By Jim Clark

A Joint Task Force of the F.B.I. Human Trafficking Unit and members of the Somerville Police Department set up an undercover sting operation last Thursday focusing on sexual conduct for a fee and human trafficking activities in the city.

Members of the HT Unit (Human Trafficking), identified an internet website (Backpage.com) that was displaying numerous advertisements offering services for a fee from an unidentified location in the Greater Boston area.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

If there’s one thing to be learned from the horrific mass murder at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, it’s how quickly gun violence can become a local issue. Unfortunately, it’s one we seemingly have to learn repeatedly, through Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Umpqua Community College, San Bernardino, the Washington Navy Yard and the Sandy Hook Elementary School.

~ Photos by Olivia Huang

The Ibbetson Street Press, founded by Doug Holder, Richard Wilhelm, and Dianne Robitaille in 1998, held its 20th Anniversary Reading at the Central Branch of the Somerville Public Library on Thursday, February 22. A potluck supper preceded the reading.

A Walkout, march, and rally took place today at  8:17 a.m. to remember 17 victims

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

In response to the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and the epidemic of mass shootings in the United States, Somerville’s newly formed Students Against Gun Violence is launching actions which included today’s  school walkout, march, and rally beginning at Somerville High School. At exactly 8:17 students over 300 students  walked out of their classes and assembled outside the building. They all sat down in silence for the next 17 minutes in honor of the 17 Parkland victims. Protesters marched with signs down Highland Ave to the rally at Trum Field. Once they arrived at Trum field, students met with organizers who have set up tables with the contact info of legislators who will then be flooded with calls, emails, and letters lobbying for constructive action towards comprehensive gun control.

They are calling this “Walk Out Wednesday” and they plan to do this every Wednesday until the end of the school year.

Student safety is on the minds of public officials in Somerville after the recent fatal mass shooting incident in Parkland, Florida and elsewhere.

By Jim Clark

In the aftermath of the tragic mass shooting incident that occurred at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, two weeks ago, national, state, and civic leaders have been asking what can be done to curtail gun violence and assure the safety of students in particular and the general public across the board.

By Tom Bannister/Photos by Bobbie Toner

As the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of Janus vs. AFSCME on Monday, Feb 26, about 75 union members and their supporters gathered at Somerville City Hall to say that regardless of any Supreme Court decision they will remain united because Somerville’s workers need good, union jobs more than ever.

On Saturday, March 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Somerville Teachers Association will be having an “alumni tour” of the old high school. This is a chance to see and walk through the old corridors once again before the school is torn down to make room for the new one. No admission fee is being charged, but donations to the STA scholarship fund will be gladly accepted. It’s a great opportunity to reminisce about your days at the old high school. Parking is available around the school in various lots. Please enter at the main entrance of the school.

On Saturday, March 3, Mayor Joseph Curtatone will represent the Elizabeth Warren Campaign at the Somerville Caucus.

Democrats will convene at the Somerville High School at 11:00 a.m. to elect delegates and alternates to the 2018 MA Democratic State Convention, which will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester on June 1 and 2.

If there is one invaluable resource that all city residents can appreciate and be proud of, it is the Somerville Parks & Recreation Department.

They operate year-round programs throughout the city’s public facilities, playgrounds, schoolyards, and various other locations to promote positive and healthy activities for all members of the Somerville Community, in our particular our kids.

The East Somerville Community School (ESCS) Marimba Club gave an exciting and energetic performance for the Board of Aldermen at Somerville City Hall on Thursday, February 8th. After the performance, Board President Katjana Ballantyne presented each student musician with an official citation, signed by all the Somerville Aldermen, celebrating the students’ commitment to musical excellence.