Join the City of Somerville for the fourth annual Somerville Bulb Blitz on Saturday, Nov. 8 and help prepare your neighborhood for a bright and colorful spring 2015! From 10 a.m. to noon, residents of all ages will gather at public spaces throughout the city to plan tulip and daffodil bulbs in anticipation of the 2015 spring season. Since 2011, volunteers have planted more than 9,150 bulbs citywide. Participants should bring their own tools (bulb planters, shovels, hoes, gloves, etc.). For more information, including locations, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/QXC39P5, or contact Luisa Oliveira at LOLIVEIRA@somervillema.gov, or 617-625-6600 ext. 2529.

Francisco Goya’s “The Parasol” got a community reproduction job at the “Paint-By-Goya” event last week.Regional President of Santander Michael Bruno, and his son
Tucker Bruno, 3.

By Tom Bannister

A “paint by numbers” mural recreating Francisco Goya’s masterpiece The Parasol, created by Somerville artist James Weinberg, was presented for the public’s participation last week in Boston’s Copley Square.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

This article was originally published on October 28, 2009.

The worst part about trick or treating was trying to fit that flimsy costume over your bulky winter coat if it was cold out – but it didn’t stop us from having a blast. I can’t begin to tell you how much my son’s mask and accessories set me back this year. It’s shameful. My justification was how excited he got when he put on the get-up and wore it to a classmates costume party.

This month, the Somerville Arts Council is rolling out two exciting and anticipated projects in the city: the introduction of a Poet Laureate for Somerville and a Kids Maker Series. Continuing its commitment to providing innovative and multi-level opportunities for residents of all ages, the programs support and benefit both the young and the young at heart.

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 5 Alderman Mark Niedergang

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers)

We need bold action to address housing affordability in Somerville. Somerville is thriving, and lots of people want to live here. Young people want to live in hip cities and baby boomers are returning to the urban core. However, many of the people who have helped make our beloved city a wonderful place to live are being forced out by rising rents and home prices. What’s at risk is the ethnic, racial and socio-economic diversity we treasure and the legacy that generations of working-class and immigrant families have established in Somerville. We cannot lose that.

Here is what to expect on the latest Somerville Neighborhood Newscast. SNN is produced by the hardworking staff, volunteers and interns at Somerville Community Access Television. We hope you read, watch and share the latest Somerville news. One news segment covered in the latest SNN is entitled: Taxi Wars by reporter Elijah Kaplan.

Questions: 1 – YES • 2 – NO • 3 – NO • 4 – YES

Question #1: Vote “YES” to stop the new law going into effect for automatic gas tax increase

The legislators voted to enact a law to take effect January 1st that would give automatic tax increases on the gas tax and those increases are to be connected to the CPI (Consumer Price Index) every year.   The problem is that it is automatic and we will have no say in either increasing it, or leaving it alone or even decreasing it. The law they propose allows no decrease in the gas tax. Accordingly, we already pay for each gallon 26.5 cents in state gas tax and another 18.4 cents for the federal tax, so that every time you go to the gas pump you have to spend about $6.73 for taxes for every 15 gallons purchased. Of course the legislators want us to go along with it. What is even worse is that they, along with AAA, are telling us to vote “YES,” and even using scare tactics in their commercials. Nowhere in the proposed law does it say what the money is going towards, never mind having new streets, highways and bridges. This law would just automatically increase taxes every year. Imagine, this happens every year and the legislators can in all good conscience say they did not vote for the increase because it is the law. Either way, AAA or the legislators must think we are stupid. The ad by AAA is misleading. Ask yourself what happens to the existing .44 cents per gallon. Where does it go? You might be surprised at the whole answer. If, for nothing else, we think our legislators should not make any tax automatic. They should go on record each year and then have the courage to make the revenue go towards improving our roads and bridges. If you agree then vote “YES” to remove this law. Check out the web site http://www.tankthegastax.org.

By The Times Staff

Governor

We support and are voting for Republican candidate Charlie Baker for Governor. He has a thought out plan and vision for Massachusetts.

With all that’s going on in the state now we think it’s about time we elect someone who will be more responsive to the needs of everyone.

Charlie Baker has a proven record both in the pubic sector under Governor Weld and in the private sector, saving Harvard Pilgrim from going under.

By Jim Clark

A police officer who was standing at the corner of Kent St. and Somerville Ave. last Monday reportedly observed a vehicle jump the sidewalk on Somerville Ave., cross the burm and proceed into the parking lot of the strip mall there.

According to the officer, the driver exited the vehicle and staggered towards the corner of the building on Kent St. and began urinating on the wall.

The Somerville Times submitted six questions to the candidates for Governor, along with the opportunity to include a short bio/statement. The following answers were submitted by the candidates: