Who would have thought that one simple idea, that of bringing folks together to enjoy some music in the open air, could produce such divergent points of view and controversy? Those familiar with our diverse and contentious community would, of course.

Last week’s Porchfest was a well-intentioned attempt to bring back the spirit of the down-home hoe-down. The satisfying warmth of the old-fashioned town band concert, sans the handlebar moustaches and Gibson Girl bouffants. A lot of legitimate talent hit the floorboards – and gravel – to be sure. But a few involuntary audience members were less than thrilled.

By Andrew Firestone

The City of Somerville’s Bond Rating was raised last week, coming into ‘AA-’ level upgraded from an ‘A+’, by Standard and Poor’s (S&P). This enhances the City’s power to borrow money for projects due to a perception of being able to keep its financial commitments while also lowering the City’s interest payments to bondholders. City accounting was praised for its ability to maintain a low debt level, but the City also suffered due to the poor rating of their pension liability.

By Jim Clark

Somerville police were dispatched to a residence on Meacham Street early last Sunday morning after it was reported that an unwanted woman was trespassing in the backyard.

Residents of the apartment reportedly advised police that they had a few friends over the night before and that the party broke up at around 4:00 a.m., but one woman, Vivian James, 25, who lived nearby, refused to leave and began banging on the back door.

Jennifer Jean

Poet Jennifer Jean was born near the water in Venice Beach, California. Her mother often took her out on the water, and the water has been a player on her life stage. She now lives in Salem, Mass., a historic seaport with her husband and kids. So I guess you could say she has never been a fish out of water.

Are you like me – in your fifties – neither young or old? Well poet Barbara Bialick explains it all to you in this week’s LYRICAL.

Arrests:
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David Graham, 29, of 25 Spring St., Nahant, May 23, 7:45 a.m., arrested at 37 Fremont St. on a charge of assault and battery.

Daniel Barry, 55, of 4 Essex St., Charlestown, May 23, 12:17 p.m., arrested at 77 Middlesex Ave. on a charge of larceny under $250.

Gary Ober, 46, of 25 Highland Ave., May 23, 6:30 p.m., arrested at Broadway on various warrant charges.

Thomas Grant, 25, of 269 Plave Ave., Woburn, May 23, 6:42 p.m., arrested at 77 Middlesex Ave. on charges of shoplifting by concealing merchandise and possession of a dangerous weapon.

To be held Saturdays, 11am-3pm; Produce sold to low-income residents at subsidized prices

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone and Shape Up Somerville announced that the City’s farmers markets will continue to expand in 2011, with the addition of a produce market at the Mystic Housing Development, beginning June 18.  A partnership between Shape Up, Enterprise Farm, Somerville Housing Authority and several community partners, the market will be held every Saturday through October from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Mystic Development on Mystic Avenue.  The market will offer fresh produce to low-income residents at subsidized prices, thanks to a partnership with Dave Jackson of Enterprise Farm.  Currently, the City of Somerville has three farmers markets:  in the Day Street lot in Davis Square, Wednesdays from noon-6pm; in the Union Square Plaza, Saturdays from 9 am-1pm; and the recent addition of the Winter Farmers Market at the Armory on Saturdays during the winter season.

By William Tauro

Somerville firefighters worked all morning battling  flames  that destroyed a home located at 36 Rush Street early Monday morning.

Other fire departments were called in as the fire went to a multiple alarm  around 12:45 a.m.

– Photos by Donald Norton

Race includes children’s “Fun Run,” adult race & walk; Participants invited to join SomerStreets celebration following the race

The City’s annual Shape Up Somerville / Somerville Recreation Road Race, which had previously been scheduled for April 10 has been rescheduled for Sunday, June 5, as part of the City’s first SomerStreets event of the year.  Now being held on a different race course, the children’s “Fun Run” will kick off at 11:00 a.m., with a race around Foss Park.  At 12:00 (noon) the adult walk/run will begin from Foss Park, and continue to School Street, Highland Ave., Central Street, Summer Street, Walnut Street, Gilman Street, and Cross Street, ending at SomerStreets on East Broadway (for a map of the race course click here.)