Davis Square has fresh crepes again!

Saturday, Mr. Crepe had its soft opening with a limited menu, but is now  offering a full array of crepes, waffles and fancy coffee and teas.

Developing…

Environmental concerns close two classrooms
By George P. Hassett

Contaminated soil from 50 Tufts St. caused two classrooms at the nearby Capuano School to be closed this week.  Tetrachloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used in the dry cleaning industry, has taken root underneath the soil of East Somerville and is moving around the neighborhood, said Superintendent of Schools Anthony Pierantozzi.

Friends remember Joe Mackey
By George P. Hassett

Jack Connolly first knew Joe Mackey as a standout first basemen on the baseball diamonds of Somerville when they were children. Decades later, when  Connolly was the newly elected Ward 6 alderman, he was reminded of his old friends‚Äô skill and loyalty.

Study: Less drug use, more safety at Somerville High School
By George P. Hassett

Fewer local high school students are drinking alcohol and using drugs today than were two and four years ago, according to a study released this week and conducted by Somerville Cares About Prevention Coalition (SCAP).

A commentary by Fred Berman and Lori Segal

Governor Patrick can do a lot that will benefit the City of  Somerville.

Understandably, Somerville residents and elected  officials will be focused on the level of Local Aid, which provides  essential funding for schools and police and fire protection.

But there are many other needs that have languished under prior  Administrations, and that Gov. Patrick has recognized and indicated  his willingness to tackle.

Fred Berman and Lori Segal

If he can be successful in reinvigorating our community colleges,  that would make a huge difference for Somerville residents who now  feel closed out of this important stepping stone to economic stability.

Somerville‚Äôs hopes for Green Line expansion and for a T stop at  Assembly Square are far more likely to be realized if he makes good  on his commitment to public transportation.

Mackey passes

Joseph K. Mackey, a former Somerville state representative and devoted community member, passed away today. More on Mackey’s life and career to follow.

News Talk for the week of Jan. 3

Well the State of the City Address was held Monday night and along with the mayor’s speech on customer service he gave, the President of the Board of Aldermen Bob Trane gave his speech on the outlook for 2007 as well as the new School Committee Chairwoman Roberta Bauer. City hall was well-packed Monday night, mostly city employees and a scattering of the public in attendance.

Gun vs. knife, cop vs. crook
By George P. Hassett

A Somerville police officer drew his weapon, finger off the trigger, on a 20 year old Lee Street man in the early hours of Monday morning on Highland Ave.
  John Whalen, 20, of 10 Lee St., allegedly attacked a motorist on Highland Ave. Whalen allegedly took a knife from his pants pocket and said, ‚ÄúI‚Äôll stab you,‚Äù to the victim. The victim retreated to his vehicle and police observed Whalen punching the the window of the car and screaming.

The View From Prospect Hill for the week of Jan. 3

The nation’s first flag was raised in this city. And since that time, history has proven, as Somerville goes, so goes the American city. In the 1950’s we were a tight-knit community of two and three family homes based on simple concepts such as family, shared religion and loyalty. In the 1970’s and 80’s the city experienced an economic decline and watched friends and relatives flee to far way “havens” like Billerica. And, recently, we have experienced a renaissance that threatens to change our city more than any two-faced politician or Winter Hill gangster could ever dream. But time marches on, regardless of how we feel about it and here are seven predictions we feel will come true in 2007.

1. Aldermen President Bob Trane‚Äôs comments will alternate between hysterical and inappropriate during televised public meetings.  Anybody who knows him knows Trane loves an audience and a chance to make us laugh. But in this era of progressive pussy-footing, will he offend the politically correct?