波士頓慶祝2018美國國慶從早上遊行、重唸獨立宣言開始(圖片)

波士頓市長Martin Walsh 出發遊行前先接受採訪。(周菊子攝)

遊行隊伍準備由市政府大樓前出發。(周菊子攝)

這裝扮，吸引來許多攝影機。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市長Martin Walsh(左二)率領遊行隊伍出發。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn也來遊行。

波士頓市長Martin Walsh(左)向遊人揮手。(周菊子攝)

民兵響槍是國慶遊行必有環節。(周菊子攝)

Add caption

路邊有人派發美國國旗。(周菊子攝)

這也是國慶遊行的搶眼裝扮。(周菊子攝)

在1776年宣讀獨立宣言的陽台上，唱美國國歌。(周菊子攝)

麻週舊週政府議會廳是當年宣讀獨立宣言的地方。(周菊子攝)

CAPAC Members Chu, Takano Denounce Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind Obama-Era Guidance on Campus Diversity

CAPAC Members Chu, Takano Denounce Trump Administration’s Decision to Rescind Obama-Era Guidance on Campus Diversity

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Trump administration announced it will rescind Obama-era policy guidance that encourages elementary and secondary schools and colleges to promote diversity on their campuses. Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) and CAPAC Education Taskforce Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-41) released the following statements:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“The Trump administration’s announcement is a disgraceful setback to campus diversity. This decision dismantles non-binding, Obama administration guidance that took steps toward ending school segregation. CAPAC has long supported efforts to promote diversity in employment and education, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin, which upholds the use of race as one of many factors that colleges and universities may consider in their admissions process. At the same time, we have always made it clear that we do not support the use of unconstitutional, upper-limit quotas to cap educational opportunities for specific racial or ethnic populations in the admissions process.

“The Obama-era guidance rescinded today did not promote the use of racial quotas. Instead, it encouraged schools and colleges to consider race as one of several factors to promote campus diversity in a way that is consistent with current law. These policies enrich the quality of our education institutions. In fact, Asian American and Pacific Islander students – particularly within the Southeast Asian and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community – have directly benefited from these efforts.  

“The Trump Administration decision to rescind this important guidance doesn’t change the fact that policies that promote diverse learning environments are still constitutional. CAPAC will continue to oppose the divisive actions of this Administration and fight to promote transparency, diversity, and opportunity for all.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Education Taskforce Chair:

“The decision announced by the White House to rescind crucial Obama era guidance on affirmative action is disgraceful. Not only is this part of a larger effort to undermine and undo affirmative action policies in admissions completely, it is also another attack by this Administration on diversity and equal opportunity at our nation’s colleges and universities. From eroding Title IX protections to gutting regulations to hold for-profit institutions accountable, the Trump Administration once again proves they are not on the side of students.”

Governor Baker Signs Bill Strengthening Commonwealth Gun Laws

Governor Baker Signs Bill Strengthening Commonwealth Gun Laws

Provides pathway to keep guns away from dangerous individuals

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed H.4670, An Act Relative to Firearms, which will allow household members, or others in close relationships, and local law enforcement to file an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) petition with the court to remove firearms from dangerous individuals.

“Massachusetts’ gun laws are a model for the nation, and creating an additional pathway to keep guns away from people unfit to possess them will make our laws even stronger,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This law creates a responsible way to help prevent gun deaths and suicides while protecting individuals’ second amendment rights.”

“Our administration is committed to keeping our communities safe, and this legislation will give people an additional way to raise concerns if they are worried about a loved one possessing a firearm,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We appreciate the Legislature’s work to pass this bill and the collaboration from law enforcement and key stakeholders to build upon the Commonwealth’s strong laws.”

Once an ERPO petition is filed, a hearing must be held within ten days, and if the court finds that an individual poses a risk to themselves or others, the court can order the immediate surrender of all weapons and the individual’s firearm license. An ERPO can last up to one year.

The bill preserves the right of local police departments to continue to revoke or suspend firearm licenses based on a lack of suitability.

“With the passage of this legislation, Massachusetts once again leads the nation with the strongest and most effective gun laws in the country,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop) said. “This bill will prevent senseless tragedies and help keep Massachusetts’ children safe. I am sincerely grateful to Representative Decker, who tirelessly championed this bill, and would like to recognize the students who raised their voices on this life-saving measure.”

“This common-sense legislation gives family members the tools they need to help loved ones, and to prevent suicide and gun deaths,” said Senate President Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester). “Massachusetts’ nation-leading gun safety laws are made stronger by this bill. I appreciate the hard work of the advocates who fought for this, especially the thousands of young adults who spoke up about this issue.”

“This bill, by providing another tool to protect our residents and communities from gun violence, will save lives,” said Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem (D- Newton). “By passing this law, we are answering the call of so many students, residents and advocates for a safer future.”

“We must do all that we can to keep our communities safe, and that includes keeping guns out of the hands of those who pose a risk of endangering themselves or others,”said Senator Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I’m proud to join with my colleagues in the Legislature to stand up for public safety in the Commonwealth.”

“Securing due process and safeguarding rights are of critical importance in this public safety law,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “At the same time, it facilitates access to mental health and crisis intervention services for those who need them.”

“Massachusetts continues to lead the nation with the lowest gun fatality rates and the most sensible gun laws. This is yet one more step in ensuring that people have an additional avenue to help protect themselves and their family members when harm is apparent and imminent. I continue to thank Speaker DeLeo, who has forged this path — starting in 2014 — and now stands with us today,” said Representative Marjorie C. Decker (D-Cambridge).

“This legislation provides a tool for families to protect loved ones from harming themselves or others by preventing them from accessing a firearm in a crisis. I believe we have managed to strike a critical balance between public safety and due process.  I am incredibly proud to have been able to play a small part in crafting a policy that I firmly believe will save lives.” said Representative Harold P. Naughton, Jr. (D-Clinton), chair of the Joint Committee on Public Safety & Homeland Security. “I would like to thank Speaker DeLeo for his incredible national leadership on this bill and for his commitment to firearm safety. Thank you also to my colleagues in the House for their support in passing this important measure.”

州長、市長，警察長聯袂預告七月四日國慶活動注意安全(圖片)

REPRESENTATIVE TYLER CALLS ON MAYOR WALSH TO TAKE ACTION ON ROXBURY DEVELOPMENT PLANS

REPRESENTATIVE TYLER CALLS ON MAYOR WALSH TO TAKE ACTION ON ROXBURY DEVELOPMENT PLANS

RSMPOC still votes 6-3 in favor of plans opposed by the community

“State Rep. Chynah Tyler looks on as the oversight committee votes to disperse public owned land in Roxbury.” (Property of the committee to elect Chynah Tyler)

BOSTON - July 3, 2018 - The 6-3 vote by the Roxbury Strategic Master Plan Oversight Committee (RSMPOC) in favor of the highly anticipated “Plan Dudley” Request for Proposals (RFPs) released by the Department of Neighborhood Development of the City of Boston was another blow to the housing crisis in the Roxbury neighborhood.

Last night, State Representative Chynah Tyler attended the RSMPOC meeting and shared a letter (available here) she recently penned to Mayor Marty Walsh regarding an overwhelming amount of constituent inquiries concerning future of public owned land in Roxbury. She also witnessed everyresident who attended the meeting provide input which clearly opposed the vote. At one point, some even pleaded with the RSMPOC to postpone the vote or to at least vote “no”.

Despite the shared opposition of the community, the RSMPOC still voted, “yes”. Both the outcome of the vote and the way the City of Boston, BPDA, and DND disposes of publicly owned land is deeply troubling as it reinforces the community’s distrust of the process. “In order to practice good government we must ensure that the community has a voice throughout process and I look forward to seeing how the city and its agencies work to address this alarming issue.”

MAYOR WALSH, SCHOOL COMMITTEE WELCOME LAURA PERILLE AS INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT OF BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MAYOR WALSH, SCHOOL COMMITTEE WELCOME LAURA PERILLE AS INTERIM SUPERINTENDENT OF BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOSTON - Monday, July 2, 2018 - The Boston School Committee tonight unanimously voted to approve Laura Perille as Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools (BPS). Laura Perille previously served as the President & CEO of EdVestors, a school improvement nonprofit with the mission of increasing the number of schools in Boston delivering dramatically improved educational outcomes for all students. Since its launch in 2002 under Laura's leadership, EdVestors has raised and helped investors direct more than $26 million in funds for urban school improvement. With tonight's appointment, Laura has taken a leave of absence from this role. "There is no higher priority for us than the education of our students, and that is why it is so important to find the right person to continue moving our schools and our students forward during this transition," said Mayor Walsh. "I am confident that we have found that person in Laura Perille. Laura has a proven record of being a strong partner and advocate for Boston's school system, has made significant gains in closing the opportunity and achievement gaps for students and is a proud BPS parent. I am proud to welcome her on board, and look forward to our work ahead to continue putting students on a pathway to success." "The Boston School Committee has placed its trust and confidence in Laura Perille as Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools, and we look forward to working closely with her to provide stability in the district, while engaging with our school communities and continuing key initiatives aimed at closing opportunity and achievement gaps in our schools," said Michael Loconto, Chair of Boston School Committee. "As someone who has dedicated my life's work to closing opportunity and achievement gaps, and delivering improved outcomes for students, I am honored and humbled to be named Interim Superintendent of the Boston Public Schools," said Laura Perille. "The students of Boston deserve the very best education, and I am committed to doing all I can to support and strengthen both the operational functions of the school system and learning opportunities for students." Laura has served on a number of civic committees appointed by the Mayor or School Committee in Boston, including the External Advisory Committee on School Choice (2012-13) charged with redesigning Boston's student assignment system; the Education Transition Team for Mayor Walsh (2013-14); and the Superintendent Search Committee (2014-15) for Boston Public Schools. In 2016, Laura was presented with the national Arts Education Award from Americans for the Arts (AFTA) and was recently named to the Wales Education Commission and as an Honorary Professor of Practice at the University of Wales-Trinity Saint David. Laura's nonprofit management career has focused on meeting the needs of children and families in Boston. Prior to EdVestors, Laura led Perille Consulting Group, and previously served as Director of Education for Crittenton Hastings House, Policy Analyst for Community Catalyst/Families USA, and Director of Programs for the Greater Boston Food Bank. A graduate of Brown University, Laura and her family live in Boston, where her children attended and graduated from the Boston Public Schools.

Roche commences tender offer for all shares of Foundation Medicine, Inc. for US$ 137.00 per share in cash

Roche commences tender offer for all shares of Foundation Medicine, Inc. for US$ 137.00 per share in cash

Basel, 2 July 2018 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced that it has commenced a cash tender offer for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Foundation Medicine, Inc. (NASDAQ: FMI) at a price of US$ 137.00 per share. The tender offer is being made pursuant to the previously announced merger agreement dated as of 18 June 2018 among Foundation Medicine, Inc., Roche Holdings, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Roche Holding Ltd, and 062018 Merger Subsidiary, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Roche Holdings, Inc. The tender offer period will expire at 12am midnight, Eastern Time, at the end of the day on 30 July 2018, unless the offer is extended.

Roche has filed a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). 062018 Merger Subsidiary, Inc. is the acquirer in the tender offer. The Offer to Purchase contained within the Schedule TO sets out the terms and conditions of the tender offer.

Foundation Medicine has also filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement with the SEC on Schedule 14D-9, which includes the unanimous recommendation of the Foundation Medicine board of directors (with all directors designated by Roche or its affiliates abstaining) that Foundation Medicine stockholders tender their shares in the tender offer. The closing of the tender offer is subject to a majority of Foundation Medicine's outstanding shares not already held by Roche being tendered in the tender offer. In addition, the transaction is subject to other customary closing conditions. The offer is not subject to any financing condition. Following completion of the tender offer, Roche will acquire all remaining shares at the same price of US$ 137.00 per share through a second step merger. The closing of the transaction is expected to take place in the second half of 2018.

The complete terms and conditions are set out in the Offer to Purchase, which was filed with the SEC today, 2 July 2018. Foundation Medicine stockholders may access copies of all of the offering documents, including the Offer to Purchase and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9, free of charge on the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). The Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 is also located on the SEC page of the Foundation Medicine Investor Relations website, and the Offer to Purchase and the other related materials are available directly from MacKenzie Partners, Inc., the Information Agent for the offer, toll free at (800) 322-2885 (please call +1 (212) 929-5500 (collect) if you are located outside the US or Canada) or via email at tenderoffer@mackenziepartners.com.

Citi is acting as financial advisor to Roche and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is acting as legal counsel to Roche. Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is acting as financial advisor to the Foundation Medicine Special Committee and Goodwin Procter LLP is acting as legal counsel to the Foundation Medicine Special Committee.

CAPAC is Asking for Sec. Ross to Explain Contradictory Stories about Addition of Citizenship Question to the 2020 Census

CAPAC Members Chu, Maloney, Gomez lead 53 Members in Asking for Sec. Ross to Explain Contradictory Stories about Addition of Citizenship Question to the 2020 Census

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus Members Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), and Rep. Jimmy Gomez (D-CA), along with 53 of their colleagues, on Thursday requested that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross explain the contradictory and misleading statements he and other Trump Administration staffers made regarding the decision to add a question on citizenship status to the 2020 Census.

In the letter the members ask the secretary to address the “glaring contradictions between Administration testimonies and recently released internal communications…for the purpose of clarifying the origination, intention, and justification of adding a citizenship question to the census.”

This request is made in light of the supplemental memorandum the Secretary filed on June 21 in the case of States of New York et al. v. United States Department of Commerce et al.. During a March 22 Ways and Means Committee hearing, Rep. Chu asked Secretary Ross about the process of adding the citizenship question to the census, whether it had been tested, and if cost had been factored in. Secretary Ross responded, “Department of Justice, as you know, initiated the request for inclusion of the citizenship question.” But in the June 21 memo, Sec. Ross admitted that Commerce Department staff asked the Department of Justice to make the request.

Congresswoman Maloney is co-chair of the House Census Caucus and author of the 2020 Census IDEA Act that would prevent last minute additions like the citizenship question from being added to the census.

Full text of the letter below and a PDF can be found here.