(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)

We are nearly 15 months into the struggle for justice being waged by Somerville mother Flavia C. Peréa in defense of her 6-year-old son who was accused of sexual assault by the City of Somerville. At the time of the drafting of this letter to the editor the city has yet to issue a statement of apology for the bigotry directed at this local family.

The City Council’s Legislative Matters Committee is following up on its stated commitment to establish some form of police oversight.

By Joe Creason

The Legislative Matters Committee held a special meeting on Wednesday, March 24, the first of several scheduled community discussions on establishing a system for civilian oversight of police.

Present at the meeting were City Councilors, city staff and community organizers who wished to share their perspective on how to improve civilian-police relations.

By Max Eidelman

The City Council met last Thursday for their regular meeting. One of the first topics addressed was a commendation for Donna Joy of the City’s Personnel Department. Joy, after 34 years of service, is retiring. Ms. Joy briefly spoke, saying that it has been an honor to have worked for the city for such a lengthy period of time. As Ward 1 Councilor Matthew McLaughlin said, “Every city employee, including us, has had to go through her at one point.”

We wish all of our readers, their friends and families, a happy Easter and Passover. May the blessings of these occasions bring healing and strength to all of us throughout these challenging times. It is a time to embrace hope and optimism as we look together towards the future.

The startup of renovation activities at Conway Park are expected to commence sometime this spring.

By Alex Reidy

The sixth and final public meeting concerning the Conway Field and Playground Renovation was held on Wednesday, March 24, where many issues were put to rest as they plan to get underway with construction.

Sometime this spring is the intended start date, with spring 2022 being the estimated completion date.

Women helped to get us through the pandemic and we must center them in the recovery
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By State Representative Christine P. Barber

One year into the Coronavirus pandemic and the economic impacts, just one of the innumerable losses we have faced, are enormous. So many have lost jobs, risked their health and well-being by doing dangerous work and met greater needs to care for children throughout the pandemic. For this Women’s History month, I am uplifting the women who helped Massachusetts get through the last 12 months of the pandemic. The best way we can honor women is to ensure the recovery from COVID-19 is squarely centered on their needs. 

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A refreshing salad that can be made ahead of time. Serve it over quinoa, farro, or even mix it with romaine lettuce. Packed full of protein and flavor, a quick, easy dish for a very satisfying lunch or even a snack.

Street sweeping resumes on Thursday, April 1. Vehicles cannot be parked on the side of the street being swept to allow sweepers to clear debris from the road. Vehicles parked in a street sweeping zone during posted hours may be ticketed.

The continuing COVID-19 crisis has certainly put a damper on our ability to enjoy the usual holiday celebrations in normal ways. So it may be that both religious-minded and secular folks will have to deal with yet another special occasion in semi- or total isolation.

And in spite of vaccinations being well underway, it doesn’t help to know that in spite of our best efforts to avoid it, the lurking danger is still out there when we’re forced to venture out to buy necessities, to take a walk and get a little fresh air and exercise, and so on. It’s the sad reality we all have to face at this time, until the danger finally goes away.

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I was fortunate to catch up with Somerville painter Adam Adkison. Originally from the hinterlands of Wyoming, he has found a home in our rich creative hub. From his website: