(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville!

Survey on How to Best Spend Community Preservation Act Funds
Funds raised through the Community Preservation Act can be spent on affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space/recreation. Each year 10% of the total amount raised must go to each category. To help shape how the remaining 70% is allocated, the Community Preservation Committee is asking for feedback through a short online survey. Share your input at bit.ly/2020CPASurvey.

Be a Climate Forward Ambassador
There are many ways to stay involved with Somerville’s sustainability and climate change initiatives including becoming a Climate Forward Ambassador. The Office of Sustainability and Environment is recruiting participants who will meet with staff monthly from June through November to learn more about climate change and get involved with climate discussions, action, and outreach. If you’re interested in applying to be a Climate Forward Ambassador, visit www.somervillema.gov/cfa. Applications are due by Friday, May 10.

Powder House Blvd. Neighborhood Office Hours on Traffic Safety and Bike Lane Plans, April 25  (canceled)
Stop by to talk with City staff about the next phase of traffic calming improvements planned for Powder House Boulevard as well your priorities for bike lanes on the boulevard on Thursday, April 25, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powder House Boulevard. The plan builds on previous work, outlines traffic calming improvements scheduled for this construction season, and updates existing plans for narrowing the road by adding single- or two-lane bike lanes as a way to slow traffic and protect cyclists. Additional discussions on the bike lanes will be held in May and over the summer. You can see a copy of the traffic safety plan at www.somervillema.gov/powderhouseboulevard.

West Branch Library Renovation Groundbreaking, April 25
Celebrate the start of renovations to the West Branch Library in Davis Square at a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, April 25, starting at 11:30 a.m., at 40 College Avenue. Once work is completed, the West Branch will be accessible and set up to meet modern library and community needs. You can learn more about the renovation and see plans for the renovated branch at www.somervillema.gov/WestBranchLibrary. During construction there is a temporary mini-library at the Tufts Administration Building, 167 Holland Street. You can find the temporary branch’s hours and a schedule of upcoming events at www.somervillepubliclibrary.org.

Deadline to Submit Testimony on the Proposed Fiscal Year 2020 Water and Sewer Rates, April 29
The deadline to submit testimony on the proposed FY2020 Water and Sewer rates is 6 p.m. on Monday, April 29. Testimony can be submitted by emailing water@somervillema.gov or by mailing it to or dropping it off at the Water Department, 1 Franey Road, Somerville, MA 02145. For more information on the proposed rates, visit bit.ly/2020WaterSewerRates.

Spring ResiStat Meetings Begin May 1
Twice a year you can attend a ResiStat meeting in your Ward to get information on the big things happening citywide and in your neighborhood. In just an hour and a half you’ll get neighborhoods updates, important City news, public safety information, and civic data. There is also time before and after the meeting to talk with elected officials, City staff, and your neighbors about other issues that you care about. All ResiStat meetings run from 6:30 to 8 p.m., but come by a 6 for pizza, refreshments, and some time to informally chat. The first ResiStat meeting will be in Ward 6 on Wednesday, May 1, at the Somerville Community Baptist Church, 31 College Avenue. To find out when your Ward’s meeting is, please visit www.somervillema.gov/resistat.

Building a Narrative of Hope and Welcoming Spaces for Migrants, Asylum Seekers, and Refugees, May 1
Come to this community conversation about how Somerville can be a welcoming community for migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees on Wednesday, May 1, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross Street. Hosted by the SomerViva Office of Immigrant Affairs, the Somerville Sanctuary City Steering Committee, and Alianza Americas, attendees will talk about subjects like countering xenophobia and racism and how understanding current challenges in Central America can help to create a welcoming community. Find more information at www.somervillema.gov.

SustainaVille Week, April 27-May 4
Somerville’s third annual SustainaVille week is packed full of fun opportunities to learn about sustainability and climate action. Some SustainaVille highlights include an Arbor Day and Gardening Fair, a self-guided citywide sustainability tour, an interactive panel discussion about the changing world of waste and recycling, and the annual Spring Cleanup. You can find more information and a full schedule of events at www.somervillema.gov/sustainavilleweek.

Preservation Month, throughout May
During the month of May you can learn more about historic preservation and Somerville’s history as part of Preservation Month. You can tour history sites like the Milk Row Cemetery, learn how to research the history of your home, take a walking tour, and more to celebrate. Visit www.somervillema.gov/preservationmonth for a full schedule of events.

City Alerts
Get important City notifications for snow emergencies, construction, detours, and other public safety matters delivered to your phone (voice and text) and/or your email. Sign up for alerts at www.somervillema.gov/alerts

City Newsletter
For weekly updates on city cultural and civic events, City services, job openings, and more, sign up for the City e-newsletter at www.somervillema.gov/newsletter.

City Calendar
Look up city events and meetings (as well as agendas and minutes) 24/7 on the City calendar at www.somervillema.gov.