(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. 

2,411 potholes: For many New Englanders, potholes are the true first sign of spring. The Department of Public Works has filled more than 2,400 potholes so far this fiscal year (FY2019 began on July 1, 2019). More than 75% of those potholes were filled proactively, while the others were filled because of service requests from residents, mostly through 311. Winter can be especially hard on our roads and the temporary material DPW can use over the winter (called cold patch) isn’t a long-term fix, so filling potholes really ramps up with the warmer spring weather. Although DPW crews have located and filled many potholes around the City, we always benefit from more eyes on the street. So, please, report potholes you see through 311.

East Somerville Main Streets and Connexion will host their Annual Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 20, at Chuck Harris Park, 12 Cross St., East Somerville.

The  event will run from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. All are welcome!

Live in the TV studio, some of Boston’s funniest stand up comedians. April 19, 7:00 p.m. at Somerville Media Center Studios.

Featuring: Dylan Uscher, Kathleen DeMarle, Nate Davis, Danya Trommer, Isha Patnaik, Dave McLaughlin, Corey Saunders, and hosted by Caitlin Arcand.Tickets: Free but donations are welcome: online ordering link

By Jack Pombriant

Wednesday April 17, marked the seventh day of the Stop & Shop strike. As with many of the region’s stores, customers at the Somerville branch on 779 McGrath Hwy. in Somerville are greeted at the parking lot entrance by picketing workers.

By Jim Clark

Somerville Police officers were dispatched to the area of Statue Park in Davis Square last Saturday on reports of an assault.

Upon arrival, officers were met by the reporting party who told them that she had been walking on College Ave. by the 7/11 store when she saw a woman known to her as Jill Koerber.

Life in the Ville by Jimmy Del Ponte

I used to love driving but now I only drive when I have to.

I find myself staying in my house a lot lately. Oh yeah, winter just ended. That explains some of it, so I know the nice weather will force me to go out more.

Flex posts have been recently installed citywide and most of them were run over within days. Desperate for solutions, one council member suggests a citywide 20 mph speed limit. — Photo by Denise Keniston

By Denise Keniston

Travel across Somerville’s Willow Ave., or many other busy streets in Somerville, and you’ll likely encounter what looks like giant cigarettes flattened to the ground. These “flex posts” are so-called soft-hit posts; plastic barriers meant to separate motorists from cyclists and pedestrians and prevent drivers from speeding.

The first of several upcoming open office hours for the Powder House Boulevard Traffic Safety Plan took place last Wednesday at West Somerville Neighborhood School.

By Jackson Ellison

The first open office hours for the Powder House Boulevard Traffic Safety Plan were held by The City of Somerville Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development’s Transportation and Infrastructure Division at West Somerville Neighborhood School last Wednesday, April 10.

Ball Square is not impossible, and traffic is not bad at all. It’s easy to get in and out, so don’t forget the many food establishments there. All the businesses would appreciate you still dropping by to shop, eat, or just say “Hi” – it would be very welcome. The Ball Square Café, Sound bites, Kelly’s Dinner – or almost everyone’s favorite, Victor’s Deli – don’t forget Lyndell’s Bakery and, of course, True Grounds is open for business as well. Traffic around the square is good, with plenty of parking. So there’s no excuse for not shopping there. Ward 5 Councilor Mark Niedergang has done a great job in keeping residents and businesses up to date as to what is going on. We compliment him for doing a fine job.

Thanks to 3D printing technology, jewelry design artisans such as Vanessa Templeman, with her Winter Hill Jewelry business, are finding new ways to brings their ideas to realization.

By NaBeela Washington

From digital blueprint to 3D model, Winter Hill Jewelry continues to pave the way for eco-friendly 3D printed jewelry. Beginning in late 2015, Vanessa Templeman sought out her family’s 3D printer to bring her curiosity in jewelry to life. Little did Templeman know that this would lead her to start Winter Hill Jewelry.