Host, Sarah Fishman speaks with Superintendent of Somerville Public Schools, Dr. Rubén Carmona.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, the Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ), and Somerville Public Schools’ Department of Equity and Excellence invite community members to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by joining a community panel discussion that touches on themes from Good Trouble, the 2020 documentary that chronicles John Lewis’ 60+ years of extraordinary activism. Following the panel discussion, the Floor Lords will perform, and light refreshments will be served.

The city’s Emergency Warming Center has reported a marked increase in utilization over recent months.

By Jeffrey Shwom

The City of Somerville indicates an increase in utilization of the Emergency Warming Center (42 Prescott St, The Cummings Building) for adults experiencing homelessness this season. The third winter that the city has offered this cold weather help, it provides hot and cold meals, water, bathrooms, beds, and space to sleep.

Members of the Somerville City Council are voicing their support of unionization efforts by Mass General Brigham primary care physicians. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Harry Kane

A majority of the primary care physicians throughout Mass General Brigham have filed with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize in an effort to maintain the integrity of the profession and improve working conditions, but the arbitration process is taking longer than expected.

(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)

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

They plan on putting this eyesore in Davis Square. Here are the thoughts from some when asked about it on Facebook.

“I remember reading sometime before Covid that they wanted to build up all existing structures in the square to four stories and make a pedestrian mall with retail and dormitory space. This looks like a jump off of that. Money, money, money, no real concern for living space, pollution, trash or quality of life”

Three undocumented Salvadoran immigrants have shared stories of their journey from their former homeland to Somerville.

By Jeffrey Shwom

Somerville has been a Sanctuary City since 1987, and, per resolution, strives to “protect the safety, dignity, and rights of immigrants, migrants, asylum seekers, asylees, and refugees” by limiting its cooperation with the Federal government in enforcing immigration law.

City Councilor Kristen Strezo has raised the alarm over the potentially dangerous violation of the No Left Turn signage at the Somerville High School exit on Highland Ave. and Vinal Ave. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Harry Kane

Drivers who are dropping off and picking up kids at the Somerville High School have been taking a left turn onto Highland Avenue when exiting the school, which is dangerous, says City Councilor Kristen E. Strezo.

Mayor Ballantyne, Somerville’s Department of Racial and Social Justice (RSJ), and Somerville Public Schools’ Department of Equity and Excellence invite community members to a panel discussion to honor the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, January 20, at East Somerville Community School (50 Cross St.) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. During the event, RSJ will collect donated items to help support our unhoused neighbors which will be delivered to community partners supporting unhoused and displaced residents. Find a full list of personal products, stable foods, and baby supplies needed at somervillema.gov/rsj. City buildings are closed on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.For questions about the MLK Day event or donation drive, please contact rsj@somervillema.gov.