Council Funds Police Body Cameras for August

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City Council Approves Funding for Police Body Cameras

The City Council approved a Technology-Specific Surveillance Use Policy and a $231,635 state grant to launch a police body-worn camera program this month; the grant expires Aug. 31, and it plus reserved funds are expected to cover costs for fiscal 2027. Mayor Wilson said the "community is tired of waiting for action on commitments to police reform" made six years ago, noting the policy grants a civilian oversight body access to camera video. Testimony was mixed: Alexandra Thorn of Digital Fourth objected that police retain full access to the data and that Somerville has no civilian oversight body yet, while defense attorney Marea Beeman backed the cameras based on their use as evidence in court.

The Somerville Times

Police Exhaust Leads in Anti-Gentrification Vandalism Case

Somerville police announced Aug. 5 that they have exhausted all leads in the case of a Park Street home vandalized with anti-gentrification spray paint.

Patch

Firefighter Whelan Placed on Leave After Ticket Scam Charges

City officials confirmed Aug. 5 that firefighter Robert Whelan was placed on paid administrative leave after being arraigned in an alleged $14,000 World Cup ticket scam.

The Somerville Times

Human Rights Report Highlights Somerville Neighborhood Inequities

The Somerville Human Rights Commission's annual report, released Aug. 5, highlights disparities in poverty, health, and vulnerability across the city's neighborhoods.

The Somerville Times

Planning Board Reviews Lab, Apartment, and District Proposals

Somerville's Planning Board meets remotely today to review a 19-story lab building at 120 Middlesex Ave., apartment proposals at 32-40 White St. and 6 Wheatland St., and the Arts & Innovation District Urban Design Framework.

City of Somerville Planning Board

Kaaya Vritti Hosts Free Movement and Theatre Workshop at Central Library

Kaaya Vritti hosts a free movement and collaborative storytelling workshop in the Central Library Auditorium today at 5:30 p.m.

Somerville Public Library

Blues Union Hosts Masked Blues Dance Party and Lesson in Union Square

Blues Union Boston hosts a masked social blues dance and beginner-friendly lesson upstairs at Bow Market in Union Square tonight from 7-11 p.m.

Blues Union Boston

Jaded Flame and STRYK9 Headline Free Rock Show at The Jungle

Jaded Flame, STRYK9, Drawing Cats, and Sexy Thing play a free rock show at The Jungle Community Music Club in Union Square tonight at 8 p.m.

Eventbrite

SFLC Holds New Parents Support Group and Baby Playgroup at Central Library

The Somerville Family Learning Collaborative hosts its weekly parent support group and baby playgroup today from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Central Library Auditorium.

Somerville Public Library

State Senate Passes Home Care Licensure Bill Sponsored by Sen. Jehlen

The Massachusetts Legislature passed a bill Aug. 5, co-sponsored by Somerville Sen. Patricia Jehlen, to establish licensing and training requirements for the home care industry.

The Somerville Times

Bicycle Advisory Committee to Meet in Hybrid Session

The Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee meets tonight at 6:30 p.m., in person at the Tufts Administration Building and remotely via Zoom.

City of Somerville

Somerville Veterans' Commission Schedules Remote Meeting

The Somerville Veterans' Commission on Monuments, Memorials, and Dedications meets virtually today at 4:30 p.m. to discuss local dedications and memorials.

City of Somerville