A
man who allegedly shot out an SUV window early Christmas morning was
arrested just moments later by police responding to a domestic dispute
at the same address.

Officer James Radochia stated in a police
report he and Officer Jose Ramirez were responding to a domestic
dispute at 31 Walnut St. around 3 a.m. Dec. 25 when they heard a shot
fired outside as they were waiting to be let into the apartment complex.

~Photos by William Tauro

By William Tauro

A
group of engineers from Mass Highway were on scene today under the
McGrath Highway overpass. The team was there evaluating the condition
and integrity of the aging overpass. With much rust showing. Concrete
chunks falling off in hefty sections and years of paint peeling off in
large areas blowing in the breeze,some think that it may be time for a
renovation of some sort to prevent any potential safety hazards from
occurring.

Parking Regulations are Changing

Effective
January 4, 2010, all residential streets not currently under permit
parking rules will shift to permit parking. Signs are now in place and
parking control officers are now issuing warnings to vehicles parked on
these streets without resident stickers, guest placards or other valid
permits. If the signs on your street have changed, and you have not yet
obtained a permit, please call 311 during business hours for
information about obtaining a permit.

Bridget Lindstrom, a senior at Somerville High School, shined with her flute solo during the SHS Band performance. ~Photo by Chelsea Whyte

By Chelsea Whyte

"Somerville
benefits from its diversity," says Rick Saunders, Music Supervisor for
Somerville Schools. He's talking about the changes in the music
programs that have happened in the last three years under his
supervision. His inclusive point of view was immediately visible at the
Somerville High School Winter Concert, which included a creative mix of
traditional band and orchestra repertoire with jazz, samba, pop, and
rock pieces.

The students of Somerville High School are
responding to the diverse musical selection with enthusiasm. The
auditorium was filled with students and their friends and families
clapping along with songs, singing the lyrics they knew, and supporting
their classmates as they performed.

The
Somerville Health Department has begun to receive more doses of H1N1
vaccine, and anticipates receiving regular shipments in the coming
weeks. With this increase in supply, they are pleased to offer flu
clinics for the general public every Thursday in January 2010
(7th,14th,21st , and 28th) from 4-7 at the City Hall Annex, 50
Evergreen Avenue. A limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine is also
available while supplies last.

PLEASE note: vaccine will NOT be provided on a walk in basis due to the out of office commitments of the public health nurses

Somerville’s children got to tell Santa (who looked a lot like Tom Champion) what they wanted for Christmas. ~Photo by Ben Johnson

By Ben Johnson

Santa
Claus came to town early this year to host "The Santa Hour" on the
Somerville Community Access Channel. The program featured an exclusive
interview with the jolly old Saint, a sing along led by Mrs. Claus, and
of course, Somerville's children got to tell the paragon of charity
what they wanted for Christmas.

The Dec. 15 broadcast included a
consisting of a Christmas Tree with two large panels made to look like
brick chimneys. In the center of the set sat Santa Claus, who bore an
uncanny resemblance to Tom Champion, communications director for the
City of Somerville.