On July 21, 2016, Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) and Somerville Community Access Television (SCATV) hosted a debate between the 2 candidates for the 2nd Middlesex Senate District, incumbent Patricia Jehlen and challenger Leland Cheung. The debate was produced and hosted by Joe Lynch, producer of Greater Somerville. Panelists included Donald Norton, publisher and editor in chief of the Somerville Times, Alex Ruppenthal from the Medford Transcript and wickedlocal.com, and Robert Winters, founder of the Cambridge Civic Journal. Watch both debates below.

~Photos by Kevin Dickinson

On Sunday, July 24, in Union Sq Plaza, two cultures celebrated in one event, a festival full of song, dance, and art.

Haiti and Brazil hit the ‘Ville is a celebration of Somerville’s diverse population, specifically the Haitian & Brazilian communities.

NAACP Mystic Valley Branch respond directly to Somerville Police Employee’s Association’s Letter requesting removal of Black Lives Matter Banner

In a letter addressed to Somerville Police Employee’s Association the Mystic Valley Area Branch of NAACP responded to the Police Union’s request that Mayor Curtatone of Somerville remove a Black Lives Matter banner from City Hall.

By Maureen Barillaro, Somerville Climate Action
Renée Scott, Green and Open Somerville

(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)

Whether our origins were in the Garden of Eden or on the African veldt, we became human in green space. And we need green space for ourselves and our world to remain healthy.

On Wednesday, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone commented on the rally scheduled for Thursday to be held by police groups protesting the presence of the “Black Lives Matter” banner hanging at City Hall:

Our understanding is that there will be both a police rally as well as counter protests attended by Somerville residents and others. We respect all three group’s right to protest.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Mayor Curtatone hosted a performance by the Somerville Sunsetters on Friday night, July 22, at his home on Ten Hills Road and had it catered by Redbones. The Sunsetters, led by Somerville Youth Arts Coordinator Jimmy Del Ponte, are a traveling youth music troupe, performing popular show tunes and contemporary pop music hits on city streets throughout July and August at sunset. The group began in the 1970s, performing through the 1980s until they were reinstated by Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in 2004. The 45-minute shows are a great way to spend a summer evening with the kids, neighbors, family and friends.

Local police union representatives are openly challenging the City of Somerville to remove the “Black Lives Matter” banner hanging at City Hall.

By Jim Clark

The controversy surrounding the “Black Lives Matter” (BLM) banner hanging outside of Somerville City Hall has once again been generating discussion and fomenting intense emotional responses from those with strong opinions regarding the propriety of the display.

(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)

To the Somerville Police Employees Association:

Yesterday I read your letter to the Mayor of Somerville, asking that the “Black Lives Matter” banner on City Hall be taken down and replaced with one that says “All Lives Matter.” As a fellow citizen of Somerville, I wanted to write to you and explain why I think the banner should stay, why I’m proud that it’s hanging, and why I hope you’ll consider changing your position and supporting it as well.

The 13th annual National Night out against Crime and Drugs takes place on Tuesday, August 2, hosted by Somerville Cares about Prevention (SCAP) in partnership with the Somerville Police Department, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone, and the Somerville Office of Prevention (SOP). Somerville’s celebration of National Night Out will take place at Foss Park from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event will include Fire and Police Department demonstrations, a presentation from the Massachusetts State Police K-9 unit, live performances by the Somerville Sunsetters, Mission Church of Christ, Teen Empowerment, and the Red Tiger Academy of Martial Arts, youth activities and games, raffle prizes, and information tables from over 30 neighborhood agencies.

Senator Pat Jehlen and her challenger Leland Chung

By Donald Norton

Last week a debate between Senator Pat Jehlen and her challenger Leland Chung was held at the Cambridge Community Access TV studios. Also, a debate took place on the same night between State Representative Tim Toomey and his challenger Mike Connolly. The debates were moderated by local Somerville Community Access TV personality Joe Lynch. Rebroadcasts  can be seen on both communities’ local cable access channels beginning this week and running frequently over the next several weeks, leading up to the primary that will be held on Tuesday, September 8.