By Jim Clark

Members of the police Gang/Anti-Crime unit observed a group of individuals reportedly smoking marijuana in Edward Leathers Park last week and called for backup as they approached them to investigate.

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)

Last Sunday we kicked off the fifth annual SomerStreets series with Carnaval at SomerStreets on East Broadway. That afternoon, the streets of East Somerville weren’t filled with cars, but with people dancing, playing music, walking, running and biking. It’s the start of another summer in Somerville and we have a calendar overflowing with fun and free outdoor activities that bring neighbors together. SomerStreets will come to Highland Avenue in July, to Holland Street in September and Somerville Avenue in October. The Somerville Arts Council has a number of great events coming up this month, including the History of Tap dance performance this Saturday in Magoun Square and the second Somerville Squeezebox Slam on Saturday, June 14, with accordionists performing around Somerville and coming together in Davis Square for a concert.

Two of Somerville’s newest parks, Chuckie Harris Park and Quincy Street Open Space, won recognition at the annual awards gala of the Boston Society of Landscape Architects (BSLA), the oldest and one of the largest landscape architecture society chapters in the U.S., which also presented Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone with its highest award for his leadership in design, transportation and sustainability.

Jim Halloran announces move to DPW. Public process to be utilized in search for new Director

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that following  an announcement by the City’s Superintendent of Recreation, Jim Halloran, of his intent to accept a position within the Somerville Department of Public Works’ Weights and Measures division, the city will conduct a public search for the next Superintendent, effective immediately. Halloran will assume his position at the DPW on July 1.

— Photos by Claudia Ferro

The city’s fifth annual SomerStreets series kicked off for summer 2014 with “Carnaval @ SomerStreets” on East Broadway Sunday.

SomerStreets is the city’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 activities.

By Jim Clark

Police were called to Saks Fifth Avenue on 300 Canal St. last Saturday on reports that loss prevention personnel were fighting with an alleged shoplifter in the store’s parking lot area.

Upon arrival, police officers assisted in subduing the suspect, Hacene Merzi, 55, back into the store’s loss prevention office.

Christine Barber of Thurston Street is a candidate for State Representative from Ward 4 and Ward 7 here in Somerville and several precincts in South Medford/Hillside and West. She has a fundraiser and kickoff Tuesday (last night ) night at Sabur Restaurant here in Somerville, we wish her the best of luck.

Somerville Little League, In honor of the 75th Anniversary of Little League baseball in the US, will sponsor a “Majors All Star Game”, featuring some of the best players Somerville Little League has to offer. The ceremony will take place on Saturday, June 7, beginning at 10:30 a.m., at Conway Park. In addition, that day will also feature many of the Opening Day activities that were cancelled back in April due to inclement weather. Starting with the recognition of several longtime champions of Somerville Little League baseball who will be honored for their service, Somerville Police and Fire units will be on hand, along with the Somerville Police Honor Guard, who will present their colors. 

Jay Landers, Adrianna Keefe, Jennifer DiPersio, Joytika Bhargo, and Erica Voolich. —Photo by Arthur Ingalls, Geskus Photography

The Somerville Mathematics Fund is pleased to announce the winners of their renewable mathematics scholarships for 2014. The Math Fund was founded to celebrate and encourage math achievement and these young women deserve to be celebrated for their work in math and science while in high school.