Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Japanese Takeout Restaurant Opens In Somerville

Make time for Cultural Survival Bazaar on the Somerville Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Good morning Somerville! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • New Japanese comfort-food spot opens near Union Square
  • Are Somerville’s new rat-fighting tactics finally making a difference?
  • How Tufts’ food innovation hub could reshape Medford-Somerville’s future economy

Also on today's calendar: Cultural Survival Bazaar and 12 more events.

Find out what's happening in Somervillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

Find out what's happening in Somervillefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • Thursday: Colder; a p.m. snow shower, with a high of 36 and low of 19 degrees. ⛄️ Brr!
  • Friday: Mostly sunny and cold, temps: high: 32, low: 22.
  • Saturday: Times of clouds and sun, with a high of 33 and low of 25 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Japanese Takeout Restaurant Opens In Somerville (patch.com) — Somerville food lovers have a new option near Union Square with the opening of Kokoro Don Café on Summer Street, serving Japanese comfort dishes like donburi, sushi, ramen, and breakfast. Open daily from morning to evening, the owners are inviting feedback as they settle into the neighborhood and aim to become a valued part of the local community.
   

2. Committee hears updates on rodent control practices (thesomervilletimes.com) — Somerville officials are ramping up rodent control, from a fertility-control study at Somerville High School to an expanded Rodent Assistance Program that has already visited more than 800 properties this year. Complaint calls to 311 are down nearly 15%, but inspectors are issuing more trash-related violations and planning new education campaigns, better tracking tools, and upgraded trash and trapping infrastructure across neighborhoods.
   

3. Tufts University Hosts the Fourth Annual ‘Future of Food Innovation Day' January 8, 2026 (newswise.com) — Tufts University’s Medford/Somerville campus is hosting its fourth Future of Food Innovation Day on January 8, 2026, spotlighting cutting-edge work in sustainable proteins and cellular agriculture. The invitation-only event will bring researchers, startups, and industry leaders together at the Joyce Cummings Center as Tufts builds a regional hub for future food innovation that Somerville residents may see shaping the local economy and research scene.
   

4. Man arrested in connection with monthslong Medford tire-theft probe (wcvb.com) — A regional tire-theft investigation that centered on Medford has led to a suspect being arraigned at Somerville District Court, tying this case directly to the local court system. Police say the man is accused of stealing or attempting to steal tires from multiple vehicles in Medford and possibly nearby communities, and he’s due back in court for a pretrial hearing.
   

5. City reaffirms equitable approach to implement climate action plan (thesomervilletimes.com) — Somerville’s City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to the Climate Forward 2024 plan, aiming to cut fossil fuel use and protect neighborhoods from flooding and extreme heat through 2035. Officials warn that up to half of the city’s critical facilities could face climate hazards by 2070, and coastal flooding could inundate areas like Assembly, Union, and Davis squares in major storms.
   

📸 Around Somerville

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Where does one look for local handmade accessories like hats and scarves?
    I am doing some Xmas shopping and would like to support a local artisan. What shops in Cambridge/Somerville should I check out? Edit: thank you all… (Nextdoor Spring Hill)
  • Hi everyone!
    My name is Roberta and I’m currently living in Somerville while my husband works at the Broad Institute. We’re originally from Brazil and plan to… (Nextdoor Hillside)
  • Somerville School District posted a job opening for 25-26 Afterschool Program - FT Lead Teacher (West Somerville) in Somerville. Apply here.
  • Lucky Strike Entertainment posted a job opening for Porter in Somerville. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Somerville here.

Ok Somerville! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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