A GoFundMe campaign and support from Somerville’s Community Preservation Act are helping to fund the reopening of Buddy’s Diner.

By The Times Staff

Help a buddy out, and donate to Buddy’s Diner on their GoFundMe page so it can reopen.

The historic diner located at 113 Washington Street in East Somerville has been shuttered for more than three years, but a restored sense of optimism after a period of hardship has provided renewed hope in the community that the diner will be saved.

Event update: Due to current weather forecasts, the New England Hong Kong Festival will now take place on Sunday, May 31, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Seven Hills Park.

On Sunday, May 31, join the third annual New England Hong Kong Festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Seven Hills Park in Somerville to celebrate the culture, food, and creativity of the Hongkonger community across the region. The event is free and open to all. 

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I used to love driving, but now I only drive when I have to.

I find myself staying in my house a lot lately. Oh yeah, winter just ended. That explains some of it, so I know the nice weather will force me to go out more.

Councilor Will Mbah hanging with the owners of The Buzzin Bean and SC, G! on Mother’s Day. The Buzzin Bean hosted a Pop-up for a local woman-owned small business called Sakkath Congress, Guru! (SC, G!) which makes spiced peanuts and Vegan snacks from Karnataka, India. Will enjoyed the spiced peanuts and Vegan snacks and asked for more heat in the spiced peanuts next time.

Bhavika Kalia’s presentation to the School Committee outlined an initiative for amplifying AAPI voices at Somerville High School.

By Harry Kane

Somerville Youth Leader Bhavika Kalia presented an overview of her community-action project that aims to amplify AAPI voices through implementing culturally inclusive and comprehensive lessons into the curriculum at Somerville High School.

The proposed UCH-TIF zone.

By The Times Staff

The affordable housing crisis is a defining issue in Somerville. With the city facing acute shortages and high rental costs, Somerville is taking decisive action to increase its housing supply.

By Ewan Henrie

The “Slice of the City” event on May 20 took place in the playground of Arthur D. Healey School. “Slice of the City” events are scheduled regularly, in which free pizza is provided from contributors such as Leone’s Pizza, along with healthy snacks and water.

Attend the FY27 Water and Sewer Rates Public Hearing. The City of Somerville Water and Sewer Department invites all community members to a hybrid public hearing to review proposed Water and Sewer rates for Fiscal Year 2027 on Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. Join in person at the Highlander Forum located at Somerville High School (81 Highland Ave.). This is a change of location from Franey Road to the High School. Virtually via Zoom: us06web.zoom.us/j/87092143821, Webinar ID: 870 9214 3821. If you’re unable to attend but would like to share feedback, please send comments by email: water@somervillema.gov with the subject line “RATE HEARING.” Comments must be received by 12 p.m. on May 28 to be conveyed to the Department during the hearing.