City offices will be closed Monday, February 18, for Presidents Day. Trash and recycling collection will be on a one-day delay all week. Meters and resident parking permit enforcement will not be in effect on Monday.

Wenzday Jane is the founder and owner of Metro Pedal Power.

By JT Thompson

Wenzday Jane is the founder and owner of Metro Pedal Power, a cargo bike service based in Somerville focused on delivering food from local farms throughout the Boston area. She speaks with the calm self-confidence of someone who has faced and overcome major challenges.

“Our mission is reducing pollution, reducing dependence on oil. The vision is to build more resilient communities, to give the community a feeling of empowerment.”

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

800,000 gallons: When the Somerville Avenue Utility and Streetscape Improvements Project is complete there will be a box culvert under Union Square that can hold up to 800,000 gallons of stormwater. That will go a long way in helping to alleviate flooding in Union Square and taking pressure off our sewer system. Completing this work is going to involve some major excavation work in the square and an accompanying six-month detour.

Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Somerville Chief of Police David Fallon and Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone today announced that Edward Clark, 55, of Norwood, has been charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death, in connection with the fatal hit-and-run that occurred on Powder House Boulevard on February 8.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer was contacted by a Saks OFF 5TH Loss Prevention Associate last week regarding a female shoplifter who had just concealed fragrances and left the store.

The officer made his way to Saks, where he obtained a picture of the suspect and viewed surveillance footage of the incident while another officer searched the area.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

Part one.

From 1986 to 1998 I had the pleasure and honor of being part of a very special and groundbreaking radio station that has just turned 40 years old.

I landed a position on the Matty in The Morning show on Kiss 108 FM. Local kid makes good? More like local kid gets incredibly lucky! I was also finally putting my Emerson College degree to good use!

(The opinions and views expressed in the commentaries and letters to the Editor of The Somerville Times belong solely to the authors and do not reflect the views or opinions of The Somerville Times, its staff or publishers.)

By Chris Dwan, Resident; Mark Niedergang, City Councilor, Ward 5; and JT Scott, City Councilor, Ward 2

Somerville developers take notice: preliminary protections are now in place for trees on private land in Somerville. If you intend to cut a tree greater than six inches in diameter on private property, you may be required to plant replacements, pay into a replacement fund, or both.

There is an active investigation into Friday’s fatal hit and run. Investigators are continuing to call on the public for assistance in identifying the operator of the vehicle involved in the hit and run in Somerville. Somerville Police, working with the Middlesex DA’s office, are trying to locate a newer model, full-size, black pickup truck with front-end driver’s-side damage. The vehicle is believed to have a black cover over the bed of the truck and is possibly a Ford F-150. Anyone with related information is encouraged to contact the Somerville Police Department at 617-625-1600 ext. 7250 or 7254. Both phone lines are staffed 24/7 by sworn officers. Tips may be left anonymously through text. Begin your text message with 617spd and send it to TIP411 (847411).