The Somerville City Council passed an ordinance at its latest regular meeting allowing for official recognition of domestic partnerships, including those involving more than two people.

By Jim Clark

At the latest regular meeting of the Somerville City Council on June 25, an ordinance to formally recognize domestic partnerships, including those involving more than two people, was put forward and approved unanimously by the Council.

(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)

Part 3:  The historical purpose of policing
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By William C. Shelton

Understanding the historical creation of police forces and their function in preserving the established order will go a long way toward explaining why police violence against the poor, people of color, and African Americans in particular persists.

The city is reminding residents not to set off fireworks this summer. Along with being illegal in Massachusetts, fireworks pose public health and safety threats. Fireworks can start fires, which can spread quickly through our densely populated neighborhoods. The noise from fireworks can also be traumatizing to those with post-traumatic stress disorder and can be very upsetting to animals. Throughout the summer, everyone is being reminded to be a good neighbor and not set off fireworks.

American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, and statesman Frederick Douglass.

By Rachel Berets

On July 5, 1852 Frederick Douglass asked “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” in his now-famous speech of the same name. He proceeded to reply to his own question, stating, “I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license … a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.”

While searching for equitable ways of dealing with the legal status of domestic partnerships, the Somerville City Council happened upon a less than well-known issue lurking in the shadows, yearning for light to be shed on it.

Eagle Feathers #208 – Independence Day

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

The importance of the 4th of July in Massachusetts and Somerville’s history predates:

• the signing of the Constitution
• the raising of American’s first flag, the Grand Union, on historic Prospect Hill
• the beginning of the Revolutionary War

Arrests:
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Danielle Lopes, of Harwich, June 27, 3:33 p.m., arrested at Bond St. on warrant charges of larceny of credit card, improper use of credit card, larceny under $1200 by single scheme, felony daytime breaking and entering, felony nighttime breaking and entering, and larceny over $1200.

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Recently I spoke with Rachel Strutt of the Somerville Arts Council about the Art Beat Festival coming up July 8-10. Because of the pandemic, most of the events will be virtual, but there will be some live happenings as well.

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A Resident Scholar at Brandeis University’s Women’s Studies Research Center, Rosie Rosenzweig has recently published book of poems called Bring Me into Flesh. Her travel memoir, A Jewish Mother in Shangri-la (Shambhala), describes receiving transmissions from leading Buddhist monks and teachers. Her play, Myths & Ms, illustrates the themes of abortion and reincarnation. Her current book, newly published is called EMERGENCE: The Role of Mindfulness in Creativity. http://www.brandeis.edu/centers/wsrc/scholars/profiles/Rosenzweig.html

Thirty-fourth Middlesex District State Rep. Christine Barber.

Representative Christine P. Barber of Somerville and Medford has filed new legislation to protect the family members of people who have received long-term care services through MassHealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, partnering with Senator Jo Comerford of Northampton.