City buildings will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will be delayed by one day.

No street sweeping on Friday.

Senator Pat Jehlen, with advocates from the Arc of Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill that removes outdated and offensive language in the General Laws to describe persons with disabilities last week.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

My dad has been gone since 1994. I was 41 when he died. So I had 41 years to get to know Fred Del Ponte. To say he was quite a character is an understatement.

SomerStreets: Carnaval took place on Sunday, June 14, from 2–6 p.m. and transformed Broadway into a vibrant, walkable celebration of community and culture. The festival stretched along Broadway, from McGrath Highway to Pennsylvania Avenue, creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. Somerville’s Mayor Wilson was the first mayor to participate in the Dunk Tank at Carnaval. He went in expecting to stay dry — but things definitely didn’t turn out that way. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

Increases in water and sewer rates were recently approved by the City Council.

By The Times Staff

The Somerville City Council approved a 15 percent rate increase for water and sewer for FY 2027 during the June 11 meeting.

The increase in water and sewer volumetric usage charges is determined on actual consumption. The base charges are calculated by the meter size and will remain the same.

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff, or publishers)

By State Representative Erika Uyterhoeven

It has been the honor of my life to serve three terms as your State Representative here in Somerville. I am now running to be your next State Senator because I believe the fights I have led on transparency, accountability, and immigrant rights need to be front and center in Beacon Hill. Some constituents have asked me: how did you come to run for State Representative in the first place? It’s true that I was formerly an antitrust economist, not a career politician. The answer begins with a failure: During Donald Trump’s first term in office, the Massachusetts legislature passed zero bills to protect immigrants.

Somerville resident and Palestinian leader of S4P speaks to the importance of this moment for Palestinians. — Photo courtesy of City of Somerville Public Recording

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff, or publishers)

By Somerville for Palestine

On Thursday, June 11, 2026, members of Somerville City Council introduced an ordinance to boycott and divest from companies complicit in Israel’s genocide, apartheid, and illegal occupation of Palestine. The proposed ordinance follows years of campaigning by Palestinian community leaders and local organizers to stop the flow of municipal tax dollars to companies that provide material support to Israel and enable Israel’s long history of crimes against Palestinians.

Center for Teen Empowerment advocate Councilor Matthew McLaughlin is appealing to the city to ensure that adequate funding is provided for the organization.

By Harry Kane

Ward One City Councilor Matthew McLaughlin recognized The Center for Teen Empowerment for providing over 20 years of service in Somerville, but said that funding is decreasing for the organization.

Mayor Jake Wilson, Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin, and city staff invite you to a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. to discuss the quick-build safety improvements project on Washington Street between Tufts Street and the city line. Hear an overview of the project, learn more about the opportunities in quick-build projects, and share your questions and feedback. Following the community meeting, they will launch an online survey to gather community input and host pop-ups along Washington Street. Please find more information about the event and other opportunities for engagement at voice.somervillema.gov/eastwashington.

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With the Fourth of July just around the corner, I thought I would share this recipe for those of you who love a good coleslaw. This is not a traditional coleslaw, but delicious all the same.