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.)

Bob Publicover was a genuine local hero. When the publisher emeritus of The Somerville News and a onetime city employee died last week at the age of 63, Somerville lost one of its best-known and best-loved public citizens.

– Photo courtesy of Somerville Fire Department.

Somerville firefighters responded to a fire at 62 Bonair Street at 2:33 p.m. on January 10, 2013. The fire was confined to a first floor bedroom, however, smoke damage resulted throughout the home and water damage to the first floor and basement.

Avis Medrano, 23, of Charlestown, was arraigned in Somerville District Court on charges of carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of ammunition and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a building.  Alexis Gonzalez, 20, of Charlestown was also arraigned on the same charges. Somerville District Court Judge Maurice Flynn released the defendants on personal recognizance with conditions that they stay away and have no contact with witnesses, stay one-quarter mile away from Gilman Street in Somerville and possess no dangerous weapons or firearms.  A juvenile was also arraigned in the matter in Cambridge Juvenile Court.

Somerville city planners hope to breath new life into two valuable city properties.

Plans for Davis Square hotel, Powder House School
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By Elizabeth Sheeran

Wanted: developers willing to turn a city parking lot into a quality hotel, or a shuttered school into a neighborhood asset. Benefits: Prime location in economically vibrant city. Cost: capital to buy and develop property, plus willingness to tailor project to community goals. Must work well with others.

Ryan Conte, 65 (left), and Phoenix Huertas, 3 (right), seen leaving the field on Thanksgiving Day, are headed in different directions in 2013. Both are looking forward to new challenges.

By Terence Clarey

For two members of the 2012 Somerville High School Football team, the next chapter in their life is just beginning and both are taking steps to make sure their futures fulfill their present promise. Senior Lineman Ryan Conte will be moving on to graduation and Junior Quarterback Phoenix Huertas is looking to expand his considerable gridiron repertoire.

 – Photos by Harry Kane

As anyone in the city can tell you, Prospect Hill Tower is in severe need of repair.

By Harry Kane

Prospect Hill Tower needs some restoration. This has been the general consensus for some time now.

The tower is a 42-foot monument overlooking the Boston area, sitting above Union Square in Prospect Hill Park, where Munroe Street intersects with Bigelow Street.

The new year is off to a good start. The State of the City Mid-Term Address by the Mayor was a positive note, at least. A lot of things will be happening in the city, especially down in the eastern part.

Newly appointed School Committee Chair Mary Jo Rossetti says she is determined to keep the selection process on track. – Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

A special “open process” selection will unfold over the next month to decide the incoming Ward 1 School Committee member.

This began when Ward 1 Alderman William M. Roche resigned from his post and became the Mayor’s personal assistant.