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.)

Last year, Somerville became the first city in the United States to measure residents’ happiness as a way to more fully understand how municipal government can better serve our constituents, and create policies that reflect resident satisfaction with those policies.

By Jim Clark

Police were dispatched to the intersection of Willow Ave. and Broadway late last Friday night on reports that several individuals were engaged in a street brawl.

Upon arrival, the officers found three men struggling to hold one other man down on the ground, according to reports.

Volunteers Needed for 2013 Colonial Fair at Foss Park, Monday, April 15

The City of Somerville’s Historic Preservation Commission is seeking volunteers for the 2013 Patriot’s Day ceremonies, scheduled for Monday, April 15 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. at Foss Park.  Help the city re-live Paul Revere’s historic ride from Boston through Somerville and onto Lexington and Concord. Adults and high school students are needed to volunteer at the city’s annual Patriots Day Colonial Fair.

The Guidance Center’s has four locations in Somerville and Cambridge. The main office seen here is located in Cambridge. The newest location in Somerville opened at 12 Tyler St..

By Cathleen Twardzik

At the recent open house of The Guidance Center’s newest location, 12 Tyler St. in Somerville, Mayor of Curtatone was present to cut the ribbon and to give a short speech.

By Richard Foscarota

On Thursday March 14 The Somerville High Varsity Hockey team was awarded citations at City Hall for winning the GBL Championship. This was the first title for the Highlanders since 1989. Coach Allen spoke on behalf of the players, coaches and trainers. He cited the hard work and dedication put in by all. Mayor Joseph Curtatone invited the team and family members into his office for photographs after handing out citations to each of the players.

– Photo by Dorothy Wedge-Metivier

By William Tauro

Mayor Joseph Curtatone and the Somerville Board of Aldermen honored the coaches and the players of the Somerville girls Varsity basketball team for their fantastic season. All players received a citation for their victorious season and their G.B.L. Title.

By William Tauro

On Wednesday afternoon, at about 3:00 p.m., a motor vehicle crashed into a building located at 519 Somerville Ave., the UPS store. No injuries were reported.

Pursuant to Mass General Law 200A, Peter K. Forcellese Jr., Treasurer for the City of Somerville, hereby serves notice of names of persons or vendors appearing to be owners of funds held by the City of Somerville MA and deemed abandoned.  A full list will be published in the March 27 edition of The Somerville News and will be posted on the city website.  Any individual wishing to claim funds must submit a written request to the Treasurer, as follows:

GLX construction starts this month

Residents can expect traffic disruptions as the rail bridge over Medford Street is rebuilt to add tracks for the coming Green Line Extension. ~Photo courtesy of the MBTA

By Elizabeth Sheeran

After years of discussion and planning, the Green Line Extension is finally moving from the conference room to the job site. Contractor Barletta Heavy Division will start work this month on the first phase of the long-awaited project, which will extend the MBTA light rail through Somerville to Medford, adding six new Green Line stations.

Our four-legged friends are looking for more places to play freely in Somerville, and they just may be getting them soon.
~Photo by Harry Kane.

By Harry Kane

An increase in recreational areas for off-leash dogs is under consideration after a recent Board of Alderman meeting on March 14. Dogs may soon be allowed more access to run free during designated times in specified open spaces.