Switching from Cable TV

Apr 1, 2025 Update – It took a while, but I finally turned in my Comcast Cable TV box in favor of a Roku streaming device, and I have a temporary new phone number through Ooma while I navigate the process of migrating my current phone number over to the new service. There are some good things about the big switch and some bad things. I like the fact that I no longer have to drag several feet of coaxial cable around when I move the TV cart. Roku is all wireless. The great thing is that I now get Turner Classic Movies (TCM) - and I LOVE watching old movies. Unfortunately, the way I get TCM is via YouTubeTV and that costs me something like $80-$90 per month, but that’s still a lot better than what Comcast was charging without TCM. There are other ways to get TCM and there are some downsides to YouTubeTV (mainly the pain-in-the-ass menus you have to navigate), so I may look into alternatives. Often the only way to find out what you really want is to try out the alternatives.

The worst part of this switch is the rat’s nest of different apps and menus that you have to navigate. The Comcast channel lineup was much easier to master – so much so that I may one day give Comcast another chance to redeem themselves (but only if I can get one of those less expensive “introductory offers” again). I also had to pay to get NESN 360 in order to get the Red Sox games (not that that’s been so great watching Rafael Devers break records for most times striking out – and he’s still batting .000 after 5 games). I paid a lot up front for NESN 360, but that came with 4 tickets to Red Sox games at Fenway. Hopefully Devers will recover his ability to hit by the time I go to a game.

One of the more ridiculous things about the new setup is that if I feel like watching “Svengoolie” on MyTV on a Saturday night, the only way I can do this is by switching the source to a TV antenna to get it over-the-air. You can get it via other paid packages, but I really don’t want to do that for little scraps. Among the more delightful things about the new setup is that I can set it to automatically record all shows like “Real Time With Bill Maher” and “Saturday Night Live” - though it took me a while to figure out that you do this by adding them to your “Library”. I can also watch every episode of “How It’s Made” and every episode of “South Park” (the perfect antidote to the often poisonous wokeness of Cambridge). Other full runs of shows are available, but you often only find out after many steps that it will cost you extra. I wish they would just say that up front.

Another downside is that I can no longer watch CCTV because the local access channels don’t seem to be part of any package other than Comcast. Perhaps that can be remedied some day. Fortunately, I can still access City Council meetings via live stream or Zoom on the computer, and the recordings are available soon after the meetings. The recordings are usually preferable because you can fast forward past some of the stupidity. You can also get a transcript – often entertaining to see the errors in the voice recognition. Things like “Council Sabinia Bill yields the floor” or “Councilor Susie” or “Councilor Zuzzi, floor is yours”. I also think “Masson Main” sounds so much more exotic than “Mass and Main”. Perhaps “Market Central” could be re-branded accordingly. “We have been working with Michael Modesty.” In fact, the voice recognition software generally works quite well.

Perhaps the single worst thing about the new setup is that sometimes you have to log in to a computer to get enter a code before you can watch something or add a channel. This whole streaming thing is evolving, and it’s a bit like TV in the 1950s where you might get just a station ID image because the channel still hasn’t figured out all the technical details like how to feed commercials into the program gaps. The whole experience makes me feel like a beta tester or a lab rat, and I have become very angry and frustrated at times just trying to do things that ought to be simple. - RW

May 23, 2024 – I am finally getting around to changing from my current “Triple Play” plan with Comcast to something better, but I need advice.

I certainly need to maintain a fast Internet connection for many reasons - not the least of which is an online course I teach via Zoom in the fall (and office hours). I also do the Cambridge InsideOut show via Zoom. For telephone (not cell phone) I have a device from Ooma that I can use for VoIP phone service at low cost.

The difficult part to understand is how to navigate the various streaming options in such a way that I don’t end up paying even more than I am currently forking over to Comcast. My primary TV needs are old movies (like TCM), Red Sox games, Twilight Zone, real news stations like BBC, all the local channels (of course), some science stuff (we’re really into cosmology), South Park, and a few other things. My understanding is that streaming can be a real data hog, and though Comcast doesn’t currently charge extra for excess data, they will likely do so at some point.

Sooo.... I am looking for a plan here. Any sage advice?

Member Sought for Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee Vacancy

Apr 1, 2025 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking people interested in serving on the Cambridge Community Benefits Advisory Committee.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee (CBAC) is a volunteer group of community members who work together to make 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 Committee’s 13 members represent non-profit organizations, city staff, Cambridge residents, the Cambridge Community Foundation, the business/property development community, the city’s universities, and the Cambridge Nonprofit Coalition. One seat is currently open for a Cambridge resident, who would serve a 3-year term.

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.

In 2020, the Committee recommended funding for four Partnerships to work with low-income families to address housing stability, financial stability, and behavioral health issues. Those Partnerships will be entering their 4th year of funding. The Committee will be focusing on the evaluation of the Community Benefits Projects, and the Committee’s work as well as supporting the Partnerships in planning for the future.

For this vacancy, applicants must live in Cambridge. There is no age or education requirement to serve on the Committee. 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.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All committee 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, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Members of the Community Benefits Advisory Committee should be able to:

• Participate in a collaborative process with other Committee members;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
• Show connections to the broader community;
• Be interested in learning more about Community Benefits and how they are provided by the City;
• Actively contribute to meetings in dialogue with City staff and other community members.

The Community Benefits Advisory Committee currently meets virtually on the first Monday of the month, from 4-6pm, though the schedule may sometimes change to accommodate Committee needs. In the future, meetings may transition to hybrid format to include in-person.

Individuals interested in being considered should apply using the City’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “Community Benefits Advisory Committee” from the list of Current Vacancies. A resume and cover letter describing why you want to join the committee, or an overview of relevant experience, can be submitted during the online application process. The application deadline is Monday, April 28, 2025.

For more information, email boardsandcommissions@cambridgema.gov.

My Cup Runneth Over

Mar 21 – I noticed recently that the water level at Fresh Pond was higher than usual, so I decided to take a drive out to the Stony Brook Reservoir in Waltham just to see how our reservoirs were doing. (I didn’t make it to the Hobbs Brook Reservoir, our larger reservoir up closer to Route 2, that had very low water levels last year.) I was pleased to see that not only was the Stony Brook Reservoir at capacity, the excess was overflowing on its way to the Charles River.

Stony Brook Reservoir - March 12, 2025

Willy Wonka Lives in Central Square

Seen on State Street where the trucks supply Cambridge Brands:

Liquid Sugar

Cherry Milk

Dark Chocolate

Slip Sliding Away

Mar 18 – I watched the Cambridge City Council meeting last night and was glad to have not been there in person. Normally I would right now be reviewing the recording and reporting on what was discussed and marking down the corresponding votes. I think I’ll wait on that task today because I’m not right now feeling particularly enthused by what I saw at that meeting.

Public Comment was dominated by an organized campaign from the dipshits of the local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Party of Socialism and Liberation (PSL) challenging a funding request by the Cambridge Police Department (CPD) for a necessary replacement of firearms. I don’t believe I have yet met anyone associated with either of these DSA/PSL fringe groups worthy of even a thimbleful of respect, and this includes elected officials at every level of government. Everyone from CPD was clear and concise in their explanations of the funding request, and in normal times this request would have been seen as noncontroversial. Unfortunately, some city councillors clicked into micromanagement mode and, in effect, acted as agents acting on behalf of the DSA/PSL crowd. Yes, there were some exceptions, but in the end a 7-2 vote was taken to refer the matter to the March 27 meeting of the Finance Committee for further discussion. I expect the same clown car to pull up to City Hall for that hearing. There is little doubt that the appropriation request will eventually be approved, but we’ll have to first let the dogs have their day.

I remember a time in years past when city councillors and the City Manager had stiffer spines and could be depended upon to push back against falsehoods, innuendo, and misguided ideology. There have been more than a few other incidents over the last few years where our City Council catered to the interests of fringe groups in the name of political expediency or to simply to engage in payback against someone they didn’t like or who had been singled out for retribution. This has apparently become part of the political culture of Cambridge. Maybe it always was, but I don’t remember seeing it.

This little shootout at City Hall last night may just be the first of many more municipal election year moments when candidates and incumbents choose to set reality aside in their quest to suck up to any fringe group that might otherwise go after them during the campaign. There are some days when I feel as though I don’t know Cambridge at all, but in my heart I think I do. - RW

Renew Cambridge Dog License by March 31. Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic April 5.

Mar 12, 2024 – State law requires that all dogs over 6 months have a current dog license. The dog license period in Cambridge runs from April 1 of current year to March 31 of following year. The fee for a dog license for a spayed/neutered dog is $20, or $30 for a dog that is not spayed or neutered. Dog licenses must be renewed annually. The fine for an unlicensed dog is $50. Please be prepared to pay by cash or check only, payable to the City of Cambridge. Credit cards are not accepted.

Dog owners must provide proof of Cambridge residency and have a current rabies vaccination. View list of requirements: https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/annualdoglicense. Dogs can be vaccinated at the veterinarian’s office, at clinics held at some pet stores, or at the next low-cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic on April 5.

Cambridge Animal Commission will hold a low-cost rabies vaccination clinic (for dogs only) and offer annual dog licensing for Cambridge residents on Saturday, April 5, from 9am-11am, behind the Department of Public Works at 147 Hampshire St., Cambridge. Rabies vaccine cost is $15 per dog. Cash or checks only will be accepted.

Rabies vaccinations are required by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 140, section 137, for every dog 6 months or older. Proof of rabies vaccination certificate with an expiration date or copy of medical records with rabies expiration date will help determine if dogs are eligible for a three year shot instead of a one year shot, without the proof.

For more information, contact Cambridge Animal Control at 617-349-4376 or animalcommission@cambridgema.gov.

GLADYS “PEBBLE” GIFFORD 1938 - 2025

Gladys “Pebble” Gifford, Harvard Square Preservation Champion, Dies at 86

A passionate advocate for community preservation and a respected figure in Cambridge, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, on March 13, 2025, at the age of 86. Known for her tireless dedication to protecting the charm and character of Harvard Square, Pebble was a trailblazer in local activism and civic engagement. Born on July 28, 1938, Pebble was the eldest daughter of Dr. Arnold Porter and Gladys Hinckley Porter of Providence, Rhode Island. A graduate of Smith College and Northeastern University School of Law, she melded her legal expertise with a deep passion for community service.

In 1979, she founded the Harvard Square Defense Fund (HSDF), a grassroots organization that emerged in response to a 1972 proposal to build the JFK Presidential Library and Museum on the Charles River, where the JFK Memorial Park stands today. Pebble went on to serve multiple terms as HSDF president, including an extended tenure in the 1990s. Under her leadership, the organization played a pivotal role in preserving Harvard Square’s historic character, by preventing fast-food franchises, influencing local developments such as Harvard’s Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts and the Charles Square project and advocating for responsible urban planning. Her leadership left an indelible mark on Cambridge.

In later years, she helped rebrand the organization as the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association, to continue her mission of inclusive community advocacy. Pebble’s legacy extends far beyond her activism. She was known for her salient wit, unwavering determination and deep love for her neighborhood. Her home often served as a gathering place for friends and neighbors and she was a passionate traveler, historian, gardener, opera lover and cook. Pebble is survived by her three sisters, Priscilla Wolff, Nancy Porter and Mary Porter; four children, Dun Gifford, Jr., Porter Gifford, Chad Gifford and Apple Gifford; and six grandchildren, Suzannah, Abbott, Lake, Zinnia, Lucy and Noah.

Her legacy of community service, preservation advocacy and dedication to Cambridge will continue to inspire future generations. Pebble’s vision and dedication will be remembered by all who love Cambridge and Harvard Square as much as she did. A Memorial Service will be held on a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harvard Square Neighborhood Association or a preservation organization of your choice in her honor.

View the online memorial for Gladys “Pebble” Gifford     To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from March 18 to March 19, 2025.

Members Sought for the Cambridge American Freedmen Commission

Mar 17, 2025 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge American Freedmen Commission.

This new Commission will explore historic and ongoing harms to the Cantabrigian descendants of enslaved people and determine appropriate reparations.

Commissioners will also work together to design a strategy to:

• Investigate and report on any historical, systemic, and/or ongoing harms done to American Freedmen by the Federal, Massachusetts, and/or Cambridge governments and make recommendations to the City Manager and/or the City Manager’s designee(s) concerning implementing sustainable solutions for transitional justice and prompt reparations for Cambridge Resident American Freedmen.
• Increase public awareness and understanding of the Commission’s work and outcomes from investigations and research.
• Develop a community engagement strategy to engage community members across the City of Cambridge
• Collaborate with community organizations and coalitions to promote the advancement of the American Freedmen Commission.
• Perform further work as agreed upon by the City Manager and/or the City Manager’s designee(s) and the Commission.

Experience
While experience is not a requirement, a commitment to and an interest in principles of antiracism, equity, inclusion, autonomy, and dignity is required. Experience in community outreach and engagement, consensus building, and problem-solving is preferred. The City is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board and commission members in Cambridge must be able to participate in a collaborative process, consider diverse ideas and perspectives, and interact effectively with individuals and groups with various identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, persons of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Membership
The Commission will consist of no less than nine and no more than fifteen members, of whom at least 85% self-identify as American Freedmen (persons freed from Chattel Slavery within the United States and their descendants).

The City Manager shall appoint the members of the Commission to serve for the following terms:

1. One-third of members shall serve for a one-year term
2. One-third of members shall serve for a two-year term
3. One-third of members shall serve for a three-year term.
4. After the initial terms, all members shall be appointed for a term of three years.

American Freedmen Commission members will receive $3,000 per year as a stipend. This stipend is meant to offset the annual out-of-pocket costs that members might pay to make it possible to serve on the Planning Board, such as childcare, transportation, and other expenses.

Chairperson
The members shall elect a Chairperson from among the members of the Commission. The Commission Chairperson shall be elected at the first meeting each year, and the members shall try to rotate the election of a Chairperson each year thereafter.

Executive Director
There shall be an Executive Director of the Commission whose selection and conditions of employment shall be determined by the City Manager with the advice of the Commission, subject to appropriation. The Executive Director shall be responsible for the administration of the Commission, shall attend Commission meetings, and shall not serve as a voting member of the Commission.

Meetings
Under the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law, meetings are usually required to be in person. However, under the temporary Open Meeting Law provisions established during the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings can be held remotely.

Regular meetings shall be held monthly. The meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate the Commission’s work and needs identified.

The Commission Executive Director, shall convene the meetings.

The Commission shall convene at the direction of the Chairperson. All meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Commonwealth’s open meeting laws. The Commission’s records shall be public except as provided by State law.

How to Apply
Individuals interested in being considered should apply using the City’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting “American Freedmen Commission” from the list of Current Vacancies.

During the online application process, please submit a cover letter to explain why and résumé or summary of applicable experience can be submitted. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office at Cambridge City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, April 7, 2025.

If you have questions, please contact William Belt in the Cambridge Office of Equity and Inclusion at 617-349-7279 or wbelt@cambridgema.gov.

Although voters aren’t savvy about the issues, they have made it clear what matters to them: authenticity, balls, and charisma. pic.twitter.com/iIxpuSi84P

— Bill Maher (@billmaher) March 1, 2025

Mon, Feb 24

1:30pm   The Special Committee of the Whole will hold a public meeting to resume the review and discussion of recommendations from the Charter Review Committee and any additional suggestions from the full City Council pertaining to the Cambridge City Charter. This is a continuation of the public hearing that began on Dec 9, 2024, that reconvened and recessed again on Jan 27, 2025, and reconvened and recessed again on Feb 13, 2024.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) [Agenda (contains red-lined DRAFT of proposed Charter)

Thurs, Feb 13 - Special Committee of the Whole

3:00pm   The Special Committee of the Whole will hold a public meeting to resume the review and discussion of recommendations from the Charter Review Committee and any additional suggestions from the full City Council pertaining to the Cambridge City Charter. This is a continuation of the public hearing that began on Dec 9, 2024, that reconvened and recessed again on Jan 27, 2025.  (Sullivan Chamber and Zoom) [Agenda & Attachments]

This meeting primarily focused on several proposed alternatives for the election of the mayor with the consensus being that this should best be left to the City Council Rules rather than be enshrined in the City Charter. They did not discuss several alternate proposals involving City Council taking greater control of the City Budget process and the matter of whether or not the City Solicitor should be appointed by the City Council or if the city manager’s chosen city solicitor should be subject to City Council approval or removal. There will be another meeting on February 24. It is also expected that the Law Department will very soon make available a marked-up draft of a proposed City Charter based on votes taken to date. - RW

Members Sought for Human Services Commission

Feb 10, 2025 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking Cambridge residents interested in volunteering to serve on the nine-member Human Services Commission.

What does the Human Services Commission Do?
The Commission advises the City Manager and the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on human services policy issues, needs assessment, and funding allocations. With the Department of Human Service Programs, the Commission also promotes activities that enhance the quality of life for Cambridge residents. Over the years, the Commission has responded to local needs by recommending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for a wide range of programs offered by the City and community agencies.

What skills are needed to serve on the Human Services Commission?
The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission 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.

When does the Human Services Commission meet?
The Commission usually meets with the Assistant City Manager for Human Services on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30-7pm, at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, Cambridge.

Do Commissioners get compensated for their time?
Human Services Commission members serve without compensation.

When is the Application Deadline and How can I Apply?
Applications to serve on this committee 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 applicable experience must be submitted during the online application process. The application deadline is Monday, March 24, 2025.

For more information, contact Mike Payack at mpayack@cambridgema.gov.

Volunteers Sought to Serve on Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship

Feb 10, 2025 – 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.

Commissioners will work with CIRC staff and the City’s 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).

Preferred applicants are Cambridge residents who:

• Are knowledgeable about immigrant rights and citizenship, or,
• Have 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 and is seeking Cambridge residents who represent the diversity of Cambridge. Commissioners should have the ability to:

• Participate in a collaborative process;
• Consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
• Interact and work effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

Women, persons of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

CIRC's additional responsibilities include:

• To inform the Cambridge City Manager and the City Council on issues affecting the equal status of immigrants in education, employment, healthcare, housing, political, social and legal spheres;
• To design and implement programs that promote the equality of all immigrants in the city;
• To design and implement programs to encourage and maintain the cultural diversity immigrants bring to the city;
• To develop recommendations and recommend policy to the City Manager and the City Council to promote and ensure immigrant rights and citizenship;
• To coordinate activities and education within the city of issues affecting immigrants;
• To monitor the enactment of city, state and federal legislation which promotes immigrant rights and citizenship and make recommendations to the City Manager and the City Council regarding the implementation and enforcement of any such legislation if enacted;
• To monitor enactment of state and federal legislation which would restrict immigrant rights and citizenship and advise on same to the City Manager and the City Council, and recommend appropriate courses of action.

The Commission consists of 11 members appointed to three-year terms. Meetings are typically hybrid and held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00pm, at 51 Inman Street and on Zoom. The meeting schedule may be reassessed to accommodate Commissioners’ needs.

Commissioners are expected to:

• Attend monthly meetings;
• Participate and volunteer for outreach and other community events;
• Promote the principals of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Work with CIRC staff.

Board and Commission members in Cambridge do not generally receive compensation for their time. However, the City has explored the possibility of offering a stipend for high time commitment boards. Serving on CIRC does not require a high time commitment and therefore is not under consideration for a potential stipend at this time.

The deadline for submitting applications is Monday, March 10, 2025. Applications can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’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. For more information, contact Carolina Almonte at 617-349-4396 or calmonte@cambridgema.gov.

Grace: The History of Black Churches in Cambridge
Exhibit Now on Display in Kendall Square

Feb 10, 2025 – The Grace Exhibit, a powerful tribute to the historical and contemporary contributions of Black churches in Cambridge, is now on display at the Kendall Public Lobby, located between 355 and 325 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142.

This collaborative effort between the Cambridge Museum of History & Culture and the Office of Mayor E. Denise Simmons honors the spiritual, cultural, and social impact of these institutions on the city.

The mayor will host a launch reception on Sunday, February 23 from 2:00 to 4:00pm at the Kendall Public Lobby, featuring a short speaking program, light refreshments, and musical performances. Community members are invited to attend and celebrate this significant moment in Cambridge’s history.

“This exhibit is a testament to the enduring legacy of Cambridge’s Black churches and the pivotal role they have played in shaping our community,” said Mayor E. Denise Simmons. “From providing spiritual guidance to leading social justice efforts, these churches have been—and continue to be—pillars of resilience, hope, and empowerment. I am deeply honored to support this initiative and encourage everyone to visit and experience this remarkable history.”

Mayor Simmons also emphasized the importance of partnerships in bringing the exhibit to fruition:
“Collaborating with BXP, Cambridge Arts, The Cambridge Historical Commission, The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has been invaluable in making the Grace Exhibit a reality, just as they’ve been such wonderful partners in bringing a number of our exhibits to fruition. Their support and commitment to preserving and presenting our city's rich history have been instrumental in showcasing the profound impact of Black churches in Cambridge.”

The exhibit was made possible through the dedicated efforts of community curators, including Chandra Salvi Harrington, Deacon Cheryl Maynard, Dr. Cheryl Townsend Gilkes, Dr. Janie Ward, Dr. Kris Manjapra, Lynette Riley-Belle, Patricia Weems, Reverend Dr. Ellis I. Washington, Reverend Lorraine Thornhill, Sister Danita Callender, and Valerie Beaudrault. Participating churches include, Abundant Life Church, St. Augustine’s African American Orthodox Christian Church, Cambridge Community Outreach Tabernacle, Christian Mission Holiness Church, Kingdom Empowerment Center, Massachusetts Avenue Baptist Church, North Cambridge Community Church, Pentecostal Tabernacle, Rush Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, Union Baptist Church, and Western Avenue Baptist Church.

The Grace Exhibit is hosted in partnership with BXP, Cambridge Arts, The Cambridge Historical Commission, The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, whose support has helped provide a platform for connection, sharing, and learning. It is scheduled to be up for display throughout the month of February.

For more information on the exhibit, the launch reception, and visiting hours, please contact the Cambridge Museum of History & Culture or the Office of Mayor E. Denise Simmons at dsimmons@cambridgema.gov.

Meeting of the Special Committee of the Whole on the City Charter – Monday, January 27, 2025, 11:00am-1:00pm [Agenda]

I was the only person who gave public comment at the previous meeting in December. Presumably there will be others this time, but the unfortunate truth is that even though this is perhaps the single most significant matter now before this City Council, it has been flying almost completely under the radar.

This meeting features 5 additional proposed Charter changes from several city councillors, but the most interesting part of the agenda is the master class response from City Solicitor Megan Bayer that lays out with remarkable clarity the major problems with each of these proposals.

The new proposals are:

(1) give the City Council the power to increase parts of the annual budget by up to 10% compared to what is initially proposed by the City Manager

(2) City Solicitor would be appointed by the City Council

(3) Popularly elected mayor alongside a City Manager similar to Worcester

(4) 4 year (staggered) terms, with elections every 2 years

(5) Department heads appointed by the City Manager and approved by the Council

It is also worth noting, and I will likely address these during Public Comment, that:

(a) At the previous meeting of this Special Committee of the Whole, the councillors dismissed proposals for Resident Assemblies as well as proposed mechanisms for citizen-initiated referendums and initiative petitions. What they perhaps failed to realize is that citizen-initiated referendums and initiative petitions are part of our current Plan E Charter (by reference) and the apparent intention of the Charter Review Committee was to incorporate those provisions (with some changes) into the new proposed Charter. The action of the Special Committee effectively threw out an existing right to a mechanism for redress by citizens.

(b) The current Plan E Charter imposes severe penalties for Interference by City Council:

Section 107. Neither the city council nor any of its committees or members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or his removal from, office by the city manager or any of his subordinates, or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in that portion of the service of said city for whose administration the city manager is responsible. Except for the purpose of inquiry, the city council and its members shall deal with that portion of the service of the city as aforesaid solely through the city manager, and neither the city council nor any member thereof shall give orders to any subordinate of the city manager either publicly or privately. Any member of the city council who violates, or participates in the violation of, any provision of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, and upon final conviction thereof his office in the city council shall thereby be vacated and he shall never again be eligible for any office or position, elective or otherwise, in the service of the city.

The Proposed Charter addresses Interference by City Council, but conveniently removes all penalties:

3.3 (d) Interference by City Council Prohibited – Except as provided in Section 2-7 and by this charter, neither the city council nor any of its committees or members shall direct or request the appointment of any person to, or their removal from, office by the city manager or any of their subordinates, or in any manner take part in the appointment or removal of officers and employees in that portion of the service of said city for whose administration the city manager is responsible. Except as otherwise provided by this charter, the city council and its members shall not give orders to any subordinate of the city manager either publicly or privately and shall direct all requests for service through the city manager. Nothing in this section shall prevent city council or its members from discussing matters generally with city staff, presuming the city manager is kept informed.

Without severe penalties against improper Council interference, it is likely that councillors would routinely blow past guardrails that protect against political meddling within City departments. I am of the belief that we should have better mechanisms for inquiry into policies and actions taken within City departments, but removal of these necessary guardrails is definitely not the remedy. - Robert Winters

Comments?

And so it begins…

Jan 20, 4:10pm – I receive notifications (as do all cities and towns in Massachusetts) regarding when and why official flags are lowered to half-staff. It was interesting that today (Jan 20) I received this notification:

Please be advised that in accordance with a Presidential Proclamation issued today the United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag should be raised to full-staff at all state buildings, today, January 20, 2025, from now until sunset for Inauguration Day.

The United States of America flag and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts flag should then be lowered to half-staff until January 28, 2025, in honor of the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away December 29, 2024.

This gubernatorial order applies to:
1. The main or administration building of each public institution of the Commonwealth, e.g. town and city halls.
2. Other state-owned or state-controlled buildings.
3. All state military installations.

Thank you,
Alex Powell
Director of Administration, CFO
Office of the Governor, MA

The message was sent out at 3:37pm on Jan 20 - shortly before sunset. I just noted that the flag across the street from me at the Longfellow School remains at half-mast as it has been since the death of Jimmy Carter. [Chicago]

Hochul Seeks to Limit Private-Equity Ownership of Homes in New York

by Benjamin Oreskes, New York Times, Jan 9, 2025

Though there are some constitutional questions to be addressed, the basic idea of soaring housing costs possibly being caused by hedge funds and private-equity firms is something worth exploring. In an ideal world, any advantages should go to people who will actually live in these homes. - RW

Cambridge Traffic & Parking Official Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Child Pornography Offenses [US Attorney's Office Press Release]

Jan 8, 2025 – Patrick Baxter, former Engineering Manager for the Cambridge Traffic, Parking and Transportation Department who was arrested in December 2022 at the end of his work day at City Hall Annex, was sentended in federal court in Boston to 20 years in prison for sexual exploitation of children, receipt of child sexual abuse material and possession of child sexual abuse material. “Not only did Patrick Baxter amass hundreds of images of child sexual abuse, but he also sexually exploited a seven-year-old child for his own sick gratification,” said Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners are working every day to find and bring to justice anyone actively harming children like this.”

Cambridge tried to get better racial and economic diversity among students. Now it has one of the most segregated schools in the state.

by James Vaznis, Boston Globe, January 5, 2025