Dear Community Supporters,

The George Dilboy Post 529’s Annual Marine Corps Birthday Celebration, will be held on November 10, 2017, all veterans are invited and encouraged to attend. This year marks the 242nd anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. For the past 20 years, members gather each year to honor those that served and continue to serve our country by providing toys for disadvantaged children.

By Jim Clark

Police officers were dispatched to the Puma store at Assembly Row last week on a report of a shoplifter.

Upon arrival, the officers were provided with a description of the suspect and the last known direction of travel.

As the officers drove along Assembly Row towards the train station, they were flagged down by a security officer who told them that she saw the suspect drop off a bag in a vehicle and then walk into the Clarks store.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

30-year crime rate low, and then some:  In 2014, the city reached an important public safety marker: a 30-year low in recorded criminal incidents. But the crime rate has since fallen even farther. So far this year, Somerville’s crime rate is 2.5 percent below 2014. Nearly every crime category—including robbery, assault, burglary, motor vehicle larceny, and theft—is at a four-year low so far for 2017. Given historical crime trends in Massachusetts, we estimate that 2017 could yield the city’s lowest crime rate since the 1960s. Many factors play into to this change, but they most certainly include outstanding police work. The Somerville Police Department has pursued many programs and initiatives to help drive this decrease in crime including officer Crisis Intervention Training, de-escalation training, and an impressive increase in community engagement, which we’ll take a closer look at below.

Statement from Superintendent Skipper and Mayor Curtatone:

Early this afternoon, the District Attorney’s office confirmed the identity of the victim in yesterday’s fatal shooting at a Somerville home as Tenzin Kunkhyen, a former student in our district who attended our schools from 2009 to 2016. We are extremely saddened at this tragic loss of such a young life and extend our deep condolences to the victim’s family. Additional emotional supports are being made available for students and staff at our schools. This remains an active investigation that is being handled by the District Attorney’s office and no additional details have been released.

— Photos by Bobbie Toner

Update from the DA’s office: The victim in yesterday’s fatal Somerville shooting has been identified as Tenzin Kunkhyen, 16 of Malden.  There are no other updates in the investigation at this time.

The victim in yesterday’s fatal Somerville shooting has been identified as Tenzin Kunkhyen, 16 of Malden.  There are no other updates in the investigation at this time.

Police responded to a home on Farragut Ave. in Somerville late Tuesday afternoon and found a 16-year-old male from Malden with a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at Mount Auburn hospital.

The proposed structure in Boston is believed by many to become a possible cause of additional air traffic over Somerville, due to its proximity to Logan International airport. — Photo courtesy of Handel Architects

By Jim Clark

A resolution was put forward at the latest regular meeting of the Board of Alderman last week that the Administration update the Board regarding the request that the FAA reject any design of skyscraper at Winthrop Square in downtown Boston which would be 775 feet tall, as more traffic would likely be allocated to Runway 33L at Logan International airport if such a design is approved.

The award-winning comics and collectibles store has called Davis Square its home since the early 2000s.

By Kris Atienza

Some people may know Comicazi for its collection of graphic novels, toys, from events or even its win for Best of Boston 2017. What they might not know is that it won one of the highest awards in the entire comic book industry, the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award.

Summer is over so quickly, but this was a different kind of summer, with lots happening in our city and lots of good times. The doors are shutting closed real loud up in NH and down on the Cape with all the returning residents. We have a lot to be thankful for. But those in Texas and Louisiana will need our help. Join us at The Somerville Times in donating to the many charities that are set up and being set up: The Salvation Army, Red Cross and various clubs and organization as well a “gofundme” page that was set up to donate directly to residents that need our help and money. We send them our thoughts and prayers for a quick and speedy recovery to normal. We are all proud Americans and we are very generous to other countries with their disasters, but we all need to step up to the plate and donate – even $10 – to help out our fellow Americans. Imagine if everyone here in Somerville sent a check or donated online. Every $10 or more would be a great help to our fellow Americans who need us now. God Bless Texas and Louisiana and all those affected by this horrible nightmare.

The Kiss 108 reunion was held on Sunday, August 26 at the Jetty in Marshfield. There were a lot of sales and front desk people along with on air DJs such as Jimmy Del Ponte, Tad Bonvie, JJ Wright, Joan Quinn Eastman, David Iseman and Joe DiDonato(currently at NESN)