By Jim Clark

Police, fire and EMT units responded to a report of a sick person at the Lechmere Car Wash on McGrath Hwy. last Saturday evening.

Once there, respondents learned that a man who reportedly appeared to be intoxicated was complaining of chest pains. It was decided that he would be taken to the hospital by ambulance.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

On Monday, we signed an agreement accepting nearly $1 billion in funding from the Federal Transit Administration, guaranteeing that the most important public transit project in the country is brought to fruition. This is a historic milestone for Somerville, the metro region and the Commonwealth. We are building more than a light rail line. We’re building the backbone of a resilient, sustainable economy. And it’s a strong economy for everyone.

Steve Carter, Cambridge Health Alliance’s new senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer.

By Tom Bannister

Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA has named Steve Carter as its senior vice president of information technology and chief information officer. Carter, who has served in various IT leadership roles at CHA since 2002, has more than 30 years of management experience in the healthcare delivery and IT environments.

We decided to bring back this SNN story published in November as it still holds relevance to Somerville months later. Somerville Neighborhood News show, a community news production brought to you by the dedicated staff, volunteers and interns at Somerville Community Access TV. Thank you reading, watching and sharing our news segments.

Are you a Somerville renter or homeowner looking to make your home more energy efficient with renewable energy? The City of Somerville invites you to take a brief online survey to help inform potential programs and policies that would offer residents options for solar energy and other ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, whether or not you own the home. The survey will be available at http://www.somervillema.gov/solarsurvey through Feb. 21.

The Somerville Homeless Coalition has been aiding the area’s homeless population since the mid-80s.

By Douglas Yu

In the heart of Davis Square, the Somerville Homeless Coalition (SHC) has been serving homeless community around the city since 1985.

For almost 30 years, SHC’s goal has been more than just providing supportive services to those who are in temporary need, but also obtaining and maintaining affordable housing.

By Bob Katzen, Beacon Hill Roll Call

Gov. Deval Patrick, on his last full day in office Wednesday, announced that the salary of the 200 members of the Legislature will be frozen for the 2015-2016 legislative session that began Wednesday. The freeze will leave in place the current $60,032 base salary of each senator and representative. Patrick, in a letter to outgoing Treasurer Steven Grossman said he regrets this outcome. “As you know, I believe that an adjustment in base compensation for legislators and constitutional officers is warranted,” he wrote.

Sean Gaskell will give a performance on the Kora, an ancient 21-stringed harp from West Africa. Joining him will be Dave Kobrenski on the Fulani Flute. They will feature traditional songs that are the heart and soul of the Koras musical repertoire in addition to some of Gaskell’s personal compositions. The show will take place at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., on Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m. Admission is free, although donations will be very much appreciated.

By Rebecca Danvers

The City of Somerville has recently reported that with limited space and thousands of active residents, it is reviewing recommendations made by the Recreational Fields Task Force for new policies and best practices for field permitting, use, and maintenance. Moving forward, the City will also create an Action Plan that outlines future steps to be taken to manage field usage.

The Community Preservation Committee invites all interested community members to hear about the Community Preservation Act (CPA) project proposals before the Community Preservation Committee and offer feedback on which deserve to receive funding at two community meetings in January. The first will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Aldermanic Chambers at City Hall, 93 Highland Ave. and the second will be held on Monday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in the community room at the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) at 259 Lowell St. Parking is extremely limited at the VNA, so please make arrangements to walk, bike, carpool, or use street parking. See the attached flyer for details. For more information, contact Emily Monea at 617-625-6600 x2118 or emonea@somervillema.gov.