Public meetings this week look at city-funded housing vouchers; transportation planning policy; universal after-school options and the middle-school experience; and what’s next for a church weathervane made in 1721.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, the vibe is strangely spooky with a Third Annual “Hafoween,” Crypt Night, Zombie Prom and Here Come the Mummies performing, but there’s also Arab American and Japanese festivals, a Glowball “anti-gala,” Taylor Swift trivia and comedian Emma Willmann.

A trotting racecourse spanned a full mile loop bounded by Rindge, Harvey, Clifton and Cedar streets. For nearly two decades it was the area’s premier racing ground.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there’s Sri Lankan cooking, Susanna Kaysen and “Girl Interrupted” a “Little Prince” opera, a Patriots Day colonial fair, Space Week, Grolier Poetry history, a bluegrass festival and a Flat Top Johnny’s reopening pool party.

State Rep. Dave Rogers, a Democrat in the 24th Middlesex District made up of two precincts of Cambridge, five precincts of Arlington and all of Belmont, has an upcoming office hour in Cambridge.

Public meetings this week look at a road diet plan and the impact of bike lanes; plans to redo Haskell Street in North Cambridge; hurdles to diversity, equity and inclusion; adapting homes to child care uses; and a housing agenda town hall.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, Jason Mantzoukas does improv comedy, Angélique Kidjo performs, there’s an archaeology fair, advice on how to run the Boston Marathon, the answer to “Can we grow buildings?” and an all-clarinet band.

State Rep. Steve Owens, a Democrat in the 29th Middlesex District made up of parts of Cambridge and Watertown, has upcoming office hours in Cambridge and an Earth Day-inspired cleanup event along the Charles River.

In a look ahead at a week of Cambridge and Somerville events, there’s poet Nikki Giovanni, sex revolutionary Candida Royalle, joke fests and mystery comedy, new plays and folk metal, “Dope Science,” a tribute to Lana Del Rey and “Essays in Praise of Excess.” 

Grace Toner outside Cambridge – in Kennebunkport, Maine – in 2023. (Photo: Grace Toner) Not many people I have bumped into in Cambridge can say they actually grew up down the street. Grace Toner, a 25-year-old North Cambridge native, is one the the few …