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Finally the School Committee has voted on the elitist Choice program to be unified into one school at the Healey for everyone. Isn't the present School Committee person from Ward 4 a huge fan of the Choice program as long as it helps her?

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Too bad about the 49 custodians being let go, the city is supposed to save almost a million and a half dollars a year by outsourcing it to a private company. Many of the janitors have been on the job for a long time and now face uncertain job prospects. First it was the DPW trash collector's being outsourced years ago and now the janitors…we hear maybe the street sweepers next. A lot of folks will be saying the city should close a few buildings and sell them off over the next few years, which might be a good option when it comes to certain city buildings.

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Doesn't the state investigation into false state certification for EMT's hit home uncomfortably since many at Cataldo's Ambulance in Somerville were said to have falsified their certification. You'd like to think that the people who are supposed to treat us when we need help are certified, wouldn't you? Have you seen the bills the company sends out, after a visit and maybe a sprint to the hospital.

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So last Saturday at Trum Field on "Family Day" an individual got arrested for urinating in public in front of people and he was standing right near the public bathroom. What's wrong with people and their sense of decency. Whatever happened to adults knowing right and wrong?

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School's out so be careful with kids crossing the street, watch out between cars. Most of all, if you're traveling down a residential street, why must people race? It only takes one fast mistake and life's changed forever for everyone concerned.

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Congratulations to the graduating class of Somerville Next Wave Junior High School and Full Circle High School, Somerville's alternative, moderate special needs schools on their recent graduation last week.

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We're hearing reports that the Somerville Taxpayers Association is starting up again. Here in Somerville, a lot of talk has been widely circulated recently. We hear that being named to head the group are local guys Ross Blouin and Bob McGowan, both gentleman are well known in Somerville for activism and dedication to civic causes. A start up core of individuals are seeking concerned citizens to join them, they will be announcing their first meeting and putting up a Web site over the summer.

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Everyone is invited to celebrate the end of the Somerville Little League season with a cookout planned for this Saturday, June 26 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Conway Park. Trophies and food and a fun time for all is expected. Join the parents and the kids in helping out a great organization that does so much to help kids in the city.

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So the city has its finalists for the police chief search. We hear the candidates include Acting Chief Mike Cabral, officers from Lowell, Fitchburg and Haverhill in Massachusetts, a DEA agent and an Indiana police official. Acting Chief Cabral has a lot of fans here in Somerville, which way will Mayor Joe go? On July 7 at 6 p.m. in City Hall the candidates will answer questions before the public. Seem familiar?

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Important Green Line meeting on Wednesday, June 30th at 6 PM at the Somerville High School Auditorium. The meeting will provide an opportunity for members of the public, agency representatives, and other project stakeholders to learn about changes to this long-awaited project and ask questions of state officials.

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Interesting meeting next Wednesday, June 30 at the Elizabeth Peabody House at 277 Broadway. Ocean State Job Lot, a closeout store, wants to move into the old Star Market site at 299 Broadway. We hear there are mixed feelings in the neighborhood about the store. That is a busy central business district and whatever goes there is an economic anchor of Winter Hill. We hear the city is not enthusiastic and thinks of the Job Lot as a junk store.

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Check us out on Facebook at Somerville News, lots of lively conversations and reactions to our stories. Jimmy Del Ponte is one of our favorite Facebook posters and Maureen Bastardi might be the most prolific Facebook poster of all the elected officials.

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Mayor Curtatone's 2010 Summer Jobs Program is looking for businesses who are able to hire one of our pre-screened youth for the summer. We ask for a minimum of 15 hours per week. The youth will need to be paid the minimum wage of $8.00 per hour. If you are interested in participating in this program or would like more information, please contact Nancy Bacci 617-625-6600 x3314 or nbacci@somervillema.gov

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