The City has introduced a new, tiered approach to COVID-19 safety requirements, as the number of new cases and hospitalizations continue to fall in Philadelphia. As of today (Wednesday, Feb. 16), the City has lifted the proof of vaccination requirement for indoor dining and drinking at bars, restaurants and other places that serve food or drink. The mask requirement for all indoor public settings still remains in place until further notice.

The City’s Department of Public Health has presented four COVID-19 response levels, from Extreme Caution to All Clear, which will be implemented based on the number of new cases, hospitalizations and other criteria. As of today, Philadelphia is in Level 2: Mask Precautions. The response level will be updated as needed every Monday. Continue Reading

West Philly residents who live in the 18th Police District boundaries are again invited to attend community meetings with local police officers. Monthly meetings at the Calvary Center (48th and Baltimore) have recently resumed after a nearly two-year long COVID-related hiatus.

Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. The next meeting will take place this Thursday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. Lt. Kevin Livewell of the University City Division of the 18th Police District and representatives of University City District (UCD) will participate in the meeting. Continue Reading

Barnes West, a collaboration between People’s Emergency Center CDC and the Barnes Foundation, is seeking West Philly-based social impact artists and artist groups to participate in the new Everyday Places Artist Partnerships. The program is offering six artist partnership opportunities in West Philadelphia at everyday, neighborhood places like grocery stores, corner stores, restaurants, and parks.

The goal of the program, which launched in 2021, is to highlight the intersection between art and community and to provide an opportunity for local community members to experience and engage with art right where they live.

Interested artists and artist groups are invited to submit their proposals until Friday, Feb. 18. Artists working in any medium are welcome to apply – painters, sculptors, mixed-media artists, performers, writers, musicians, and muralists. Continue Reading

Here are some more Black History Month events and happenings in West Philly. If you missed our post on what’s happening at the Free Library of Philadelphia branches in celebration of Black History Month, click here.

• People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation are sponsoring an essay/arts contest for Black History Month. This year’s theme is “Share your vision of peace through love for your neighbor,” and submissions are accepted in one of three formats: a written essay (250-500 words), spoken word (1-minute limit), or visual arts (submit as a jpg or png image). The winner in each category will receive a $100 gift card! Last date to submit is February 21. Please send submissions to: kevinb@pec-cares.org  Continue Reading

One For All, a non-profit arts organization based in West Philadelphia, has recently expanded and opened a private studio space for emerging artists at 4111 Lancaster Ave.

The new studio features “a kitchenette, bathrooms and community areas on [two] floors,” writes One For All founder and director Parker Jackson. “There is also a functioning elevator, heat, air conditioning, wifi and multiple security systems in place.”

One For All’s new art studio spaces are mostly medium-sized, many of them have windows, and are moderately priced, starting at $75 a month. One studio has a recording studio within a medium-sized studio space and can be used by a musician. Continue Reading

In an effort to assess fair housing options in Philadelphia neighborhoods, the City’s Division of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has released a housing and neighborhood survey – Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH).

The AFH survey, which is in partnership with the Urban Institute and Reinvestment Fund, will assess how Philadelphians feel about their current housing, community and housing options. The results of the survey will be used to help shape Philadelphia’s housing and neighborhood investment plans.

The results of the survey will be used to “create meaningful actions to address housing challenges and improve communities,” according to Mayor Jim Kenney. Continue Reading