(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 Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

450,000: Across the U.S. about 450,000 residents have an immigration status known as temporary protected status (TPS)—and it’s under threat. In simple terms, TPS is one way our nation offers refuge to people fleeing extraordinary hardship such as natural disasters, war, or extreme violence. TPS holders can legally work in the U.S. and have to renew their status every 18 months. The status was originally intended as temporary relief for recipients from about ten countries, but in practice the federal government has continued to extend TPS for years and, in some cases, decades due to the continued dangerous conditions in these countries. TPS does not include a path to citizenship or permanent residency, and since taking office, the Trump administration has been working to dismantle it. Some may lose their status early in 2020.

A Collaboration between Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church and the Nave Gallery

Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church, in collaboration with the Nave Gallery, announces their 5th annual Learn to Talk Social Justice Series. The theme of this series focuses their attention on the experiences of immigrants and refugees seeking sanctuary in a new place and coping with untold losses.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer visited Kay Jewelers at Artisan Way last Saturday for a routine business contact.

The business had been experiencing a rash of individuals using fake IDs and stolen credit card information to obtain merchandise, specifically Rolex watches.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I remember trick or treating back in the day. There was no such thing as “fun size” candy. We got full size bars or “dentist’s delights.” At the height of our childhood Halloween fun, we’d have to go home to empty out our pillow cases and go to more houses for more candy. Remember looking at the lousy treat the neighbor would drop in your sack? The biggest rip-off would be the houses that plopped an apple into your bag. No one wanted a stupid apple for Halloween plus it would crush the good stuff! The only thing worse than fruit was the nut who would put a handful of loose popcorn in there.

If you’re planning to brave the storm excepted for this Halloween, please take a minute to review the safety tips below to make sure you have a frightfully good time trick or treating.

The City Election in Somerville is taking place next Tuesday, November 5. All registered voters are encouraged to get out and let their preferences be known by casting their votes for various city officials.

By The Times Staff

Registered voters of Somerville will be heading to the polls next Tuesday, November 5, to cast their votes for several seats in the city’s governmental body.

In contention are candidates for mayor, four City Councilors At-Large, and two members of the School Committee.

Here are our picks for the candidates who we feel would best serve the city in their respective upcoming terms:

Superchunk will be presenting a live acoustic show commemorating the 25th anniversary of the release of their album “Foolish.”— Photo by Lissa Gotwals

By Blake Maddux

As the cofounder of both the Chapel Hill quartet Superchunk and the venerated record label Merge, each with Laura Ballance, Mac MacCaughan’s credentials as the embodiment of American indie rock and its DIY ethos are beyond reproach.

Happy Halloween to everyone! We hope everyone out there is careful driving tomorrow night when children will be out trick or treating. Be safe!

Call to Arts, a newly formed grassroots effort to advocate for and advance the work of local artists, has launched a Create the Vote campaign for Somerville’s 2019 municipal elections. Create the Vote is a non-partisan, grassroots campaign to engage voters and candidates for office on the vital role that arts, culture and creative expression play in improving our schools, strengthening our economy, and building neighborhoods where people want to live, work, and play.

The SHS Highlanders improved to 2–6 with a victory over the Medford Mustangs last Friday night.

By Adam Parise

The Somerville High School Highlanders won last week’s football conference game vs. the Medford Mustangs with a final score of 21-16. The game was played last Friday, October 25 at Hormel Stadium.