(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 Michael Carlson

As the Somernova development barrels toward approval in Somerville, Mass., with the promise of transforming a quiet industrial campus into 1.6 million square feet of commercial, research, and so-called innovation space, it’s worth asking a basic question—Who is this for?

In recognition that on this third annual Somerville Civic Day celebration that some residents, including Mayor Katjana Ballantyne, are also planning to attend the pro-rights protest in Boston on Saturday, the timing of Civic Day is shifting to a later start. The community is invited to attend the city’s spring Civic Day celebration on Saturday, April 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. on the City Hall concourse at 93 Highland Avenue (rain or cold weather location is inside Somerville High School near front entrance). Previously the event was planned to start at noon. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

As the weather starts getting nicer, something is in the air. You can take a breath and smell optimism. The city is buzzing. Ahead of us are beaches, camping, baseball and generally enjoying the outdoors. Many road races, outdoor festivals, and summer recreational programs are coming up.

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne signed a proclamation declaring April 2 as “Start by Believing Day” in the City of Somerville, affirming the City’s commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence and fostering a community where everyone feels safe, heard, and believed. The proclamation marks the launch of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) in Somerville. 

By Jeffrey Shwom

The City Council continues to work on a city ordinance that would increase city councilors, school committee members and the mayor’s salary “by the percentage of the most recent annual cost-of-living percentage adjustment received by non-union city personnel.”

(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 Azra Rahim

In 2023, I was embraced by a supportive, compassionate community of storytellers, people who, like me, want to improve the lives of children through the stories we write. In this community, I found celebrated authors and editors, and newbies like me who aspire to change the world through the power of the pen. Another such newbie was my friend, Rumeysa Ozturk. Everyone who got to know Rumeysa through this circle loved her presence. One of these storytellers said that Rumeysa is, “the sweetest, softest and kindest soul.”

By Carlie Lombardi

On March 27, the Somerville City Council convened for a four-hour session addressing several critical issues, including racial disparities in city contracts, accessibility failures, affordable housing, and the approval of a new city charter. The meeting focused on the city’s ongoing efforts to create a more accountable, inclusive, and responsive local government.

— Photos courtesy of Somernova

On March 26, Somernova’s 4th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration brought the community together to celebrate the incredible achievements of women throughout history.