Cynthia Staples is a Somerville-based writer and photographer.  It may have been coincidence, but moving to Somerville a few years ago lit a creative fire that she hopes will burn a long time.  Her writing can be found online and in print publications including African Voices, Creativity Portal, Dead Mule, the Seattle Times and Terrain.org.  She’s appreciated the opportunities to share her photography at the Nave Gallery and through Somerville Open Studios.  You can follow both her words and images at http://www.wordsandimagesbycynthia.wordpress.com/.

Arrests
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Farkhanda Shah, 59, of 13 Abby Ellen Lane, Peabody, Aug. 16, 10:23 a.m., arrested on warrant charges of larceny over $250 and embezzlement by a broker.

A juvenile, of Somerville, Aug. 16, 6:58 p.m., arrested on Heath Street and charged with breaking and entering in the daytime for a felony.

A juvenile, of Somerville, Aug. 17, 10:57 a.m., arrested on Lincoln Street on warrant charges.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Early Tuesday morning, Assembly Square project’s contractors are moving their way up to the Middlesex Avenue area to complete crucial underground tie-ins to the city’s main infrastructure.

By William Tauro

- Photo by William Tauro

Somerville fire units responded to a three alarm fire that started at a residence on Houghton Street around  6 p.m. on Monday evening turning the evening drive into a commuter’s nightmare.

Firefighters from Somerville, Medford, Cambridge and Boston were called in to battle the blaze.

By George P. Hassett

A drunken, shirtless Somerville man stole a police cruiser and drove into a utility pole Aug. 17, according to police.

Marc McKenna, 24, of 14 Atherton St., stole Somerville police officer Derrick Dottin’s cruiser after Dottin offered him a ride home, police said. McKenna was stopped for being drunk at 5 p.m., he had his shirt tied around his head and was unsteady on his feet at Medford and Lowell streets, police said.

By George P. Hassett

Police are warning residents in the Union and Porter square neighborhoods of an early morning assault in the area of Park and Eliot streets Sunday.
Police sent a phone message to neighborhood residents.
“Early Sunday morning, shortly after midnight, a female resident of your area reported that she had been indecently assaulted in the area of Park Street and Eliot Street,” Deputy Chief Paul Upton said in the message. “She reported that an unknown male suspect approached her from behind and assaulted her, and subsequently fled from the scene on foot. The scene lasted only a few seconds, but the victim was able to provide a limited description.  She described the suspect as a light skinned male, possibly Hispanic or Asian, with short dark hair, of medium build, and between five feet eight to five feet ten inches tall.  The suspect appeared to be in his late twenties or early thirties.

~Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

Nature’s fury unleashed strong winds that caused a tree to collapse at the side of an apartment building located at 333 Broadway in Somerville.

Dpw crews were out in force cleaning up after Monday’s storm.

The USA Rugby team led by captain and Somerville native Jamie Burke, cruised to a 51-0 win over Kazakhstan.

By Mike Rubin

For the United States Women’s Rugby team, the quest for a 2010 World Cup kicked off on the right note.

Led by Christy Ringenberg’s 26 points, the USA cruised to a 51-0 win over Kazakhstan in the opening round of pool play last Friday.

In the opening minutes Riggenberg capitalized on a penalty kick while Nathalie Marchino delivered a try. Ringgenbenrg also cashed in on another try, increasing the lead to 13-0 before the half.

In the second half, the USA continued to dominate following scores by Victoria Folayan and Ringgenberg en route to a 20-0 edge. Another try and a conversion by Ashley Kmiecik paved the way for a commanding 27-0 cushion.

- Photo by William Tauro

By William Tauro

A Sunday morning water main break at the intersection of Conwell Ave and Hillsdale Rd in Somerville kept the Department of Public Works crews busy for hours. Water service to neighboring homes was  interrupted.

The DPW and police closed off and detoured streets leading to the break while repair crews worked diligently to repair the leak and restore water to  the Somerville residents  that were affected.

By Rose Scherlis

Mario Barros

A humor festival is coming to Boston Sept. 9 through 12, organized by Mario Barros of Somerville.

The first Boston International Humor Festival, BOSTOONS 2010, will include graphic humor, literary humor, and stage humor. It will contain an exposition of 210 cartoons on the subjects of freedom and the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy, and three free nights of stand-up comedy at Cambridge College.