Aisha, African hair braiding salon where Fatou enjoys her work.

By JT Thompson

Fatou: the Senegalese hair braider at Aisha, an African hair salon ten minutes’ walk from the center of Union Square.

The salon, which is next door to a small computer repair shop on a mostly residential street, is a simple affair. Three chairs by a wall of mirrors. Against the opposite wall, another chair, tilted back for hair washing. Beside it is a large and, to me, bewildering array of hair extension products. The walls are a cheery orange, and there is a large flat screen TV showing the news. A sign in the window says:  Cornrows. Weaves. Threads. Dreads. Twist. Walk-ins welcome.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to a Walnut St. location last week on reports of a motor vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, the officers located a parked box truck that had significant damage to the undercarriage and rear drive assembly.

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)

A monthly look at ways to get involved with your city: Don’t just live in Somerville, be Somerville

Things may slow down in other places as the holiday season approaches, but not in Somerville. From Election Day and community meetings to scavenger hunts and planting outings, November is shaping up to be a busy month. I often encourage you to get involved with your community and inform you of ways that you can do so, but I think it’s important to look back at a previous example that reminds us of just how important your engagement and participation is.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Sage Naturals, Inc., a nonprofit provider of medical cannabis, has announced the opening of the first registered medical marijuana dispensary in the city of Somerville, located in the heart of Davis Square.

The big moment for candidates and citizens alike is approaching, with Election Day just around the corner.

Candidates and supporters rally forces for final push
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By Jim Clark

For the City of Somerville’s batch of 2017 political hopefuls, the final countdown has begun. The long arduous path towards Election Day, November 7, 2017, is at last reaching its end.

Our endorsements for City Elections 2017
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Mayor of Somerville

2017 could have been exciting year in the mayoral race, except for a strong challenger failing to show up. The challenger this year was, in our words, a naive person who we feel might have been led to the slaughter by some very sour individuals and fake news in the city. We aren’t alone in thinking that politicians should never run unopposed. Opposition and competition is always good. It brings the best out of the candidates, having and an honest debate on the issues. Things that we as voters care about, not name calling or making accusations against each other. That is just not good. It makes for poor voter turnout and people being disillusioned by politicians in general.

Civic activists and those concerned or curious about the present state of digital privacy and its effect on Civil Liberties are encouraged to attend a local CryptoParty for informed insight, advice, and a general good time.

By Ahmed Sorour

Suffering the fallout of the Equifax hack? Email password stolen? Victim of identity fraud? Maybe it’s time to party.

Last week, CryptoParty-Boston held its monthly meetup at Sprout & Co. in Somerville. What is a CryptoParty? Going by the name, you couldn’t be blamed if the image of cowled cypherpunks (vis-a-vis Mr. Robot) hacking to the backdrop of German disco music entered your mind. Of course, nothing could be further from the truth.

By Donald Norton

This past Saturday at a packed Sally O’Brien’s – both inside and out – about 150 people attended as U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren endorsed Mayor Joseph Curtatone for reelection.

The Little Sisters of the Poor annual Christmas Bazaar takes place on Saturday, November 11, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the home on Highland Ave. Once again this year the entire first floor will be filled with goodies, baskets and gifts suggestions. A great place doing great work, stop in and support the fine Little Sisters of the Poor and all the residents of the home.