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.

SMART boxes have become an integral part of the city’s efforts to control rodent infestation. — Photos courtesy of Anticimex

By Lillian Peck

In a virtual informational session hosted on Thursday, January 9, at 5 p.m., Somerville Inspectional Services Department Staff and the SomervilleViva Office of Immigrant Affairs introduced an important matter to public discussion – rodent control. The goals of the meeting were to help attendees learn how to identify rat activity, use control methods, develop prevention strategies, and utilize city resources.

Eagle Feathers #320 –The Thanksgiving Miracle

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

If you look at the official city symbol of Worcester, Massachusetts, you will see that it is heart shaped.   This image is symbolic because the city is located in the very center of Massachusetts, or the heart of the state.

— Photos by Jeffrey Shwom

Even though a few inches of snow had fallen Saturday morning, it certainly did not stop loyal and new patrons from visiting The Somerville Winter Farmers Market at The Armory (191 Highland Ave). Operating in its 15th season, the market is open Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Fresh produce, baked goods, cheese and meat products, specialty items and more. Cash, credit / debit, and SNAP/EBT and HIP benefits accepted. $15 SNAP match to customers each week.  For weekly events visit https://www.somwintermarket.org/
— Jeffrey  Shwom

The annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day reminds us of the importance of tolerance and embracing diversity in this modern age, just as it was in the days when Dr. King lived among us.

The civil rights movement of the 60s may seem like a distant and detached part of American history for some, perhaps as remote as the civil war itself in the minds of the young who did not live in that time. And yet, there was never a time in our history when the principles involved in that struggle were more relevant and meaningful than today, and even more so as we step forward into the future.