— Photos by The Times Staff

Around 11:30 a.m., Friday morning, a fire broke out at a 3-family home at 74 Raymond Ave, Somerville. When firefighters arrived the blaze was burning at the back of the house. Heavy smoke and fire could be seen from Powder House Circle. Three alarms were struck calling surrounding fire companies to assist Somerville. Fire crews fought gusty winds adding to their fight. Fire reportedly also spread to a second triple decker. One woman trapped on the third floor and was rescued by firefighters.

The fire is under investigation.

By Dennis Fischman

To combine a science fiction novel with a mystery takes both skill and art. For the book to satisfy readers of both genres, it has to create a world that differs from the one we know, but in ways that make sense to us. Once we know the culture and the technology of the world we’re visiting between the covers of the book, we should be able to tell what’s normal there and what’s out of place, so we can play along with the detective.

Maura Healy recently signed a proclamation to designate the first week of November as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week to recognize the consequences of sleep deprived and fatigued drivers on Bay State roadways. Drowsy Driving Prevention Week in Massachusetts runs from November 3 to 9. Senator Jehlen is working with AAA and the Drowsy Driving Prevention Project to spread awareness.

(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)

Mayor Ballantyne has issued a statement on the 2024 election results

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville Department of Veteran Services invite the Somerville community to honor the service of all those who have served in the U.S. Military this Veterans Day.

The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market recently wrapped its 14th year of service to the community. — Photo courtesy of The Somerville Food Coalition

By Jeffrey Shwom

A healthful, familiar sight was seen from Broadway in East Somerville to Clarendon Hill Towers on the Arlington line this past summer – a white city-owned van decaled with yellow letters and green edges proclaiming The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market. Residents speaking in a multitude of languages are greeted with bins of seasonal local vegetables and, more importantly, a sense of community and ownership. The Somerville Mobile Farmers Market recently completed its 14th season of providing fresh, local produce to Somerville residents last week.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Saturday morning:

Remember when dad would be raking the leaves and he would let you jump into the pile? I don’t. I don’t remember my dad ever raking leaves, but I do recall jumping into piles of leaves somewhere. Maybe it was up Powder House Park. We also used to fill Johnnies Foodmaster bags with acorns for the sole purpose of whipping them at each other. I still have a rake in the cellar that is at least 40 years old. I have it used it to rake the leaves out from in between the shrubs and plants in the spring, but rarely in the fall. It is kept mainly as a museum piece.

This couple was spotted wearing hats on Halloween that precisely match the colors, shapes, signage, and vibe of Elly the Elephant, George the Giraffe, and Big Poppy on the Somerville Community Path.

The team of city officials and advocates devoted to fostering safe environments who stand in solidarity with survivors and victims of domestic abuse and uphold justice for everyone in Somerville. Photograph courtesy of the City of Somerville.

By  The Times Staff 

The time has come to end senseless violence, said city officials at the annual vigil that honors victims of domestic violence.

The city held the vigil on October 30 to bring light to the victims of domestic violence, renewing their commitment to uphold justice. City officials recognized the strength of survivors and honored the lives of those individuals who passed, in front of the East Somerville Library at 6 p.m.