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Streeteries are disappearing thanks to stringent regulations
Outdoor dining was a lifeline for restaurants during the pandemic, and patrons cheered when the city announced it would make streeteries permanent.
- But the new regulations and fees — even after some changes — make it financially impractical for many restaurateurs, who’ve been posting their dismay on Instagram as they dismantle the structures.
Out of 800 or so spots with streeteries, only 22 have submitted applications, The Inquirer reports. None have yet been approved.
Where to find a kinara in Philadelphia, and why it’s not easy
One of the rituals of Kwanzaa, which starts Monday, is lighting candles on a kinara — but the candelabra aren’t easy to find in Philadelphia.
- Philly was one of the earliest cities to embrace the weeklong celebration of African culture and community founded in the mid-1960s.
But recently, “we’ve really been hemorrhaging our cultural shops,” Kwanzaa Cooperative co-chair Maisha Ongoza told Jordan Levy — who found just two city stores with kinaras in stock.
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
- Gov.-elect Shapiro’s transition team encompasses people with a wide range of political views, from a former FOP president to a prison abolitionist. [Spotlight PA]
- Around 2,600 people applied for Pa.’s marijuana pardon program last fall, and about 230 of them will receive one, granted for up to two misdemeanor convictions of possession for personal use. [Axios]
- Superintendent Tony Watlington is making several hires as he divides the School District’s academic leadership into six sub-offices, with goals like better student and teacher attendance and lower dropout rates. [WHYY]
- RIP Thom Bell. The legendary producer and songwriter, who helped create “The Sound of Philadelphia,” has died at 79. He was interviewed on Fresh Air last year. [Songwriters HOF/Pitchfork/NPR]
- Kindy’s is Philly’s warehouse of holiday kitsch. Here are some of the fun things you’ll find at the magical but amusing Christmas outlet. [Billy Penn]
- Eight Eagles are Pro Bowl-bound, the most of any NFL team — though hopefully they’ll be skipping the showcase in favor of the championship. Meanwhile, today is the day the full “Philly Special Christmas” album is finally available on streaming services. [PhillyVoice/Billy Penn/Spotify]
The story you didn’t read
⭐ Highlighting good BP articles you might’ve missed ⭐
- How to shop your values in Philly: Here’s our guide to local B corps, sustainable fashion, fair trade, and maker-to-market vendors.
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Kenney is getting a routine colonoscopy and endoscopy today, per his office. He plans to return to work Dec. 27, after the holiday weekend.
ON THE CALENDAR
?️ Have guests coming or just want to play tourist? Take the special holiday edition of the Official Historic Philadelphia Walking Tour, a 45-min jaunt through Old City that ends with hot chocolate. $15 adults, $7 kids. (Monday-Friday, Dec. 26-30)
? Over the river in South Jersey, Ground For Sculpture hosts a multi-sensory light and sound experience by Klip Collective called “Night Forms: Infinite Wave.” Tickets are $28. (Nightly through Jan. 1)