Government

Watertown Police Will Soon Start Using Cameras That Can Capture License Plate Info, ACLU Expresses Some Concerns

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In the next few weeks the Watertown Police Department will have access to new equipment that can capture images of license plates of passing cars. The technology is intended to help with criminal investigations, but some have expressed concerns about how it will be used, including the ACLU of Massachusetts. City Manager George Proakis provided information about the Flock Safety program to the City Council on Nov. 25. The Flock system was approved in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget and eight cameras will be installed on major roadways in Watertown.

Entertainment

Watertown Fourth Grader Performing in Boston Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

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Simone Zupka

A young dancer from Watertown is taking the stage with the Boston Ballet in this year’s production of the holiday classic, “The Nutcracker.” See more details in the announcement from the Boston Ballet, below. Simone Zupka, of Watertown, is performing in Boston Ballet’s production of Mikko Nissinen’s The Nutcracker in the role of Reindeer. Zupka has been a student at Boston Ballet School for 4 years. The Nutcracker runs Nov.

Business

Watertown Restaurant to Close After 50+ Years, 2 New Eateries Opening in Town

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China Rainbow

A fixture on the Watertown eating scene, China Rainbow, will be closing after more than half a century. A post on Boston Restaurant Talk quoted a note posted by the owner of China Rainbow. Thank you for your patronage. I am deeply grateful for the memories, laughter and loyal support over the years and will cherish the time we’ve spent together. I love you all.Tammy

Fans still have time to enjoy a meal at China Rainbow, which will be closing on Dec.

Around Town

See and Hear Highlights of SOLSTICE Light & Audio Show at Mount Auburn Cemetery

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A new light show is featured on Bigelow Chapel for SOLSTICE in 2025. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

SOLSTICE returns to Mount Auburn Cemetery beginning Friday, Dec. 5 with some new features and a different theme in 2025. Watertown News got an early peak at SOLSTICE during Wednesday’s Friends and Family night, while Matt Hanna, host of Little Local Conversations, spoke with two of the people behind SOLSTICE 2025. Trees at Mount Auburn Cemetery alight along the lantern-lit pathway during SOLSTICE.

Around Town

Items Being Dumped at Watertown Boy & Girls Club Costing Hundreds to Remove

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Items recently dumped in the parking lot of the Watertown Boys & Girls Cluh. Recently, the Watertown Boys & Girls Club has been receiving some unwanted drop-offs in the form of furniture, mattresses, and other items being left in or around the club’s dumpster. The club serves about 150 school-age children each day in its afterschool and aquatics programs. Usually, the items are dropped off at night, and they are costing the Club money, said Executive Director Gary Beatty. “I can’t say for certain if it’s people being vindictive, or if it’s like simply miseducation,” Beatty said. “I get the sense that some people see a dumpster in our parking lot, and assume that it’s just a place that’s available for the public to come and dump their unwanted belongings.”

Business

Watertown Restaurant Spotlighted by Governor for Providing Free Meals During SNAP Benefits Cuts

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The owner of a Watertown restaurant got a special call from the Governor for donating meals to people in need when the SNAP benefits lapsed during the Federal Government shutdown. Gov. Maura Healey reached out to Max Ritcey, owner of Ritcey East, to thank him personally. “What your family did making all of those meals available to hundreds of people was just an amazing, amazing beautiful gift,” Healey said. “I just want to thank you.” Ritcey said, “Ya, of course.

Around Town

Sold Out Donohue’s Turkey Trot Draws More Than 1,500 Runners & Walkers

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More than 1,500 people took part in the 20th Donohue’s Turkey Trot. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The 20th edition of the Donohue’s Turkey Trot drew the biggest crowd in the history of the Thanksgiving morning 5K run and walk. More than 1,500 people joined in the event, which raises money for the Watertown Boys & Girls Club. The Turkey Trot has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Watertown. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

Competitors came from as far as New Zealand and England to take part in the Turkey Trot, said JD Donohue, owner of Donohue’s.