrest

On the afternoon of October 18, 2022, I, Officer Ferrara, was in full uniform working for the Somerville Police Department, assigned to marked unit East-1. At approximately 2:52 P.M, I was dispatched to 460 Assembly Row, (Ralph Lauren) for a report of a past larceny. Officer Nick Moreira, East-2, responded as back up.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Larceny)Arrest

DESIGNATING JULY 8 AS MASSACHUSETTS EMANCIPATION DAY (H 3117)

By Bob Katzen

The Senate approved a measure, sponsored by Rep. Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington), designating July 8 as Massachusetts Emancipation Day also to be known as Quock Walker Day, in recognition of the court ruling that rendered slavery unconstitutional in the commonwealth. Walker, born to enslaved Black parents in Massachusetts, was the driving force behind this ruling.
Continue reading DESIGNATING JULY 8 AS MASSACHUSETTS EMANCIPATION DAY (H 3117)

RARE DISEASE DAY (H 3101)

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill designating the last day of February as rare disease day in Massachusetts in order to “increase public awareness of rare diseases which affect millions of Americans resulting in special challenges encountered by patients and their families as well as the impact upon medical professionals, researchers, educators and others who serve the rare disease community.”
Continue reading RARE DISEASE DAY (H 3101)

THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (H 4722)

By Bob Katzen

The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill 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 gasses. The measure requires the buyer to keep records of each converter purchased, from which vehicle it was removed from, and who the seller was. These records would be made available upon request to law enforcement. Continue reading THEFT OF CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (H 4722)

SomerStreets Monster Mash: Sunday, October 30, 2-6 p.m.

Free Open Streets event to feature live music, family-friendly activities, and more

SomerStreets: Monster Mash, the final SomerStreets festival of the year, takes over Somerville Avenue on Sunday, October 30, from 2 to 6 p.m. (rain date: November 6). Join the family-friendly festivities for tricks and treats aplenty between School Street and Warren Avenue, including: Continue reading SomerStreets Monster Mash: Sunday, October 30, 2-6 p.m.

Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara Cassesso

Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Barbara Cassesso on her passing. Barbara was a wonderful person who will be sadly missed here in Somerville.

BARBARA’S OBITUARY
When Barbara Cassesso passed away in her home in Somerville on October 18, 2022, the world lost a little bit of its tolerance; its compassion; and its will to stand up for those who are oppressed, abandoned, ignored and in need. Barbara passed away peacefully and without pain in the constant and loving care of her children. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Barbara Cassesso

Appointments Advisory Committee Seeks New Members

The City of Somerville seeks five members for the Mayor’s Appointments Advisory Committee (AAC), and all Somerville residents are invited to apply. 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 Appointments Advisory Committee Seeks New Members

Somerville Holding Vigil for Victims of Domestic Violence

Vigil Scheduled for Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 6:00pm

SOMERVILLE – Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Somerville Commission for Women, and RESPOND, Inc. are honored to invite residents to join them for the annual Domestic Violence Vigil on Wednesday, October 26, to remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence in 2022.
Continue reading Somerville Holding Vigil for Victims of Domestic Violence

THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

“The ability to grant pardons is a very serious responsibility, but through careful consideration and review, I believe these individuals are worthy candidates for a pardon. All of these individuals have shown a commitment to their communities and rehabilitation since their convictions. However, the charges are related to decades-old convictions that continue to have an impact on their lives. I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s review of these recommendations.” Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

UP TO $250 TAX CREDIT FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF PLANTS AND LANDSCAPING INTENDED TO REDUCE WATER USAGE

By Bob Katzen

Bill# (H 3058) – Would create a 25 percent personal income tax credit of up to $250, on the purchase and installation of plants and landscaping items intended to reduce water usage including drought resistant plants that last for more than one year; kits or devices specifically designed for generating compost; rainwater recovery and storage devices where they are used for watering plants; and underground drip irrigation systems.
Continue reading UP TO $250 TAX CREDIT FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF PLANTS AND LANDSCAPING INTENDED TO REDUCE WATER USAGE

CHANGE DISTRIBUTION FORMULA FOR $2.9 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF (HD 5394)

By Bob Katzen

Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge) has filed a bill that would change the formula for how $2.9 billion in tax refunds will be distributed to taxpayers based on Chapter 62F, a 1986 law approved by the voters. That law requires that tax revenue above a certain amount collected by the state go back to the taxpayers on a proportional basis equal to the amount of state income tax they paid the state in 2021. Auditor Suzanne Bump has determined that the net state tax revenues of $41,812,654,358 for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 is $2,941,499,731 above the allowable state tax revenues of $38,871,154,627.
Continue reading CHANGE DISTRIBUTION FORMULA FOR $2.9 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF (HD 5394)

Question #3: EXPANDS AVAILABILITY OF LICENSES FOR OFF-PREMISES CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

By Bob Katzen

QUESTION 3 – The third question on the November ballot asks voters if they support a law that would increase the statewide limits on the combined number of licenses that one retailer could control for the sale of alcoholic beverages and beer and wine for off-premises (non-restaurant and bar) consumption. Off-premises includes package stores, supermarkets and other venues where alcohol can be purchased but not consumed. The law would increase the number from the current nine to 12 licenses in 2023; 15 licenses in 2027 and 18 licenses in 2031. Continue reading Question #3: EXPANDS AVAILABILITY OF LICENSES FOR OFF-PREMISES CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (MV Vandalism, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct)

The following is a summary of the details related to this incident.

On Sunday, October 16, 2022, I, Officer David Ruf, was in full-uniform and assigned to marked cruiser East-1, for the Somerville Police Department. At approximately 5:02 A.M, Officer Morel (East-4) and I were dispatched to 10 Connecticut Ave for a dispute.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (MV Vandalism, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct)

Mystic Lakes Environmentle Disaster Due To Neglect and Incompetence

Click on link below to see video:

IMG_2596

By William Tauro

Open year round, dawn to dusk. The banks of the Mystic Lake beginning in Somerville and Medford are almost entirely publicly owned, from the Amelia Earhart Dam at the mouth of the Mystic Lakes, making it one of the Commonwealth’s best protected streams.

The Mystic Lakes flows through Somerville, Medford, Arlington, Malden, Its headwaters begin in Reading, and form the Aberjona River which flows through Winchester and into the upper Mystic Lake. From the lower Mystic Lake, the Mystic River flows through Arlington, Somerville, Medford, Everett, Chelsea, Charlestown, and East Boston before discharging to Boston Harbor.

Continue reading Mystic Lakes Environmentle Disaster Due To Neglect and Incompetence

Letter from the Editor: CITYWIDE PARKING AND CURB USE STUDY FINAL REPORT AND COMMUNITY MEETING, OCTOBER 19

Please don’t use the excuse that you didn’t know!

Please share this with every small business and resident in Somerville to attend this meeting. They will be discussing eliminating parking and expanding dedicated bike lanes, so act on it and let your voices be heard! Let’s all share the roads in Somerville using common sense! Continue reading Letter from the Editor: CITYWIDE PARKING AND CURB USE STUDY FINAL REPORT AND COMMUNITY MEETING, OCTOBER 19

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Trespass, Possession of Dangerous Weapons, Shoplifting)

On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, I Officer Paul Beckford, was on duty for the Somerville Police (East 2). At approximately 5:11PM, Officer Ed Soares (East 3), Officer Samir Messaoudi (East 1), and I were dispatched to Target located at 180 Somerville Ave for an unwanted.

Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Trespass, Possession of Dangerous Weapons, Shoplifting)

Somerville Police Department Updates

Commercial Breaking and Entering
22056865: Somerville Police are interested in speaking with the individual shown below in relation to a breaking and entering that occurred at a business in Assembly Row on 10/5/22 at approximately 1:27 AM. The suspect left in a late 90’s or early 2000’s red Mercedes convertible. Anyone with information regarding this individual is asked to please contact the Somerville Police Department at 617-625-1600. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Updates

NOW MBTA DETERMINED TO INFLICT A “TRANSFER” HARDSHIP UPON CLARENDON HILL TOWERS POPULATION AND ALL BUS RIDERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE #89 BUS!

By Karen Glover

Melissa Dullea, Senior Director of Service Planning at The Mbta, a/k/a The Bus Redesign Project, along with Brad Rawson, Director of the Somerville Mobility Division of Strategic Planning& Community Development, are determined to attempt to brainwash us into thinking that eliminating # 89 buses arriving and departing from Clarendon Hill Towers is an acceptable idea. This idea is absolutely unacceptable! Continue reading NOW MBTA DETERMINED TO INFLICT A “TRANSFER” HARDSHIP UPON CLARENDON HILL TOWERS POPULATION AND ALL BUS RIDERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE #89 BUS!

THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

By Bob Katzen

HAPPY CRANBERRY MONTH – Gov. Charlie Baker declared October as “Massachusetts Cranberry Month.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is proud to support cranberry growers, who make significant contributions to the commonwealth’s agricultural sector and local economies. Our local growers are true stewards of the land, implementing the latest in proprietary technology and equipment to harvest their fruit, and utilizing innovative methods that conserve water and protect Massachusetts’ natural resources.”
— Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL

ALLOW RESIDENTS TO REQUEST ANONYMITY ON STREET LISTINGS

By Bob Katzen

Bill# (S 456) – Under current law, all Massachusetts households receive in the mail and must fill out an annual street listing (census) form that includes each resident’s name, address, date of birth, occupation, veteran status and nationality, if not a citizen of the United States, in January of each year. The information is used to maintain voting and jury lists, aid in school enrollment projections and for many other things including veterans’ benefits and proof of residency for state universities. Continue reading ALLOW RESIDENTS TO REQUEST ANONYMITY ON STREET LISTINGS

ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO COLLECT CONDO FEES ACCUMULATED DURING FORECLOSURE PROCESS

By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to a bill that applies to cities and towns which have put a tax lien on a condominium property for the owner’s failure to pay property taxes. The measure allows cities and towns to collect, at the time of the foreclosure sale, any condo fees owed to the condo association, during the foreclosure process. Under current law, the city or town can collect only the back taxes but not the condo fees. Continue reading ALLOW CITIES AND TOWNS TO COLLECT CONDO FEES ACCUMULATED DURING FORECLOSURE PROCESS

BALLOT QUESTION #2 – REQUIRE DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS TO SPEND AT LEAST 83 PERCENT OF THEIR PREMIUMS ON DENTAL CARE

By Bob Katzen

The second question on the November ballot asks voters if they support a requirement that dental insurance plans spend at least 83 percent of their premiums received from members on dental care for the members and quality improvements rather than the administrative expenses of running the company. Continue reading BALLOT QUESTION #2 – REQUIRE DENTAL INSURANCE PLANS TO SPEND AT LEAST 83 PERCENT OF THEIR PREMIUMS ON DENTAL CARE

Somerville’s Community Choice Electricity Program to Provide Stable Electricity Costs, Double the Renewable Energy

SOMERVILLE — Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the Somerville Office of Sustainability and Environment today announced the continuation of the City’s Community Choice Electricity (CCE) program, which will increase amounts of zero-carbon renewable energy from regional sources. Direct Energy is Somerville’s current supplier through the CCE program. After a competitive process, Direct Energy will continue to be Somerville’s CCE program supplier, with new electricity rates that will be fixed from November 2022 through December 2024.
Continue reading Somerville’s Community Choice Electricity Program to Provide Stable Electricity Costs, Double the Renewable Energy

Somerville/Medford Remembering Clorinda M. DeVito

CLORINDA’S OBITUARY:

DeVito, Clorinda M. (Gazzola- October 6, 2022 at age 101. Clorinda was the daughter of the late Giuseppe and Mary Gazzola, and sister of the late John Gazzola and Louis Gazzola of Somerville. She was born and raised in Somerville where she was a life long resident. She graduated from Somerville High School with the Class of 1938. She was a stitcher for many years. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Clorinda M. DeVito

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Bus Routes-The Next MBTA Board Meeting is Oct.27th

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

The Next MBTA Board Meeting is Oct.27th.
The rewrite of MBTA Bus Proposal will be submitted…because we stuck together and loudly let them know…the 88 & 89 buses will remain!
But…now we have to save the #89 bus to arrive & depart from Clarendon Hill Towers as it has been for decades!. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line:Somerville Bus Routes-The Next MBTA Board Meeting is Oct.27th

Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: I’m confused????!!!!!

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

Billy: if you want to laugh go up school st, take a right onRichdale St. Go to the end and check out the signs. They had a detour sign going left, the only problem is that there are 2 signs pointing to right turn only. Take your camera it’s hilarious. Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: I’m confused????!!!!!

Somerville Police Department Updates

Robbery
22053540: On 9/20/22 at approximately 3:02 PM, Somerville Police responded to Walnut St for report of a fight. Upon arrival, officers observed dozens of students pointing at two juvenile males running away. Officers were able to stop one of the males and identified him. Officers learned that the juvenile suspect punched another juvenile then stole his phone and money. One juvenile has been charged with robbery. Continue reading Somerville Police Department Updates

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Shoplifting) Arrest

On Sunday, October 2, 2022, at 4:10 P.M., Somerville Police control received a 9-1-1 call from XXXX (Witness) reporting a dispute between a male shoplifter and a Liquor Junction store employee. Somerville Police control received a second 9-1-1 call from a store employee stating a male shoplifter was harassing employees.
Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (Shoplifting) Arrest

Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor) Arrest

On October 2, 2022, at approximately 2:04 AM, I, Officer Daniel Dell’Isola, assigned to cruiser W6, was conducting routine patrols in my assigned area when I came across a black BMW, bearing MA Reg. XXXX, stopped in the middle of Powder House rotary, facing the wrong way. There was smoke coming from the vehicle and there was a male, who was later identified as Jarred Parker, standing outside of the vehicle’s drivers side door. I relayed the information to dispatch and Officer Justin Brown responded as back up.

Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor) Arrest