By George P. Hassett

An ex-Somerville building inspector was fined $5,000 for ethics violations including inspecting construction work on his own home and reccommending his mother-in-law’s contractor to permit applicants.

16-show run at the Somerville Theatre, the third annual “Slutcracker” promises to be “funny, sexy and gorgeous.”~ Photo by Andrew Firestone

‘The Slutcracker’ returns to Somerville Theatre

By Andrew Firestone

Picture “The Nutcracker” with pole dancing and you have Somerville’s most successful burlesque show.

Kicking off December 3 for a 16-show run at the Somerville Theatre, the third annual “Slutcracker” promises to be “funny, sexy and gorgeous,” Vanessa White said.

By George P. Hassett

Police are investigating a stabbing on Flint Street that left a 32 year old New York City man with multiple wounds.

Police said the stabbing appeared to be the result of a dispute between two people who know each other. It was not a random act, police said.

ThomasF.McIntyre, of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, rallies supporters of a Project Labor Agreement for the development by KSS Realty and GFC Development and at the former MaxPak site. - Photo by Ashley Taylor

By Ashley Taylor

A crowd of around 70 people, representing various unions and community organizations, gathered beginning at 6 a.m. on Clyde Street at the site of a new residential development by KSS Realty and GFC Development to urge the developers to enter into a Project Labor Agreement with unions and to hire local, union workers for the project.

The Somerville Community Growing Center will sell hand-decorated, locally-grown wreaths at the Union Square Winter Craft Market on Saturday, December 4. - Photo Courtesy Growing Center

Holiday shopping events this week in Davis Square, Union Square and around town

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Still have names on your holiday gift list, but dread going back to the malls after barely surviving Black Friday? Somerville merchants have just the antidote: Shop locally.

“Our stores embody the individual, artistic spirit that has become Somerville’s hallmark in this region,” said Mayor Joseph Curtatone. “You have a selection here unlike anywhere else. And when you shop local it saves you time and it keeps money pumping through your local economy.”

The winners of The Somerville News Reader’s Choices/Election results for

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Please support their businesses and let them know you saw them in The Somerville News.

Tai Dinnan of Groundwork assists Kennedy School students with tapping a local maple tree during the 2010 Maple Syrup Project. - Photo courtesy of Tai Dinnan, Groundwork.

2011 project kicks off with fundraiser brunch on December 4

By Elizabeth Sheeran

Maple sausage Belgian waffles.  Apricot maple-glazed ham steaks. Maple pancake breakfast wraps. These are just a few of the mouth-watering maple-inspired specials that will be on the brunch menu at The Independent restaurant and bar in Union Square this Saturday, December 4.

By George P. Hassett

A 48-year-old man was arrested after driving drunk on Temple Street Sunday, police said.

Stephen Vangel was asked to leave a Bond Street home after he fell repeatedly inside the house, police said. When an officer arrived, Vangel was allegedly driving away.

By William Tauro

Somerville Police Chief Michael Cabral with detectives at the scene. - Photo by Wiliam Tauro

Six Somerville Police cruisers with officers including Chief Michael Cabral close in on a couple of alleged scooter thieves with possible links to other robberies and incidents in the area.