2017 CCJ Notes - January through June
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June 21, 2017 – MIT today has filed its Volpe rezoning petition. An MIT News Office article provides background on the proposal and a link to the zoning petition. [message from Sarah Gallop, Co-Director, MIT Office of Government and Community Relations]
[Boston Globe article (June 21)]  [text of the petition]

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

Hubway to see significant expansion in Cambridge (May 31, 2017)

Beacon Hill lawmakers target short-term housing rentals for taxes, regulations (May 30, 2017 by Gerry Tuoti)

Cambridge ditches standard electric service to embrace green power (May 30, 2017 by Amy Saltzman and Gerry Tuoti)

Guest column: An audacious vision for Cambridge schools (May 30, 2017 by Cambridge School Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Salim)

Short-term housing rentals targeted for taxes and regulations in Massachusetts (May 26, 2017 by Gerry Tuoti)

Friends of Cambridge Rindge and Latin School celebrates 10th birthday (May 26, 2017 by Leslie Brunetta)

Cambridge Historical Society announces 2017 program theme (May 26, 2017)

Cambridge Veterans’ Services announces Memorial Day parade and observance (May 23, 2017)

Cambridge city budget spends $3 million on affordable housing (May 23, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

REPORT: Fentanyl continues to fuel overdoses; Cambridge fatalities double in one year (May 22, 2017 by Amy Saltzman and Gerry Tuoti)

Cambridge to address Port flooding with $50M project (May 17, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

City Council forms committee to build ‘better working relationship’ with schools (May 17, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Developments could force expansion of Cambridge pre-K program (May 16, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Cambridge pilot program to help small business could grow (May 16, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Community Preservation Act Committee to hold public meeting (May 16, 2017)

Cambridge seeking members for Central Square, Harvard Square committees (May 16, 2017)

Sumbul Siddiqui announces City Council candidacy (May 16, 2017)

Cambridge woman dies after Memorial Drive crash (updated May 17, 2017)

Cambridge launches 2017 Participatory Budgeting cycle (May 14, 2017)

Invention enables Good Samaritans to administer Narcan to overdose victims (May 16, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

Cambridge, Eversource partner to launch energy pilot (May 10, 2017)

Cambridge looks to coordinate efforts to maximize charitable giving (May 9, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

End of Keezer’s? 122-year-old Cambridge business may close if buyer not found (May 9, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

Cambridge Water Board questions safety of plastic water pipes (May 8, 2017

Mazen will not seek re-election to Cambridge City Council (May 4, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

New Inman Square design cuts parking, adds separated bicycle lanes (May 3, 2017 by Emily Cataneo)

Cambridge city councilors dig into budget proposals (May 3, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Vacant Fresh Pond property may be converted into affordable housing (May 2, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Cambridge Police now use Narcan and new drug detection tool (Apr 28, 2017)

Cambridge Police Department promotes officers (Apr 27, 2017)

Cambridge to update surveillance law as technologies advance (Apr 26, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Sivongxay announces run for Cambridge City Council (Apr 26, 2017)

Affordable housing, traffic safety prioritized in Cambridge’s proposed $605M budget (Apr 25, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Cambridge looks to crack down on vacant buildings (Apr 25, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Frayed Community Preservation partnership in danger of collapsing (Apr 10, 2017 by Colin A. Young, State House News Service)

World War I photos bear witness to war’s toll on Cambridge (Apr 7, 2017 by James Sanna)

How Cambridge built its $200M municipal ‘savings account’ (Apr 6, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

Quinton Zondervan announces candidacy for Cambridge City Council (Apr 6, 2017)

Nonprofit plans to rebuild affordable housing destroyed in Dec. 3 Cambridge fire (updated Apr 12, 2017 by James Sanna)

Federal officials OK key GLX funding (Apr 4, 2017 by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service)

‘Monumental’ step: Cambridge ups affordable housing requirement (Apr 4, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Cambridge City Council votes to urge Trump’s impeachment (Apr 4, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Massachusetts greenhouse gas emissions down 21 percent compared to 1990 (Apr 3, 2017 by Michael P. Norton, State House News Service)

‘The pyramids were built faster:’ West Cambridge fed up with 5 years of construction (Apr 4, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

Cambridge Announces Finalist for Police Commissioner
Meet the finalist forum to be held on June 20, 2017

June 16, 2017 – The City of Cambridge today announced Branville G. Bard,, Jr. of Philadelphia, PA as the finalist in the search process for a new Police Commissioner. In January, the City engaged the services of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to develop a leadership profile, conduct recruitment, and perform the initial screening of applicants.

"I am pleased that the search process yielded a highly qualified candidate who can lead Cambridge's 21st-century police department beginning on day one," City Manager Louis A. DePasquale said. "Chief Bard has a proven track record and possess the qualities that our community expects in a Police Commissioner: cultural awareness and sensitivity, a commitment to department-wide equity and inclusiveness, a deep commitment to procedural justice, and visionary, effective, and strong police leadership."

Chief Bard currently serves as the Chief of Police and the Director of Public Safety for the Philadelphia Housing Authority's Police Department. Prior to this, he served in numerous positions for the Philadelphia Police Department, including Police Inspector, and Police Captain for the 22nd District. Chief Bard holds a Doctorate in Public Administration from Valdosta State University.

"Chief Bard has an appreciation for the unique challenges faced by sanctuary cities, and will take a data-driven approach to improvement, quality assurance, and policing," City Manager DePasquale said. "I want to thank the City staff, community stakeholders, and members of the City Manager's Advisory Committee who participated in the selection process to date, and provided me with valuable feedback on each of the candidates. I am so pleased that a representative group of the Cambridge community could participate in this confidential hiring process."

Chief Bard was selected as a finalist following two days of in-person interviews held in Cambridge in early May. Five candidates were initially interviewed in May. The first day of interviews included two review panels comprised of City staff and community stakeholders. After the initial day of interviews and a debriefing of the panels, each candidate was interviewed by City Manager DePasquale and Deputy City Manager Peterson. This week, Chief Bard participated in a day-long series of additional interviews with City Manager, Deputy City Manager, and City staff. On June 20, 2017, at 6:00pm, Chief Bard will participate in a public "Meet the Finalist Forum" at the Main Public Library, 449 Broadway. The public will be invited to submit written feedback at the forum. Chief Bard will also participate in additional stakeholder interviews.

The City Manager is expected to make a final decision by early July after reviewing the public feedback and conducting reference checks.

About the Cambridge Police Department: With a budget of over $50 million, the Cambridge Police Department has 272 sworn police officers and 47 professional staff members. The Department is committed to providing residents and visitors with the highest level of professional police services while respecting the constitutional rights of all. The strength of the organization lies within its philosophy and method of operation, which combines community policing, problem-oriented policing, and collaboration with our community and city partners. Community engagement and outreach are focused on youth, homeless, seniors, and residents with mental health issues. Crime in Cambridge dropped for the sixth consecutive year in 2016, to record low levels not experienced since 1961.

About PERF: Founded in 1976 as a nonprofit organization, the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is a police research and policy organization and a provider of management services, technical assistance, and executive-level education to support law enforcement agencies. PERF helps to improve the delivery of police services through the exercise of strong national leadership; public debate of police and criminal justice issues; and research and policy development.

Review panel participants: Ann Fleck-Henderson, City Manager Advisory Committee; Frank Pedro, City Manager Advisory Committee; Joshua A. Reyes, City Manager Advisory Committee; Rev. Eliis Washington, City Manager Advisory Committee; Lisa Thurau, Police Commissioner Advisory Board; Bishop Brian Greene, Police Chaplain; Lisa Peterson, Deputy City Manager; Ellen Semonoff, Asst. City Manager/Human Service Programs; Betsy Allen, Director/Equity and Inclusion; Andrea Brown, Chief Administrative Officer/Police; Brian Corr, Peace Commission/Police Review and Advisory Board; Louis DePasquale, City Manager; Christina Giacobbe, Director/ Emergency Communications; Lee Gianetti, Director/Communications and Community Relations; Nancy Glowa, City Solicitor; Sheila Keady Rawson, Personnel Director; Brent Larrabee, Interim Police Commissioner; Robert Wasserman, Advisor.

Former Police Commissioner Robert Haas and Acting Fire Chief Gerard Mahoney participated in interviews.

Branville Bard's resume

City Dance Party Friday, June 30, 7-11pm
Mass Ave. will be Closed to Traffic but Open for Dancing!

Join thousands of Cambridge residents and visitors who will gather on Massachusetts Avenue in front of Cambridge City Hall (795 Massachusetts Ave.) for the City’s 20th Annual Dance Party. The portion of Mass. Ave., between Prospect and Bigelow streets, will be closed to traffic from 7pm – Midnight but open for dancing. This event is free and open to the public. MBTA: Red Line to Central Square.

The annual dance extravaganza with DJ spun music is a special opportunity for the entire Cambridge community to celebrate summer. After dark, colorful lights will be launched, adding to the magic of the evening.

PLEASE NOTE: MBTA #1 Bus Line will terminate in Central Square at 6pm and is expected to resume full service by Midnight. (Take the Red Line subway to travel between Central & Harvard Squares). The closest subway stop to the Dance Party is Central Square, then two blocks to City Hall.

For more information, contact Maryellen Carvello at 617-349-4301 or mcarvello@cambridgema.gov.

Benefit for Comedian Jimmy Smith

Jimmy Tingle hosts "Humor for Humanity," a benefit for fellow Cambridge comedian Jimmy Smith, on Thursday, June 29 at 7:30pm at the Regent Theater, 7 Medford Street, Arlington. Guests include Tony V, Mike Donovan, Mike McDonald, Lenny Clarke, Christine Hurly, Jack Gallagher and musical guests Erie Blue Band. Tickets available http://regenttheatre.com.

Jimmy was also a CRLS teacher.

Maine Voted for a Better Way to Vote. The Courts Just Shot It Down (May 23, 2017 by Henry Grabar, Slate)
Ranked Choice Voting was approved by Maine voters last year, but the Maine Supreme Court has decided that it violated a very specific requirement in the Maine state constitution. The Massachusetts state constitution does not have that language. - RW

Cambridge Program Aims to Bolster Local Renewable Energy Use
Cambridge uses the bulk buying power of the entire community to negotiate a better prices

Starting with August utility bills, Cambridge residents and businesses currently enrolled in Eversource Basic Service will begin to receive cleaner electricity through the launch of the Cambridge Community Electricity program. In addition to increasing the amount of renewable energy in the city’s electricity supply, the Cambridge Community Electricity program will provide cost savings to Cambridge customers at the time of its launch. This new program uses the bulk buying power of the entire community to negotiate a better price for the Supplier Services portion of electricity bills, a process called electricity aggregation. Participants will be able to opt-out of the program at any time without penalty or fee.

“Through the Cambridge Community Electricity program, the City is furthering our commitment to combatting climate change by increasing the amount of renewable energy in our community’s electricity supply,” said Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager. The Cambridge Community Electricity program rates is fixed from July 2017 through January 2019 at a price lower than Eversource Basic Service at program launch. Though future cost savings are not guaranteed, the goal of the program’s fixed rate is to provide savings when compared with the average cost of the changing Eversource Basic Service prices.

Cambridge residents and businesses who currently receive Eversource Basic Service will be automatically enrolled in the Cambridge Community Electricity program’s Standard Green option, available for 10.486 cents/kWh (the current Eversource Basic Service rate is 10.759 cents/kWh). This option includes 25% more solar energy than required by the state, derived from renewable energy projects in or near Cambridge.

Residents and businesses also have the option of enrolling in 100% Green, which provides 100% renewable electricity generated by projects throughout New England. This option is available by request for 12.180 cents/kWh. “The Cambridge Community Electricity program reflects the City’s commitment to the Net Zero Action Plan. Increasing renewable energy options for residents and businesses brings us closer to achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century,” said Iram Farooq, Assistant City Manager for Community Development.

Electricity delivery, outage issues, and billing will continue to be handled by Eversource, and those who are eligible for discounts through Eversource will continue to receive the same benefits. Residents with solar panels on their property will continue to receive net metering credits, which will continue to be calculated based on the Eversource Basic Service rate.

Eligible customers will receive detailed letters about the program in June and the public is invited to attend any of the following information sessions:

To opt-out prior to the program’s July launch, requests must be submitted by July 5, 2017 to Agera Energy at 1-888-589-7790 or online at www.masspowerchoice.com/cambridge, or by signing and returning the reply card received in the mail.

For additional information, visit the program website at www.masspowerchoice.com/cambridge. Questions or comments can be directed to Cambridge Community Electricity program consultants at 1-844-379-9934 or cambridge@masspowerchoice.com.

Cambridge Retail Strategic Plan

For additional updates on the Retail Strategy, please visit: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/EconDev/retailstrategicplan

Cambridge Launching Fourth Participatory Budgeting Cycle June 1
Residents Invited to Submit Ideas for Projects to Improve Cambridge

May 26, 2017 – The City of Cambridge is launching its fourth annual Participatory Budgeting cycle in which community members will decide how to spend $800,000 – an additional $100,000 over FY17 – on one-time capital projects to improve Cambridge.

Participatory Budgeting (PB) is a different way to manage public money and to engage people in local government. In Cambridge’s PB process, community members submit project ideas during the summer; volunteer Budget Delegates research and develop ideas into final project proposals in the fall, and then residents age 12 and older vote in December to choose the projects that will be funded.

Winning projects from past cycles include bike repair stations, 100 new street trees, solar panels for the Main Library roof, a food rescue freezer van, the Central Square public toilet, bilingual books for kids, and many others.

The City will be collecting ideas from June 1 - July 31, on projects to improve the community. Residents can submit their ideas online at pb.cambridgema.gov or by contacting the Budget Office at pb@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4270, or in person to the Budget Office in Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

Interested in becoming more involved with PB? The City is actively recruiting volunteer Budget Delegates to research submitted ideas this fall and help develop them into final proposals for the December 2017 PB ballot. Volunteering as a Budget Delegate is a great opportunity to become a community leader, develop teambuilding skills, get to know your neighbors, build your resume, and help make your city a better place. Serving as a Budget Delegate requires a significant time commitment from mid-August through October, with one final meeting in mid-November.

For more information about the PB process or the Budget Delegate role, visit pb.cambridgema.gov or contact Michelle Monsegur and Justin Casanova-Davis in the City’s Budget Office at pb@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4270.

Summer school students submit project ideas for the City of Cambridge’s Participatory Budgeting Process

How would you spend $800,000 to improve Cambridge?

June 1 - The PB Outreach Committee recently kicked off Cambridge's 2017 Participatory Budgeting cycle, so put on your thinking caps and tell us how you would spend $800,000 on capital projects to improve the community! We are collecting ideas from June 1 through July 31, 2017.

Winning projects from past PB cycles include bike repair stations, 100 new street trees, solar panels for the Main Library roof, a public toilet in Central Square, bilingual books for kids, and many others.

Read the guidelines and get YOUR ideas on the map!

Volunteer as a Budget Delegate!

Volunteering as a Budget Delegate is a great opportunity to become a community leader, develop teambuilding skills, get to know your neighbors, build your resume, and help make your city a better place.

Budget Delegates will work during the fall to research project ideas submitted by community members and determine which ones will make it to the ballot for the PB vote in December. See the schedule and sign up here! Budget Delegate Orientation will take place on Tues, Aug 8, 2017 from 6-8pm at the Citywide Senior Center.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions at pb@cambridgema.gov or pb.cambridgema.gov.

Cambridge Council on Aging Public Forum on Scams, Healthy Relationships, and Personal Wellbeing - June 22

Cambridge’s Council on Aging is hosting the public forum “Empowering Older Adults – Scams, Healthy Relationships and Personal Well-Being” Thursday, June 22, from 12:30-3:00pm, at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue. Prior to the performance, a mini-Resource Fair will take place at 12:30 p.m. Various agencies providing specific assistance in regard to resources and support addressing specific needs of older adults will be present. Light refreshments will be served.

As part of World Elder Abuse Awareness campaign, please join us for a performance with True Story Theater to increase awareness about elder abuse. Stories of actual challenges faced by older adults will be dramatized by the troupe. This program is presented by the Cambridge Elder Abuse Prevention Coalition and the performance was generously funded through a Tufts Health Plan Foundation grant.

This event is free. Registration is requested but not required. To register for this public forum, contact Susan Pacheco at spacheco@cambridgema.gov or call 617-349-6220.

Household Hazardous Waste Day Scheduled for Saturday, June 17th at the Volpe Transportation Center
Fire extinguishers now accepted

The City of Cambridge is sponsoring a Household Hazardous Waste collection day on Saturday, June 17th, from 9am to 1pm at Volpe Transportation Center - Parking Lot 4. Residents should access the lot via Munroe off Third St. Please see the map below.

This event is free and open to Cambridge residents (proof of Cambridge residency required), and for the first time, fire extinguishers will now be accepted at the event.

Proper disposal of household chemicals helps protect public health and the environment. Learn more about accepted materials, other guidelines, and future dates by clicking here, visiting www.cambridgema.gov/recycle, or calling Public Works at 617-349-4800.

Cambridge Retail Strategic Plan

The City is currently preparing a Retail Strategic Plan to determine best practice policies and programs that will support and enhance the retail environment in Cambridge. The consultant team Larisa Ortiz Associates (LOA) and the Community Development Department’s Economic Development Division are leading the planning efforts and will identify short and long-term goals to propose for the City’s retail retention and recruitment strategy.

On Wednesday, June 14, 2017 please join us and the City Council's Economic Development and University Relations Committee at City Hall for a public hearing to discuss the final recommendations from Larisa Ortiz Associates in regards to the Retail Strategic Plan. Policy and programmatic opportunities related to the retail environment in Cambridge will also be discussed.

Meeting details:
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Date: June 14, 2017
Location: Sullivan Chambers, Cambridge City Hall

For additional updates on the Retail Strategy, please visit: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/EconDev/retailstrategicplan

HomeBridge Information Session June 12

The Community Development Department’s Housing Division is excited to announce HomeBridge, a program that provides financial assistance to first-time homebuyers interested in purchasing a home in Cambridge. For qualified applicants, HomeBridge offers financial assistance up to:

• 50% of the purchase price for 3BR units
• 45% of the purchase price for 2BR units
• 40% of the purchase price for 1BR units

Qualified applicants must currently live in Cambridge or have one adult family member who works full time in Cambridge. They must earn no more than 120% of Area Median Income (AMI), adjusted for household size, and they must be able to obtain a conventional, fixed-rate mortgage.

For more information about HomeBridge, visit www.cambridgema.gov/HomeBridge. An information session will be held on June 12th at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor Conference Room at 6:00pm.

Harvard Square Theater would be replaced with new building, cinema (May 31, 2017 by Dan Adams, Boston Globe)

Proposed replacement for Harvard Square Cinema building

Harvard Square Cinema building today - June 2017

City of Cambridge Awards Record $210,000 in Scholarships
84 scholarships given out to residents pursuing higher education

May 18, 2017 – The City of Cambridge on Monday, May 15, 2017, hosted a special ceremony to honor the recipients of the 2017 City of Cambridge Scholarship. This year, the City awarded a record $210,000 in scholarships to 84 Cambridge high school seniors and others Cambridge residents pursuing higher education. The City of Cambridge provides these scholarships through the generous contributions of many residents and businesses.

While speaking to the recipients during the ceremony, City Manager Louis A. DePasquale said, “I know how expensive higher education has become, and I hope that today’s scholarship will make a difference.” He went on to say, “When you complete your higher education, I hope that you will seriously consider returning to Cambridge to work for one of the amazing companies located here, or better yet, you will consider working for the City of Cambridge. I can personally tell you that there is no career more rewarding than public service.”

The City Scholarship program is open to all Cambridge residents who are currently attending, have an application pending or have received acceptance to attend an institute of higher education beyond high school level. Award recipients were selected from the 198 applications received this year based on a number of criteria including academic achievement, school and community involvement, work experience, aspirations and goals, financial need, and special circumstances. The City encourages individuals who did not receive a scholarship this year to consider applying again, as awardees do not have to be graduating from high school to receive this scholarship.

The City extends its gratitude this year’s selection committee: Colin Dicke, John Kosko, Bill Neukomm, James Peck, Elaine Thorne, and Craig Yearwood.

The 2017 City Scholarship recipients are:
Eden Abebe, Zahyyeh Abu-Rubieh, Nusrat Africawala, Demi Akins, Alexander Alvarado Cortez, Samprity Ankita, Malate Aschalew, Hicham Asekkour, Alyxandra Bassile-McCarthy, Reya Begum, Helen Bekele, Bouchra Benghomari, Serena Bialkin, Johnson Blaise, Alia Campbell, Milo Cason-Snow, Kevin Chavez, Emily Chowdhury, Savanna Clegg, Amaniya, Cotton, Celeste De Lancey, Andre Domond, Nedjine Doreus, Emiliano Duran, Hend Elkatta, Carmen Enrique, Noah Epstein, Ayub Farah, Marian Farah, Bukhaari Farah, Misam Farsab, Roan Farsab, Emmanuella Fede, Yvette-Simon Figaro, Alexander Flamm, Mariamawit Gashaw, Walker Gillett, Kamaria Gooding, Anna Griffin, Nathaniel Habtom, Syed Hoque,Jacob Hunter, Amena Indawala, Jeremie Jean-Baptiste, Rebecca Jean-Louis, Gabrielle Joella, Ruksat Kabir, Nina Katz-Christy, Zainab Lakhani, Maisha Lakri, Diego Lasarte, Angel Lazar Osegueda, Albert Lee, Zoe Levitt, Samantha Liu, Jemima Mascary, Ean McDonald Wojciechowski, Natalie McPherson-Siegrist, Yeabsera Mengistu, Alexander Michael, Juliet Nadis, Sheikh Noohery, Rihana Oumer, Christelle Paul, Zian Perez, Ra-vonne Pierre, Asif Rahman, Fnu Ratna, Ariann Renaudin, Elliott Ronna, Charlotte Rosenblum, Akeru Sakakibara, Veronica Sargent, Hugo Schutzberg, Asikrahima Shajahan, Daniel Shin, Rikka Shrestha, Oliver Sussman, Miles Toussaint, Sana Vegamiya, Alyssa Watson, Eric White, Kenan White, and Alessandra Zona.

ROBERT PHILIP MONCREIFF (Mar 26, 1930 - May 6, 2017)
MONCREIFF, Robert Philip – When Robert Moncreiff was 22 he was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship and left for his first trip abroad. His Oxford don encouraged him to travel and it was on one of his trips to Europe that he met Elisabeth Hohenauer, ("Liz") at the American Field Service library in Innsbruck. Rhodes scholars were not permitted to marry. The week Bob finished his studies, the two were married at Balliol College, Oxford and for the next 63 years, they were inseparable. They built a lovely life together in Cambridge.

Bob died on May 6th. He leaves behind his beloved wife and their three children: Anne Arrarte and her husband Carlos, Philip Moncreiff, and Jane Moncreiff and her husband Josh Passell. His seven grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren will also miss him dearly.

Robert Moncreiff was born in Evanston, Illinois in 1930, the son of Maxine (Emmert) and William Philip Moncreiff. When his father was called to serve at the Pentagon during World War II, the family moved to Washington DC. Bob graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and attended Yale where he was a member of the Aurelian Society, the Elizabethan Club, Scroll and Key and junior Phi Beta Kappa. After Oxford, Bob attended Harvard Law School and joined Palmer & Dodge in Boston where he worked until his retirement in 1995. He wrote a history for the centennial of the firm shortly after he retired.

During the late 1960s, Bob became involved in Cambridge politics. He served on the Cambridge City Council for two terms and Chaired The Cambridge Bicentennial Corporation in 1976. In an article written for the Harvard Crimson in 1973, he said (despite the cynicism of the Watergate era) "I think politics is a potentially noble thing to do, and I don't agree that it's dangerous for decent people. I do think it's worth getting involved."

He stayed involved with organizations he cared about: the Boston Conservatory, the Metropolitan Opera, the Youville Hospital, Yale and Oxford. He was pleased when Oxford asked him to represent the University when Jehuda Reinharz became president of Brandeis and happily he donned the appropriate gown.

Liz used to ask Bob how long he would be on a quest for self-improvement. The answer was "forever." Upon his retirement, he went back to Harvard for a masters degree in English literature, culminating in a thesis on Spenser. He wrote a study of the repeal of rent control in Cambridge which was published by the New England Journal of Public Policy at UMass, followed by a book on A. Bartlett Giamatti, of whom he was a long-time admirer, published by Yale University Press.

In the last several years, he had started notes on the history of Plan E (proportional representation) in Cambridge. He was an opera fanatic, a lover of Shakespeare, Chaucer and Dante, and an enthusiast of 20th and 21st century political history. And of course, he cheered the Red Sox.

Toward the end of his life, he would often say how lucky a man he had been. When asked the secret of his long love affair with his wife, he replied simply "just look at her."

Family and friends are invited to gather and share memories on Monday, May 15th between 12:30pm and 2:30pm at the house of his daughter Jane, 19 Shattuck Road, Watertown. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Bob to the Boston Athanaeum. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.keefefuneralhome.com.

Published in The Boston Globe on May 11, 2017

Each May the Cambridge Department of Public Works holds a BarBQ for everyone who works at DPW and guests. It's a fabulous affair with great food and the pleasure of sitting down for lunch with people from all walks of life whose common bond is their dedicated work for the people of Cambridge. Performance Recognition Awards are given at the event, including the prestigious Community Partner Award and the Commissioners' Awards - named for all who have served as Commissioner of Public Works.

City of Cambridge Department of Public Works
Performance Recognition Awards Program
Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Welcome – Owen O’Riordan, DPW Commissioner

National Anthem – Paul Lyle, Superintendent of Public Buildings

Greetings from the City
Mayor E. Denise Simmons
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

Dedicated Service Award – Introduction by Richard C. Rossi
Edward Chaisson - 30 years of service
Donald R. Copeland - 30 years of service
Edward R. Corey - 30 years of service
Michelle Maher - 30 years of service
Maryann Wojakowski - 30 years of service

Community Partner Award – Introduced by Rebecca Fuentes, Assistant Commissioner, Administration
Rob Gogan - Recycling Advisory Committee Member

FUN FACTS ABOUT DPW

• PARKS & URBAN FORESTRY MAINTAINS OVER 19,000 TREES
• PUBLIC WORKS PAYS UTILITY & FUEL EXPENSES FOR OVER 100 CITY BUILDINGS, PARKS, BALL FIELDS & PUMP STATIONS
• PUBLIC WORKS STAFF PROVIDES CARPENTRY, PAINTING, PLUMBING AND OTHER REPAIR SERVICES TO 35 CITY BUILDINGS
• PUBLIC WORKS IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLOWING & MAINTAINING 125 MILES OF ROADWAY
• PUBLIC WORKS MAINTAINS OVER 4500 CATCH BASINS
• PUBLIC WORKS MAINTAINS AND REPAIRS OVER 300 CITY OWNED VEHICLES AND EQUIPMENT
• PUBLIC WORKS MAINTAINS 14 COMMUNITY GARDENS SERVING 535 RESIDENTS

THANK YOU TO ALL THE DPW EMPLOYEES WHOSE DEDICATED SERVICE MAKE THIS POSSIBLE!

Cambridge Retail Strategic Plan

The City is currently preparing a Retail Strategic Plan to determine best practice policies and programs that will support and enhance the retail environment in Cambridge. The consultant team Larisa Ortiz Associates (LOA) and the Community Development Department’s Economic Development Division are leading the planning efforts and will identify short and long-term goals to propose for the City’s retail retention and recruitment strategy.

LOA has conducted extensive community outreach and will be presenting retail data and strategy updates at 3 public meetings on May 17th. The content of each meeting will be the same, although different times will be provided to ensure maximum participation. The public is encouraged to attend any one of the following meetings:

Carl Barron Business Forum
The Barron Forum brings together the Cambridge business community and is sponsored by the Cambridge Business Coalition (Cambridge Chamber, KSA, CSBA, ECBA, ISBA, HSBA and CLF) in partnership with the City Manager's Office.
Please register here.
Location: Cambridge College, 1000 Mass. Ave., Cambridge, MA 02138
Time: 8:00am-10:00am

Economic Development and University Relations Committee
A public hearing will be hosted by the City Council's Economic Development and University Relations Committee. More details available here.
Location: City Hall Sullivan Chamber, 795 Mass. Ave.
Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm

Retail Strategic Plan Presentation
A public presentation will be hosted by Community Development Department’s Economic Development Division.
Location: City Hall, Ackerman Room, 795 Mass. Ave.
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm

For additional updates on the Retail Strategy, please visit: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Projects/EconDev/retailstrategicplan

Community Preservation Act Committee Public Meeting June 7

The Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee will hold a working committee meeting Wednesday, June 7, at 5:30pm, at Cambridge City Hall, Ackermann Room, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The meeting agenda will include the following: Regular Meeting of the CPA Committee to discuss CPA financials, anticipated 2018 CPA funding resources, and refinement of the proposed schedule for the remainder of the 2018 CPA process. For more information, contact Karen Preval at (617) 349-4221 or kpreval@cambridgema.gov.

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions June 6

The Housing Division of the City’s Community Development Department will hold Rental and Homeownership information sessions on Tuesday, June 6 at the North Cambridge Senior Center, 2050 Mass. Ave. Two sessions will be held; the first at 6:00pm and the second at 7:00pm.

Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the City’s affordable rental and homeownership programs. The sessions are open to all. No advance registration is necessary. Currently, the Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and the Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given to Cambridge residents and families with children. For more information, please contact us at housing@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4622.

2017 Cambridge Arts River Festival
Saturday, June 3, 11am to 6pm

Cambridge Arts invites you to join us at the East Cambridge waterfront for our annual River Festival from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 3. Occurring in Lechmere Canal Park and DCR’s Charles River Reservation Park along Cambridge Parkway, this exuberant celebration of the arts features music, dance and theater performed by local artists; hands­-on, interactive art activities; and more than 150 artists and food vendors with work for sale. The Cambridge Arts River Festival is FREE and open to all. Download a pdf of our full festival guide. Sign up for updates at our Facebook event page for the festival.

When: Saturday, June 3, 11am-6pm, Rain or Shine

Where: East Cambridge waterfront, in Lechmere Canal Park, adjacent to the CambridgeSide Mall and DCR’s Charles River Reservation Park along Cambridge Parkway

Who: Produced by the Cambridge Arts Council, an award­winning city arts agency founded in 1974, featuring numerous collaborating arts partners from across Cambridge

The festival kicks off at 11am with the annual People’s Sculpture Racing, a madcap competition in which artists wheel, drag and muscle curious contraptions down a 3/4-­mile course beginning at the north end of Cambridge Parkway at the corner of Edwin Land Boulevard. Following the race, interact with the sculptures at the Sculpture Garden at the race start line.​ The race is an amusing embodiment of the science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) approach that has led nearby Kendall Square to be dubbed the “world’s most innovative square mile.”

Starting at noon, seven festival stages – including one floating iin the Lechmere Canal – will showcase music, theater and dance by llocal artists. New this year is the Cambridge Youth Performers Showcase featuring music and dance hosted and performed by local teens. The World of Food and Arts Bazaar offer delicious refreshment and unique artwork and crafts for purchase. In one day, visitors can get a deep sample of the creativity that happens in Cambridge year-round.

Cambridge Arts River Festival Stages, Interactive Areas & Roving Performances

Interactive areas and roving performances provide hands­on, interactive art activities for children and playful fun for all ages. Make masks with Bobby Brown and others from the North Cambridge Artist Association. Create and test your own unidentified-flying-objects at the Museum of Science. Craft paper kites and launch stomp rockets with Science On The Street. Test new bike technologies and ride in the bike rodeo with Bicycle Bonanza. March around as your favorite local critter with the Cambridge Wildlife Puppetry Project. Learn beatbox sounds and vocal improvisation at the Beatbox Workshop. Keep an eye out for Cate Great’s roving circus antics and Felice’s magic. Join Shaina Semiatin as she hosts the Cambridge Arts Poetry Tent and readings by young poets, LGBTQ writers, and a range of voices from the area. For a full list of activities and events visit cambridgeartscouncil.org/riverfestival.

Hello Recycling & Composting Neighbors! - May 2017 Recycling Advisory Committee Appointments Spring Cleaning/Move-Out Reminder Did You Know? See Your Recycling Get Sorted! Rain Barrel Discount Ends May 27 Recycling Advisory Committee Appointments The City Manager appointed new members to the Recycling Advisory Committee (RAC) for a 3-year term. The RAC meets monthly to support, advise and volunteer for DPW. Since 1991, the RAC has helped make Cambridge a regional leader in waste reduction and diversion. The RAC's impressive wealth of knowledge and experience will help Cambridge reach its goal of reducing trash 30% by 2020. Spring Cleaning/Move-Out Reminder Whether you're doing Spring cleaning or moving, please donate and recycle. Here are a few helpful ways to get rid of it right: Bring fluorescent bulbs, batteries, metal, electronics, and other items to the DPW Recycling Center. Visit the site for more details on materials accepted. Sell or give away furniture and other items on Freecycle, Craigslist, or Nextdoor. Donate all textiles (any condition), household goods, books and other items at your local thrift store (i.e. Goodwill and Boomerangs). Schedule pickup of items to donate with companies such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters or Epilepsy Foundation. Did You Know? Plastic film (i.e plastic bags, bubble wrap, trash bags, etc) cause costly shutdowns at our recycling facility. Plastic film should never be placed in curbside recycling. Did you know: Workers at Casella, Cambridge's processor of single-stream recycling, spend hours each day clearing equipment of plastic film. Cambridge's Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) Ordinance helps mitigate these issues, as the City has seen a 50-80% reduction in single-use bag consumption. Our friends in Chicago created a wonderful story and video showing the magnitude of the plastic film contamination problem. Bottom Line: Don't discard your plastic film into curbside recycling. This includes using plastic bags for your recyclables; throw all recyclables loose into your curbside bin/cart. You may bring plastic film to the DPW Recycling Center for special recycling. See Your Recycling Get Sorted! Take a tour of the Casella recycling facility in Charlestown on Thursday, June 15, 8:30am-11:30am. Requisites for attending: 16 years of age or older. Cambridge resident or employee. Capable of walking on narrow catwalks and stairs, close to heavy equipment. No health complications associated with a dusty/dirty facility. We meet at DPW and carpool to Charlestown. Register to attend. Can't make it? Take the Virtual Tour to see how your recycling gets sorted. Rain Barrel Discount Ends May 27 The Glocal Challenge is an annual competition at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School (CRLS) to tackle a global issue at the local level. DPW wants you to capture rainwater and store it in a rain barrel for later use on your lawn or garden. By capturing rainwater you are reducing stormwater runoff, conserving water and recharging the groundwater. A 60-gallon rainwater collection system is available for $69 until May 27. Choose "Massachusetts" and "Cambridge" when ordering. Note: Green Cambridge is offering to install rain barrels for Cambridge residents free of charge. Order Your Rain Barrel Need anything? Next Household Hazardous Waste Day: June 17, 9am-1pm

2017 Outstanding City Employee Award Recipients

May 4 – City Manager Louis DePasquale today presented the 2017 Outstanding City Employee Awards to the following people:.

George Alexander, Traffic Maintenance Worker II, Traffic Department

Neal Alpert, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office

Kevin Aruda, Laborer, Department of Public Works

Samuel Aylesworth, Assistant City Solicitor, Law Department

Robert Carey, Director of Golf, Human Services

Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications & Community Relations, Executive Office

Irene Giannopoulos, Project/Cash Manager, Finance Department

Florence Grant, Registered Nurse, Public Health Department

Maria Melo, Multi-Service Center Director, Human Services

Jean Montout, Account Clerk, Auditing Department

Michelle Monsegur, Principal Budget Analyst, Budget Office

Michael J. Morrissey, Deputy Fire Chief, Fire Department

Nicole Murati Ferrer, License Commission Chair, License Commission

Shawn Proctor, Family Support Worker, Human Services

Nancy Tauber, Family Policy Council Executive Director, Human Services

Carolyn Turk, Deputy Superintendent, School Department

The City Manager 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. This year's superlative choice was Jeana Franconi.

The recipients were honored at a ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2017 in the Sullivan Chamber of City Hall, for their superior performance, positive attitude, hard work and dedication to public service. Mayor Simmons and Councillors Devereux, Kelley, and Toomey were in attendance.

Member Sought to Fill Vacancies on Central Square/Harvard Square Advisory Committees

May 8, 2017 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking to fill vacancies on the Central Square and the Harvard Square Advisory Committees.

Central Square Advisory Committee

The Central Square Advisory Committee works to review all major development actions in the Central Square Overlay District and monitors progress of the non-zoning recommendations of the K2C2 Study relevant to Central Square. Members represent a cross section of stakeholders, which includes residents from abutting neighborhoods and representatives of Central Square’s business community. The Committee meets as needed to advise non-zoning recommendations, to undertake all Large Project Reviews, and to review and comment on all Board of Zoning Appeal variances and special permits within the Overlay District. At this time, a resident of the Cambridgeport Neighborhood is being sought to fill a vacancy. This appointment, to be made by the City Manager, will serve a term of three years that will expire on June 15, 2020, with the option to renew. The Committee meets, at minimum, every two months with additional meetings scheduled as required based on project review needs. For more information, contact Wendell T. Joseph at 617-349-9462 or wjoseph@cambridgema.gov, or visit the committee’s webpage at http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/centraladvcomm.

Harvard Square Advisory Committee

The Harvard Square Advisory Committee works to review all major development actions in the Harvard Square Overlay District. Members represent a cross section of stakeholders, which includes residents from abutting neighborhoods, real estate and/or development professionals, property owners, and an institutional property owner. The Committee meets as needed to undertake all Large Project Reviews and to review all Board of Zoning Appeal variances and special permits within the Overlay District. At this time, a resident of the Riverside Neighborhood is being sought to fill a vacancy. This appointment, to be made by the City Manager, will be to serve the remainder of a term that expires on April 23, 2018, with the option to renew. For more information, contact Liza Paden at 617-349-4647 or lpaden@cambridgema.gov, or visit the Harvard Square Advisory Committee webpage at http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/zoninganddevelopment/advcomms/harvardadvcomm.

Applications to serve on either of these committees can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting the respective committee(s) of interest. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue. The deadline to submit an application for both committees is May 31, 2017.

Participatory Budgeting is back!

Cambridge's fourth PB process is about to begin. This time, we will collect ideas in June and July about how YOU would spend $800,000 on one-time capital projects to improve the community. Winning projects from past PB cycles include kinetic energy tiles, solar panels for the Main Library roof, bike repair stations, a freezer van for prepared food rescue, water bottle fill stations, and many others.

Join the PB4 Outreach Committee!

We are looking for volunteers to serve on the PB4 Outreach Committee to help ensure that our 2017 PB process engages as many community members as possible. This is a great way to become a community leader, meet new neighbors, and give people a voice in their government. The first Outreach Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 6-7:30pm at the Central Square Library. Food will be provided at meetings and each volunteer will receive a PB T-shirt. See the schedule and sign up here by May 12!

Winning Project Updates

You can follow the progress of winning PB projects on our website. All 100 trees from the first cycle were planted last fall, 7 of the 8 bike repair stations have been installed, and Public Works has identified a preferred location for the Central Square public toilet and is working to mitigate underground conflicts.

Projects from the second cycle are moving along as well: green bike lanes have been painted in Inman Square, Human Services is moving forward with the freezer van purchase, and the School Department is purchasing new chairs, desks, and other furniture for the Amigos School and CRLS.

As for the winning projects from the third cycle, the $706,000 for these projects will become available on July 1, 2017. We'll post updates as work on these projects begins.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Thank you for continuing to support Participatory Budgeting in Cambridge!

Best,
The Cambridge Budget Team
Cambridge City Hall
617-349-4270
pb@cambridgema.gov
pb.cambridgema.gov

Cambridge Launches 2017 Participatory Budgeting Cycle
Volunteers Sought to Serve on PB Outreach Committee

The City of Cambridge will launch its fourth Participatory Budgeting (PB) cycle from June-December 2017. Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process in which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget.

For this next process, the City will set aside $800,000 for capital projects to improve the community. Winning projects from past PB cycles include a public toilet in Central Square, bike repair stations, a freezer van for prepared food rescue, water bottle fill stations, bilingual books for children learning English, and many others.

We are seeking volunteers to serve on the PB Outreach Committee to help ensure that the PB process engages as many community members as possible.

Outreach Committee members will serve throughout the PB4 cycle (May-December 2017) by:

• Organizing community events and promoting PB through your networks and social media
• Attending monthly outreach strategy sessions from May-November (no meeting in September)
• Distributing PB fliers, door hangers, and posters around Cambridge
• Setting up and volunteering for at least two idea collection events in June/July
• Setting up and volunteering for at least two voting events during Vote Week in December
• Working in mobile voting teams during Vote Week in December to increase voter turnout from last year
• Recruiting volunteers to serve as Budget Delegates

The Outreach Committee schedule is as follows:

• OC meeting 1: Tuesday 5/23 from 6-7:30pm at Central Square Library, 45 Pearl St.
• Idea collection: 6/1 - 7/31
• OC meeting 2: Tuesday 6/6 from 6-7:30pm at City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave.
• OC meeting 3: Tuesday 7/11 from 6-7:30pm at the Central Square Library, 45 Pearl St.
• OC meeting 4: Tuesday 8/8 from 6-7:30pm at the Central Square Library, 45 Pearl St.
• OC meeting 5: Tuesday 10/10 from 6-7:30pm at the Central Square Library, 45 Pearl St.
• OC meeting 6: Tuesday 11/14 from 6-7:30pm at the Central Square Library, 45 Pearl St.
• PB Vote Kickoff: Saturday 12/2 (time and place TBD)
• PB Vote Week: 12/2 - 12/8
• PB Vote Results Party: Wednesday 12/13 from 6-7pm at the Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.

Outreach Committee members will work closely with Budget Office staff to make PB4 the most successful cycle yet. Food will be provided at Outreach Committee meetings and each volunteer will receive a PB T-shirt.

For more information about the PB process or if you are interested in serving on the PB Cambridge Outreach Committee, visit pb.cambridgema.gov or contact Justin Casanova-Davis and Michelle Monsegur in the Budget Office at pb@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4270. The deadline to apply is May 12, 2017.

INMAN EATS! 2017 – An Inman Square Festival

The East Cambridge Business Association (ECBA) is proud to present Inman Eats! 2017, on Sunday May 21, 2017 from 12:00 noon – 4:00pm. The Inman Eats! Festival will take place on Cambridge Street in Inman Square, between Springfield Street and Prospect Street.

Inman Eats! is a celebration of everything Inman Square. From our eclectic retail to our artistic venues, from our casual eats to our culinary treats, Inman Eats! hopes to deliver a full Inman Square experience to new visitors and residents alike.

Inman Square shops and restaurants will be open for business as usual, but to experience Inman Eats! you will need to purchase Inman Bucks. Inman Bucks are your ticket to try the samplings being offered by Restaurant vendors taking part in the event. Inman Bucks can be purchased in advance through Eventbrite or www.EastCambridgeBA.com and are on sale now. Inman Bucks are limited so advanced purchase is recommended. Inman Bucks will be for sale day of the event based on availability.

Inman Eats! is open to all that want to experience Inman’s many delights. Come listen to local bands, try some local beer, and enjoy tasty food from the best restaurants in town!

Live music programed by Lily Pad featuring The Gill Aharon Trio, Charlie Kohlhase's Explorers Club, and Los Chincharillos. The family will enjoy crafting activities with Gather Here, and interactive family activities and abstract face painting by Practice Space. Get your Inman Square T-Shirts at the live screen printing tent by QRST’s. Enjoy local brews from Lamplighter, Cambridge Brewing Co., and Bantam Cider.

The growing list of participating restaurants include 1369 Coffee House, Atwood’s Tavern, Beauties Pizza, BISq/Bergamot, Bukowski’s, The Druid, East Coast Grill, Hops & Scotch, Lone Star Taco Bar, Ole Mexican Grill, Puritan & Co, The Rising, S&S Restaurant, and Tupelo.

Inman Eats! is a perfect opportunity to get a taste of the local fare in and near East Cambridge and Inman Square and is produced by The East Cambridge Business Association and sponsored by Cambridge Savings Bank, Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Commonwealth Alternative Care, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Cambridgeside Galleria, Geek Offices, and Rich KBE King School Joint Venture, Spencer Austin Consulting.

The mission of the East Cambridge Business Association is to promote and maintain sustainable commerce in East Cambridge and Inman Square; to be a single voice for its members; to promote activities that bond East Cambridge and Inman Square businesses with their neighborhood; to preserve the historical integrity and importance of East Cambridge and Inman Square; and to promote an active stewardship of our neighborhood. We believe that by working together with the community and by working toward improving our businesses we can make East Cambridge and Inman Square a better place to live and work.

Visit www.EastCambridgeBA.com or contact Jason Alves by email baecamb@gmail.com for further details.

Celebrate Fresh Pond Day – Saturday, May 20
Celebrate the land, water, wildlife and people that make Fresh Pond Reservation a unique and vital part of our City!

Join the Cambridge Water Department at its annual Fresh Pond Day on Saturday, May 20, from 11am–3pm to celebrate Fresh Pond Reservation. Fresh Pond Reservation is truly Cambridge's green gem - an urban wild that protects Fresh Pond, Cambridge's in-city drinking water reservoir. Fresh Pond Day is the Cambridge Water Department's annual tribute to this unique Reservation that is a vital natural resource, an invaluable sanctuary for wildlife, and a beloved recreational escape in the City. This event is free and open to all; all dogs must be leashed.

The festivities are held around the Water Treatment Facility at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway. Use of public transit and bicycles to get to the event is strongly encouraged. Bus routes 72, 74, 75, 78; & Alewife T are all nearby. Visitors arriving by car are asked to park at the Tobin School on 197 Vassal Lane.

Events Schedule
11:30am – Nature Storytelling
12:30pm – Wildlife Parade (sign & mask-making all morning!)
1:00pm – Live Animals
1:30pm – Bicycle Parade (flair and decorating all day!)
2:00pm – Nature Drawing
2:00pm – "Fresh Pond Beyond This Moment" Tour

Other activities include live music, face painting, truck climb-aboards, tours and more!

Please note that rain or extreme weather cancels this event. For more information, visit www.cambridgema.gov/freshpondday or contact Martine Wong at 617-349-6489, mwong@cambridgema.gov.

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to speak at Cambridge Public Library Democracy Day on Saturday, May 20th

Saturday, May 20, 1:15pm
Main Library, Lecture Hall

Justice Breyer will speak on the theme of the Constitution and Democracy, followed by a Q&A.

This event is part of the Our Path Forward series presented by the Library to affirm its commitment to public discourse and democracy.

About the Speaker:
Stephen Breyer, born in San Francisco in 1938, is a justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. He is a graduate of Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard Law School. He taught law for many years as a professor at Harvard Law School and at the Kennedy School of Government. He has also worked as a Supreme Court law clerk (for Justice Arthur Goldberg), a Justice Department lawyer (antitrust division), an Assistant Watergate Special Prosecutor, and Chief Counsel of the Senate Judiciary Committee (working closely with Senator Edward M. Kennedy to pass the Airline Deregulation Act). In 1980 he was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit by President Carter, becoming Chief Judge in 1990. In 1994 he was appointed a Supreme Court Justice by President Clinton. He has written books and articles about administrative law, economic regulation, and constitutional law, including Regulation and Its Reform, Breaking the Vicious Circle: Toward Effective Risk Regulation, Active Liberty, Making Our Democracy Work: A Judge’s View and, The Court and the World which was recently published. His wife, Joanna, was born in Great Britain and is a retired clinical psychologist. They have three children (Chloe, Nell, and Michael) and five grandchildren.

Mayor Simmons To Host Race/Class/Gender/Culture Town Hall Meeting

On Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 6:00pm, Mayor E. Denise Simmons shall be hosting a Town Hall Meeting to discuss how Race, Class, Gender, and Culture impact peoples' experiences throughout the Cambridge community. The meeting will take place in the Sullivan Chamber at City Hall, and will be an opportunity for people from across the city to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas with City leaders about everything from police interactions, to access to and delivery of City services, to how open and responsive the municipal government is to people from various backgrounds and different walks of life. Mayor Simmons states that this is a continuation of conversations she's been leading in the public realm for many years, and it is an attempt to carry this dialogue further.

"Starting back in the 1980s, when I was Executive Director of the Civic Unity Committee, I have continually been working to hold public conversations about the role that race, class, and gender play in our society," said Mayor Simmons. "Cambridge is a wonderfully diverse, progressive, forward-thinking community. But that doesn't mean we can sit around feeling good about ourselves and believe that there isn't any room for improvement. Part of our strength lays in the fact that we know we must continually reflect on who we are as a city, how we interact with one another, and determine what is and is not working. Holding these conversations on a regular basis is essential to ensuring that we continually strive to be more inclusive, more sensitive, and more responsive to all the different segments of our community."

Mayor Simmons noted that her Race and Class Town Hall meetings have expanded in scope over the years to include the perspectives of gender and culture, adding "We must recognize the lifetime of experiences that different people bring with them when they're interacting with one another. Some people may come from other parts of the country, or the world, in which the local government is more hindrance than helpful, and they may bring that more skeptical perspective with them when they come here. Our hope is that we can show people that regardless of your race, class, gender, background, past experiences, or place of origin, we aim to treat everyone – and one another – with dignity and respect. That does not come automatically. It requires that we continually be open to one another, that we learn from one another, and that we be willing to check in with one another at meetings like this one."

Light refreshments will be provided, and this Town Hall meeting shall be recorded for archive and for future broadcast. All Cambridge residents are welcome to attend. For more information, please email dsimmons@cambridgema.gov, or call the Mayor's Office at 617-349-4321.

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

Nadya Okamoto, first-year Harvard student, announces candidacy for City Council (Mar 30, 2017)

Former Cambridge Vice Mayor Dennis Benzan mulls City Council run (Mar 22, 2017)

Cambridge planning Airbnb zoning regulations (Mar 21, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Council votes to ban smoking at construction sites, with union support (Mar 21, 2017 by Adam Sennottt and Monica Jimenez)

Schools leader asks for $10 million budget increase (Mar 18, 2017)

Workforce shortage hits Cambridge human services sector (Mar 15, 2017 by Gerry Tuoti)

Guest Column: Envisioning career education in Cambridge (Mar 13, 2017 by Emily Dexter and Patty Nolan)

Cambridge Public Works honors employees (Mar 11, 2017)

Cambridge City Council puts brakes on removing more Watertown trees (Mar 7, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Police report record-low level of crime (Mar 6, 2017)

Mt. Auburn Cemetery artist produces multimedia documentary (Mar 2, 2017 by Dana Forsythe)

Schoenhof’s Foreign Books in Harvard Square to close (Mar 2, 2017)

Guest Column: Emily Dexter (Mar 2, 2017)

City Council wants answers on vacant Harvard Square theater (Feb 28, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

Cambridge City Council OKs Central Square rezoning. So, what will it do? (Feb 28, 2017 by James Sanna)

Schoenhof’s Foreign Books to close, turns focus online after 161 years in business (Feb 23, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

Gov. Charlie Baker awards $400K to Cambridge Complete Streets project (Feb 23, 2017)

MIT's plans for Volpe site: mixed use, 1,000+ units (Feb 17, 2017 by James Sanna)

Council hits roadblock in effort to expand affordable housing (Feb 14, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

'Real momentum' on GLX, but questions remain (Feb 13, 2017 by Andy Metzger, State House News Service)

Residents rally resistance at town hall forum in Cambridge (Feb 9, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Council approves medical marijuana dispensary location rules (Feb 7, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

These are the ways Cambridge wants to rebuild Inman Square (Feb 7, 2017 by James Sanna)

School budget talks heat up in Cambridge (Feb 6, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Lawmakers expect to tackle millionaires tax this year (Feb 4, 2017 by Gerry Tuoti)

Members sought for new Community Benefits Advisory Committee (Feb 2, 2017)

Cambridge Community Foundation announces fall grants (Feb 2, 2017)

State of City: Mayor vows to push back against 'hateful national policies' (Feb 2, 2017 by Adam Sennott)

What's Cambridge doing to make city's streets safer? (Jan 30, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Police K9 Rumba won't retire with handler, will remain on the force (Jan 26, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Sharon school committee picks Cambridge administrator for superintendent (Jan 26, 2017 by Scott Calzolaio/Sharon Advocate Staff)

Cambridge, Somerville, Boston could lose grants in Trump's immigration crackdown (Jan 25, 2017 by Gerry Tuoti)

Report: Contractor 'sorry' for massive Cambridge fire (Jan 25, 2017 by Shaun Chaiyabhat / WCVB)

Cambridge invites residents to invest in city's infrastructure (Jan 24, 2017)

Final price tag for Volpe Center land revealed (Jan 18, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Cambridge seeking volunteers for City Manager's Advisory Committee (Jan 16, 2017)

T.T. The Bear's owner could lose $225k if license buyer can't be found (Jan 13, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Bikers, water officials clash over trails (Jan 13, 2017 by Gerry Tuoti)

Could advocates' merger boost Cambridge small businesses? (Jan 13, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Retired fire captain spends half-century documenting Cambridge's fire history (Jan 12, 2017 by Amy Saltzman)

Late Danvers coach Kevin Flynn follows the blueprint of his Matignon mentor (Jan 11, 2017 by Joe McConnell)

Councilors attack delays to Central Square revitalization (Jan 11, 2017 by Monica Jimenez)

Crimson Corner looks to relocate, owner says he was forced out (Jan 9, 2017 by James Sanna)

Pizzeria seeking to open in Crimson Corner space (Jan 6, 2017)

Councilors divided on aggressiveness of affordable housing push (Jan 6, 2017 by Bill Whelan)

Alanna Mallon, founder of Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program, announces run for City Council (Jan 4, 2017)

Cambridge Rindge girls basketball sets sights on another state tourney (Jan 4 by Wayne Gethers)

Employers warn $15 minimum wage would be costly (Jan 3, 2017 by Colin A. Young, State House News Service)

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions: Monday, May 8th

The Housing Division of the City’s Community Development Department will be holding Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions on Monday, May 8th at St. Paul’s Christian Life Center, 85 Bishop Richard Allen Dr. Two sessions will be held; the first at 6:00pm and the second at 7:00pm.

Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs. The sessions are open to all. No advance registration is necessary.

Currently, the Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and the Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given to Cambridge residents and families with children.

For more information, please contact us at housing@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4622.

Street cleaning and yard waste collection in Cambridge resumes on Monday, Apr 3, 2017.
Don't Get Towed!

Public Works mechanically sweeps each street in Cambridge once per month. Signs are posted on each residential street indicating the schedule. In order to ensure that streets are properly cleaned, cars must move off the side of the street being swept to avoid being ticketed and towed. [Schedule] Yard waste is not accepted in plastic bags by recycling or trash crews. Place yard waste in barrels marked with City-issued stickers facing the street, or in lawn refuse bags sold in most hardware stores. Barrels and bags must be set on the curb apart from the trash on your regular collection day. Do not staple or tape bags. Bundle small twigs and branches with string. [More information]

City of Cambridge Soliciting Membership Applications for Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Transit Advisory Committees
Application deadline is Friday, April 21, 2017 (extended to April 28, 2017).

Bicycle Committee
This committee works to improve conditions for bicyclists in the City of Cambridge and promote bicycling as a means of transportation. Activities include organizing and participating in public events such as biannual community bike rides; reviewing plans for road construction; commenting on proposed development projects; creating promotional materials to encourage bicycling in the city; and working with City departments on network planning. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:30pm at City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. For more information about the Cambridge Bicycle Program: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Transportation/bikesincambridge; for questions about the committee: Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4629.

Pedestrian Committee
This committee works to promote walking and to help create a more comfortable, safe, and pleasant environment for walking in Cambridge. It advises on the design of roadway projects and policies related to traffic calming, traffic signals, and sidewalk design. It also identifies intersections and other locations where it is difficult to walk, makes suggestions about proposed development projects as they affect people on foot, and undertakes other activities to promote walking. Committee members must be prepared to work on projects outside of standing meeting times. This committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway (November and December meetings are on the third Thursday.) For more information about walking resources in Cambridge: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Transportation/CitySmart; for questions about the committee: Cara Seiderman, cseiderman@cambridgema.gov, 617-349-4629.

Transit Advisory Committee
This committee advances an agenda for a robust public transportation system for those who live and/or work in Cambridge. The committee is composed of a cross section of stakeholders, which may include individuals representing businesses and large institutions; commuters; persons with disabilities; residents that are low income, elderly, youth, and students as well as transit advocates. The committee advises on city positions and policies regarding long term sustainable funding for transit by the Commonwealth, transit expansion, service planning, and service improvements. This committee generally meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 – 7:30pm. If you have questions or require more information, please call Tegin Teich Bennett at 617-349-4615 or email tbennett@cambridgema.gov. See the committee’s webpage for more information: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/Transportation/forthepublic/transitadvisorycommittee

APPLY
Applications are sought by dedicated individuals who live or work in Cambridge. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings as well as review materials and engage in projects outside of regular meetings. Appointments are made by the City Manager and are for two years of service.

To apply, please prepare a cover letter indicating that you are interested in the Bicycle, Pedestrian, or Transit Advisory Committee, why you are interested in this topic area, any relevant knowledge and experience you have, and any specific issues you would like to contribute time to working on. Please be sure to include your mailing address, phone number, and email. Send to:
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
c/o Patricia Tuccinardi
Community Development Department
344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Email: ptuccinardi@cambridgema.gov

Application deadline is Friday, April 21, 2017.

Nadya Okamoto Announces Candidacy for Cambridge City Council

Mar 29, 2017 – Nadya Okamoto, a 19-year-old nonprofit director and global advocate for youth empowerment and gender equality, officially launched her campaign for Cambridge City Council early this morning. Okamoto announced her candidacy in a video discussing her background, commitment to Cambridge, and key issues addressed in her progressive campaign platform.

“Right now, Cambridge as a city needs to highlight and implement specific solutions for affordable housing, economic opportunity, and education equity,” says Okamoto. She announced that her run for City Council is for:

• Young people in Cambridge to have direct representation and trust in their government
• Families struggling to find adequate and stable housing
• Maximizing the potential of how local universities can contribute to Cambridge
• Equitable opportunities in education and employment for all Cambridge residents
• Progress towards an even more environmentally-friendly city

Nadya is the Founder and Executive Director of PERIOD, a global organization providing and celebrating menstrual hygiene through advocacy, education, and service. She founded the organization when she was just 16-years-old after her family experienced living without a home of their own. Since its founding in 2014, the organization has addressed almost 80,000 periods, reaching student advocates at over 65 campuses, and engaging over 5 million people in the message of normalizing periods.

With her background in grassroots organizing, activism, and community capacity building -- and her personal connection to the key issues many underserved Cantabrigians face every day, Okamoto will bring a much needed, complementary perspective to City Council. “Whether it be fighting for affordable housing, educational equity, worker’s rights, or our environment, I’ll be right there with you as one of your city councillors, acting as a megaphone for all Cambridge residents,” says Okamoto.

Nadya Okamoto, a first-year student at Harvard College, is working with a full-time campaign team of young people eager to engage Cambridge voters -- and not just student voters. Okamoto says that this campaign is bigger than her and her team -- and hopes the initiative will also spur other young people across the United States to have confidence in the value of their voices and necessity of their civic leadership. While Nadya is excited by the unexpected national and international media attention she has already received and opportunity to model civic leadership for youth, she emphasizes that her campaign intends to win and above all to bring attention to long-standing issues that demand greater participation and innovative solutions.

“I do what I do because my purpose is to love and build community while uplifting others, and reconcile the privilege, voice, and passion that I have to serve and make a difference wherever I am and with whatever I have.”

To learn more about Nadya and her platform, visit www.votenadya.com.

2017 Cambridge Candidate Pages

Business leader and environmental advocate Quinton Zondervan announces candidacy for Cambridge City Council

Mar 27, 2017 – Respected Cambridge business leader and environmental advocate Quinton Zondervan has declared his candidacy for Cambridge City Council in this November's election.

"I've been a community activist in Cambridge for over a decade and thoroughly enjoy the hard work of on the ground democracy, organizing people and building a future together," said Zondervan. "I very much look forward to doing even more as city councillor."

Out of the gate, Quinton has the support of three of the most progressive incumbents on the council, Nadeem Mazen, Jan Devereux and Dennis Carlone. "Quinton's track record as an effective and forward-thinking advocate on environmental initiatives is impressive, and I think his expertise and positive outlook would be an asset to us on the Council," Devereux said.

Quinton is known for co-authoring the Net Zero Connolly petition in 2013, which led to the city's innovative Net Zero Action Plan to reduce climate causing greenhouse emissions from building energy use to 0 in the city over the next 25 years. Petition namesake and now State Rep. Mike Connolly (D-Cambridge), said: "Quinton's leadership and expertise were critical to our success with the net zero petition, and he would be a great addition to the council, where his voice is much needed on sustainability, social justice and affordability in Cambridge."

To protect the integrity of his candidacy, Quinton will not accept money from real estate developers or other special interests seeking to influence the council election. "Cambridge voters deserve to know that their interests are being represented on the city council. The money we raise to run our campaign is not to be used as a vehicle for gaining undue influence over decisions I will make as city councillor," he said.

An official campaign launch event is planned for later in the spring. The campaign website is www.votequinton.com.

2017 Cambridge Candidate Pages

Cambridge Coalition Launches Solar Access Campaign

On the evening of Monday, March 13, a coalition of organizations and volunteer leaders came together to launch the Cambridge Solar Access Campaign - an initiative focused on expanding access to solar to residents across income and building type in the City. The volunteers that gathered on Monday gained practical tools and educational resources to build a grassroots outreach effort to support the development of low-income accessible solar projects in Cambridge.

The Cambridge Solar Access coalition assembled in response to the DOE SunShot Solar in Your Community Challenge, and has been accepted as a participant. Coalition partners include Green Cambridge, Resonant Energy, Solstice, Sunwealth, neighborhood associations, houses of worship and engaged residents committed to creating an accessible solar program to meet the needs of Cambridge residents.

This program will work to encourage the rapid adoption of solar photovoltaics across rooftops in the Cambridge area, with a focus on serving low-to-moderate income residents and low-income serving non-profits. Specifically, the campaign will work to educate residents about the benefits of solar and the solar access program, an innovative solar model that removes barriers associated with conventional solar financing such as purchase or lease.

Steven Nutter, the Executive Director of Green Cambridge stated, “Our goal is to get a lot of solar installed, and to do it in a way that benefits the community and allows everyone to participate.” The coalition encourages interested residents to apply to participate as solar access hosts and help reach the campaign goal of 40 new solar projects in Cambridge by the end of 2017.

About the Partners
Green Cambridge works to create a more sustainable city and to protect the environment for the health and safety of all.
Resonant Energy is a community-based solar developer committed to 100% renewable energy for 100% of people.
Solstice is dedicated to helping every single household in America go solar.
Sunwealth is a pioneering solar investment firm that makes it easy to directly invest in solar projects and delivers meaningful returns and tangible impact to our community of investors.

Paul Toner Declares Candidacy for Cambridge City Council
Lifelong Cambridge resident, parent, education leader and activist announces run for Cambridge City Council with support of community leaders

March 10, 2017 – The Toner for City Council campaign released the following statement today:

Paul Toner is a lifelong resident of Cambridge who has chosen to live and work, as well as raise and educate his children in the city. An attorney and former Cambridge Public Schools teacher and lawyer, Paul went on to become one of the most influential public education leaders in the state as President of the 110,000 member Massachusetts Teachers Association. He is currently the Executive Director of Teach Plus Massachusetts and has served on the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Board of Directors, the Massachusetts Board of Higher Education and numerous education committees.

Paul Lonergan, Campaign Chairman for the Committee to Elect Paul Toner stated “I have known Paul Toner for many years. He is a good friend and great dad. He has been a proven leader in his career and the community and will bring common sense leadership to the City Council. I am proud to support him in this campaign.”

"I've had the privilege of working with Paul for many years on education and economic issues at the state and local level. I know he'll work tirelessly with everyone to keep our city diverse and affordable." Said David Sullivan, North Cambridge resident and former City Councillor.

“Paul will be an incredibly effective advocate for all of Cambridge,” current City Councilor David Maher said. “Paul has spent his career bringing people together to make progress towards a vision of shared prosperity and a government that works for everyone. I know he will do the same as a City Councilor.”

Toner said “Eighteen years ago, I was David Maher’s campaign manager for his first City Council race. I know how long ago it was because my daughter was 6 months old as I toted her around the city campaigning for David. She is now 18, a senior at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School and is preparing for college in the fall.”

“Throughout my life and career as a teacher, lawyer, union leader, and public school parent, I have sought to serve my community. I see running for the City Council at this time as an extension of this work and as an opportunity to use my skills, experience, and wealth of knowledge to make a meaningful impact on the council.”

“I have seen enormous changes in our community and there are new challenges ahead. I believe I can help to bring old and new Cambridge together. Through open and respectful public discourse that is so sorely needed in our political conversations right now, we can make real progress on the challenges that we face. As a leader, I have sought to build consensus to make policy decisions based on collaboration, open dialogue, and data. I am confident that I can bring the same spirit of respect and collaboration to the council. I will work with the council members, staff, and constituents to provide the solutions-oriented leadership necessary to develop and implement a vision for our city that preserves the best of our past and prepares us for the future.”

2017 Cambridge Candidate Pages

Thurs, Mar 9, 2017 – Sean Tierney announced today his candidacy for Cambridge City Council. Mr. Tierney is the Research Director & Legal Counsel for the Joint Committee on Housing for the Massachusetts State Legislature. In his announcement, Mr. Tierney highlighted his housing and public policy experience as crucial attributes that he would bring to the Council.

“I want to use my experience as a housing policy attorney to help Cambridge adequately address our housing needs. I am committed to developing city policies that help our longtime residents stay in our neighborhoods. I also recognize the profound need for new housing options for all income levels. This is a challenging issue for Cambridge. We must work together, but we must also partner with our municipal neighbors to confront our housing shortage as a regional crisis,” Mr. Tierney said.

In an email and Facebook message to supporters, Mr. Tierney credited his Cambridge upbringing for defining his values, political philosophy, and commitment to the Cambridge community.

“I am a proud graduate of the Cambridge Public Schools and continue to volunteer as a football coach for the Falcons. At Cambridge Rindge and Latin we were taught the importance of our high school’s motto: “opportunity, diversity, and respect.” We learned to recognize gaps in opportunity and understand the roots of inequality and privilege; to celebrate our differences, and treat each other with compassion and dignity; to question the status quo and to believe that through hard work, dedication, and consensus, we can always do better. These are the core values that drive my candidacy,” Mr. Tierney said.

Mr. Tierney began his career working at Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics where he ran the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum. The Tierney campaign highlighted their candidate’s dedication to public service:

• Marshall-Brennan Constitutional Literacy Teaching Fellow, City on a Hill High School in Roxbury.
• Rappaport Fellow in Law and Public Policy, Massachusetts Attorney General’s office.
• Legal Intern, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice.
• Cambridge Ward 9 Delegate, 2014 State Democratic Convention.
• Fellow, New Leaders Council, a training program for progressive Millenials.
• Deputy Legal Counsel, Committee on Revenue at Massachusetts Legislature.
• Research Director & Legal Counsel, Committee on Housing at Massachusetts Legislature.

Mr. Tierney hopes to weave Cambridge’s rich history with the exciting possibilities of the city’s growing economy. He is committed to fostering pipelines of opportunity for all residents by leveraging our universities and the innovation economy.

“I believe that our diverse history and shared values will guide us as we work together to make Cambridge an inclusive and world-class city for generations. As city councilor, I will honor this history and represent our shared future,” Tierney said.

In his announcement, Mr. Tierney summed up his campaign in one sentence, “This is who I am, and this is what this campaign is all about: The City of Cambridge.”

Contact: 857-217-4236

2017 Cambridge Candidate Pages

Statement from Sean Tierney, Candidate for Cambridge City Council

My name is Sean Tierney and I am running for Cambridge City Council. I am a lifelong Cambridge resident, a volunteer in our community, and a housing policy attorney for the State Legislature. As your next city councilor, I will use my public policy experience and my passion for Cambridge to build a future for all city residents.

A Dedication to Public Service
I began my professional career working at Harvard University’s Institute of Politics. I hosted national and international leaders and learned about the importance of strong and effective leadership. Inspired by President Kennedy’s famous words that an “educated citizen has an obligation to serve the public,” I decided to attend law school with the goal of serving my community.

In law school, I committed myself to public service opportunities. I taught Constitutional Law and coached a moot court team at City on a Hill High School in Roxbury, researched election law issues for the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Economic Justice, and served as a Rappaport Fellow in Law and Public Policy at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s office. Now, as a licensed attorney, I develop affordable housing policy for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

I hope to continue on my path as a public servant for our city.

A Pro-Housing Agenda
I want to use my experience as a housing policy attorney to help Cambridge adequately address our housing needs. I am committed to developing city policies that help our longtime residents stay in our neighborhoods. I also recognize the profound need for new housing options for all income levels. This is a challenging issue for Cambridge. We must work together, but we must also partner with our municipal neighbors to confront our housing shortage as a regional crisis.

Cambridge Values
I am a proud graduate of the Cambridge Public Schools and continue to volunteer as a football coach for the Falcons. At Cambridge Rindge and Latin, we were taught the importance of our high school’s motto: “opportunity, diversity, and respect.” We learned to recognize gaps in opportunity and understand the roots of inequality and privilege; to celebrate our differences, and treat each other with compassion and dignity; to question the status quo and to believe that through hard work, dedication, and consensus, we can always do better. These are the core values that drive my candidacy.

A Commitment to Community
Cambridge is many things to many people. It is a new and exciting place centered around our universities, life sciences, and technology sector. It’s also a community with deep roots, family ties, and streets that are neighborhoods.

To me, Cambridge is also a place where friendships are forged on our athletic fields and in our classrooms; it’s playing on Huron Ave. and sleepovers on Western. It’s an afternoon in Jefferson Park and a night in Harvard Square. It’s S&S wings, Coast Café, Angelo’s cheese fries, Izzy’s, and a slice at Armando’s. It’s 1369 coffee, Memorial Drive on Sunday afternoons, and the graffiti wall on Modica Way. It’s Hoyt Field, Gold Star Pool, and a walk around Fresh Pond. It’s helping your neighbor shovel snow and finding a gift of Haitian griot and pikliz at your door. It’s art, it’s style, it’s individuality, and at the same time it’s community.

I believe that our diverse history and shared values will guide us as we work together to make Cambridge an inclusive and world-class city for generations. As city councilor, I will honor this history and represent our shared future.

This is who I am and this is what this campaign is all about: The City of Cambridge.

I look forward to meeting you and hearing your story.

Participants Sought for Cambridge Works Transitional Jobs Program

Mar 6, 2017 – Are you a Cambridge resident, age 18-35, without a college degree, looking for a full-time job? If so, Cambridge Works might be able to help if you’ve had difficulty finding jobs due to limited work experience, gaps in your work history, legal or personal issues.

Cambridge Works is a free, transitional jobs program where participants receive:

• A 3-month paid internship
• Support from a case manager
• Weekly job-readiness classes
• Job placement assistance

Applications for the next program are currently being accepted. To find out more, contact: Michele Scott at 617-349-7741 or mscott@cambridgema.gov or Michael Merullo at 617-349-7743 or mmerullo@cambridgema.gov.

Nominations Sought for 2017 Outstanding City Employee Awards

Mar 6, 2017 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking nominations for the 2017 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 who will be recognized at a special awards ceremony on Thursday, May 4, 2017.

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 resident.
• 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. An employee may not nominate her or his own supervisor or department head for recognition.

Online Nomination Forms can be accessed from link below. A signed nomination letter may be submitted instead of the nomination form. Completed nominations must be submitted to the Personnel Department by Friday, April 7, 2017. 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 617-349-4300.

The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority announces the third 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.

The theme for the 2017 program is to support projects that create, maintain, or enhance Connections within Cambridge.

We're awarding Civic Experimentation Capital Grants; and Community Infrastructure Capital Grants. The awards will range from $5,000 up to $25,000. Grant applicants should approach the theme for the program by promoting inclusive, collaborative, and a resourceful process.

For more information or to apply online click here.

Rabies Vaccination Clinic for Dogs Only
Saturday, April 1, 9-11am – $15/Dog
Cambridge Department of Public Works, 147 Hampshire St.
Dog Licenses for April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018 Available

Cambridge Animal Commission will be holding this Rabies Vaccination Clinic and also issuing 2017-18 Dog Licenses for period April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018. Cost is $10 (Spayed Female/Neutered Male), $30 (Un-Spayed Female/Un-Neutered Male). 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.

Rabies has and will continue to be present in Cambridge and throughout the Commonwealth. 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.”

Controlling your dog at all times is an excellent way to keep them protected. When you are outside with your dog, please 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). Regulations are posted in shared use areas and at designated dog parks in the city. Cat owners should keep their cats indoors; it’s a safe and controlled environment. For your pet’s safety at the Rabies Vaccination Clinic, dogs must be leashed at all times. You are still welcome to attend if your dog is up to date on its rabies vaccination and you just need a license. You will need 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. For more information, please call the Cambridge Animal Commission Office at 617-349-4376. If we are not in the office when you call please leave a convenient time and number and we will return your call as soon as possible.

As always, the Cambridge Animal Commission would like to remind dog owners of the three L’s of dog ownership – License, Leash and Love your pet.

Cambridge Health & Human Services Job Fair March 28

The City of Cambridge Office of Workforce Development is sponsoring a Health & Human Services Job Fair on Tuesday, March 28, from 11am to 1pm, at the Central Square Library, 45 Pearl Street, Cambridge.

This will be a great opportunity for job seekers to connect with employers such as Cambridge Health Alliance, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Perkins School for the Blind, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Nurtury, Arbor Associates, Inc., Community Resources for Justice, Commonwealth Care Alliance, ABCD Boston, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, Vinfen, Always Here Home Care, and Franciscan Children’s Hospital.

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

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

March 14, 9:50pm – I am furious because City of Cambridge contractors just dumped all of the snow from across the street in front of my house and in front of my neighbors' houses - blocking storm drains and flooding the street. Does the City check the credentials of these contractors? If I only had a plow I would move all of the snow back across the street. This is an act of WAR. We have complained repeatedly about this in the past, but I guess nobody in the City listens anymore. So much for SeeClickFix and Commonwealth Connects. - RW

City of Cambridge Lifts Snow Emergency Parking Ban Ban lifted as of 7:00am on Wednesday;
Trash/recycling collection 1 day behind schedule

The Snow Emergency Parking Ban in effect will be lifted in the City of Cambridge as of 7:00am on Wed, Mar 15, 2017. Tow operations will continue until the ban is lifted.

Residents parked in one of the City’s Snow Emergency Off-Street Parking locations should exit within 2 hours after it has been lifted to avoid being charged. Residents parked at the 52 Oxford Garage must exit within 2 hours of the ban being lifted.

Due to icy conditions caused by the storm, people are urged to stay off the roads tonight. If travel is required, please use extra caution and leave additional distance between other vehicles and snow crews.

City of Cambridge offices, programs, and library branches will be open on Wednesday. Because curbside trash and recycling pickup was canceled on Tuesday, pickup routes will be delayed 1 day for the remainder of the week.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to clear streets throughout the night, starting with major arteries. Crews will also be working to remove downed trees. Your patience and participation in clearing sidewalks helps the City return streets and sidewalks to safe, passable conditions as quickly as possible. After major street clearing operations have been completed, crews will begin working on high traffic bus routes to clear snow from bus stops, ramps, and crosswalks.

City Ordinance requires property owners to remove snow from sidewalks next to their property or business within 12 hours of daytime snowfall and before 1:00pm when it has fallen overnight. Property owners must also remove or melt all ice within 6 hours of the time it forms. There is a $50 fine for each day of non-compliance. Property owners are asked that when shoveling their sidewalks to please maintain a minimum of 36 inches clear width, so that people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices (also parents using strollers, etc.) can navigate the sidewalk. The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) requests that a 48 inch clear width be created when possible – this gives an extra measure of safety. Additionally, CCPD urges residents and businesses to pay particular attention to the corners, where one sidewalk meets another – shovel the full length and width of curb ramps, so that pedestrians with disabilities can get to the crosswalks. Business owners are requested, if there is a disability parking space on the street near your storefront, to please take the extra time to shovel a clear path to that space, so that your customers with disabilities can visit your establishment. In particular, shovel a space wide enough so that vans with lifts can deploy the lift onto the sidewalk.

The City recognizes the effort that goes into shoveling out any vehicle parked on a city street during a snow event. However, residents may not use objects such as trash/recycling barrels, furniture items or any other item to save parking spots on public streets. These items will be treated as trash and disposed of by DPW.

The public can follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA and on Facebook at CambridgeMA.Gov. The City uses the hash tag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation. In addition to following updates on the City’s website and social networks, members of the public are encouraged to sign-up to receive notification of snow emergency parking bans at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow.

City of Cambridge Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban
Ban goes into effect at 7:00am on March 14; Trash and Recycling Pickup Cancelled

Mar 13, 2017 – A Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge beginning at 7:00am on Tues, Mar 14, 2017. Vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed until the ban is lifted.

There will be no curbside trash or recycling collection on Tues, Mar 14 because of weather conditions. All curbside trash and recycling daily pickup routes will be one day behind schedule for the remainder of this week.

The Cambridge Public Schools will be closed on Tues, Mar 14, 2017.

Updated information will be available at CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow throughout the storm. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA and on Facebook at CambridgeMA.Gov. The City will be utilizing the hash tag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation.

Below is important information from the City:

• A Snow Emergency Parking Ban is effective as of 7:00am on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 and vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed at that time until the ban is lifted.
• To assist residents in parking their vehicles, free parking is provided at a number of facilities beginning at 6:00pm on Mon, Mar 13, 2017. The 52 Oxford St. Garage will allow parking at 8:00pm. A listing of facilities that provide free parking during snow emergencies, is available at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow.
• Always park at least 20 feet from the street corner. Parking this far away from the corner improves visibility and safety year-round and ensures compliance with Cambridge Traffic Regulations. In the winter, it also allows plows to push snow away from crosswalks.
• Ice needs to be removed within 6 hours from the time it forms, per City Ordinance. Snow needs to be removed within 12 hours after snow stops falling during the day and before 1:00pm if it snowed during the night, per City Ordinance.

Please report any power outages directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000.

In addition to following updates on the City’s website and social networks, members of the public are encouraged to sign-up to receive notification of snow emergency parking bans at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow. As always, if you need immediate assistance, please contact the Police Department’s Non-Emergency Line at 617-349-3300.

Cambridge Affordable Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions March 14

The Housing Division of the City’s Community Development Department will be holding Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions on Tuesday, March 14, from 6-8pm, at Trolley Square, 2nd floor, 2401 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. Two sessions will be held at 6pm and 7pm.

Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs. The sessions are open to all. No advance registration is necessary.

Currently, the Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and the Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given to Cambridge residents and families with children.

For more information, please contact us at housing@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4622.

Cambridge Announces Public Forums on Police Commissioner Search
Public invited to contribute to the development of leadership profile

Feb 22, 2017 – The search process for hiring a new Police Commissioner in the City of Cambridge is underway. City Manager Louis A. DePasquale has hired the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a Washington, DC based non-profit that over the past decade has assisted with more than 75 executive searches, to assist with the development of the leadership profile, the recruitment of highly qualified candidates, and the applicant screening process.

The public is invited to assist the City with the development of the leadership profile for the Police Commissioner search. Members of the public may participate in the process by attending one of the Citywide Public Forums or by providing written feedback. Two Citywide Public Forums, facilitated by PERF, are being held on:
  • Thursday, March 2, 2017, from 6-8pm, School Committee Room, CRLS, 459 Broadway
  • Saturday, March 4, 2017 from 10am–12pm, Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue.

During these sessions, the public will be asked to discuss:
What are the leadership qualities that you want the Cambridge Police Commissioner to possess?
What are the challenges and opportunities that the next Police Commissioner will need to address?

Members of the public can send their written comments on these key questions, along with other any other relevant feedback, directly to PERF by emailing Cambridgecomments@policeforum.org.

In addition to the public forums, PERF will be conducting multiple interviews with various constituencies, including: school staff; business and university representatives; City employees; non-profit community; neighborhood associations; faith community; youth representatives; City board and commission members; and community agency partners. The collective feedback will assist with the development of the final recruitment profile.

The City anticipates candidate recruitment to commence in mid-March and interviews with candidates to take place in May. The selection and appointment of the Police Commissioner is made by the City Manager.

For more information about the public forums, please contact the City Manager’s Office at 617-349-4300.

"Gerrymander" Born in Massachusetts: February 11, 1812

ON THIS DAY...
...in 1812, a political monster -- the "Gerrymander" -- was born in the Massachusetts State House. Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a bill that created oddly-shaped voting districts in several parts of the state. The lines of these districts gave Gerry's party an advantage in the upcoming election. An artist added a head, wings, and claws to the strange shape that was the governor's new home district and declared it looked like a salamander. A quick-witted friend decided a better name was "Gerry-mander." Within a month, the image appeared as a cartoon in the local papers and gerrymander, later gerrymander [with a soft "g"], entered the language. The term has referred ever since to any deliberate redrawing of voting districts to influence the outcome of an election.

Free Document Shredding
Saturday, Mar 11, 9:30-1:30pm
Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue

Please join the Cambridge Consumers’ Council for National Consumer Protection Week, along with the U.S. Postal Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Department of Telecommunications and Cable and Attorney General Maura Healey’s office.

Documents will be destroyed on the spot in a highly advanced technical mobile shredding truck and sent for recycling. Information for consumer rights and safety will be distributed. Please note this if a free event based on first come, first served or until the truck is full to capacity.

To the members of the MIT community:

Jan 18, 2017 – Last November, the federal government announced its plans to work with MIT to negotiate an "exchange" that would give us the right to own and develop a multi-acre site in the heart of Kendall Square: The Volpe parcel. Today, we signed the exchange agreement.

You can explore the details in the MIT News story and a 3Q with Executive Vice President and Treasurer Israel Ruiz.

With the contract finalized, I'm writing to share my excitement and explain why this initiative is so important for the long-term interests of MIT and of our Cambridge neighbors.

The Volpe site offers an opening that will not come again: 14 acres, mostly underdeveloped, nearly contiguous with our campus and in the thick of Kendall Square. When this parcel became available, it felt obvious to us that we should pursue this unique opportunity to work with the City and our Cambridge neighbors to help shape the future of the Kendall Square neighborhood, so that it would serve both MIT and the broader community.

From the entrepreneurial energy and culture of its hundreds of start-ups, to the research might and market reach of its major corporate players, Kendall Square is a vital source of opportunities, talent and resources to help the people of MIT deliver their ideas to the world. The emerging strengths of this ecosystem already offer powerful advantages to MIT; it is now clear that our future success depends on making sure that Kendall succeeds as a place – a place where people want to live, work and play, and a place that makes our city stronger, too.

It's important to understand that the agreement we signed today will be paid for entirely with MIT's investment funds, just as if it were a purchase of stocks or bonds; MIT's development on the site will serve as a long-term source of funds to support the Institute, just as with any income property MIT might own anywhere.

In effect, the Volpe project is simultaneously a way of generating future financial support for our mission, while enhancing an innovation ecosystem and neighborhood that support that mission, too.

Today's signing marks the latest step in a community-wide process that began four years ago. In that time, city and neighborhood leaders have developed a broad vision for how the Volpe site might be used, and MIT faculty and staff have worked with them closely to understand their priorities and values. As we begin detailed planning for the site, we are confident that we can develop it consistent with the vision that the City and the community outlined, so that Kendall Square can grow into a lively, distinctive neighborhood with an irresistible personality that is welcoming to all.

I am inspired by the possibilities, and I look forward to working with many of you as we work to shape the future of this remarkable place.

Sincerely,
L. Rafael Reif

City Announces First Minibond Issuance, Invites Residents to Directly Invest in Cambridge

Jan 23, 2017 – The City of Cambridge is pleased to announce that it intends to offer Cambridge residents the chance to invest directly in Cambridge infrastructure by purchasing minibonds. Minibonds enable residents to earn tax-exempt interest and invest for the future while supporting the Cambridge capital budget.

A minibond is similar to a traditional municipal bond in which investors loan money to a city or public agency for an agreed period of time, receive interest on the investment, and get their loan paid back when the bond matures. The City will use minibond proceeds to support capital projects such as school building renovations, municipal facility upgrades, and implementation of the Complete Streets plan.

All municipal bonds previously sold by the City were sold in denominations of $5,000 or more. Minibonds are different because residents can purchase them for as little as $1,000, making them more accessible than traditional municipal bonds for potential investors.

The City is working with Neighborly Securities* to issue the minibonds. Neighborly is not affiliated with the City of Cambridge in any way, other than as the broker-dealer for this sale of minibonds.

The City expects to sell up to $2 million of minibonds in its first minibond sale, which will take place from February 17-23, 2017. Each Cambridge resident may purchase up to 20 minibonds for a total possible investment of $20,000 (20 x $1,000/minibond). The interest rate on the 2017 minibonds will be determined on February 17, 2017 and interest will be paid semiannually. Principal on the 2017 minibonds will be paid in five years in 2022.

Minibonds will only be offered to investors following release of a Preliminary Official Statement of the City that will describe the terms of the minibonds and provide other financial information concerning the City. The City expects to issue a Preliminary Official Statement by February 13, 2017.

Residents who are interested in buying Cambridge minibonds will need to create an account through Neighborly.com before the order period ends or purchase minibonds through their own broker. Once a minibond order is submitted through Neighborly, Neighborly’s investment team reviews it for approval and allocation. If the order is approved, minibonds will then be allotted and filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Neighborly representatives will be at Cambridge City Hall on Wednesday, February 15 from 6-8pm and Tuesday, February 21 from 6-8pm to provide assistance and discuss the minibond process.

For questions about setting up an account with Neighborly to purchase minibonds, please contact Neighborly at (866) 432-1170, support@neighborly.com, or www.neighborly.com/cambridge.

For general questions about Cambridge minibonds, please visit http://minibonds.cambridgema.gov or contact the City’s Budget Office at minibonds@cambridgema.gov or (617) 349-4270.

*Minibonds will only be ordered through Neighborly Securities, member FINRA, SIPC & registered with MSRB, pursuant to a preliminary and final official statement to be made available during the ordering period. This information does not constitute an order to sell or the solicitation of an order to buy any securities. You will be responsible for making your own independent investigation and appraisal of the risks, benefits, and suitability of any securities to be ordered and neither the City of Cambridge nor Neighborly Securities is making any recommendation or giving any investment advice.

One way to cope:

Feb 2 - Some days the Little Free Library at the intersection of Main Street and Ames Street is especially generous to me. Today's gift seems strangely relevant to the time at hand. Here's a little something from The Onion in 2001.

Living with Coyotes Presentation
Thursday, March 9, 7-8:30pm
Walter J. Sullivan Water Treatment Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge

Learn all about the most misunderstood and remarkable animal in North America during this presentation by John Maguranis, Belmont Animal Control Officer and Massachusetts’ Representative for Project Coyote. Presentation topics include: natural behavior, myths and facts, habits, diet, identification, plus helpful information related to pet and human safety.

This free educational program is sponsored by Cambridge Animal Commission and Cambridge Water Department.

Members Sought for New City Manager’s Advisory Committee

Jan 13, 2017 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking volunteers to serve on the new City Manager’s Advisory Committee. Community input is a vital component of the decision making process in Cambridge and the City strives to engage and involve all stakeholders. In an effort to foster community collaboration and deepen the understanding of community issues, the City Manager is forming this new advisory Committee.

The City Manager’s Advisory Committee will consist of 12-15 residents and stakeholders who will meet at least quarterly to discuss issues happening in the city, develop working relationships, work with organizations, bring different opinions to the table, and work to resolve problems in advance.

Selection of individuals to serve on the City Manager’s Advisory Committee will be based on their ability to represent the diversity of the Cambridge community. The final group of committed participants selected will be broadly representative of many backgrounds including: small/local business community, large business community, non-profit community, neighborhood associations, higher education, arts community, primary/secondary education, public health and human services, housing advocacy, faith community, new immigrant/under represented communities, youth community, senior community, LGBTQ+ community, and mobility community (bike/transit/pedestrian).

Applicants should be Cambridge residents or individuals with a strong connection with the City.

For more information, contact Lee Gianetti, Director of Communication and Community Relations, at 617-349-3317 or lgianetti@cambridgema.gov. Letters of interest, including resume and/or applicable experience, can be sent via email or mail by the deadline of Friday, February 17, 2017 to:
City Manager Louis A. DePasquale
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Update on December 3, 2016 Ten-Alarm Fire in Cambridge

Jan 24, 2017 – On Saturday afternoon December 3, 2016 a ten-alarm fire occurred in the Harrington/Wellington section of East Cambridge that damaged multiple residential buildings and automobiles. 18 buildings sustained varying degrees of damage and over 100 residents were displaced.

An exhaustive investigation that included the Cambridge Fire Department Fire Investigation Unit, the Cambridge Police Department as well as the Massachusetts State Police Fire and Explosion Investigation Unit commenced before the fire was brought under control. The investigation which lasted several weeks included numerous interviews of neighbors, contractors and eyewitnesses along with the review of many photos and videos from multiple sources. The elimination of alternate causes and sources of ignition were also part of the investigation.

It has been determined the fire originated at 35/37 Berkshire Street, on the left side, rear (known as the Bravo/Charlie corner) in and around some recycling bins that had remnants of construction debris from an ongoing gut/rehab of this property. The cause of the fire was careless disposal of smoking material by subcontractors working at the site on the day of the fire.

Despite the significant destruction, investigators were able to uncover the scene and locate this point of origin through the utilization of witnesses, photos and additional investigative methods.

The investigation into whether any criminal charges are appropriate remains open and ongoing. For this reason names are not being released at this time.

Members Sought to fill Vacancy on Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women

Jan 13, 2017 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women. Commissioners support staff in their mission to create and promote programs that increase public awareness and understanding of multiple issues affecting women and girls, particularly marginalized women and girls, within the city; advocate to improve the quality of women’s and girls’ lives; and build coalitions and partner with community organizations on these issues.

The Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women meets the second Wednesday of every month, from 6:30-8 p.m., at 51 Inman St., Cambridge, in the Women's Commission Conference Room, 2nd floor.

For more information, contact Kimberly Sansoucy, Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women, at 617-349-4695 or ksansoucy@cambridgema.gov. Letters of interest, including resume and/or applicable experience, can be sent via mail or e-mail by Friday, February 17, 2017 to:
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions February 13

Jan 24, 2017 – The Housing Division of the city’s Community Development Department will be holding Rental and Homeownership Information Sessions on Monday, February 13, at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Cambridge. Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs. The sessions are free and open to all. No advance registration is necessary.

Currently, the Housing Division is accepting applications for the Homeownership Pool and the Rental Applicant Pool. Preference is given to Cambridge residents and families with children.

For more information, please contact us at housing@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4622.

Evenings with Experts 2017

First Wednesday of each month, February through May 2017, 7:00pm-8:30pm
A free public lecture series presented by Grow Native Massachusetts at the Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
For more information, visit us at http://grownativemass.org/programs/eveningswithexperts, or call 781-790-8921.
CEUs Available for each lecture: APLD (1.5 credits); NOFA-AOLCP (4 credits)

February 1 - Nurturing the Liberated Landscape
Larry Weaner, Author of Garden Revolution & Founder of Larry Weaner Landscape Associates
    All too often we think of gardens and landscapes as static compositions of carefully placed and managed plants. But a more dynamic and rewarding approach takes advantage of the unique characteristics of plant species and communities, working with ecological processes, not against them. Learn how designer Larry Weaner utilizes the natural adaptations and reproductive abilities of plants to create engaging, ever-evolving landscapes that bring new meaning to partnering with nature. Using examples from his own property and from client projects, Larry will share how this give-and-take approach results in compelling, low-maintenance landscapes that free plants to perform according to their natural abilities and liberate people from having to cater to their landscapes’ every need.
    Larry Weaner has been creating native landscapes since 1977. His work is nationally recognized and has received awards from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Cultural Landscape Foundation, Garden Club of America, and others. His new book, Garden Revolution, is a “must read” for all who seek to integrate landscape design with ecological processes.

March 1 - The Art and Science of Growing Native Plants from Seed: Why, When, and How
Randi Eckel, Founder of Toadshade Wildflower Farm
    As we incorporate more native plants into our landscapes, there are so many good reasons to use plants propagated from seed. But wild plants have evolved with a dizzying array of mechanisms, including chemical-induced dormancy and mandatory cold stratification, to ensure that their seeds disperse, persevere, and germinate at just the right time under natural conditions. These mechanisms are not in place to frustrate would-be plant propagators, but must be understood by gardeners to successfully grow native plants from seed. Come for a far-reaching discussion of the issues surrounding seed collection, procurement, and propagation, with information that will encourage the novice and challenge the professional alike.
    Randi Eckel has been studying native plant seed propagation and plant-insect interactions for over thirty years. She is the founder of Toadshade Wildflower Farm, which supplies both seeds and plants of species native to eastern North America.

April 5 - How Native Plant Cultivars Affect Pollinators
Annie White, Ecological Landscape Designer & Adjunct Professor, UVM
    Initiatives to address pollinator decline are widespread and native plants are the preferred choice for pollinator habitat restoration. The growing demand for natives, coupled with a longstanding desire of horticulturalists for enhanced bloom, color, or other characteristics, has led to the increased selection and breeding of native cultivars. Although these cultivars are typically marketed for their ecological benefits, until now there have been no scientific studies to support or refute these claims. So are native cultivars as valuable in pollinator habitat gardens as the true native species? Annie White will help answer this question by sharing the results of four years of field data. Her research is groundbreaking and remarkable.
    Annie White is the founder of Nectar Landscape Design Studio and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Vermont. She earned her MS in Landscape Architecture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her recent PhD in Plant & Soil Science from the University of Vermont was focused on this exceptional new research on native plant cultivars.

May 3 - The Challenge of a Public Native Plant Garden: Maintenance, Interpretation and Compromise
Michael Hagen, Curator of the Native Plant Garden at the New York Botanical Garden
    The New York Botanical Garden’s new Native Plant Garden opened in 2013. Designed by Oehme van Sweden, it includes a diversity of microclimates on 3.5 acres of varied terrain with a planting plan of almost 100,000 native trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, and grasses. Curator Michael Hagen will explain how this garden is successfully maintained, and their criteria for what constitutes “native” in species selection and the use of cultivars. This very public landscape presents native plants in a contemporary style, with an emphasis on aesthetics over recreating habitat. Michael will share his observations about how the public perceives and responds to the value of this native plant palette, along with ideas for inspiring others to “go native.”
    Michael Hagen is Curator of both the Native Plant Garden and the Rock Garden at NYBG. He previously served as Staff Horticulturist for over 11 years at Stonecrop Gardens in Cold Spring, New York and was Garden Manager at Rocky Hills in Mt. Kisco, a preservation project of the Garden Conservancy.

City of Cambridge Lifts Snow Emergency Parking Ban
Ban lifted as of 10:00am on Monday

Feb 13, 2017 – The Snow Emergency Parking Ban in effect will be lifted in the City of Cambridge as of 10:00am on Monday, February 13, 2017. Tow operations will continue until the ban is lifted. Residents parked in one of the City’s Snow Emergency Off-Street Parking locations should exit within 2 hours after it has been lifted to avoid being charged. Residents parked at the 52 Oxford Garage must exit within 2 hours of the ban being lifted.

City of Cambridge offices and library branches will be open on Monday, however, the Cambridge Public Schools are closed. Certain programs for the Department of Human Services Programs are operating on the following modified schedule:

• Preschools, After Schools, Youth Centers, and King Open Extended Day Program will open at 10:00am, due to the Cambridge Public School closures;
• The Community Schools and Community Learning Center will be closed;
• War Memorial Recreation Center is closed; and
• All other DHSP services and programs will be open their usual hours.

There is no rubbish, recycling, or curbside compost collection on Monday, February 13 and all curbside trash and recycling daily pickup routes will be one day behind schedule for the remainder of this week.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to clear streets throughout the night, starting with major arteries. Your patience and participation in clearing sidewalks helps the City return streets and sidewalks to safe, passable conditions as quickly as possible. After major street clearing operations have been completed, crews will begin working on high traffic bus routes to clear snow from bus stops, ramps, and crosswalks.

City Ordinance requires property owners to remove snow from sidewalks next to their property or business within 12 hours of daytime snowfall and before 1:00pm when it has fallen overnight. Property owners must also remove or melt all ice within 6 hours of the time it forms. There is a $50 fine for each day of non-compliance.

Property owners are asked that when shoveling their sidewalks to please maintain a minimum of 36 inches clear width, so that people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices (also parents using strollers, etc.) can navigate the sidewalk. The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) requests that a 48 inch clear width be created when possible – this gives an extra measure of safety. Additionally, CCPD urges residents and businesses to pay particular attention to the corners, where one sidewalk meets another – shovel the full length and width of curb ramps, so that pedestrians with disabilities can get to the crosswalks. Business owners are requested, if there is a disability parking space on the street near your storefront, to please take the extra time to shovel a clear path to that space, so that your customers with disabilities can visit your establishment. In particular, shovel a space wide enough so that vans with lifts can deploy the lift onto the sidewalk.

The City recognizes the effort that goes into shoveling out any vehicle parked on a city street during a snow event. However, residents may not use objects such as trash/recycling barrels, furniture items or any other item to save parking spots on public streets. These items will be treated as trash and disposed of by DPW.

The public can to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA and on Facebook at CambridgeMA.Gov. The City uses the hash tag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation. In addition to following updates on the City’s website and social networks, members of the public are encouraged to sign-up to receive notification of snow emergency parking bans at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow.

City of Cambridge Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban - AGAIN
Ban goes into effect at 8:00pm on February 12.
Due to the winter weather conditions, Cambridge Public Schools will be closed on Mon, Feb 13.

Feb 12, 2017 – A Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge beginning at 8:00pm on Sunday, February 12, 2017. Vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed until the ban is lifted.

There will be no rubbish, recycling, or curbside compost collection on Monday, February 13 because of weather conditions. All curbside trash and recycling daily pickup routes will be one day behind schedule for the remainder of this week.

Updated information will be available at CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow throughout the storm. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA. The City will be utilizing the hash tag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation.

Below is important information from the City:

• A Snow Emergency Parking Ban is effective as of 8:00pm on Sunday, February 12, 2017 and vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed at that time until the ban is lifted.
• To assist residents in parking their vehicles, free parking is provided at a number of facilities beginning at 6:00pm on Sunday, February 12, 2017. A listing of facilities that provide free parking during snow emergencies, is available at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow
• Always park at least 20 feet from the street corner. Parking this far away from the corner improves visibility and safety year-round and ensures compliance with Cambridge Traffic Regulations. In the winter, it also allows plows to push snow away from crosswalks.
• Ice needs to be removed within 6 hours from the time it forms, per City Ordinance. Snow needs to be removed within 12 hours after snow stops falling during the day and before 1:00pm if it snowed during the night, per City Ordinance.

Please report any power outages directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000.

In addition to following updates on the City’s website and social networks, members of the public are encouraged to sign-up to receive notification of snow emergency parking bans at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow. As always, if you need immediate assistance, please contact the Police Department’s Non-Emergency Line at 617-349-3300.

City of Cambridge to Lift Snow Emergency Parking Ban as of 7:00am Friday (Feb 10)

The Snow Emergency Parking Ban in effect will be lifted in the City of Cambridge as of 7 A.M. on Friday, February 10, 2017. Tow operations will continue until the ban is lifted. Residents parked in one of the City’s Snow Emergency Off-Street Parking locations should exit within 2 hours after it has been lifted to avoid being charged. Residents parked at the 52 Oxford Garage must exit within 2 hours of the ban being lifted.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to clear streets throughout the night, starting with major arteries. Your patience and participation in clearing sidewalks helps the City return streets and sidewalks to safe, passable conditions as quickly as possible. After major street clearing operations have been completed, crews will begin working on high traffic bus routes to clear snow from bus stops, ramps, and crosswalks.

City Ordinance requires property owners to remove snow from sidewalks next to their property or business within 12 hours of daytime snowfall and before 1:00pm when it has fallen overnight. Property owners must also remove or melt all ice within 6 hours of the time it forms. There is a $50 fine for each day of non-compliance.

Property owners are asked that when shoveling their sidewalks to please maintain a minimum of 36 inches clear width, so that people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices (also parents using strollers, etc.) can navigate the sidewalk. The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) requests that a 48 inch clear width be created when possible – this gives an extra measure of safety. Additionally, CCPD urges residents and businesses to pay particular attention to the corners, where one sidewalk meets another – shovel the full length and width of curb ramps, so that pedestrians with disabilities can get to the crosswalks. Business owners are requested, if there is a disability parking space on the street near your storefront, to please take the extra time to shovel a clear path to that space, so that your customers with disabilities can visit your establishment. In particular, shovel a space wide enough so that vans with lifts can deploy the lift onto the sidewalk.

The City recognizes the effort that goes into shoveling out any vehicle parked on a city street during a snow event. However, residents may not use objects such as trash/recycling barrels, furniture items or any other item to save parking spots on public streets. These items will be treated as trash and disposed of by DPW.

The public can to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA and on Facebook at CambridgeMA.Gov. The City uses the hash tag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation. In addition to following updates on the City’s website and social networks, members of the public are encouraged to sign-up to receive notification of snow emergency parking bans at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow.

Count your blessings. It was a lot worse in 2014.

Snow Emergency

A Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge beginning at 7:00am on Thurs, Feb 9, 2017. Vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed until the ban is lifted.

To assist residents in parking their vehicles, free parking is provided at a number of facilities beginning at 8:00pm on Wed, Feb 8, 2017.

Updated information will be available at CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow throughout the storm. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA. The City will be utilizing the hash tag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation.

City of Cambridge buildings are closed on Feb 9.

Cambridge Human Services Commission Vacancy

City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in volunteering to serve on the nine-member Human Services Commission. The Commission advises the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on human services policy issues, needs assessment, and funding allocations.

Working in collaboration with the Department of Human Service Programs, the Commission also promotes activities that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Over the years, the Commission has responded to local needs by recommending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a wide range of programs offered by the City of Cambridge and community agencies.

The Commission usually meets with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on the second Thursday of each month, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge.

For more information, contact Mike Payack at 617-349-6208 or mpayack@cambridgema.gov. Commission members serve without compensation. Residents who wish to apply, may send a letter of interest and résumé by January 11, 2017, to:
Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139

City Manager Appoints Brent B. Larrabee as Acting Commissioner of the Cambridge Police Department

Jan 9, 2017
To the Honorable, the City Council:

Effective Jan 9, 2017, I am appointing Brent B. Larrabee as Acting Commissioner of the Cambridge Police Department. Mr. Larrabee is taking over for Acting Commissioner Christopher Burke who is retiring on Jan 6, 2017 after 32 years of service on the Cambridge Police Department and 8 months as Acting Commissioner. Incoming Acting Commissioner Larrabee is expected to serve for the next 6-8 months until a permanent Commissioner is appointed, a position that he is not pursuing.

Brent Larrabee holds a Master of Public Administration from Framingham State College, has assisted in the selection of numerous Massachusetts Chiefs of Police, and has served as:

• Chief of Police, East Haven, CT Police Department (February 2012-June 2016);
• Chief of Police, Stamford, CT Police Department (2005-2010);
• Interim Chief of Police, Westwood, MA Police Department, (2003); and
• Chief of Police, Framingham, MA Police Department (1987-2001)

Former Commissioner Haas has known and worked with Brent Larrabee for many years. He highly respects him and strongly recommended Brent for appointment as Acting Commissioner for the Cambridge Police Department.

Very truly yours, Louis A. DePasquale, City Manager

Jan 1, 2017 - It's interesting to occasionally look at the traffic numbers for my civic websites - especially the distinctive spikes that occur every two years around the time of the municipal election. In addition to the legitimate views, there is definitely some annoying Spam in the mix. I more aggressively filtered this starting in late 2014 (hence the dip), but even with the filters the traffic continues to grow. It does seem a bit curious that the hits are growing so far in advance of the 2017 municipal election. Perhaps there's more Spam to beat back, or maybe there's a high likelihood that this will be a very busy municipal election year. - RW

UPDATE (4:30pm): It is now reported that James Walter Morales has been taken into custody on Wheatland Street in Somerville.

CAMBRIDGE POLICE NOTICE: Bank Robbery in Central Square and Possible Suspect

Jan 5, 2017 – The FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force, along with the Cambridge Police Department, responded to an attempted bank robbery at Bank of America, 772 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge earlier this morning.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5'10", with a mustache, dark skin, husky build and wearing a black jacket, gray sweatshirt, black knit cap and black sneakers. He did pass a note, but did not manage to obtain any money.

As part of this investigation, we're running down every possible lead, working with our federal, state and local partners. While we do not have an identity of the suspect at this point in time, investigators are looking at the possibility that the suspect generally fits the description of escaped federal prisoner James Morales, who fled the Wyatt Detention Center last weekend. A photo of Morales is attached [after the photos taken at the bank].

Cambridge Civic/Political Review 2016

Book Release - Building Old Cambridge by Susan E. Maycock and Charles M. Sullivan (published by MIT Press)