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

There’s a new map out showing more than 150 Black-owned restaurants in Philadelphia and the region.

The project began when local food writer and editor Kae Lani Palmisano put together a database of Philly restaurants open during the coronavirus pandemic. In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the focus shifted to Black-owned restaurants. The project is crowdsourced and the map was created by South Philly resident and IT specialist Charles Rumford, according to BillyPenn. As the database keeps growing the map will also get updated.  Continue Reading

Artist’s rendering of proposed five-floor building on N. 52nd Street near the Market-Frankford El stop.

A Philadelphia born-and-raised entrepreneur plans to build a five-story, $6 million “entrepreneurship hub” on 52nd Street, just north of the Market Street El stop.

Tayyib Smith, a self-described “serial entrepreneur” who has worked in the music industry and started ventures around Philadelphia, introduced the plan on Wednesday night during a zoning hearing with Achieveability, the neighborhood’s registered community organization (RCO).  Continue Reading

Small businesses that were damaged or sustained losses during the recent civil unrest can benefit from a new program – the PHL Emergency Business Insurance Support Initiative.

The collaborative program, launched by City Councilmember Allan Domb, the West Philadelphia Corridor Collaborative (WPCC), The Barristers’ Association of Philadelphia, Inc. (Barristers) and other community leaders and officials, connects recently impacted small businesses with insurance professionals and lawyer-volunteers recruited by Barristers to help owners review insurance policies, assist with filing claims, and review claims already submitted to ensure accuracy. The volunteers will meet with the small business owners through virtual platforms to assist with their needs.  Continue Reading

In the aftermath of last weekend’s protests and unrest, there were reports that some residents, especially senior citizens, were unable to get their medication because some pharmacies remained closed. As stores have begun reopening, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health has compiled a list of open pharmacies, including independent pharmacies, and has also provided information on free/low-cost prescription delivery options. Click here to see the list and for more information. The list also includes information on whether these pharmacies offer COVID-19 testing. If you know of any independent pharmacies that should be added to this list, please email gethealthyphilly@phila.gov  Continue Reading