By Andrew Firestone

A controversial amendment that reportedly stripped public labor unions of their rights was passed Thursday, May 26, with the rest of the $30.5 billion state budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year. While in the House, the issue had divided many lawmakers, with Mayor Joseph Curtatone supporting it, and others, such as Rep. Denise Provost (D-Somerville) and Congressman Mike Capuano, opposed.

Who would have thought that one simple idea, that of bringing folks together to enjoy some music in the open air, could produce such divergent points of view and controversy? Those familiar with our diverse and contentious community would, of course.

Last week’s Porchfest was a well-intentioned attempt to bring back the spirit of the down-home hoe-down. The satisfying warmth of the old-fashioned town band concert, sans the handlebar moustaches and Gibson Girl bouffants. A lot of legitimate talent hit the floorboards – and gravel – to be sure. But a few involuntary audience members were less than thrilled.

By Andrew Firestone

The City of Somerville’s Bond Rating was raised last week, coming into ‘AA-’ level upgraded from an ‘A+’, by Standard and Poor’s (S&P). This enhances the City’s power to borrow money for projects due to a perception of being able to keep its financial commitments while also lowering the City’s interest payments to bondholders. City accounting was praised for its ability to maintain a low debt level, but the City also suffered due to the poor rating of their pension liability.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police were dispatched to a residence on Meacham Street early last Sunday morning after it was reported that an unwanted woman was trespassing in the backyard.

Residents of the apartment reportedly advised police that they had a few friends over the night before and that the party broke up at around 4:00 a.m., but one woman, Vivian James, 25, who lived nearby, refused to leave and began banging on the back door.

Jennifer Jean

Poet Jennifer Jean was born near the water in Venice Beach, California. Her mother often took her out on the water, and the water has been a player on her life stage. She now lives in Salem, Mass., a historic seaport with her husband and kids. So I guess you could say she has never been a fish out of water.

Are you like me – in your fifties – neither young or old? Well poet Barbara Bialick explains it all to you in this week’s LYRICAL.