(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 Arah Schuur

With the bridge closures, detours, and overall increase in people trying to get around Somerville, most drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and transit users can agree on one thing – traffic is terrible! The solution? Add more protected bike lanes.

(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

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers.  Last summer, the City’s first Community Food System Assessment was released and it looked at food access in Somerville and areas where improvements were needed. Recently, the assessment was followed up by the Somerville Food Action Plan, which details ways we can help Somerville’s food system work for all residents.

To better support Somerville’s diverse business community, the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development is seeking businesses interested in participating in the city’s first Diversity Catalog. The Diversity Catalog will highlight businesses owned by underrepresented communities and serve as a marketing tool for Somerville businesses that want to offer their products and services to customers throughout the region. Information collected for the catalog will also help Economic Development staff design business support programs that meet the needs of local businesses.

By Jim Clark

While assigned to uniform patrol at Assembly Row last Saturday afternoon, a Somerville Police officer was contacted by a Home Depot loss prevention associate, reporting two shoplifters fleeing the scene.

(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 State Rep. Christine P. Barber

Signs of the housing crisis in our communities of Somerville and Medford are everywhere. Most of us know a family who has been displaced due to high rents and moved to another community, or we ourselves are unable to afford rent or buy the type of housing we need. Housing near good jobs and transportation is getting more and more out of reach for middle-income families. And for people with low-incomes or disabilities, it can be nearly impossible to find appropriate housing.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

It’s summer in Somerville. The year is 1969. Most of my friends are around 16. One or two of the older kids already have their licenses, so four or five lucky kids at a time went off in their dads’ car for the night. The rest of us were left to hang around on the corner of Kidder Ave. and Bay State Ave.

The Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) office issued a key approval for the USQ redevelopment project in Union Square this past week. The decision followed an extensive review of the project’s Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and examined all major potential environmental impacts associated with the revitalization program.

The City Council’s newly established Special Committee on Inclusive Equity; Gender, Families & Vulnerable Populations will take under consideration issues involving equitable funding for city programs.

By Jim Clark

While the nation proudly celebrates the monumental achievements of the U.S. Women’s Soccer team and their World Cup win this past weekend, the question of equitable pay for women players is taking focus in the wake of their victory.

Meagan O’Brien’s design and execution of Somerville’s latest mural is ready for viewing at the Lombardi Underpass in East Somerville. — Photos by Melissa Rosales

By  Melissa Rosales

Yellow swings from Chuckie Harris Park, pink triple-decker houses, blue bikes, Old Power House monument, Legoland giraffe at Assembly Row, and a “Welcome to Somerville” sign were painted on the new mural site along Lombardi Underpass last July 7 to create a new colorful welcome to Somerville.