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Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

(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)

Originally published September 13, 2008.

I love Somerville. Why do I love Somerville? There are tons of reasons. One reason is that I know where most of the streets are. I also know a lot of short cuts, especially during rush hour. Here are a few more reasons:

North is going places.

By Sanjeev Selvarajah

The average individual only enters a church for a funeral or a wedding. Hard rock Los Angeles band The North encompasses both—out in front, a funeral for family—or alternatively, a hymnal from a wedding of off-kilter famous couples like Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton. The origins of the band started in Massachusetts with the group playing local spots in Somerville and other areas. They’re returning to Massachusetts on August 1 for an 11 p.m show at Church of Boston.

Celebrate the season at “Seize the Summer,” the July installment of the city’s SomerStreets festival, on Sunday, July 27 from noon to 4 p.m. between Walnut and Lowell Streets on Highland Ave.

SomerStreets is the City of Somerville’s take on the internationally renowned Open Streets concept, closing busy city streets to vehicles, and opening them up for cycling, walking, dancing, running, and other modes of activity.

Market Basket’s parking lot on Somerville Ave this morning. — Photo by Bobbie Toner

My letter to Market Basket:

Many Somerville residents rely on Market Basket for fresh, wholesome foods at affordable prices and for jobs that provide strong benefits. As a mayor and as a Market Basket customer, I hope for a swift resolution to Market Basket’s current issues, which though internal are directly affecting our community. I also encourage all involved to find a solution in the best interest of all parties: Market Basket’s employees, customers, the company and the community.

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)

The Massachusetts House of Representatives took an important step this month in passing a commonsense gun control bill that fairly addresses all the facets of this critical issue. Massachusetts police chiefs—who already have discretion over licenses to carry firearms—will be able to deny an application for a firearm identification card if the applicant is deemed a safety risk; licensed gun dealers will be able to obtain a CORI check when hiring employees; and the state would create an online portal for private gun sales. Meanwhile, school districts would be required to develop plans to address students’ mental health needs and have a school resource officer for security purposes, and the State Police would have a new criminal firearms and trafficking unit.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

East Somerville Main Streets’ Third Thursday Block Party called “World Groove Dance Party” took place last Thursday at Chuckie Harris Park.

The Food and Nutrition truck is loaded with healthy provisions for the city’s hungry youngsters.

By Jim Clark

The City of Somerville’s award-winning Food and Nutrition Services Department will be providing free breakfasts and lunches to area youth under the age of 19 through August 22, 2014.

Although the present day McCarthy overpass is destined to become a thing of the past, the public is being reminded that change can often come gradually, and sometimes annoyingly so.

By Jeremy F. van der Heiden

The McGrath Highway/McCarthy Boulevard Project has been moving along, although perhaps not as quickly as many residents in the city would prefer. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and City of Somerville recently held a public information meeting to explain some of the current goings-on with the grounding of the McCarthy overpass.