Well the new Police Chief is working out well, so well that apparently the Mayor is submitting an order to remove the two Deputy Chiefs positions from civil service. We hear that the Mayor has submitted this request to the Board of Alderman for a vote this week. Two questions here – who were the last two to occupy those positions and who are the next two to occupy them?

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A moratorium on the former Winter Hill Star Market property is being proposed by the administration so that any proposal to tear it down and erect a huge condo complex might be difficult in the future. The Winter Hill property probably represents a desirable spot for developers, since right down the other end of Marshall Street might be the new Green Line station, making that entire section of Winter Hill very attractive to developers.

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Very busy at City Hall on Friday with meetings in the afternoon, seems that the foreman for the Water Dept. and the foreman for the Sewer Dept. were placed on Administrative leave, but only for one day (we heard they were back at work on Tuesday) Рapparently the city already put them both back to work. So it would appear that Torpedo Lady was in charge for one full day. Apparently you have to be careful if you’re washing your own private vehicle in the DPW yards.

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Quiet out on the streets of the State Rep. race – both candidates out there knocking door to door in the heat over in South Medford – we heard nothing extraordinary this week – other than the only candidate on the ballot – Bob Trane – sent out a letter to the entire district, which is one more then Stickers Sciortino has done. We‚Äôre watching the mailings, look closely at the union label or lack of it and who is paying for the mailings for stickers. It appears some could use some spell checkers in their mailings, we‚Äôd offer ours – but we need one sometimes too. 

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Mayor Joe’s annual Boston Harbor Cruise is scheduled for Wednesday August 6, boarding is at 6:30 p.m. sharp at Long Wharf in Boston. As in previous years, it should be filled and lots of fun Рmost of us are going.

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The Planning Board is scheduled to hear the proposed 98-unit project at Park Street – it will be interesting to see who shows up to support the project and how they’re getting their funding.

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Congratulations to Mark Antonelli, who was chosen to be the next boys varsity basketball coach for Somerville High School. Mark has been around as the assistant varsity coach, head junior varsity coach for five years and also as a physical education instructor. He brings many years experience and total devotion to the Somerville High team.

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Also congratulations to Chief Master Sergeant James M. McMahon, who recently just retired from the United States Air Force after 30 years of dedicated service to our country.  McMahon grew up in Somerville, traveled the globe and reached some of the highest goals that an airman could reach – and is a very highly decorated individual with over 15 major awards and decorations that were presented to him during his career. We wish him the best of luck in the future.

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Our condolences to the Nissenbaum family for the recent loss of their father Max who recently passed away this past weekend. Max Nissenbaum was 95 years old and was one of the owners of Nissenbaum Used Auto Parts now known as Nissenbaum Auto Recycling. He was a great guy and a good friend to many of us here at The Somerville News and will also be missed by many in the community.

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In Somerville again for the summer is Kaitlin Norton (Jamie’s daughter), from her home in England. Kaitlin lives just North of London with her brother Corey (Jamie’s son), her other brother, sister and her mother, who is stationed there in the US Air Force. We hope Kaitlin enjoys her summer here in the ‘Ville.

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There will be a community meeting to discuss upcoming selective demolition at the East Somerville Community School and updates on efforts to rebuild the school on Monday, July 21st at 6:00 p.m., at the Capuano Early Childhood Center, 150 Glen Street. City and School staff will provide attendees with important information regarding the school’s renovation and plans for the 2008-09 school year.

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There will be a community meeting for the Grimmons Park renovation on Wednesday, July 16th at 7 pm in the 1st floor community room at the Mystic Activity Center. The firm that has been selected to design the park, Weston & Sampson, will be introduced to the neighborhood at that time.