Howie Newman (left) and Joe Kessler, a.k.a Knock on Wood, will perform a concert of funny original songs and well-known covers at the Somerville Public Library on Sunday, May 18.

Howie Newman and Joe Kessler, also known as Knock on Wood, are anything but a typical folk combo, performing funny original songs (suitable for all ages) as well as well-known rock covers. Their varied repertoire includes everything from Tom Petty to Buffalo Springfield to the Stray Cats.

 Massachusetts is urging property owners to switch from gas to electric to help meet the state’s climate goals. But according to a new report from the City of Somerville’s Office of Sustainability and Environment, there’s a critical missing piece that few are aware of: few existing programs to help cover the high cost of transformers not considered to be benefiting the grid by the utilities. Owners of multi-family buildings are often shocked to find the electric grid can’t handle their upgrades unless they themselves pay to install costly transformers. The result? Otherwise motivated owners often just stick with gas. 

Teacher, former union organizer, and former nonprofit executive director Emily Hardt has announced her candidacy for Somerville City Council to represent Ward 7. An over 20 years Somerville resident, Emily is a long-time local climate justice advocate and parent leader in the Somerville Public Schools.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

No, this isn’t a story about pizza. It’s a story about those precious photographs that are part of all of our lives. They are in albums, shoeboxes, envelopes and drawers. They are a look back into our pasts, the way we used to be. Frozen in time, captured for eternity.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne has announced the winning projects from Somerville’s second Participatory Budgeting cycle. More than 4,000 residents voted to determine how to invest $1 million in community-generated ideas.

“Participatory Budgeting puts the power of public funds directly in our community’s hands,” said Mayor Ballantyne. “I’m so proud of the creativity, collaboration, and care that our residents continue to bring to this process. These winning projects reflect what matters most to our community, and we can’t wait to bring them to life.”

Somerville residents have once again readied their porches for a citywide day of homemade concerts for the city’s annual PorchFest. Hosted by the Somerville Arts Council, PorchFest 2025 took place last Saturday, transforming porches and stoops across Somerville into mini music venues that showcase the city’s incredible talent and creative spirit.

Lawmakers joined Öztürk, her legal team, and ACLU of Massachusetts at Logan Airport in her first public appearance since March abduction in Somerville

Saturday, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) welcomed Tufts PhD student Rümeysa Öztürkat Logan Airport in Boston at her request following her arrival home from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention in Louisiana. Ms. Öztürk, a Somerville resident and constituent of the Congresswoman’s, was released on bail yesterday by a federal judge from Vermont after being unlawfully detained for over six weeks.

(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 Samantha Steiner

Somerville Public Schools (SPS) is failing to meet federal special education mandates – and its own stated values. In March, the School Committee unanimously passed a resolution in support of students with disabilities, pledging to “lead by example” and “ensure access to supports and services.” SPS even joined a federal lawsuit to protect the U.S. Department of Education, the agency tasked with enforcing the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Former site of Winter Hill Community Innovation School unoccupied at time of incident

Community members encouraged to share any information

On Monday, May 12, at approximately 8:50 p.m., the Somerville Fire Department and Somerville Police Department responded to a reported fire at the former for the Winter Hill Community Innovation School (WHCIS) on Sycamore Street. The building is currently unused. 

The city is repaving Tufts Street and reconstructing its sidewalks as part of the citywide Pavement and Sidewalk Management Program. As part of this effort, city staff have, after a year and a half of community engagement, developed a new design for the street to make it safer and more comfortable for everyone. Residents are invited to a virtual community meeting to learn about upcoming construction.The event will take place Wednesday, May 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Visit www.somervillema.gov/tuftsstreet to learn more and attend the meeting.