(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)

The results are in. In a progressive city with 82,000 residents, Question 3 passed with only 11,500 votes, just 55% of those who cast a ballot. That is clearly not the mandate supporters of Question 3 have claimed, and proves that most Somerville residents do not want to demonize Israel, hurt their neighbors and divide our community.

(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)

Voters say no more tax dollars for Israel’s genocide against Palestinians

Massachusetts voters have delivered a decisive victory on a historic ballot question, voting overwhelmingly to end city business with companies sustaining Israel’s apartheid, genocide, and illegal occupation of Palestine. On the same night of Zohran Mamdani’s historic victory as the first Muslim-American mayor of NYC, Somerville voted for Palestine, showing that grassroots, values-aligned campaigns win.

Newly elected Emily Hardt, Ward 7 City Councilor and City Council Vice President Will Mbah sit down this week to discuss city business and the issues facing Ward 7.

Incumbent Somerville City Council Vice President Will Mbah is excited to announce that he has topped the ticket for At-large City Councilor in Somerville, MA. The election officials have announced Will’s decisive victory–garnering 13,051 votes.

The Somerville Winter Farmers Market runs through April 11, 2026.

UPDATE: During the federal government shutdown, the Somerville Winter Farmers Market will offer active EBT customers $15 of tokens to spend at the market for FREE! For more information visit https://www.somwintermarket.org/snap-hip

The Center for Arts at the Armory (CAA) announces that it will host and manage the 16th Annual Somerville Winter Farmers Market (SWFM) every Saturday beginning November 1 through April 11. This weekly market offers the best locally grown and regionally produced agricultural items, including vegetable produce, cheese, eggs, meats, fish, breads, pastries, and sweets. Each market will feature more than 30 weekly vendors and several rotating guest vendors while welcoming an anticipated 1,000+ visitors every Saturday.

An update on the schoolyard renovation project at the John F. Kennedy School was provided at the latest Somerville Community Preservation Committee meeting.

By The Times Staff

During the October 22 Somerville Community Preservation Committee meeting, a new timeline was established for the long-awaited schoolyard renovation project at the John F. Kennedy School (PK-8), which will replace the blacktop space.

Somerville resident Marissa Fried addressed the council, advocating for the resolution.

By Harry Kane

Federal cuts for public higher education are deeply concerning, which is why the city council is supporting Governor Maura Healey’s DRIVE Act, which hopes to offset recent federal funding reductions.

Community invited to public reception on Saturday, November 8. — Photo courtesy of Somerville Arts Council

A new public artwork in Somerville being installed this week will soon literally be growing in Somerville’s Lou Ann David Park. Local artist Anna Fubini gathered the voices of Somerville residents through a writing process centered on themes of impermanence, transformation, renewal, and resilience. Her artwork, Letters Rewoven, transforms participants’ writings into paper pulp mixed with wildflower seeds that covers the sculpture’s panels. As the installation weathers and decomposes, the seeds will sprout, symbolizing regeneration and the cyclical nature of community and change.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Walking into The Railside Lounge and restaurant in the ‘70s was not like walking into one of the bars/restaurants in Davis Square today. You were met with a blast of cigarette smoke that stayed on your clothes and your hair. If you weren’t supposed to be there, your pungent scent ratted you out! The clientele was a lot different, too, because Somerville back then was different. Salt of the earth, slice of life, work with your hands, shot and a draft beer, different. They called that drink a boilermaker, and you could get a good one at The Railside.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Council on Aging’s Halloween Celebration took place on Thursday, October 30, at its Holland Street Center. Participants enjoyed music, a costume contest, and trick-or-treating with the COA staff and other guests.

The Elizabeth Peabody House’s food pantry provides much-needed food to those in need locally. — Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Peabody House

By Harry Kane

The Elizabeth Peabody House provides free groceries at its food pantry for those in need, but since the government shutdown and SNAP freeze, there is a greater demand.

The local distribution center provides a lifeline to households experiencing food insecurity amid a looming crisis. Last week, EPH served groceries to some 425 households, an uptick of 15 to 20 percent since the shutdown began.