This neighbor had an interesting experience this afternoon when she found that her car, which had been parked near 45th and Spruce, was “courtesy towed” by the Philadelphia Parking Authority due to road work. Spruce Street between 44th and 45th, was closed all day on Tuesday due to the work. If your car has also been towed from that location and you can’t find it, this story may be helpful.

“When I parked my car at that location during the early afternoon [on Monday], I did not see any signs posted about parking restrictions for [Tuesday],” Emily writes. “I called PPA and was told that my car had been “courtesy towed”… and to call my local police district to find out where it was. I called district 18 and was told that they were aware that a number of cars had been “courtesy towed”… around the neighborhood, but they had not been given a list of where all of the cars had been “courtesy towed” to by PPA like they were supposed to. They said that some cars had been towed to the area around 49th and Springfield, but that other cars from the area around 45th and Spruce may be in different locations.  Continue Reading

Don’t forget to vote in the primary election this Tuesday (May 15), when Pennsylvanians from both parties will choose candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, the U.S. House of Representatives and the state legislature. Only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote for party candidates in the primaries. Independents can only vote on the ballot questions.

First thing’s first. Go here to check your voter registration status. If you’re not sure what district you live in for state legislature or congressional races (it can get confusing with all the redistricting), check here. Go here to find your polling place.  Continue Reading

Dinner in Three Acts is a fun and delicious way to support educational programs at Curio Theatre.

Curio Theatre Company, the community theater at 48th and Baltimore, is starting an exciting new fundraising tradition. On Sunday, May 20, the company will be “producing” a Dinner in Three Acts – a three-course dinner at selected West Philadelphia homes. This is how it works:

Act One – 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. – Guests will start with registration and appetizers at one home.
Act Two – 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. – For their entree, guests will choose one style of cuisine from a varied selection served for groups of 10 to 15 people.
Act Three – 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. – Guests will return to the theater for dessert with coffee and tea.  Continue Reading

The design for the new “Broken Chains” mural at 500 S. 52nd St. (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood).

A new “Broken Chains” mural at 52nd and Larchwood, where several buildings are undergoing extensive renovation, will be unveiled Saturday, May 12th at 3 p.m.

The original Broken Chains mural (see below), a tribute to Black empowerment and leadership, will be removed as part of the ongoing renovation of the building at 500 S. 52nd (southwest corner of 52nd and Larchwood), one of several buildings near that intersection that the local development company, Spak Group, is renovating from the ground up. When completed, the building will include ground floor commercial (a sit-down restaurant) and three apartments.  Continue Reading

A petting zoo will be back in Clark Park this Saturday (Photo West Philly Local)

The annual Spruce Hill May Fair, a neighborhood tradition for 60 years, will take place at Clark Park (43rd and Chester) this Saturday, May 12, from noon to 6 p.m. This year, the event will include:

– A musical line-up with well-known composer Dan Blacksberg and the Haimishers and special guests HardWork Movement.
– Over 50 local artisans who will offer a wide range of arts and crafts and other unique products
– Tables with information about local groups and causes
– University City Garden Club annual plant sale
– Food for every taste from food trucks and vendors working in University City Continue Reading

A great Cedar Park summer tradition – Cedar Park Jazz Series – is returning June 1st to 49th and Baltimore! The series, presented by Cedar Park Neighbors, will run through July 27th with performances every Friday, from 6-8 p.m. (weather permitting).

The series kicks off with a performance by pianist and composer Alfred “Alfie” Pollitt. Here’s a lineup of this year’s performances:

As always, all performances are free and open to the public. Just bring your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the music.

For updates, please check the Cedar Park Neighbors Facebook page.