A rash of thefts from USPS mail collection boxes, first reported at the end of last year, continues to be a problem in some West Philadelphia neighborhoods, according to media reports. Thieves have recently broken into unidentified mailboxes, stole checks, and fraudulently cashed them for thousands of dollars, according to a report by CBS Philly. The amount in one of the stolen and cashed checks was changed from 40 dollars to 3,000, according to the report.

Thefts from USPS mailboxes have been occurring mostly in and around the zip code 19143, sometimes multiple times from the same mailbox. Last December, neighbors reported mailbox break-ins and thefts of checks, DVDs and letters/forms containing some personal information from mailboxes in Garden Court, Spruce Hill and Cedar Park neighborhoods in West Philly. Continue Reading

The Philadelphia Streets Department’s 2021 Philly Leaf Recycling Program has officially kicked off today, Nov. 8 and will run through Saturday, Dec. 18. The program helps reduce the amount of materials that reach the waste stream.

There are several opportunities for residents to participate in the program:

Bagged leaf drop-off: During the six-week program, bagged leaf drop-off will be offered city-wide on the following Saturdays at 13 specially designated locations from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

November 20
December 4
December 11
December 18 Continue Reading

Many Philadelphia residents who have been vaccinated against COVID are eligible to get a booster dose, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

The following groups who received the second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago are recommended to receive a booster dose:

• People who are 65+ years old or those who live in a nursing home.

• People between 18 and 64 years old with underlying medical conditions that may put them at risk of developing serious complications from COVID-19 or those who work in higher risk jobs, like healthcare workers, teachers or in other higher-risk institutional or occupational settings. Continue Reading

If you have been waiting for news about the Spruce Hill Halloween “Tot” Parade, here is a short update for now: the popular annual event that draws hundreds of participants will not return this year in its usual form, according to the organizers, the Spruce Hill Community Association. However, a smaller event is being planned in the neighborhood. Stay tuned for more information.

Families are also invited to celebrate Halloween at The Woodlands (40th and Woodland) during Halloween Family Fun Day. The event will take place on Sunday, Oct. 24 from Noon to 3 p.m. and will feature a digital Halloween themed self-guided tour, and performances by Tangle Movement Arts and Karen Smith’s “Spiritual Atmospheric Cleansing.” Also after a hiatus, All Hallow’s Read, a spooky book event, will return this year as part of the Family Fun Day. Please bring a spooky or seasonal book to swap. Readers of all ages and spooky costumes of all kinds are welcome. Go here for more info. Continue Reading

Photo by Laura Reehling

Small local businesses are still feeling the impact of COVID-19, so here’s a great chance to support them as the popular West Philly restaurant promotion event returns with new dates and new deals. The 2021 University City Dining Days kicks off this Wednesday, Oct. 20 with more than 20 restaurants participating in the event. In addition to returning participants like Dock Street West, 48th Street Grille, and Renata’s Kitchen, new participants include Chengdu Famous Food, Kusina Philly, Woosa Bubble Tea, El Taco, Lulu Cafe and more. Continue Reading

Residents of the University City Townhomes, which are surrounded by high-priced properties near 40th and Market, have been told they have to leave the affordable housing complex so it can be sold to developers.

Residents of the University City Townhomes at 40th and Market, an island of affordable housing amid the frenzied development surrounding the University of Pennsylvania, have been told by the property’s owners that they will have to move to make way for more development. But City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and other elected officials stood with residents during a press conference to say they will fight for residents to stay.

“We are here to sound the alarm,” Gauthier said at a press conference at the complex on Thursday. “Considering the history of this site and the scarcity of affordable housing, it’s hard to fully capture in words what an injustice this is.” Continue Reading