“It’s stupid. There’s so many people homeless and on the street, and this house sits empty. My house could catch on fire. My neighbor’s house could catch on fire,” said Felipe Da Costa, who’s lived next a house marked with a red slash on Albion Street for about four years.
 

House 151-0 and 157-0, Senate 38-0 and 38-0, approved and Gov. Deval Patrick signed into law a bill allowing the state to borrow $1.7 billion for environmental initiatives including open space preservation, improvements to parklands and programs to harness clean energy.

Participants are invited to express their opinions on the issues that matter in their lives through art. The subject matter is completely open. Exhibit dates are Jan. 16 through Feb. 7.

The story takes place in an upper-class Boston mansion in 1960, when conservative social traditions in America were still firmly rooted but about to be challenged by the upheavals of the decade.

With virtually all dance hotspots of the past now catering to the trendy drinking market or shut down by the economy or recently enacted fire codes, the City Club is one of the few places to go for dancing within easy reach of central Boston.

It was a celebration at City Hall as 12 new firefighters were sworn in by City Clerk John Long on Nov. 13, 2008.

Cameron Alves of the Somerville Youth Hockey program is among the top 18 Pee Wee Major players from the Greater Boston League who will compete in February in the 50th annual Peewee International Hockey Tournament in Quebec City.

“We’re setting standards for citywide policy so that the rules are uniform across the board,” Alderman at Large Bruce Desmond said. “If my colleague wants to bully her way ahead … I am sticking by my decision.”

We window-shopped for a crowd of eight-10 for Thanksgiving dinner, and found you could spend as little as $18.74 or as much as $138.47 if someone else cooks a giant spread for you. What will you spend?

On Thursday, Nov. 20, at 3:30 p.m., artist Laura Marshall will be at the West Branch Library at 40 College Ave. to teach children to write decoratively with flat-nibbed pens and ink. This free program is open to all.

Dear President-elect Obama: Others have said you walked on water to get where you are today. I rather think you hit the books and pounded the pavement. But all criticism or praise aside, what is evident is that you are definitely human. You make mistakes; you slip up.

Seconds later, 28-year-old Kenol Jeantillorme came outside, claiming to own the car and began arguing with police when he was told the car could not be moved and a boot would be placed on it, according to police reports.

Callahan allegedly told the man he would see him in 20 minutes and shortly after, Callahan showed up at the man’s Boston Avenue house with his father, also named Gerald Callahan, and Michael Collins, a relative. Police said Collins was armed with a 12-inch metal pipe, while Callahan Jr. was allegedly wielding a knife in his hand.

I feel a huge milestone has been reached in the election of an African-American president, and it gives me hope even though I voted for a third-party candidate for president.

“The loveliest tree in town” is called by many fond names but has to come down, and a group of kids are planning to come and sing to it at 3 p.m. this afternoon in fond farewell. (Hear song after the jump)

Last week, when we heard about the tree's imminent danger, we moved up the date and will be singing there, and videotaping it (to put on YouTube), this Wednesday around 3:00 pm with 60-90 kids from the choir.

Universal Design expert Valerie Fletcher, writer John Kelly, access specialist Scott Ricker, and life coach Karen Schneiderman will join SPG host, musician and writer Eileen Feldman to recap, analyze and envision a national and statewide human rights agenda that incorporates disAbility rights within the broader issues of equal access and opportunity.

The Little Sisters of the Poor are seeking donations of turkeys, coffee, cookies, ginger ale, tonic water, and cranberry and apple juices. Gifts cards to local supermarkets are also appreciated.

It’s the last Saturday in November and you’re looking for something to do. How about a fun place with bustling people, smiling faces, face painting, music and a terrific selection of handcrafted gifts? If you do want to partake in this, come on down to the 18th annual high school craft fair.

Somerville sophomore Sasha Garczynski finished 92nd overall at the Division 1 Cross Country Championships.