This summer is predicted to be hotter than normal and COVID-19 is making it more important than ever to be able to safely cool down at home. Extreme heat can cause dangerous illness and in some cases death. However, due to COVID-19 social distancing needs, a number of usual group cooling options, like cooling centers, will not be available this summer.

Eligibility determination forms due July 17 at 4:30 p.m.

Applications for this coming fiscal year’s Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and the fiscal year 2021 Community Preservation Plan, which sets the funding allocations and priorities for the year, are now available. An estimated $630,000 is available for projects that preserve Somerville’s historic resources and/or expand and improve our parks and recreation land.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

When I was a kid our family Doctor made house calls. Just in that sentence alone there are two things that are now obsolete, “family Doctor ” and “house calls.” I did an entire story on our former family doctor, Harry Goldenberg. He would show up at our house at all hours of the day or night. He used to give my parents free samples of medicines and vitamins. I recall vividly seeing Dr. Goldenberg walk up our stairs carrying his black bag. I also used to show up at his office near Powder House Park when I felt too sick to go to school.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone offered a presentation to the Somerville City Council outlining his recommendations for the FY21 city budget.

By Alberto Gilman

Somerville City Council President Matthew McLaughlin called a Special Meeting of the Council for consideration of the Fiscal Year 2021 municipal budget and all related financial matters on Friday, June 19.

(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 2: It’s systemic
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By William C. Shelton

Racist policing is a symptom, but it’s not the disease, not in Milwaukee, not in Nashville, not in Somerville. Racist systems are the disease, and without curing the disease, we are doomed to play whack a mole with the symptoms.

Somerville School Committee Representative Andre Green said that at a vigil this month, and I want to tell you why I think he’s right. The development of U.S. policing over the last two and a half centuries is inextricably linked to the management of economic and racial inequality. This has become increasingly so over the last forty years as government has largely abandoned its role in reducing inequality.

Map showing current Somerville Shared Streets locations. (click to enlarge)

By Rachel Berets

On Thursday, June 18, the Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee (PTAC) met virtually to discuss the Somerville Shared Streets initiative and ongoing construction, including the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s Green Line Extension Project.

Welcome to summer, Somerville! We’ve been cooped up for several months now, so we’re raring to get out there and enjoy some fresh air and warm sunshine. Just remember to keep practicing safe distancing and face mask usage. Protect yourself and others now, just as you have been throughout the pre-summer months.

Thirty-fourth Middlesex District State Rep. Christine Barber.

Taxing ‘GILTI’ would bring in needed revenue for local programs

Representative Christine P. Barber (D-34th Middlesex) of Somerville and Medford recently filed HD5132, An Act to close corporate loopholes and create progressive revenue to fill gaps in the state budget and fund needed programs such as education and public services. 

Eagle Feathers #207 – The Summer Solstice

By Bob (Monty) Doherty

In the Northern hemisphere, June is the month that contains the longest day of the year. It has the most hours of daylight and the least of darkness. This year, June’s summer solstice day fell coincidently on 20, 2020. The 21st was Father’s Day and the traditional beginning of summer. It’s a popular time for weddings, deriving its name from Juno, the Roman goddess of love marriage.

Despite some of the most oppressive heat and humidity that the season can bring, most of us love the good times that summer can bring.

Vacations, picnics, cookouts, swimming, sunbathing – or just plain old lazing around on a sunny, balmy day – there is so much revitalizing activity that can be enjoyed at this time.