Photo courtesy of Somerville Fire Dept.

Somerville’s final fire of 2013 occurred on December 31 at 10:41 a.m. for a fire on the second floor of  127 Cross Street. Fire damage was confined to a second floor front bedroom with smoke and water damage also to both the first and second floors of the two family duplex. Damage is estimated at $50,000. A child playing with a lighter has been determined to be the cause.

A traditional blues player with a style all his own, Walter Parks comes to Somerville on Jan. 11.

By Jim Clark

Veteran blues and jazz guitarist Walter Parks has built an international career as the lead guitarist for Woodstock legend Richie Havens, as half of the folk-duo The Nudes, and as leader of the neo-southern rock group Swamp Cabbage. On Saturday, Jan. 11, he will be bringing his unique song stylings to town for a show at Johnny D’s, along with Duncan Phillips and Kate MacLeod.

Meet our own Bob Doherty, seen here with The Somerville Times Editor David Smith. Bob is the guy to go to for historical facts that are hard to find here in Somerville. Bob retired after many years as a Somerville firefighter, during which he served the city with honor and distinction. His historical knowledge of Somerville has no equal; we love to quiz him and ask him stuff. And even though, we can’t remember when we ever stumped him, we keep trying.

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)

One last chance to gripe for 2013! It was the best of years, it was the worst of years. We endured the Boston Marathon bombings, which brought our region closer even though it was a tragic and sad thing. We celebrated a Red Sox World Series championship, which eased the pain a bit and made Boston even stronger. Our beloved former Mayor Gene Brune gave us a great book full of his awesome memoirs, and the Green Line extension comes closer to reality. We saw even more bikes on our Somerville streets, which hopefully means we will all drive more carefully (both motorists and cyclists). Somerville also had a very successful year full of concerts, festivals and street celebrations. The teen Sunsetters and the senior Moonlighters sang their hearts out all over the city to appreciative audiences. Davis Square added even more restaurants and yogurt joints, and the young people who frequent those spots got even more tattoos. Dogs are still running leash-less at Powder House Park, as some citizens feel they are somehow privileged and are exempt from obeying laws. Joggers still act like they own the sidewalks. You better get out of their way or they will knock you down! I especially like the nighttime joggers who run TOWARD traffic. And we now have three, count them three, Somerville newspapers. It seems like a newspaper civil war is going on. The one expensive rag will print anything any nut leaves on their phone line. And to think, I used to deliver it! It does, however, come in handy for lining birdcages or wrapping up fish. In 2014, maybe we will see a fourth or fifth Somerville newspaper pop up!

 – Photos by Bobbie Toner

Every Saturday through March, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Arts at the Armory, 191 Highland Ave, Somerville. Local vendors provide great fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, seafood, baked goods, and more.

The City of Somerville will lift its snow emergency as of 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3.  Residents parked in municipal or school lots during the snow emergency will have a two-hour window starting at that time in which to move their vehicles. Cars still parked in city lots at 6 p.m. may be subject to ticketing and towing.

By William C. Shelton

(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 new term for Somerville’s elected officials begins on Monday. It comes at a time of unprecedented real-estate-development opportunities and risks that will shape the city’s character, economics, and fiscal health for generations to come.

Public Safety Services to be Maintained

Following the Governor’’s recommendation, the City of Somerville has announced that it will close all city offices on Friday, Jan. 3. Emergency and public safety services will be maintained.

Residents are asked to remain off the roads unless absolutely necessary until the storm has passed and it is safe to travel.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to a Pearl St. residence last week on reports of a dispute in progress.

Upon arrival, officers reportedly found a male and female arguing with an apparently intoxicated individual, Carlos Sanchez, 22, on the residence’s front porch.