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Newstalk – July 8
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All community members are invited to celebrate Disability Pride Month in Somerville this July with free, accessible events for all ages. Join the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities, community members, the mayor, city councilors, and elected officials to raise the Disability Pride flag at City Hall in recognition of Disability Pride Month. Thursday, July 9, 4 – 5 p.m. (rain date Thursday, July 16, 4 p.m.), City Hall Concourse, 93 Highland Ave.
July 8
Our View of the Times – July 8
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Summertime is a great time for outdoor gatherings and celebrations. Part of the fun is indulging in the pleasures of grilling and sharing good food and drink with family and friends.
But certain safety measures must be followed to make sure that these grand epicurean hoedowns don’t end in catastrophic property – and personal – damage caused by fire gone out of control.
Let’s all go to the drive-in
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
I felt the need to go back and talk about the drive-in theaters that were such a big part of our childhoods. I did a story back in 2008, so I figured I’d toss the subject out there again, seeing how the summer is winding down. So put on your PJs and let’s hit the drive-in!
Affordability Builds Community
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By Matt McLaughlin
The house my grandmother bought in 1948 is still there on Spencer Ave in Somerville. Back then, a single mother with a union job at the Hostess Cupcake factory earned enough to buy a home and raise three kids, not far from Davis Square. She had an extra apartment, a garden in the yard, and all of her needs were a short walk away.
Newstalk – July 1
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All city offices are closed for the Independence Day holiday on Friday, July 3. Trash and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day. All Somerville Public Library locations will be closed on Saturday, July 4, for Independence Day. Regular hours will resume on Sunday, July 5. We wish everyone a safe, Happy 4th!
July 1
Our View of the Times – July 1
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The Fourth of July holds a special significance in the hearts of truly patriotic Americans. Not only is it a time to celebrate the birth of our nation, but it also happens to fall at the best time of year to make good times happen, summer.
Who among us doesn’t enjoy the occasion? Who can resist the warm glow of good fellowship between friends, neighbors, and families as the “birthday” of our nation comes around?
Beat the heat
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
How do Somerville people cope with a heat wave? I asked them, and here’s what they said.
“It used to be a bus, then hitch a ride to the Mystic Lakes. Then a window fan or two in the ‘parlor’!”
The bulldozers are coming – and your city invited them
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By William A. White, Jr.
A number of residents have contacted Denise Provost and me about the construction on the small lot next to her home, the status of her lawsuit against the City, and about how our City government has responded to the zoning amendments I introduced. As someone who has practiced land use and zoning law in Somerville for decades, I can tell you this is among the worst planning decisions in the City’s history. Everyone should look closely at the accompanying photographs, because as of today, our entire City government is allowing this type of development to proceed unimpeded in our residential neighborhoods.
Newstalk – June 24
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Ward 2 Slice of the City will take place on Wednesday, June 24, 5 – 7 p.m., Lincoln Park, 290 Washington St. Slice of the city is an early evening, drop-in style meetup at green spaces in each of Somerville’s wards. The mayor, City Council, and city staff will be present to mingle with residents. Join in to celebrate Somerville’s open spaces, engage with the city outside of formal meetings, and of course – enjoy some pizza. For more information and rain locations, visit: https://www.somervillema.gov/slice
June 24
Our View of the Times – June 24
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It’s been getting pretty darn hot lately. And it’s looking like we’ll be facing a good little stretch of even more hot weather in the days and – yes, even maybe – the weeks to come.
There’s little to be done about it other than exercising a little common sense to minimize dangers of heat stroke. Watch your activity levels, get plenty of water, etc. Just be careful and do the right things. You’ll make it.
The Davis Square Tower
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. I posted a picture of the railroad tower that used to be in Davis Square years ago on my Facebook page. My friend Gary D posted a color photo of the tower on The Pride of Somerville Facebook page.
Newstalk – June 17
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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.
June 17
Our View of the Times – June 17
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For those of us who are fortunate enough to have had a strong, loving father figure in our lives, we have indeed been truly blessed.
They have served as our providers – along with mom, of course – our enablers, our staunch supporters, our coaches, our towers of strength.
Father’s Day
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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.
How Transparency Led to Real Protections for Immigrants
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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.
Newstalk – June 10
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Due to the weather forecast last weekend, SomerStreets: Carnaval was moved to the June 14 rain date. The festival will take place on Sunday, June 14, from 2–6 p.m. and will once again transform Broadway into a vibrant, walkable celebration of community and culture. The festival will stretch along Broadway, from McGrath Highway to Pennsylvania Avenue, creating a welcoming space for everyone to enjoy. https://www.eastsomervillemainstreets.org/carnaval2026.
June 10
Our View of the Times – June 10
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Alongside all the hubbub and hurrah of military parades and the sweetness of familial love that Father’s Day can bring, another special event should not be forgotten this time of year.
Flag Day is not an official federal or state holiday, but June 14 is the date designated by proclamation of President Woodrow Wilson back in 1916 as a day to officially honor the stars and stripes that we solemnly revere today.
All that and a bag of chips!
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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte
It’s summer in Somerville. The year is 1969. Most of my friends are around 16. One or two of the older kids already have their licenses, so four or five lucky kids at a time went off in their dads’ car for the night. The rest of us were left to hang around on the corner of Kidder Ave. and Bay State Ave.
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