Subscribe to Barry Rafkind's feed 
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 12:08 am on June 25, 2009
This new partnership will enable SV to collect and use tax-deductible donations from you so we can focus on producing high quality local stories that matter to you while SCAT (
Somerville Community Access TV) gets to handle our filings to the IRS and also take a small cut for their help.…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 2:30 pm on June 17, 2009
Please join us for a team meeting this Friday, June 19th, 6:30-8:30pm to discuss the blog and plans for community-funded reporting.…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:55 pm on June 15, 2009
Public meeting of the Somerville Human Rights Commission
Thursday, June 18th, 2009
6:30pm-8:30pm
2nd Floor social hall, Tufts Administration Bldg, 167 Holland St., Somerville
Agenda:
- Introductions (10 min)
- Discussion on DHS Surveillance Cameras in Somerville w/ SPD Chief Holloway, City Solicitor Gannon, Health Dept. Dir. Paulette Renault-Caragianes, and Nancy Murray of the MA ACLU (60 min)
- Membership and Recruiting for the HRC
Read More..>>
Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Events, Special | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 4:00 pm on June 6, 2009
According to a
recent report (pdf) by the city of Somerville, health care costs currently account for about 15% of the municipal budget and are out-pacing growth in revenues. A single payer plan would lift this burden, allowing cities like Somerville to maintain threatened services such as education, police, fire and libraries.…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Health Care | 2 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:18 pm on June 5, 2009
How many Somerville residents blog or tweet regularly about life in Somerville? Which blogs or Twitter accounts do you check regularly? I'm not into the Twitter scene yet, but here are some of the local blogs I'd recommend.…
Read More..>>
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 11:54 pm on May 30, 2009
The
Welcome Project has helped produce
Digital Storytelling Videos of inspirational immigrant stories including one that seemed especially moving to me entitled "My Mom" by Rocky Man :
…
Read More..>>
Posted in Immigration | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:47 pm on
From a flyer of The Welcome Project:
Join us at the Welcome Project for our Graduation Celebration!
Show your support for our Youth Interpreters and Adult English Language Learners!
The event will be held on June 7th from 4-7pm
Mystic Activity Center
530 Mystic Ave, Somerville, MA
RSVP by email to Warren Goldstein-Gelb at WarrenGG(at)gmail.com
Link to the
Liaison InterpreterRead More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:40 pm on May 28, 2009
From the
SPS homepage, entitled "A message from Tony Pierantozzi, Superintendent of Schools"
... The extent of the impact of the current financial crisis on fiscal year 2010 remains unclear. We do know that the impact of the revenue decrease at the State level will require creative solutions and difficulty in maintaining our services…
Read More..>>
Posted in Arts and Culture, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Events, Schools and Youth, Uncategorized | 7 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 2:12 pm on May 26, 2009
Come on out to our next PDS meeting. There is a lot going on so come on out and get involved in one of the most exciting organizations in the city!
When: Tuesday, May 26 - 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Blue Shirt Cafe - 424 Highland Avenue - Davis Square
From 6:30 to 7:30, we will have our…
Read More..>>
Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 11:35 pm on May 19, 2009
Somerville by the numbers, our community's carbon foot-print, and collecting resident immigration stories are just a few of the story ideas generated at last Sunday's
Brainstorming Session. Read on for more suggestions and please leave your ideas and feedback below in the comments. Some of these stories will soon be pitched (in more detail) for funding on the blog!…
Read More..>>
Posted in Investigative Reports | 68 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 8:09 pm on May 13, 2009
As announced in the Somerville Journal :
What should happen with the former Powder House Community School?
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane invite all interested community members to a public meeting to discuss the Powder House Community School site at 1060 Broadway.
The meeting will take place
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, City Finances, Development and Zoning, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:25 pm on May 12, 2009
According to the Somerville Journal:
Somerville Democrats will meet Tuesday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the community room at the Visiting Nurses Association at 259 Lowell St.
Mayor Joe Curtatone will speak on “The Economic Challenges Facing Somerville.”
Note : this location is wheelchair accessible :-)…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, City Finances, Economy & Poverty, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 8:47 am on
Please join us!
Spring Reception to Support
Rebekah Gewirtz
Ward 6 Alderman
Where: Sagra Restaurant, 400 Highland Ave Davis Square
When: Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Time: 6-8pm
Light appetizers will be served.
Suggested…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:38 am on May 11, 2009
Posted in Announcements, Media | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:09 pm on April 26, 2009
The following was posted by Ward 5 School Committee member Mark Niedergang to the list of the Progressive Democrats of Somerville (PDS) on Apr 24th.
How do you think Somerville should respond to the budget cuts?
-Barry
--------------------------------------
Dear friends at PDS,
The Board of Aldermen and School Committee together will be holding a public forum on the FY 2010…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, City Finances, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:04 pm on
From Mark Niedergang... The Board of Aldermen and School Committee together will be holding a public forum on the FY 2010 budget this Tuesday, April 28th, at 7 PM in the Aldermen's Chambers in City Hall. This is an opportunity to get an update from the Mayor and the Superintendent of Schools on the City and School budgets for next year and to share your concerns, ideas, and suggestions about priorities and ways to make the FY 2010 budget stretch further.
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Schools and Youth | 7 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:23 pm on April 25, 2009
Wednesday, May 27th, Cross Street Elderly Center. From Dave Ficociello's
post on the Somerville Parking Problems group:
Regarding parking and other city policies, I encourage you all to
attend Somerville's spring "ResiStat" meetings. The Mayor, the head
of Traffic and Parking, and your Ward Aldermen will be at all of the
meetings. This is a great opportunity…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:22 pm on
Tuesday, May 26th, 7:00 p.m., VNA Community Room, 259 Lowell Street. From Dave Ficociello's
post on the Somerville Parking Problems group:
Regarding parking and other city policies, I encourage you all to
attend Somerville's spring "ResiStat" meetings. The Mayor, the head
of Traffic and Parking, and your Ward Aldermen will be at all of the
meetings. This…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:21 pm on
Wednesday, May 20th, 7:00 p.m., First Congregational Church of Somerville, 89 College Avenue . From Dave Ficociello's
post on the Somerville Parking Problems group:
Regarding parking and other city policies, I encourage you all to
attend Somerville's spring "ResiStat" meetings. The Mayor, the head
of Traffic and Parking, and your Ward Aldermen will be at all…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:20 pm on
Tuesday, May 12th, 7:00 p.m., Senior Center, TAB building, 167 Holland Street. From Dave Ficociello's
post on the Somerville Parking Problems group:
Regarding parking and other city policies, I encourage you all to
attend Somerville's spring "ResiStat" meetings. The Mayor, the head
of Traffic and Parking, and your Ward Aldermen will be at all of the
meetings…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:19 pm on
Monday, May 11th, 7:00 p.m., Central Library Meeting Room, 79 Highland Avenue. From Dave Ficociello's
post on the Somerville Parking Problems group:
Regarding parking and other city policies, I encourage you all to
attend Somerville's spring "ResiStat" meetings. The Mayor, the head
of Traffic and Parking, and your Ward Aldermen will be at all of the
meetings…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:17 pm on
Tuesday, May 5th, 7:00 p.m., Healey School, 5 Meacham Street. From Dave Ficociello's
post on the Somerville Parking Problems group:
Regarding parking and other city policies, I encourage you all to
attend Somerville's spring "ResiStat" meetings. The Mayor, the head
of Traffic and Parking, and your Ward Aldermen will be at all of the
meetings. This is…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 8:50 am on April 23, 2009
Last night, I attended a presentation about Transition Towns, a grassroots movement to catalyze community visioning processes with an aim towards local, sustainable, and environmentally friendly economies. The presenters admitted this was not meant as a panacea for the impending triangle emergency of peak oil, global climate change, and our economic crisis, but it was at least something concrete that people can do together with their neighbors.…
Read More..>>
Posted in Economy & Poverty, Environment and Open Space | 3 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 2:12 pm on April 18, 2009
Following up on my 4/10 article
"Ald. Roche wants to keep public business “privileged and confidential”" is my email exchange with him below from last weekend. Since he intended this to be a public conversation ("I do this openly and not behind closed doors."
), I felt it was appropriate to share it with the community and hopefully provide some insight into his thinking.…
Read More..>>
Posted in Government Reform | 4 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:49 pm on April 15, 2009
Public meeting of the Somerville Human Rights Commission
Thursday, April 16th, 2009
6:30pm-8:30pm
2nd Floor social hall, Tufts Administration Bldg, 167 Holland St., Somerville
Agenda:
- Introductions (10 min)
- Director's Report (10 min)
- Update on the hiring process for Human Rights investigators (20 min)
- Immigrant-Police Dialogs (10 min)
- Immigrant Support Network (5 min)
- Police Surveillance Cameras (30 min)
- Advisory Committee (25 min)
- Snow Removal Committee (5 min)
- HRC
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Civil and Human Rights, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:04 pm on April 11, 2009
A member of Eighth District Rep. Mike Capuano’s staff will hold office hours Thursday, April 23, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Aldermen’s Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. Constituents are encouraged to stop by with questions or…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 7:21 pm on
As the following pie chart shows, nearly 60% of Rep. Capuano's 2010 earmark requests (totaling almost $80 million of tax-payer money) are for military research programs out of a total of close to $136 million in pet projects. He claims he didn't know about the political contributions he received from the PMA Group lobbying firm, but he should have checked into it before earmarking millions of dollars for its members! We need to send Capuano a strong signal that we're watching him and we won't tolerate his earmarks!
Read More..>>
Posted in Government Reform | 18 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:52 pm on April 10, 2009
It sounds like the reason he was upset was not that his email was leaked early, but that there was organized opposition to his idea. The only rational conclusion is that he hoped his motion would come to a vote without much public scrutiny. When a legislator wants to keep the public out of the legislative process, that should be grounds for impeachment!
Read More..>>
Posted in Government Reform | 3 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:26 am on April 8, 2009
Home Energy Savings for Renters to learn hands-on ways you can reduce home energy use and expenses. Refreshments provided.
April 14, 2009
6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.
Alderman's Chambers, Somerville City Hall
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
Cost: FREE
For more information, contact: David Lutes, 617-625-6600 ext. 2106, dlutes(at)somervillema.gov , Office of Sustainability and Environment
Link to city's press release
Notes:
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Environment and Open Space, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 12:19 am on
Our community is not being served adequately by the level of investigative reporting provided by our two local newspapers: The Somerville Journal and The Somerville News. There is a plethora of local blogs offering opinions and media filtering, but there remains a poverty of the kind of quality in-depth journalism that can only be obtained…
Read More..>>
Posted in Media | 9 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:20 pm on April 5, 2009
Dear Chairperson Bill White and distinguished aldermen, I strongly object to the installation of surveillance cameras in public spaces around our city and urge you to request their immediate removal. I believe this surveillance program, which was roundly rejected in Cambridge, MA, violates American ideals of freedom and liberty and the Constitutional right to privacy...
Read More..>>
Posted in Civil and Human Rights, Development and Zoning, Neighborhoods and Squares, Public Health & Safety, Transportation | 11 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:32 pm on March 29, 2009
This past January, when my wife was 31 weeks pregnant with our baby, she slipped on an icy patch of sidewalk in Somerville, did a belly-flop, and ended up in the hospital with pre-term contractions as a result. A
group of residents is organizing to advocate for more effective snow removal policies and stronger enforcement.…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Public Health & Safety | 2 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 11:42 pm on March 19, 2009
Maria Landaverde says:
yes, the meeting is from 5 to 6:30 pm our organization is
The Welcome Project and it is located at 530 Mystic Ave Somerville, MA you can invite other youth too…other students from SHS are also coming…you can also e-mail me at maria(at)welcomeproject. org . This is our first meeting and…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Immigration | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 3:15 pm on March 8, 2009
My neighbor, Dave, got so fed up with the unfairness of Somerville's parking regulations, he started an
online discussion group to collect stories of similarly aggrieved residents.
So far the stories touch upon a variety of issues, including:…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Government Reform | 23 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:07 pm on March 2, 2009
Answer President Barack Obama’s call to action and get involved in your community by preparing for the next election cycle! You are invited to our training to learn the basics of how to run and win a local campaign. Topics will include fundraising, crafting a message, field operations/Get Out The Vote, and media and communication.
The…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 8:58 pm on
Answer President Barack Obama’s call to action and get involved in your community by preparing for the next election cycle! You are invited to our training to learn the basics of how to run and win a local campaign.
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 2:55 pm on February 22, 2009
While Somerville stands to lose up to $5 million in state aid over the next 17 months , it has requested hundreds of millions of federal stimulus dollars through Gov. Patrick's economic recovery infrastructure program. Mayor Curtatone sits on the program's Municipal Facilities Task Force.
Read More..>>
Posted in Economy & Poverty | 3 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 11:18 pm on February 7, 2009
So far, all we've been told by the city about the people appointed by Mayor Curtatone to serve on Somerville's new Financial Advisory Committee is their names and titles. But, the residents of this city deserve to know more about these advisors who will have such big influence on how we cope with massive budget cuts.
Read More..>>
Posted in Economy & Poverty, Government Reform | 8 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 8:04 pm on January 30, 2009
According to "Latest News" on the website of the Somerville Democratic City Committee
www.SomDems.org :
The Ward Caucuses to elect delegates to the 2009 State Convention in Springfield will be held on Thursday, February 5th at 7pm with the exception of Ward Five which will be at 8:00 p.m. at the same location…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:50 pm on January 28, 2009
This sounds like a proactive and timely step on the part of the mayor, but is this "outside" panel of "experts" truly a good source of guidance for our city in these dire times?
Read More..>>
Posted in Economy & Poverty, Government Reform, Politics, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:12 am on
Monthly DARBI Meeting, Wed., Feb. 4, 7pm.
The Davis Square Area Resident-Business Initiative (DARBI), a registered 501(c)4 nonprofit association of volunteers who live and/or work in the area, aims to:
Promote Davis Square as an attractive place to live, visit, shop and conduct business.
Work together as an open association of volunteers to identify and
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:17 am on January 26, 2009
Do you see the effects of the economic down-turn here in Somerville? Have you seen for-sale and foreclosure signs in your neighborhood? Have you or your neighbors lost jobs? Do you see businesses closing or reducing hours? Have you noticed higher prices at the supermarket and in your energy bills? How are you affected?…
Read More..>>
Posted in Economy & Poverty | 2 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 11:24 pm on January 23, 2009
Following Gov. Patrick's announcement today of $128 million in local aid cuts, Mayor Joe Curtatone told CBS radio station affiliate WBZ that Somerville could lose "close to $3 million in this fiscal year". How much pain will that mean for jobs and services in our city?
Read More..>>
Posted in Economy & Poverty | 3 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 12:44 pm on January 17, 2009
[Note, I am the Endorsements Chair of PDS - Barry]
Come out to the first meeting of the new year!
What: PDS January Meeting
When: Tuesday, January 27th - 6:45pm to 8:45pm
Where: Visiting Nurses Association, Community Room, 259 Lowell Street, Somerville
Agenda includes:
- upcoming campaign and candidate training
- endorsement discussion on
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 2:24 pm on January 2, 2009
On my way down to the train at Davis Station around 8:30am this morning, I was about to pass through the gate when a transit officer asked me to submit to a bag inspection. There was a group of about 4 or 5 officers wearing yellow and black jackets standing next to a small folding table with a machine on top.
Read More..>>
Posted in Public Health & Safety | 9 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:25 am on
10 A.M. – Noon, Monday, January 19, 2009
Somerville High School auditorium, 81 Highland Ave
- Keynote address
- 2009 MLK awards
- Musical Performances
This event is free and open to the public
Free Refreshments generously provided by the Somerville Public Schools
Co-sponsored by the Somerville Public Schools
For more information, contact: the Human Rights Commission at
617-625-6600 x2406 or Sonja Darai sdarai(at)somervillema.gov
Accessible at main entrance…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:01 pm on December 11, 2008
The following message was sent by Stephanie Hirsch to some ResiStat groups today. This is the park bounded by Holland Street, Simpson St., and Paulina St..
Hello ResiStat groups -
Please see below for an announcement of a planning meeting regarding Hodgkins Park:
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 7 Alderman Robert Trane invite all interested residents and…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Development and Zoning, Environment and Open Space, Events, Neighborhoods and Squares | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:30 pm on November 24, 2008
A new exhibition, cosponsored by the Arthur and Elizabeth Schlesinger Library at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study and the Chinese Historical Society of New England features material from the Chinese American Women Oral History Project. Exhibited are transcripts, audio, and video clips, artifacts, correspondence, and books that document the experiences of several women who…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Arts and Culture, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:52 pm on
And now, a meeting announcement from the Chair of the Progressive Democrats of Somerville...
HEY PDSers...
Come to our November meeting at the VNA at 259 Lowell Street on Tuesday, November 25th from 6:30 to 8:30.
Topics include:
- Celebrating the election of BARACK OBAMA!!!!
- Union Square Zoning Update
- Condo Conversion Endorsement Discussion
- Charter Committee Recommendation Update
- Election of Vacant Positions on the Steering Committee
- and
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:29 pm on November 15, 2008
Two days ago, the City of Somerville announced it would start enforcing regulations prohibiting the use of bicycles on sidewalks with fines between $20 and $50... Given the city's budget problems, I wonder whether this policy change is motivated more by a need to find new sources of revenue rather than by public safety concerns.
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Public Health & Safety, Transportation | 30 Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:00 pm on
[Posted on behalf of Alisa Wind]
Dear friends at Somerville Voices,
We would like you to join us at a special "What's Next?" event with Noam Chomsky next Wednesday, Nov 19th. We would also like to encourage your organization to advertise in our program book to share your work with hundreds of viewers (please see below).
Although this…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 11:14 pm on November 13, 2008
Nearly a third of Somerville residents were born outside of the United States. Who are we in this immigrant city? What dreams and aspirations brought us here? How did we cope in a new community and in a new country? What brings us together - what pulls us apart - across generations of immigrants?
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Arts and Culture, Immigration, Uncategorized | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:03 pm on
Saturday, November 22 at the Cambridge Senior Center in Central Square, United for Justice with Peace is holding a post-election conference to discuss how best to move the agenda for peace and justice forward in the Greater Boston areaRead More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 10:00 pm on
This announcement appeared on the smujp(at)yahoogroups.com list on
Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 11:28 AM
Wednesday, November 19, 7:30-9:30 PM
at the Middle School
FROM WALL STREET TO MAIN STREET - Watertown: A Community Speak-Out on the Economic Meltdown
Wednesday, November 19, from 7:30Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:49 pm on
The following message was sent by Jackie Rossetti to the
ResiStatYoungSomerville Google group on Wed, Nov 12, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Hi All,
If you live in the Grimmons Park area, you may be interested in the
following community meeting, to be held on Thursday, Nov. 20th:
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Ward 4 Alderman Walter Pero…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:34 pm on
I just received this invitation in the mail from the Somerville Community Corporation:
The Somerville Community Corporation
Cordially invites you to attend our
39th Annual Dinner and Meeting
"PATHWAYS TO PROGRESS"
Wed, Dec 3, 2008, 6-8:30pm
Holiday Inn Boston - Somerville
30 Washington St., Somerville
Please join us for dinner, program, and entertainment.
Please RSVP by: Wed, Nov 26th
617-776-5931 or AnnualMeetingRSVP(at)SomervilleCDC.org
Suggested Donation $25
We welcome…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 1:06 am on November 10, 2008
On November 1st, I submitted a grant proposal for $390,000 on behalf of the Somerville Voices team to the 2009 Knight News Challenge titled
Transforming the News and Each Other. Please take a look. Your comments would be appreciated. We should find out if we make it past the first round on Nov 15th, so stay tuned for more details.
Read More..>>
Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:31 pm on November 9, 2008
Do you want to learn more about schools in Somerville? Did you miss the last forum, or want another opportunity to ask questions? Many of us have babies or toddlers and haven't had time to investigate our options yet. Some wonder whether we should stay inRead More..>>
Posted in Events, Schools and Youth | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 12:12 am on October 13, 2008
From an Oct 12th article on Boston.com: Romulo Santos of Somerville headed off to work Sept. 9 at a Wal-Mart in Walpole as usual. But that day he was electrocuted on the job. Some might consider the 47-year-old Brazilian native's death a freak accident, but local advocates say that for many immigrant workers, the risk of injury is all too real. Tufts University, Cambridge Health Alliance, and five Somerville community groups have come together to raise awareness of occupational health risks and to teach people their rights.
Read More..>>
Posted in Immigration, Public Health & Safety, Workers' Rights | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 4:12 pm on September 25, 2008
Somerville Ward 5 Alderman Sean O'Donovan was defeated in last night's Democratic Caucus for Register of Probate of Middlesex County despite his supporters' attempts to deceive other delegates into believing that he had been endorsed by third-place candidate Maria Sheehy. O'Donovan finished in second place to Medford attorney Tara DeChristofaro...
Read More..>>
Posted in Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 6:40 pm on September 20, 2008
From the homepage of the Somerville Democratic City Committee
www.SomDems.org :
Our first annual Somerville Democratic City Committee Picnic has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 4th, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 30 Washington Street. All Somerville Democrats are welcome…
Read More..>>
Posted in Announcements, Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 11:09 am on July 20, 2008
Come hoist a pint of whatever beverage catches your fancy at a casual after-work hang-out with the folks from Open Media Boston - at Johnny D's, right across from the Holland St. entrance of the Davis Square Red Line T stop. If you want to talk about the OMB website or pitch content ideas that's fine with us. If you just want to drink and chat about anything that comes to mind, that's also good. Brought to you by your pals at
Open Media BostonRead More..>>
Posted in Events | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 7:55 pm on July 15, 2008
The Mayor has called a special meeting of the Board of Aldermen to create two new Deputy Chief of Police positions that he then wants to take out of civil service. Without any community input or community process on the impact of creating two new politically appointed positions in the leadership of the police department, the Mayor is pushing the Board of Aldermen to agree to their removal from the civil service process.
Read More..>>
Posted in Events, Politics | No Comments »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 12:02 pm on
I share Melissa McWhinney's concerns about the impact of the Mayor's new commission staffing reorganization on the quality of the city's human services. The HRC and other commissions should not have to compete with each other for staff services as they now do under the new arrangement.
Read More..>>
Posted in Government Reform, Politics | 1 Comment »
Posted by Barry Rafkind at 9:41 am on
Please j
