Congressman Dwight Evans, who represents Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District that includes West Philadelphia, has announced a more than $51 billion, seven-point plan to fight gun violence in Philadelphia and around the country. The plan was unveiled today at Temple University Hospital, which treats many of the city’s gun violence victims.

“Over the last two years, Philadelphia and communities across America have suffered from a surge in gun violence – a second epidemic,” Evans said at today’s event. “This is a national problem – it is not just happening here… This epidemic of gun violence demands an all-hands response – federal, state and local government – and more community involvement.” Continue Reading

People’s Emergency Center (PEC) brings jazz musicians and artists from the Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival for a preview of their big event on July 16th! Stop by The Porch at 30th Street Station this Friday, April 22 between 12:30 and 1:30 p.m. to browse the art exhibitions (and meet the artists) and to hear a performance by the Mike Boone Quartet in conjunction with The Producer’s Guild of Philadelphia.

Pitruco brick oven pizza will be set up and selling delicious pizzas. Last year’s event drew dozens of guests to The Porch to hear the Jazz stylings of Kenny Sykes and the Ivory Keys Band (pictured).

For updates on the free, live, in-person, Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival on Saturday July 16, visit: https://www.lancasteravephilly.com/jazzfest.html.

Photo courtesy of PEC.

SEPTA has announced that masks will no longer be required on vehicles, stations and concourses after a federal judge struck down the federal travel mask mandate.

SEPTA’s announcement came as an indoor mask mandate went into effect across the city, sowing confusion about where masks are required and where they are not.

Some transportation agencies around the country, notably New York City’s MTA, have kept a mask mandate in place. Others like Amtrak have made masks optional. Continue Reading

On Saturday, April 23, the day after International Earth Day, the Green Committee of Garden Court Condos invites neighbors in West Philly to drop by between 2 and 4 p.m. On the sidewalk in front of GC (Pine St. between 46th and 47h), several of Philadelphia’s green organizations will present their options for more sustainable lifestyles. These include:

– The Rounds, Philly’s new startup which provides weekly deliveries of basic goods and local specialties with little or no packaging — and will be providing sample snacks;
– PECO, which offers home owners and residents promotions for converting to LED lighting, plus tips and subsidies for conserving electricity; and Continue Reading

Residents of Spruce Hill, Cedar Park, Garden Court and other West Philly neighborhoods will have a chance to hear from some local Democratic political candidates this week, ahead of the May 17 primary election. The 27th Ward of the Philadelphia Democratic Committee is hosting a Candidates’ Forum on Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. with the following participants:

• State Rep. Rick Krajewski, incumbent (188th District)

• State Rep. Candidate James Wright (188th District)

• State Senator Anthony H. Williams, incumbent (8th District)

• State Senator Candidate Paul Prescod (8th District) Continue Reading

One of the most popular local outdoor events, the Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, is set to return this summer.

University City District (UCD), the longtime organizer of the event, is planning two Strolls this year – on Thursday, June 16 and Thursday, Sept. 15, each from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Over the years, the event has drawn thousands of visitors, both local residents and guests, who enjoyed dollar deals from participating vendors. In 2022, the price levels for vendor offers will be expanded from $1 deals to deals for $1, $3, or $5.

UCD is now accepting applications from both community food vendors and community merchandise vendors to join in this event as official participants. The purpose of selecting official vendors is to ensure all vendors are in compliance with various City agencies, including the Philadelphia Health Department and the Philadelphia Department of Licenses & Inspection (L&I). Continue Reading