Philadelphia officials announced today that there were 1,158 new COVID-19 cases in the city, bringing the total reported cases to 52,043 since the pandemic began. Due to a continuous increase in the number of new cases over the past few weeks and to help stop the spread of the virus, city officials have devised new COVID-19 restrictions. The announcement is expected to be made on Monday, Nov. 16, according to Mayor Jim Kenney:

We must do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Philadelphia. Specific details are still being finalized, but we plan to announce changes to restrictions on Monday, November 16. https://t.co/fgAPsfbU3P

— Jim #MaskUpPHL Kenney (@PhillyMayor) November 13, 2020

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There’s a new group of local West Philly artists that meets every Saturday at 10 a.m. by the Turtle in Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore). The group, Clark Park Artists, was recently formed with a goal to support other artists, get better at drawing, and meet other likeminded artists.

More artists are welcome to join the group. Interested? Please bring yourself and your drawing supplies to the next meeting on November 14th to practice drawing with other artists. Typically, the meeting starts with a drawing exercise, then moves onto a longer drawing session. At the end, everyone will share what they have done.

For Winter 2020, Clark Park Artists’ meetings will be on Zoom.

For more details, go to: clarkparkartists.com. You can also email them at clarkparkartists@gmail.com.

The number of new COVID-19 cases has been increasing in the Philadelphia region in recent weeks, with daily numbers topping 800 cases, which is higher than in the spring. As of Wednesday, 50,536 total cases were reported in the city and 1,904 total deaths.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health reminds residents to keep wearing masks, practice social distancing, stay home as much as possible, and wash hands with soap and water. It is also very important to keep an eye out for symptoms and get tested if you experience COVID-19 symptoms (persistent cough, fever, shortness of breath, or loss of the sense of smell or taste) or have been exposed to someone with the infection.  Continue Reading

UPDATE (11/11/2020): University City District (UCD) is offering bagged leaf collection this Saturday, Nov. 14. University City residents must place bagged leaves in brown, biodegradable paper bags on their street corners for pickup after 1 p.m. Sign up your block by either email (cleanandsafe@universitycity.org), or by calling UCD at 215-243-0555.

The Streets Department’s annual Fall Leaf Recycling Program will kick off Monday, Nov. 9 and run through Saturday, Dec. 19. Residents are encouraged to participate in bagged leaf drop-off at specially designated locations or mechanical leaf collection (or both).  Continue Reading

Over 65 parks across Philadelphia will host volunteer clean-up events on Saturday, Nov. 14 as part of the bi-annual “Love Your Park” Service Day.

Residents are encouraged to join local Park Friends groups and help them clean up parks after a busy summer season, collect leaves for compost, plant trees and flower bulbs, and more.

Clean up events are being organized at many West Philly and Southwest Philly parks as well, including Clark Park (43rd and Baltimore), Cedar Park (49th and Baltimore), Malcolm X. Park (51st and Pine), Barkan Park (50th and Spruce), Carroll Park (58th and Girard), Cobbs Creek Park (Cobbs Creek Pkwy and Whitby), Bartram’s Garden (54th and Lindbergh) and more.  Continue Reading

UPDATE (11/10/2020): Now you can support even more local businesses and organizations through University City District’s West Philly Forward campaign. Legendary local dance group PHILADANCO and Ethiopian restaurant Dahlak are now part of this fundraising campaign. Visit the West Philly Forward webpage to donate directly to participating businesses and organizations.

University City District (UCD) is offering more support to small local businesses and organizations trying to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. UCD has announced a new fundraising initiative, West Philly Forward, which will help many small businesses, non-profits and cultural organizations impacted by the pandemic.  Continue Reading