Dear Community Members,

“EHawk” by mixed media visual artist Liz LaManche, one of the dozens of Somerville artists participating in last weekend’s virtual SOS.

By Isabel Sami

Last weekend, the annual Somerville Open Studios (SOS) event took place, but not in its traditional form. The citywide art event happened online from noon to 6:00 p.m. on the SOS website, featuring virtual galleries by 336 artists, and also on the SOS YouTube channel, where nearly 30 artists posted videos of their work and studios. During the event, six artists held Zoom livestream tours of their studios for virtual audiences.

After approval of safety plans, a limited number of essential projects to be allowed to restart May 18, others to phase in during June and July

In anticipation of the easing of statewide stay-at-home restrictions on May 18, the city is preparing for a phased resumption of construction under strict COVID-prevention protocols. In preparation for May 18, the State has also eased some restrictions on non-essential businesses and is seeking feedback on how to safely reopen the economy.

— Photo © SeventyFour / iStock via Getty Images Plus

Americans are spending more time at home, which means they’re likely spending more time online. While their attention is focused on staying healthy, they shouldn’t forget to stay vigilant about cybersecurity either.

The FBI recently warned that cybercriminals are taking advantage of the current environment to steal personal information and money. The scams come in various forms, including fake emails from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization claiming to offer new information on the virus; emails asking users to verify personal information for an economic stimulus check from the government; and emails selling counterfeit COVID-19 related products or treatments.

GLX and the Green Line Transformation (GLT) Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation Project are working concurrently to rebuild and restore historic structure for enhanced future service

Bus Replacement Service – Lechmere to North Station

GLX improvements will require Green Line service between Lechmere and North Stations to be interrupted for approximately one year beginning May 24, to remove, rebuild, and relocate a section of viaduct and construct a new Lechmere Station.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Arlington Chief of Police Julie Flaherty have confirmed the investigation into a fatal bicycle crash that occurred yesterday in Arlington.

On May 5, at approximately 6:30 p.m., Arlington Police responded to the intersection of Appleton Street and Massachusetts Avenue for a report of a crash involving two bicyclists and a motor vehicle. Upon arrival, police located two bicyclists, a 32-year-old female and a 27-year-old male identified as Charles Proctor of Somerville. Arlington Rescue transported Mr. Proctor to Lahey Hospital where he subsequently died from injuries sustained in the crash. The female victim was also transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

The Somerville City Council passed a resolution last week expressing its support for bills put forward in the state House and Senate calling for equal stimulus funds for immigrant taxpayers.

By Jim Clark

A resolution was put forward at the latest meeting of the Somerville City Council offering its support of HD.5036 and SD.2916: An Act to provide equal stimulus checks to immigrant taxpayers.

Somerville band Nowhere Lights will be joining the roster of local musicians participating in the alternative CouchFest online event this Saturday.

By Isabel Sami

Somerville’s annual PorchFest is back this year as CouchFest, the same basic event for local musicians to perform at home for audiences, but this year from a safe distance, broadcasting online. Since 2012, PorchFest has been a day-long event where musicians can sign up to perform on their porches or front lawns where audiences come listen to them play.

Last week Gov. Charlie Baker announced that starting Wednesday, May 6, face coverings will be required in public in all cities and towns throughout the state. The statewide order does not apply to anyone under the age of two or anyone who is medically unable to use a face covering. Last week Somerville officials put an order mandating the wearing of face masks in public. Everyone age 2 or older must cover their faces in any public indoor or outdoor space. A scarf, bandana or any clean cloth will meet the city’s requirement. The city may impose fines of $300 on those who “willfully refuse to comply” with the face-covering order. For more on face coverings, see the “Prevention and Preparation” section of somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

Thirty-fourth Middlesex District State Rep. Christine Barber.

State Representative Christine P. Barber (D-Somerville and Medford) filed legislation to provide state-funded financial support to immigrants who were excluded from the federal stimulus bill, in response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Rep. Barber recently filed HD5036, An Act to Provide Equal S3mulus Checks to Immigrant Taxpayers with State Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield). This bill would provide a state-funded stimulus check to Massachusetts ITIN holders who file taxes but are not eligible to receive federal relief under the recent Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.