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.)

“Global warming is the second-largest hoax ever played on the American people, after the separation of church state.”

That’s James Imhofe, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works when Republicans controlled that body. He likened the environmental movement to the Third Reich. He said that the Environmental Protection Agency resembles the Gestapo, and its administrator Carol Browner, Tokyo Rose.

Country rock pioneer JD Souther stops along the way, playing at Johnny D’s this coming Saturday. - Photo by Jeremy Cowart

JD Souther on the road again and passing through the ‘Ville

By Jim Clark

His name may not be so familiar to some, but to many others his music constitutes a substantial portion of the “soundtrack” of their lives. Since the late 60’s the country rock legend JD Souther has penned and collaborated on some of the most popular songs of our time.

By Jim Clark

Police responded last Thursday to a report that an alleged automobile breaking and entering suspect was being detained at a Flint Street residence.

Upon arrival at the victim’s residence, responding officers noted that a man was sitting on the front steps, apparently being surrounded and detained by three other men.

By Krysia Wazny

350 is a significant number for both Somerville and the world at large. It represents the amount of carbon in parts per million that the globe’s atmosphere can safely support. It is the number of towns and cities outside of Somerville in the state of Massachusetts. Additionally and perhaps most excitingly, it is the goal toward which Somerville Climate Action’s newest initiative is reaching.

Playwrights Erica Berman (above) and Katie Liesener (below).

You know when two people have a good working relationship. Like in any good friendship they finish each others’ sentences; they laugh at private jokes; the chemistry is hard to miss. This is true of Somerville Playwrights Erica Berman and Katie Liesener. These two women are co-producing a play The Nitty Gritty that will showcase on June 25 at Cambridge’s YMCA Theater at 7:30PM.

I met the pair at one of my favorite Union Square hangouts Bloc 11 (The other being the Sherman Cafe), on a cool June morning. Both women agreed that for them Somerville is truly “The Paris of New England.” They are constantly inspired by our creative burg. Although they met in Brookline, MA, their shared Somerville backgrounds gave them an immediate connection.

By Jim Clark

A plain-clothes stakeout was undertaken last Friday in response to complaints from residents of the Franklin and Flint Streets area of an individual’s “blatant disregard for narcotics laws,” according to police reports.

Investigators almost immediately observed what they termed as suspicious activity by the suspect under surveillance, according to police.

Somerville Police are seeking to identify the suspect who robbed a local convenience store.  On June 6, at about 9:15 p.m., the Pick and Go Convenience Store at 349 Highland Avenue was robbed at gunpoint.  The store surveillance video shows the suspect entering the store and walk up to the counter where he calmly pulls out a semi-automatic pistol and demanded cash.  The suspect then fled the store on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash.

By Carrie Stanziola

Saturday’s Bizarre Bazaar featured local as well as out of state talent, craft fair veterans and first-timers alike.  Some impressive displays of Massachusetts-based artists were offered by Bellyache Press, Survive Design and egg-a-go-go.

Only a few days are left until the deadline passes to take out papers to run for any of the local elections. A recent stop at the election department found all the incumbents certified on their signatures with only a small handful of challengers. Monday, June 27, by 5p.m., is the last chance to obtain nomination papers. You will need to certify only 100 for local School Board and Ward Alderman. The only ward races are now in Ward 4 and 7 with 6 possibly running for alderman at large needing 150 signatures.

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In Ward 7 it looks like Joan Puglia has delivered the first blow with her recent literature drop throughout the ward having to do with the fines that are being charged by the city. It was a well-written piece. Keep an eye on Ward 7. We hear that Bob has been door to door himself. This won’t be the first time he has a run in a tight race.

The East Somerville Community School’s new look will be modern, while incorporating natural elements such as a vegetated green roof and plenty of natural sunlight.

By Harry Kane

The East Somerville Community School located at 115 Pearl St. is set for its grand opening just days after New Years in January of 2013. They have maintained the original structure or shell of the building that was constructed in 1972 and are now in the final stages of cleanup. Michael Marcella, the Senior Project Manager of Gilbane Building Company stated, “Reconstruction of this Community School begins in three weeks.” For now there appears to be a lull as the demolition comes to a halt and the bidding for trade contractors begins.