Historical Note: The man after whom Sennott Park is named

Cambridge Sentinel - October 14, 1933

Gus Solomons Jr., creative presence in modern dance who got start in Cambridge, dies at 84

[Aug 23, 2023 - Boston Globe Obituary by Brian Marquard]
“Solomons, who as a dancer, choreographer, educator, and critic was a leading figure in modern and postmodern dance, died on Aug. 11, 2023, in Manhattan. He was 84.” … “His father, Gustave Sr., was an MIT graduate and electrical engineer for Bethlehem Steel in Quincy. He also was the first Black member of the Cambridge School Committee. The Gustave M. Solomons Transportation Career Center in Cambridge is named for him.” … His father, Gus Solomons, Sr., first ran for School Committee in 1957, was elected in 1959 and served from 1960 to 1969, and was defeated in 1969 when he ran for City Council.

Difficult news regarding a dear friend

Wed, Aug 23 – The following message was sent to city councillors and others from the City Council Office: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing earlier today of Atieno Simmons, daughter of City Councillor E. Denise Simmons. The Simmons Family is in the process of making funeral arrangements and shall be sharing this information in the coming days. Councillor Simmons appreciates the support and condolences of her colleagues past and present, and she respectfully asks that people resist the urge to directly reach out to her at this time. Once funeral arrangements (which shall be handled by the AJ Spears Funeral Home) have been finalized and a determination on the best way for people to share their condolences has been made, the Simmons Family will be sharing that information. For now, Councillor Simmons asks that you give her and the family adequate space to grieve and respect their privacy.

SIMMONS, Atieno Adoyo Pilipa Steen passed away on August 23, 2023 in Cambridge, MA. A lifelong Cambridge resident, Atieno co-founded ‘Just A Swab’ and was a staunch LGBTQ+ advocate. She is survived by her mothers, E. Denise Simmons and Mattie Hayes; other mothers, siblings, aunts, nieces, nephews, and friends. Wake and Service on September 2, 2023, at 9:00am at First Church, 11 Garden Street, Cambridge. Funeral is being handled by The AJ Spears Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Just a Swab, c/o Mark Orent, Leader Bank, 675 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139. [Boston Globe obituary]

Aug 19 – I would love to hear what people are thinking about the ongoing Charter Review Committee process.

Perhaps a discussion topic on this would be in order. In the meantime, here are all the meeting agendas and meeting minutes to date.

Needlesss to say, I have a few things I’d like to say on this topic. More to come. - Robert Winters

Charter Review Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes

Volunteers Sought to Serve on the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship

July 12, 2023 (updated Aug 18) – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship (CIRC).

The Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship (CIRC) works to welcome, inform, connect, and support Cambridge’s immigrant community. CIRC staff provides information, referrals, and guidance to residents seeking assistance. The Commission collaborates with other city departments, community partners, and individuals that support immigrant rights and citizenship.

The Commission consists of 11 members appointed to three-year terms. Meetings are typically held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6pm, though the meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate Commissioners’ needs.

Commissioners will work with CIRC staff and newly established Language Justice Division, to fulfill the goals and objectives of the Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 2.123).

Commissioners must be Cambridge residents and should be knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship, preferably with lived experience as an immigrant to the United States.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, September 25, 2023. Applications can be submitted to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. Paper applications can also be obtained at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

For more information, contact Crystal Rosa at 617-349-4396 or crosa@cambridgema.gov.

I wandered out to the Cambridge Reservoir in Waltham on Wednesday (Aug 16) anticipating surplus water overflowing into the Charles River…

Instead, I found the reservoir to be near capacity but nothing going over the top and into the spillway.

No Cambridge InsideOut today (Aug 15), but here’s an idea…

Neither of our regular co-hosts is available today, so instead of going it alone I will be skipping the shows this week. We’ll be back on September 5 for the regular shows.

I am, however, considering pre-recording a few shows featuring some of this year’s candidates for City Council and School Committee (which may seem strange since I am a candidate myself). I may also do a show specifically about Cambridge’s proportional representation election system, including the basics of voting in a ranked-choice-voting (RCV) system and illustrations of how the computerized tally takes place. I am open to ideas about other topic-specific shows. - Robert Winters

Changing hats

Aug 10 - I just finished grading all the Final Exams for my Harvard Summer School course, and I’ll be submitting course grades on Friday. This means that I can finally start changing hats from math professor to political candidate for a while. So… for those who have been wondering, I will now be spending a lot more time being a candidate and doing all the things that candidates generally do. If you would like to help out in any way, please let me know.

I do wish to point out, however, that in September I’ll also be back teaching two courses in the Harvard Extension School on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and that will take precedence over any political stuff. I have always believed that all city councillors (and candidates) should continue to work their regular jobs unless, of course, they are retired or have no need to work. Teaching mathematics defines me far more than anything in the political sphere, and I have no intention of giving that up anytime soon.

By the way, I have reclaimed vote.rwinters.com as my campaign website - though it’s largely just preliminary content right now.

One other point: I intend to continue the Cambridge Civic Journal (the longest-running civic website in the universe) for the foreseeable future and beyond. Also, though I am trying to identify someone else to handle the Cambridge Candidate Pages this year, I'm still doing what I can to keep them up to date.

It’s nice having so many hats. - Robert Winters

Cambridge Municipal Election News

Aug 1, 2:15pm - One correction from yesterday. Peter Hsu did, in fact, submit nomination signatures for City Council and just made it to the ballot. Peter Hsu (exactly 50), Doug Brown (51 sigs), and Frantz Pierre (enough but still counting) have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November City Council ballot. Caroline Hunter, Alborz Bejnood, Elizabeth Hudson, and Frantz Pierre (exactly 50) have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November School Committee ballot.

July 31 (at the deadline) - There was a flurry of activity at the Election Commission today leading up to the 5:00pm deadline. Two new candidates pulled papers for City Council: Doug Brown, 35 Standish St., 02138 and Nathaniel Sandalou-Ash, 82 Richdale Ave., 02140. Two new candidates pulled papers for School Committee: William Hudson, 236 Walden St., 02140 and Elizabeth Hudson, 236 Walden St., 02140.

Many candidates turned in signatures as the deadline approached. Hao Wang, Federico Muchnik, and John Hanratty have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November City Council ballot, and it appears that Frantz Pierre and Doug Brown will likely also meet the minimum threshold. Among those who pulled papers for City Council, James Williamson and Nathaniel Sandalou-Ash did not qualify for the ballot.

On the School Committee side, Richard Harding submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November School Committee ballot, and it appears that Caroline Hunter, Alborz Bejnood, and Elizabeth Hudson will likely also meet the minimum threshold. Frantz Pierre may also make it over the threshold. Hao Wang, Susan Kale, Akbar Khuwaja, William Hudson did not turn in any signatures and will not appear on the School Committee ballot.

Here’s the corrected tally at the deadline (July 31, 5:00pm) for nomination signatures - all but one provisional certification of signatures still pending:

July 30 Note: We should know by 5:00pm Monday who the final field of candidates will be (pending certification of signatures, of course). After that my intention is that after I do the initial setup of the Cambridge Candidate Pages (which I partially completed today) I will then turn over the responsibility of maintaining them to others (for obvious reasons). Some candidates have already sent me information and photos, and other candidates are welcome to send me information and photos for the initial setup. The only real essentials needed are a good candidate photo, all the necessary contact information, and any websites or social media sites associated with your campaign, and perhaps an address or other information for making campaign contributions. Then I’ll step away and focus on being a candidate. - RW

July 27 - No new candidates today - just more signatures submitted. I have to teach class Friday morning and won’t be able to get an update before things close at noon, so if anyone else gets information on Friday please let me know.

July 26 - Former School Committee member Richard Harding pulled papers today for School Committee. Robert Winters and Gregg Moree have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November City Council ballot. The Election Commission also met today to certify all signatures submitted to date that had been provisionally certified by the Election Commission staff.

July 25 - No new candidates today, but more nomination signatures were submitted. Andrew King, José Luis Rojas Villarreal, and David Weinstein have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November School Committee ballot.

July 24 - One new School Committee candidate pulled papers on Friday: Akbar Khuwaja, 1039 Mass. Ave. #501, 02138. Burhan Azeem and Denise Simmons have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November City Council ballot. [I personally turned in another 16 signatures today that should bring me up to 60 signatures, but only the 44 from Thursday have so far been provisionally certified.]

July 21 - I had to teach this morning and couldn’t visit the Election Commission for updates. If anyone knows of any new candidates who pulled papers today or any updates about signatures, please let me know. Personally, I turned in a sheet of 45 names yesterday and expect to have 44 of them certified, but I don’t yet know about that. I’ll be turning in more than enough to get past the goal post (50 certified signatures) early next week. Then comes the setting up of a candidate website and bank accounts and all the fun stuff that follows. I also have to figure out how best to handle the Cambridge Candidate Pages for reasons that probably don’t need to be explained. People really do use them and appreciate them. Anyone interested in handling that role who can be completely neutral and unbiased?

July 20 - One new candidate for School Committee today: Susan Kale, 5 Foch St., 02140. Joe McGuirk, Adrienne Klein, and Carrie Pasquarello have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November ballot.

July 19 - Three new candidates for City Council today: Hao Wang (1 Longfellow Rd., 02138), Federico Muchnik (82 Richdale Ave., 02140), and John Hanratty (15 Mt. Vernon St. #7, 02140). In what now seems like a strange trend, Hao Wang also pulled papers for School Committee. Also, Patricia Nolan and Vernon Walker have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November ballot. [Nod to John Hawkinson for gathering this information late Wednesday.]

July 17 - No new candidates today, but Rachel Weinstein and Eugenia Schraa Huh have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November ballot.

July 14 - I heard from several City employees that City Manager Yi-An Huang issued a directive to all City employees (except elected officials) that being a City Council candidate is incompatible with some City employment due to the appearance of a conflict of interest, and that resignation or a leave of absence would be the required remedy. This (obviously and appropriately) applies to City Council aides and to anyone working in the Office of the Mayor. [Story here] Nonetheless, Mayor Siddiqui’s “Director of Constituent Services” Adrienne Klein apparently is disputing this policy.

There is a larger point here. The position of “City Council Aide” from the very start has had all the earmarks of a political patronage gig, and there are many examples of City Council aides being engaged in political work for the councillors to whom they report. This was totally predictable from the moment these “research assistant” positions were established approximately 20 years ago. These positions were originally part-time, but eventually became full-time positions – which, quite frankly, has never been justifiable. Effectively, we have for some time been in this situation where taxpayer dollars are supporting political operations. Our current City Manager deserves credit for finally recognizing at least some of this impropriety. He should really take it a step further and recommend that the City Council make use of a larger shared staff working, perhaps, out of the City Clerk’s Office, and hired entirely on the basis of qualifications for the job without any political considerations. And pigs may soon be flying over Cambridge.

July 13 - Two new City Council candidates pulled papers today: Carrie Pasquarello, 230 Upland Rd., 02140 and Peter Hsu, 70 Gore St. #2, 02141. Marc McGovern, Joan Pickett, and Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler have now submitted sufficient (provisionally) certified signatures to appear on the November ballot.

July 12 - Incumbent David Weinstein pulled papers for School Committee.
Sumbul Siddiqui, Ayesha Wilson, Paul Toner, and Cathie Zusy for City Council and Bobby Travers for School Committee have now submitted sufficient certified signatures to appear on the November ballot.

July 11 - One new School Committee candidate today - Alborz Bejnood, 166 Auburn St., Apt B, 02139.

July 10 - School Committee incumbents José Luis Rojas Villarreal and Caroline Hunter pulled nomination papers today as did new candidate Bobby Travers. That makes three incumbents who have now pulled papers. Fred Fantini is not running, and Ayesha Wilson is running for City Council, so that leaves David Weinstein as the only incumbent who has not yet pulled papers.

July 9 - As has been anticipated for several months, Quinton Zondervan has announced that he will not be seeking reelection. This leaves 6 of the 9 incumbents who will be seeking reelection.

July 5 - 7 more candidates for City Council and 1 more candidate (sort of) for School Committee pulled nomination papers on the 2nd day of availability (as of 4:40pm).

July 3 - 11 candidates for City Council and 1 candidate for School Committee pulled nomination papers on the 1st day of availability.

June 30 - Another new City Council candidates has filed paperwork with OCPF - Joan Pickett, 59 Ellery St. #1, 02138.

June 27 - As has been rumored for some time, Fred Fantini has now stated that he will not be seeking reelection to the Cambridge School Committee.

June 27 - School Committee member Ayesha Wilson (15 Concord Ave., 02138) has filed paperwork with OCPF as a candidate for City Council.

June 26 - Another new City Council candidates has filed paperwork with OCPF - Adrienne Klein, 7 Beech St. #308, 02140, currently Mayor Siddiqui’s “Director of Constituent Services”.

June 16 - Another new City Council candidates has filed paperwork with OCPF - Ayah Al-Zubi, 18 Inman St. #1, 02139, a recent Harvard graduate.

June 14 - As has been expected for many months, Dennis Carlone has announced that he will not be seeking reelection.

June 12 - Another new candidate filed paperwork today with OCPF - Vernon K. Walker, 165 Main Street, #1205.

June 8 - As expected, Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler has announced that he will again be a City Council candidate in 2023 seeking to regain the seat he lost in 2021.

June 1 - I just heard that Alanna Mallon announced that she will not be seeking reelection. Meanwhile, Peter Hsu of 70 Gore Street has filed the paperwork with the Office of Campaign & Political Finance as a candidate for City Council.

Who has been raising and spending money? [Feb 2, 2022 - Aug 3, 2023, 6:30pm] (source - Mass. Office of Campaign and Political Finance)
[more expenditure reports pending monthly bank reports]

2023 Cambridge Candidate Pages     Calendar of 2023 Election-related events

Members Sought to Serve on Cambridge Family Policy Council

July 18, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Cambridge Family Policy Council. The Council is currently looking for a community-at-large representative or a representative from an active parents' group, or other group involved with children and their families. Additionally, the Council is seeking a representative from a state agency serving children, youth, and families.

The Family Policy Council, officially known as the Coordinating Council for Children, Youth and Families is dedicated to developing policy and program recommendations aimed at ensuring all children, youth and their families have access to what they need to be successful, engaged residents who are prepared for life in our community and in the world.

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

• Elected Officials (City Councilor and School Committee Member)
• City Department Heads (Assistant City Manager for Human Services, Assistant City Manager for Finance, Chief Public Health Officer, Police Commissioner, Cambridge Public Library Director, Superintendent of Schools)
• Community Representatives (business, community-at-large, early childhood, school age, philanthropy, state agency, university, and youth representatives)

Preferred applicants are Cambridge residents who:

• Are knowledgeable about issues facing families and their children.
• Able to attend and willing to participate in all Family Policy Council meetings.
• Will advocate for policies and programs that address and center the needs and positive outcomes for children, youth, and families impacted the most by systematic barriers.

The Family Policy Council meetings are on Thursdays from 5:15-7:15pm. The Council does not generally meet during the summer months of June, July, and August. Some meetings will be in-person, and some will be online via Zoom.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Examples of Adopted Policy and Program Recommendations include:

• Center for Families
• Agenda for Children OST
• Agenda for Children Literacy
• Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities in Out of School Time Programs Policy
• Citywide Family Engagement Policy
• Community Engagement Team Making Connections Training
• Find It Cambridge
• Math Matters for Equity
• Language Justice
  • Cambridge Plain Language Writing Guide
• Cambridge Cradle to Career Ecosystem Map

Applications can be submitted to City Manager Yi-An Huang using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. The following can be submitted during the online application process:

• A cover letter and resume or
• An overview of relevant experience

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, August 21, 2023. You can obtain paper applications at the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

For more information, visit the Family Policy Council website or contact Nancy Tauber, Executive Director of The Family Policy Council at 617-349-6239 or ntauber@cambridgema.gov.

If you want to make a friend, let someone do you a favor. — Benjamin Franklin

July 17 - This morning I sent a message to a list of people asking them to sign my City Council nomination papers. I’m generally accustomed to doing favors for other people, but I hesitate asking favors of others. Perhaps this is a result of how I was raised, but it’s a barrier I need to overcome as a candidate. Asking people to vote for me feels immodest, but it has to be done. Asking people for a signature is comparatively benign, but I still hesitate.

So… please sign my papers. Ben Franklin had the right idea. - RW

Saundra Graham

July 12 - The funeral service for Saundra Graham at Memorial Church in Harvard Yard was inspiring and historic. The remarks by Marjorie Decker, Louis DePasquale, Denise Simmons, and especially Ken Reeves were unforgettably great. So too were the remarks of family and friends Velmer Brooks (cousin), Pam Thomure (friend), D’Rae Graham (granddaughter), Natassa Mason-Graham (daughter-in-law), and Sharon (“Tami”) Freeman (sister). Phadrea Butler’s singing of “Take Me to the King” filled the church and brought tears to the eyes of many of the attendees (including me). Indeed, everyone who spoke was inspiring and unforgettable.

Attending wakes has always been difficult for me. When former City Councillor and good friend Brian Murphy died unexpectedly in 2015 and Visiting Hours took place in the Sullivan Chamber, I was so inconsolable that Brian’s widow Kate came to the neighboring Green Room to provide some comfort. This is why I did not attend the event for Saundra in the Sullivan Chamber the previous day. In contrast, I have come to really appreciate funerals and memorial services for people I have known and respected. The memorial service for Saundra was simply beautiful. These events also serve as reunions of long-time friends, and that was definitely the case this time.

The full arc of history was noted by many – Saundra’s first major public act was her interruption of the Harvard Commencement in 1970 in response to the refusal of the Harvard Board of Overseers to meet with community members in regard to university encroachment and displacement in The Coast (a.k.a. the Riverside neighborhood). That historic event took place on the steps of the very same building in which Saundra’s funeral took place. I think it says a lot about Harvard University (and Tom Lucey, in particular) that they not only scheduled the funeral at this location but actually encouraged the family to use this venue. - RW

Saundra Graham

July 6 - Former City Councillor and State Representative Saundra Graham will be lying in state in the Sullivan Chamber at Cambridge City Hall on Monday, July 10 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. The funeral will be held the following morning on Tuesday, July 11 at 11:00am in Harvard Memorial Church in Harvard Yard. Information and tributes may be found online at https://www.ajspearsfuneralhome.com/obituary/Saundra-Graham.

GRAHAM, Saundra Mae
Former Cambridge City Councillor and State Representative, age 81, of Cambridge, passed away, on June 23, 2023. Born to the late Roberta (Betts) Postell Headley and Charles Postell. Beloved mother of Carl J. Graham, Jr., Rhonda L. Graham, Tina M. A. Graham Everett, Darrell B. Graham, David A. Graham; sister of the late Charles, Don & Val Postell; survived by sisters, Marlene Crawford, Cheryl Headley Moore, Sharon Freeman, Sheila Headley Burwell, Sonja Scoby; brothers, Shawn & Kevin Headley; 12 grandchildren, eight great-grand, and one great-great-grand. Former Cambridge City Councillor and State Representative, Saundra M. Graham will lie in State, Monday, July 10, at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass Ave., Cambridge, from 3 to 7pm. Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 11, 11am, at Memorial Church,1 Harvard Yard, Cambridge, MA 02138. Arrangements by A.J. Spears Funeral Home, 124 Western Ave., CAMBRIDGE. Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 6 to Jul. 7, 2023.

Saundra Graham was first elected to the Cambridge City Council 1971. She was elected every time she ran for City Council (1971-1987) and served for 9 terms and 18 years (1972-1989) as a city councillor. Her best year was 1983 when she received 3226 #1 votes and was elected on the 1st Count. Saundra also served for 6 terms in the Mass. House of Representatives from 1977 through 1988.

Resolution #16     June 26, 2023
COUNCILLOR SIMMONS
COUNCILLOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER

WHEREAS: The City Council was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former City Councillor and State Representative Saundra Graham; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham was born in Cambridge, one of eleven children of Charles B. Postell and Roberta (Betts) Postell, and as a young woman she would pursue her education at the University of Massachusetts and Harvard University Extension; and

WHEREAS: As a single parent in the late 1960s, Saundra Graham raised her five children with tenacity and dedication, instilling in them the importance of perseverance and determination; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham began her journey of public service in 1968 as a member of the Board of Directors of the Cambridge Community Center, and she subsequently served as president of the Riverside Planning Team in 1970; and

WHEREAS: In 1971, she co-founded and presided over the Riverside Cambridgeport Community Development Corporation, leading the organization to become a highly successful entity providing low and moderate income housing for Cambridge residents, she was one of the leaders of the movement to preserve rent control in the early 1970s, and her leadership during the protest against Harvard University's real estate expansion in 1970 resulted in the construction of both elderly and family housing complexes over the next ten years; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham was first elected to the Cambridge City Council in 1971, becoming the first woman of color to be elected to the Council, she would serve as Vice Mayor during the 1976-1977 term, and she then went to the Massachusetts Legislature as a State Representative from 1976 to 1988, resulting in significant federal housing dollars for Cambridge and the rehabilitation and modernization of public housing complexes; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham served as Chairwoman of the Massachusetts Black Legislative Caucus and as a member of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators, continuing her fight for fair housing and economic justice for the poor, the elderly, the unemployed, minorities, and women; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham was the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1976 National Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc., the 1980 Recognition Award by the Central Square Cambridge Businessmen's Association, and the 1982 Woman of the Year in Government Award by the Boston Chapter of the National Organization for Women; and

WHEREAS: Saundra Graham left an indelible stamp on the City of Cambridge and has positively impacted the lives of countless residents, her legacy shall continue to inspire future generations in their efforts to build a more equitable and just society, and her memory shall forever be cherished; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council formally go on record in extending its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of Saundra Graham for their tremendous loss; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to the family of Saundra Graham on behalf of the entire City Council.

Cambridge Police Promotes Pauline Wells to Superintendent of Operations

June 30, 2023 – The Cambridge Police Department today held a swearing-in ceremony for Pauline Wells, who was promoted to the rank of Superintendent.

Born and raised in Cambridge, Superintendent Wells initially joined the Cambridge Police Department in 1993. Since joining the Cambridge Police Department, Wells has since served in a variety of units during her distinguished career, including Patrol Operations, Administrative Services, and Criminal Investigations. Most recently, she served as Deputy Superintendent for the Criminal Investigations Section. Prior to that, Wells made significant impacts in the Administration Services Section and was a founding member of CABHART (Cambridge, Arlington, and Belmont to form a High-Risk Assessment and Response Team), led the Department’s Peer Support Team, and spearheaded the Department’s COVID-19 efforts. Wells was promoted to Lieutenant in 2010 and Deputy Superintendent in 2017. She succeeds Superintendent Robert Lowe, who retired this week after 22 years of dedicated service to the City of Cambridge and the Cambridge Police Department.

Superintendent Wells will oversee the Operations Division, while Superintendent Frederick Cabral will remain responsible for overseeing the Support Services Division. Aside from Commissioner Elow, she is the highest-ranking woman in the history of the department.

Police Commissioner Christine Elow stated, “Superintendent Wells is highly committed to advancing CPD’s mission and values. She has been a great leader for the Department, is well regarded in the community, and will be a tremendous asset to the Operations Division.”

2023 Municipal Election: Nomination Papers

June 20, 2023 - Nomination papers for City Council and School Committee will be available beginning Monday, July 3rd at the Election Commission office, 51 Inman Street, Cambridge. The office will be open on Monday, July 3rd from 8:30am until 8:00pm. The deadline to file nomination papers is Monday, July 31, 2023, at 5:00pm. The 2023 Municipal Election Calendar is posted on the Commission’s website: www.cambridgema.gov/election. [Calendar]

The requirements to run for City Council or School Committee are:

1. The person must be a registered voter in Cambridge. To register, one must be 18 years of age by Election Day, a U.S. citizen and a resident in the City of Cambridge.

2. The person must file no fewer than fifty (50) and no more than one hundred (100) certifiable signatures of registered voters in the City of Cambridge.

The Commission has prepared an information kit for candidates containing important dates, Commission policies, services and publications. The kits will be available with the nomination papers on July 3rd.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

City Manager Contracts

BEUDO + AHO = Performance Art - a message from Patrick Barrett

June 11, 2023

Mayor Siddiqui and Cambridge City Council,

I am asking you to do a couple of things tomorrow night but first and foremost I ask that you attempt to take a look at the current state of our city. We are teetering on breaking into a billion dollar budget where our schools consistently underperform and nearly 8% of families have abandoned the system in just the last couple of years, small and large businesses are still failing at an accelerated rate burdened by excess pandemic debt and an ecosystem that has evaporated, Kendall Square is facing a 30% vacancy rate, drug dealers own Central Square emboldened enough to mug and strip a man naked in broad daylight for failure to pay a drug debt, and the general sense among those who do the work is that we are currently leaderless. Where in all of this is our City Council, Manager, and Department Heads? In truth many of you have little to no substantive connection to the City at all. Most of you do not have young or school aged children. Most of you do not now nor have you ever run a business in Cambridge. Most have not built the home they live in or any structure in Cambridge. Some have lived here generationally and that is terrific but we are talking policy and whether you’ve lived here for a day or seven centuries there are those with “skin in the game” and those that have none. Most, if not all of you, are activists each having their own area of “expertise” where the actual power to drive policy on these issues rests with the State or Federal government not the Cambridge City Council. Thus as stewards of the city you’ve very little that directly impacts you regarding schools, business, development, crime or even the lofty goals of your activism. Do any of you own or live in a BEUDO property? Are any of you currently on the waiting list for affordable housing? Do any of you have a child waiting to take algebra in 8th grade only to find out that has been taken off the table? I could go on for days ... this takes me to Monday night:

1) The AHO has always bothered me. It is a set of rules specially designed for a small group of developers with direct access to municipal funds that allows them to ignore anachronistic and obtuse zoning rules everyone else has to obey. If you are a homeowner and want to add additional bedroom or play room for your growing family it likely means a variance or special permit you’re never going to get but for the AHO developer there is no such impediment. It seems an odd result that home owners and property owners should face such steep headwinds for minor quality of life adjustments and that for a small group of developers they can simply do whatever they like. The amendment to the AHO is another reminder to me that when it comes to housing policy and zoning we really are just winging it. Anyone who builds anything (which is none of you currently on the Council) knows very well that 12-15 stories or infinity stories as previously contemplated is highly likely to produce nothing. Your current inclusionary zoning is so horribly broken your director of CDD is doing backflips to hide this fact. When San Francisco reduces from 25% to 12% and says it still doesn't work you can bet the same rules apply here or worse. Lastly, you received a communication from Susan Connelly last week that is the most coherent salient and informative communication I’ve ever read on the subject and you’d all be wise to read what she says and listen to her. 100% spot on. I hope you hit the pause button on this one and become a serious legislative body again. I do not care about heights, density, or anything else the so called NIMBY folk are accused of (the whole nimby v yimby game is another level of performance art) but I do care about results and like the 99.9% of Cambridge citizens who are not City Councillors it is baffling that we should face so many real immediate issues and yet you’ve chosen to not address any of them but instead have spent a year or more on what is essentially small town theatre.

2) BEUDO is another performative piece of legislation on the docket for Monday night. Will it reduce greenhouse gases in commercial and residential buildings? Of course not. The grid is 80-85% fossil fuel based and likely to stay so well past the 2030’s. CDD identified 20 buildings as the largest producers of GHGs in the city all of which are labs that will be exempt of gas hook up bans and are well capitalized enough to weather this new tax. Why focus on 20 buildings producing more than 50% of our GHGs when you can draft an incoherent set of rules that will devastate the least able to bear it? BUEDO will make residents and business owners rip out perfectly functional HVAC equipment, displace commercial and residential tenants, and further compress our economy during the worst commercial financing conditions of our time. This is obviously the work of people who do not trouble themselves with the details. Further, the amount of resources Eversource will now have to redirect to Cambridge will deny essential resources to other communities on the State’s 2050 timeline and create more havoc when the infrastructure we need rapidly needs to be located within our communities. You still haven’t even addressed the building to building or citywide infrastructure needed for any of this to work; unless of course this was all just about the tax. One billion dollar budget and you need a new tax? Really? Further, our 6.32 square mile billion dollar city will be pushing the remaining 10,559 square miles to the side so we can not only be “first” but the only one out in front of the State. This isn’t “green washing,” it’s “green bullying” and something as a City and as individual residents we should only feel shame in being a part of. To anyone watching, and there weren’t many, the entire “process” was a sham. CDD has ceased to adequately function for at least a decade now but their “work” on BEUDO highlighted a deep and powerful incompetence that I personally found stunning. However I think much like the Council, CDD is also primarily comprised of activists. Thus we have lots of policy and very little substance. In the end this will hurt any individual with a commercial or residential property swept up in a tax scheme they cannot comply with. In effect Cambridge is sending a message through this Council to pack up and leave ... only MIT and Harvard need apply. Message heard. In the meantime I ask that you vote Zondervan’s amendment down. CDD did not include it for good reason and what little policy was shaped by a transparent process with actual stakeholders ought to be preserved if for no other reason to not add more drama to the second act.

3) Gas Hook-Up ban. The final act in local theatre production is another light on substance heavy on pain for small businesses and especially those in the restaurant industry. I do not think there is anyone on the City Council who works in or owns a restaurant; yet another example of no skin in the game. We should absolutely NOT sign on the pilot program. We passed the specialized stretch code and we are about to pass BEUDO. We do not need any further constraints on small businesses. The pain of the pandemic which this Council absolutely exacerbated in yet another performative opera of incompetence is still very much with us. Restaurants will be feeling this pain for a generation. In Central Square only 11% of restaurants received any relief and even the ones that did closed. Gas hook-ups are essential to many different types of cuisine and are still industry standard though I do recall Councillor Nolan and Susan Rasmussen both stating the “high end” chefs prefer induction. I asked at the time for a source and am still waiting. It might be worth mentioning that induction stoves cost more, require specialized pots and pans, and are about 4-5 times more costly to fix ... I know I know ... details right? This type of prohibition was blocked by the Ninth Circuit court fought by a Restaurant lobby only a few short months ago. Lastly, the pilot will not affect medical facilities nor will it affect labs and that is how we know that this is yet another piece of performance art. Gas stoves are used by many Cambridge residents and chefs, and it’s hard to imagine in the home of Julia Childs we could be so neglectful to this industry. Do not approve this policy order and do not join this so called pilot program ... you’ve all done enough damage for one Monday.

There is so much more going on in our city besides affordable housing and regurgitated faux environmental policies that are currently failing everywhere they’ve been adopted. No matter what we do we cannot be “The First.” However we do have it within us to be The Model, but only if we pull back and get serious people in the room. We can get to better places on housing, environmental issues, crime/policing, and more but not with activists who only read the CliffsNotes nor a Community Development Department that is at its core broken. In the meantime please vote down Zondervan’s amendment and put the breaks on any AHO amendment to merge this policy with a comprehensive strategy that includes market rate housing and fixes inclusionary; a real housing policy for Cambridge. I would be remiss in not mentioning that this year will be C2’s tenth birthday. Ten years have passed since we had the chance to rezone and create thousands of new housing units in one of the last places in Cambridge to truly redevelop, but instead of working on that we push a bunch of nonsense that will produce nothing but distrust and enmity among residents; why? I'm not really much of a critic of the arts but this is absolutely the worst play I’ve ever seen.

PS: to those who act, perform, sing, and dance in actual theatre I love you and mean no harm.

Respectfully,
Patrick W. Barrett III

Cambridge Police Department Publishes 2022 Use of Force Report

June 7, 2023 – To enhance transparency and feature more comprehensive department data, the Cambridge Police Department has published a summary of its use of force incidents for 2022. The comprehensive 10-page report is posted and available on the Cambridge Police Department’s website via its Transparency Portal.

The report includes an overview of:

• Total number of use of force incidents by year
• Percentage of incidents resulting in use of force
• Types of incidents resulting in the use of force
• Number of officers involved in use of force incidents
• Demographics of those involved in use of force incidents (gender, race, and ethnicity)

This report provides an in-depth, critical look at the preceding 5 years of data relating to the use of force by Cambridge police officers allowing the community to review year-over-year figures and trends. In some cases, more historical data is also available.

In 2022, the Cambridge Police responded to 106,027 calls for service. Out of those calls, there were 66 incidents (0.062%) in which officers used some level of force. Overall, the percentage of calls for service resulting in use of force incidents in 2022 was higher than the 10-year low of 0.049% in 2021, but lower than the percentages in 2020, 2018, 2017, and 2016. The highest number of use of force incidents over the past 10 years was 81 in 2015, while the lowest was 47 in 2021.

More than half of the use of force incidents in 2022 were conducted to effect an arrest. The use of hands (e.g. officer used an arm/wrist lock, block, struck, or wrestled a suspect) and takedown/prone position made up 47 of the 66 use of force incidents (71%) in 2022. Officers did not utilize OC spray in 2022 and an officer’s baton was used once in all of 2022 (in order to free a defendant’s arm after they pinned it under their body while resisting arrest). Between 2018-2022, there were zero incidents in which an officer discharged a firearm. This was the first time age, race, and gender has been incorporated into the department’s use of force reporting. 65 percent of use of force incidents in 2022 involved a person of color.

Per department policy, Cambridge Police Officers are required to file a written report anytime any use of force is used or a firearm is pointed at another individual following a police response. Use of force includes the use of hands, placing an individual in a takedown or prone handcuffing position, knee strikes, displaying or utilizing a weapon(s), including a less-lethal weapon or firearm. All use-of-force incidents are then formally reviewed by an officer’s supervisor and results from each review are ultimately shared with the Police Commissioner. Cambridge Police officers are authorized to use only the amount of force, which is reasonable, necessary, and proportionate to accomplish lawful objectives and are trained to attempt and de-escalate an incident without use of force, whenever feasible.

Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow stated, “I firmly believe that accurate, transparent reporting of use of force incidents is one of many ways police departments can build trust and confidence with the communities they serve. This report is incredibly thorough and demonstrates that our officers, who can face incredibly complex situations, are doing everything possible to verbally de-escalate situations and using force when it is absolutely necessary. Having de-escalation in policy is important, but within our department it has been reinforced through training. We have made significant investments in this area for years – through the likes of ICAT (Integrating Communications, Assessment and Tactics) – and slowing situations down, whenever possible, to allow greater understanding and additional options to safely resolve situations for everyone involved.”

Celebrate Cambridge Water, Sustainability, and Community at Fresh Pond Day Saturday, June 10

June 1, 2023 – Join the Cambridge Water Department for the city's annual Fresh Pond Day on Saturday, June 10, from 11am-3pm, at 250 Fresh Pond Parkway. This event is free and open to all.

Activities include family fun and games with live wildlife, truck climb-aboards, arts and crafts, water treatment plant open house, walks around Fresh Pond, live music, and more. Kids can become a junior ranger and all can learn about sustainability resources.

Fresh Pond Reservation is Cambridge’s green gem - an urban wild that protects Fresh Pond, Cambridge’s in-city drinking water reservoir. Fresh Pond Day serves as an annual community tribute to this unique reservation that is a vital natural resource, an invaluable sanctuary for wildlife, and a beloved recreational and open space escape in the city.

Parking is limited. Extra parking is available at Danehy Park, 166 New Street. Use of public transit and bicycles to get to the event are strongly encouraged. Bus routes 72, 74, 75, 78; & Alewife T are all nearby.

Learn more about this event at Cambridgema.gov/FreshPondDay.

An Idea Whose Time Has Come Again - Redress of Grievances

Jan 26, 2023 (modified June 2) – In this year when charter review is underway and possible charter revision may be on the horizon, it is perhaps valuable to look back at some provisions of previous Cambridge City Charters for some guidance. For example, in the original 1846 (proposed) Cambridge City Charter, there’s this:

Sect. 19. General meetings of the citizens qualified to vote may, from time to time, be held, to consult upon the public good, to instruct their representatives, and to take all lawful measures to obtain redress of any grievances, according to the right secured to the people by the Constitution of this Commonwealth; and such meetings may, and shall be duly warned by the mayor and aldermen, upon the requisition of thirty qualified voters.

Note: This provision did not appear in the adopted 1846 Charter nor its subsequent amendments.

Perhaps “the requisition of thirty qualified voters” may not be the appropriate standard today in a city of 120,000 people, and perhaps the procedure should be modified to be more aligned with the way our City Council and School Committee is constituted under the current charter, but there should be a reasonably attainable standard that would allow for “redress of grievances.” The current situation is that a group of hundreds of citizens could send a petition to the City Council (or, presumably the School Committee) asking for reconsideration or change in some policy or ordinance, or action of the City or School administration, but that petition would likely only appear as a “Communication” on an agenda that could, and generally is, simply “Placed on File.” A better system would be to have the respective elected body or City department be required to respond and vote on any reasonable question or request in a timely manner, e.g. within thirty days.

It is a deficiency in the current Plan E Charter that other than begging a city councillor to file a policy order (which could well end up under “Awaiting Report” for months or years), there is no effective way for citizens to hold their elected officials or the City Administration (or any specific department) or the School Department accountable. Requiring a positive or negative response - on the record - would go a long way toward addressing the problem expressed by so many Cambridge residents that they “are not being heard.” - Robert Winters

Comments?

A Razor is still useful - even if you stop shaving

• Hanlon’s razor: Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity.
• Hitchens’s razor: That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.
• Occam’s razor: Simpler explanations are more likely to be correct; avoid unnecessary or improbable assumptions.
• Russell’s teapot: An analogy, formulated by the philosopher Bertrand Russell (1872–1970), to illustrate that the philosophic burden of proof lies upon a person making empirically unfalsifiable claims, rather than shifting the burden of disproof to others. He wrote that if he were to assert, without offering proof, that a teapot, too small to be seen by telescopes, orbits the Sun somewhere in space between the Earth and Mars, he could not expect anyone to believe him solely because his assertion could not be proven wrong.
• Sagan standard: Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

More here

What my autistic son’s cold cheeseburgers taught me about bureaucracy

We spent a summer in an environment of organized stupidity, with all the exits blocked.
By John Summers, Boston Globe, May 26, 2023

City of Cambridge Releases New Details About Free Universal Preschool Initiative
Cambridge Preschool Program to Launch in the 2024-2025 School Year

May 23, 2023 – The City of Cambridge, in partnership with Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), is excited to share new information about Universal Preschool (UPK), which will be known as the Cambridge Preschool Program (CPP).

CPP is a publicly-funded program that will provide free school-day, school-year preschool to every 4-year-old and some 3-year-olds living in Cambridge. Overseen by the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood (OEC), CPP will introduce a single application for families to apply to a variety of preschool settings in Cambridge, including programs at CPS, the City of Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs (DHSP), and community-based programs. Families will have the option of selecting extended day and summer preschool programs for an additional cost.

The CPP universal application will launch this winter for enrollment in the 2024-2025 school year. Cambridge children who will be 4 years old by August 31, 2024 will be eligible to apply, as will children who will turn 3 years old by August 31, 2024 and who meet specific eligibility requirements.

The new universal application will replace CPS’s current 3-year-old lottery and Junior Kindergarten Lottery, the City’s DHSP Preschool Lottery, and the OEC’s scholarship application process. A separate lottery process will be held for Kindergarten enrollment.

The City continues to make significant investments in CPP, including adding key staff members to support the initiative and an allocation of $10 million toward a stabilization fund to help mitigate the budget impact of implementing UPK, which is projected to be approximately $20 million to support City and community programs.

“I am excited to lead this effort in Cambridge, as we aim to be a national model for best practice in building early childhood systems,” said Dr. Lisa Grant, Office of Early Childhood Executive Director. “This model promises to center equity in access, deliver high quality programming, and prioritize early educator compensation and support; with unprecedented funding that will enable programs to deliver on those promises.”

“The City of Cambridge is committed to ensuring that every 4-year-old in Cambridge has access to high-quality education, and we are excited to make universal preschool a reality for our families in Fall 2024,” said Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang. “I’m grateful for the partnership of Cambridge Public Schools and the leadership of the Office of Early Childhood in bringing this significant investment in our families - and the future of Cambridge - to fruition.”

“Every child in Cambridge deserves access to preschool regardless of their family’s income status,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “Universal preschool has been a priority of my office, and for the City Council and School Committee, for many years. I look forward to the lasting impact of universal preschool on our community.”

“Delivering high-quality early learning experiences for our preschool students will be a game-changer for our families, and I am incredibly grateful for the community’s support as we move forward with this historic investment in our young people,” said Cambridge Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Victoria L. Greer.

For more information, and for future updates about the Cambridge Preschool Program, visit the Cambridge Office of Early Childhood’s website at www.earlychildhoodcambridge.org.

Central Square Advisory Committee Call for Members

May 24, 2023 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Central Square Advisory Committee.

What is the Central Square Advisory Committee?
The Central Square Advisory Committee (CSAC) is a group of community members with direct relationships to Central Square in Cambridge who review development proposals and planning projects that impact Central Square. The Central Square Overlay District (Article 20.3 of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance) established the Advisory Committee. CSAC provides an additional level of review for development projects in Central Square.

There are 9 members of the committee.

• One member must have recognized qualifications as an architect or a landscape architect;
• Four members are part of the business community in Central Square with diverse representation from property owners, small- and large-scale merchants and office tenants;
• Four members are residents of the four abutting Cambridge neighborhoods (The Port, Mid-Cambridge, Riverside and Cambridgeport).

What is the role of the Central Square Advisory Committee?
The Central Square Advisory Committee comments on development proposals in Central Square. These proposals include new buildings and new uses for existing buildings. The Committee also gives feedback to the City of Cambridge on public projects, such as parks, streets, and transportation.

What kind of skills and abilities do you need to effectively serve on the Central Square Advisory Committee?
It is important to have an interest and enthusiasm for learning about urban development and community engagement, and how they shape the Central Square community. Successful members of the Committee will be able to:

• Engage with many aspects of urban planning, including urban design, transportation, housing, infrastructure planning, public space, community engagement and others;
• Listen to people from diverse backgrounds and consider different points of view;
• Collaborate and build consensus with a group of people;
• Consider how projects might contribute the quality of life in Central Square.

Additionally, the City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All CSAC members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Who can apply to serve on the Central Square Advisory Committee?
Currently, there are two vacancies to be filled. People who meet one of the following qualifications are sought for this committee at this moment:

• One member having recognized qualifications as an architect or landscape architect who shall also serve as chair of the Committee.
• Owners of commercial property within the Central Square Overlay District.
• Business owners who run a business located in the Central Square Overlay District.
• Tenants who rent offices in the Central Square Overlay District.

When does the Central Square Advisory Committee meet? How much of a time commitment is needed to serve on this Committee?
The Committee meets as needed on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. Meetings are currently being held remotely through Zoom, and generally last approximately two hours. At some future point, in-person meetings may resume. Meeting materials about development projects will be provided at least five days prior to the meeting date for the committee members to familiarize themselves with the projects. Members usually spend an hour reviewing materials before meetings.

How can I Apply to Serve on the Central Square Advisory Committee?
Applications to serve on this Committee can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. With your application, include a letter explaining why you are interested in volunteering on the Committee and a description of your relevant experience, background, and unique perspective on Central Square. The City welcomes applicants with a diversity of experiences and perspectives, and values those with a desire to positively shape the future of Central Square. Application deadline is Monday, June 26, 2023.

For more information about the Committee, contact Mason Wells at mwells@cambridgema.gov or visit the Central Square Advisory Committee webpage.

Resources:
Map of the Central Square Overlay District
Central Square Overlay District Zoning
Instructions for how to apply for the Central Square Advisory Committee

Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) Board Vacancy for CHA/Affiliate Housing Resident
Application Deadline: Monday, June 5, 2023
Application Deadline EXTENDED to Monday, July 3, 2023

May 17, 2023 – What is the Cambridge Housing Authority?
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) was established in 1935. It provides long-term rental housing and rental assistance. More than 10,000 low-income families, elders, and disabled individuals receive this assistance. CHA invests in Cambridge families and provides enhanced support to 10% of the city population. The CHA mission is to develop and manage safe, good quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families in a manner which promotes citizenship, community and self-reliance in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country.

What are the terms of appointment for the CHA Board?
The Board of Commissioners is a five-member Board with each member serving five years. One member is appointed by the Governor of Massachusetts; the remaining four members are appointed by the Cambridge City Manager and confirmed by the Cambridge City Council. All Board members must be residents of Cambridge, and one member must physically reside in CHA/affiliate owned housing. Currently, the city is seeking to fill the seat held by a resident of CHA/affiliate owned housing.

What is the role of the Cambridge Housing Authority Board?
The CHA Board oversees the Agency's direction. This includes approving:

• Contract awards
• Budget decisions
• Formal submissions to state and federal funding agencies
• Planning and reporting documents
• Major policy decisions

Commissioners also serve as board members on CHA’s five non-profit affiliates. The Board appoints an Executive Director to oversee the housing authority and implement the Board’s policies.

What kind of skills/experience should members have?
For this vacant seat, applicants must be residents of CHA/affiliate-owned housing. Cambridge Housing Authority commissioners should believe in the mission of the Housing Authority and the urgent need for affordable housing in Cambridge. Preferred skills include:

• Computer literacy to participate in hybrid meetings
• Ability to interact with the public
• Advocacy skills

Additionally, the City of Cambridge and CHA are committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Board members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How can I apply to serve on the committee?
Applications to serve on the Board can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’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 application deadline is Monday, July 3, 2023.

New Video Series Opens With Focus on Cambridge’s Charter Leading to Plan E

The Cambridge City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E premiered on Monday, May 15 at 5:30pm on CCTV Channel 9 and is now viewable on YouTube.

Created by a multi-generational team of writer-narrators John Pitkin and Robert Winters, both long-time Cambridge residents, and director Gregorio Leon, a 2016 graduate of CRLS and Emerson College, the video is introduced by WGBH’s Jim Braude. The Cambridge’s City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E combines historical documents, images, maps, and statistics to present a provocative half-hour overview of Cambridge’s first 94 years as a city and the origins of the current Plan E charter.

The episode examines our shared history through the lens of the City Charter and local elections. It shows how the Town Meeting style of government became impracticable and led to the consolidation of Old Cambridge, the neighborhood around Harvard College, with the villages of Cambridgeport and East Cambridge to create the city of Cambridge, chartered by the Commonwealth in 1846. The half-hour video presents a provocative and visually engaging review of the expansion of Cambridge as bridges linked Old Cambridge to Boston in the 18th and early 19th century, as migration drove population growth, suffrage expanded, and participation in local elections increased.

The second episode of Cambridge Civic View, now in production, will look at the 83-year history of the current Plan E charter. Since 1940, Plan E has defined our local government, given us the existing system of nine City Councillors with a City Manager as our chief executive, and established the ranked-choice proportional representation voting system used to elect our Councillors and School Committee.

Together, the first two episodes in the series will provide background and perspective on the issues facing Cambridge’s Charter Review Committee as it proposes changes to the Charter and for Cambridge citizens when they vote on whether to adopt proposed changes.

In November, Cambridge will elect a new City Council of nine at-large Councillors and a School Committee of six. Cambridge Civic View strives to engage and inform all residents, whatever their policy priorities and political values, on civic issues and how our municipal government and local democracy are working.

Cambridge’s City Charter: From Town Meeting to Plan E will be also be shown on CCTV Channel 9 (and on the web at https://www.cctvcambridge.org/channel-9/) at the following times: 4:30pm on Wed. May 17, 6:30pm on Fri. May 19, and 12:00pm on Sun. May 21 and is available for streaming from YouTube and for classroom use.

Comments?

Moving On from the Covid Era

May 11, 2023 – Today marks the official end of the Covid-19 emergency, though Covid will likely be with us for a very long time as what we hope will be a manageable disease much like influenza. What will end are the frequent updates and the various mandates that have either tormented us or protected us for the last 3 years - depending on your perspective. I have been suggesting to everyone that they write down some of the things we all did during the first phase of the epidemic when ignorance led to fear and irrational behavior. I will gladly acknowledge not leaving the house for several weeks. For me, accessing the Covid case and wastewater data every day was a form of reassurance that this thing was something to be understood, and through that not to be viewed with irrational fear - even as additional deadly waves like Omicron gave us more than enough reason to be fearful.

So, let’s move on. Some of us have been enjoying a few beers with friends and even enjoying music in indoor venues. I hope everyone can make peace with this virulent enemy and fully embrace all the good stuff around us - especially springtime - even as we remember the friends we lost and the disruption we endured. - RW

City of Cambridge Document Shredding Event Saturday May 13

May 3, 2023 – The Cambridge Consumers’ Council will be helping residents safely dispose of unwanted records at a free document shredding event on Saturday, May 13, from 9:30am-1:00pm, in front of the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. This event, for Cambridge residents only, will be held rain or shine.

Reserved parking is available on Bigelow Street adjacent to Cambridge City Hall. Any meter that has a Reserved parking sign can be used temporarily for this event.

Documents will be destroyed on the spot in a highly advanced technical mobile shredding truck and sent for recycling. Please note that this is a free event based on first come, first served, or until the truck is full to capacity. Limit 5 paper size boxes per household or equivalent.

Information on consumer rights and safety will also be available at this event. The Cambridge Consumers’ Council works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. For more information, or to request a reasonable accommodation, please call the Consumers’ Council at 617-349-6150 or e-mail consumer@cambridgema.gov.

May 1 Note: I went to City Hall tonight to pick up my copy of the FY2024 Budget Book - just as I have done for the last 30 years. They didn’t have any copies for the public. They tell me I can now access it online and that they may be printing a few more copies, but this is really disappointing - especially in light of the more than 50% increase in the budget for the City Manager’s Office.

So, to the staff in the City Manager’s Office … when you have an extra copy for one of the very few people in Cambridge who has been paying attention since before most of you even started working for the City, you can deliver a print copy to my mailbox at 366 Broadway, Cambridge 02139. - Robert Winters