By William C. Shelton

(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.)

Acquaintances of mine frequently email me quotations that they find meaningful—succinct expressions of wisdom or humor, usually from philosophical, literary or comedic sources. I realized awhile back that I’ve never been sent a quote from science fiction.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to reports of a disturbance at the Starbucks at 711 Somerville Ave. last Sunday. Upon arrival they reportedly encountered a highly distraught man who was yelling profanities as he wielded a small wooden bat.

State budget impact on Somerville

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By Elizabeth Sheeran

State lawmakers lauded passage last week of a $32.5 billion fiscal year 2013 budget that increases state aid to cities and towns from $5.1 to $5.4 billion, with nearly $900 million in unrestricted local aid. But city officials said anyone thinking that means Somerville will have more state money to work with this year will be disappointed.

By Jim Clark

Police patrol units were issued a “be on the lookout” advisory after a woman reportedly robbed the East Cambridge Savings Bank at 285 Highland Avenue last Friday morning.

The Alibrandis finished the month of June back on top in the Ted Williams division.

By Benjamin Klein

The Somerville Alibrandis temporarily fell out of first place in the Ted Williams division but won two of their final three June games to regain the top spot.

The Alibrandis were shutout for the first time all season last Tuesday against the Revere Rockies. Both teams’ pitchers were lights out in the contest and the game was scoreless through nine innings. Revere would score a run off of Marc DesRoches in the bottom of the tenth inning to win the game in celebratory fashion.

Fourth has special meaning for newest citizens
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These locals are ready to embrace their new status as U.S. citizens (left to right): Jose Francisco Reyes Rodrigues, Alma Mejia, Carlos Lenos and Manuel Baires. – Photo by Elizabeth Sheeran

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Somerville resident Manuel Baires is doing something uniquely patriotic this Fourth of July.

He’s reviewing everything he’s learned about U.S. history and government, and making final preparations to show up the next day to his scheduled appointment with an officer of the United State Citizenship and Immigration Service. If all goes as expected, he will return home a United States citizen.

On The Silly Side 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.)

July 4th, 1776, was the day that Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. It was a big day for the United States of America and it still is. It is the birthday of our nation and everyone loves birthdays. But July 4th means more than just barbecues and fireworks. For me, it means taking some time to really appreciate the freedoms we have. Compared to many countries, we have it made, and we sometimes take these freedoms for granted.

First Tuesdays is a monthly after hours event where friends, foodies and neighbors come out to meet one another and sample the culinary delights of the East Broadway Business District. All events are free and open to the public.

It’s time once again for a little old-fashioned flag waving, backyard grilling, and taking some time to relax and celebrate life in the good old U.S.A.

Who among us doesn’t enjoy the occasion? Who can resist the warm glow of good fellowship between friends, neighbors and families as the “birthday” of our nation comes around?

Residents and city planners share concerns over the proper development of Davis Square and its environs.

By Emmanuel Vincent

In order for a project to be efficient, it must be well thought out and carefully executed. Such is the case with Davis Square Streetscape. The follow-up event to the Davis Square Streetscape Kick-Off Tour, Project Charette, was held this past Tuesday at the Tab Building on Holland Street. Members of the community came together once again in the next phase of the process to offer a few suggestions on how the square could be improved. This time, visual maps of Davis Square were implemented to show their concerns.