The Somerville News Blog

Boston man acquitted of 2007 Walnut Street murder in Somerville

By George P. Hassett Jurors acquitted a Boston man Friday of a double shooting that shocked neighbors on a quiet section of Walnut Street three years ago. Jean Roy, 27, walked out of court a free man after a jury found him not guilty of murdering Lesley College student John Micelin and shooting another man, who survived the attack, at 4 a.m. on May 6, 2007 - reportedly over a cocaine deal gone bad.

100 years later, no president at Fourth celebration - but there's disco in Somerville

By George P. Hassett Somerville is presidential. If you doubt it, just check out the history. This Sunday, July 4 will mark 100 years since President Howard Taft came to Somerville to celebrate the nation's birthday and take part in the local parade. Taft greeted about 200,000 onlookers and notable politicians of the day, such as John "Honey" Fitzgerald, from a stand ion Central Hill in the first ever official appearance of a sitting president in the city. "It was Somerville's day in the sun," said Somerville historian Bob Doherty. The city's last Civil War veteran to serve as mayor, John M. Woods, thanked citizens for their "pure patriotism and high character" during the event.

Roommate slapped, robbed at backyard beer fest in Somerville

By George P. Hassett A Somerville man was slapped and had $30 stolen in a dispute with his roommates Sunday, police said. Jorgelino Cardona, 36, of 62 Bonair St., and Simon Arzola, 28, of 65 Pinckney St., allegedly told the victim, "If you call the police we will kill you."

Somerville Aldermen approve budget after last-minute changes

By Tom Nash After two weeks of negotiations and scrutiny, Mayor Joseph Curtatone's proposed FY11 budget was approved by the Board of Aldermen early this morning, with few direct challenges to his new plan to cut 17 school custodian positions. The last minute changes to a proposal that would outsource school custodian services seemed to appease all but one alderman, who spent much of Tuesday's marathon budget session proposing her own series of budget cuts.

Newstalk for June 30

The Mayors annual July 4 fireworks celebration at Trum field will be this Thursday night. Huge crowds are expected and this year's fireworks are going to be great. Again, we have been told they are privately paid for and sponsored so we get the fireworks and the city doesn't have to pay for them...join the Mayor and all your friends and neighbors at Trum field and enjoy. ***************

Cartoon of the week for June 30

The View From Prospect Hill for June 30

In the summer, it seems hotter in Somerville. Probably because it is. Eighty-eight percent of this city is covered in asphalt, some neighborhoods don't have enough trees and our density is legendary. And Somerville takes the heat every budget season in June because of our over-reliance on state aid and weak commercial tax base. This year was no different: more than 70 city employees found themselves sweating for their jobs and aldermen grilled the mayor on plans to outsource Somerville workers.

Somerville Fire chief: No working smoke detectors at home consumed by fire

~Photo by Jackie Rossetti $400k in damage estimated at Glenwood Road blaze, two trapped on third floor By George P. Hassett Somerville firefighters saved two people trapped on the third floor of a blazing Glenwood Road home Sunday night but the dramatic rescue could have been avoided if the building's landlord had put batteries in the smoke detectors, said Fire Chief Kevin Kelleher. Firefighters arrived at 111 Glenwood Road Sunday around 6:30 p.m. and found the "entire front porch fully engulfed in flames," Kelleher said. An electrical wire then caught fire and fell, bouncing up and down in the middle of the street with a flame on the end of it, he said.

Somerville woman and her alleged heroin supplier busted on Temple Street

6/30/2010 06:00:50 AM

By George P. Hassett A Dorchester man suspected of being a major drug trafficker swallowed four bags of heroin as Somerville police officers approached him June 24, police said. Roberto Moreau-Rivera, 28, of Dorchester, was arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate a drug law, witness intimidation and possession to distribute a class A drug and Leslie Stephatos, 45, of 93 Temple St., was arrested and charged with conspiracy to violate a drug law and warrant charges.

Somerville Officer recognized for saving toddler

~Photo by Tom Nash By Tom Nash Somerville Police Officer Albert Gee received a citation from the Board of Aldermen and Mayor Joseph Curtatone last Thursday for saving the life of 2-year-old Jayden Gilmore. Gee, while working a police detail on Somerville Avenue in May, saved the toddler from choking on a drain plug.

Somerville Haitians still helping home country

By Cathleen Twardzik Even as the earthquake in Haiti has faded from the headlines, Haitian-Americans in Somerville continue to volunteer and offer aid to their struggling home country. Somerville Haitian Coalition volunteers recently returned from a two-month long mission to the country, where they helped deliver medical assistance and mental health counseling to 1,200 survivors, distributed supplies, food, clothing, beds, temporary shelter and other materials to 1,300 survivors, and provided CPR training to 60 women.

Somerville Mayor reduces custodian layoffs, union plans legal fight

By Tom Nash An eleventh hour shift by Mayor Joseph Curtatone will save 28 school custodian jobs from the chopping block, but will likely have to answer questions from the state on whether the move is legal. Curtatone, who had proposed cutting all 49 school custodian positions and outsourcing the work, put forward what he called a "hybrid plan" to the Board of Aldermen meeting on Tuesday.

Shoplifting at Somerville's Kmart

By William Tauro Somerville police units were dispatched to the Big Kmart department store at Assembly Square for a male and a juvenile female allegedly shoplifting Tuesday evening. Both were arrested on shoplifting charges. The male was also charged with an open warrant.

Somerville arrest log for the week of June 21 and June 27

Monday, June 21

Michele Harris, 40, of 3 Quincy St., 12:44 p.m., arrested and charged with shoplifting.

Kelly MacDonald, 28, of 96 Sycamore St., arrested on warrant charges.

Carlos Regalado, 22, homeless, 3:39 p.m., arrested and charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery.

Somerville Police chief finalists announced

By George P. Hassett Somerville residents will have a chance to grill the candidates for the city's open police chief job at a public Q&A session July 7 in City Hall. On Tuesday, City Hall announced the six finalists to replace former Police Chief Anthony Holloway, who left the job two years into a five year contract, to return as chief to the Clearwater, Florida police department, where he had been a captain.

Somerville Police: Cash drawer thief couldn't open door

By George P. Hassett A Cambridge man who tried to steal a cash drawer filled with $340 from a Walgreen's on Broadway June 21 was slowed down when he tried to leave the store through the entrance and could not open the door, according to police. Kenneth Allen smiled at a Walgreen's cashier and stepped behind the counter before pulling a cash drawer out and trying to run out of the store, police said.

Shoplifter pulls knife when stopped with stolen bathing suits in Somerville

By George P. Hassett

A Medford man trying to shoplift two swim suits from the TJ Maxx in Assembly Square pulled a knife out and threatened to stab store security guards on Friday, police said.

Darrell Johnson, 29, allegedly stuffed the swim suits into his shorts and tried to flee the store. When security tried to stop him, Johnson allegedly pulled out a black handle knife with a spring loaded release and threatened to stab the loss prevention officer.

Free meals all Summer for Somerville children and teens

(from the Somerville Public Schools) FREE breakfast will be distributed to any Somerville youth who asks Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning on June 29 in Albion Park and Grimmons Park. Free breakfast will also be distributed between 9:45 -10:00 a.m. at Kidstop in Powderhouse Park beginning July 6.

City Opens "Cooling Centers" in Somerville due to Heat, Air Quality

Cooling Centers open Monday at TAB, Ralph & Jenny Center (from the city of Somerville) Due to the forecast of high heat and humidity indices and poor air quality forecasts on Monday, June 28th, Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone has issued the following alert: "Please note that residents are advised to avoid exposure to the extreme heat whenever possible, to drink plenty of water and restrict unnecessary outdoor activity. On behalf of the Council on Aging, the Health Department and other city agencies, I would also like to request the public's assistance in checking on the welfare of family members and neighbors - especially senior citizens, young children, or those who have physical limitations - in order to ensure their continued safety. As always, if you experience a heat-related health or safety emergency, or you see anyone who needs assistance, please dial 911. Any resident - especially seniors - needing a cool place tomorrow should visit the City's air-conditioned Cooling Centers open on Holland Street and New Washington Street."

Somerville firefighters save trapped woman in Glenwood Road blaze

By William Tauro Somerville Fire Department companies were dispatched to a fire at 111 Glenwood Road early Sunday evening. The multi-family dwelling was totally engulfed in flame. Firefighters battled the blaze and searched the premises for any occupants after rescuing a women that was trapped on the third floor. No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation.