Somerville, MA|News|
Somerville Mayor Takes Steps To Diversify Boards, Commissions
Mayor Ballantyne outlined a plan to rework the application and selection process in an effort to make city commissions more inclusive.

Alex is a Jersey transplant covering Arlington, Malden, Medford, Reading and Somerville for Patch. A graduate of Northeastern University, Alex has lived in the Boston area since college (though he still hasn't been able to bring himself to root for the Sox). He is an avid football and baseball fan, amateur woodworker and film geek.
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Mayor Ballantyne outlined a plan to rework the application and selection process in an effort to make city commissions more inclusive.

Winterfest, slated for March 10, will feature a beer garden, ice sculptures, s'mores and an appearance by Olaf from "Frozen."
Care Solace will help expand access to community mental health and substance use treatment providers for students, staff and families.
Police are seeking the public's help in finding whoever dumped a pit bull-type dog at the ARL in October.
The bill, which has received support from local leaders and law enforcement, was overwhelmingly favored by House lawmakers.
The Board of Health rescinded the mask mandate in indoor spaces, though businesses may choose to institute their own face covering rules.
Feds: Alex Giannakakis obstructed the investigation into fires in Arlington, Needham and Chelsea, in which is late brother was suspected.
After an icy start to the week, parts of the state are expected to flirt with highs we haven't seen in 40 years.
A GoFundMe page has raised more than $50,000 for Beth Callahan, whose sister said her condition is improving, though she remains in a coma.
The allegation against Officer Dana Lamb is "extremely disturbing," Superintendent-in-Chief Gregory Long said.
The RMV fired four employees and will require 2,100 people to take and pass a road test.
The Board of Health voted Tuesday to rescind the indoor mask mandate, as well as the vaccination requirement for large entertainment venues.
Due to the pandemic and staffing challenges, "the size of our little restaurant just could not adequately sustain itself," ownership said.
Police arrested one person near the scene, and two others taken into custody in Cambridge are being questioned.
DPH: Indoor masking is only necessary for vaccinated residents if they are at increased risk of severe disease or live with someone who is.
A Somerville police officer found Robert LeBlanc, 53, asleep at the wheel at a stop light, police said.
Seven upcoming businesses were announced at the shopping and dining complex on Monday.
Mayor Michelle Wu has said the mandate will be lifted when hospitalizations and the positivity rate are below a certain threshold.
Vitale is receiving vocal cord surgery this morning. The 82-year-old was diagnosed with dysplasia and ulcerated lesions of the vocal cords.
Feds: Jaiir Coleman, a member of the Tiny Rascals Gang, faces at least 40 years in prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy.