University City District (UCD) is launching University City Dining Days this weekend with new deals to showcase West Philly’s diverse restaurant scene and a new meaning – to offer support to an industry severely impacted by COVID-19.

This year’s Dining Days promotion will run from Saturday, Sept. 19 through Sunday, Oct. 4 and will feature not only the typical option of three courses for a set price, but also alternate deals including to-go cocktails, special add-ons, and takeout options, all perfect for picnics in the neighborhood’s public spaces.

Nearly 30 restaurants are participating in this year’s Dining Days, including returning participants like White Dog Cafe, Distrito (pictured), and Vientiane, and newcomers like Kusina Philly, Loco Pez, and Booker’s. Participating restaurants offer choices for takeout, outdoor dining, or indoor dining, where applicable. Available options include three courses for a set price ($15, $25, or $35), free add-ons for orders over a certain price threshold, and deals on make-at-home kits and takeout beer and cocktails.  Continue Reading

In the wake of the tragic death of 25-year-old Avante Reynolds, a pedestrian killed on Cobbs Creek Parkway last month, and the demand for changes from the community, PennDOT and the city’s Streets Department have agreed to carry out safety improvements on the Parkway. The decision was announced today during a meeting with elected officials from West Philadelphia that included State Sen. Anthony Williams, State Rep. Joanna McClinton, and City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

PennDOT will begin installing multiple improvements within the next month, including rumble strips along the center lanes along the Parkway from Girard Avenue to Baltimore Avenue. A new style of rumble strip technology will be used which minimizes noise and nuisance to neighboring residents.  Continue Reading

UC Green, the non-profit known for planting trees in West Philly neighborhoods, is holding a virtual auction this weekend to raise funds for projects scheduled for this fall.

The auction will be live on Instagram from 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20 to 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21.

Community members are invited to bid on unique works of art from local makers – from jewelry to ceramic planters to original artwork by local artists. Special experiences like a catered socially distant ice cream party from Zsa’s Ice Cream will be also included in the offerings. More details about the local contributors who are donating to this fun affair and sneak peaks at auction items are available on the @ArborAndArt Instagram page now.  Continue Reading

Mariposa Food Co-op (Archived photo).

More West Philly and University City shops have reopened in recent weeks or are reopening soon as Philadelphia has been slowly reopening under the Green coronavirus reopening phase. Restaurants have also begun reopening their indoor space. Check out some business news and updates below.

• Gift shop VIX Emporium (50th and Baltimore) is reopening to customers for in-person shopping this Saturday, Sept. 12 with COVID-19 safety protocols. The store will be open Thursday through Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and will offer private shopping appointments on Wednesdays (you can book an appointment for yourself and two guests here; a $10 deposit will be credited toward your purchase).  Continue Reading

The Cobbs Creek Community Association and 5th Square have launched a petition demanding a safer Cobbs Creek Parkway, one of the city’s deadliest roadways. The petition is addressed to PennDOT and the Philadelphia Streets Department and demands immediate action to make this road safe for all its users.  Continue Reading

Students in grades K-6 who don’t have internet access at their homes can now visit the city’s Access Centers for digital learning. Access centers are located in recreation centers, libraries, Philadelphia Housing Authority sites, and community-based organizations and provide a safe, supervised environment for digital learning. Parents and guardians have to register their child or children to be able to participate in this program.

There are 10 Access Center locations in West and Southwest Philadelphia, including the West Philadelphia YMCA, Kingsessing Recreation Center, Cobbs Creek Recreation Center, and more. To find an access center near you please use this finder.  Continue Reading