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.
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→
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→
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→
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)→
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→
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?→
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→
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)→
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)→
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)→
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→
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)→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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.
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→
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→
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
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→
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)→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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→
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
TODAY @ 11am the U.S. Attorney’s Office will hold a press conference announcing the arrest of a Somerville attorney for the alleged attempted bribery of a local police chief in order to secure local approval for a marijuana dispensary.
JUDY’S OBITUARY
Costa- Fantana, Judy B. – Of Plymouth, formerly of Somerville, June 22, 2022. Beloved mother of Meredith Cosseboom and her husband Jim and Andrea Rodigues. Loving grandmother of Jenna, Michael, Timothy, Christopher, Sara, Brendan and Jillian. Devoted daughter of the late Albert V. and Thelema M (Smith) Fontana. Caring and special sister of Phillip Fontana and the late Alfred Constantino and his surviving wife Dottie. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Judy B. Costa-Fontana→
On Friday, June 17, 2022, at 10:15 P.M., Somerville Police control received a 9-1-1 call from a person reporting her mother’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle near Memorial Rd in Somerville. The reporting party stated to the call-taker “This car just hit my mom’s car, and this man is drunk. He is drunk”. The reporting party told the call-taker the operator of the striking vehicle had left the scene and was walking into a building. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor, Leave Scene of Property Damage, Unlicensed Operation)→
Joseph (Joe) Michael O’Leary passed away peacefully on Sunday June 19, 2022 at his home in Medford MA, surrounded by family. Joe is survived by his loving wife Dorothy (Dottie) Ann (Impolario) of 57 years, and his children, Paul and his wife Joanne, Kristin, Patricia and Michael. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joseph (Joe) Michael O’Leary→
Joery Garcia Charlot, of Carteret, New Jersey and formerly of Cambridge, passed away suddenly on June 13, 2022, he was just 41. Born and raised in Cambridge he was the cherished son of Joseph K. Charlot of Florida and the late Marie B. Selamy. He was the beloved husband of Yanina Hernandez.
Joery was a devoted and cherished son, brother, husband, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to many. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Joery Garcia Charlot→
ISAACS, Randy R. – a US Army Veteran, Active Army reserve man, Somerville Police Officer, Somerville Native Passed away unexpectedly on June 19, 2022 at the age of 41 While on the job protecting the city he loved.
Randy is survived by his Mother Sharon Nagarsingh, Father Adrian Calixte, Grand Mother Iris Sanford brother to Nicole Neale, Weldon Tucker, and Kirby Calixte, and uncle to Nariyha Angline, Natalia Villefranche, Ta Lia Tucker, and Jayden Calixte. and Several other friends and family. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Somerville Police Officer Randy R. Isaacs→
Margaret L. (Repp) – Of Somerville June 21, 2022. Beloved wife of 47 years to Thomas Moore.
Sister of Henry and Barbara Repp and Willard Repp all of NJ. Dear “Auntie Margie” to Laura Seel, Michele Hansen, Vincent, Sofia and Isabella Drago all of Somerville. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Margaret L. Moore→
It is Aniah’s Birthday today. She should be with us, but she is not. She was kidnapped and murdered by a man that should have been in jail. Today is also Aniah’s mom’s birthday Angela Haley-Harris She continues to fight for her daughter’s memory and to make sure that Aniahs Law will be passed. The vote will be in November in #Alabama. – We love you Angela. God bless you. Aniah’s Heart and a Mom’s Fight for Justice. Continue reading Crime Espresso Shot True Crime Podcast with Ingrid & Carrie: Aniah’s Heart and a Mom’s Fight for Justice→
The Somerville Police are actively investigating a report of gun shots being fired at Derby St and Wheatland St. At 5:16 PM today, police received 911 calls for shots fired. Police discovered numerous shell casings and are investigating. Police say a white sedan was seen fleeing the scene. Continue reading Shooting Derby Street Somerville→
Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,
This is a letter putting the mayor on notice:
Dear Mayor Ballantyne (cc Somerville/Medford News Weekly),
I hope this email finds you well, and I need your help on a big problem in Somerville – AFFORDABLE HOUSING CORRUPTION POTENTIAL.
Unfortunately, I have to put you on notice that the NEW affordable housing contracts in Somerville are RIPE FOR CORRUPTION.
I am now forced to REMOVE 2 luxury affordable housing units that we proposed for the City, because the City changed its affordable housing contract to allow the City to assign affordable units to ANYONE in the future (not just affordable housing recipients). Continue reading Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line: SOMERVILLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING CONTRACTS – RIPE FOR CORRUPTION→
Photo: Boston Herald Marie Szaniszlo
PUBLISHED: June 21, 2022 at 11:20 a.m. | UPDATED: June 21, 2022 at 7:59 p.m.
Categories:Latest Headlines, Local News, News
By William Tauro
I’m just hoping that the people of the city of Boston do a thorough and complete search/investigation on Somerville Superintendent Mary Skipper on her seriousness misjudgment call in Somerville especially of an incident that happened a few years back in Somerville regarding a terror threat with a manifesto. Continue reading In My Opinion Somerville School Superintentdent Mary Skipper Should’ve Been Fired→
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of active duty Officer, Randy Isaacs. Officer Isaacs was an integral member of the Somerville Police Department, bringing laughter to everyone he interacted with. He has brought joy to the members of the Department and the community for 15 years. In addition to Officer Isaacs’s service to the City of Somerville, he was also a 24 year veteran of the Army National Guard. He leaves his fellow soldiers as a Master Sergeant of the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade. Officer Isaacs served multiple tours to including deployments in Kosovo and Afghanistan. Officer Isaacs is a true American Hero, who dedicated his life to service. Officer Isaacs was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend. His bright personality has left a deep impact on all that knew him.
What’s wrong with our city officials here in Somerville? Have we as a society in Somerville lost any sense of compassion and honor for others and for the deceased?
This past Sunday, a Somerville Police Officer passed away while on duty in his police cruiser.
He was a veteran Somerville Police Officer, a United States Army National Guard Veteran, a friend, a comrade to fellow police officers, a sincere gentleman and a really nice guy who was truly dedicated to his job protecting the citizens of the City of Somerville. Continue reading Somerville City Officials Display No Compassion Nor Respect for a Deceased Police Officer→
Residential Breaking and Entering
22032236: On 6/8/22 at approximately 8:45 PM, Somerville Police responded to a residence on Newton St for a past breaking and entering. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victims who stated a contractor entered the home and took HVAC equipment.
Assault
22032235: On 6/8/22 at approximately 8:41 PM, a juvenile male entered the station with his parents and stated while walking down Walnut St with his friends, they were approached by a group of juvenile males. The juvenile victims were then punched and kicked by the juvenile suspects. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories→
Somerville lost a great man/legend! Oscar Greene, a 104 year old resident of Somerville was an amazing and remarkable man! Just listening to him as he would tell you stories would bring you back in time and you can imagine as if you were there reliving his memories with him. I was fortunate enough to be there to help celebrate his 103rd birthday last year. prayers to his family and friends and especially to his best friend Dennis and all the residents of the VNA on Lowell Street on his passing! 🙏 May he R.I.P. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Oscar Greene→
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?→
“The Senate stands in recess subject to the call of the chair. We’ll come back when we feel like it.”
—Sen. William Brownsberger (D-Belmont) adding a little humor to the Senate session. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL→
The House gave initial approval to a measure that would allow members of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police to be paid when attending executive board meetings of their group without having to use accrued time off for their absence. Continue reading MASSACHUSETTS COALITION OF POLICE→
The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill that makes it a criminal offense when a medical or healthcare professional induces a patient to engage in sexual intercourse or touching by falsely representing that the act is necessary for a legitimate medical purpose. Continue reading SEXUAL ASSAULT UNDER FALSE MEDICAL REPRESENTATION→
The House and Senate held a ceremonial bill signing for legislation that would allow, starting July 1, 2023, undocumented/illegal immigrants to apply for a Massachusetts standard driver’s license. The governor had vetoed the bill and the House and Senate overrode the veto—making it impossible to hold a signing of the bill by the governor. Continue reading ALLOW DRIVER’S LICENSE FOR UNDOCUMENTED/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS→
The Senate approved, on a voice vote without a roll call vote, a $5 billion bond bill that borrows money for hundreds of construction projects—the majority involving maintenance and modernization projects of buildings related to health care, higher education, information technology, workforce development, the environment and affordable housing. Many of the buildings are decades old. The Senate added millions of dollars during consideration of the package. A key provision imposes a five-year moratorium on any prison or jail construction in Massachusetts. Continue reading BORROW $5 BILLION FOR STATE PROJECTS→
The House and Senate set Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14 as this year’s Sales Tax Holiday. This will allow consumers to buy most products that cost under $2,500 on those two days without paying the state’s 6.25 percent sales tax. This annual sales-tax-free weekend was made permanent in 2018 and gives the Legislature the authority to set the dates by June 15 each year. Continue reading SALES TAX HOLIDAY ON AUGUST 13 AND 14→
Massachusetts’ health care system is ailing in the lingering aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. Hospitals are suffering severe financial losses, putting smaller providers in peril as the larger players look to expand and consolidate. Behavioral health has become an acute priority in a system with limited capacity. Continue reading THE STATE OF MASSACHUSETTS HEALTHCARE→
The House 155-0, approved a bill designed to make mental health care more accessible in the Bay State. Provisions include the implementation of the nationwide 988 hotline to access 24/7 suicide prevention and behavioral health crisis services; a public awareness campaign on the state’s red flag laws that limit access to guns for people at risk of hurting themselves or others; creation of online portals that provide access to real-time data on youth and adults seeking mental health and substance use services, including a function that allows health care providers to easily search and find open beds; giving the state additional tools to enforce existing parity laws which are aimed at providing equal benefits for physical and mental health treatment; and requiring insurance coverage of critical behavioral health services. Continue reading COMPREHENSIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PACKAGE→
The House 126-29, Senate on a voice vote without a roll call, approved and sent to Gov. Baker a conference committee version of a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the bill and a conference committee hammered out this compromise version which did not include the section allowing same day voter registration that was in the Senate version but not in the House one. Continue reading ELECTION LAW CHANGES→
The House 155-0, Senate 38-0, approved and sent to Gov. Charlie Baker, a $350 million package that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state to be distributed under the Chapter 90 program formula. Continue reading $350 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES AND MORE (H 4638)→
BOSTON – In an audit of Bridgewater State University (BSU), the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found that the university properly administered federally provided COVID-19 relief dollars, but did not ensure all employees complete cybersecurity awareness training. The audit, which reviewed the period of March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021, is one of several audits conducted by the OSA that have reviewed the topics of cybersecurity and compliance with expenditure guidelines for federal pandemic relief funding. Continue reading Audit Advises Bridgewater State University Require Employees to Complete Cybersecurity Training→
Shirley R. Fuccillo passed away peacefully on June 14, 2022 at the Courtyard Nursing Care Center in Medford, she was 86. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the daughter of the late Camilla (Dalio) and Richard F. Fuccillo.
A longtime Somerville resident, Shirley was a stitcher working for the United Curtain Company. She enjoyed arts and crafts projects, but above all cherished time spend with her grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered as a “firecracker” who always loved to keep the staff at Courtyard on their toes. Despite her feistiness she was always able to provide an uplifting word or encouragement to those she loved. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Shirley R. Fuccillo→
Elaine F. Monahan, of Malden and a former longtime Somerville resident, passed away on June 11, 2022, she was 64. Born and raised in Somerville, she was the cherished daughter of the late Evelyn (Blakely) and James E. Monahan.
Elaine is survived by her devoted and caring sister, Joanne Kelly of Malden and she was a loving aunt to four nephews and one niece. She was the dear sister of the late Marilyn Sousa and Kathleen Roberts. Continue reading Somerville/Medford Remembering Elaine F. Monahan→
BOSTON – In an audit of the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), the Office of State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump (OSA) found that MCC did not verify artists’ eligibility prior to issuing grants totaling $1,456,000 from MCC’s COVID-19 pandemic relief funding. The audit also found that MCC’s Internal Control Plan (ICP) was not updated with a COVID-19 component. Additionally, the OSA found that MCC did not ensure all employees completed the required annual cybersecurity awareness training. The audit was conducted March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021. Continue reading Audit Finds Massachusetts Cultural Council’s Dedicated $1,456,000 COVID-19 Relief Funds Issued Without Verification→
The City of Somerville, the City of Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) invite you to a virtual public meeting to discuss ways to protect and improve our local water resources, including the Mystic River, the Alewife Brook, and the Charles River. Continue reading Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Control Planning Meeting, June 29→
Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and City of Somerville staff are hosting listening sessions to hear from the community about the future of 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. After a brief overview of the project, residents will have an opportunity to share their thoughts about the Public Safety Building project and other potential uses for the site on the adjacent Washington Street Development Parcels. Continue reading Envisioning 90 Washington Street: In-Person & Virtual Listening Sessions→
On Thursday, June 09, 2022, I was assigned to a road detail on McGrath Hwy (Route 28 North) a public way in the city of Somerville. At approximately 9:17 P.M., while standing next to a work crew at the intersection of McGrath Hwy and Poplar Street, I observed a gray SUV strike several orange cones and was headed in the direction of the workers on the right lane. I stepped into the travel lane and motioned for the female operator to stop. The operator refused to stop and continued on McGrath Hwy dragging two orange cones. Continue reading Real Life Somerville Police Stories: (OUI Liquor, Negligent Operation, Fail to Stop for Police)→
SOMERVILLE – The City of Somerville has passed an amendment to its landmark Housing Stability Notification Act (HSNA) to significantly expand awareness of tenant protections. The amendment requires landlords to provide tenants with information about their rights and resources at the start of all new housing rentals, rather than only when pursuing an eviction, as stipulated in the original legislation. At-Large Councilor Willie Burnley, Jr., originally proposed the amendment. The City Council passed it unanimously, and Mayor Katjana Ballantyne signed it April 28. The amendment will go into effect on July 13. Continue reading Somerville Passes Housing Stability Amendment to Significantly Expand Awareness of Tenant Protections & Resources→
A home is more than just a roof over your head! Having a home creates a gateway for clients to reconcile relationships with family and loved ones. A client’s new home is a place where they can spend one-on-one time with family and friends; something that isn’t feasible with shelter living or life on the streets. Pictured above is Jim with his son Ryan who we had the pleasure of moving into housing in May. Continue reading Somerville Homeless Coalition-Make An Impact This Father’s Day!→
“I think on this matter I will turn it over to [Sen. Brendan Crighton] the real expert on this subject matter, the gentleman from Lynn, the Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. Because he truly is the expert on this and so many other issues before this body.”
—Ways and Means chair Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport) when asked during floor debate to comment on the bill providing $350 million for local roads and bridges and other transportation projects. Continue reading THIS WEEK’S QUOTABLE QUOTES ON BEACON HILL→
The Committee on Cannabis Policy recommended that several bills be shipped off to a study committee where bills are rarely actually studied and are essentially defeated. It is a way to kill a proposal without holding a vote on the bill itself. Here are some of the bills that will soon be sent off to a study committee:
PREVENT YOUTH SUBSTANCE ABUSE (S78) – Would direct 1 percent of the state tax revenue generated from the cannabis excise tax toward a fund that would be responsible for supporting programs dedicated to prevention of youth substance use. Continue reading SEVERAL BILLS ON THEIR WAY TO A “STUDY” COMMITTEE→
A bill that would add Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and opioid use disorder to the current list of conditions for which a doctor could prescribe medical marijuana, is stuck in the Committee on Health Care Financing which gave it a favorable report on March 24. The bill is a redrafted different version of an earlier bill, sponsored by Rep. Michael Soter (R-Bellingham), designed to expand access to medical marijuana for veterans. Continue reading EXPANDED USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA→
The Senate approved a House-approved $350 million package that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state to be distributed under the Chapter 90 program formula. Only final House and Senate approval are needed prior to the measure going to the governor. Continue reading $350 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES AND MORE→
The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the House a measure that requires standardized certification of an estimated 1,800 Bay State hospital technicians, by a nationally accredited organization, of hospital technicians who are responsible for ensuring that surgical instruments are safe and sanitary to protect patients from possible infection. The measure also requires the technicians to complete an annual continuing education curriculum. It was filed as a response to several high-profile incidents across the state in which surgical tools used in operations on patients may have been improperly disinfected. Continue reading REQUIRE CERTIFICATION FOR TECHNICIANS WHO STERILIZE AND MAINTAIN HOSPITAL SURGICAL EQUIPMENT→
The Senate 37-3, approved and sent to the House a conference committee version of a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The House and Senate had approved different versions of the bill and a conference committee hammered out this compromise version which did not include the section allowing same day voter registration that was in the Senate version but not in the House one. The measure requires the secretary of state to send out mail-in ballot applications, with return postage guaranteed, to registered voters before each presidential primary, state primary and biennial state election. It also allows registered voters to request a mail-in ballot for all elections in a single calendar year. Continue reading ELECTION LAW CHANGES→
Applications are now open for more than $1.6 million in Somerville Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds to support open space/recreation and historic preservation projects. The application process has several steps. Applicants should note the following deadlines: Continue reading Somerville-Apply Now for Community Preservation Act Funds→
Somerville Public Library (MA) (79 Highland Ave.) will host two vaccine clinics on Wednesday, June 15 and July 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. The Pfizer vaccine and boosters will be available for all people 5 years and up. The clinics are free, regardless of immigration status or health insurance. Identification is not required. Continue reading Stay protected against COVID-19→
BOSTON– After a historic vote in the House of Representatives in February and state Senate in early May, the state legislature voted this week to override the Governor’s veto of the Work and Family Mobility Act (WFMA), and it is now state law. The bill, filed by Representative Christine Barber of Somerville and Medford, with Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and Senators Brendan Crighton and Adam Gomez, enables all state residents to apply for a standard Massachusetts driver’s license regardless of immigration status. Continue reading Legislature Overrides Governor Veto; Driver’s License Bill Now Law→
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WHAT OUR PRIVACY POLICY COVERS
Thank you for visiting our site. We are committed to protecting your privacy.
This Privacy Policy covers any personal information that we obtain from you when you use services on our site. This policy does not cover the practices of companies that we do not own or control, or the actions of people that we do not employ or manage.
Our Privacy Policy may change in the future. We invite you to check back periodically to see if we have made any changes.
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WHAT PERSONAL INFORMATION IS COLLECTED
Depending on how you use our site, we may ask you to share personal information with us. Whether you choose to give us this information is completely up to you, but keep in mind that if you withhold information, you may not be able to use some of our services.
We will ask you for information, including some personal information, when you Make a purchase. When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information.
HOW WE PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION
We realize that our customers trust us to protect their personal information. We take that task seriously. We never display your full credit card number once it has been entered. We urge you to protect your own privacy. We recommend that you do not share your password with anyone or share your password in an unsolicited phone call or e-mail.
Unfortunately, despite all of our efforts, there is always a risk that third parties may unlawfully intercept transmissions. This reality is true of all Internet use. As a result, we cannot ensure the security of any information you transmit, and you transmit all information at your own risk.
HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We collect personal information primarily to make our services more rewarding for you to use. We usually use this information for internal purposes, such as studying our customers' preferences. We may also use your information to contact you for account and promotional purposes.
WHO VIEWS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION
We may share your personal information with companies that perform services for us, such as delivering packages, sending postal mail and e-mails, processing credit card payments, investigating fraudulent activity, and providing customer service. They have access to personal information needed to perform their functions, but may not disclose your personally identifiable information for other purposes. Some personal information is stored on servers owned by other companies. Only our personel and our websites have the right to access this information. We do not currently sell or license personal information and have no plans to do so. Your personal information will only be used by this site.
At this time, we do not share any personal information with marketing affiliates. It is unlikely that this policy will change in the future. If we do decide to share information with our affiliates, we will post a notice in this Privacy Policy.
MAKING A PURCHASE
When you buy something on this site, you have to supply a billing address, phone number, shipping address, and credit card information. By making a purchase, you become a registered user. You can choose to store information needed to make a purchase, such as your shipping and billing addresses in the My Account — Profile page. Your credit card information is NEVER stored in our databases and is used only for the duration of the purchase transaction. This data is always transmitted securely to the merchant bank and immediately erased from our systems.
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