(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries of The Somerville News belong solely to the authors of those commentaries and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville News, its staff or publishers.)

Immediately following a call to Ward 7 Alderman Bob Trane, about a very uneven sidewalk causing residents to fall, he arrived on the scene to observe my concern, a wonderful same day response.

The St. Clement Anchormen improved to 3-4 with their victory over Notre Dame Academy last week.

Boys Baseball

The St. Clement Anchormen upped their overall record to 3-4 by beating Notre Dame Academy 4-3 on Friday, April 20, at Trum Field in Somerville.  Senior Luke Hartnett (Medford) started on the mound and gave up the three runs in the first inning and then settled in and left Notre Dame scoreless through five innings by striking out six batters. Junior Kevin Foley (Medford) relieved Harntett in the fifth inning with the bases loaded and one out. Foley pitched brilliantly, striking out the next two batters and not allowing any runs.

Groundwork Somerville has put down roots for its urban farm in downtown Somerville.

By Harry Kane

South Street Farm is Somerville’s first farm. It’s part of what will be a larger urban agriculture initiative in the city.  The farm is located at 100 South St. on the corner of Willow St.

Funding has been approved to continue improvements at Somerville Police headquarters.

By Harry Kane

The $282,000 requested for renovations of Police Headquarters has been allocated to the Department of Public Works after a special meeting with the Aldermen last Wednesday, April 18.

This Saturday, April 28, 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. join in on the annual Somerville Spring Clean-Up. For information and list of locations see the city’s website, http://www.somervillema.gov/.   East Somerville Main Streets is looking for a dedicated East Somervillevillian to be Team Captain. Recruit the biggest team and you can win $100 towards a meal at a local restaurant. Don’t have a team? No problem! Come on your own and join the fun. All participants get a free t-shirt, with an after party to follow at Casey’s from 12 to 1. For more information contact Abbie Dusseldorp at projectassistant@eastsomervillemainstreets.org.

Brian Williams, left, anchor of NBC Nightly News, talks about his career with trustee Jonathan Tisch at the Edward R. Murrow Forum at Tufts University's Distler Performance Hall on April 23, 2012. – Photo by Kelvin Ma/Tufts University

By Francisco L. White

The Distler Performance Hall at Tufts University’s Medford/Somerville campus filled quickly around noon on April 23, for the 7th Annual Edward R. Murrow Forum on issues in Journalism. The event was free and open to the public. According to the press release, the forum “is inspired by legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow for his many contributions to journalism and public diplomacy” and “brings together interdisciplinary panels to reflect on Murrow’s legacy and relate it to contemporary issues in journalism.” The forum is sponsored by Tufts’ Communications and Media Studies Program at the School of Arts and Sciences, the Edward R. Murrow Center of Public Diplomacy at The Fletcher School, and the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service.

Alderman Roche is pressing ahead with an effort to have an educational video produced that will help to clarify the workings of the signals at the corner of Foss Park at McGrath Highway and Broadway. – Photo by Bobbie Toner

By Harry Kane

Ward 1 Alderman William M. Roche is advocating for an educational video to be made for the safety of citizens who use the crosswalk at the corner of Foss Park at McGrath Highway and Broadway.

– Photos by Harry Kane

Somerville celebrated its third “one city, one book” campaign, Somerville Reads 2012, this past weekend, a project that promotes literacy and community engagement by encouraging people all over the city to read and discuss books on the same theme.

A safe, free place to park one’s bicycle seems like a good idea. The city, in its efforts to promote cycling in general, asserts that the bike corrals will make our streets and sidewalks a bit safer, while freeing more space for pedestrians and events. They are also regarded as a better alternative to locking bikes to parking meters, sign posts, etc., since in many instances such activity can cause certain problems that can be avoided by use of the corrals.

The Somerville News Person of the Week, Celica Courtney Taylor

Meet Celica Courtney Taylor, a lifelong resident and political activist but, more importantly, a mother and wife here in the city. Celica served on the School Board for Ward 1 for several years, and then she married Alderman Ward 3 Tom Taylor, then left office to become full time wife and mother. To the many Somerville residents who know Celica over the years, and we certainly count ourselves here at The News as big fans, she is one of the nicest, sincerest, and most honorable people that you could ever meet.   Her many different friends and family members will tell you she’s bright and knowledgeable about local politics going way back to the early 70’s. More importantly, she’s dedicated to her husband and daughter as well as her three children from a previous marriage.