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.)

Yesterday I handed out the first-ever Mayor’s Athletic Achievement Awards to three people who have done Somerville proud. They were fifth grade swimmer Tenzin Nordon, equestrian (and Somerville animal control officer) Rachel Taylor, and Somerville Alibrandis star baseball player Marc DesRoches.

By Ashley Troutman

Last year's HONK! Festival. - Photo by Allison Mowrer

Join over 200 musicians for a Mardi Gras style celebration on Columbus Day weekend. The Honk! Festival is known as a “revolutionary street spectacle of never-before-seen-proportions.”

The festival will kick off on Oct. 8 with a performance by the Rude Mechanical Orchestra, from 3 to 5 p.m. The 30-odd-piece marching band and dance troupe seeks to support those working for social justice with their music. Local members from the Somerville High School Marching Band, Highlander Drum Line, and World Percussion Ensemble will accompany the orchestra in Union Square.

By George P. Hassett

A man was shot with a BB gun after a traffic dispute Sept. 30, police said.

Words were exchanged between two drivers and the alleged victim followed the suspect to Broadway and School Street.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Mayor Joseph Curtatone hosted a fundraiser for Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray at the Precinct Bar and Restaurant in Union Square Wednesday evening.

Lieutenant Governor Murray was in Davis Square earlier in the day going door to door of businesses with Alderman Jack Conn0lly listening to shopkeepers as they expressed their needs and concerns.

By George P. Hassett

In a mostly Democratic district, Republican Dave Carnevale believes he has a chance to unseat a left leaning incumbent.

“Things are so bad now, I think people care more about getting the economy going than party affiliation,” said Carnevale, 25, who will challenge state Senator Pat Jehlen for her seat in the Nov. 2 election.

By George P. Hassett

In the midst of election season, state Senator Pat Jehlen is trying to balance the drawbacks of political incumbency and the appeal of job experience.

“I feel upset that I have a lot longer life and record to defend. But I also have more experience,” Jehlen, a Democrat, said of the issues surrounding her reelection campaign against political newcomer Dave Carnevale, 25, a Republican.

By George P. Hassett

A 21 year-old Everett man is suspected of pulling a gun on a parking control officer Sept. 30 on Walnut Street, police said.

Deputy Chief Paul Upton, a spokesman for the department, would not release the suspect’s name but said police had applied for a criminal complaint against him. The suspect was allegedly stopped shortly after the confrontation.

By George P. Hassett

A group of teenagers on skateboards attacked a man Sept. 27 outside a convenience store at the intersection of McGrath Highway and Medford Street.

The victim told police he was exiting the store and heard one of the teens say, “I think I like those,” police said. When the victim turned to look at the teen he was struck in the face by a broom like object with a metal hook on the end.

By George P. Hassett

The East Somerville Community School is a big step closer to being rebuilt this week after state authorities approved $15.2 million in funding to rebuild the school, which burned in a December 2007 fire.

With the necessary state funds now pledged to the project, City officials now anticipate a re-opening of the school during the 2012-13 school year.

Somerville sips and polkas its way through a joyful Oktoberfest

By Alexandra Botti

The smell of bratwurst, the joyful sounds of a brass band, and the laughter that accompanies a good beer – it’s not Munich, it’s Somerville.