Police are seeking residents’ help getting those pesky – and often dangerous – dirt bikes and ATVs off the streets.

Most of these things are illegal and they become more pervasive in the summer months, prompting concern across the city, including residents of West Philadelphia. Police are asking that if you see one on the street to call 911.

Here are a few other things to know when reporting an illegal use of these vehicles:

“Be prepared to provide a description of the vehicle and its operator,” according to Philly Police Blog. “Understand that these bikes and ATVs are moving vehicles and are often not in the area when an officer responds. Officers are trained to evaluate the danger that stopping these vehicles will pose to the public before attempting to pull it over. Also, it is important that citizens make every attempt to stay out of the way of these violators to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.”

You can also help the police if you can provide information about who has this vehicle, where it is stored, or if it is stolen. You can submit this information as a tip. You can send your tip as a text message to short code PPDTIP, email it to tips@PhillyPolice.com, or call 215-686-TIPS(8477).

Goldie, one of the Project MEOW cats, is missing near 45th-46th and Spruce Streets. Goldie was living with a foster mom when he escaped.

This information was posted on Project MEOW’s Facebook page:

“Apparently Goldie got out a second floor window. He is a medium-sized cat, buff color and very sweet. If you think you see Goldie, please put out a small plate of food for him and contact us at Projectmeow@gmail.com“.

Cedar Park Jazz Series, a long-standing fixture on summer Friday nights in the area, returns this week. Filled with melody and positive vibes, this event is a summer highlight for many members of the Cedar Park community.

Unfortunately, for the past two years, funds have been insufficient to allow the Series to cover the entire summer, leaving many neighbors disappointed. Cedar Park Neighbors is raising funds to support the Series this year. Please consider making a contribution here.

The Series kicks off this Friday, May 25, with a concert by Dr. Ketchup. See the flyer below for more information on Cedar Park Jazz Fridays.

 
We’ve seen more and more of these little calls for an art-free world popping up around the neighborhood for a while. We have noticed retorts on a lot of them. Have you seen any?

Don’t miss this chance to get rid of your old batteries, paints, glue, cleaners, moth balls and other hazardous stuff. The Streets Department is organizing a Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event this Saturday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 1st District Highway Yard at 4800 Parkside Avenue (see the map below).

Not sure what qualifies for hazardous waste? Check product labels for any of these key words: TOXIC (pesticides, antifreeze, etc.), FLAMMABLE (gasoline, paint thinner), CORROSIVE (acids, drain cleaner), and REACTIVE (chlorine bleach, pool cleaner). NOTE: Oil-based paints are okay to bring, but Latex paint is not hazardous. Go to this page for the full list of hazardous materials accepted at this drop-off.

You can also bring your old computers and monitors because they contain potentially hazardous elements when disposed of in the trash.

For more information, call 215-686-5560 or visit: www.philadelphiastreets.com.

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The 48th Street Neighbors group is organizing their first Porch Hop this Saturday, May 19, from 4 – 7 p.m. and everyone is invited. Nine porches both north and south of Baltimore Avenue along 47th and 48th streets are participating in this event and it’s a great opportunity to meet, greet and hang out with your neighbors. Stop by one porch and then hop over to another.

The 48th Street Neighbors is a community group that has been meeting since September with the goal of making the neighborhood more vibrant and less vulnerable. Laura Crandall, one of the group members and Porch Hop organizer, said that this event will help bring people in the neighborhood together to build community. The group is hoping to continue organizing social events throughout the summer. They have also been taking neighborhood strolls in the evening and hosting monthly potluck meetings.

Everyone is welcome to come to the Porch Hop, but especially folks from Spruce Street down to Kingsessing which are within a few blocks from the most northerly and southerly porches hosting this event.

Drinks and snacks will be provided at each porch and you are encouraged (but not required) to bring drinks (alcoholic or not) and/or snacks to the first porch you visit. All of the details, including addresses are included in the flyer below.

You can RSVP and invite your friends on the event’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/events/405856216103211/