In recognition of Fair Housing Month, the City of Somerville’s Fair Housing Commission invites the public to a community information session on Tuesday, April 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m. on why it is important for renters and buyers, as well as landlords and owners, to understand Fair Housing, and how it can protect you. Led by an attorney from the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD), the discussion will cover Fair Housing law, protected classes, and how to file a complaint with MCAD if you feel you have been discriminated against in your housing search. If you have tried to rent or buy a home and feel you have been treated differently because of your race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, or because you have children or a Section 8 voucher, it is important to know your rights.

— Photo courtesy of Yarmouth Police Dept.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville man, Thomas Latanowich, was placed under arrest for allegedly shooting and killing a Yarmouth police officer on Thursday while police conducted a search warrant raid at a Marstons Mills location.

Monday, April 16, is Patriots’ Day and City offices will be closed (but 311 and somervillema.gov are always available).

Trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will be on a one-day delay all week.

There’s no street sweeping on April 16 and parking meters and residential parking permits will not be enforced.

Due to a forecast of extended rain and muddy conditions both before and during planned events, Patriots’ Day celebration activities planned for Monday, April 16, 2018, have been canceled with one exception. Light refreshments (coffee, apple juice, and cornbread) generously donated by the Foss Park Dunkin Donuts, Stop & Shop, and Redbones will be offered between 11 and 11:30 a.m. at Foss Park for those willing to brave the weather and await the possible arrival of “Paul Revere” on horseback. At this time, the hope is that the reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride will take place, but weather conditions could lead to a last-minute cancellation of the ride as well.

Activities to include Spring Cleanup & BBQ, Green Energy at Home Info Session, Wind Turbine Tour, Mystic River Climate Resilience Panel Discussion, Clothing Upcycling Workshop and More

Following the success of last year’s events and in honor of Earth Day 2018, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and the cty’s SustainaVille initiative invite all to the second annual SustainaVille Week celebrating sustainability and the environment in Somerville. Programming ranges from outdoor family fun to informative workshops and discussions. Highlights include the annual Spring Cleanup and BBQ, Earth Day story times, a film screening for youth, a discussion panel about local climate change vulnerabilities and resilience opportunities and a wind turbine tour. Events kick off on Saturday, April 21, and run through Sunday, April 29. See the full schedule below.

~Photos by Bobbie Toner

The Anthony V, Fedele Chapter of the National Honor Society Class of 2018 and 2019 held their Induction ceremony on Thursday, April 5 in the SHS auditorium. Sebastian LaGambina and Somerville School Superintendent Mary Skipper presented Stoles and Certificates to the Class of 2018 and Class of 2019 as they were inducted into the National Honor Society. The guest speaker was SHS Alumnus Bipul Pyakuryal.

By Stephanie Hirsch
Alderman at Large

(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)

Last Wednesday night, hundreds of people packed the Board of Aldermen chambers. More than 120 spoke, and many more wanted to speak but couldn’t stay as the hearing stretched on past 10:00 p.m. About half argued for and half against a new tax on the sale of property to fund affordable housing.

By Kristen Strezo
Co-chair of the Somerville Commission for Women

A Prudential research study discovered that fewer than two in 10 women feel “very prepared” to make wise financial decisions. Half indicate that they “need some help,” and one-third feel that they “need a lot of help.”

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Big Apple Circus is now at Assembly Row, through May 6. The spectacular show under the big top features world class acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and just about everything you would expect from this highly renowned entertainment institution. Great fun for kids of all ages!

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to a Wheatland St. location last Sunday on reports of a motor vehicle break in progress, and that the suspect was being detained.