Week in Review: Top Stories in Somerville this Week
Details of the Nov. 2 shooting that left one dead and a Somerville police detective fighting for his life were released. The Union Square Post Office building will move to a smaller space and likely sell the building to the City. And more news from this w
In this week’s top news, four months after the shootings on election night that left shooter Matthew Krister dead and Detective Mario Oliveira fighting for his life, the Middlesex District Attorney announced the results of his investigation, providing previously unreleased details of events that occurred that night.
D.A. Reveals Details of Shooting of Det. Mario Oliveira, Says Return Fire Was Justified
The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office issued a statement Friday detailing the circumstances of the shooting of Somerville Police Detective Mario Oliveira on Nov. 2. The report says the shooter Matthew Krister knew his arrest was imminent and told his girlfriend it would end in a shootout. What it ended in was a tragedy. Oliveira is still recovering from five gunshot wounds and Krister died by seven shots of return fire.
GOVERNMENT/COMMUNITY:
No Shortage of Questions, Concerns, Over Extending Green Line to Route 16
MassDOT and MAPC held a meeting to let residents air concerns over potentially extending the Green Line beyond College Avenue.
U.S. Postal Service to Sell Washington Street Building, Relocate within Union Square
The post office is looking to sell their Washington St. building to the City and relocate customer services to a much smaller space in Union Square. New uses, including a possible arts-related use, are being considered.
Why Does Bob Massie Want to Challenge Scott Brown for his Senate Seat? See this Q&A
Somerville Resident Bob Massie, who hopes to be the Democratic challenger for Scott Brown’s senate seat, sat down for a Q&A with Patch.
Yes, Somerville You Can Pay Parking Tickets Online at New Website
New site allows for easy online payment and contesting of tickets, among other less painful options. Next up: meters that take credit cards.
City to Ramp Up Walk/Ride Day with American Heart Association Grant
The $10k Community Impact Grant will help increase Walk/Ride Day programming and support physical activity and Shape Up Somerville efforts citywide.
POLICE & COURTS
Somerville Man to be Arraigned for Attempted Murder of Arlington Woman
Adam Leal, 27, will be arraigned Wednesday on charges of attempted murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and trespassing, after he allegedly beat and choked a woman in Arlington on Sunday, Feb. 6.
Interactive Police Log: Nine Arrests in Four Days
Nine arrests were made in Somerville from Feb. 7 to 10, including two drug arrests, four assaults and one arrest on warrant charges of assault with intent to murder.
Two Arrested After Alleged Heroin Deal at Walgreens Lot
Charges for one include intent to distribute a class A drug in a school zone, which carries a mandatory two-year sentence if convicted.
BUSINESS/REAL ESTATE:
Residents and union members held a rally at City Hall before a long-awaited hearing on whether MaxPac developers will be required to hire locals and union workers.
See What Sold in Somerville this Week, Feb. 10-17
Recent Home Sales in Somerville include a unit at the controversial One Benton Road condo conversion--and a nearly $1M condo in Davis Square.
Closings: Black & Blues and Bob Slate Stationer’s
Black & Blues clothing boutique of Davis Square e-mailed customers last week that it will close by the end of the month, according to a post on DavisSquareLiveJournal. Bob Slate Stationer in Porter Square will also be closing in March if a last minute buyer is not found, reports CambridgeDay.com. Both will be missed.
Nonprofits Making a Difference in Somerville
This week’s Patch Picks features just five of the many notable nonprofits based in Somerville. Let us know which organizations you think deserve a shout out.
FOOD/ARTS/LIVING:
AUDIO SLIDESHOW: A Peek at the Somerville Laughter Club
For members of the Somerville Laughter Club, laughter is a pleasure in itself. They explore a wide range of laughter together at Unity Church twice a month.
Theater@First Brings 'The Lady’s Not For Burning' to Twenty-First Century and Beyond
An unexpected adaptation of the 1948 play is on stage in Somerville through the month of February.
Got Cabin Fever? Where to Go with the Kids in Winter
This week the Mom’s Council looks for ways to keep kids and parents entertained (and sane) despite the difficult winter weather--and they offer a few tips for vacation week too.
A Facial Designed to Relax Your Whole Body
The facials at Skin & Body Works include a relaxing massage.
Remedy for Kitchen Chaos from the Neighbor Lady
A reader overwhelmed by the chaos in the kitchen asks the Neighbor Lady how to get organized.
SCHOOLS/SPORTS:
New Laws and Rules Could Make Bullying a Crime, Parents Urged to Be Alert
On Thursday night, the Middlesex Partnerships for Youth presented an overview of aggressive new laws and school policies aimed at stopping school bullies.
Top High School Athlete Also Dedicated Volunteer
Varsity boys basketball player Pat Tracy has for years mentored students with developmental disabilities.
Culinary Arts Program Offers Students Chance to Run Restaurant
The Culinary Arts Program at Somerville High School offers students an alternative to regular education, a foundation of cooking and baking techniques and an opportunity to run a restaurant.
UPDATED: Electrical Problem Shuts Down Somerville High School Wednesday
An electrical problem caused a loss of heat to the High School early Wednesday causing officials to close the school for all staff and students.
EVENTS TO WATCH FOR:
Porchfest Date is Set: Calling all musicians, the Somerville Arts Council has set a date for its newest and very cool idea: Porchfest. They will hold the first citywide Somerville Porchfest on Saturday May 21. Musicians of all ages and types will play on their porches (or friends or neighbor’s porches) and audiences can roam from show to free and breezy show. To sign up to perform, send in your registration by May 1. Signup info here. Full story on Porchfest here.
See the USO at the Annual Memorial Day Parade Benefit Bash: Get your tickets now for the Annual Memorial Day Parade fundraiser and you’ll get a real two-for-one: a party and that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from doing something good. Live entertainment by the USO Metropolitan New York Performers and singing impressionist Joey Voices will set the scene at the Saturday March 19 benefit party at the High School. The parade takes place Sunday May 29. Party tickets are $20. Details here.
Local Spots offer big dining discounts for Restaurant Week: The words “discount" and “chervil-encrusted Mahi-Mahi” don’t tend to wind up in the same sentence often--unless it’s Restaurant Week, when more than 200 area fine dining spots offer once-a-year specials. This year’s Week runs March 6-11 and 13-18 and reservations go fast, so call now. Somerville restaurants to try include: Bergamot, Brunello Bistro, Foundry on Elm and Gargoyles on the Square, or check out Elephant Walk just over the line in Cambridge. All will offer prix-fixe meals: 2-course lunch for $15.11, 3-course lunch for $20.11 and 3-course dinner for $33.11. A complete list of participating Greater Boston restaurants (with Restaurant Week menus) can be found here.