Many white people want to heal racism in America. And most people of color agree. But it is impossible to heal America’s painful racist past without the pain and anguish that comes from sitting in the fire. Painful though it may be, healing our racist past (and present) begins when people commit to look directly at America’s long and tortured racial history. Join Somerville Media Center for Sitting in the Fire: A Virtual Race Retreat on Saturday, June 13 on Zoom over two sessions – Part 1 in the morning from 10:00 a.m. to noon, and Part 2 in the afternoon from 12:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

— Photos by Kevin Carmichael

Protestors came together in Davis Square Thursday afternoon to peacefully express their feelings about the recent deaths African Americans such as George Floyd and others.

Normally there is an editorial from Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone in this space, but this week the city is instead sharing important information and updates about COVID-19.

Reopening Somerville

After a collaborative effort between the city and local salon and barbershop owners, safety requirements were in place for Somerville hair service providers to open June 1. Establishments must submit compliant safety plans to the city before opening, follow all safety requirements in the State’s reopening plan, and, until further notice, not offer blow-drying. In less than a week, a self-selected advisory group of hair service providers representing the roughly 70 providers in the city worked with city Health Department, Inspectional Services, and Economic Development staff to review various safety protocols announced across the nation, dig into existing research, review equipment needs and sources, and issue final recommendations that exceed the requirements of the Governor’s reopening plan. Salon and barbershop owners also worked together to set up information-sharing on issues like best practices, personal protective equipment sources, and tips and solutions to issues that arise. 

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Full Circle School Virtual Graduation Celebration, June 3, 2020.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Firefighters Memorial Sunday has been postponed. Local 76 plans to hold Memorial Sunday in the fall with the hopes that family and friends can attend as they have in the past. Please take a moment on June 14 to remember all members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Were you one of the lucky ones who saw The Beatles’ movie A Hard Day’s Night at The Meadow Glen Drive-In in 1964?

Drive-in theaters are making a comeback. The successful Mendon Twin Drive-In may be setting a welcomed new trend in the face of social distancing.

Mayor Curtatone announces next steps in ongoing efforts to provide just, unbiased, and compassionate community policing

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the City of Somerville will continue ongoing efforts to deliver just, unbiased, and compassionate policing to the community via a number of new initiatives and efforts that draw from policy platforms developed by Campaign Zero and the 10-point plan released yesterday by Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and other elected officials of color in Massachusetts:

The City of Somerville is taking its celebration of LGBTQ Pride Month virtually this year. Mayor Joe Curtatone will lead a virtual Pride Flag raising ceremony on Sunday, June 7.

Visit the city’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SomervilleCity) at 10:30 a.m. to watch a livestream of the short, socially distanced ceremony. At 11:00 a.m., hop over to the Somerville Arts Council Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SomervilleArts) for the Big Gay Dance Party Virtual Dance Brunch.

A fire early this morning, June 3, resulted in heavy damage to a vacant, two family dwelling located at 32 Webster Avenue. The fire was first reported at 1:34 a.m. and arriving firefighters found fire on all floors of the vacant, boarded up home. The dwelling has been vacant for many years. Five firefighters suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Somerville Fire Investigation Unit, Somerville Police and the State Fire Marshall’s Office.

Representatives of the City of Somerville signed on to a bill submitted to the state legislature in support of a cap on fees charged by third party delivery services.

By Alberto Gilman

An open letter to the Massachusetts state legislature and governor, signed by 41 elected officials, was submitted on Tuesday, May 26, calling for a cap on third party delivery fees.

Ward 3 Councilor Ben Ewen-Campen put forward this resolution, which had unanimous support, two weeks earlier at the previous City Council meeting. Bill HD.5054 is currently being pushed in the state house.