The Somerville News Blog

A Political Cartoon by Peter Yezukevich

Pat's Towing helps out with trucks, heart

by Jesse Haley

Pat’s Towing at 160 McGrath Highway was voted Somerville’s 2004 Best Towing and Roadside Service by the readers of The Somerville News.

If you’ve ever found yourself curbside, standing before an empty, if illegal, parking space where your car used to be, it may be hard to think of the people that towed you as the best.

The View from Prospect Hill

The View from Prospect Hill

In a city known for its hardball politics, the news that Vincent P. Ciampa is launching a sticker campaign to retain his seat is refreshing.

For many progressives, who are used to judges granting their every wish, submitting to voters for a second round has to be a galling nuisance. Fortunately for our local body politic, Carl Sciortino, the Democratic nominee, welcomes the challenge and is up for the fight. Sciortino is a reasonable and likable man, who it is difficult to depict as a loopy leftist. Damn.

Century Bank prepares for Check 21

by Julia C. Reischel

The bank voted best in Somerville by the readers of The Somerville News is gearing up for Check 21, a law that Oct. 28 changes how it process checks.

"Check 21 takes it to the next level," said Jonathan G. Sloane, the
president of Century Bank.

News Talk

If we weren’t there we wouldn’t have believed this – but kudos go to State Representative Pat Jehlen, who agreed to be part of the Debate last Wednesday evening at the Independent Restaurant sponsored by the Somerville News. The debate between Rep. Pat Jehlen and her Republican opponent Dane Baird was packed wall to wall with residents of our city.

Rep. Pat Jehlen totally disarmed Dane Baird by putting on her “Grandmother” routine, while Baird came off as being rude and petulant. Dane should learn to wait his turn and be more respectful and Pat should have brought cookies and milk or at least Apple pie. We think Pat won the debate -- at least the charming part.

The View from Prospect Hill

The worst kept secret in the city is that Ward 3 Alderman Thomas F. Taylor is under investigation by the State Police and the Middlesex County District Attorney Martha Coakley.

We have struggled to be responsible journalists with this matter, but we have an obligation to our readers and advertisers to be a competitive newspaper.

There is nothing in the paper today that anyone could have learned by calling the DA, a police source or a friendly alderman—six weeks ago.

The Somerville News Sports Desk

Hannah frustrated, but determined to revive Highlanders

by Barrett P. Alston, Sports Editor

When the only Patriot admitted to the NFL Hall of Fame took over as the Somerville High football coach this season, he had a specific goal in mind – to help change the attitude of the entire football program.

Sure, turning around a team that finished last season without a single win was important as well, said John Hannah, who was hired in the spring.

Dr. Courban subject of DA inquest; accused of sexual assault by former patient

by Neil W. McCabe

A Somerville doctor who is an emergency room physician at Cambridge Hospital is the subject of a criminal review by the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office and the Cambridge Police.

The doctor is being investigated, but there has been no indictment or charges filed, said Melissa T. Sherman, a spokeswoman for Martha Coakley, the district attorney.

The doctor, Christo C. Courban, is a 1996 graduate of the State University of New York Downstate Medical Center.

Courban is also affliated at other Boston hospitals, including Massachusetts General Hospital, where he was a resident from 1999 to 2002.

The Somerville News has learned that the doctor is the same physician accused of sexual assault by a former patient he met when she came to the Cambridge Hospital for complex partial seizures.

Mayor issues Assembly Square permits despite lawsuit, doubts

by Brian A. McDonald

City Hall and the developers of the Assembly Square took a step towards breaking ground Sept. 14 when the city issued permits and collected fees, despite opposition to the project.

“This is an important moment for our city. Not only does it demonstrate forward progress on this project but it means our community is finally reaping some financial benefit from this site,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

Davis Square spa owner performs in Boston Chinese Art Festival

by Timothy L. Croes

The fourth annual Boston Chinese Art Festival was held Oct. 2 at Boston’s John Hancock Hall, featuring dancers, singers and musicians performing throughout the night.

Luau celebrates rebirth of Ralph and Jenny Center

by Jesse Haley

Members of the Somerville police force have volunteered adopt buildings and activities in the city and thanks to one concerned officer, a once neglected senior center celebrated a new beginning on Sept. 22 with a festive luau.

“We’re putting it back on the map,” said Officer Mario L. Oliveira, speaking from the recently landscaped front lawn of the Ralph and Jenny DeVitto Senior Center at 9 New Washington St.

Lt. Gov. Healy Ryles-up Slavitt campaign

by Neil W. McCabe

Supporters of the Republican challenger for the 26th Middlesex seat in the state legislature, including Lt. Gov. Kerry Healy gathered at Ryles in Inman Square to gear up for his final push before the November election.

“I really go out every day as if I can win,” said David R. Slavitt, who is running against State Rep. Timothy J. Toomey Jr., a Democrat. The seat represents parts of East Somerville and East Cambridge.

Alibrandi's Barber Shop voted city's best shave, haircut by News readers

by Michaela A. Falls

In Alibrandi’s Barber Shop at 194 Holland St., one hears echoes of the same lighthearted banter over and between the scissors snips from when the family first started cutting hair in the city in 1938.

First and foremost, Alibrandi’s has more the feel of a gathering spot disguised as a business with the spotlight on the customer as opposed to the haircut, a tradition that was passed down by Tony J. Alibrandi’s father and one he said he is determined to keep.

Letter to the Editor

Reader responds to coverage of investigation of Ward 3 Alderman Thomas F. Taylor

To the editor:

I went to school with the accuser, he's like borderline schizophrenic--

He's openly gay, uses drugs & alcohol excessively, and a pathological liar, fantasizing and making up stories about teachers and students alike. He's instigated fights and rumors between more people then I could fit here. I can only say its sad that the media would come forth with a one sided report such as those I've seen in local papers. There was nothing of the boy being troubled, homeless, on drugs, and a vicious instigator. Interview some of the students and teachers that have actually dealt closely with this accuser, it seems unjust that the Taylor family has been crucified prior to any REAL investigation or research on the matter. With reporters, its all about getting that story out and drawing in the sales.

Amanda (submitted by e-mail)

The Somerville News sponsors Oct. 13 debate at The Independent: Jehlen v. Baird

by George P. Hassett

The Somerville News will host a debate Oct. 13 for the seat to the 27th Middlesex District of the state legislature from 7 to 8 p.m. in The Independent restaurant at 75 Union Square.

“On Oct. 13, I will emphasize my record of standing up for the families of Somerville while trying to find out what Baird has ever done for this community,” said State Rep. Patricia D. Jehlen, D-Somerville.

Ball Square's True Grounds voted city's best coffee shop by News readers

by Brian A. McDonald

Ball Square’s True Grounds coffee shop was named the 2004 Best Coffee Shop in the city by the readers of The Somerville News.

The shop is striving to put out the city’s best coffee and change the way people think about eating in Ball Square, said Amy L. Thiebault, who owns the coffee shop with Rhett A. Richard. “It’s like breakfast mania around here.”

Somerville man plys the art, science nexus

by George P. Hassett

The strange artistry of Somerville scientist and artist Arthur Ganson can begin its evolution in circumstances as diverse as walking his dogs in the Middlesex Fells Reservation and playing with his food at the dinner table.

The world-renowned Ganson, whose wild sculptures have been shown in museums from Cambridge to Germany, said he contends that the world is his classroom and each experiences its own lesson.

Mayor to hike taxes on development to fund open spaces goals

by Neil W. McCabe

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced Oct. 1 a new approach to open space and historic preservation funding, proposing that developers pay a new linkage fee to fund those goals.

The plan was part of an overall linkage fee hike that also includes a provision expanding the number of developers who will pay the fees, the mayor said.

Off the Shelf by Douglas Holder

Poetry Night @ Toast Sept. 24

In the waning days of Summer, poetry can ease the painful transition from the lush life to the inevitable cold winter of our discontent.

Hopefully this was the case at the Toast Lounge, where The Somerville News presents its Friday Nights series. The poets at the Sept. 24 were Robert K. Johnson and Elizabeth Lund, who read from their impressive body of work.

Reality Bites by James Norton

How the manic mind composes, or, here’s your hat, what’s your hurry?

I can’t believe it’s been three weeks since I wrote this article last. I can’t remember what I wrote about – unless that was the week of the crappy Patriots whine-fest. Oops.