Dr. Ala Stanford, a candidate for the 3rd Congressional District Democratic nomination, speaking at the West Philly forum on April 20, 2026. (Photo by Tony West)

Three candidates for the 3rd Congressional District were at the Penn Alexander School (43rd and Locust) on Monday evening to court West Philly voters. State Rep. Chris Rabb, Dr. Ala Stanford and State Sen. Sharif Street are running in the May 19 primary for the Democratic nomination to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans. They appeared in a forum sponsored by the 24th and 27th Wards.

Stanford, a physician and a political newcomer whom Evans has endorsed, was a federal Health & Human Services leader. She also led a vital city medical response during the COVID pandemic. Street, the son of  former Mayor John Street, was the Democratic state party chair before this race. He is backed by the Democratic City Committee. Rabb is a progressive firebrand who has long defied Democratic City Committee. He was endorsed by The Philadelphia Inquirer.

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The West Craft Fest returns to the historic grounds of The Woodlands on Sunday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (the event has been rescheduled due to rain in the forecast for Saturday). A signature event for West Philadelphia, the spring festival will host over 100 local makers, artists, and performers for a day of outdoor shopping and community celebration.

Visitors can browse a curated selection of handmade wares, including:

Art & Decor: Paintings, prints, and ceramics.

Style: Jewelry, handmade clothing, textiles, and accessories.

Home & Body: Candles, stationery, bath and body care, and unique home goods.

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Mayor Cherelle Parker has proposed a $6.97 billion “One Philly, One Future” budget for Fiscal Year 2027, focusing on public safety, clean and green initiatives, and economic opportunity. The plan includes $25 million for anti-violence grants, $10 million for affordable housing, and investments in education.

To fund the proposals, the budget includes new revenue measures, including:

• A 2 percent increase in the hotel tax.
• A 20-cent-per-ride fee increase (initially) on rideshares, later pushed to $1 per ride.
• A new 25-cents-per-order delivery fee.

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The 2026 Pennsylvania primary election is approaching on May 19. To help voters make an informed decision, two local political organizations are joining forces to host a Congressional Candidates Forum on Monday, April 20 at the Penn Alexander School.

The forum will feature three democratic candidates vying for the seat now held by Rep. Dwight Evans, who announced his retirement last summer. The candidates include:

• State Senator Sharif Street: Currently representing Pennsylvania’s 3rd Senatorial District, Street has been a vocal advocate for housing rights, criminal justice reform, and economic development in Philadelphia.

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An artist’s rendering of the reimagined Welsh Fountain Gardens in West Fairmount Park (see more renderings below).

The Fairmount Park Conservancy joined State Senator Vincent J. Hughes and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation today to announce a major $2.3 million state grant for the Welsh Fountain Gardens, which is located between Avenue of the Republic and Parkside Avenue across from the Please Touch Museum. Funded through the Commonwealth’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, the project aims to turn a long-dormant historic site into a safe, vibrant space for the community.

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There’s a chance for community members to have a say in improvement and redesign projects in two West Philly neighborhoods – Spruce Hill and Cedar Park.

As you may have heard, the Friends of Clark Park are planning to rebuild the children’s playground near 43rd and Regent, as part of the multi-phase Clark Park Plan. Neighbors, families, and park-goers of all ages are invited to a Play Jam at the park this Saturday, April 11 (rain date: April 12), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. to review design inspiration and make their voices heard. This event is the first opportunity for the broader public to engage with early design concepts and help shape Clark Park’s new playground.

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