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.)

Over the last several weeks, this column has been dedicated to the ways in which we have been, and intend to continue to ensure that Somerville is a great place to live, work, play and raise a family.  What I want to emphasize this week is the fact that, first and foremost, this orienting value of ours starts with a commitment to our young people.

Authors Kevin Cullen and Shelley Murphy enlightened those who gathered at The Book Shop in Ball Square on the long and difficult search for one of America’s most sought after criminals, Whitey Bulger. – Photo by Blake Maddux

By Blake Maddux

“When he finally gets pinched,” said Boston Globe columnist Kevin Cullen, “I go to the Globe and I said, ‘We gotta write a book on this.’ They said that’s a great idea, but I said, ‘I will only write it with her.’”

A Somerville man has been charged with murder for the 2009 homicide of 24-year-old Christopher Souza of Somerville, Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone informed the public this week.

The street sweeping parking enforcement season resumes this week, and residents are reminded that they must adhere to posted notifications of schedules, and move vehicles to the appropriate side of the road on sweeping days in your neighborhood. Failure to comply with street sweeping parking regulations will result in a $50 fine. Residents are also reminded that you may sign up to receive e-mail reminders about street sweeping schedules in your neighborhood by visiting www.somervillema.gov/sweeper. Street sweeping is an essential public works activity that not only keeps the city looking cleaner, but reduces the risk of flooding and icing due to catch-basin clogging and storm drain back-up. For additional information, please call 311.

By Jim Clark

Last Saturday, Somerville Police, along with the aid of the North Eastern Law Enforcement Council Special Weapons and Tactics team, conducted a secure and search operation at a home on Gilman St. that was suspected of housing a marijuana distribution operation.

Urges plans for  “21^ST Century Transportation System for 21st Century Economy”

On behalf of the Massachusetts Metropolitan Mayors’ Coalition, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone testified before the Joint Committee on Transportation at the State House on Tuesday, March 26, reaffirming his support for the bill, as well as the Governor’s plan, which calls for $1.9 billion in new revenue in order to appropriately finance the Commonwealth’s transportation system.

7th annual Peace Conference starts Saturday
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Working on a sketch for this Saturday’s Peace Month kick-off show are (left to right) youth organizers Joshua Ojo, Judcine Felix, Duvy Norestant (seated) and Manny Rivera and program coordinator Emily Parrott. – Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville youth have something to say. Teen Empowerment will kick off its seventh annual Peace Conference with a show at the Somerville Theatre this Saturday, April 6, launching what this year will be a “Peace Month” of youth-focused activities in Somerville.

Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Senator Pat Jehlen, Rep. Tim Toomey, and School Committee Member Teresa Cardoso and many others came out Tuesday night for a Spring Gala to Honor Ward 2 Alderman Maryann Heuston at the Independent in Union Square.

By State Senator Patricia Jehlen
Second Middlesex District

(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.)

Massachusetts has reached a fork in the road. One path leads to an even better education system, a reliable public transit system, well maintained roads and bridges, and a revived economy.  The other path leads to further cuts for vital services, decrepit roads and bridges, increased fares on public transportation, and long waiting lists for early education and elder home care.

A blanket honoring the memory of Deanna Cremin was displayed and carried along as community members “Walked Deanna Home” on Saturday.
– Photo by Donald Norton

By Izak Shapiro

The black-paved basketball court at the Winter Hill School filled up by 5 p.m. on Saturday. It was not just full of people in support of Deanna Cremin, a seventeen year-old Somerville girl murdered in March of 1995. It was full of remembrance for Deanna. Passion and spirit for her, a momentous energy, a determination and strength to keep living for her, and a unified desire for closure, to find and to sentence her killer once and for all. “Blessed are those who mourn,” those gathered were reminded early on in the ceremonies.