ArtBeat is one of the area’s largest and most innovative arts festivals, with over a dozen bands, dance troupes, 75 craft vendors, food, and all-age activities.

On Saturday, July 14th we shut down Davis Square for craft vendors, two stages of music, dance in the Somerville Theater, and a host of great interactive performances from 11 am to 10 pm.

The City of Somerville has issued a directive to staff informing them that, to prevent potentially unsafe conditions created by National Grid’s lockout of 1,200 workers in Massachusetts, no non-emergency permit should be issued to National Grid during this time without undergoing an additional stringent review process. Citing the concern that an “outside contractor under supervision of National Grid staff unfamiliar with our standard operating procedures would likely create significant constituent impacts and could potentially result in unsafe conditions,” the directive sets a range of requirements and stipulates permits undergo review “until we are confident that the execution of the work will be fully in adherence to our standards.” The directive goes on to state that, “through years of experience, the gas company crews and their contractors have become familiar with our requirements, and we therefore have a comfort level in issuing Occupancy Permits. The current situation with National Grid, however, presents a changed condition.”

By Jim Clark

While on duty for the Somerville Police Gang Unit, officers operating an unmarked cruiser conducting a directed patrol in the area of Mt. Vernon Street observed a man operating a vehicle who appeared to be texting while driving. The officers conducted a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Mt. Vernon and Perkins Streets.

By Joseph A. Curtatone

(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)

Taking a closer look at notable city data—and interesting numbers. 

More than 75 percent of pedestrians crossing illegally in Davis Square: Before signal timing changes were made last month at the main intersection in Davis Square, it could take between four and six minutes for pedestrians to legally cross the intersection diagonally. As a result, more than 75 percent of pedestrians were crossing without a signal.  So recently, the City made changes to signal timing to increase safety and help the intersection run more efficiently and reduce delays for all users.

~Photos by Claudia Ferro

Last Thursday evening, July 5, people gathered for live entertainment at Trum Field that included performances by the 215th Army Band, and local Disco-Funk band Booty Vortex.

Those concerned with the proposed updating of the Demolition Review Ordinance got an opportunity to share their views on the issue at a public hearing before the Legislative Matters Committee Monday night.

By Jim Clark

A public hearing was held by the Board of Aldermen’s Legislative Matters Committee of the Whole on Monday night to provide updates to and take comments from the general public in regards to the proposed updated Demolition Review Ordinance which is currently under consideration by the Committee, and ultimately the Board as a whole.

Visitors convened at Bow Market to spend the 4th of July together.

By Shira Laucharoen

Bow Market held a cookout on July 4 in its courtyard, where guests were welcome to bring their own food items to prepare on charcoal grills. The newly opened Union Square center, which houses food vendors, retailers, and artists, served as a public, open space for people to enjoy the holiday.

Don’t forget, for all you Ball Square Café fans, starting this Friday, July 13, and every Friday night thereafter, they will stay open until 9:00 p.m. We’re excited, Omar and Mike are the best, the menu is always great. We can’t wait to see the specials for Friday evenings. Mention you saw it here!

By Ian Erlichman

Families flutter down sidewalks and across streets, around the life-size displays, like the 20-foot Lego Giraffe that guards the northern section of Assembly Row. It’s a sunny afternoon in Somerville on Friday, July 6, and the mid-day scorch has cooled to breezy warmth.

(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)

Raising minimum wage to $15 Is good business

I’ve been a Massachusetts business owner for 44 years. And I’m looking forward to increased consumer buying power and a stronger economy as the state minimum wage rises to $15 by 2023.