2020 CCJ Notes - September through December
[items moved from main page]

Percentage of Subsidized Housing Units (not including group quarters) - Sept 2017 w/partial update Dec 2020 (source)
[this data is now 3 years old and needs to be updated by Mass. Department of Housing and Community Development!]
The data has been updated, but is still incomplete. The table below will be revised when better information is available.

Note: It must be pointed out that the figures above only show subsidized units. In many cities and towns there are many "naturally occurring" affordable units, i.e. apartments that simply have affordable rents. In addition, some tenants live in unregulated apartments but pay reduced rent due to such mechanisms as Section 8 vouchers. The figures above should therefore be understood only as a baseline.

MAPC Study: 435,000 new housing units needed by 2040

A new report is estimating that the greater Boston area will need another 435,000 new housing units by 2040 to lure new workers and accommodate an aging population. [Reports available here]

Note: When comparing the peak population of Cambridge back in the 1950s (over 120,000) to what it is today (perhaps 107,000) it's important to keep in mind that families were typically much larger then. It's also the case that what people find acceptable in terms of living space and amenities has changed dramatically over six decades. This translates into considerably more "units" of housing (and higher density) in Cambridge if the population should rise to levels close to what they were in days of yore.

COVID - Dec 2020

Neighborhoods with highest cumulative case rates since start of pandemic (Dec 21)

All neighborhoods (Dec 12). Charts exclude long-term care population.

Remote Learning Continues Next Week (CPS)
Dec 31, 2020 – After consulting with Cambridge Public Health Department officials, the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) has made the decision to continue their current all-remote learning model next week (January 4 - January 8) until at least Monday, January 11. [Full Announcement]

Dec 31, 2020 – City of Cambridge Extends Restrictions on Public Events through March 31, 2021 and Announces Temporary Suspension of In-Person Appointments. Public urged to follow COVID-19 safe practices for New Year Celebrations

Dec 31, 2020 – Update on In-Person Appointments at City buildings

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record) - with some comments:

If you would like to subscribe or pick up a free paper copy at various sites, I encourage you to do so. It really is The Paper of Record.

Voting opens for Cambridge's Participatory Budget, Jan. 4-9 (Dec 28, 2020)

LETTER: Thank goodness we have leaders willing to defend those who need affordable housing (Dec 23, 2020 by Shannon Megan)

LETTER: Let’s green our rooftops in Cambridge (Dec 23, 2020 by Hannah Mahoney of Cambridge Mothers Out Front)

LETTER: Build the Porter Square affordable housing project with all units (Dec 23, 2020 by Scott Hannon)

LETTER: I don’t oppose affordable housing – I want to improve it (Dec 23, 2020 by Merry White)

LETTER: Let’s consider the Porter Square development plan holistically (Dec 23, 2020 by Young Kim)

Cambridge announces business rollback for 3 weeks to reduce COVID-19 spread (Dec 23, 2020)

Cambridge Community Television announces next executive director (Dec 17, 2020)

Cambridge Transition Wellness Center opens at Spaulding Hospital (Dec 17, 2020)

Cambridge's independent bookstores maintain community with creative solutions (Dec 17, 2020)

New Cambridge small business winter COVID-19 grant available (Dec 17, 2020)

Cambridge awarded grant to address climate change (Dec 17, 2020)

Cambridge Community Foundation awards $40K to food pantries, programs (Dec 17, 2020)

With new owner comes new hope for Jerry’s Pond in Cambridge (Dec 17, 2020)

OP-ED: Proposed affordable housing project in Porter Square should be applauded (Dec 17, 2020 by Sumbul Siddiqui, Alanna Mallon, Marc McGovern, Denise Simmons)
Ed. Note: It's a shame that city councillors have been reduced to rhetorical mouthpieces for the "A Better Cambridge" PAC. Whether or not this is a good and worthwhile project is certainly open to discussion, but slandering anyone who has objections should not be the role of city councillors.

How Cambridge has helped COVID-19 affected individuals, businesses (Dec 15, 2020)

'This milestone provides us with hope:' Cambridge prepares for vaccines (Dec 15, 2020)

Despite COVID, the Green Line Extension chugs towards completion (Dec 15, 2020)

Food For Free receives space for new distribution center (Dec 10, 2020)

STUDY: How Cambridge can avoid worsening its rapidly declining tree canopy (Dec 10, 2020)
Note: The size of penalties described in this article is an example of extreme overreach by local government.

Unprecedented need overwhelms food pantries, anti-hunger groups (Dec 9, 2020)

More than $600K to go to Cambridge's small businesses, another $600K to housing needs (Dec 8, 2020)

Future of Cambridge's Shared Streets program uncertain following lack of support (Dec 8, 2020)

Cambridge distributes $1.2M through Housing Stabilization Program (Dec 8, 2020)

OP-ED: Nature and the pandemic (Dec 8, 2020 byr Kathleen Johnson, Ellen Mass)

OPINION: Cambridge history on ice (and leaf and stem) (Dec 8, 2020 by Steve Nadis)

Cambridge schools go fully-remote as COVID cases surge (Dec 7, 2020)

Cambridge officials seek to improve engagement in neighborhood groups (Dec 1, 2020)
Note: It's interesting how the word "undermine" has been superceded by "improve engagement".

Cambridge looks to close digital divide -- with or without municipal broadband (Dec 1, 2020)

Cambridge restaurants brace for COVID-19 winter as closure fears loom (Nov 30, 2020)

Cambridge to distribute dozens of housing vouchers to homeless (Nov 23, 2020)

Cambridge councilors want list, plan for vacant land owned by city (Nov 17, 2020)

Family offers $10K for information regarding Paul Wilson's murder in Cambridge (Nov 12, 2020)

Cambridge Veterans’ Services doubles down as COVID, cold weather hinder outreach (Nov 11, 2020)

Action ‘long overdue’ in turning Cherry Street lot into affordable housing in Cambridge (Nov 11, 2020)

MBTA outlines plan for widespread service cuts in 2021 (Nov 10, 2020)

OP-ED: BIPOC voices must be heard in COVID plans for Cambridge schools (Nov 9, 2020 by Rachel Weinstein, Ayesha Willson)

Cambridge Veterans’ Services has helped dozens of veterans get off the streets (Nov 9, 2020)

Cambridge officials revisit idea of limiting money in politics (Nov 4, 2020)

Election 2020: For 50 years, Peter Gesell has worked the polls in Cambridge (Nov 3, 2020)

Baker rolls out curfews for businesses, increased mask requirements (Nov 2, 2020)

‘We know where our ballots are at all times:’ Cambridge Election Commission steps up security (Oct 29, 2020)

OPINION: The Black Response Cambridge calls on council to make immediate changes in policing system (Oct 30 by Stephanie Guirand)
Note: This is a shallow opinion piece and nothing more.

CCF to distribute $457K to Cambridge nonprofits (Oct 29, 2020)

Without students and holiday boost, Harvard Square businesses fear for future (Oct 28, 2020)

Cambridge families face different challenges adapting to learning during COVID (Oct 27, 2020)
Worth the read.

Cambridge councilors reduce time residents can speak during public forum (Oct 27, 2020)

Cambridge’s eviction moratorium remains in effect. So what does that mean? (Oct 27, 2020)

Fresh Pond Golf Course won’t open for public use until end of golf season (Oct 23, 2020)

In response to viral video, Cambridge officials call for better social-distancing enforcement (Oct 22, 2020)

How MIT, Harvard are managing to keep COVID-19 numbers low (Oct 20, 2020)

Amid ‘heated rhetoric,’ councilors call for study on effects of conservation district in East Cambridge (Oct 20, 2020)

Cambridge councilors say Judge Sragow’s removal an injustice, call for reinstatement (Oct 20, 2020)

Cambridge police warn of phone scam impersonating officers (Oct 19, 2020)

Eight COVID-19 cases stem from Cambridge nursing home (Oct 15, 2020)

In step with CDC guidelines, Cambridge cancels Halloween events (Oct 14, 2020)

DA identifies Cambridge fire victim; family remembers her creativity, love of nature (Oct 13, 2020)

GUEST COLUMN: Hearings set promising outcome for CambridgeSide project (Oct 13, 2020 by George Sommer)

Temporary shelter at Rindge gym will move to Spaulding next month (Oct 13, 2020)

SUPERINTENDENT OP-ED: Going back to school is a team effort (Oct 12, 2020 by Superintendent Kenneth Salim)

In-person learning set to begin for some Cambridge students; union head calls plan unsustainable (Oct 8, 2020)

Cambridge looks to adapt as green initiatives put on back burner during COVID-19 (Oct 8, 2020)

Cambridge issues fourth amendment to face masks Temporary Emergency Order (Oct 7, 2020)

Cambridge delays governor’s reopening plan (Oct 6, 2020)

As eviction moratorium comes to end, Cambridge legislators look for new ways to protect tenants (Oct 6, 2020)
There is, of course, a federal prohibition on evictions that remains in place for the remainder of the year.

‘An important social-justice moment:’ Cambridge councilors pass Affordable Housing Overlay (Oct 6, 2020)
Just because a councillor says this doesn't make it so.

Cambridge sets mandatory 6-year timeline for completing bike network (Oct 6, 2020)

Cambridge amends Temporary Emergency Restrictions for October (Oct 5, 2020)

Cambridge publishes guide for trauma-informed training program (Oct 2, 2020)

Nauset completes hotel project in Central Square (Oct 1, 2020)

Cambridge, MAPC partner in Regional MVP Project (Oct 1, 2020)

December 28, 1630 - Site for Cambridge Selected

On this day in 1630, the Massachusetts Bay Colony proprietors chose a site along the northern bank of the Charles River for their capital. They named it Newtowne, and laid out an orderly grid of streets fortified by a wooden palisade. It was the first planned town in English North America. Six years later, the colony's first college was established in Newtowne. In honor of the English university town, Newtowne was renamed Cambridge. Contemporary William Wood noted "this is one of the neatest . . . towns in New England, having many fair structures with many handsome . . . seats." Despite its well-ordered appearance, Cambridge did not remain the colony's capital. In 1638 the General Court settled five miles downstream, in the neighboring town of Boston.

Click here for the rest of the story (Mass Moments)

Cambridge Community Foundation, City of Cambridge award $257,500 in grants to arts and culture organizations, hard-hit by the pandemic

Dec 23, 2020 – The Cambridge Community Foundation and the City of Cambridge have awarded a total of $257,500 in grants to 25 Cambridge-based arts and cultural organizations through the Cultural Capital Fund. Created in late October with a founding $500,000 gift from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund and a $100,000 investment from the Wagner Foundation, the fund was established to address urgent needs in the sector due to COVID-19 and to protect the city’s cultural richness over the long term.

When the pandemic hit, arts and culture organizations were forced to close theaters and venues overnight, leading to lay-offs and furloughs, pivots to virtual programming, and a devastating ripple effect on the economy as patrons stopped dining and shopping nearby.

“The collapse of the creative economy has hit us hard and affected a lot of people and it’s not about losing our performance space, it’s about not being able to pay our bills,” said Josh Garneau, managing director of ImprovBoston. The organization received $10,000 grant to retain staff and pivot its curriculum to the online format. ImprovBoston closed its Central Square theatre last month. Before COVID-19, 150 people were supported by ImprovBoston in some way and 2,000 people came into Central Square each week for classes, and drank, dined, and shopped while there. The organization has been awarded an additional $25,000 grant from the Foundation and is hibernating this winter with the hope of emerging this spring with additional funding.

Another long-standing cultural anchor to receive a $10,000 grant is the José Mateo Ballet Theatre, which lost $1.5 million in revenue this year and reduced its full-time staff and contractors from 47 to seven. “That Cambridge is opening its purse now is such an affirmation that the sector is seen as vital, in that series of things that we need to be full and whole human beings,” said Scott Fraser, executive director. “Artists are resilient, and the sector will come back, but stronger and different, and I think equity will be a defining feature.”

A third grantee, The Hip Hop Transformation, will use their $10,000 grant to pay staff to continue their creative after-school program online. “Even before the pandemic, our students would use this platform to work through tough stuff like remembering when their family got evicted or grappling with the death of a friend. Right now, our kids are going through so much, and they need this project more than ever,” said Darrin Korte, executive director of the Cambridge Community Center, which runs the hip hop program.

While most of the grants are for up to $10,000 to aid with operations and programming, one organization, The Dance Complex, was awarded a $25,000 grant to support capital improvements needed to make their historic Central Square building more operational in the COVID-19 environment.

“Cambridge’s artists and our arts and culture organizations are a significant part of the connective fabric of our city and act as a powerful and uplifting equalizer in our community,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “Regardless of differences in language, religion, culture, gender expression or age — the arts bring us together, and we need to support and care for them.”

“We are proud to partner with the Cambridge Community Foundation in supporting our vibrant arts and culture sector,” said City Manager Louis DePasquale. “Collectively, we are committed to ensuring the survival of the arts in Cambridge because this sector is critical to the cultural vibrancy of our community. The Cultural Capital Fund is a critical tool to help provide financial relief to arts organizations.”

The new Cultural Capital Fund, is Cambridge’s first, central channel for donors and other stakeholders to pool their resources into a common purpose: provide immediate support to arts organizations at risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to protect the viability of the arts ecosystem for years to come. The Foundation will award additional grants in the New Year. The Foundation is also seeking to connect arts and culture organizations to nonmonetary resources as well.

“Maintaining the arts ecosystem – large and small organizations, creative ventures, and the livelihood of artists and cultural workers is critical to retaining our city’s innovation capacity. We look forward to working with our partners and generous donors to support the sector at this critical time and encourage the growth of artists and arts organizations led by people of color,” said Geeta Pradhan, president of the Cambridge Community Foundation. “We’re incredibly thankful to Mayor Siddiqui for flagging the importance of this sector and Vice-Mayor Alanna Mallon for putting our intervention in place, to City Manager Louis DePasquale who welcomed us as a partner, and Jason Weeks, a tireless advocate for the consistent and strategic investments needed to ensure the sector remains strong. We are truly stronger together.”

The first round of grantees from the Cultural Capital Fund are:

City of Cambridge Announces Rollback to a Modified Phase II, Step 2 for Three Weeks Beginning December 26, 2020

Dec 23, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that in addition to Governor Baker's capacity restrictions released on December 22, 2020 in the Governor’s COVID-19 Order #59, the City is issuing a temporary emergency order to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Cambridge. Effective at 12:00am on Saturday, December 26, the City of Cambridge will roll back to a modified Phase II, Step 2 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Massachusetts Plan until at least 12:00am on January 16, 2021, or until further modified.

Since July, the City of Cambridge has remained in Phase III, Step 1 of the Commonwealth’s Reopening Massachusetts Plan. Returning to a modified Phase II, Step 2 will require certain sectors designated as eligible to operate in Phase III, Step 1 to close, while allowing a limited number of Phase III, Step 1 sectors to continue operating with restrictions.

“Like many communities, Cambridge has experienced an increase in COVID-19 cases among its residents following the Thanksgiving holiday and our daily case rate has not returned to pre-Thanksgiving levels,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “We continue to urge everyone to take personal responsibility for slowing the spread of COVID-19 and follow the public health guidelines while visiting public spaces or businesses. I strongly encourage residents for the next few weeks to minimize or avoid in-person gatherings with people from outside their immediate household.”

The City of Cambridge is issuing a Temporary Emergency Order that will require the following additional mandatory closures beginning at 12:00am on Saturday, December 26, 2020 for a three-week period until 12:00am on January 16, 2021, or until further modified:

• Museums
• Indoor historic spaces/sites
• Movie theaters
• Sightseeing and other organized tours
• Indoor events spaces such as meeting rooms, ballrooms, and private party rooms
• Indoor recreational activities such as batting cages, driving ranges, go karts, bowling alleys, rock-climbing walls

In Cambridge, the following Phase III, Step 1 sectors will be allowed to operate, in accordance with capacity limits set forth in Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order #59, with additional City restrictions beginning at 12:00am on Saturday, December 26, 2020 for a three-week period until 12:00am on January 16, 2021, or until further modified:

• Fitness centers and health clubs may only operate at 25% capacity and in accordance with the following requirements:
  • Locker room/changing room capacity at indoor fitness centers and health clubs shall be limited to 1 person per 200 square feet;
  • Customers of fitness centers and health clubs shall only utilize the facility for a ninety (90) minute time period, per day;
• Indoor recreational and athletic facilities for general use (not limited to youth programs) may only operate at 25% capacity.
  • Youth sports activities and programs are permitted in accordance with the Commonwealth’s Workplace Safety and Reopening Standards for Businesses and Other Entities Providing Youth and Adult Amateur Sports Activities – Phase III, Step 1, amended on December 9, 2020 and effective on December 13, 2020.
• Outdoor theatres and other outdoor performance venues not designated as Phase IV enterprises may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of twenty-five (25) people.
• Outdoor event spaces used for gatherings and celebrations including those in parks reservations, and other outdoor spaces not designated as Phase IV enterprises may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of twenty-five (25) people.
• Indoor non-athletic instructional classes art/education/life skills for persons 18 years or older may continue to operate and do not have to close, however, may only operate with a capacity of ten (10) people or at 25% capacity, whichever is less.

"While new infection rates in Cambridge are currently lower than in neighboring communities, as well as in most large cities in the Commonwealth, we have seen significant increased community transmission in Cambridge since Thanksgiving," said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. "We are especially concerned about transmission to residents at greatest risk for severe illness, and believe the measures announced today will contribute to slowing the spread of the virus."

As COVID-19 infections rise in Massachusetts and the region, the City of Cambridge will continue to take a cautious and measured approach to activities and industries permitted in Cambridge and will continue to closely monitor public health data as part of its decision-making process.

View full text of the City of Cambridge’s Temporary Emergency Order Requiring a Modified Rollback to Phase II, Step 2 of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan in the City of Cambridge that was issued on December 23, 2020.

View full text of Governor’s COVID-19 Order #59 that was issued on December 22, 2020.

As a reminder, the City’s Face Coverings Order remains in effect at all times when outside your home.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19

More Than 600 Gift Bags Delivered As Part of CPD’s 14th Annual Secret Santa for Seniors Program

Dec 22, 2020 – More than 600 senior residents throughout the City of Cambridge received surprise gift bags this week thanks to the Cambridge Police Department’s Secret Santa for Seniors Program. Officers, staff and members of the Auxiliary Unit delivered bags of much needed food items, clothes, blankets, books and more directly to residents and Cambridge Housing Authority buildings following generous donations from residents, businesses and sponsors. This year’s sponsors were the Cambridge Housing Authority, Cambridge Police Patrol Officers Association, Cambridge Police Superior Officers Association, Foundation Medicine, Gentle Giant Moving, MIT, Mount Auburn Hospital, the Office of Mayor Siddiqui, the Peretti Family, Phil’s Towing, Pro EMS, Reservoir Church, Star Market, Trader Joe’s, U-Haul Central Square and Whole Foods.

“Most of the people we deliver gifts to don’t have family members, and they’re typically alone for the holidays,” said Cambridge Police Sergeant Susan Kale, one of the co-organizers of this year’s gift drive. “Through the generosity of hundreds throughout the City, this year was one of our biggest years yet. We weren’t sure what to expect with the pandemic and the financial hardships many are presently experiencing, but Cambridge once again came through and we are deeply appreciative for everyone’s participation.”

“Cambridge Police Department’s annual tradition of hosting a gift drive for Cambridge seniors during the holidays, is one that I love and look forward to each year,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I am honored to play a part in this tradition during a year that has been particularly difficult for our seniors, and to include a gift that will hopefully provide comfort and joy this holiday season.”

Now in its 14th year, the Cambridge Police Department’s “Secret Santa for Seniors” gift drive has brought joy to thousands of senior citizens. This year’s drive was primarily online to make it easier and safer for people seeking to purchase gifts for seniors. Residents were encouraged to support local businesses by purchasing gifts through various Cambridge business associations.

To view a video from this week's outreach, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX5_XoOMKoE.

Cambridge Community Television's Next Executive Director

Dec 17, 2020 – Cambridge Community Television (CCTV) announces Jessica Smyser will succeed Susan Fleischmann as CCTV’s next Executive Director. Fleischmann joined CCTV’s staff at its founding in 1988 and has served as Executive Director for the past 27 years. Smyser will be CCTV’s third Executive Director.

“I’ve long admired both the excellence of CCTV’s programming and the importance of their mission. CCTV’s work to nurture a strong, equitable and diverse community by fostering free speech, civic engagement, and creative expression is more relevant today than ever. I’m thrilled to be a leader in CCTV’s next stage of innovation, and look forward to contributing to CCTV’s long-term sustainability, ensuring access and excellence for years to come,” said Smyser.

Smyser brings to CCTV over 14 years of progressive non-profit leadership experience. She comes to CCTV from the Academy for the Love of Learning in Santa Fe, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded by composers Aaron Stern and Leonard Bernstein. In her capacity there as a strategic leader for the past eight years, Smyser championed the power of learning and the arts, creating connection, healing and justice for people of all ages. For the past four years, Smyser has also been an adjunct professor, teaching Leadership and Non-profit Management in the Van Loan School of Professional Studies at Endicott College.

Smyser returns to Cambridge where she previously lived for over 10 years, working as a Marketing Director at Cambridge-based Rounder Records; as General Manager at Somerville-based Q Division; and was a member of CCTV.

She holds a BA in American Studies from Smith College and a Master’s degree from Claremont Lincoln University in Organizational Leadership.

Editor's Note: In 1988, CCTV began its programs from a space in Kendall Square and in 1994 moved to its previous location on Prospect Street in Central Square. CCTV moved to its current location at 438 Mass. Ave. in 2011. CCTV's first Executive Director was Irwin Hipsman. Susan Fleischmann became Executive Director in January 1993.

City of Cambridge Snow Emergency Parking Ban To Be Lifted at 8:00am on Friday, December 18

Dec 17, 2020 – The Snow Emergency Parking Ban in effect will be lifted in the City of Cambridge as of 8:00am on Friday, December 18, 2020. 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 the ban has been lifted to avoid being charged.

If travel is required, please clear all snow off of vehicles, including the roof, prior to driving, use extra caution, and leave additional distance between other vehicles and snow crews.

Curbside trash, recycling, and yard waste collection will occur on Friday, December 18, 2020. Routes are one day behind: Thursday’s route will be collected on Friday, and Friday’s route on Saturday. If your pickup is missed, leave it out and crews will return to pick it up. Street cleaning is cancelled for Friday, December 18, 2020.

The Department of Public Works will continue to clear streets, including bicycle lanes, into the night, starting with major arteries. A salting operation will continue overnight to address icy roadway conditions. Your patience and participation in clearing sidewalks helps the City return streets, bicycle lanes, 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. Additionally, crews will monitor and continue to clear snow from bicycle lane over the coming days, as needed.

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 p.m. 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. Due to the forecasted extreme temperatures, residents and property owners are asked to promptly clear snow and remove ice next to their property. Additionally, the City is encouraging residents and businesses to clear snow from the nearest fire hydrants and catch basins.

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.

Power outages should be directly reported to Eversource at 800-592-2000 and downed wires in Cambridge should be reported to 911.

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

Snow Emergency Parking Ban Declared in Cambridge

Dec 16, 2020 – A snow emergency parking ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge on Wed, Dec 16, 2020 at 8:00pm. For more information, please visit the City’s Snow Center at CambridgeMA.gov/Snow or call 617-349-3300. Beginning at 8:00pm, streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed until the ban is lifted.

Cambridge residents can begin parking at Snow Emergency Off-Street Parking Locations at 6:00pm, Wed, Dec 16, 2020. Please check to ensure that your vehicle is not parked on a restricted street. View a list/map of off-street parking locations at CambridgeMA.gov/Snow.

Power outages should be reported directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000. If you see downed wires, please call 911.

Updated information will be available on the City’s Snow Center throughout the storm. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA and on Facebook at City of Cambridge (Official). The City will be utilizing the hashtag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation.

City of Cambridge Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban
Ban goes into effect at 8:00pm on Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Dec 16, 2020 – A Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge beginning at 8:00pm on Wed, Dec 16, 2020. 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 6:00pm on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. A listing of facilities that provide free parking during snow emergencies is available at: CambridgeMA.gov/Snow

Curbside trash and recycling collection is cancelled for Thursday, December 17, 2020, and will be one day behind for the remainder of this week. If a trash/recycling pick-up is missed due to the weather, residents should leave it out and it will be collected the next day.

• Cambridge City in-person appointments are cancelled for Thursday, December 17, 2020, and staff will be working remotely.
• Cambridge Recycling Center is closed on Thursday, December 17, 2020.
• Street cleaning has been cancelled for Thursday, December 17, 2020, and Friday, December 18, 2020.
• City of Cambridge COVID-19 Testing on Thursday, December 17, 2020 will be held during scheduled testing hours.
• Cambridge Public Schools will continue remote learning on Thursday, December 17, 2020.
• Cambridge Public Libraries contactless holds pick up and materials return will be cancelled on Thursday, December 17, 2020.
• City virtual programing, classes, events and meetings for Thursday, December 17, 2020 will be conducted as scheduled. Updates will be posted to the City’s website calendar.

Updated information will be available on the City’s Snow Center throughout the storm. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA and on Facebook at City of Cambridge (Official). The City will be utilizing the hashtag #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 Wednesday, December 16, 2020 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 Wed, Dec 16, 2020. 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 from sidewalks 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.

New Cambridge Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Now Available

Dec 16, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced the availability of a new grant program that can provide Cambridge small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with short-term working capital assistance. The new grant will be funded by $628,000 of CARES Act funding, adding to the $3.6 of small business aid previously provided through CARES Act/CDBG funding and the Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund/Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Program will help Cambridge’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-eligible for-profit retail, food, personal services, and creative businesses with grants up to $6,000 per brick-and-mortar business. The program provides short-term working capital assistance to support businesses with inventory purchases (perishable and non-perishable), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) purchases or upgrades, and rent payments to enable businesses to stay open and ensure the retention of jobs after the severe interruption of business related to COVID-19.

“Our small business community is a vital and valued part of our City and the local economy,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “As we have done throughout the pandemic, the City will continue to look for ways to support local businesses. I hope this new $628,000 in funding will assist small business owners with their short-term working capital expenses.”

“Now more than ever, our small businesses need us. We know there is an immediate and urgent need to help businesses as quickly as possible in order for them to survive the final stretch of this pandemic and this upcoming winter season,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I’m hopeful that this additional funding provides some relief to the small businesses we cherish in Cambridge.”

Grant applications are available from Dec 15, 2020 until Jan 8, 2021 at 12:00pm. The City is offering phone office hours, in-person appointments, and other resources to help businesses who need assistance in applying to the grant. For more information about HUD-eligibility, grant criteria, and/or the application, please contact edd@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4654.

Before applying for the grant, please review eligibility criteria from the program link listed below. This grant is federally funded and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has strict eligibility requirements that the City of Cambridge must follow.

In-person appointments can be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays only, from 9:00am-4:00pm, at the Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. To make an appointment, call at 617-349-4600 or by email CDDat344@cambridgema.gov.

To request assistance with the application, ask questions, confirm your eligibility, or request a paper application, contact edd@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4654. Translation and interpretation services are available upon request.

For more information about the Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Program or to complete an application online, visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/Business

New Transition Wellness Center Opens Today at Spaulding Hospital
Will Serve as Temporary Adult Homeless Shelter for Non-COVID-19 Residents

Dec 16, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale announced today the opening of the Transition Wellness Center (TWC), a new temporary emergency homeless shelter at the Spaulding Hospital. Residents from the shelter at the War Memorial Recreational Center started to transition to the TWC on Wednesday, December 16.

The City-funded TWC will host 58 beds and serve as an adult homeless shelter for guests who test negative for COVID-19. It will be located on the first and second floors of the east wing of the Spaulding Hospital, which is located at 1575 Cambridge Street and was vacant prior to the renovations. The City of Cambridge will fund the entirety of the shelter operation. This project is federal CARES Act funding eligible and the City expects to submit approximately $3.4 million for reimbursement to support this critical initiative.

“I want to thank Spaulding Hospital for leasing the City part of its facility on Cambridge Street so that we could create the Transition Wellness Center. This temporary facility will allow the City to continue supporting our most vulnerable populations for the duration of the pandemic,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Since April, the City has invested significant staff and financial resources to ensure people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge have access to critical support systems. I want to thank Mayor Siddiqui and Councillor McGovern for their leadership on our temporary shelter initiatives, and I want to thank the City’s Public Works team and Spaulding Hospital’s construction teams that have worked quickly to construct this new facility.”

“We remain committed to working with Bay Cove Human Services and will continue to provide the highest level of community safety as the shelter transitions to the Transition Wellness Center,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr. “The new location at Spaulding Hospital will have minimal impact on the neighboring community and is ideal for supporting our most vulnerable residents in need of these important facilities.”

“The Transition Wellness Center joins the Winter Warming Center, the Multi-Service Center and other Cambridge nonprofits in a shared mission to provide safe shelter for people experiencing homelessness and to connect them with resources that promote their wellbeing - especially during the winter months,” said Ellen Semonoff, Assistant City Manager for Human Services. “The TWC’s opening is a testament to the tireless efforts of City staff, elected officials, our partners at Bay Cove, and local providers across the city.”

“The more we can do to keep all Cambridge residents safe and healthy, the greater the chance we have to continue to mitigate the spread of this pandemic, including among those who experience homelessness,” said Dr. Assaad Sayah, Commissioner of Public Health.

Arrangements to transition residents out of the temporary emergency shelter at the War Memorial Recreational Center will be coordinated by Bay Cove Human Services. They will focus on ensuring a seamless relocation for impacted residents to the TWC or Bay Cove’s CASPAR Emergency Services Center shelter at 240 Albany Street. Once the transition is complete, the temporary shelter at the War Memorial will be deconstructed and a deep, thorough cleaning will be conducted.

Additionally, the Cambridge Winter Warming Center opened on Tuesday, December 1 and will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through April 15, 2021. Located at 806 Massachusetts Avenue and accessible through the building’s Green Street entrance, the Warming Center provides a safe space for adults experiencing homelessness to rest, sleep and have access to beverages, a hot meal, and bathrooms during the winter months. At all times, the maximum capacity of the Warming Center will be 30 guests to allow for safe social distancing.

The temporary emergency shelter at the War Memorial, which opened in April 2020, helped the City address the urgent needs of Cambridge residents who were experiencing homelessness during the rapidly evolving COVID-19 public health crisis that emerged this spring. It allowed existing shelters to reduce overcrowding to make guests in all of Cambridge's shelters safer and to provide a site that guests who were leaving the shelters could move to. The War Memorial also provided important shelter for guests who had been served by seasonal shelters that were closing such as the Warming Center and Harvard Square Homeless Shelter.

For additional information about the new Transition Wellness Center, please visit the dedicated webpage: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/transitionwellnesscenter. Any community questions or concerns can be directed to 311@cambridgema.gov or by calling 617-349-9770.

Dec 15, 2020 Update – Cambridge Public Schools shift to remote learning has been extended through Friday, December 18th.

This has been superseded by another Dec 15 Update – Remote Learning to Continue District-wide until at least January 4

Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women Vacancy

Dec 14, 2020 – Cambridge 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.

Although meetings are currently being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women meets on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:00pm, at 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, in the Women's Commission Conference Room, 2nd floor.

The deadline for submitting applications is Fri, Jan 15, 2021. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available through the City Manager’s Office. Please contact them at 617-349-4300 or Citymanager@cambridgema.gov.

For more information, contact Kimberly Sansoucy, Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women or ksansoucy@cambridgema.gov.

Takeout Technology Service Expanded to Branch Locations

Dec 11, 2020 – On Monday, December 14, the Cambridge Public Library will begin the next phase of its free Takeout Technology program, allowing patrons to check out joint Chromebook/mobile WIFI hotspot bundles for home use. The new bundles contain both a Chromebook laptop computer and a mobile hotspot for internet access in the same package. Takeout Technology service will also expand to Central Square, O’Neill and Valente branch locations in addition to the Main Library.

The Library launched its Takeout Technology program in early August to extend patron access to technology resources during the Covid-19 public health crisis. Since the program was launched, the library has expanded its offerings from Chromebook laptops to mobile WIFI hotspots. The latest phase will allow patrons to check out a Chromebook laptop and a mobile WIFI hotspot as a single item.

“The Covid-19 public health crisis has highlighted the extent to which access to technology can impede access to library resources and services for under-served communities.” observed Dr. Maria McCauley, Director of Libraries. “By expanding Takeout Tech service to branch locations and increasing technology devices available for loan, we are deploying resources to address this challenge.”

“We hope by bundling these two devices into a kit that can be checked out as a single item, patrons who need both will have an easier time getting them, rather than needing to request each device separately,” said Reinhard Engels, the Library’s Manager of Innovation and Technology.

Chromebook/mobile WIFI hotspot bundles will be available at the Main Library and the O’Neill and Valente branches starting on Monday, December 14. Bundles will also be available at Central Square when it reopens in late December. The Library plans to further extend the Takeout Technology service to all remaining branches in 2021.

For detailed instructions on how to reserve and pickup these devices, please visit the Takeout Technology Service webpage. Takeout Technology is made possible by the generous support of Google Cambridge.

Cambridge City Manager Seeks Applicants for Public Planting Committee

Nov 18, 2020 – City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the city’s Committee on Public Planting.

The Public Planting Committee is charged with the responsibility of promoting and improving the quality and diversity of plantings throughout all areas of Cambridge. This includes reviewing planting plans for new public work in the city; advising the city on effective maintenance of public plantings; supporting the role of the City Arborist; and encouraging interest in public plantings in all neighborhoods. Candidates should have an interest in urban forestry and landscape issues, and, ideally, experience in horticulture. The Committee usually meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7:00pm. Meetings are being held virtually until further notice.

The deadline for submitting applications is Fri, Dec 18, 2020. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available through the City Manager’s Office. Please contact them at 617-349-4300 or Citymanager@cambridgema.gov.

For more information about the committee, contact David Lefcourt, City Arborist at 617-349-6433 or dlefcourt@cambridgema.gov.

Cambridge Residents Can Now Create a Free Emergency Health Profile to Share Critical Health Data in an Emergency

Nov 18, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that Cambridge residents now have the ability to create a free Emergency Health Profile that can accelerate the response of first responders in the event of an emergency. With a registered profile, the Cambridge Emergency Communications Department (911 Emergency Call Center) will be able to provide an individual’s vital medical and profile information to first responders as its automatically sent to Dispatchers if there is an emergency.

To ensure data privacy, the opt-in medical information associated with an individual’s phone number is only made available to first responders when a 911 call is placed from the registered user’s phone number. Emergency technology company RapidSOS teamed up with The American Heart Association, The American Red Cross, and Direct Relief to launch this initiative in an effort to get first responders vital information in an emergency, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

People can create their free Emergency Health Profile at emergencyprofile.org and enter pertinent medical and profile information, such as:

• Name, date of birth and address
• Pre-existing conditions
• Allergies
• Medical notes
• COVID-19 symptoms
• Emergency contacts

“Being able to receive a caller’s opt-in health information will better inform our staff when there is an emergency response,” said Christina Giacobbe, Director of Emergency Communications and 911, City of Cambridge. “I strongly encourage our community to create a free Emergency Health Profile today, as the sharing of this critical data with 911 will help protect lives.”

“Our 911 department and first responders do incredible work every day to keep our community and first responders safe,” said Cambridge Police Commissioner Branville Bard, Jr. “With this additional vital information, our first responders will have valuable insights and be able to respond to emergencies more quickly and with the most appropriate care.”

The nation’s 911 infrastructure was built in the 1960s for landline phones, requiring individuals to verbally share critical data to responders in an emergency. To address this challenge, RapidSOS’ emergency response data platform links real-time health and location information from connected devices, apps, and profiles with 911, providing context beyond what the caller in crisis is able to convey. This data has helped Cambridge 911 Dispatchers expedite the response and provide first responders with life-saving information.

Cambridge 911 has been an active RapidSOS user for over six years. Their call-takers use the RapidSOS Portal along with the 911 System Equipment to access accurate location and additional life-saving information when processing 911 calls.

To learn more and create a free Emergency Profile, visit www.emergencyprofile.org.

About Cambridge Emergency Communications
The Emergency Communications Department operates the City’s Combined Emergency Communications and 911 Center (ECC) located at the Robert W. Healy Public Safety Facility. The Center receives over 50,000 911 and other emergency calls and alarms annually and manages the coordinated dispatch of police, fire, emergency medical service (EMS) and other resources. ECC staff also handles over 165,000 non-emergency calls annually regarding quality-of-life issues related to noise, traffic, lost property and after-hours City information.

City of Cambridge Reopens Search for Public Art to Commemorate
the 19th Amendment Centennial and the Voting Rights Movement

Nov 13, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced it is reopening its search to create a permanent public artwork to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women in the United States winning the right to vote. The public artwork will celebrate the passage of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920 and recognize Black, Indigenous, Asian, Latinx, and other women of color who were excluded from access to voting rights, even as many fought in the movement.

Details of the new search process will be announced in early 2021. The City is reopening the selection process because it strongly believes that commissioning a public artwork that honors women’s suffrage and highlights the contributions of women of color who have often been overlooked in the history of the movement requires a selection process that successfully recruits artists of all races. The City also aims for the project to incorporate our country’s ongoing struggle for voting rights and to highlight the contradictions in the story of the 19th Amendment.

In the months since the 23-member 19th Amendment Centennial Art Selection Committee recommended that Cambridge artist Azra Aksamija’s proposal be built at the Cambridge Common, the artist and the City have discussed the lack of diversity among the original applicant pool and the importance of commissioning proposals by artists of all races. The importance of this component of the process has been underscored by the current movements and conversations on how to address racial inequities and systemic racism.

In collaboration with Azra Aksamija, the City of Cambridge arrived at the decision to revise and relaunch the selection process. Azra Aksamija’s artwork, “The Future to be Rewritten,” was selected out of four finalists’ proposals The four artist-finalists had been chosen by an art jury from 694 portfolios in the City’s public art registry in late 2019. The City provided funding to each finalist to develop a concept proposal. The proposals were reviewed during public meetings and an extensive public feedback period.

“Regardless of the approach we try to take, we will not be able to get around the core of the problem: that BIPOC artists were not adequately represented in the competition,” said Azara Aksamija in deciding to withdraw her proposal. “I am honoured that my proposal was initially chosen, and I am really grateful to the City of Cambridge for this opportunity!”

The City extends great appreciation and thanks to Azra Aksamija, all the participating artists, the art jurors, the Centennial Committee, the Art Selection Committee, and the members of the public who have been so dedicated to developing this public art project.

Nov 21 - I just heard that former Mayor and long-time School Committee and City Council member Frank Duehay passed away last night at Beth Israel Hospital. Mayor Duehay was first elected to the Cambridge School Committee in 1963 and served 4 consecutive terms. He then ran for City Council in 1971 and served 14 consecutive terms for a total of 36 years in elected office in Cambridge. He was chosen as Mayor for the 1980-1981 term, was chosen to replace Mayor Leonard Russell when Lenny died in office in June 1985, and was again chosen by his colleagues as Mayor for the 1998-1999 term. As one friend commented, “The only City Councillor who never had a yard sign. He considered them a visual blight. He did have prolific mailing lists that were pioneering efforts in target mailing. Always a gentleman.” It's absolutely true. Frank was a gentleman, and a person who knew how to work cooperatively with his colleagues. He was also a pioneer in promoting matters having to do with environmental protection and recycling long before others took these things seriously. - RW

Grand Junction Multi-Use Path - Nov 30 Update

The Grand Junction Multi-use Path is a proposed off-street multi-use path running alongside the existing tracks in the Grand Junction corridor from the Boston University Bridge to Somerville.

The City of Cambridge invites the public to learn about the proposed path design and provide feedback on path elements through a virtual open house project website. The city has developed this path design based on feedback over the last year and a half through public meetings, a public working group, and individual stakeholder outreach. [Informational Flyer]

Visit Grand Junction StoryMap From December 4 to January 4
Beginning December 4, you can visit the StoryMap to see the proposed path design and provide your input on design ideas for path elements like entrances and street crossings. We also want your feedback on urban design, public art, and green space elements. City staff will post a link to the StoryMap on the Grand Junction project webpage.

Attend Question and Answer Public Information Session - Tues, Dec 8, 5:30-7:00pm
Once the StoryMap is posted to the project page on December 4, please read through it and join the meeting at 6:00PM. If you don’t have time before December 8 to view the StoryMap, join at 5:30 PM for a quick overview and introduction to the StoryMap tool. Note that there will not be a formal presentation during this information session. Ask your questions starting at 6:00PM on this live question and answer session. City staff will host this Q&A session with remote participation on the Zoom Webinar platform. [Register for Meeting]

Click above when you're sure it's really over.

Nov 4 – Here's a quick recap of the election so far - from a Cantabrigian point of view:

Everything seems to still be up in the air with the Presidential election. Many of us went to bed last night thinking it would go to Trump because the margins in states like Pennsylvalia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Nevada, and Georgia seemed insurmountable even if MANY additional mail-in and absentee ballots were still to be counted. We woke up this morning to find that some of these states had already flipped toward Biden and that many people who understood these things believed that others would follow and that the ultimate results are now favoring Biden.

We also got to see Trump attempt to prematurely declare victory and threaten litigation if some states didn't stop counting valid ballots. No surprise there from this man-child. My sense is that you'll have a hard time finding a judge who will rule against the counting of validly cast ballots, and that includes any Trump-appointed Justices to the U.S. Supreme Court. The credibility of the Court would be irreparably damaged if they ruled otherwise.

Meanwhile, back in Massachusetts - a virtual one-party state where voters aren't even afforded a credible choice in many elections - voters defeated the Initiative Petition that would have mandated Ranked Choice Voting in all state elections and primaries. It's a bit difficult to understand the objections, but I suppose that when things are in doubt many voters default to a NO vote on ballot questions. In any case, at least the conversation was started on alternative election methods. We could really use some new methods and ideas to creative incentives for good people to seek elected office without fear of losing their shirt or their reputation, and voters really deserve to have at least some choice in their elections.

PS – I just checked and the DOW is up another 720 points today. Apparently the prospect of Trump possibly losing or the election still being undecided isn't bothering Wall Street. Then again, those folks can be very fickle.

Judgment Day - Nov 3, 2020

10:54am – Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 600 points.

10:55am – Souls seen exiting graves at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, heading to the polls.

11:06am – Dow Jones Industrial Average is up 650 points.

11:08am - ABC Minister of Propaganda Schmidt proposed at last night's City Council meeting that Resident Permit fees should be increased to $1000 per year. The City Council instead voted down on a 4-5 vote a proposed increase from $25 to $40 per year.

12:03pm – Councillor Nolan last night took issue with the use of propane-fueled patio heaters based on climate change concerns. Meanwhile, in other news, Tootsie Rolls and Junior Mints will continue to be produced in Cambridge. It has not yet been determined if the rich aroma of the butterscotch and peppermint effluent from the factory is a greenhouse gas. We'll keep an eye out for future City Council orders on this.

12:05pm – Dan Rather tweets: "These are turbulent and dangerous times. My gentle counsel is be big on hope, pray (if that's your way), stay steady, have patience, and don't forget to breathe. If you can, listen to your favorite music, read a book or poetry, and if the weather is nice, take a walk."

12:08pm – CNN reports: "Fences surrounding the White House have gone up as authorities say they are taking precautions for any worst-case scenarios that may arise on election night or in the coming days."

12:40pm – Dow now only up 591 today.

12:41pm – Charles River reportedly turning to blood. Locusts seen advancing on West Cambridge.

3:56pm – Dow back to being up by 650 points.

3:57pm – The murder hornets have arrived.

4:12pm – Dow ends day up 555. Good thing it wasn't 666.

First polls close 7:00pm EST. - Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia

7:30pm: North Carolina, Ohio, West Virginia

8:00pm: Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee

8:30pm: Arkansas

9:00pm: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Wisconsin, Wyoming

10:00pm: Iowa, Montana, Nevada, Utah

11:00pm: California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington

12:00am: Hawaii

1:00am: Alaska

Updates to follow.

City of Cambridge Announces New Daily COVID-19 Testing at Four Sites Throughout the City
Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative Formed to Coordinate Testing

Oct 30, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that it will begin offering COVID-19 testing for residents seven days a week at expanded locations, as part of a strategic initiative to coordinate testing and COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The initiative is led by the City's newly established Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative (CPC).

The CPC’s mission is to create a public and private partnership to help ensure the health and safety of Cambridge residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Collaborative will create a long-term, sustainable, and scalable structure for testing and COVID-19 vaccine distribution, when the vaccine becomes available. The CPC completed its first task this week with the finalization of the expansion plan for the City's COVID-19 testing program, which began offering free testing to the community in April.

Beginning Sunday, November 1, 2020, a new drive-through COVID-19 testing site will be available on Sundays and Thursdays at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge. Appointments for testing will be available from 11:00am-7:00pm. The CambridgeSide testing site is located in the upper parking garage on First Street. The upper parking garage will be used for COVID-19 testing only. This is a drive-thru site and there is no access to the testing site from inside CambridgeSide or from the lower parking garage.

Testing will be available every Saturday (except October 31) at the Pisani Center at 131 Washington Street from 11:00am-7:00pm, 50 Church Street (former Fire and Ice) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 12:00pm-8:00pm, and at St. John the Evangelist Church at 2254 Massachusetts Avenue on Wednesdays from 10:00am-6:00pm. Testing at 50 Church Street will begin on Monday, November 9, 2020.

Appointments can be scheduled online at www.Cambridgema.gov/testing.

"Recent public health data tell a sobering story and remind us that the pandemic is far from over. We know that testing is one of many evidence-based tools we can deploy to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19," said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. "Through this new collaborative, we will be able to provide our residents with greater access to COVID-19 testing. We especially want to thank CambridgeSide, Trinity Property Management, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and St. John the Evangelist Church for partnering with us to provide these key testing locations."

The CPC will create a testing and vaccination structure that will last through the end of the pandemic by focusing on three key elements. First, CPC will focus on providing widely accessible COVID-19 testing. Next, it will incorporate flu vaccinations into the existing testing structure. And finally, it creates a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination program that will be added to the project.

"As infections continue to rise in Massachusetts, it is critical that residents have improved access to COVID-19 testing," said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. "Seven-day-a-week testing in multiple neighborhoods will help meet the growing demand for this important city-funded service. I applaud the city's leadership and our partners for their outstanding commitment to the health and well-being of residents."

As with any large community effort, significant partnerships are required, and Cambridge is fortunate to have many community partners willing to engage in this effort. Pro EMS and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have been key partners for COVID testing in Cambridge since day one. As part of the City’s expanded testing program, CambridgeSide is providing its First Street Upper Parking Garage, which will allow for large-scale drive-through services, Trinity Property Management is providing space at their 50 Church Street location in Harvard Square, St. John the Evangelist Church will continue to provide space in North Cambridge, and the Cambridge Housing Authority will also continue providing space at the Pisani Center in The Port.

Members of the CPC include representatives of the City Manager's Office, Cambridge Public Health Department, Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge Police Department, Pro EMS, Cambridge Housing Authority, Mount Auburn Hospital, CambridgeSide, Trinity Property Management, St. John the Evangelist Church, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

The Cambridge Community Foundation and the City of Cambridge launch a new Cultural Capital Fund with over $600K

Oct 28, 2020 – The Cambridge Community Foundation and the City of Cambridge have joined forces to launch a new Cultural Capital Fund with grant funding of over $600,000 to address urgent needs in the local arts and culture sector due to the COVID-19 Pandemic as an initial step. The Foundation also commits to building an endowment for the arts and culture sector, targeting $5 million over five years, to protect the City’s cultural richness over the long-term.

The City has allocated $500,000 from the Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to local arts organizations of up to $25,000 for capital improvements necessary due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and up to $10,000 for operations and programming during the COVID-19 Pandemic through the new Fund. The Foundation has also received a $100,000 gift from the Wagner Foundation, a long-time supporter, to address urgent needs in the local arts and culture sector, with a focus on the Central Square Cultural District. The Cambridge Community Foundation will begin accepting grant applications from organizations on October 28 and expects to distribute first round grants by mid to late November.

The new Cultural Capital Fund, is Cambridge’s first, central channel for donors and other stakeholders to pool their resources into a common purpose: provide immediate support to arts organizations at risk due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and to protect the viability of the arts ecosystem for years to come.

“We’re incredibly fortunate and extremely thankful to have the City of Cambridge’s partnership and the Wagner Foundation’s support in addressing the urgent needs of our arts organizations who are near closure due to the Pandemic,” said CCF President Geeta Pradhan. “This work is a testament to the fierce commitment to our City’s cultural vibrancy that we’ve seen in our residents’ advocacy and our City’s leadership, including Mayor Siddiqui, City Manager Louis DePasquale, Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon, and Jason Weeks, executive director of Cambridge Arts. We invite our donors and partners to join us in supporting these organizations and creating a lasting endowment to support the vitality of Cambridge’s arts and culture sector for years to come.”

“We are grateful for the partnership of the Foundation and our residents who have joined us in supporting Cambridge’s arts and culture organizations and nonprofits, when they need it the most,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Cambridge’s nonprofits, small businesses, and the arts and culture organizations contribute deeply to our City’s economic wellbeing and vibrancy. We will continue to invest in these sectors and forge and maintain partnerships, like our longstanding one with the Foundation, to keep these core pieces of Cambridge’s identity alive and well.”

The new Fund builds on the work of the Cambridge Artist Relief Fund, an emergency fund formed by the Foundation in March 2020 with significant support from the City and more than 100 local donors, to address urgent needs in the arts sector.

In addition to continuing to address urgent needs due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Cultural Capital Fund will help strengthen and sustain our arts and culture ecosystem, foster creative placemaking with a focus on our cultural district, and invest in the next generation of Cambridge’s cultural creatives.

“In addition to being drivers of economic activity, our arts and culture organizations are a core component of our community that we rely on, especially now, to bring us joy, connection and healing. As a City, I know we will work together to help keep our arts sector strong through these trying times, ensuring every child and resident in Cambridge has the opportunity to be inspired and engage with the world creatively,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I thank the Cambridge Community Foundation for their partnership, and Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon for her work elevating the arts and culture sector in our City through her leadership in the Arts Task Force.”

Over the first four months of the Pandemic, the Foundation received a $75,000 contribution from the City of Cambridge toward a total raised and awarded of just over $270,000 through the Cambridge Artist Relief Fund, providing grants to 270 artists and groups, who were among the first workers to lose their livelihoods, and 37 Cambridge-based arts organizations, which had to suddenly close their doors.

Grantees included dancers and musicians, instructors and choreographers, photographers and painters, writers and playwrights, jewelry makers and sculptors, street performers and fashion designers—and many more. The arts organizations supported included cultural hubs and employers of artists, such as studios, education providers, theaters, orchestras and other performance groups.

At a time marked by the economic devastation of the Pandemic and a national racial justice reckoning, the Foundation has made supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists and BIPOC and women-led arts organizations advancing racial justice in communities a special focus in its grantmaking and will continue to do so through the Cultural Capital Fund.

“Supporting the local arts organizations that sustained us before, and during the COVID-19 Pandemic is critical to the future of arts and culture in Cambridge, and to a strong economic recovery. Arts organizations were the first to close in March and will be among the last to open their doors. Without this financial support from the City, and other donors, we can expect sector-wide closures with staggering ripple effects to ensue,” said Cambridge Vice Mayor Alanna Mallon. “I’m incredibly excited that the City has partnered with the Cambridge Community Foundation as the first major donor to their Cultural Capital Fund, which is intended as a long-term sustainability solution for the arts in Cambridge.”

In creating the long-term endowment for the arts and culture sector, the Foundation draws inspiration from its Cambridge Cultural Visionaries, a diverse and talented group of artists and creators who unanimously credit the City with fostering their creativity.

About the Cambridge Community Foundation:
The Cambridge Community Foundation (CCF) is the local giving platform for Cambridge supporting our city’s shared prosperity, social equity, and cultural richness, with roots that go a century deep. A grantmaker, philanthropic partner, and civic leader, the Foundation connects sectors across the community to highlight emerging and critical needs and catalyze efforts to ensure resources are focused where they can make the greatest difference. CCF and its donors distribute $1.3 to $1.5 Million in grants to local nonprofits each year. This year, in addition to distributing grants to 150 nonprofits serving the Cambridge community involved in human services, workforce training, housing, hunger, homelessness, elder services, youth and early childhood services, education, the Foundation raised and distributed an additional $1.9 million in COVID-19 relief funds and distributed them through several efforts. In March 2020, the Foundation established the Cambridge COVID-19 Emergency Fund and the Cambridge Artist Relief Fund raising over $1.2 million in partnership with its donors. Within four months all dollars raised were distributed to 1,475 individuals, families, and artists; 27 nonprofits offering cash assistance to our vulnerable populations; and 36 arts organizations. The Foundation also partnered with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, distributed $695,000 in grants supporting nonprofits in Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford. Its initiative Feeding Our Hometown Heroes funded the delivery of 4,000 local, nutritious restaurant meals to overworked frontline hospital staff in spring 2020, while supporting restaurant workers affected by COVID-19. Through its annual Imagined in Cambridge Social Innovation Award, CCF supports the next generation of emerging social innovators.

About the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund:
The Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund collects and distributes donated funds to provide relief to the City of Cambridge in times of disaster. In response to the public health crisis created by the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund is providing emergency assistance to residents, small businesses and arts organizations in Cambridge who are experiencing financial hardship caused by current Pandemic-related issues.

New Contractor to Provide Recycling & Yard Waste Collection Services Beginning November 2

Oct 22, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that, following an open and competitive bid process, Save That Stuff was selected as the City’s residential recycling and yard waste collection contractor, beginning Nov 2, 2020.

While residents’ curbside collection days will not change, residents should be aware that collections may occur earlier or later in the day than they are used to on their regularly scheduled pickup day. All residential waste collection occurs between the hours of 7:00am-4:00pm, and all carts should be placed at the curb by 7:00am on your collection day. Items accepted in recycling or yard waste, and where to place carts for collection, will not change.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work by the Public Works Department to continue to deliver high-quality services to our residents during these challenging times,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Thanks to the efforts of our residents and the data-driven management of the City’s Recycling Division, more than 8,000 tons of recycling and 2,000 tons of yard waste are diverted from landfills each year.”

To enhance the City’s services, the yard waste collection period will be extended until December 31, 2020.

Below are recommended best practices to help ensure safe and efficient removal of waste:

• Please place all carts at the curb after 6:00pm the night before collection or by 7:00am on your collection day. All residential waste collection occurs between 7:00am-4:00pm. If your building or household has a missed trash, recycle, compost or yard waste collection, please wait until 4:00pm to report it. All missed collections should be reported at www.CambridgeMA.Gov/311 or by using the Commonwealth Connect app for iPhone/Android.
• Please break down cardboard to help make it more manageable. If you have cardboard that won’t fit in the cart, nest it inside a larger box and place next to the recycle cart.
• Help us keep our streets and waterways clean by collecting all leaves, twigs, and branches on sidewalks, curbs, and other areas adjacent to your property. Leaves on streets get into storm drains. Once in the drainage system, phosphorous and nitrogen are released, polluting the Charles River or Alewife Brook.
• Please be considerate when approaching and passing all collection crews and vehicles. These essential workers are critical to the City’s efforts to protect the public’s health and safety.

For more on what’s accepted in recycling and yard waste as well as other important information, visit CambridgeMA.Gov/Recycle.

To sign up for weekly waste collection reminders, download the “Zero Waste Cambridge” app or visit CambridgeMA.Gov/Subscribe.

Featured recent stories in the Cambridge Chronicle (the paper of record) - with some comments:

If you would like to subscribe or pick up a free paper copy at various sites, I encourage you to do so. It really is The Paper of Record.

Parental decisions to shake up Mass. school enrollments (Sept 29, 2020)

Baker takes further steps to reopen economy (Sept 29, 2020)

BRIEFS (Sept 28, 2020)

Cambridge councilors follow through, extend city manager’s contract (Sept 22, 2020)

SIMMONS OP-ED: Council made right call with city manager vote (Sept 22, 2020)

BRIEFS (Sept 21, 2020)

Working parents’ rights ‘limited’ during pandemic (Sept 21, 2020)

Cambridge extends permits for outdoor dining (Sept 21, 2020)

LEO H. DWORSKY 1933 - 2020

Cambridge officials revisit idea of unarmed traffic enforcers (Sept 17, 2020)

Over $10K raised to help pay for funeral of cyclist killed in Harvard Square (Sept 16, 2020)

Cambridge councilors vote to extend manager’s contract amid confusion (Sept 15, 2020)

GUEST COLUMN: Remembering Roz Springer of Cambridge (Sept 15, 2020 by Sam Seidel)

West Nile risk raised to high in Cambridge (Sept 15, 2020)

BRIEFS (Sept 14, 2020)

CPL releases pickup service fall schedule (Sept 14, 2020)

Cambridge restaurant owner lobbying Senate on delivery fee cap (Sept 10, 2020)

GUEST OP-ED: Conservation districts make housing less affordable (Sept 10, 2020 by Loren Crowe)
[Note: This is very much an opinion piece. It asserts that the primary, if not sole, reason why a neighborhood conservation district is proposed is greed. This has generally not been the case in Cambridge. Whether or not the proposed East Cambridge Neighborhood Conservation District is or is not a good idea is a separate question.]

Family pays tribute to Cambridge couple who died of COVID 2 weeks apart (Sept 9, 2020 by Amy Saltzman)

COMMISSIONER COLUMN: Racist policing outcomes or American human condition? (Sept 8, 2020)

Local artist selected to create mural for Harvard Square (Sept 8, 2020)

OPINION:Six weeks of starlight (Sept 4, 2020)

MassHousing closes on renovation at Memorial Drive (Sept 4, 2020)

MassDevelopment assists CHA in Porter Square (Sept 4, 2020)

‘Significant drought’ leads to push for water conservation in Cambridge (Sept 3, 2020)

Cambridge votes for incumbents Markey, Rogers, Jehlen; Owens wins 29th (Sept 2, 2020)

Cambridge launches abbreviated Participatory Budgeting Cycle (Sept 2, 2020)

Cyclist identified in fatal motor vehicle crash in Cambridge (Sept 1, 2020)

Cambridge Public Library makes mobile hotspots available to residents (Sept 1, 2020)

MR. RICHARD E. MCKINNON
Oct 29, 2020 – Richard E. McKinnon, lifelong Cambridge resident, passed away at age 73 on October 28, 2020 at Mass General Hospital.

He leaves behind his sister, Margaret McKinnon of Pensacola, his children, Luke McKinnon and his partner Leah Milby of Cambridge and Jessica Lynch of Centerville. Anyone he met knew he was a devoted grandfather who loved his grandchildren, Ella Lynch, Luke Richard McKinnon, Boston McKinnon, Declan Lynch, Shyah McKinnon and Lola Fisher. He will be missed by his many life-long friends, especially Mai Le and Adriana Benjamin who were constants in his life for decades.

Throughout all his endeavors, Richard maintained a generous spirit, never waited in a line, and like a true Irishman, a tune on his lips often preceded him into a room. A life-long Cantabrigian, Richard left his mark on the city at every stage of his life, whether it was being the quarterback at Cambridge Latin, studying philosophy at Harvard, working alongside Mayor Alfred E. Vellucci at Cambridge City Hall, or welcoming the band U2 to his club Nightstage/Indigo in the 1990s.

In addition to his proudest accomplishment of becoming a grandfather, he was the owner of McKinnon Company, a development firm that helped change the landscape of NorthPoint, CambridgeSide, and CambridgePark. His spirit lives on in the vibrant spaces he helped to create for the people of the city he loved.

Visiting hours at the Rogers Funeral Home, 380 Cambridge St., in Cambridge on Monday, November 2, 2020 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm.

Due to Covid-19 and Massachusetts Tracing Guidelines, the funeral home is limited to 32 people inside the funeral home and a mask must be worn at all times.

The funeral home & the family are asking those who plan to attend to please come in, maintain social distancing guidelines, pay your condolences and then exit to make it possible for others to do the same.

There will be a graveside service held at 10:00am on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at the Cambridge Cemetery, 76 Coolidge Avenue in Cambridge. Anyone wishing to be part of the funeral procession from Rogers Funeral Home to Cambridge Cemetery, should arrive at the funeral at 9:00am.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Richard’s memory to the East Cambridge Scholarship Fund, at www.theecsf.org or to the East End House, at www.eastendhouse.org.

Members Sought for Cambridge LGBTQ+ Commission

Oct 27, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking to fill vacancies on the Cambridge LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Plus Commission).

The Commission’s mission is to advocate for a culture of respect and to monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission also promotes policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare and safety of persons who live, visit or work in the City of Cambridge with regard to sexual orientation, and gender identity and expression.

The Commission holds a regularly scheduled public meeting on the 4th Thursday of each month (3rd Thursday in November due to Thanksgiving holiday, no meetings in December or August). Though scheduled meetings are required, much of the work done by Commissioners is often outside of scheduled meetings through working groups.

The LGBTQ+ Commission consists of 20 members appointed by the City Manager to serve three-year terms. Individuals who live or work in Cambridge are eligible to apply. We are seeking members of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, racial/ethnic backgrounds, and abilities to join the Commission and work with other Commissioners to help it achieve its goals and support its mission.

To learn more about the Commission please visit: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/lgbtqpluscommission.

Applications to serve on the Commission should be submitted by Fri, Dec 4, 2020 to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Vacancy

Oct 27, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis DePasquale is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC). The Commission consists of 11 volunteer members, who are appointed by the City Manager, following an application and interview process. The term of the appointment is three years. Commissioners are expected to be knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship and must be residents of Cambridge. It is desirable for this Commission to be fully representative of the diverse Cambridge community.

Cambridge welcomes immigrants and wants to encourage their success and access to opportunity and advancement in this country. It is a goal of this Commission to get the message of welcome out, through collaboration with organizations that already provide services and outreach to our immigrant communities. The Commission acts as a centralizing organization in Cambridge, to address immigrant rights and citizenship issues through providing information, referral, guidance, coordination and technical assistance to other public agencies and private persons, organizations and institutions engaged in activities and programs intended to support immigrant rights and citizenship.

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

Resumes and letters of interest should be sent by Dec 4, 2020 through the online application system link. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall. Please call 617-349-4300 to schedule an appointment if needed.

Members Sought for Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee

Oct 27, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking volunteers to serve on the City’s Community Benefits Advisory Committee. This Committee makes recommendations to the City Manager for the approval and awarding of grant agreements with nonprofit organizations for the provision of Community Benefits.

Community Benefits may be programs or services provided by nonprofit organizations that directly benefit Cambridge residents. The role of the Committee is to solicit and evaluate applications from local non-profit providers for the provision of services that are consistent with the Cambridge City Council’s Funding Priorities. The Committee is also responsible for establishing rules, regulations, and guidelines to provide for the proper administration and implementation of Community Benefit funding.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee is currently seeking resident and business/property development representatives The Committee meets monthly. Committee members shall be appointed for terms of three years.

Individuals with interest in human service programs, experience/expertise in relevant topics (examples include but not limited to nonprofit leadership, fiscal management, community development, program design/development, public health, housing, homelessness, food access/insecurity, mental health/substance abuse, grant writing, social justice, child development), and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse viewpoints to craft consensus solutions are encouraged to apply.

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

Click here for more information on the Community Benefits Ordinance and Committee duties.

Applications to serve on the Commission should be submitted by Fri, Dec 4, 2020 to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

Riverbend Park in Cambridge to Remain Open Through November 29, 2020
Public reminded to follow public health guidance to slow spread of COVID-19

Oct 26, 2020 – The City of Cambridge and the Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) announced today that Riverbend Park in the City of Cambridge will continue to open for pedestrian and cyclist use on Saturdays and Sundays through November 29, 2020 and Memorial Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic from 11:00am to 7:00pm.

“I want to thank DCR, especially Commissioner Montgomery, for working with the City to extend the weekend openings for Riverbend Park,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Riverbend Park is an important open space resource in the City and I strongly encourage users of the park to continue following current public health guidance and recommendations.”

Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members, practice good hand hygiene, and wear a mask or face covering at all times when on or in public places in Cambridge. Public places include sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages, and any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility which is open and accessible to the general public.

Residents are advised to stay home if they feel unwell, have tested positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19

City of Cambridge Extends Restrictions on Public Events through December 31, 2020
City reminds public to avoid higher-risk Halloween activities this week

Oct 26, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that it is extending the current prohibition on City-sponsored community events, events permitted for the use of City parks, or other City-sponsored public gatherings through December 31, 2020. The City has not permitted events or gatherings through its special events process since March 16, 2020 and is continuing this prohibition as part of its overall COVID-19 prevention strategies.

As Halloween approaches, the City reminds the public that, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many traditional Halloween activities can be higher risk for spreading viruses. Residents planning to celebrate Halloween are strongly urged to follow the guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to engage in only lower or moderate risk activities to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Halloween activities are subject to the current state and City gathering size limits as well as any applicable sector-specific workplace safety standards. Pursuant to the City of Cambridge Temporary Emergency Order Concerning Gatherings in the City of Cambridge, dated Oct 2, 2020, outdoor gatherings at event venues and public settings are limited to a maximum of 50 persons in a single venue or space, and pursuant to City of Cambridge Temporary Emergency Order Delaying Step 2 of Phase III of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan in the City of Cambridge, dated Oct 2, 2020, only businesses and business capacities permitted in Phase III, Step 1 of the Reopening Plan are permitted to operate.

This Halloween, residents are strongly advised to stay home and refrain from Halloween door-to-door activities.

The CDC categorizes Halloween activities into higher, moderate, and lower risk activities. It is recommended to avoid higher-risk activities and consider engaging in only lower to moderate risk alternatives this year.

Lower-risk activities include:

• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house, admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

Moderate-risk activities include:

• Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go. Tips:
  • If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.
  • Leave the goodie bags at the end of your driveway or edge of your yard and consider leaving hand sanitizer next to the treats for children to use.
  • Families should discourage children from eating candy while trick-or-treating. Once home, have children wash their hands. If you are concerned about coronavirus transmission from candy wrappers, consider "quarantining" Halloween candy for three days. Throw away any candy that is not individually wrapped.
• Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart
• Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
• Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart

Higher-risk activities include:

• Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door
• Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots
• Attending crowded costume parties held indoors
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
• Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household

Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members, practice good hand hygiene, and wear a mask or face covering at all times when on or in public places, or common areas of multi-unit residential buildings. Public places include sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages, and any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility which is open and accessible to the general public. Halloween costume masks are not a substitute for a cloth face covering or mask.

View the Temporary Emergency Restrictions on City Public Meetings, City Events, and City Permitted Events Due to COVID-19.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19

City of Cambridge Helps Restaurants Extend Outdoor Dining Season Safely with New Patio Heater Reimbursement Program

Oct 22, 2020 – As part of its ongoing efforts to support the local business community and extend the outdoor dining season safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Cambridge announced a new Patio Heater Reimbursement Program.

City staff have been working with representatives from Cambridge business associations and the local restaurant community to plan for what an outdoor dining experience will look like during the winter months. This includes planning for winter weather operations and creating opportunities to make the dining experience as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

Through this new program, restaurants will be reimbursed up to $250.00 per portable patio heater for up to a maximum of five patio heaters per business. This reimbursement is subject to restaurants’ compliance with regulations and requirements from the Cambridge Fire Department. The City Manager will be submitting a $100,000 appropriation request to the City Council to support this program.

“I want to thank City departments, especially the Cambridge Fire Department, as well as the business community for their collaboration on the new heat lamp reimbursement program,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “This is one of several initiatives we are working on to help our restaurants offset added expenses due to COVID-19 and enable them to keep their outdoor dining operating for as long as they want, while weather permits.”

“We must do everything we can to help our restaurants mitigate operating costs as they continue to offer outdoor dining this Fall,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I want to thank Vice Mayor Mallon for her leadership and for continuing to be a strong advocate for our business community, and the City Council for their commitment to ensuring our small businesses have what they need during this challenging time.”

In addition to supporting outdoor dining, residents can support their favorite local eatery by participating in the “Pick It Up, Cambridge” campaign. This campaign aims to inform patrons that they can save restaurants as much as 25% per order by calling them directly and picking up orders. This simple step can help ensure that restaurants receive the entirety of the transaction. Selecting or ordering pick-up via delivery apps can cost restaurants a significant portion of the order. For more information or to participate in the Patio Heater reimbursement program, contact Matt Nelson, Assistant to the City Manager, at 617-349-4266 or mnelson@cambridgema.gov.

Of Tempests and Teapots

Oct 1, 2020 - At this week's Special City Council meeting that featured various pandemic-related updates, it seems that the one revelation that lit up a few councillors like light bulbs was an update from Traffic Director Joseph Barr in response to a question about the status of proposed additions to the "shared streets" initiative that currently includes Garden Street, most of Magazine Street, and Harvard Street west of Prospect. According to Joe Barr, the feedback on the proposed changes was "underwhelming" with lots of resistance and concerns about traffic impacts and safety. Since there is apparently "not a significant appetite", the City plans to simply maintain what we already have and not pursue additional changes at this time. Needless to say, several councillors practically blew their gaskets at the notion that City staff might revise plans based on community feedback. [That said, I'm sure the intolerant insiders will insist on pushing this backdoor bike plan in order to get a few more street changes before winter.]

Personally, I like some of these shared streets in principle, but I find the implementation to be shabby at best. The main feature seems to be randomly placed A-frame signs that make roads into low-skill slalom courses. I also wonder about their effectiveness. Are they there for practical reasons or merely just to make a show of how gloriously progressive we think we are - the driving force behind more than a few Cambridge public policies. My observations are that they are underutilized at best - though I think they're great for some of the cyclists. The rationale that they were needed for the purpose of social distancing seems to have been based more on fiction than fact.

There was also the suggestion at the Special meeting that even though our numbers are among the best in the Commonwealth, we should be doing more because we are just so damned wealthy. Councillor Sobrinho-Wheeler neatly cherry-picked the per-capita-income statistics when he noted that "except for Newton" we had the highest per capita income in the state - among cities. It's worth noting that of the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts there are only 54 cities - and 297 towns.When you list all municipalities, Cambridge comes in at #52 in per capita income at $47,448. Nearby Boookline ranks #13 at $65,349, but I guess that doesn't count because it's a town rather than a city. Weston still ranks #1 at $105,217. I think it's fair to say that Cambridge has gone above and beyond most municipalities in their Covid-19 response. My only wish is that we could provide some loan guarantees for struggling businesses, but it's never easy to navigate around the state's Anti-Aid Amendment. What we really need are loan guarantees from the federal government so that creditors won't be beating down the doors of businesses/employers and property owners with mortgages. You can't expect to have rent forgiveness and/or delays based purely on acts of charity (though thankfully there has been a lot of that during this pandemic).

Perhaps the greatest civic spectacle of this past month was the brouhaha over the extension of City Manager Louis DePasquale's contract for an additional 18 months. The notion that you would extend the contract of a very competent and empathetic city manager in the midst of a pandemic would seem to be just about the easiest decision an elected official could make. Nonetheless, the contract was approved on a 6-3 vote only after several councillors expressed their "outrage" over such things as a delay in closing some streets, a temporary suspension of the mandatory "Bring Your Own Bag Ordinance" due to health concerns, and, of course, the Manager's continued skepticism about a proposed multi-hundred million dollar taxpayer investment in construction of a municipal broadband network. [I personally am hopeful that municipal broadband may prove to be a cost-effective initiative, but I certainly don't begin with that presumption.] I firmly believe that if these same councillors are in place in mid-2022 the choice of our next city manager will rest firmly on what comes across as superficially the most "progressive" in the inevitable tweets and other social media postings. Personally, I just want a manager with an empathetic soul who understands math and who values efficient delivery of city services.

Another Big Enterprise right now seems to be the call to review and/or change the City Charter for reasons that are about as clear as mud. Back when the Plan E Charter was established 80 years ago, it was runaway taxes, political patronage, and outright corruption that drove the campaign to move to a strong city manager form of government (with proportional representation elections). Apparently there are some councillors and activists who believe that charters are like underwear that needs to be changed now and then - just because. Personally I like the idea of reviewing the Charter if for no other reason than having the opportunity for more people to learn about it - and maybe to identify a few things that could be improved. Unfortunately, the rhetoric suggests that the main reason why some are pressing for charter change is that they want to invest more power in our part-time city councillors. One of our elected cuncillors even asserted that if a simple majority of councillors told the city manager to do something then he should simply do it without delay or question. This, of course, is a fundamental confusion between managed government and micromanagement. Our charter calls upon the elected councillors to pass ordinances, approve budgets, and set policies to guide the City administration. It's certainly not the role of the City Council to say who should be awarded contracts for services and who should be hired as a particular department head. If there's a problem in City government, it's more likely attributable to personal shortcomings than to governmental structure.

It was also noteworthy that one of the main ideas for charter change floated by some councillors at the Special Meeting called for this purpose was for an extension of their terms from two years to four years. I don't think that self-serving idea is going anywhare, but I think it says a lot about the councillors who floated the notion. We somehow managed to make it through 60 years out of 80 with the current Plan E Charter with councillors provided modest compensation for their part-time services and several staff people in the City Council office to assist with City Council orders, taking phone calls, and the like. In the last 20 years they have dramatically increased their salary, added now full-time aides, and even added their own dedicated parking spaces. Did the job suddenly grow so dramatically in these recent years? Is this current group somehow more skilled and burdened with greater responsibilities compared to years past? The Charter hasn't changed, so it's hard to make the case that the job has changed. Perhaps the one identifiable change is that some councillors now seem to be operating more like a taxpayer-funded political organizations than as elected representatives whose primary job is to listen to residents and propose policies based on what they see and hear every day. - RW

HOW TO BREAK A POLITICAL MACHINE
[Collier’s Magazine, January 31, 1948]

City of Cambridge Ballot Drop Boxes to be Locked from 8:00pm to 7:00am Each Day
Change is part of enhanced security protocols

Oct 26, 2020 – The Cambridge Election Commission announced today that enhanced security protocols will be in effect for the City’s six exterior ballot drop boxes.

Beginning today, Oct 26, 2020, the Cambridge Police Department will increase the frequency of its routine monitoring of the ballot drop boxes, Cambridge Election Commissioners will increase the frequency the ballot drop boxes are emptied, and ballot drop boxes will be locked from 8:00pm though 7:00am each day. These enhanced protocols are being implemented pursuant to an Election Directive issued by the Secretary of the Commonwealth on Oct 25, 2020, addressing increased concern over attempts to interfere with ballots and ballot drop boxes.

“The Cambridge Election Commission is committed to ensuring our voters have access to easy and convenient methods to cast their ballots,” said Executive Director Tanya Ford-Crump. “We have and will continue to implement strategies that will protect the integrity of the electoral process. These new safety measure will have minimal impact on Cambridge voters.”

Registered Cambridge voters can visit any of the three early voting locations offered in Cambridge through Fri, Oct 30 to vote in the State/Presidential Election. Mail-in ballots may be returned at early voting locations. Early voting locations are open from 9:30am to 5:00pm and are located at:

• Longfellow Community School - 359 Broadway, Rear Entrance near Antrim St.,
• Cambridge Water Department - 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, and
• Valente Library - 826 Cambridge St., Side Entrance on Berkshire St.

Voters who have elected to vote by mail must have their ballots postmarked by Tues, Nov 3, 2020 and the ballot must arrive at the Cambridge Election Commission office by Fri, Nov 6, 2020 at 5:00pm. Ballots delivered by hand or by drop box must be delivered by 8:00pm on Tues, Nov 3, 2020.

Official ballot drop boxes are available at the following six locations:

• City Hall - Near back door of building located at 795 Massachusetts Ave.
• Morse School - Near the front entrance of the building located at 40 Granite St.
• Cambridge Police Headquarters - Left-side of front of building located at 125 6th St.
• Maria L. Baldwin School - Right-side of Oxford St. entrance of building located at 28 Sacramento St.
• O’Neill Library - Adjacent to the entrance stairs of building located at 70 Rindge Ave.
• Coffon Building - Right-side of the front of the building located at 51 Inman St.

For additional information visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/Voting or contact the Cambridge Election Commission at 617-349-4361.

Advance Removal and Depositing of Ballots for State/Presidential Election on November 3, 2020

Oct 22, 2020 – Under the provisions of section 7(k) of chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, early voting ballots may be processed in advance of Election Day.

The City of Cambridge Election Commission will conduct advance removal of voted State/Presidential Election ballots on Mon, Oct 26; Tues, Oct 27; Wed, Oct 28; and Thurs, Oct 29 beginning at 9:30am at the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. The voted ballots will be removed from the sealed envelopes and prepared for advance processing.

The advance processing of voted State/Presidential Election ballots will be conducted on Fri, Oct 30 at 9:30am at the Citywide Senior Center. The voted ballots will be placed in a tabulator and counted. The results from advance processing will not be determined or announced until after the polls close at 8:00pm on Election Day, Nov 3, 2020. The results from the advanced processing will be added to the Election Day results and posted in a public place.

Both of these processes will be open for public observation. If you would like to observe the advance removal and/or processing of ballots, we ask that you arrive at the rear entrance of the center on Green Street on the scheduled days. Upon arrival, please call 617-349-6214 to gain access to the building.

Observers must use face coverings and must maintain a minimum physical distancing of six (6) feet from all other observers and workers. Observers will also be asked to take other safety measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and general respect for cleanliness and sanitation.

For more information, please contact Cambridge Election Commission at 617-349-4361.

Note: Friday, October 30 was the Last Day for Early Voting

For those who have mail-in ballots, the drop boxes will still be available through the close of the polls on Tues, Nov 3 (8:00pm).

Voting Options and Voter Registration for the State/Presidential Election, November 3 - Cambridge, MA

In order to provide increased voting options in response to COVID-19, 950 House Bill 4820 was passed and signed into law as Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020 “for the immediate preservation of public health and convenience.” Accordingly, early voting is available to all voters for the State/Presidential Election on November 3rd. Early voting is available by mail and in person to all registered voters and no excuse is required.

Voters are encouraged to wear a mask or face covering in the Early Voting locations and on Election Day at polling sites (except for reasons listed in CDC or Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines) to help mitigate public health risks associated with COVID-19.

However you choose to vote, please be advised that once a voter casts an early voting ballot, the voter may no longer vote at the polls.

Early Voting

To vote by mail:

1. Complete a Vote by Mail Application; you can apply online or download an application at www.MailMyBallotMA.com or send a written request with your name, Cambridge address, address where you want the ballot sent, and your signature. Applications can be sent by:
• Online submission at www.MailMyBallotMA.com
• Email to elections@cambridgema.gov
• Mail to the Election Commission, 51 Inman Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
• Fax to (617) 349-4366.
2. Vote when your ballot arrives.
3. Return your voted and sealed ballot to the Cambridge Election Commission by mail, ballot drop box, or in person.
4. Check the status of your ballot at www.TrackMyBallotMA.com

The deadline to return a Vote by Mail ballot is November 3rd at 8:00pm or postmarked by November 3rd and delivered to the Cambridge Election Commission by November 6th in order to be counted.

Check the status of your ballot at www.TrackMyBallotMA.com

The deadline to submit a Vote by Mail Application for a mailed ballot for the election is Wednesday, October 28th at 5:00pm. The U.S. Postal Service recommends submitting this application no later than October 20th to ensure the timely delivery of your ballot.

The Election Commission is open to the public by appointment only. Please schedule an appointment at https://calendly.com/cambridge-election-commission

Official Ballot Drop Box Locations

Official ballot drop boxes will be available at the following six (6) locations for Cambridge voters beginning Friday, October 9th through Tuesday, November 3rd at 8:00pm: [The ballot drop boxes will be locked from 8:00pm though 7:00am each day.]

1. City Hall - Near the back door of the building located at 795 Massachusetts Avenue
2. Morse School - Near the front entrance of the building located at 40 Granite Street
3. Cambridge Police Headquarters - Right-side of the front of the building located at 125 6th Street
4. Maria L. Baldwin School - Right-side of the Oxford Street entrance of the building located at 28 Sacramento Street
5. O’Neill Library - Adjacent to the entrance stairs of the building located at 70 Rindge Avenue
6. Coffon Building - Right-side of the front of the building located at 51 Inman Street

To vote in person, visit any one of the three (3) early voting locations offered in Cambridge during the period from Saturday, October 17th to Friday, October 30th for the State/Presidential Election. You must be a registered voter in Cambridge to vote at the early voting locations. Please refer to the City’s designated early voting schedule below. The deadline to vote early in person is Friday, October 30th at 5:00pm.

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS, HOURS AND DAYS

Longfellow Community School – 359 Broadway, rear entrance

Cambridge Water Department - 250 Fresh Pond Parkway

Valente Library – 826 Cambridge Street, side entrance on Berkshire Street

The Election Commission office located 51 Inman Street will NOT be an early voting location for the State/Presidential Election, November 3rd. Voters must go to one of the designated early voting locations listed above.

* The voter registration deadline is Saturday, October 24th at 8:00pm. The Election Commission will be open from 1:00pm to 8:00pm. Please schedule an appointment. If you are unable to schedule an appointment, Election Commission staff will be available to accept completed voter registration forms near the side entrance of the Coffon Building on Inman Place, Cambridge.

Voting on Election Day & Relocation of Some Polling Sites

Voting on Election Day will still be available for those who want to vote at the polls, but, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some polling sites (like those in high-risk facilities) were temporarily relocated for the upcoming State/Presidential Election on November 3rd. Your temporary location will be in the same ward and precinct or near your regular polling site for voter convenience and to minimize voter confusion. In the next few weeks, voters will receive an Early Voting Guide and a Voter Notification Card in the mail that will have information pertaining to any relocated polling places and other important election related information. [Cambridge Polling Sites - Fall 2020]

City of Cambridge Cancels City-Sponsored Halloween Events
Permits for community-sponsored events in public places will not be issued

Oct 13, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that it is canceling all City-sponsored Halloween events and will not be issuing street closure, block party, or park permits this year for community events to help prevent large groups of trick-or-treaters and others from congregating in close proximity. City-sponsored events include annual Halloween open houses hosted by the Cambridge Fire Department and Halloween activities sponsored by the Department of Human Service Program’s Community Schools.

“Community celebrations are an important part of civic life in Cambridge; however, we must continue to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures. Traditional door to door trick-or-treating is a higher risk activity and I strongly encourage residents to consider safer alternatives,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “We have a collective obligation this Halloween – and every day – to engage in behaviors that help Cambridge remain a lower risk community.

“Our decision to cancel the City’s annual Halloween events this year was not made lightly. We know this year has been hard on our residents, particularly families with younger children, and this is just one more sacrifice we are asking our families to make for the greater well-being, safety and health of our City,” says Mayor Siddiqui. “I encourage residents and families to celebrate Halloween through the variety of lower risk activities listed in the CDC guidelines.”

The City of Cambridge urges residents planning to celebrate Halloween to follow the guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and to engage in only lower or moderate risk activities to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Halloween activities are subject to the current state gathering size limits as well as applicable any sector-specific workplace safety standards.

“We are asking residents to have a safe and fun Halloween this year and avoid higher risk activities,” said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. "Because the risk of COVID-19 transmission is greatest in indoors, we especially want to caution residents to avoid crowded indoor parties and haunted houses.”

Residents should stay home and refrain from Halloween activities, including handing out Halloween treats, if they feel unwell, have tested positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days.

According to the CDC, many traditional Halloween activities can be higher risk for spreading viruses. The CDC categorizes Halloween activities into higher, moderate, and lower risk activities. It is recommended to avoid higher-risk activities and consider engaging in only lower to moderate risk alternatives this year.

Higher risk activities include:

• Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door
• Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots
• Attending crowded costume parties held indoors
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
• Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household

Moderate risk activities include:

• Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go. Tips:
  • If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.
  • Leave the goodie bags at the end of your driveway or edge of your yard and consider leaving hand sanitizer next to the treats for children to use.
  • Families should discourage children from eating candy while trick-or-treating. Once home, have children wash their hands. If you are concerned about coronavirus transmission from candy wrappers, consider "quarantining" Halloween candy for three days. Throw away any candy that is not individually wrapped.
• Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart
• Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used, and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
• Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet apart

Lower risk activities include:

• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house, admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

To sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

Fourth Amended Temporary Emergency Order Requiring the Wearing of Masks or Cloth Face Coverings

Oct 2, 2020 – The City of Cambridge has issued the Fourth Amended Temporary Emergency Order Requiring the Wearing of Masks or Cloth Face Coverings in All Public Places, Businesses, and Common Areas of Residential Buildings (the “October 2, 2020 Amended Mask Order”), which went into effect immediately.

The purpose of this amendment was to conform with state orders and to clarify an issue concerning common areas of residential buildings.

Specifically, the October 2, 2020 Amended Mask Order conforms to the latest requirements by the state concerning children and face coverings. The state requires face coverings for all persons over the age of 5 attending indoor or outdoor gatherings. The state also requires that children under the age of 2 not wear face coverings or masks. For children 2 years of age and older, a mask or face covering should be used, if possible. Mask use by children 2 years of age and up through the age of 5 is encouraged but should be at the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian at this time. In regard to common areas of residential buildings, the October 2, 2020 Amended Mask Order clarifies that in common areas, masks or cloth face coverings may be temporarily removed while eating or drinking when seated in outdoor seating areas, so long as a distance of at least six feet is maintained at all times.

The remaining provisions of the Third Amended Temporary Emergency Order Requiring the Wearing of Masks or Cloth Face Coverings in All Public Places, Businesses, and Common Areas of Residential Buildings, which went into effect today (Friday, October 2nd), remain in effect.

City of Cambridge Delays Transition to Step 2 of Phase III for Lower Risk Communities

Oct 2, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that it will delay the City’s advancement to Step 2 of Phase III of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’s Reopening Plan. The Cambridge Commissioner of Public Health has determined that allowing Step 2 of Phase III of the Reopening Plan to commence in the City of Cambridge on October 5, 2020 will likely contribute to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the city and presents a public health risk for the residents of the city and those of neighboring communities.

“After consulting with the Commissioner of Public Health, Chief Public Health Officer, and the City’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Panel, we are delaying Cambridge’s advancement to Step 2 Phase III,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “Cambridge remains a low-risk community in part because we have taken a more conservative approach to reopening than the Commonwealth. Our priority is to keep our residents safe.”

“Before we advance the City to the next reopening step, we want to look closely at the impact on our current infection rate as residents start spending more time indoors during the fall months and as K-12 schools start reopening to in-person learning,” said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department.

The average number of new infections in Cambridge has remained relatively stable since mid-July, but there has been a small uptick in cases in September compared to August. "We remain concerned about potential droplet or small particle transmission in indoor settings, especially at work places and other indoor sites with poor ventilation.”

As new COVID-19 infections continue to rise in Massachusetts, the City of Cambridge will continue to take a cautious and measured approach to further reopening activities and will continue to closely monitor public health data as part of its decision-making process.

View full text of the Temporary Emergency Order Concerning Gatherings in the City of Cambridge.

View full text of the Temporary Emergency Order Delaying Step 2 of Phase III of Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan in the City of Cambridge.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

City of Cambridge Amends Temporary Emergency Restrictions on Public Meetings and Events
Halloween Guidance to be announced next week

Oct 2, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that all City-sponsored community events, athletic events, events permitted for the use of City parks, or other City-sponsored public gatherings will be cancelled through October 26, 2020, or postponed to a later date. All prior approvals for events or gatherings are revoked. The City Manager’s Office is collaborating with the City’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Panel, the Commissioner of Public Health, and the Cambridge Public Health Department to evaluate and determine what Halloween activities will be allowed in the City. Further guidance on Halloween activities in the City will be released next week.

City sponsored youth sports activities that take place in City parks or other City athletic facilities are permitted, subject to obtaining a City permit, and further subject to complying with all COVID-19 requirements and guidelines concerning youth sports issued by the State, which include but are not limited to requirements concerning social distancing, hygiene protocols, staffing and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting.

The meetings of the Board of Zoning Appeal, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission and Neighborhood Conservation Commissions, License Commission, Planning Board, Pole and Conduit Commission, and Election Commission are authorized to be held. Meetings will continue to be held virtually by utilizing web based technology that will stream audio and video – whenever possible -- of the meeting. All meetings will allow for remote participation by the members of the public body. All other public meetings of City committees, advisory groups, community meetings and the like shall remain cancelled and postponed until a later date, unless a meeting is determined necessary by the City.

All meetings of the City Council, including City Council Committee meetings, and all other City public bodies, boards and commissions that are governed by the state Open Meeting Law and transact official City business, other than quasi-judicial public bodies, boards and commissions, will follow the procedures defined in the City’s Amended Temporary Emergency Restriction on City Public Meetings, City Events, and City Permitted Events due to COVID-19, which is available on the City’s website.

Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members, and anyone over the age of five must wear a mask or face covering at all times when on or in public places. Public places include sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages, and any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility which is open and accessible to the general public.

The above temporary restrictions will remain in effect until October 26, 2020, or until further modified by the City Manager.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

Members Sought for Cambridge Public Art Commission

Sept 23, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Cambridge Public Art Commission (PAC).

Public Art Commission members are volunteers appointed by the City Manager to work with Cambridge Arts Council staff in accomplishing the goals of the Cambridge Public Art Program. The Public Art Commission is composed of seven members who serve three-year terms, renewable once. The PAC seeks to represent the socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the city, as well as various art and design disciplines (such as artists, architects, landscape architects, art educators, urban planners, art historians, conservators, curators, and art administrators). The PAC meets on the third Tuesday of the month from 6-8 p.m., at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor, in the Cambridge Arts Council Conference Room.

The role of the Commission is to guide the implementation of the Public Art Ordinance and the Art Gifts and Donation Policy, and to advise on the overall direction of the Public Art Program. The Commission brings its collective expertise to bear on discussions regarding the various program areas of the Cambridge Public Art Program, such as acquisition and deaccession, project planning, maintenance, conservation, educational programming, and the exhibitions in Gallery 344. The Commission reviews every percent-for-art project from artists’ proposals to final design. PAC approval is required before a project can go into fabrication.

The responsibilities of the Public Art Commission include:

• Advising on the artist selection process and community engagement process for major projects;
• Recommending qualified jurors to select artists (the Commission does not select artists);
• Reviewing public art proposals;
• Recommending potential sources for additional funding;
• Advising on outreach and education;
• Providing connection to the wider community and recommendations on community interests, resources, contacts, and neighborhood or city-wide issues;
• Contributing a broad perspective and interest in the city’s goals and values;
• Attendance at monthly meetings.

Members are encouraged to participate in Public Art activities and Gallery 344 events, such as public art openings, artist talks, community presentations, gallery receptions, public art tours, and other related happenings. Additionally, members have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day work of the staff, Arts Council partners, and other departments and to offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role of arts advocacy within city government.

For more information about public art in Cambridge, visit www.cambridgema.gov/publicart.

Applications to serve on this commission can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience should be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Ave. The application deadline is Friday, October 23, 2020.

Cambridge Conservation Commission Members Sought

Sept 23, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Conservation Commission. The Conservation Commission is responsible for administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), a state law governing activities in and immediately adjacent to local wetlands, waterways and floodplains.

The Commission holds two regularly scheduled public meetings each month to review permit applications under the WPA, issue permits and conduct other business related to the management of Cambridge’s natural resource areas.

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

Applications to serve on this committee can be submitted to City Manager Louis A. DePasquale using the City’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may 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 is Friday, October 23, 2020.

Around Town (Sept 10, 2020 in Harvard Square)

For years I have harbored this vision of Cambridge as a city with places where you could buy a hot dog over a window counter. I even remember on my block in Mid-Cambridge where the remnants of Sabbey's Spa still had a soda fountain visible that used to serve up beverages to people on the sidewalk outside. One of the positive aspects of this damn pandemic is that it has forced business owners to seek creative solutions - some of them echos of how things were done years ago. Hopefully some of this creativity will remain when more normal times return. Anyone wanna open a sidewalk hot dog stand? I'll be your first customer. - RW

Labor Day walk in the Old Burying Ground, Harvard Square (Sept 7, 2020)

The burying ground has few visitors, and it's larger than you might think

A grave slab makes a nice bed for not-so-eternal slumber

One portion of the prominent Dana family plot

Boston 8 miles (via Roxbury Crossing) - 1734

New Bridge 2¼ miles - 1794

Farewell vain world I've had enough of thee,
And now I'm careless what thou sayest of me;
What fault thou sawest in me take care to shun,
There is work within thy self that should be done.
Thy smiles I count not nor thy frowns I fear,
My cares are past my head lies quiet here.

Tues, Sept 29 - There was a Special City Council meeting today at Noon to receive a COVID 19 update from the City manager and staff.

City of Cambridge Issues Amendments to Temporary Emergency Order Requiring the Wearing of Masks or Cloth Face Coverings
Order Effective Midnight on October 2, 2020

Sept 25, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today issued amendments to its emergency order requiring that face coverings be worn in all public places, businesses, and common areas of residential buildings with two or more dwelling units. The order goes into effect at 12:00am on Friday, October 2, 2020.

With the amended order, anyone age two or older must wear a mask or face covering at all times when on or in public places beginning on October 2, 2020. Public places include sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages, and any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility which is open and accessible to the general public The newly amended order replaces the City’s previous provision, which allowed people to remove face masks or coverings while outside during the summer months in Cambridge when a physical distance of at least 6 feet could be maintained at all times.

Under Governor Baker’s August 7, 2020, Executive Order, masks or cloth face coverings must be worn by persons age two years old or older attending indoor or outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people in Cambridge. The amended City Order also requires that employees of places of business may remove masks or cloth face coverings only when working alone in an individual office with a door closed or when working alone in an office suite with no other individuals present. Masks must be worn at all other times in places of business. Additionally, in residential buildings with more than one unit, anyone in a common area will need to wear a mask or face covering over their mouth and nose at all times.

“Since the emergence of this pandemic, the City, in cooperation with the Cambridge Public Health Department and an Expert Advisory Committee, has been deploying a series of public health strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “It is clear that wearing a mask or face covering is a key requirement in combating this pandemic. With people spending more time indoors, there is an increased risk of spreading COVID-19. By tightening and clarifying our face-covering requirements now, we hope to continue minimizing COVID-19 risk in Cambridge.”

“We’ve seen a slight uptick in average daily COVID-19 infections among city residents in September compared to last month, which includes cases at the higher education institutions as well as in the broader community,” said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. “We urge residents to remain vigilant about mask-wearing and to avoid spending time in poorly ventilated indoor spaces or at crowded gatherings where physical distancing is difficult.”

The amended order further clarifies that patrons of food establishments may temporarily remove their masks or face coverings when dining; however, they may do so only when seated. Patrons must wear masks or face coverings at all other times when in indoor and outdoor areas of restaurants and cafes.

“I am proud that our Cambridge COVID-19 numbers remain at a low positivity rate, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is related to our residents wearing face masks, keeping their distance from others, and practicing good hygiene,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “We must continue wearing masks to stay safe, and I am confident that this mandate will help keep our numbers low as we head into cold and flu season.”

While the City will continue to emphasize education over fines, any person found violating this Emergency Order may be issued a warning or may be issued a violation notice with a fine of three hundred dollars ($300). Compliance with City and state requirements for wearing masks or face coverings will be monitored by the Cambridge Police, Cambridge Public Health, and lnspectional Services departments.

To report any potential violations or concerns, residents are encouraged to contact the Cambridge Police business line at (617) 349-3300 or e-mail 311@cambridgema.gov.

The full text of the emergency order can be found at Cambridgema.gov/COVID19.

For more information and to sign up to receive daily updates on COVID-19 and other important City information, please visit  https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19

More information, videos, and frequently asked questions about face coverings can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/facecoverings.

Cambridge Records 100th COVID-19 Death
City Issues Important Public Health Reminders

Sept 25, 2020 – The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) reported on today that the number of known COVID-19 deaths among Cambridge residents has reached 100 and that 1,380 residents have tested positive for the disease since the first cases in the city were reported on March 13, 2020.

“Today we mourn the loss of Cambridge’s 100th resident,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “My thoughts are with their loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Reaching this significant number of deaths reminds us to remain steadfast in our efforts in complying with public health guidance. We must continue practicing social distancing and wearing masks for our loved ones, our neighbors and ourselves – we cannot lose one more Cantabrigian.”

“On behalf of our dedicated staff and community partners, I want to express my deepest condolences to the families and friends who have lost a loved one due to COVID-19,” said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. “This is a sad milestone and we mourn each one of these residents. This is also a reminder that the best way to keep our community safe is to support and encourage each other to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing, and wash hands frequently.”

“Today’s milestone is a solemn reminder that we are still in the midst of a public health crisis, and we must remain vigilant in adhering to practices that will minimize the spread of the virus,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “COVID-19 has taken a terrible toll on many in the Cambridge community. I want to express my heartfelt sorrow to the families who have lost loved ones to this virus. We are working tirelessly to ensure the City is doing everything it can to prevent the loss of life in our City due to COVID-19.”

Over 112,000 COVID-19 tests have been given to Cambridge residents, one of the highest test totals in the Commonwealth. The City of Cambridge has provided over 11,000 through its mobile testing program. For the most recent two-week period, only 0.14% of tests administered to Cambridge residents were positive. Over 50,800 residents have received at least one molecular COVID-19 test since March, according to state data. Additional information on cases in Cambridge is available in the Cambridge COVID-19 Data Center.

It is as important as ever to:

• Adhere to orders requiring the use of face coverings whenever outside your home.
• Keep a 6-foot distance from people you do not live with.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If you have a cough, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, headache or sore throat, and/or loss of taste or smell, call your doctor's office.
• If you have severe symptoms, such as trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in your chest, and/or inability to wake or stay awake, call 911 for an ambulance immediately.

For local information on COVID-19, please visit the City of Cambridge COVID-19 web page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19.

City's Department of Human Service Programs Launches Outdoor Activities
New Outdoor Experiences for Jk-8th Graders Planned for Sept 21 - Oct 30

Sept 21, 2020 – The Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP) launched today its “Fall on the Fields,” a series of free, outdoor experiences for Cambridge JK-8th graders, from Sept 21-Oct 30, from 3-6pm on weekdays, at Danehy Park, Rindge, Hoyt, Donnelly, and Sennott Fields.

“I am so pleased that we can provide opportunities for kids and families to engage in safe and fun activities this fall,” said City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “Our DHSP team has been collaborating with Cambridge Public Health Department to develop outdoor programming that meets COVID-19 safety practices while allowing our youth to explore music, dance, sports, and arts and crafts in an engaging, supervised environment.”

In preparation for today's official kick-off of the program, DHSP staff conducted two preview days on September 16-17 that attracted well over 300 children.

“I’m incredibly proud of the hard work the staff has put into rethinking how we engage with the community,” said Ellen Semonoff Assistant City Manager for Human Services. “We are very excited to kick off this outdoor series.”

“This year has affected all of us, but our children and youth have been pulled from their friends and classrooms, and they are needing outdoor activities to support their social and emotional wellness,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I am excited for the fall programming DHSP has developed to provide additional fun and interactive, outdoor activities for Cambridge kids and families.”

Supervised by DHSP staff, the daily experiences will include recreation and games, arts and music, and opportunities to move, play, explore, and create in a safe and supervised environment. Families can register each day at the field.

“Our fall outdoor programming is designed to get kids who have been trapped inside outdoors,” said Recreation Director Adam Corbeil. “Getting outside is good for your mind and body. Never underestimate the power of play.”

Below are the Fall Recreation Guidelines, including COVID-19 safety protocols that will be in place.

• Parent/guardians are required to be present at all times for children ages 8 and below.
• Everyone must always wear a mask at and around the fields.
• Staff will be wearing DHSP t-shirts; please check in each day at sign in desk when you arrive and leave the fields.
• All participants must have completed a Registration Form for contact tracing and safety reasons.
• All participants will be required to wear a mask and maintain the proper social distancing while on the field and participating in DHSP activities (masks will not be provided).
• Restrooms are located on or near fields and are available for participants only. Staff will escort children to and from the restrooms.
• We strongly encourage students to bring their own snack and full water bottles labeled with their name. Refilling water bottles may not be possible.
• Groups are limited so they can be carefully spaced apart. Activities will be low touch to reduce contact and increase safety.
• First Aid supplies will be available for any minor injuries. In the event of a medical need, 911 and guardian will be called. No medications will be administered by City staff.
• Each day, young people will be able to choose from an assortment of activities.
• Inclement weather may cause park activity cancellations for the day. Please check weather reports that day and anticipate possible cancellations accordingly. We will do our best to notify families when a cancellation is necessary.

For more information, visit the DHSP website, CambridgeMA.gov/DHSP.

City of Cambridge Recreation Director Adam Corbeil (far left) and Donnelly Field Site Leader Larry Thompson (far right) advise Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale and Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui of the activities kids will be participating in at the Fall on the Field Kickoff. Photo by Kyle Klein.

City of Cambridge Partnership with Local Restaurants Provides Over 70,000 Meals to Homeless Residents
City extends program through December 31, 2020

Sept 21, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today that it is extending its successful program for feeding homeless residents with meals provided by local food establishments. In March, the City launched an innovative project to contract with local restaurants to provide food to the City’s homeless community during the COVID-19 public health crisis. To date, over 70,000 meals have been provided and more than 2,800 meals are now being delivered each week to shelters across the City.

“I’d like to thank all of the local restaurants that have been working to provide fresh meals to the most vulnerable in our community,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “I am extremely proud of this partnership, and think it’s a great example of local government supporting and engaging local businesses to fill a critical need in our community.”

To date the City of Cambridge has spent nearly $500,000 on meals provided by local Cambridge restaurants.

“I am proud that the City will continue partnering with local restaurants to provide meals to our unhoused residents,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. As we move into the colder months of the year, and with the giving season upon us, the simple act of providing a warm meal for our unhoused residents perfectly illustrates the way the Cambridge community shows up for each other in a time of need. I am so thankful to our amazing local restaurants for stepping up during this time and partnering with the City to provide meals for our unhoused residents.”

Fifty Cambridge restaurants have participated in this program where meals are delivered to 16 shelters and programs that the City’s Department of Human Service Programs has identified as having a strong need for meals. Among the programs distributing meals through this initiative is Loaves and Fishes.

“Knowing we have access to these meals through the end of the year will allow us to continue other vital programs such as our holiday winter care package – a program where we provide a gift bag of hats, gloves, and other items to keep you warm,” said Young Bae Kim of the Loaves and Fishes meals program in Cambridge.

Restaurants interested in participating in this initiative should contact the City of Cambridge Purchasing Department at purchasing@cambridgema.gov.

“Since March our small businesses have been hurting. The homeless shelters meals program has been a lifeline to our local restaurants and an opportunity for them to help some of our most vulnerable here in Central Square,” said Michael Monestime, Executive Director of the Central Square Business Improvement District.”

“Our restaurants truly appreciate the business and also welcome the opportunity to help those in need in Harvard Square,” said Denise Jillson, Executive Director of the Harvard Square Business Association. “Extending this program brings hope and a bit of happiness to our community during these challenging times.”

For more information and updates on COVID-19, please visit the city’s dedicated information page: Cambridgema.gov/covid19.

City of Cambridge Housing Stabilization Program Expands Subsidy Payments to 4 Months
Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund to provide additional $25,000 in funding

Sept 21, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today it is expanding payments from its COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program from two months of short-term financial assistance to four months of assistance.

The Program, which launched on July 20, 2020, provides a subsidy to individuals and families in Cambridge who are experiencing housing instability due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The support is for rent, condominium fees, or cooperative carrying charges of more than 40% of the household’s income.

“Through our $1.5 million Housing Stabilization Program, almost 200 Cambridge households are receiving or about to receive financial assistance for housing-related needs,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “By expanding housing support payments from two months to four months, the Program will provide approximately $684,000 directly to residents who need housing assistance. I am proud of the support we have distributed to residents in the first three months of this Program, and I encourage qualified Cambridge residents to apply for assistance if they are experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19.”

Under the revised guidelines, new qualified applicants will receive a four-month subsidy for the amount by which their housing cost exceeds 40% of the household’s current income. Anyone previously approved for a subsidy will automatically receive two additional months of payments.

“Since March, the City’s efforts to provide financial assistance to keep residents housed and safe has been a multi-pronged approach. I am grateful to the donors who contributed to the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund and thankful for their commitment in helping Cambridge residents in need,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “The transfer of $25,000 from the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund into the Housing Stabilization Program furthers this commitment in ensuring our City’s most vulnerable residents who have been impacted by COVID-19 remain housed during this incredibly difficult time.”

Launched in April, the Mayor’s Disaster Relief Fund has raised over $4.7 million and disseminated $3.7 million to assist over 1,500 families, residents and businesses in need due to financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cambridge residents experiencing housing instability are encouraged to apply to the Housing Stabilization Program. The online application form can be accessed at Cambridgema.gov/housingfund. Additionally, applicants who are unable to complete an application online may call 617-349-9797, to request assistance completing an application over the phone. Staff will make the best efforts to return calls within three business days.

To be eligible for the COVID-19 Housing Stabilization Program:

• Applicants must be Cambridge residents.
• Applicants must be Cambridge Tenants or Owners of a limited equity co-op or a home purchased subject to long term affordability restrictions administered by the City or other public agency. Applicants’ total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) at the time of application ($67,400 for a 1 person household, $77,000 for a 2 person household, $86,650 for a 3 person household, $96,250 for a 4 person household, $103,950 for a 5 person household).
• Applicants must demonstrate that their housing costs are more than 40% of their gross household income, at the time of application.
• For additional information on submitting applications to the Housing Stabilization Program, visit Cambridgema.gov/housingfund. The program is administered jointly by the City Manager’s Office through the Office of the Housing Liaison, the Department of Human Services Programs through the Multi-Service Center, and the Community Development Department.

The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: Cambridgema.gov/covid19.

City of Cambridge Extends Outdoor Dining

Sept 18, 2020 – The City of Cambridge announced today it is extending outdoor dining in the City until 60 days after the end of the Commonwealth’s declared state of emergency. This announcement follows the Governor’s Executive Order last week, which gave cities and towns the flexibility to extend outdoor dining past the initial November 1 deadline.

“Making sure our restaurants and small businesses have every opportunity to stay open and viable during these times is critical,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale, “As a city, we are working closely with Cambridge’s business community to understand their needs and find innovative and flexible solutions to assist during these challenging times.”

On Monday, the License Commission voted unanimously to automatically extend all currently issued permits for outdoor dining areas. Establishments that have not yet been granted or applied for an outdoor dining extension can still do so by contacting the Cambridge License Commission at 617-349-6140 or license@cambridgema.gov.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our local restaurants tremendously, and outdoor dining has been a saving grace during this time,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “Expanding the length of time restaurants can operate outdoor dining is an important move. It’s one way we can make sure our restaurants continue generating revenue into the winter months.”

In anticipation of continuing outdoor dining, the City has been meeting with the business and restaurant communities to plan for what a four-season outdoor dining experience will look like.

"Expanding outdoor dining has been vital for our restaurants and the community as a whole,” said Jason Alves, Executive Director of the East Cambridge Business Association. “We appreciate the City’s action to extend outdoor dining for all seasons to continue to help support our local small business community.”

“Our goal is to allow establishments to keep their outdoor patio dining operating for as long as they want to and if weather permits. We plan to allow outdoor dining year-round in accordance with the Governor’s executive order, knowing, however, that there may be periods this winter when the weather will require us to suspend the program temporarily,” said DePasquale.

A team from the City, along with representatives from local Cambridge business associations and the restaurant community, will continue to meet to work out a plan for winter. A process is being developed to modify or amend establishments’ Temporary Sidewalk/Street Patio License Agreements as quickly as possible, and the City hopes to have this up and running in the coming days.

To learn more about outdoor dining in Cambridge, visit Cambridgema.gov/license.

Reconsider This

Sept 17 – Apparently City Councillor Patty Nolan has filed for Reconsideration of the City Council vote in the wee hours Monday night to extend the City Manager Louis DePasquale's contract with some seemingly ambiguous salary increases for an additional 18 months.
[proposed contract - original PDF] [proposed contract - HTML]

Reconsideration of a hasty vote is entirely proper. However, regarding taking a raise during a pandemic, there's this (as of July 1, 2020 - during pandemic - according to Open Data Portal):

Councillor salary increased by $2,253 to $85,844 (2.7% increase)
Mayor's salary increased by $3,365 to $128,194 (2.7% increase)
Council Aide increased by $14,890 to $67,831 (28.1% increase)
plus benefits for all.

Shall I assume that all of the above are willing to give back those increases? - RW

PS - Perhaps it's time for an overall reckoning of who is now on the City Council, their job descriptions, and the rationale of having highly compensated aides who (in some cases) are acting as City-funded political organizers and operatives.

Though our municipal elections are done using proportional representation, I find myself routinely asking the question: "Proportional to what?" Do people really believe that the current City Council is actually representative of the residents of Cambridge?

City of Cambridge amends temporary emergency restrictions on public meetings and events through October 4, 2020

Sept 2, 2020 – The City of Cambridge today announced that all City-sponsored community events, athletic events, events permitted for the use of City parks, or other City-sponsored public gatherings will be cancelled through October 4, 2020, or postponed to a later date. All prior approvals for events or gatherings are revoked.

City sponsored youth sports activities that take place in City parks or other City athletic facilities are permitted, subject to obtaining a City permit, and further subject to complying with all COVID-19 requirements and guidelines concerning youth sports issued by the State, which include but are not limited to requirements concerning social distancing, hygiene protocols, staffing and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting.

The meetings of the Board of Zoning Appeal, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission and Neighborhood Conservation Commissions, License Commission, Planning Board, Pole and Conduit Commission and Election Commission are authorized to be held. Meetings will continue to be held virtually by utilizing web based technology that will stream audio and video – whenever possible – of the meeting. All meetings will allow for remote participation by the members of the public body. All other public meetings of City committees, advisory groups, community meetings and the like shall remain cancelled and postponed until a later date, unless a meeting is determined necessary by the City.

All meetings of the City Council, including City Council Committee meetings, and all other City public bodies, boards and commissions that are governed by the state Open Meeting Law and transact official City business, other than quasi-judicial public bodies, boards and commissions, will follow the procedures defined in the City’s Amended Temporary Emergency Restriction on City Public Meetings, City Events, and City Permitted Events due to COVID-19, which is available on the City’s website.

Members of the public are reminded that they should maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from non-household members and should wear face coverings while outdoors.

The above temporary restrictions will remain in effect until October 4, 2020, or until further modified by the City Manager.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19

Sept 1, 2020 Primary Election Results: See Pure Politics

Cambridge Launches Abbreviated Participatory Budgeting Cycle

Sept 1, 2020 – Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale announced today that the City’s 7th Participatory Budgeting cycle is now underway. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations on conducting in-person events and community engagement activities, the City is running an abbreviated version of Participatory Budgeting. This year’s cycle will be conducted as a half cycle, and a future Participatory Budgeting cycle will be conducted at an expanded level.

Participatory Budgeting is a process where community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. During this year’s cycle, Cambridge residents ages 12 and older will be able to vote on how to spend $500,000 on City capital projects. This multi-month process begins with the idea collection phase, which will run from September 1 through September 30. The proposal development process is scheduled to run into December, and voting will begin in December 2020.

“Participatory Budgeting has become a vital community-building tool that directly involves residents in the City’s budgeting process,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis DePasquale. “Since the program’s inception, Participatory Budgeting has helped ensure that the City’s Capital Plan reflects the priorities of Cambridge residents. Even with the current economic uncertainty, I believe the City must continue this important community engagement initiative.”

“This year’s process will look somewhat different than in past years,” said Cambridge Budget Director Taha Jennings. “As we continue to adapt to the evolving impact COVID-19 is having on society, we have had to shorten the timeframe for the process. We felt it was important to make every effort to continue the Participatory Budgeting process this year and we are looking forward to an expanded community-driven process once we can safely resume in-person engagement and events.”

The Cambridge community has directly voted on how to spend $4.75 million since the inaugural FY16 Participatory Budgeting cycle.

For additional information or to submit ideas, please visit pb.cambridgema.gov, email pb@cambridgema.gov, or call the Budget Office at 617-349-4270. Ideas can also be dropped off in the Payment Drop Box in the rear of City Hall or mailed to the City of Cambridge Budget Office, 795 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02139.