UPDATE: As of Wednesday, June 17, event organizers raised over $4,000, which will be split among participating businesses. To keep the momentum going, University City District will match the next $1,000 raised through the Virtual Dollar Stroll.

The annual Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll, the celebration of local businesses and community, was supposed to return on June 4th. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the community couldn’t physically gather to enjoy the tastes and sounds of the Stroll. So here’s some great news: the event organizer, University City District (UCD), has just launched an inaugural Virtual Dollar Stroll where you can support over 30 local businesses.

Here’s how it works:  Continue Reading

Local organizations, groups, and/or causes are invited to apply for the 2020-2021 cycle of Mariposa Food Co-op‘s Round-up For Change program.

Through the program, which is now in its third year, Mariposa’s member-owners and shoppers “round-up” their purchases to the nearest dollar, and the extra change is then donated to program recipients. The first recipient will be selected for September 2020 and the cycle will run until August 2021.

Organizations whose missions or objectives carry out one of the following will be considered:  Continue Reading

As the School District of Philadelphia plans for the upcoming academic year, they are asking parents/guardians, students, community members and school and District staff members to participate in an online School Reopening Survey, which should take about 15 minutes to complete. The survey is seeking feedback on remote learning experience and what’s most important for the safe return to school buildings.

A final decision about the 2020-2021 school year is expected to be announced in July. The decision will be based on the following set of principles: the health and safety of students and employees, the consistent delivery of high-quality educational experiences for all students and the engagement of the School District community.  Continue Reading

Juneteenth will be celebrated as an official city holiday in 2020, following an executive order signed by Mayor Jim Kenney yesterday. City offices will be closed to the public on Friday, June 19 to observe the holiday and municipal services, like trash collection, will be postponed until Saturday.

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the date considered as the end of slavery in the United States, and it’s an important, big step for Philadelphia officials to finally recognize it.  Continue Reading

Photo from rickforwestphilly.com

The 188th State House District, which encompasses West Philadelphia neighborhoods of Spruce Hill, Walnut Hill, Squirrel Hill, Garden Court, Cedar Park, and University City, will likely have a new representative after the November election for the first time in 35 years. Community organizer, criminal justice advocate, educator and artist Rick Krajewski has defeated longtime incumbent Jim Roebuck in the June 2 primary. The primary winner is almost assured of winning the seat in the November general election.

Krajewski was endorsed by City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and Senator Bernie Sanders among others and far outspent Roebuck and fellow challengers – Ward leader Gregory Benjamin and former Roebuck aide Karen Dunn.  Continue Reading

Booker’s Restaurant is ready to welcome outdoor diners on Baltimore Avenue (Facebook photo).

Starting today, Philadelphia restaurants and cafes can re-open for outdoor dining as part of the City’s Phase 1 (Yellow) coronavirus re-opening plan.

Some West Philly restaurants that have outdoor seating have already announced their plans to re-open. For some, customers will have to reserve their table in advance, but for others, reservations are not required. All restaurants have to follow the City’s guidelines on how to serve customers safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including limited seating, 6-foot distance between tables, wearing masks for both customers (unless they are seated) and staff.

Restaurants that don’t have an outdoor dining licence can request an application. Go here for more information.  Continue Reading