Just in time for the spring and summer season when many folks may need to purchase home and garden tools, the West Philadelphia Tool Library is holding a Spring Tool Sale. The event will take place on Saturday, May 1, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tool Library’s location at 1314 S. 47th St.

The sale will feature some great deals, plus this is a great opportunity to support a 14-year-old local non-profit. The sale is open to everyone (you don’t need to be a member).

The West Philly Tool Library was founded in 2007 with a goal to lend tools to community members. Since its founding, the organization has expanded its inventory to over 4,000 tools and has welcomed over 2,600 members. To learn more about membership at the West Philly Tool Library, go here. Continue Reading

President Joe Biden will visit the 30th Street Station on Friday, April 30, to mark the 50th anniversary of Amtrak, according to reports. Biden’s visit is part of his “Getting America Back on Track” tour marking his first 100 days in office.

During his visit, Biden is also expected to advocate for his $2.3 trillion infrastructure and jobs plan, which includes $80 billion funding for Amtrak.

CVS has joined other pharmacies in Philadelphia to provide COVID vaccinations to residents. Many CVS locations in the city, including a few stores in West Philly, have vaccine appointments available. To schedule an appointment, go here. You can also try to walk in. The following West Philly locations have COVID vaccines: 4849 Market St., 3925 Walnut St., 3401 Walnut St.

In other Philadelphia COVID vaccine news, the FEMA-run vaccination clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center has about 4,000 Pfizer vaccine doses that are set to expire this Thursday. Philadelphia residents age 16 and older or those who work in the city are welcome to stop by today or tomorrow by 4 p.m. to get their first dose of the vaccine. No appointment is required. Continue Reading

There has been an increase in carjacking incidents in many city neighborhoods, according to reports, a worrying trend that is likely part the overall increase in violence in the city during the pandemic.

A very brazen armed carjacking attempt took place on Wednesday, April 21 near 46th and Pine Streets, which led to an arrest of three suspects. The incident took place at 3:30 p.m. on Pine Street in front of the Garden Court condominium, according to reports. The male victim, a Garden Court resident, had just placed an item in his parked car when he was approached by four masked young males, each armed with a gun, according to police.

The suspects took the car keys from the victim and his wallet, got in the vehicle and sped off. The victim was able to hide his phone and called 911 immediately after the incident. Police responded within a few minutes and spotted the stolen vehicle nearby. After a pursuit the vehicle crashed into a fence on a dead end street and three out of the four suspects were apprehended when they tried to flee the crash scene. Continue Reading

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair was cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but this year the organizers, Spruce Hill Community Association (SHCA), are bringing back the popular community event. The May Fair will be held virtually on Saturday, May 8, 4-8 p.m.

Local vendors, artists and craftspeople are invited to participate in the event free of charge. Community groups and organizations seeking to do outreach are also invited to be part of this event. Space is limited and priority will be given to local community organizations and artisans. Continue Reading

Construction work will begin on the Safe Spaces for Cycling Project, starting the week of April 26th (weather permitting), according to today’s announcement by Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams.

The project involves the upgrading or reconfiguring bike lanes with the installation of pavement markings, flexible delineator posts, and bike lane related signage.

The following streets in West Philadelphia are included within the scope of this project:

• Parkside Avenue from Girard Ave to 52nd St. Continue Reading