(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 Joseph A. Curtatone

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

It’s moving season in Somerville, and even for that we have data.

3,890 temporary no parking requests: For most, moving trucks and discarded furniture on the curbs are signs of moving season. For us, temporary no parking sign requests are another. From May to July this year, the City issued nearly 4,000 temporary no parking permits. These permits get issued throughout the year for a variety of things, including construction, deliveries, and moving. But from May through September, most of them are issued are for moving vehicles or containers. By this time last year, the Parking Department had issued 3,151 no parking permits and then ultimately handled a total of 6,334 during moving season. If you’re moving this summer and need to reserve parking, visit www.parksomerville.com for information on getting temporary no parking permits and don’t forget that signs have to go up 48 hours in advance and you need to call 311 to let them know the signs are posted. If you park on the street, don’t forget to regularly look for temporary no parking signs on your street so you can plan to move your car, if needed.

This July, 211 young people from Somerville’s Mystic Learning center, Somerville YMCA and Somerville High School- Summer Success, Welcome Project and Clarendon Hill Towers set sail to the Boston Harbor Islands on Bay State Cruise Company’s flagship Provincetown II on a free All Access Boston Harbor cruise hosted by Save the Harbor/Save the Bay.

By Jim Clark

A Somerville Police officer observed a pickup truck making unsafe lane changes on Mystic Ave. near Lombardi Street last Friday afternoon.

The officer activated his emergency equipment and stopped the vehicle near the intersection of Mystic Ave. and Revolution Dr. Additional units were requested as backup.

Anyone Can Be A First Responder! The City of Somerville is pleased to offer this free Overdose Prevention and Naloxone training to all Somerville residents.

Maker Space Show & Tell: Live Demos, Networking and Discussions
Thursday, August 1, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Want to be inspired by the creative members at Artisan’s Asylum, a 40,000 square foot nonprofit community maker space in Somerville, MA? This event is designed to welcome the community to explore the Maker Space world, experience first-hand some of the amazing work that happens throughout the year and learn more about the array of resources Artisan’s Asylum has to offer.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

This story is not funny, light hearted or whimsical. Sorry. It’s one account of a dark time in our city’s history that affected me and a lot of my friends profoundly.

Two live free performances by Somerville youth will lead up to this Thursday’s showing of The Incredibles 2, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

On Thursday, August 1, join in at Seven Hills Park in Davis Square for live entertainment by Somerville youth leading up to this week’s SomerMovie Fest viewing of The Incredibles 2. At 6:30 p.m., catch a unique performance by participants in the Somerville Recreation Department’s Run Like a Girl program, a first-of-its kind gender-neutral empowerment program by ANIKAYA Dance Theater and local choreographer Wendy Jehlen.

~Photos by Emily Sabatino

Storms rolled through Somerville late afternoon Wednesday, downing trees and wires in some parts of the area. These photos are from Linden Ave, Porter St., Greene St., Loring St., and Lowell St. There were also some power outages reported.

Chris Dwan is the co-chair of the Urban Forestry Committee and worked with city councilors on the ordinance which goes into effect August 1. A “significant” tree is one that measures 8 inches or more in diameter. — Photo by Denise Keniston

By Denise Keniston

The city of Somerville passed an updated and cohesive Tree Preservation Ordinance making it harder for homeowners and developers to cut down trees on their private property.

Development plans for the Central Hill campus area are being finalized in preparation for a spring 2020 start.

By Erin Nolan

Community members voiced both concern and excitement over the future plans for the Central Hill campus at the first community meeting this past Monday, July 22.

The city wants to hear ideas from young people about the future of Somerville. Teens are invited to share their thoughts and concerns about important topics like housing, education, and job training and access at a SomerVision 2040 Youth Forum tonight, Wednesday, July 31, at 5:00 p.m., in the Central Library auditorium, 79 Highland Ave. SomerVision 2040 is an ongoing effort to reexamine and update Somerville’s comprehensive plan – SomerVision. The community-developed plan set priorities around many issues; including housing, open space, transportation, sustainability, the local economy, and education. To learn more about the ongoing SomerVision 2040 process, visit www.somervision2040.com. While there, you can also sign up to get SomerVision 2040 updates.