By Jimmy Del Ponte

This article first ran in the February 3, 2010 edition of The Somerville News.

(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.)

Remember all those old radio and TV jingles that used to stick in our minds? Well, I asked some of my friends to dig deep and come up with some, and they did. So here they are, and we’ll start with some of my favorites, as close as I can recall.

By Mayor 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.)

As most of you know by now, the City is circulating an electronic petition to submit to state officials demonstrating the need and desire for the Green Line Extension through Somerville—and for adherence to the legally mandated timeline.   In just over two weeks, almost 2,500 residents, and other interested parties have signed on, with more adding their names to the list every day.  If that doesn’t send a clear message, let me assure you that we’re already taking additional steps to make the message even more clear.  Meetings with Congressman Capuano and our State Delegation, the first of many, are paving the way for firmer discussions with the Governor as well as MassDot and MBTA officials. We are seeking additional action and more transparency.  Working with the Conservation Law Foundation, we’re also reassessing the legal mandate for a 2014 deadline, and determining the next steps for holding the state to that binding decision.  In short, we won’t take this lying down.

Preparations underway for potential flooding, wind damage;
City crews on call all weekend
*

Based on current predictions for the track of Hurricane Irene, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has ordered storm preparations and is reminding all residents of necessary precautions in advance of the storm, which is packing unusually powerful winds and heavy downpours. Department of Public Works staff began storm preparations earlier today, clearing catch basins and storm drains throughout the City, with a particular focus on those areas that experienced significant flooding in past storms . In addition, sand bags will be installed at the Public Safety Building, Capuano Early Childhood Education Center, and several other municipal buildings on Friday in anticipation of potential flooding. Hanging plants and other items at risk in high winds will also be removed throughout the City on Friday. Additional public safety staff will be on call beginning on Saturday and lasting for the duration of the storm, if necessary. Additional precautions will be taken as necessary as City officials continue to monitor the storm’s track northward.

The new Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center got one beam closer to completion last week. - Photo courtesy of Tufts

By Tiffani M. Westbrook

Tufts University laid the last beam of the super structure that will be the framework for the in the new Steve Tisch Sports and Fitness Center on August 17. The ceremony marking the milestone in the progress of the construction, begin at 11:30am, when attendees were encouraged to sign the beam.  The beam was decorated with a traditional evergreen sapling and balanced on opposite ends by an American flag and the Tufts University flag.  The beam was lifted into its temporary resting place by crane amidst the approving applause of the crowd.

By Jim Clark

Police responded to a report of a driver passing out at the wheel last Thursday in the area of Craigie Street.

Upon arrival, police reportedly found that Douglas Doane, 36, had crashed his vehicle and was behaving in a manner suggesting that he was under the influence of drugs.

Things seem to be looking up for the housing market in Somerville.

By Andrew Firestone

With local markets in turmoil and the real estate industry still struggling from the depths of the 2008 sub-prime mortgage crisis, Somerville stands atop its competitors. Even in the midst of global financial uncertainty, the housing market of the densest city in New England remains optimistic.

Although the title of this piece is “Boston as a Literary City” there are many references to Somerville folks who make the Boston area a vibrant hub of verse. In fact the author Kathleen Spivack is a member of Somerville’s Bagel Bards. So with the fall approaching and new college students in town I thought this would be an excellent article for this week’s “Off the Shelf.” – Doug Holder

By Mariam Sharia

The looming threat of rain didn’t keep Somerville’s music fans from tracking down fresh vinyl this weekend.

Hundreds of local music enthusiasts and bargain hunters flocked to Somerville’s Union Square for last Sunday’s Rock and Roll Yard Sale. The outside market was sponsored by the Somerville Arts Council and gave shoppers an opportunity to support a variety of local DIY small business owners.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville 911 operator received an emergency call last Thursday from someone reporting that a man unknown to him had just exited his home carrying a grocery style paper bag filled with copper pipes.

Police officers were dispatched to the home on Evergreen Avenue, currently unoccupied and undergoing renovations. Inspection of the residence revealed many broken and cut water pipes, with water spilling from several pipes all over the basement floor. A window near the front porch had the front screen cut and it appeared that the intruder gained access to the home from there.