By George P. Hassett

A Cambridge man ditched his car and broke into a home to elude police after they allegedly saw him make a marijuana deal March 1.

Alberto Brito, 29, of 30 Newtowne Court, was arrested at 14 Governor Winthrop Road and charged with drug violation near a school or park, possession to distribute a class D drug, resisting arrest, failure to stop for police, reckless operation of a motor vehicle, breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony and warrant charges.

Somerville Ward Four Alderman Walter Pero

By George P. Hassett

Ward Four Alderman Walter Pero announced this week he will not run for reelection in November.
Pero, who served as Ward Four alderman from 1996 to 2001 and again since 2003, said he wanted to “move on and let someone else do the job.”
“None of us are supposed to be there forever, it’s not a lifetime appointment,” he said.
Pero said he was proud of his initiative to form a commission on monuments, memorials and dedications. He did not rule out endorsing a candidate to replace him in Ward Four.

By Andrew Firestone

Who says the old spirit of the New England farmer is dead?

Not here in Somerville, as the city turned out to see more than 200 gallons of sap from Somerville sugar maple trees be boiled down into edible, delicious syrup of the local variety.

A union contractor said she was spit on while trying to cross a picket line at a Somerville construction site this week. - Photo by William Tauro

By Andrew Firestone

A union contractor said she was spit on while trying to cross a pocket line at a Somerville construction site this week.

City officials said they are investigating Jill Miller’s charge that she was attacked and harassed by Tom McIntyre as she finished her work at the old MaxPak factory site slated to hold a 184 unit condominium building.

Development in underused sites can spur growth

By Andrew Firestone

In a showing of hope for the future, Mayor Joseph Curtatone last week pledged his administration would pursue a complex, holistic approach to development in the city of Somerville. In a meeting with aldermen and Assembly Square developers, Curtatone  presented a portrait of a new Somerville, one that included increased access to transportation, more jobs and development projects.

This Friday night at the Armory is the hopefully new Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party,  hosted by Ward 5 Alderman Sean O’Donovan. The band for the evening is “Old Brigade Irish Band”, tickets $20 at the door starting at 7 p.m. running to 11 p.m.,   We hear that former State Representative Marie Howe who hosted these annual celebrations back in the 70’s and 80’s will also be present. Should be a lot of fun and a great evening for everyone, wear something green and bring your dance shoes. Irish or not everyone is Irish for St. Patrick’s Day.

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This week a worker at a Somerville construction site claimed she was spit on by a protester calling for more union jobs at the 184-unit condominium building that will replace the MaxPak factory site.

The alleged victim – a union worker herself – claims she has been harassed at the site by protesters.

Protesters are pushing for more union and Somerville laborers to be used in construction of the new building. Pushing for more and better work for trade laborers is a noble cause but these protesters have been undermined by their own supporters.

Near Somerville city line

By George P. Hassett

A dead body was found Sunday on the MBTA commuter rail tracks near the Somerville city line.

Authorities said the deceased was a white male in his 40s. Transit Police were notified in the afternoon that there was a body located on the MBTA commuter rail tracks off O’Brien Highway.

By George P. Hassett

A Boston man was caught with 156 grams of cocaine in a drug sting at a Somerville hotel March 1, police said.

Kevin Lowe, 34, allegedly arrived at the parking lot of La Quinta as drug unit detectives watched the pre-designed meet location. He allegedly fled from approaching officers before being apprehended.

By William Tauro

Two girls and four boys will represent Somerville High School at the National Scholastic track championships in New York this weekend. Taija Clark will compete Friday in the High Jump. Nicole Genard will compete Saturday in the hurdles. Andre Rolim will run 400 on sat. And the 4×400 relay team of Rolim, John Thomas, Gemain Carty and Ed Chen will compete on Sunday. The meet is held at The Armory in Manhattan.