(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.)

By State Rep. Christine P. Barber

Signs of the housing crisis in our communities of Somerville and Medford are everywhere. Most of us know a family who has been displaced due to high rents and moved to another community, or we ourselves are unable to afford rent or buy the type of housing we need. Housing near good jobs and transportation is getting more and more out of reach for middle-income families. And for people with low-incomes or disabilities, it can be nearly impossible to find appropriate housing.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

It’s summer in Somerville. The year is 1969. Most of my friends are around 16. One or two of the older kids already have their licenses, so four or five lucky kids at a time went off in their dads’ car for the night. The rest of us were left to hang around on the corner of Kidder Ave. and Bay State Ave.

The Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act (MEPA) office issued a key approval for the USQ redevelopment project in Union Square this past week. The decision followed an extensive review of the project’s Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) and examined all major potential environmental impacts associated with the revitalization program.

The City Council’s newly established Special Committee on Inclusive Equity; Gender, Families & Vulnerable Populations will take under consideration issues involving equitable funding for city programs.

By Jim Clark

While the nation proudly celebrates the monumental achievements of the U.S. Women’s Soccer team and their World Cup win this past weekend, the question of equitable pay for women players is taking focus in the wake of their victory.

Meagan O’Brien’s design and execution of Somerville’s latest mural is ready for viewing at the Lombardi Underpass in East Somerville. — Photos by Melissa Rosales

By  Melissa Rosales

Yellow swings from Chuckie Harris Park, pink triple-decker houses, blue bikes, Old Power House monument, Legoland giraffe at Assembly Row, and a “Welcome to Somerville” sign were painted on the new mural site along Lombardi Underpass last July 7 to create a new colorful welcome to Somerville.

Mary Marshall, Ward 3 School Committee candidate, is hosting the Somerville Sunsetters at her home, 43 Boston Street, this Thursday, July 11, at 7:00 p.m. Come join her for a great performance and a chance to meet and talk with Mary.

(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.)

By William C. Shelton

Considered as a system, Somerville is drastically out of balance. Severe imbalances exist between workers and jobs, residential and commercial property, open space and population, affordable and unaffordable housing, foreseeable city expenses and sustainable revenues, and within age and income distributions.

(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.)

By Greg Karczewski
President, US2

As we prepare for Thursday’s Planning Board meeting, I wanted to take the opportunity to sincerely thank the Union Square community for creating a vision for the future of Union Square and working together to realize it.

By SC

The Somerville Arts Council and the local non-profit organization Haitians United celebrated Somerville’s Haitian community by putting together Haiti in the ‘Ville!, an event full of art, music, dance, and food at the Center for Arts at the Armory on Saturday, July 6.

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This type of Chinese cabbage, which is similar to mustard greens, is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. It has a sweet and slightly bitter flavor that is complimented with the sweet ginger and garlic. The soy and Sambal Oelek add a slightly salted and spicy element to the dish, topped with a nice toasted flavor provided by the sesame oil. You can even add some toasted sesame seeds for garnish. This side dish can be prepared, cooked and served in all about 15 minutes.