2016 CCJ Notes - January through June
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Those strange stained glass windows in Central Square are about to go. Here is their story. (June 28, 2016 - Sam Seidel)

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record):

Cambridge mulls Airbnb regulations as short-term rentals soar (June 30, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Witnesses asked to 'step up' in Cambridge homicide; community calls for end to violence (June 29, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

Cyclist's death marks 'turning point;' Cambridge councilors look to fast track Inman safety plans (June 29, 2016 by Adam Sennott)

Restoration of Longfellow Bridge's salt and pepper towers near completion (June 28, 2016)

'Too good for this earth:' Memorial grows for Cambridge woman killed on bicycle (June 27, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

Cambridge man shot, killed in The Port (June 25, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

CPA funding serves as major supporter of Cambridge's affordable housing programs (June 24, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge Dads podcast offers stories, advice to fathers (June 24, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Bicyclist dies after collision with truck in Inman Square in Cambridge (June 23, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

60 SECONDS: Uptick in package thefts, tree protection discussed at City Council (June 24, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge Housing Authority completes financing for program (June 21, 2016)

First section of Grand Junction Path completed in Cambridge (June 20, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Community outlines job description for new Cambridge city manager (June 20, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Crime reaches historic low in Cambridge (June 17, 2016)

Sen. Jehlen and challenger Cheung face off at forum in Cambridge (June 16, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Violence plagues MONROE nightclub in Cambridge despite attempts to rebrand (June 15, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

Police look to identify two suspects in Monroe nightclub shooting in Cambridge (updated June 14, 2016 by Amy Saltzman)

Backlash over Indigenous People's Day prompts vote for Italian Heritage Day (June 15, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge city manager search begins with public forums, drop-in sessions (June 13, 2016)

'Heartfelt farewell:' Cambridge graduating class to be remembered for activism, thoughtfulness (June 10, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Editorial: Massachusetts anemic democracy (June 10, 2016)

Affordable housing proposal for artists amended to be more inclusive (June 10, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Columbus replaced with Indigenous People's Day in Cambridge (June 8, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

CRLS basketball team honors Davonte Neal's family with championship ring (June 6, 2016 by Wayne Gethers)

Vice Mayor column: Now is the time to get involved in shaping Cambridge's future (June 6, 2016 by Marc McGovern)

Cambridge releases report on citywide energy, water use (June 5, 2016)

Connolly up for ‘big challenge' in race against Cambridge incumbent Rep. Toomey (May 31, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge DPW holds Commissioner's Award ceremony (May 30, 2016)

Community to decide how to spend $700K in Cambridge's third Participatory Budget (May 20, 2016)

MIT plan for Kendall Square transformation approved (May 18, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Envision Cambridge feedback reflects need for housing solution (May 18, 2016)

‘Paul’s’ Newtowne Variety closes in The Port after 55 years in Cambridge (May 18, 2016 by Natalie Handy)

Cambridge Community Learning Center Graduates 42 from Adult Education Classes

June 22, 2016 – The Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) recently held its 41st annual Graduation and Awards ceremony at Cambridge Public Library. This year, 42 graduates from the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), Adult Secondary Education (ASE) and Bridge to College Transition programs received certificates of completion.

Mayor E. Denise Simmons gave the opening remarks and congratulated the CLC students for furthering their education, despite their many commitments and challenges. She also encouraged the students to remember that, as they move forward in their lives, they are truly valued in the Cambridge community.

Three students representing the graduating classes – Roya Shahriari (ESOL), Muhammed Khalid (ASE) and Hasna Hassoun (BRIDGE) – addressed their classmates during the ceremony and reflected on their CLC experience with poignant and optimistic speeches. Fourteen students were honored for attaining their citizenship this year. CLC Volunteer of the Year, Kenneth Thompson, was also recognized for his generous contribution of time and his dedication to helping other CLC students. The Friends of the Community Learning Center and the Rotary Club of Cambridge presented 16 scholarships to students pursuing higher education at local colleges and universities. The recognition and celebration of CLC students, past and present, was a memorable event and a great success.

The Cambridge Community Learning Center provides educational services to over 900 adults annually. Free classes are offered year-round, in the morning, afternoon and evening. For more information, please contact the Community Learning Center at 617-349-6363.

Cambridge Community Learning Center 2016 graduate Anne Marie Caroline Denis with Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons

Cambridge Community Learning Center 2016 graduate Faical Chadimi with Cambridge Mayor E. Denise Simmons

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies
Application Deadline Extended to July 22, 2016

Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) advisory board. Made up of 11 Members who serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity, the CCPD board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm.

CCPD seeks to build a membership that reflects the cultural and racial diversity of the City, is cross-disability in nature and representative of the different geographical areas of the community. Members must be current residents of Cambridge.

CCPD works dynamically to maximize access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for individuals with disabilities, and strives to raise awareness of disability matters, to eliminate discrimination, and to promote equal opportunity for people with all types of disabilities – physical, mental and sensory. CCPD members are expected to work with other members and CCPD staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the CCPD Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.96). CCPD members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees, and work on various short and/or long-term projects, as needed.

For more information, contact Kate Thurman, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities at ccpd@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4692 (voice) or 617-492-0235 (TTY). Interested persons should submit a letter by Friday, July 22, 2016 describing their relevant experience and the kinds of disability-related issues or projects that interest them (along with a résumé if possible) to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

City of Cambridge names new Director of Libraries, Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley
McCauley returns to Cambridge to serve as Director of Libraries after building her library career at Northeastern University, the Somerville Public Library and the Santa Monica Public Library for over 17 years.

June 21, 2016 – The City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Public Library Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley to serve as Director of Libraries. She replaces Susan Flannery who retired in April. McCauley comes to Cambridge from the Santa Monica Public Library where as Director of Libraries she managed five branches and a staff of over 200 employees.

“Her interests and experience are wide ranging: fostering early literacy and computer literacy; working with dual language learners, low-income populations and teens; and ensuring new immigrants receive the assistance needed for navigating the system,” said Richard C. Rossi, City Manager of the City of Cambridge. “Maria has the knowledge, abilities, and energy to continue the long tradition of excellent leadership for the Cambridge Public Library.”

McCauley began her career at Cambridge Public Library (CPL) in Circulation Services and as a Reference Librarian. She quickly rose through the ranks, showcasing her talents for leadership and innovation in libraries.

“I am thrilled to return to where I first got hooked on a career in libraries-- at the Cambridge Public Library,” said McCauley. “CPL is recognized as a leader in providing outstanding library services for all. I look forward to joining an inspired team of colleagues, volunteers and a diverse city of readers and learners to build upon CPL's important programs and services and to look toward the future.”

The Cambridge Public Library opened in 1889 to provide free access to information for its citizens and currently boasts over 82,000 library card holders and circulates over 1 million books each year at 6 locations.

McCauley will usher in a new era of libraries in Cambridge. She will start her new post on August 23, 2016. CPL will announce an open house to the community at a later date so that Cantabrigians will have a chance to meet their new Director of Libraries in person.

Maria Taesil Hudson McCauley Bio:
Maria McCauley (or Ms. McCauley) has served as Director of Libraries for the City of Santa Monica since 2014. She began her library career 17 years ago at the Cambridge Public Library in Circulation and Reference Services. Over the course of her career, she advanced through several library positions at Northeastern University. Prior to moving to Santa Monica, she served as the Director of Libraries for the City of Somerville and was active in the Minuteman Library Network.

Maria received a Bachelor of Arts from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh and is a PhD Candidate at Simmons. She is an elected American Library Association (ALA) Councilor-At-Large. Her research has been published in College & Research Libraries, Library Management and portal.

Opening of the First Section of the Grand Junction Path – June 9, 2016

ENOUGH

Historical Commission Announces 2016 Preservation Award Recipients

The Cambridge Historical Commission is pleased to announce the recipients of the 20th annual Cambridge Preservation Awards. Inaugurated in 1997, the program celebrates outstanding historic preservation projects and the commitment of the individuals that make Cambridge a more attractive and desirable place in which to live and work.

This year’s awards ceremony took place on May 25 at the MIT Museum, 265 Massachusetts Avenue. MIT is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its move to Cambridge and has also recently completed the renovation and restoration of the Simons Building, the Morris and Sophie Chang Building, 195 Albany Street, the MIT Chapel, Kresge Auditorium, and the DuPont Gymnasium.

Winning projects include residential restorations at 194 Franklin Street, 27 Grant Street, and 75 Norfolk Street. The renovation by Just-A-Start of the Bishop Allen Apartments at 70 and 77 Bishop Allen Drive, 51 and 62 Norfolk Street for affordable housing was honored, as was the restoration and renewal of Dunster House by Harvard University. Winning commercial projects are Capital One Café at 24 John F. Kennedy Street for restoration of masonry arches and storefronts; Clover Restaurant at 1326 Massachusetts Avenue, for restoration of its decorative 1913 tile interior; the adaptive re-use of the former MBTA Conductors Building at 112 Mt. Auburn Street as a restaurant space; the restoration and adaptive re-use of the former Hathaway Bakery complex at 33 Richdale Avenue for new apartments near Porter Square; and Verizon’s full restoration of its brick facility at 10 Ware Street.

The Anthony C. Platt Award, which honors a project in a neighborhood conservation district, was awarded to the exterior renovation of a Mansard house at 12-14 Trowbridge Street in the Mid Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District.

Several participants in the Cambridge Community Development Department’s Storefronts-For-All program received Certificates of Merit including retail improvements at Loyal Nine, 660 Cambridge Street; a first floor retail space conversion to dance studio at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Avenue; and a new restaurant retrofit for Shepard Restaurant at 1 Shepard Street.

Two individuals were honored for their contributions to historic preservation and the community. Jane Rabb was recognized for her commitment to the preservation of her home, a former 1872 stable remodeled in 1919 by noted local architect Lois Lilley Howe. Richard C. Rossi, soon to retire as Cambridge’s City Manager, was honored for his tireless dedication to improving the lives of all Cantabrigians.

The list of award winners, contributing design professionals, contractors, and consultants is available on the website of the Cambridge Historical Commission, www.cambridgema.gov/historic/aboutchc/preservationawards.

Legislature Allows Establishment of Mount Auburn Cemetery: June 23, 1831

ON THIS DAY... ...in 1831, the legislature granted the Massachusetts Horticultural Society permission to purchase land for use as an experimental garden and a rural cemetery. Located on the border of Cambridge and Watertown, the garden failed, but the cemetery became world famous. As the first rural cemetery in America, Mount Auburn pioneered the idea of burying the dead not in urban churchyards but in a beautifully designed, naturalistic landscape on the outskirts of the city. The idea caught on and eventually led to the creation of public parks in metropolitan areas. 180 years after the cemetery was consecrated, the dead are still being laid to rest along Mount Auburn's winding paths, in her wooded dells, and on her gentle hillsides.

Listen to this moment: http://www.massmoments.org/audio/JUNE231%2Em3u

Read more about this moment: http://www.massmoments.org/moment.cfm?mid=183

Visit Mass Moments to search past moments: http://www.massmoments.org

PS - The Open Archives Tour yesterday took us to Mt. Auburn Cemetery. I saw the original deed signed by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (~1840) and heard some fascinating tales associated with the interment of Mary Baker Eddy. This was one of the best Open Archive Tours I have ever attended. Mt. Auburn Cemetery is an incredible place. - RW

Cambridge Election Workers Needed to Work Polling Locations

The City of Cambridge Board of Election Commissioners is seeking applications to work at polling locations throughout the city.

Election Workers must:

• Be registered to vote in Massachusetts;
• Be available to work Election Day from 6:30am to 9pm;
• Be able to read and write English, and speak clearly. Dedication, efficiency, patience and friendliness are assets.

Election Workers will receive:

• Compensation at an hourly rate of $15.04- $16.95, depending on the position assigned on Election Day;
• Paid Training;
• The opportunity to assist the citizens of Cambridge with a positive voting experience.

Interested persons are invited to attend an Election Worker Recruitment Session Wednesday, July 13, 6:00pm, at the Citywide Senior Center, Walter Milne Ballroom, 806 Mass. Ave., Cambridge. The Recruitment Session will consist of a short presentation followed by a chance for each person to meet with an Election Commissioner for a brief interview. You must RSVP for the Recruitment Session via phone to 617-349-4361 or email elections@cambridgema.gov.
Please note: The Recruitment Session is unpaid. Attendance at the Recruitment Session does not guarantee that you will be hired as an Election Worker.

Prospective applicants can complete an application in advance and bring it to the Recruitment Session. Download election worker application here or stop by the Election Commission Office at 51 Inman Street, Cambridge to pick up a copy. Applications will also be available at the Recruitment Session as well.

For more information, call 617-349-4361 or email elections@cambridgema.gov.

House Passes Largest Clean Energy Procurement Legislation in Massachusetts History
Bill increases Commonwealth’s offshore wind and hydropower production

June 10, 2016 – The Massachusetts House of Representatives this week voted 154-1 to pass legislation that promotes clean energy power production in Massachusetts, stabilizes energy costs for consumers, and reduces the state’s reliance on fossil fuels.

The legislation requires Massachusetts utility companies to procure 1,200 megawatts of offshore wind, and supports a total of 2,400 MWs of clean energy, the largest clean energy procurement that the Legislature has included in any one bill. Diversifying the energy marketplace in Massachusetts by adding offshore wind and hydropower to the state’s energy portfolio is part of the Commonwealth’s long-term effort to phase out the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and help stabilize energy costs for consumers.

“Today’s bill will usher in a new era of clean energy production in Massachusetts,” said Representative Tim Toomey (D-Cambridge). “This bill will significantly increase our production of renewable energy, reduce stress on the power grid, and stabilize energy costs for consumers,” Toomey continued.

The procurement mandates stipulated in the legislation ensures that renewable energy power will constitute twenty percent of the Commonwealth’s energy procurement. The bill also reaffirms the state’s commitment to meeting the carbon-reduction requirements set by the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA), which require a 25% reduction in Greenhouse Gas emissions by 2020 and an 80% reduction by 2050.

“We have an obligation to ourselves and to future generations to take proactive measures that will reverse the destructive effects of climate change,” said Rep. Toomey. “Making clean energy a part of our power production is key to ending our dependence on fossil fuels, and reaffirms our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint,” Toomey continued.

The final bill also requires gas companies to repair all leaks in underground gas lines that are discovered during road construction projects. Additionally, the bill mandates gas companies to present a report to the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) on the total volume of leaked gas in Massachusetts, as well as requires DPU to study the environmental impact of Grade 3 gas leaks and replace leak-prone pipes within five years.

“Unrepaired gas leaks pose serious environmental and human health concerns for communities across Massachusetts,” Rep. Toomey said. “I applaud Rep. Ehrlich for her continued leadership on this issue, and was very proud to be among the 52 members who co-sponsored her amendment, which ultimately led to the inclusion of this important reform in the final energy bill,” Toomey concluded.

The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

95% of Buildings Report in First Year of Energy Benchmarking Ordinance

May 25, 2016 – The City of Cambridge Community Development Department today released a summary report and compliance map describing the results from the first year of mandatory energy and water use reporting.

The Building Energy Use Disclosure Ordinance (BEUDO), adopted in July 2014, requires both residential and non-residential properties in Cambridge that meet certain size thresholds to report their annual energy and water use to the City. The first reporting was required in 2015 and information was collected through the online ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager tool. The 2015 reporting cycle covered consumption data for calendar year 2014 and the ordinance applied to 980 buildings, representing 57 percent of the total floor area in the City.

Key findings from analysis of the first year of data include:

• Cambridge properties had an average ENERGY STAR score of 61 (out of 100), compared to the average national score of 50, for building types rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
• More than half of Cambridge’s total energy use was consumed by 5% of the City’s buildings.
• The largest category of property type required to report was college/university, followed by multifamily housing, offices, and laboratories.
• The highest ENERGY STAR scores were achieved by residence halls/dormitories, K-12 schools, and multifamily housing.

Reports were received for 95 percent of all buildings subject to the ordinance, giving Cambridge the highest compliance rate for the first year of reporting among US cities with disclosure ordinances. The City’s summary report provides information on energy and water performance as well as general building characteristics of the properties that reported.

“The City of Cambridge has a deep commitment to reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions” said Assistant City Manager, Iram Farooq. “The data in these reports will help us better understand energy use in Cambridge buildings and create strategies to improve energy performance.”

The report, map and other information on BEUDO can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/beudo. The map posted at this site shows which properties were subject to reporting under the ordinance in 2015 and their compliance status, including parcels that contained non-residential buildings with a total floor area of 50,000 square feet or more, parcels that included residential buildings with a combined 50 or more units, and municipal buildings with 10,000 square feet or more. These thresholds will change with 2016 reporting to incorporate parcels with smaller building sizes. Also in 2016, the City will begin posting building energy use data on the City’s Community Development Department website in accordance with the ordinance, as well as the Open Data Portal.

A copy of the 2015 Building Energy & Water Use Report can be downloaded at http://camb.ma/1TVbSvS.

For more information about the 2015 BEUDO report, contact John Bolduc at 617-349-4628 or jbolduc@cambridgema.gov.

Make Smart Decisions about Solar with Sunny Cambridge
Information Session June 14

June 9, 2016 – Cambridge recently launched Sunny Cambridge, a program that provides residents with access to online tools and resources for making smarter decisions about solar - not only is it clean energy, it also provides significant long-term savings.

Learn more about this new initiative at a free information session Tuesday, June 14, from 6-7:30pm, at the Central Square Library, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge. Come to this session to learn more about:

• How solar can work for your home;
• How much you can save with solar;
• The Sunny Cambridge program and how you can participate;
• The Mass Solar Loan program: how to get a $0-down, low interest rate loan to help finance your solar project. Now with expanded eligibility!

Sign up for Solar at www.sunnycambridge.org.

Did you know that Cambridge is competing with 50 cities nationwide for the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP)? To win, we need help from the community to reduce our energy use the most and we have less than two years to do it.

The Georgetown University Energy Prize seeks to tackle the huge challenge of wasted energy, and Cambridge is in it to WIN IT! We need the best, most creative ideas to solve this problem and transform our community into the city of the future. Every action counts. You can start by scheduling a no-cost energy assessment for your home of business. Learn more at http://cambridgeenergyalliance.org/winit.

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies

Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) advisory board. Made up of 11 Members who serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity, the CCPD board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm.

CCPD seeks to build a membership that reflects the cultural and racial diversity of the City, is cross-disability in nature and representative of the different geographical areas of the community. Members must be current residents of Cambridge.

CCPD works dynamically to maximize access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for individuals with disabilities, and strives to raise awareness of disability matters, to eliminate discrimination, and to promote equal opportunity for people with all types of disabilities – physical, mental and sensory. CCPD members are expected to work with other members and CCPD staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the CCPD Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.96). CCPD members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees, and work on various short and/or long-term projects, as needed.

For more information, contact Kate Thurman, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities at ccpd@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4692 (voice) or 617-492-0235 (TTY). Interested persons should submit a letter by Friday, June 17, 2016 describing their relevant experience and the kinds of disability-related issues or projects that interest them (along with a résumé if possible) to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

City Manager Appoints Members to the Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee and Working Groups

April 21 – The Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, the Alewife Working Group, and the Engagement and Communications Working Group have been formed to advise City staff and a multidisciplinary team of consultants on Envision Cambridge. View the list of the Committee and Working Group members.

At later stages of the planning process, additional working groups will be formed. We anticipate working groups on topics such as climate and energy, economic development, housing, and mobility.

Meetings are open to the public and non-members are welcome to attend. Stay tuned for an announcement of the first meeting dates.

For more information about Envision Cambridge, visit www.cambridgema.gov/citywideplan.

Sunday Morning Statistics - Who Voted in the Cambridge Presidential primary (by age)

Mar 20 - Just in case you're interested, here are some histograms of the distribution of Cambridge voters in the recent March 1, 2016 Presidential Primary. Voters are grouped in 3-year increments, e.g. "20" represents the number of voters in the 18-20 range.

All Registered Cambridge Voters with identifiable ages - 65791 Total

Number of These Who Voted in March 1, 2016 Primary - 32732 Total

Percent Turnout by Age - Cambridge Citywide Turnout was 50%

Here are a few additional bits of information:

1) There were 10,409 unenrolled voters who voted in the March 1 Presidential Primary. Of these, 8285 (79.59%) chose to vote in the Democratic Party primary, 2,097 (20.15%) chose to vote in the Republican Party primary, and 27 (0.26%) chose to vote in the United Independent Party primary.

2) There were 997 registered Republicans vs. 2,097 unenrolled voters who voted in the Republican Party primary, i.e. only a third of those who voted in that primary were registered Republicans. In contrast, about 72% of those who voted in the Democratic Party primary were registered Democrats.

3) In the Cambridge Democratic Party primary (29,670 total ballots cast), it was Clinton 53.11%, Sanders 46.14%, O'Malley 0.15%, De La Fuente 0.07%, No Preference 0.19%, Write-Ins 0.20%, and Blank 0.14%.

4) In the Cambridge Republican Party primary (3,137 total ballots cast), it was Kasich 33.63%, Rubio 29.14%, Trump 24.96%, Cruz 6.79%, Carson 1.82%, Bush 0.92%, Paul 0.89%, Gilmore 0.35%, Pataki 0.13%, Fiorina 0.13%, Santorum 0.10%, Christie 0.06%, Huckabee 0.03%, No Preference 0.29%, Write-Ins 0.38%, and Blank 0.38%.

Comments?

Rep. Tim Toomey Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign

State Representative Tim Toomey announced today that he has officially qualified for the Democratic Primary ballot on Thursday, September 8th for re-election to the 26th Middlesex District seat representing parts of Somerville & Cambridge. Toomey submitted nearly three times the required 150 certified signatures.

Rep. Toomey is hosting a Campaign Kick Off meeting at Atwood’s Tavern, 877 Cambridge St, Cambridge on Thursday, May 19th at 7 pm and has invited everyone interested in helping in the campaign to attend. Refreshments will be served.

“I’m grateful to all of the Somerville and Cambridge residents who have again placed their faith in me to serve as their State Representative,” said Toomey. “I’m very excited to be running this year and plan to continue to lead the way in our community for better public transit options, sustainable development, fair wages and equal pay for working families, and expanded affordable housing options.”

“I look forward to continuing my work at the State House because our neighborhoods deserve a progressive State Representative who also provides outstanding constituent services to the residents of Somerville and Cambridge,” said Toomey, a lifelong resident of the district.

During his time in office, Rep. Toomey has become a well-known progressive advocate and has consistently been a voice for progressive causes at the State House. In the past year, Toomey has been an outspoken leader for single payer health care, promoting solar energy and other renewable energy sources, instituting smart criminal justice reforms, and providing rental assistance programs to help struggling low income families and people with disabilities find long-term housing solutions. He has also worked to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and rape, and has been a leading voice behind efforts to expand access to drug treatment and rein in the opioid crisis.

“A lot of important work is still ahead of us,” said Toomey. “I will continue to fight for passing the Fair Share Tax Amendment, making insurance coverage mandatory for a wider variety of contraceptives, passing the Equal Pay Act, adding protections for gender identity in public accommodations and increasing funding for low income and affordable housing.”

For more information about Representative Toomey’s re-election campaign, residents are encouraged to visit www.timtoomey.org or contact Tim’s Campaign Manager, Jefferson Smith, at (978) 376-2143.

City Manager Seeks Members for a new Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship

Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on a Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship. The Commission will consist of 11 volunteer members to be appointed by the City Manager. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship and must be residents of Cambridge. It is desirable for this Commission to be fully representative of the diverse Cambridge community.

Cambridge welcomes immigrants and wants to encourage their success and access to opportunity and advancement in this country. It will be a goal of this Commission to get the message of welcome out, through collaboration with organizations that already provide services and outreach to our immigrant community. The Commission will act as a centralizing organization in Cambridge, to address immigrant rights and citizenship issues. Through collaboration with other Commissions and service providers, outreach efforts to different cultural and language communities, and identification of existing resources, both in Cambridge and regionally, the Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Commission can assist in finding ways that existing services can better meet the identified needs of our immigrant population.

Commissioners are expected to work with other members of the Commission and staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (CMC Chapter 2.123).

Resumes and letters of interest should be sent by June 10 via email to citymanager@cambridgema.gov or by mail to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Sat, June 4

11:00am-6:00pm   Cambridge River Festival  (Lechmere Canal and Cambridge Parkway, East Cambridge)

City of Cambridge Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity and the City of Cambridge Present
Cambridge: Who We Are and How We Got Here - May 26

The Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity and the City of Cambridge invite you to the event Cambridge: Who We Are and How We Got Here on Thursday, May 26, 6:30-9:00pm, at Cambridge College, Room 152, 1000 Massachusetts Avenue. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Families are welcome!

Join us for a special presentation by Charles Sullivan, Executive Director of Cambridge Historical Commission and Clifford Cook, Planning Information Manager for the City of Cambridge, on the dynamic demographics of Cambridge and how the diverse community we love came to be.

The presentation will examine the diversity of the City, including when and how different groups of residents came to Cambridge, how the City’s demographics have evolved over time, and some of the conditions that have fostered changes in the community. The presentation will be followed by facilitated group discussions and an opportunity to share your thoughts and questions.

This community event, which helps connect the City’s past with the present, is intended to lay the foundation to better understand the context of the current demographics in Cambridge, as well as to help identify and explore new opportunities to build community connections and conversations.

The present day Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity began meeting in early 2015 and builds on the history and work of Cambridge’s prior Civic Unity Committee, which existed until 1992 and was formed to address racial discrimination faced by returning World War II veterans.

The mission of the Citizens’ Committee on Civic Unity is to foster fairness, equity, unity, appreciation, and mutual understanding across all people and entities in Cambridge. The group aims to do this through recognition and awareness of historic, existing, and potential civic issues; providing opportunities for honest dialogue and engagement; and by building bridges across different communities.

Please visit www.cambridgema.gov/civicunity for additional information and to RSVP for this event. [Flyer for event]

Arts First at Harvard (Apr 28-May 1): Much could be said about this great event, but I want to point out two performances that were simply stunning.

First, I was able to witness the first-ever public performance (at the Hollis Chapel) of the jazz-singing duo of Claire Dixon and Camila Ortiz. Both are first year students at Harvard (Class of 2019). They wrote all but one of the songs they performed and their vocals were mesmerizingly beautiful. If these young women continue to perform together, I suspect you may one day hear more about them.

The second spectacular performance I saw was in the big tent on the Plaza. Asia Stewart (Class of 2018) sang "Stories of Love & Loss on Broadway" - a selection of songs from popular Broadway musicals. I was swept away. There were many other great performance, but these two were special.

It's just so great living in Cambridge where we can enjoy a Science Festival one weekend and Arts First the following weekend. Coming up in the next few weeks will be the Jane Jacobs Walk (Sat, May 7 - Charles Sullivan, Executive Director of the Cambridge Historical Commission, will lead the walk), Cambridge Open Studios (Sat, May 14 and Sun, May 15) and Harvard Square MayFair (Sun, May 15) - Robert Winters

Friends of CRLS - Annual Mayfair RAFFLE!

Support Cambridge Rindge and Latin School!
Chances to win great prizes from local businesses! Raffle tickets $5.00 each (5 for $20)

Fresh Pond Advisory Board Vacancy

Apr 26, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking Cambridge residents to fill vacancies on the Fresh Pond Advisory Board. The Fresh Pond Advisory Board was created in 2001 to advise the City Manager and City boards and commissions on implementation of the Fresh Pond Reservation Master Plan, which was adopted by the City Council in January 2001. The Master Plan provides guidance for the maintenance and improvement of Fresh Pond Reservation, a critical element of the City’s water supply, and the City’s most heavily used open space.

The primary purposes of the Advisory Board are to oversee the general stewardship of Fresh Pond Reservation in accordance with the Master Plan and to maintain collaborative relationships among City departments and user groups that impact the Reservation. The Advisory Board also provides a forum for public discussion and evaluation of proposals for land-use and land-management projects.

The Fresh Pond Advisory Board includes up to 15 members (at least nine of whom are resident volunteers with active, long-term knowledge of the Reservation, who are not City employees or consultants to the City). Board members are appointed for three-year terms and may be reappointed at the City Manager’s discretion. Persons with expertise in landscape architecture, park management and environmental management are encouraged to apply. The Fresh Pond Advisory Board meets at least four times annually, on Thursday evenings.

For more information, contact Sam Corda, Managing Director, Cambridge Water Department at 617-349-4770 or scorda@cambridgema.gov. Interested persons should send a letter and/or resume via e-mail, mail or fax by Monday, May 23, 2016, to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

2016 Outstanding City Employee Award Recipients

April 22 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Outstanding City Employee Award.

Alessandra Albano, Executive Assistant to the City Council, City Council Office

Kia Benjamin, Executive Assistant to the Police Commissioner, Police Department

Stacey Cooper, Administrative Assistant to the Finance Director, Finance Department

Brian Corr, Executive Director/Peace Commission & Executive Secretary/Police Review & Advisory Bd.

Lei-Anne Ellis, Division Head/Childcare Family Services, Department of Human Service Programs

Joshua Foley, Senior Job Developer, Department of Human Service Programs

Gary Littles, Laborer/Streets Cleaning Division, Department of Public Works

Timothy MacDonald, Director of Water Operations, Water Department

Linda Prosnitz, Project Planning/Housing Division, Community Development Department

Gerald Reardon, Fire Chief, Fire Department

Brendon Roy, Assistant Project Manager/Capital Construction Projects, Executive Office

Nancy Schlacter, Executive Director, Human Rights Commission

Jeremy Warnick, Director of Communications & Media, Police Department

Amy Witts, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing Department

Jason Yee, Associate Librarian, Library

The City Manager will also present an Award in honor and memory of Assistant City Manager for Community Development Brian Murphy to a person who is committed to making government improve the lives of other.

The recipients will be honored at a ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 9:30am in the Sullivan Chamber of City Hall, for their superior performance, positive attitude, hard work and dedication to public service.  All are welcome to attend.

Cambridge Awarded Prestigious 5-STAR Community Rating
City Becomes the 50th Certified Community; Receives the Highest STAR Score to Date

April 21 – The City of Cambridge has won national recognition by achieving a 5-STAR Rating from STAR Communities (STAR), a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit. STAR is the nation’s leading framework and certification program for evaluating local sustainability, encompassing environmental, social, and economic performance measures. Cambridge received high marks for its work on a range of issues, including transportation choices, energy efficiency, arts and culture, and innovative programs for youth engagement and community policing.

Cambridge distinguished itself by receiving the highest STAR score to date and joins Seattle WA; Baltimore MD; and Northampton MA as the only communities that have received the Certified 5-STAR Community Rating, the top certification level. In all, 50 communities and counties across the country have received STAR certifications, and hundreds of others are actively using the rating system to measure sustainability progress.

“Our strong performance with STAR Communities serves as affirmation of many years of work by City departments to build a better City for future generations” said City Manager Richard C. Rossi. “For decades, the City has incorporated innovative principles into our planning and programing to create a City that provides a high quality of life. As a result of the City, our residents, businesses and institutions working together, Cambridge has been able to achieve not only the 5-STAR rating, but also the highest point total STAR has ever awarded.”

In March 2015, Cambridge joined the STAR Communities Leadership Program, conducted a baseline assessment and compared best practices with other communities nationwide. Assistant City Manager for Community Development Iram Farooq added that “achieving a 5-STAR rating reflects a shared philosophy about the importance of a sustainable community that cuts across City government. Over 20 departments, boards and commissions contributed time, expertise and information to the STAR Communities certification effort, one that showcases Cambridge’s commitment to healthy, resilient and sustainable environmental, economic, and social policies.”

STAR includes seven goal areas: the built environment; climate and energy; economy and jobs; education; arts and community; health and safety; and natural systems. Cambridge attained 90% or more of possible points in four of these areas (built environment; economy and jobs; education, arts and culture; and health and safety). The City also received credit for exemplary performance in affordable housing preservation, superior fire protection, supporting sustainable transportation choices, and proximity to public parks.

“Sustainable cities provide a healthy environment, support a strong economy, and continually improve the well-being of the community,” said Hilari Varnadore, Executive Director of STAR Communities. “Cambridge’s 5-STAR Community Rating clearly demonstrates their national leadership in sustainability. We look forward to sharing Cambridge’s success stories with other cities around the country and working with city leaders as they continue to make improvements that benefit the whole community.”

To learn more about Cambridge’s Star Community Rating, please visit: www.cambridgema.gov/star.

Cambridge Family Policy Council (Formerly Kids’ Council) Vacancy

Apr 14, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking a Cambridge resident interested in volunteering to serve on the Cambridge Family Policy Council (Formerly Kids’ Council), which is dedicated to developing policy and program recommendations aimed at improving the quality of life for children, youth and families in the City of Cambridge, so that children and youth are:

• Ready for school;
• Healthy and live in safe communities;
• Succeed in school and are prepared for work;
• Engaged in enriching activities and civic life;
• Live in stable, self-sufficient, supportive families.

The Family Policy Council meets approximately six times per year on the 3rd Thursday of the month, from 5:15-7:15pm.

The Mayor of Cambridge serves as the Chair of the Family Policy Council, and membership is comprised of key stakeholders in local government and in the community, which includes the following:

• City Councilor and School Committee member
• City Department Heads (City Manager designee, Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Chief Public Health Officer, Police Commissioner, Director of the Cambridge Public Library, and Superintendent of Schools)
• Representatives from the philanthropic community, a state agency serving children, youth and families, the business community, the university community, the early childhood community, the community-at-large, and youth (ages 14-18).

Recent Family Policy Council Initiatives
The Family Policy Council has been focusing on family engagement and developing recommendations to create and support genuine partnerships between families and the organizations and institutions that serve them by:

• Developing the FIND IT CAMBRIDGE website, which will make it easier for parents and other caring adults to find the amazing array of activities, services, and resources that are available for children, youth and families in Cambridge.
• Creating a City-wide Family Engagement Policy which was adopted by the Cambridge City Council on November 18, 2013.
• Developing recommendations to enhance the capacity of the Community Engagement Team (CET) by:
• Hiring additional outreach workers and a full-time program assistant;
• Developing and implementing a training program for those who do outreach and engagement work in Cambridge;
• Establishing a more formal partnerships with the Cambridge Public Schools.
• Voting to support a second Book Bike by using money from the Friends of the Kids’ Council and asking for additional City funds to support operations of the second Book Bike.

Past Family Policy Council Initiatives:

• Cambridge Policy for Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities in Out of School Time Programs
• Agenda for Children Literacy and Out of School Time Initiatives
• Center for Families

For more information, please contact Nancy Tauber, Executive Director, at 617-349-6239 or ntauber@cambridgema.gov. To apply, please submit a letter of interest and, if possible, a resume, by Friday, May 20, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Peter Sheinfeld 1947-2016

March 28 - Election Commissioner Peter Sheinfeld passed away early this morning. Additional details to follow.
Peter and I have been friends for many years. - Robert Winters

Note: Peter's last pre-recorded "Rockin' At Night" radio show on WRCA (1330 AM) will play this Friday, April 1 from 11:00pm to midnight.

March 23 - Cambridge Police Commissioner Robert Haas has announced his intention to retire at the end of his current contract in May 2016.
Cambridge's top cop to retire in May (Cambridge Chronicle)

Cambridge Conservation Commission Member Sought

Mar 17, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking a Cambridge resident to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Conservation Commission.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), a state law governing activities in and immediately adjacent to local wetlands, waterways and floodplains. The Commission holds two regularly scheduled public meetings each month to review permit applications under the WPA, issue permits and conduct other business related to the management of Cambridge’s natural resource areas.

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Manager to serve three-year terms. Cambridge residents with expertise in landscape architecture, civil/environmental engineering, hydrology, ecology, or law are encouraged to apply.

Interested persons should send a letter of interest and/or resume via e-mail, mail or fax by May 6, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Sat, May 7

10:30am-noon   A New Look at Old Cambridge - Jane Jacobs Walk  (Meet at large stone marker in Winthrop Park, JFK St. in Harvard Square)

This year’s walk, A New Look at Old Cambridge, celebrates the 100th anniversary of Jane Jacobs’s birth and, at the same time, explores Cambridge’s original settlement in 1630, the evolving moniker of “Old Cambridge,” and the changes that have taken place – and are still taking place – through the centuries. This walking conversation will begin by looking at traces of the initial village in what is now Harvard Square before venturing down Brattle Street to Longfellow Park, past the Marsh neighborhood, and then back on Mt. Auburn Street. During the eighteenth century, wealthy families built country homes along Brattle Street (later dubbed “Tory Row”), and by the mid-nineteenth century, the Irish arrived, filling and populating the former marsh. Thus, Cambridge became home to a diverse mixture of people in close proximity – with a working-class neighborhood adjacent to one of the richest, most cultured places in New England. After 1800 the new villages of Cambridgeport and East Cambridge distinguished themselves by referring to the original village as “Old Cambridge,” a term sometimes used more pejoratively than sentimentally that remained in use until the 1930s.

As always, we welcome the observations of all participants. Charles Sullivan, executive director of the Cambridge Historical Commission, will lead the walk. He and Susan Maycock, survey director of the Cambridge Historical Commission, are the authors of Building Old Cambridge: Architecture and Development, which will be available in October. More information and a plethora of images will be found in this thoroughly researched volume being published by MIT Press.

Lunch to follow at Grendel’s Den, whose entrance abuts Winthrop Park, where those who wish may continue conversation and purchase lunch. At 89 Winthrop Street, Grendel’s has been independently owned and run by the same family since 1961.

2:00-3:30pm   Crossing the Charles Parade and Competition (part of Moving Day at MIT)

Crossing the Charles with MIT family and friends – All are invited to participate in an afternoon parade and competition. Assembly at 1:00pm; procession 2-3:30pm

Grand Marshall Oliver Smoot '62 – Join the parade – Cheer the competitors – Props and costumes encouraged – Only at MIT! – Gather at Mass. Ave. and Memorial Drive

8:30-9:30pm   Mind and Hand: A Pageant (part of Moving Day at MIT)

Be part of the pageant of the century, the largest community gathering on campus since 1916 – Pyrotechnics – Multimedia soundscapes on the Building 10 facade – Student performers – Renowned dance troupe Pilobolus

Is it mind or hand? The spirits of Mens and Manus come alive to debate the true essence of MIT!

Killian Court opens at 7:45pm

9:30pm   Let's Dance (part of Moving Day at MIT)

Keep it moving! – Come as you are - or dressed for your favorite decade – Live performances, food and drink, and frivolity until midnight!

Swing and All that Jazz – Walker Memorial

Happy Days: The Music of the 50s and 60s – McDermott Court

MTV Studio at the Disco-Tech: Music of the 70s and 80s – North Court

High-Tech meets Modern Dance Club: Music of the 90s and Today – Kresge Oval

Play that Game: Retro Games for All Ages – Saxon Tennis Court, next to Walker Memorial

A Memorial Service for Election Commissioner Peter Sheinfeld was held Friday April 29, from 3-5pm, in the Avalon Building’s Cambridge Room, 1 Leighton St., East Cambridge.

April 19 - We'll be broadcasting Cambridge InsideOut tonight on CCTV at 5:30pm and 6:00pm. Our guest will be Patrick Barrett. Expected topics of discussion may include the recently released Inclusionary Housing Study, pending state legislation regarding multifamily zoning, Envision Cambridge, Central Square, and more. - RW

April 12 - We'll be broadcasting Cambridge InsideOut tonight on CCTV at 5:30pm and 6:00pm. Our guest will be Jesse Kanson-Benanav. Expected topics of discussion include the recently released Inclusionary Housing Study, the upcoming Cambridge Science Festival, today's Special Primary election (Petruccelli State Senate seat), and more. - RW

Member Sought for Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust

Mar 22, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking residents who are interested in serving on the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust.

Established in 1988, the Trust administers and oversees City funds allocated to the Trust for the creation and preservation of affordable rental and ownership housing and programs designed to meet the city’s affordable housing needs. The Trust reviews and acts on requests for Trust funding for affordable housing developments and programs, sets policies and standards for the Incentive Zoning and Inclusionary Housing Ordinances, and provides housing policy and program advice to City staff, City boards and commissions, and the Cambridge City Council.

The Trust is comprised of residents and representatives of non-profit housing organizations with expertise in affordable housing, housing policy, finance, urban planning and real estate development. The Trust is chaired by the City Manager and generally meets on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 4:00-5:30pm, at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

To apply, please submit a resume and a brief letter describing your interest in serving on the Trust and related experience. Final selection will be made by the City Manager. Letters should be sent by Friday, April 29, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Cambridge Human Rights Commission Vacancy

Mar 15, 2016 – Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Human Rights Commission (CHRC). Made up of 11 members who serve three-year terms, the CHRC meets on the first Thursday of every month at 6pm. The Commission seeks Cambridge residents representing the diversity of Cambridge.

Commissioners are expected to work with other members of the Commission and staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.76). Commissioners are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees on outreach and public education, and work with Commission staff on the investigation, mediation and resolution of complaints filed with the Commission which allege discrimination in housing, public accommodations, employment or education based upon race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, family status, military status or source of income.

For more information, contact Nancy Schlacter, Cambridge Human Rights Commission, at 617-349-4396 or nschlacter@cambridgema.gov. Letters of interest, including resume and/or applicable experience, can be sent via mail, fax or e-mail by the newly extended deadline of Friday, April 8, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Cambridge Works Transitional Jobs Program Gives Residents A Helping Hand

Mar 21, 2016 – Cambridge Works, the City’s transitional jobs program for younger residents (age 18-35) who haven’t been able to get or keep jobs, celebrated its 16th graduating class during a special ceremony March 17 at Cambridge City Hall. The highly successful program provides a temporary job with the City of Cambridge, and/or other partner employers, while also offering intensive case management, soft skills development and job search assistance to help participants secure an unsubsidized job upon program completion. Cambridge Works is coordinated through the Office of Workforce Development for the Department of Human Services Program (DHSP).

For many participants of Cambridge Works, the job skills they learn, the experience they earn, and the support they receive from the staff and their peers can be life changing, affording them a much needed second chance in many cases. As part of the Cambridge Works ceremony, the staff speak about each of the participants and then the graduates themselves are given the opportunity to share their story and individual struggles, and most discuss how they overcame their particular challenges with the help of this program and the support of the staff.

“For many of you, this was the first step in your journey to employment,” said Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson. “We encourage you to stay in touch with the staff because they want to support you and see you succeed. And congratulations to some of you who have already received job offers.”

Transitional Jobs Coordinator Mike Merullo expressed his thanks to the Employer work sites and supervisors, adding that they are a major part of “what makes Cambridge Works work.”

Following the distribution of certificates, Mayor E. Denise Simmons congratulated the group, telling them how moved she was by their stories and addressed each graduate with a personal message.

“It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or how you got here, but where you are going,” said Simmons. “Cambridge Works has helped you obtain the skills you need to help you succeed and this city is standing behind you.”

Master of Ceremonies Richard Harding, Cambridge Public Health Department added his thanks to the city administration and City Council for believing that this program could make a difference and helped Cambridge residents in the unique way that it has for the past 16 years.

Cambridge Works Graduates with Cambridge City staff and officials

30th Annual Cambridge CityRun 5-Miler Road Race and 3-Mile Walk — Sunday, April 3, 2016
Reporting Time: 8:30-10:00am; Starting Time: 10:30am; Start/Finish: Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Avenue

The scenic, flat, tree-lined course starts and finishes at the Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Ave. Two miles into the race, the course runs along the perimeter of the Fresh Pond Reservoir – away from cars and distraction. The chip-timed race has been Race measured and certified by the officials at the U.S.A.T.F.

Entry Fee: $30 on or before Saturday, March 19, $35 after.

Register online at www.cambridgecityrun.com. Free Short-Sleeve shirt to the first 1,000 pre-entrants. Participants can also register in person at Marathon Sports, 1654 Mass. Ave., Cambridge.

On Sunday, April 3, interested participants can register at the event at the Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Avenue, Cambridge from 8:30am-10:00am. The race and walk will start promptly at 10:30am.

RACE ROUTE: Depart from 695 Huron Ave., turn right on Grove, right on Blanchard, right Concord Avenue, right on Fresh Pond Parkway to right into Cambridge Water Department, right onto Fresh Pond Reservoir Loop, right onto Fresh Pond Parkway, right on to Huron Ave.

Cambridge Building Permit Information Session
Monday, April 11, 6-8pm at the Inspectional Services Department, 831 Mass. Ave.

Mar 16, 2016 – The City of Cambridge Inspectional Services Department is offering a free, informational Question & Answer session on renovations and construction requirements for Cambridge residents Monday, April 11, from 6-8pm, at the Inspectional Services Department, 831 Mass. Ave. Topics to be reviewed include:

• How do I Apply for a Permit for Renovation?
• When do I Need a Permit for Construction?
• Questions to Ask Prospective Contractors
• Should I have a Contract? What Should Contract Include?

Pre-registration is required via email to Martha Flynn, mflynn@cambridgema.gov or by calling 617-349-6107. For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/inspection.

Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots for the Special State Primary, April 12th

The Special State Primary will be held on Tues, Apr 12, 2016 ONLY in Wards/Precincts 2-2, 2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 5-1, 5-2 & 5-3 for the office of State Senator for Massachusetts First Suffolk & Middlesex Senate District to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Senator Anthony Petruccelli. For Cambridge residents not already registered, the last day to register to vote for the election is Wed, Mar 23, 2016 until 8:00pm. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

If you are a voter in Wards/Precincts 2-2, 2-3, 4-1, 4-3, 5-1, 5-2 & 5-3, please contact the Cambridge Election Commission office to find out when the Absentee Ballots will be available for the Special State Primary. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Monday, April 11, 2016 at noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for Absentee Voting on Fri, Apr 8 until 5:00pm.

For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Cambridge Residents Encouraged to Bring Reusable Bags when Shopping
Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance goes into effect on March 31, 2016

Mar 14, 2016 – The City of Cambridge seeks to reduce the number of plastic and paper bags being used, discarded, littered, burned, and buried.  The Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance, effective March 31, 2016, encourages the use of reusable bags at all retail establishments in Cambridge.

The purpose of the Ordinance is to reduce the use of disposable checkout bags by retail establishments to protect the marine environment, advance solid waste reduction, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect waterways. The Ordinance seeks to promote the use of reusable checkout bags. Residents may donate reusable bags at City Hall, Public Works, or the North Cambridge Senior Center as part of DPW’s Reusable Bag Drive to help low income and elderly residents receive bags. Bags exempt from the Ordinance include produce bags, laundry, dry-cleaner and newspaper bags, and bags used to wrap meat or frozen foods.

“This ordinance is important not only from the perspective of reducing damaging materials being discharged into our rivers and oceans,” said Cambridge Public Works Commissioner Owen O’Riordan, “but we also hope it will be successful in changing people’s behavior to help improve the cleanliness of our streets and sidewalks and reduce the amount of waste in landfills.”

Cambridge businesses will no longer be able to provide single-use plastic bags, but may offer paper, reusable, or compostable bags to customers at a minimum cost of $0.10 per bag. Businesses must show this as the “Checkout Bag Charge” on the receipt and collect sales tax on each bag.

To avoid this charge, customers are encouraged to bring their own bag when they go shopping, out for food, to the pharmacy, and more.

Cambridge Public Works is continuing with successful outreach to businesses to inform and prepare them for the ordinance. Many businesses are excited to implement this ordinance to help the City with its waste reduction goals.

Learn more about the BYOB Ordinance and find helpful information for businesses and residents at www.CambridgeMA.gov/BYOB.

Cambridge Dog License Applications and Renewals Now Available Online

Mar 14, 2016 – Cambridge residents can now apply for or renew their dog’s license online. State law requires that all dogs over 6 months have a current dog license. The dog license period in Cambridge runs from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017. The fee for a dog license for a spayed/neutered dog is $10, or $30 for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. Dog licenses are renewed annually. The fine for an unlicensed dog is $50. For more information visit, www.cambridgema.gov/doglicense.

In order to obtain a dog license, owners must have a current rabies vaccination. Dogs can be vaccinated at the veterinarian’s office, at clinics held at some pet stores, or low cost clinics held periodically. The next Rabies Vaccination Clinic in Cambridge will be held Sat, Apr 2, from 9-11am, at the Cambridge Department of Public Works. The fee is $15 per dog. Microchipping is also available for $20.

Dog licenses can be a ticket home if your dog is lost since the number on the tag can be traced back to the owner to hopefully help for a safe return. Microchipping can also provide added protection.

As with most municipalities, there is a leash law in the City of Cambridge that requires dogs to be on a leash at all times when off the owner’s property. Over the past several years the City of Cambridge has been continually working with residents to explore strategies for dogs to be off leash in city parks and open spaces. There are three approaches taken by the city to meet the demand for off leash space: dedicated off leash areas, shared use off leash areas, and shared use hours. For a list of areas, visit www.cambridgema.gov/offleash.

In these off leash areas, dog owners must adhere to certain important regulations. The dog must be under voice control and within sight of the owner/keeper at all times when off leash and the dog must have a current Cambridge Dog License. There are other regulations and it is the responsibility of the person with the dog to be aware of these posted regulations. Additionally, either off leash or on leash, an owner/keeper must carry means for disposal to pick up and dispose of any feces left by the dog. The City of Cambridge does supply dog waste bags in some areas, but the responsibility to have a means of disposal is entirely on the owner/keeper.

Cambridge City Manager Richard Rossi to retire later this year

City Manager Richard C. Rossi informed the City Council on Friday, March 11 at the Government Operations, Rules, and Claims Committee meeting that he will retire when his contract expires on June 30, 2016.

Mr. Rossi has worked for the City for over four decades - including serving as Deputy City Manager from August 1982 through June 2013 and as City Manager since July 2013 when he succeeded Robert W. Healy.

Mr. Rossi explained that after working so long in the service of the city of his birth, he felt like it was time to dedicate more of his time to his family and other interests.

Though the departure of Mr. Rossi will be a substantial change, one of the hallmarks of the Cambridge City administration in recent years has been its remarkable bench strength - department heads and all those involved in maintaining the fiscal health of the City. There are more than a few people in the City administration who could step up to fill Mr. Rossi's shoes or, at the very least, serve essential roles in the administration of any new City Manager.

In a city where various political factions have often clashed, Richard Rossi has long been viewed a "someone we can work with" by people on all sides. During his tenure as City Manager he has responded to concerns about vacancies on City Boards and Commissions by methodically reviewing all of the boards and deliberately making appropriate reappointments and new appointments to many of these boards. During his time as Deputy City Manager, Mr. Rossi was often seen as the "point man" on significant capital projects, and he earned the trust and admiration of the great majority of residents who had an interest in getting the best outcomes for projects that include renovations of the Cambridge Hospital, the Walter Sullivan Water Treatment Plant, City Hall Annex, the new Main Library, and various school renovation and reconstruction projects. Indeed, one of the things that both Robert Healy and Richard Rossi will be remembered for decades from now is their relentless focus on renewing the infrastructure of the city and its public buildings while maintaining the City's fiscal health through it all. This is no simple task.

Speaking personally, Richard Rossi was our greatest ally during 1989-1991 when we were getting the City's recycling program off the ground - long before environmental initiatives like this became a core part of the City's play book. Deputy City Manager Lisa Peterson was our other great ally, and she has not wavered in her support during the more than two decades that followed. Rich Rossi earned my respect and friendship through those recycling initiatives as well as during the work of the Library 21 Committee and the Green Ribbon Open Space Committee. Any hesitance by then City Manager Bob Healy to be actively engaged with the public was more than compensated for by the presence of Rich Rossi.

On more than one occasion Rich Rossi has marveled to me in conversation about just how far we have come since those early days when were trying to figure out how best to create a citywide recycling program. That focus has now expanded to include transportation planning, energy conservation, and other initiatives. So many of the things we take for granted in City planning today evolved during the years with Robert Healy and Richard Rossi at the helm. I wish we could keep Richie in the Manager's Office for another few years, but we will all be happy to simply express our gratitude for his dedication over these many years in helping to make Cambridge the city it is today. - Robert Winters

Full statement here

Comments?

Nominations Sought for 2016 Outstanding City Employee Awards

Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking nominations for the 2016 Outstanding City Employee Awards program which recognizes employees for exemplary performance and contributions that go above and beyond job requirements.

Cambridge city government is made up of dedicated employees who strive to provide a high level of quality services to all its citizens. The annual awards ceremony provides a special opportunity to give extra recognition to a few exemplary individuals. Winners will be recognized at a special awards ceremony on Friday, May 6, 2016.

Outstanding City Employee Awards are designed to recognize contributions that are above and beyond job requirements. Criteria for determining outstanding performance include:

• Demonstrated strong leadership and a high level of commitment to the City and its residents.
• Demonstrated outstanding customer service to the public and/or fellow employees.
• Developed an innovative or creative solution to a problem.
• Made superior contribution to the success of a project, completing work on time and within budget.
• Donated significant time to activities that benefit the Cambridge community.
• Encouraged and valued community involvement.
• Demonstrated an exceptional ability to work in a multicultural organization.
• Consistently contributed to better City operations.

All City employees at all levels of the City workforce are eligible for nomination. Anyone who lives or works in Cambridge may nominate one or more city employees for recognition. Individuals are not limited as to how many employees s/he chooses to nominate but must submit a separate Nomination Form or letter for each employee. Employees may not nominate their supervisor or department head for recognition.

Online Nomination Forms can be accessed from this news story on the city’s website, www.cambridgema.gov. A signed nomination letter may be submitted instead of the nomination form. Completed nominations must be submitted to the Personnel Department by Friday, April 8, 2016. In addition, you may email nominations to mcarvello@cambridgema.gov or fax to the Personnel Department at 617-349-4312. For more information, contact Maryellen Carvello at mcarvello@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4301.

Cambridge Rabies Vaccination Clinic for Dogs Only
Saturday, April 2, 9-11am, $15/Dog
Cambridge Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire St.
Microchipping will be available at the clinic for a cost of $20.00/Dog.

Rabies has and will continue to be present in Cambridge and throughout the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Laws state that all dogs and cats over the age of 6 months must be vaccinated against rabies; some veterinarians will vaccinate at an earlier age. The best thing you can do for your pet (dogs and cats) is to have it vaccinated and to teach your family and friends to avoid contact with wild animals. The basic rule is to “leave wildlife alone.” For your pet’s safety at the Rabies Vaccination Clinic, dogs must be leashed at all times. Dog licenses for the license period from April 1, 2016 to March 31, 2017 will be available at the clinic. Owners are still welcome to attend if their dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination and they just need a license. Please bring a current rabies vaccination certificate and proof of spay or neuter if your dog has not been licensed in Cambridge before. A vaccination clinic for cats has not been planned. If your cat needs to be vaccinated, there are clinics in the area that administer low cost programs for rabies vaccinations. The Cambridge Animal Commission offers the following important tips and reminders. Controlling your dog at all times is also an excellent way to keep them protected. When you are outside with your dog, obey the leash law. When you are in shared use areas in the city, always have your dog under control and within your sight (particularly at Fresh Pond). Furthermore, these are fundamental elements of the regulations that are posted at the shared use areas and also at the designated dog parks in the city. Cat owners should keep their cats indoors; it’s a safe and controlled environment. Dog owners are reminded of the three L’s of dog ownership – License, Leash and Love your pet. Also be a good neighbor and scoop the poop! Keep your neighborhood clean and everyone will benefit. For more information, please call the Cambridge Animal Commission Office at 617-349-4376.

Local Political Rumblings - State Representatives and State Senators

Mar 8 - Cambridge has 3 State Senate districts and 5 State representative districts. Of these, only one district (Rep. Marjorie Decker) lies wholly within the City of Cambridge. All 40 State Senate seats and all 160 State Representative seats are up for reelection this coming November (and every even year), though many of these seats are uncontested (a sad state of affairs). So what's the current status for this year's state elections? Here are a few facts (and a rumor or two):

First, Sen. Anthony Petruccelli announced that he is resigning his First Suffolf and Middlesex Senate seat and a Democratic primary election is scheduled for Tues, April 12 to fill the vacancy. In the primary there are 7 Democratic candidates seeking this State Senate seat (and the eventual winner will still have to face reelection in November). The candidates are State Rep. Jay Livingstone (Beacon Hill) who has garnered the endorsement of all of Cambridge's city councillors, Joseph Boncore (Winthrop), Lydia Edwards (East Boston), Diana Hwang (East Boston), Steve Morabito (Revere), Dan Rizzo (Revere), and Paul Rogers (East Boston). The general election, likely a formality with the only non-Democrat being Donald Logan Willyard (R-Revere), is scheduled for Tues, May 10.

It is rumored that City Councillor Leland Cheung may challenge Sen. Pat Jehlen for her Second Middlesex Senate seat this fall. [Update – No longer a rumor. Leland Cheung is now actively campaigning for the Senate seat.]

I have not yet heard of any potential challengers to Sen. Sal DiDomenico for his Middlesex and Suffolk Senate seat.

On the State Representative side, City Councillor and State Rep. Timothy J. Toomey will be seeking reelection to his 26th Middlesex State Rep. seat. He will be challenged by activist Mike Connolly who ran unsuccessfully against Toomey several years ago. In the interim, Connolly ran unsuccessfully for Cambridge City Council last November.

State Rep. Marjorie Decker will likely again be challenged by perennial candidate Lesley Phillips for the 25th Middlesex seat.

I have not yet heard of any challengers to Rep. David Rogers (24th Middlesex) or Rep. Jonathan Hecht (29th Middlesex), though I'm sure there are some potential candidates at least thinking about it. As for the 8th Suffolk State Rep. seat currently occupied by Jay Livingstone, that all depends upon how he fares in the April 12 primary. If he is successful, that would open up his State Rep. seat and we'll have to wait and see who expresses interest in that seat. If unsuccessful, Rep. Livingstone could try again for the Senate seat in the fall or seek reelection to his current State Rep. seat.

If anyone knows of any other emerging candidates for the fall elections, please let me know. - Robert Winters

Cambridge Takes Steps to Protect Workers from Wage Theft
Cambridge City Manager Issues Executive Order on Wage Theft Prevention

On Monday, March 14, 2016, City Manager Richard C. Rossi signed an Executive Order establishing certification requirements for vendors bidding on City contracts. The measure seeks to prevent wage theft, which is the improper withholding of payment from employees and the failure to pay employees according to required schedules. Wage theft most often involves employers paying less than the minimum, contracted, or prevailing wage, not paying for all hours worked, and not paying overtime for hours exceeding 40 per week, but wage theft can take many forms—employers may never send the final paycheck, or may misclassify workers as independent contractors.

“This Executive Order is a clear indication of Cambridge’s continuing commitment to wage justice,” said City Manager Richard C. Rossi. “The provisions put into effect today provide the City the protections that are needed to ensure that we are dealing with quality contractors. We have created a simple and fair process for both the City and for our contractors.”

Under the Executive Order vendors bidding on City contracts will be required to certify their compliance with federal and state wage law with the City, and if the vendors have previous violations, disclose them, and provide a wage bond for the duration of the contract. These measures strengthen the City’s ability to hire vendors that treat their employees fairly.

Labor advocates from the Greater Boston Labor Council and Community Labor United worked with City leaders to bring this issue forward. “Cambridge is taking great leadership for workers’ rights,” said Darlene Lombos, Executive Director of Community Labor United and Vice President of the Greater Boston Labor Council. “By taking this action, the City of Cambridge is sending a clear message to all employers: wage theft in Cambridge will not be tolerated. We applaud the leaders of this city for doing what is right for workers.”

The Executive Order also prohibits City departments from contracting with debarred vendors for the period of their debarment. This will help to ensure that City resources are not used to support those vendors debarred for wage law violations.

The Executive Order is effective for all contracts resulting from requests for proposals or invitation for bids that become publically available on or after March 14, 2016. Cambridge joins the City of Boston in requiring this type of certification and wage bond.

Photo: Arthur Goldberg, Deputy City Solicitor for the City of Cambridge; Amy Witts, Purchasing Agent for the City of Cambridge;
Lindsay McCluskey, Organizer for Greater Boston Labor Council, and Darlene Lombos, Executive Director of Community
Labor United and Vice President of the Greater Boston Labor Council and, of course, Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi

Health & Human Services Job Fair March 30

Mar 14, 2016 – The Cambridge Office of Workforce Development is sponsoring a free Health & Human Services Job Fair Wed, Mar 30, from 11:00am-1:00pm, at Central Square Library, 45 Pearl Street, Cambridge. Take the MBTA Red Line or #1 Bus to Central Square.

Prospective job applicants are urged to research companies in advance and apply for positions online.

Participating organizations include:

Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership	Riverside Community Care
Fenway Health & AIDS Action Committee	Perkins School for the Blind
Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health	The Edinburg Center
Spaulding Hospital / Cambridge	Cambridge Health Alliance
Always Here Home Care	Nurtury
Franciscan Hospital for Children	United South End Settlements

For more information, call 617-349-6259 or email Josh Foley at jfoley@cambridgema.gov.

Draft revisions to the Planning Board Rules and CDD Community Engagement Guidelines

The materials are available on the web and are scheduled to be discussed at the Planning Board meeting on March 22.
http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/planningboard/planningboardmeetings

Mary Holbrow posted an article on CCTV about the presentations of the seven candidates for State Senate at the March 8 meeting at the library.
https://www.cctvcambridge.org/StateSenateCandidates

View City of Cambridge FY15 Online Annual Report at www.cambridgema.gov/FY15AnnualReport

Feb 11, 2016 – The City of Cambridge Online FY15 Annual Report can be viewed at www.Cambridgema.gov/FY15AnnualReport. This is the second year the city has produced it annual report primarily as an online publication, though a shorter print companion edition is also available in the brochure racks at Cambridge City Hall.

The FY15 Annual Report organized into topic areas to help residents gain a broader understanding of the city’s efforts. Sections include: Investing in Our Community; Transparency in City Government; Civic Engagement; Fostering Community & Supporting Neighborhood Vitality; Inspiring a Creative Cambridge; Making Cambridge a More Livable City; Community Preservation; Creating and Preserving Affordable Housing; Supporting Children, Youth, Families and Seniors; Promoting Out of School Learning; Enhancing Public Education; Valuing Diversity; Innovation & Technology; Commitment to Public Safety; Supporting Transportation & Mobility; Maintaining Environmental Sustainability; Promoting Economic Vitality; and Supporting Community Health. Additionally, there are three appendices containing information about city departments, the city's organization, and city facts at-a-glance.

Member Sought for Police Review & Advisory Board - Deadline Extended to March 25

Jan 26, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Police Review & Advisory Board. Made up of volunteer members who serve five-year terms, the Board generally meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 6pm, except for July and August.

The Police Review & Advisory Board was established by City Ordinance in 1984 to:

• Provide for citizen participation in reviewing Police Department policies, practices and procedures;

• Provide a prompt, impartial and fair investigation of complaints brought by individuals against members of the Cambridge Police Department; and

• Develop programs and strategies to promote positive police/community relations and to provide opportunities for productive discussions, improved understanding and innovative ways of resolving differences.

The Board consists of five Cambridge residents who are representative of the City's racial, social and economic composition. Board members must possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility; have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service; and be a resident of the City of Cambridge.

Board Members serve as volunteers without compensation and are responsible for reviewing and evaluating completed investigations to make findings on the allegations contained in each complaint; identifying needs for changes to Police Department policies, procedures or training, and reporting findings and recommended solutions to the Police Commissioner and the City Manager; and assisting in education and outreach to promote awareness and understanding of the Board and strengthen community-police relations.

For more information about the Board, see its web page at www.cambridgema.gov/prab. A letter of interest with a brief résumé should be sent via e-mail, mail or fax by Friday, March 25, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge 795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

March 19 – Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School - on top of the high school basketball world again!
Congrats to the 2016 State Champs!
The Cambridge Falcons (CRLS Boys Basketball) won the state title against St. John's, 66-51.
From the Boston Herald: "Cambridge 66, St. John's 51 -- Jakigh Dottin had 14 points and eight rebounds, while Dimon Carrigan recorded a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and eight blocked shots as the Falcons (24-1) won their first Division 1 boys hoop title since 2001. Aidan Keefer had nine of his 13 points in the fourth quarter as Cambridge pulled away. Adham Floyd had 15 of his 19 points in the first half for the Pioneers (23-2)."

Schedule for Cambridge Falcons (CRLS Boys Basketball) state finals in Springfield (Cambridge Chronicle)
The Cambridge Rindge and Latin School boys basketball team will play this Saturday, March 19, for the Division 1 State Championship vs. Saint John's of Shrewsbury. The game has been slotted for the marquee time slot, tip off at 6:45pm at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.

I was pleased to see that Hillary Clinton fared better than Bernie Sanders in Cambridge on Super Tuesday. In fact, she did a little better in Cambridge than she did statewide in Massachusetts (which she won). - RW
In Cambridge: Clinton 53.3% (15,619 votes) to Sanders 46.3% (13,542 votes) and 0.4% (118 votes for other choices)
Statewide it was Clinton 50.3% to Sanders 48.5%.

Cambridge School Committee 2015 Campaign Finance Summaries (updated Mar 7, 2016)

This chart currently includes campaign finance reports through the end of 2015.
The deadline for School Committee campaign finance reports for late-October through Dec 31, 2015 was January 20.
Elechi Kadete still has not filed a complete report for the full year.

Sidewalk Poetry Returns to Cambridge!

Are you a poet? Or might you be a poet, but you don’t know YET because you’ve never done it? Or are you a student, electrician, shop owner, or athlete, or someone of any other profession, who also happens to write poems occasionally? We would like to hear from you in the next three weeks! This is the second year of the Cambridge Sidewalk Poetry Contest, designed to select poems written by Cambridge residents for imprinting in City sidewalks in 2016.

Cambridge residents of any age are invited to submit one poem of their own work to the 2016 Sidewalk Poetry Contest, March 1-20, 2016. The inaugural contest attracted over 300 submissions from residents from 4-95 years, demonstrating the ageless appeal of poetry. The deadline for submissions is 11:59pm on Sunday, March 20, 2016.

For more information and to submit a poem, please visit cambridgema.gov/SidewalkPoetry.

Meet the Senate Candidates – March 8th (Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association meeting)

The Democratic and Republican primaries for Anthony Petruccelli’s open Mass. Senate seat is April 12; the election will be May 10th.

On Tuesday, March 8, the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Assn. will host a Meet the Candidates as part of their March meeting at the Central Square Library. From 6-6:30pm there will be time to mingle with the candidates; from 6:30-7:30pm candidates will present short statements, followed by a short Q&A.

Attending will be: Joe Boncore, Lydia Edwards, Diana Hwang, Jay Livingstone, Steve Morabito, and Dan Rizzo.

At 7:30pm, City Arborist David Lefcourt and Maggie Booz, Co-chair of the Cambridge Committee on Public Planting, will speak about the care of young City trees. A short update about Magazine Beach and the listserv will follow.

The meeting will be in the 2nd floor Community Room at the Central Square Library at 45 Pearl Street. Refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

Magazine Beach Goes to the State House: Exhibit & Associated Programs
How do we make decisions about the use of public land?

Location: State House, 4th floor, outside House Chambers
Exhibition dates: March 7-18
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm. (See it after 3pm on Monday.)

Programs:
Opening Reception: Wednesday, March 9, 12-1pm. 4th floor. Free.

Lunchtime Panel: Saving Our Parks: Effective Partnerships between Government & Community Groups, Wednesday, March 16, 12-1pm. 3rd floor, Room 350. Free. Refreshments at both.

See Magazine Beach – A Place Apart at the Mass. State House, starting this Monday afternoon (March 7). While the exhibition focuses on the forces that have shaped the Cambridge park, it explores the broader question: How do we make decisions about the use of public land?

The show includes a new section, A Revitalized Park, featuring the latest landscape plans and renderings of the park and information about the Powder Magazine and DCR's Historic Curatorship Program.

On Wednesday, March 16 starting at noon there will be a Lunchtime Panel featuring effective public/private partnerships. Legislators, DCR and three community groups will present case studies of how they have partnered successfully to protect and preserve green open spaces, critical to community well-being.

Projects featured include:

• Magazine Beach Park in Cambridge, MA, where the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association (CNA) has partnered with the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to study and stabilize the Powder Magazine there and now redesign and improve the western part of the 15-acre park.
• Upton State Forest in Upton, MA, where the Friends of the Upton State Forest has partnered with DCR, Upton, Preservation Mass. and Upton State Forest user groups to preserve the last remaining Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Mass.
• Southeastern Massachusetts Coastal Pine Barrens, where the Pine Barrens Partnership (PBP) is networking municipal, state and federal agencies, Native American tribes, environmental organizations and businesses to conserve this globally rare eco-region covering 26 towns and 100,000 acres.

Arrive early to pass through security and to see the exhibit. For further information, go to www.magazinebeach.org. Questions? Contact Cathie Zusy at cathzusy@gmail.com or Caitlin Duffy at Caitlin.Duffy@MAhouse.gov.

Members Sought for Council on Aging Board

Feb 12, 2016 – The Cambridge Council on Aging is seeking interested individuals to serve on its board. This is an opportunity for you to advocate for important senior issues. Applicants must be age 60 or older and a Cambridge resident.

The purpose of the board is to promote and encourage existing and new services and activities intended to enhance and improve the quality of life of older persons in the city; advise the City Manager on all matters pertaining to the welfare of elderly Cambridge citizens; and advocate for Cambridge elderly residents. Board members also support Council on Aging/ Senior Center staff with community outreach for services, benefits, activities and programs available to them.

Interested applicants should submit a letter describing any applicable experience by Friday, March 18, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Free Document Shredding in Cambridge Saturday, March 12

The Cambridge Consumers’ Council and the US Postal Service, in collaboration with the Office of Attorney General Maura Healey, the US Postal Inspectors, and the Department of Telecommunications and Cable are offering a free document shredding opportunity Sat, Mar 12, from 10am-2pm, in front of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave, rain or shine.

Members of the public can securely dispose of personal and confidential paper documents. Documents will be destroyed on the spot in a highly advanced technical mobile shredding truck and sent for recycling. Limited drop-off parking will be available on Mass. Ave., Bigelow Street, and Inman Street.

Additionally the Cambridge Consumers’ Council will be hosting two information sharing events Wed, Mar 9, 11am-1pm, at the Central Square Post Office, 770 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, and on Thurs, Mar 10, 11am-1pm, at the Harvard Square Post Office, 125 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge.

For more information, please contact the Cambridge Consumers’ Council at 617-349-6150 or email consumer@cambridgema.gov.

Democratic Election Commissioner Hearing and Questionnaire

The Cambridge Democratic City Committee (CDCC) will hold a public hearing for persons in the Cambridge community who wish to run for Democratic Election Commissioner.

Election Commissioner Public Hearing
Wednesday, March 9, 2016 (time TBA)
Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. (Central Square)

According to the CDCC bylaws, any person who wishes to be nominated for Election Commissioner "must be present at the hearing to answer questions from members and from the public, unless she or he notifies the Chairperson before the hearing of her or his unavailability because of an unforeseen emergency."

A questionnaire will be used to evaluate candidates for the position and interested persons must complete the attached questionnaire by 5:00pm on Tues, Feb 16. Potential candidates should answer each question so the City Committee can compare the answers of candidates in order to obtain a full and fair picture of each candidate's qualifications and ideas for the position. [Questionnaire] A copy of the questionnaire is also posted on the CDCC website www.cambridgedems.com.

Responses should be in a form suitable for reproduction and should be single-spaced. Warren Behr, CDCC Secretary, must receive the responses by 5:00pm on Tues, Feb 16, 2016. No exceptions will be made to this deadline. Responses can be mailed to 54 Hudson Place, Cambridge, MA 02138 or emailed to wbehr@comcast.net. Responses will be compiled and made available to CDCC members and the public.

The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority announces the second year of the FORWARD FUND.

This micro GRANT PROGRAM is intended to support civic improvement projects and creative physical interventions that better Cambridge's built environment for the benefit of all the city's residents, workers, and visitors by non-profit organizations, community groups, and small businesses throughout Cambridge, MA.

We're awarding Planning & Design grants up to $5,000; Innovation & Experimentation Capital grants up to $10,000; and Infrastructure Capital grants up to $10,000 for a wide variety of projects that contribute to the civic and social capital of Cambridge. LEARN MORE

Cambridge Launches New Snow Center Website: www.CambridgeMA.gov/snow

Jan 25, 2016 – The City of Cambridge has launched a new Snow Center website, www.cambridgema.gov/snow, to provide residents with timely updates on the city’s response to winter storms and to provide useful winter storm information that can be viewed quickly and easily in one location.

Through the online Snow Center, Cambridge residents can stay informed of when a Snow Emergency has been declared or lifted; register to receive emergency alerts; find out about Snow Emergency off street parking locations; or learn if city offices or programs have modified hours of operation.

“After last year’s record-breaking snow season, we made it a priority to learn lessons not only about how to improve our operations, but also about additional ways to communicate timely, useful information to residents,” said Owen O’Riordan, Commissioner of Public Works. “The Cambridge Snow Center website will be a great tool for helping the public access information about the city’s snow operations, parking regulations, and other frequently asked questions, all in one, easy-to-view location.”

The Cambridge Snow Center also includes a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section with helpful information on property owner responsibilities and the Snow Exemption Program, as well as a What's Happening section displaying real time snow related social media updates and news stories; and finally a Useful Information section with additional resources and important phone numbers and websites.

Residents can also use the new City’s non-emergency reporting system, Commonwealth Connect, www.cambridgema.gov/CommonwealthConnect to report an icy or snowy street or unshoveled sidewalk. To receive voice, text, and email notification of declared Snow Emergency Parking Bans in the city, residents can sign up for receive CodeRed alerts directly from the City’s Snow Center.

Voter Registration, Absentee Ballots and Extended Office Hours for the March 1, 2016 Presidential Primary

The Presidential Primary will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016. For Cambridge residents not already registered, the last day to register to vote is Wednesday, February 10, 2016 until 8 p.m. The Office of the Secretary of State has developed an Online Voter Registration System at www.registertovotema.com. Individuals may use the online system to submit an online application, update their address, or change their party affiliation. You must have a valid driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID issued by the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV). You must also have a signature on file with the RMV. If you do not have an RMV ID you can use the system to create an application. Print and sign the completed form and mail or bring it to the office of the City Cambridge Election Commission.

Absentee Ballots are now available at the Cambridge Election Commission office. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Monday, February 29, 2016 at Noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for Absentee Voting on Friday, February 26th from 8:30am until 5:00pm and on Saturday, February 27th from 9:00am until 5:00pm. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Feb 8 Update: City of Cambridge offices and the Cambridge Public Schools were closed today due to snow. A Parking Ban went into effect on Snow Emergency Routes starting at 10:00am and was lifted at 6:00pm. The City Council meeting scheduled for Feb 8 was cancelled. - All is now back to normal....

City Offices Closed Monday, February 15 for Presidents’ Day Holiday
Trash and recycling daily pickup routes delayed one day

Feb 11, 2016 – Cambridge city offices will be closed Monday, February 15 in observance of the Presidents’ Day Holiday. There will be no trash or recycling pickup on the holiday and daily routes will be one day behind schedule for the remainder of that week.

The offices at the Cambridge Cemetery at 76 Coolidge Avenue will be closed on Monday, February 15 however the gates will be open from dawn to dusk.

More information about trash and recycling schedules and routes is at www.cambridgema.gov/trash.

Feb 1 - It was again a short City Council meeting tonight ending at 6:40pm. There wasn't anything either detailed or controversial on the agenda, so the brevity was expected. Unfortunately, I was expecting to get the City Council Committee appointments tonight but they are not yet available - not due to any delay by the Mayor but rather due to difficulties in getting some city councillors to commit to work for the pay they receive.

The Tuesday, Feb 2 edition of Cambridge InsideOut will feature Parts 2 and 3 of the 1992 interview with Tip O'Neill recorded for the original Cambridge Inside Out program. Part 1 aired last week. All three parts are viewable at http://cambridgecivic.com/?p=4656. We'll return to live shows next week on Tues, Feb 9 with guest Michael Orr, Waste Reduction Mgr, DPW who will provide detailed information about the Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance that's set to go into effect at the end of March. - RW

Tues, Jan 19 - We will not be doing a new Cambridge InsideOut show tonight. Instead, you'll be treated this week to a re-run of last week's shows with Anthony Galluccio. In the future, my intention is to occasionally air programs of the original Cambridge Inside Out show. One especially interesting program from 1992 featured a conversation with Tip O'Neill. I recently purchased a device to transfer old VHS recordings to digital files and I have a good sample of old programs from 1991 through 2000. Perhaps you'll soon be seeing some vintage Anthony Galluccio, Denise Jillson, Jim Braude and others who appeared on the show during those years. If anyone else has some old tapes of the original program that are particularly interesting. let me know and we'll try to get them on the air for public consumption. - RW

Tues, Jan 12 - Our guest tonight on Cambridge InsideOut was Anthony Galluccio (5:30pm and 6:00pm, Jan 12 on CCTV)

Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals Vacancy

Jan 14, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Made up of five members and seven associate members, the BZA meets twice a month on Thursday evenings to review applications for variances and special permits in accordance with Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. Board members also act on appeals to zoning decisions made by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services.

For more information, contact the Inspectional Services Department at 617-349-6131. Letters of interest, including resume or applicable experience, can be sent via mail, fax or e-mail by Friday, February 12, 2016 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Volunteers Sought for Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee and Working Groups
Help Shape the Citywide Plan!

Jan 8, 2016 – City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking volunteers to serve on the newly formed Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, the Envision Alewife Working Group, and the Engagement and Communications Working Group. These groups are being created to advise the city and its consultant team on the newly named citywide plan, Envision Cambridge. This multi-year process will help set a new direction for a sustainable, prosperous future.

The Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee will be a sounding board for planning concepts, help set priorities for the plan, and help establish a feedback loop between the City, the consultant team, and Cambridge residents, businesses, and institutions. The committee will consist of residents, property owners, and representatives of local businesses and institutions.

The Envision Alewife Working Group will help guide the Alewife district study and develop comprehensive and actionable recommendations for the area.

The Engagement and Communications Working Group is a topic-focused group that will provide guidance and advice on how the citywide plan can best engage the entire community and ensure that dialogue is representative of the city’s diversity.

At later stages of the planning process, additional working groups will be formed. We anticipate working groups on topics such as climate and energy, economic development, housing, and mobility.

Who is Eligible?
Any Cambridge resident, property owner, or representative of a local business or institution is welcome to apply. For the Engagement and Communications Working Group, the city seeks individuals with experience, expertise, and interest in public engagement and communication.

How Often Will the Groups Meet?
The Advisory Committee will meet approximately every six weeks. Working Groups will convene at critical junctures in the planning process in condensed periods of time and are likely to meet an estimated six to eight times throughout the process. The Envision Alewife Working Group will meet approximately every six weeks during the Alewife planning process, which is anticipated to start this spring and finish within the year.

How Many People Will Be Selected?
Approximately 16-20 people will serve on the Advisory Committee. Working Groups will consist of approximately 6-8 people, except for the Envision Alewife Working Group, which will be larger due to its multidisciplinary nature. Each Working Group will include at least one Advisory Committee member.

How Will Members Be Chosen?
The Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee will be broadly representative of the Cambridge community including residents, institutions, property owners, and businesses. The goal will be to create a Committee that represents the diversity of the city. Working groups will include people with expertise or interest in the specific topic area.

How to Apply
To apply, send a letter by Monday, February 1, 2016 (deadline extended from original Jan 22 date) describing your interest and background to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
c/o Melissa Peters
Community Development Department
344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Email: mpeters@cambridgema.gov

Please describe your interest in Envision Cambridge and make clear if you would like to serve on the Envision Cambridge Advisory Committee, the Envision Alewife Working Group, Engagement and Communications Working Group, or multiple groups. If you are interested in serving on the Envision Alewife Working Group, Engagement and Communications Working Group, or other topic-specific working group, please describe any relevant experience. You may include a résumé with your application, if helpful.

Cambridge MLK Day of Service Event
More Than 2,000 Volunteers Expected

On Monday, January 18, 2016, Many Helping Hands 365, along with representatives from other agencies, will lead community volunteers in projects to benefit the homeless, homebound elderly, and children and families in honor Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy. This event is one of the largest community service events in New England.

Service projects will take place at the YWCA and Cambridge City Hall from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. There will also be a brief welcome gathering for this year's MLK Day of Service on the steps of City Hall at 2:00pm.

Volunteers can register in advance at http://manyhelpinghands365.org/registration-mlk/.

"Cambridge is an extraordinary and generous community," said Lori Lander, the chief organizer and founder of Many Helping Hands 365 and the Cambridge MLK Day of Service. "Last year, we had over 2,500 volunteers, and we expect many more this year."

During the free community event, local volunteers of all ages stop in at one of several Central Square locations to "lend a helping hand" to neighbors in need. They make fleece blankets for children at Cambridge's family shelters and homeless adults found sleeping outdoors; bookmarks for literacy programs; Valentine's Day cards for elders served by Meals-on-Wheels as well as Cambridge veterans and military personnel; and activity kits for the children of families in need. Thanks to donations from generous Cambridge hotels, volunteers also assemble toiletries kits for people served by the city's domestic violence and homeless shelters, sort food donations for food pantries and organize donations of clothing for a variety of programs.

Thousands of individuals and more than 70 different Cambridge service organizations benefit from the city-wide event.

"I was thrilled to bring my child to the inaugural Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service in Cambridge and many years since," said volunteer Corinne Espinoza, a parent at the Amigos School. "What better way to teach him about our legacy of civic engagement, work towards social justice and equality, and determined service than to have a "day on" instead of a "day off."

"The needs in our community are great," said former Cambridge Mayor David Maher. "Raising the awareness of these needs takes a sustained effort, and we hope many who volunteer at the Many Helping Hands MLK Day of Service will make an ongoing commitment to serve in the Cambridge community throughout the year."

He added: "There is no better way to honor the work and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. than by serving your community. The Many Helping Hands MLK Day of Service brings together residents from all neighborhoods of our city to work together and to improve their community. It is truly inspiring to see thousands of Cambridge residents from all backgrounds join together to volunteer and to serve in honor of Dr. King's life and teachings."

Volunteers are asked to not come empty-handed and to donate items such as winter clothing, non-perishable food, and children's books. The event is free and all ages are welcome. Volunteers can register in advance at http://manyhelpinghands365.org/registration-mlk/.

Henry R. Irving

Our friend Henry Irving passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2016 in Cambridge at the age of 65. Henry lived on Bigelow Street and is survived by his wife Kate. Henry was very active with the Cambridge Republican City Committee and was a candidate for Twenty-Fifth Middlesex State Representative in 2006.

A church service for Henry will be held 12:00pm, Saturday, January 16th, at: St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 838 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, followed by a reception at the home of neighbors Marie-Claire and Pierre Humblet, 13 Bigelow St., Cambridge.

IRVING, Henry Russell
Son of the late John Evelyn du Pont Irving and Louise Russell Irving, was born in Wilmington, Del., on Sept. 17, 1950, and died Jan. 2, 2016, in Cambridge, Mass., with his family by his side, at the home where he spent four happy decades. Henry was a graduate of Groton School, Boston University, and received an M.B.A. from Suffolk University Graduate School of Management.

Following the death of his first wife, Elizabeth Yeardley Irving, in 1974, Henry returned to the town where he spent much of his childhood, Unionville, Pa. He started a play-reading group, and it was at a reading of "The Little Foxes" that he met Kate Olivier, a British paintings conservator working at Winterthur. In 1977, Kate was hired by the Fogg Art Museum, and together they moved to Beacon Hill, married, and later bought a house in Cambridge, where they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Alexandra.

His wide range of jobs included stonemason, manager of the Boston Phoenix classifieds, and creator of "Henry's Fresh Fishcakes." He loved the theater and worked long hours behind the scenes at Theater Works and The American Repertory Theater. He spent nearly a decade at UNICEF before his final career as an independent financial advisor.

Henry was proud to be one of the few Republicans active in Cambridge politics. In 2006, he ran for state representative, saying after the landslide, "both I and my opponent knew I didn't have a chance." But he enjoyed the campaign – having set out to knock on every door in Cambridge – and made lasting friends from both parties. Henry had a gift for making and keeping friends, and they ranged far and wide. He loved his Bigelow Street neighbors – often first to the shovel in a snowstorm and the last to leave a party. His eyes shone at pre-dawn skates at the hockey rink, and with his rain-or-shine dress shirts, dramaturgical background, and meticulous and witty game-day chronicles, he was known as the "The Bard" by his Fogg softball teammates. Rarely seen without his binoculars, birding was Henry's greatest passion, forever hooked following a trip to the Kenyan Rift Valley in 1996. He made countless visits to Mount Auburn Cemetery, and during migration season, he was known to stay from dawn to dusk. England was his second home. He loved the countryside and was drawn to the people and the way of life. He and his wife made yearly visits to stay with friends and family, and Henry squeezed in birding trips to Scotland whenever possible.

Henry is survived by his wife of 38 years, Kate, his daughter Alexandra, son-in-law Dan, his mother Louise, his brothers John, Douglas, and David, his sister Carol, sister-in-law Carol, brother-in-law Robert, and nieces and nephews. A service will be held at noon, Saturday, Jan. 16th, at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 838 Mass Ave., Cambridge, where Henry was an active member and in recent months found great solace at the weekday Morning Prayer gatherings. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mount Auburn Cemetery or Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. [more here]

E. Denise Simmons was elected unanimously as Mayor on the 1st ballot.
Later, Marc McGovern was unanimously elected as Vice Mayor (actually, Vice-Chair of the City Council)

Rep. (and Councillor) Tim Toomey, Senator Sal DiDomenico, Rep. Marjorie Decker,
Vice Mayor Marc McGovern, Rep. Jay Livingstone (photo by Jim Henry)