One case has a connection to the West Somerville Neighborhood School, which will close for additional cleaning

Today, the City of Somerville’s Board of Health was notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) that there are two presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Somerville residents. Both cases are linked to the Biogen conference held in Boston in February.

The Somerville Police Department Hockey Team defeated the Somerville Fire Department 5-3 in a well-played, hard earned victory. Leading the offense team were T. Lambert and E. O’Brien both with a goal and assist. The veteran leadership was key in this game with solid defensive play by D. Rego and a key goal by R. Lavey that broke the tie going into intermission 3-2. Their game never trailed behind due to the strong efforts put in by M. Capasso, E. Kim, R. Desrochers, B. Pavao, and J. DiGregorio, which had the SFD pressing late in the game and allowing for the eventual score of 5-3.

My Plans and Thank You
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Dear friends and neighbors,

I am writing to share the news that I will end my service as a City Councilor at the end of April. After April, my family will spend time in my hometown, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where we will be close to family.

Arrests:
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 Juan Martinez, March 4, 2:59 p.m., arrested at Mystic Ave. on warrant charges of felony nighttime breaking and entering of a vehicle or boat, receiving stolen property under $1200, and shoplifting by concealing merchandise.

Akbar Rashada, of Chelsea, March 4, 5:43 p.m., arrested at McGrath Hwy. on a warrant charge of shoplifting by asportation.

The Somerville City Council is looking into various issues governed by the current Adult Use Marijuana Ordinance, including disclosure of ownership and the removal of the local preference provision.

By Jim Clark

At the latest meeting of the City of Somerville City Council, orders were put forward seeking to clarify and refine the current Adult Use Marijuana Ordinance.

One order asks the City Solicitor to draft proposed language to amend the ordinance to require, in any application, full disclosure of all ownership interests, including names and percentage interest of all owners or shareholders in LLCs, corporations, or any other ownership entities.

Worker-owners Sasha Coleman, Ellie Tiglao, and Kyisha Davenport had their restaurant, Tanam, recognized by the James Beard Foundation Awards. – Photo by Shira Laucharoen

By Shira Laucharoen

Somerville restaurant Tanam and chef Cassie Piuma of Sarma were nominated as semifinalists for the 2020 James Beard Foundation Awards, as announced on February 26. Tanam was named for the category “Best New Restaurant,” while Piuma was selected for the section “Best Chef: Northeast.” The prestigious awards are presented annually to recognize those in the culinary arts in the United States.

On Saturday, March 7 between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m., members of the Somerville Teachers Association and their supporters gained more support by accepting signatures from people who entered and exited MBTA stations along with many pedestrians in the Davis Square area. They also canvassed surrounding streets for support for the upcoming contract. There was strong support among people who stopped to talk and listen. People from outside of the state – Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Michigan – who are educators and visiting our area said they would return home and spread the word.

We want to remind all of our valued readers – and everyone else, of course – to keep washing their hands and take all suitable precautions while risks of exposure to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) still exists. The city’s website has a lot of valuable updated information on the virus and SCAT TV will be running podcasts in the next few days with information from the CDC. We will also be updating our website with any new updates and will run the podcasts.

Representative Christine P. Barber (D-34th Middlesex) voted in favor of a package to bring in new revenue to fund needed investments in our transportation system, while also supporting local projects to improve transportation access and equity in Somerville and Medford.