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.)

By the time you read this, the city should be covered by almost a foot of new snow. You’ve no doubt received a call from our emergency notification system declaring a snow emergency and asking you to park on the odd side of the street or at designated municipal parking lots. And you probably have seen the blue lights flashing all around the city.

Somerville poets Harris Gardner and Gloria Mindock will launch a new poetry series in Somerville Jan 18, 2011. I am proud to be part of it. Fans of the Off the Shelf column in The Somerville News are invited to attend and read in the open mic. See details below, and see you there!

Boston Poet Laureate Sam Cornish has written a tribute to poet Harris Gardner.  Gardner, a longtime poetry activist, and founder of the poetry organization Tapestry of Voices, is starting a new poetry series in Somerville “The First and Last Word Series,” with Somerville poet and publisher Gloria Mindock. The series will be launched at the Arts Armory Jan 18, 2010 at 6:30 P.M.

By George P. Hassett

Drug unit detectives executing a search warrant at the Clarendon Hill Apartments found piles of pills and detailed records of drug deals on Jan. 8, police said.

Eileen Dunne, 49, of 25 Main St., was arrested and charged with possession of a class B drug with intent to distribute, drug violation near a school or park and conspiracy to violate a drug law.

The City of Somerville will lift its snow emergency as of 6:00 p.m., Thursday, January 13, 2011. Residents parked in municipal or school lots during the snow emergency will have a two-hour window starting at that time in which to move their vehicles. Cars still parked in City lots at 8 p.m. may be subject to ticketing and towing. For more information, please dial 311 (627-666-3311 from outside Somerville) or visit the City’s website, www.somervillema.gov.

Opponents of a new immigration enforcement measure, seen here protesting at the State House last month, were disappointed this week when Gov. Deval Patrick signed onto the strategy. - Photo by Andrew Firestone

Rep. Provost, local activists in opposition

By Andrew Firestone

Governor Deval Patrick has signed onto a controversial measure to fingerprint and report suspected illegal immigrants to federal authorities. Immigration advocates such as Somerville-based Centro Presente have protested the move, saying it will criminalize undocumented immigrants.

The Somerville High Boys' Basketball Team is off to a strong 5-1 start heading into GBL play.

Won five of six

By Mike Rubin

Not long ago, Somerville boys basketball expected a rebuilding season. Instead the Highlanders have pulled off a miraculous 5-1 start.

While there’s optimism circling the squad, coach Mark Antonelli is well aware of the challenges that await the Highlanders.

By George P. Hassett
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A 64-year-old woman was found dead after an accidental fire Tuesday afternoon.
Authorities did not release the woman’s name.
Chief Kevin Kelleher said firefighters extinguished the fire quickly but large amounts of smoke were in the woman’s first floor apartment.

By George P. Hassett

An employee at Old Magoun Saloon said he heard a suspect trying to break into the bar at 1:46 a.m. on Jan. 4, police said.

Police said the employee was doing his nightly chores when he heard someone trying to pry the back door open. The employee pushed the door open and heard someone running away, police said.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Trees fell onto automobiles around the city blocking some roads.

Trees and power lines collapsed during Wednesday’s snow storm from the heavy wet snow.