人生一定要有的八個朋友：
推手(Builder)、
支柱(Champion)、
同好(Collaborator)、
夥伴(Companion)、
中介(Connector)、
開心果(Energizer)、
開路者(Mind Opener)、
導師(Navigator)。
chutze@bostonorange.com
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Bostonians
for an Elected School Committee: Where is Mayor Wu on the plan supported by
99,000 voters?
Bostonians
for an Elected School Committee today called on Mayor Michelle Wu to join in
restoring democratic control and accountability to the Boston Public Schools.
We are
a coalition of organizations from across the city. Our November 2021 ballot
question for an elected School Committee won 99,000+ votes, more than any
elected leader in the city—including Mayor Wu. The ballot question won in every
single precinct in every single ward, the first in history to do so!
Since
the election, we have repeatedly requested to meet with Mayor Wu to discuss her
position. She has yet to respond.
Today’s
city council hearing marked a critical moment in the effort to move forward
with delivering on the mandate expressed by Boston voters for an elected school
committee. The petition filed by District 5 Councilor Ricardo Arroyo and
Councilor-at-large Julia Mejia must be supported by the Council and the Mayor.
Mayor
Wu has taken a very public position in opposition to receivership, arguing that
democracy and local control must rule. That same argument must hold to abide by
the wishes of the voters in Boston. A hybrid model would only water down the
power of the voters. We should have the right to elect our own decision makers
to our School Committee—just like every other municipality in MA. By her lack
of transparency and refusal to engage on this issue that so many residents
support, she is proving the importance of a fully elected, fully accountable
School Committee.
Past
mayors have hidden behind their appointees, pulling the strings on key school
decisions affecting thousands of students but avoiding responsibility. Mayor Wu
ran on a platform of social justice and change and held herself up as a
champion of democracy. On this critical issue, which directly affects 50,000
children and their families and indirectly affects every resident of the city,
Mayor Wu is not walking the walk.
Both
the Council and the Mayor must approve the home rule petition before it can go
to the legislature. We call on Mayor Wu not to stand in the way of the 99,000
voters who want real accountability from their School Committee.
YARMOUTH – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy, legislators and public safety officials at the Yarmouth Police Department for a ceremonial bill signing of An Act allowing humane transportation of K9 partners, also known as “Nero’s Law.”
The bill was sponsored by Representative Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable) and Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) in response to the line-of-duty shooting that killed Yarmouth Police Sergeant Sean Gannon and severely injured his K9 partner Nero in 2018. At the time of Sgt. Gannon’s death, Massachusetts law did not allow for Nero’s critical injuries to be treated by emergency medical personnel. Nero’s Law now permits emergency medical personnel to offer emergency medical treatment and transport of K9 partners, including first aid, CPR and lifesaving interventions.
“Nero and all K9 Officers like him deserve the same quality of care that we are able to deliver to all law enforcement personnel,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The swift medical treatment and transport now permitted through Nero’s Law will save lives, and we are grateful to the Legislature for their commitment to this important issue.”
“K9 Officers have an incredible impact on the communities and the departments they serve, and they risk their lives each day to keep residents safe from harm,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Nero’s Law fulfills our shared obligation to care for them as they do for us and reaffirms our administration’s dedication to supporting those that bravely protect and serve.”
“Police dogs perform vital public safety functions in communities across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary ofPublic Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “When an officer’s K9 partner is injured in the line of duty, they deserve the immediate access to life-saving treatment and transport that this law makes possible. Today’s bill signing protects loyal partners like Nero and renews our promise to never forget Sgt. Sean Gannon.”
"The Gannon Family is profoundly grateful to the legislators and veterinary professionals who took the initiative to draft the Bill that became Nero's Law, which affords our beloved K-9s who serve us all with unfailing loyalty the expedient care they richly deserve if and when needed," said Denise Gannon.
“I would like to thank Governor Baker for coming to Yarmouth today and for his leadership, as well as the many other people who were instrumental in seeing this bill become a law. As the former Deputy Chief of Police for the Town of Yarmouth, and as someone who therefore has a deep personal connection to the events of April 12, 2018, I am extremely gratified to see Nero's Bill signed into law. This bill is evidence that good people can come together to do great things for the community. It is also evidence that Massachusetts is proud to stand by its first responders and to support them in their mission, and to protect them when needed,” said Representative Xiarhos (R-Barnstable).
“Today, we honor Sean and all the K9 officers and members of law enforcement who have dedicated their lives to keeping our communities safe. I am immensely grateful to Denise Gannon, Governor Baker, and my legislative colleagues for ensuring we got this bill signed into law. As a native son of New Bedford, Sergeant Gannon, and by extension his K9 partner Nero, is forever a beloved part of our community. It has been an absolute honor and a privilege to help honor the life of such an incredible man and dedicated public servant. I hope today makes Denise, Patrick, Dara, and the entire Gannon Family proud,” said Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).
“On this sobering 4th anniversary of K9 Sgt. Sean Gannon’s murder, we are humbled by the signing of Nero’s Law. It is legislation that we owe to our fearless K9’s who put themselves in harm’s way for our protection. Our K9 handlers also need to know that their K9 partners will receive the very best care available should they be injured,” said Yarmouth Chief of Police Frank Frederickson.
“We are thrilled with the passage of this legislation that protects these animals that do so much for us and ask so little in return. There are many examples of the sacrifices that Police K9’s make in protection of their human partners. We experienced this in Braintree on June 4, 2021, when Kitt saved the life of 3 officers during a violent assault. Although medical intervention would not have saved Kitt that day, there are numerous instances where timely medical treatment will save the life of a heroic K9. We feel that providing medical care is the least we can do for them,” said Braintree Chief of Police Mark Dubois.
MAYOR WU LAUNCHES GROUP CHARGED WITH DESIGNING ALTERNATIVE, COMMUNITY-LED CRISIS RESPONSE PROGRAM
15 community members selected to work with consultant to develop strategies for community-led response to mental health crises
BOSTON - Tuesday, April 12, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Human Services launched the Community-Led Design Group for Mental Health Crisis Response, made up of 15 community members with professional or lived experience with mental health issues, as part of the City of Boston’s commitment to developing a public safety infrastructure rooted in public health. The decision to explore community-led crisis response programs was a result of feedback from advocates and community members, in particular from communities of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the lack of mental health supports. The group will design a pilot proposal for a community-led response system for mental health crises throughout Boston neighborhoods and will produce a report in September with recommendations for the City’s evaluation of the program’s feasibility and strategies for implementation.
“Public safety must be grounded in public health and building community trust,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we emerge from the worst of the pandemic, the depth of mental health needs across our communities makes this work urgent. I am grateful to community members offering their lived experience and expertise to design a crisis response program that effectively, compassionately serves Bostonians in crisis.”
“A mental health crisis is a health care issue, not a criminal one, and it requires an evidence-based, public health response. For too long, those suffering from mental health disorders have been criminalized, leading to further stigma and shame that has deterred people from seeking out care and deepened inequities in our communities,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “The Community-Led Design Group is a critical first step toward ensuring those in crisis can get the care they need.”
The Community-Led Design Group will examine mental health resources needed to support community members in crisis and opportunities to build community capacity to de-escalate mental health crises and connect individuals to the necessary and relevant resources. This model can potentially offer an alternative entry-point for receiving emergency mental health support, other than calling 911 or waiting for an appointment with a mental health clinician. The alternative crisis response model will center community support, rather than a police response, during mental health crises. Through these efforts, the City will strengthen citywide public safety and public health infrastructure to better protect the safety and wellbeing of Boston residents. The group will develop a report that will be presented to Mayor Wu and the public for review in the fall. The individuals tasked with this responsibility are from a variety of neighborhoods, identities, and backgrounds, representing all Bostonians. Members include social workers, clinicians, organizers, psychologists, housing and mental health advocates, and individuals from organizations working to increase access to mental health support for communities of color.
Community-led response has already had a positive impact in violence prevention work in Boston. Residents impacted by community violence can call the Neighborhood Trauma Team hotline to receive services and support from professionals who are trained in trauma response and who have connections to the neighborhood. The Community-Led Design Group will explore how the community-led model could expand to support residents facing mental health challenges.
The launch of this design group builds on Mayor Wu’s commitment to creating alternative crisis response programs in Boston that are grounded in public health. In June 2020, then-City Councilor Michelle Wu filed an ordinance for alternative non-police responses to emergencies. In 2021, former Mayor Kim Janey charged the Mental Health Crisis Response Working Group – made up of the Human Services Cabinet (HS), Boston Police Department (BPD), and Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) – with creating a pilot program to reimagine the way Boston responds to mental health crises, including three response models: (1) enhancing BPD’s co-response, which the City has taken steps to implement by standardizing dispatch procedures; (2) alternative EMS response that would deploy teams of EMTs and mental health workers in response to 911 calls. Boston EMS is actively working through necessary requirements, systems, trainings and securing resources, with a roll out expected within the next three months to six months; and (3) the community-led design group.
The Working Group has hosted multiple community listening sessions and public meetings, analyzed 9-1-1 data on mental health crisis-related calls and community feedback, researched best practices from other cities, and convened conversations with subject matter experts and stakeholders from other cities that already lead on alternative responses. The development process also included 11 community meetings and a survey Request For Information (RFI).
More information about the Community-Led Design Group for Mental Health Crisis Response is available here, and a summary of the three response models is available here.
ABOUT THE OFFICE OF HUMAN SERVICES
The Mayor’s Office of Human Services (HS) is the largest cabinet in the City with seven departments and offices that span work across multiple communities all striving to create a healthier Boston. Committed to promoting and ensuring the health and well-being of the City’s most vulnerable residents, HS provides a wide array of critical programs and services all while advocating for systemic change to tackle root causes of some of our most pressing challenges in the City. HS departments work with and for the populations with the greatest needs in our city, including Veterans, youth, persons with disabilities and our aging residents.
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SAFETY PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF 2022 BOSTON MARATHON
BOSTON - Tuesday,
April 12, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced public safety preparations
to ensure a successful weekend as the City of Boston prepares for athletes
and visitors ahead of the 126th Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon is the
world’s oldest annually held marathon. This will be the first Boston Marathon
held on Patriots’ Day since 2019 after being canceled in 2020 and moved to
October in 2021 due to the pandemic. This year’s race will also mark 50 years
since the women’s division was first featured at the Boston Marathon. Thirty
thousand participants from all 50 states and nearly 100 countries are
expected to run the Marathon and nearly 10,000 volunteers will take part in
the event.
“The Boston Marathon
showcases our city and communities on the world stage, and I’m overjoyed to
welcome this tradition back this April,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.
“This year we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first official
women’s field. Our public safety and first responders have been hard at work
to ensure a safe, healthy race. Congratulations to all of the athletes, and
see you at the finish line!”
“Two Boston Marathons
in six months is unprecedented, but we are delighted to hold the 126th
edition of the race on its Patriots’ Day date again with the support of Mayor
Wu and the City of Boston,” said President & CEO of the B.A.A. Tom Grilk.
“The 2022 Boston Marathon will inject more than $200 million into a Greater
Boston economy that is still recovering from the pandemic, and we are honored
to do our part in the reopening of society.”
Public
Safety
·Boston
Police Department (BPD) will have uniformed and undercover officers along the
marathon route.
·Cameras
will be active along the Boston portion of the Marathon route, and
observation points will be set up around the finish line area in the Back Bay
to monitor the crowd.
·Spectators
are encouraged to leave large items such as backpacks and strollers at home.
These items are not banned; however, individuals may be subject to search.
·Call
9-1-1 in an emergency situation and follow @bostonpolice for race safety
updates.
·Boston
Fire will have walking patrols along the course to respond to incidents.
Patrols can call-in additional assets, utilizing the alleys and adjacent
roadways to the course. Air quality monitoring will also be carried-out along
the route.
·Boston
Fire will stage its specialized units for Tech Rescue, HazMat, Decon, and
additional apparatus at strategic locations on both sides of the course.
Emergency
Medical Services
·Boston
EMS will have enhanced medical coverage, including additional personnel in
the field, dispatch and special operations.
·Units
will be deployed along the Boston route and in the finish line area, ready to
serve anyone requiring medical assistance, including runners, spectators and
volunteers. This will include EMTs and Paramedics working on ambulances,
bikes and carts, as well as in medical stations.
·Through
close coordination with medical volunteers, Boston EMS works to treat and
release as many people on scene as possible, which is intended to mitigate
the impact to the hospital system.
·Boston
EMS plans to increase the number of ambulances citywide to ensure there will
be no disruption in services to residents.
Street
Closures & Traffic Advisories
Please see the traffic advisory from the Boston Transportation
Department.
·Vehicle
traffic will be prohibited and parking will be restricted on many streets in
Boston in the days leading up to the Boston Marathon and on Monday, April 18,
2022.
·Using
the MBTA to travel to and from Boston on Marathon Monday is strongly
recommended. Detailed information on MBTA service can be found at www.MBTA.com.
For a faster return trip, the MBTA advises riders to purchase a round-trip
rather than a one-way ticket.
·On
Marathon Monday, Newbury Street and Huntington Avenue outbound will be closed
to vehicle traffic to allow easier spectator movement in the area.
·Visitors
are encouraged to take advantage of the City’s Bluebikes program.
·Read
all posted signs and variable message boards carefully.
Emergency
Communications
·The
City’s Emergency Operations Center will be open on Monday to monitor the
races. The EOC will be staffed by our City departments, state agencies and
our non-profit partners to coordinate the City’s operational plan.
Additionally, the EOC will monitor the weather, maintain situational
awareness regarding the various Marathon events, respond to any resource
requests from public safety and manage family reunification if needed.
·Boston
EMS, Police, Fire, and the Office of Emergency Management will have personnel
assigned to the multi-agency coordination center at the Massachusetts
Emergency Operation Center in Framingham.
·BPHC
will have staffing at the Dispatch Operations Center and Central Medical
Emergency Dispatch (CMED) Center where ambulance to hospital communication
throughout metropolitan Boston is coordinated.
·Sign
up for AlertBoston to receive emergency notifications from the City at boston.gov/emergency.
Alerts are available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, Cape
Verdean Creole, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Spanish,
and Vietnamese.
Public
Health
·The
BAA (Boston Athletic Association) and City of Boston have worked together
this year to ensure the safety of all participants, staff, volunteers, and
spectators.
·We
strongly encourage everyone to practice personal responsibility for the 126th Boston Marathon. Guests traveling with athletes and
spectators cheering on participants are encouraged to take efforts to
mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
·These
efforts may include:
·Being
fully vaccinated
·Getting
tested for COVID-19 prior to any travel
·Only
using B.A.A. provided course nutrition in lieu of accepting hydration or food
from spectators
·This
is an entirely outdoor, open-air event. It is encouraged, but not required,
to wear masks.
·Individuals
who are not fully vaccinated are at higher risk of suffering severe illness
or death from COVID-19 infection.
