Participants pose at a recent event held in Orleans Restaurant, Somerville.

By Rahul Raghuvanshi

The fast growing popularity of painting while drinking finally seems to have caught a fever in Somerville. After selling out for several Paint Nite events in Somerville, the company has opened its new office at Somerville Avenue to help organize more Paint Nite events in the neighborhood.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

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

I felt the need to go back and talk about the drive-in theaters that were such a big part of our childhoods. I did a story back in 2008, so I figured I’d toss the subject out there again seeing how the summer is winding down. So put on your PJs and let’s hit the drive in!

Friendly neighborhood police officers are a popular sight nationwide, and now Somerville, Mass., is taking that successful idea and applying it to a very different community service: the building permit process. The City of Somerville’s Inspectional Services Division is phasing in a new assignment process for building permits, dedicating each of its three building inspectors to specific city wards, which will allow those inspectors to follow a permit from the moment it is issued to completion.

– Photo by Kristen Hale

The Somerville Boxing Club, the Somerville Recreation Dept., Mayor Curtatone and USA Boxing present Somerville Fight Night, tonight, August 23 at Dilboy Stadium, Route 16, at 6 p.m. Rain date August 24. For ticket information call 617-764-3326. Last year’s event had a great turnout and a nice night of entertainment. Support the club and the good work they do for local kids.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

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

Diversity, community and affordability. Those were the three most frequently used words by residents during the workshops that led to the creation of our comprehensive 20-year SomerVision plan, and they all have a direct relationship with one another. Our diversity has always been what makes this city such an enriching place to live. We have young professionals, new immigrants and long-time residents, new families and old, artists and CEOs all living alongside one another. We are a community. And affordability is critical to maintaining and fostering the diversity that makes our community great, ensuring that everyone who wants to live in Somerville can do so, and those who are already here can remain.

Upgraded play surface, lighting, and more to be installed starting this week; Park closed for 6-8 weeks during improvements  

Improvements to play and park features as well as underground drainage began today at the Glen Park playground at the Capuano Early Childhood Center in East Somerville, announced Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

By Jim Clark

A call came in to police last week that a shoplifting in progress was occurring at the Home Depot on Mystic Ave. involving multiple suspects.

Tufts University selected by Technical Advisory Committee as first choice for site use

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today that the Powderhouse Community School Technical Advisory Committee has submitted its final recommendations for redevelopment of the former K-8 public school site. The Committee recommended three of six proposals for consideration by the Mayor, with a proposal by Tufts University receiving the top recommendation of 80 percent group favorability. The Mayor plans to accept this recommendation.

Food accessibility was the staple ingredient at SCC’s community meeting held last Thursday at the Mystic Community Center. ~Photo by Douglas Yu

By Douglas Yu

In order to make the best use of the land resources, Somerville Community Corporation (SCC), cooperating with Somerville residents and other community organizations, led a free discussion about land use in a food access context. That is, how we can look at public, private, open, vacant and inhabited space in Somerville to make more healthy, convenient grocery options available.

Sean Sullivan’s pitching helped take the Somerville Alibrandis Baseball Club to victory in Monday night’s match-up against the Brighton Braves in game 1 of the semi-final series. – Photo by Harry Kane.

By Harry Kane

The Somerville Alibrandis Baseball Club sported army camouflage hats on Monday as they dominated over the Brighton Braves in the first game of the semi-finals.

The first two innings were a wash. The game picked-up in the top of the 3rd inning when Somerville pitcher Sean Sullivan walked a Brighton Braves batter. Following a sacrifice bunt, a runner advanced into scoring position. Next, Brighton Braves #11 knocked one past diving Somerville third baseman Marc DesRoches, and one runner scored for the Braves. A broken bat blooper to shortstop allowed another runner to score, after a sloppy throw to first base.