RECAP: Looking back on the week that was
• Drinking water scare and ‘teachable moments’
When Philly officials learned of the chemical spill just upriver from the Delaware River drinking water treatment plant, they closed the intake pipe. But they had to open it occasionally for fire safety and maintenance. So as they initiated continuous testing, they notified residents of the potential danger — and set off a minor panic. People should always have 2-3 days’ worth of drinking water in their homes, officials noted, calling this a “teachable moment.” What else could be learned from the scare? Emergency messaging could be improved, and the city should look to add redundancy to the system so one river’s mess doesn’t dry out half the city. [BP x 2/CDC/WHYY/BP/WHYY’s PlanPhilly]
• Eviction shooting highlights Philly’s unusual system
During an attempted lockout at a North Philadelphia apartment, a deputy landlord-tenant officer shot one of the residents, sending her to the hospital in critical condition. The person who drew the gun was allowed to have it — but was not a law enforcement officer. Instead of Philly’s sheriff, most evictions are carried out by private contractors deputized by a court-appointed officer, right now attorney Marisa Shuter (who happens to be married to an eviction judge). The system was implemented last century to stem corruption, but it’s now facing renewed scrutiny. [NBC10/Inquirer$/WHYY/Sen. Street]
• Hundreds participate in Philly Trans March
Philadelphia’s Transgender Day of Visibility was created to highlight “positive representation of trans folks doing positive things,” said Office of LGBT Affairs Director Celena Morrison. It’s especially galvanizing as attacks on trans health care (and existence) spread at the national level. More than 500 people marched through Center City Friday evening to show solidarity with Philly’s trans community. [Instagram/6ABC/PGN/@streetsdept]
• Kelly green is officially making a return
The most anticipated moment of the Eagles offseason had nothing to do with franchise quarterback Jalen Hurts or the return of Jason Kelce. It was all about a wardrobe change. After two years of development, team owner Jeffrey Lurie formally announced the new alternate color rush uniforms will be the much-missed kelly green. What’s so special about this lighter, brighter shade? It’s nostalgic, and formed the backdrop for 60 years of history. [@greenlight/@NBCSPhilly/Billy Penn]
VISION: Looking forward to the week ahead
• Candidates for mayor talk climate and health
It looks like there might be only two mayoral forums this week — relatively light, compared to recent weeks — and they each have a very specific focus. Both are Tuesday: Green Philly hosts a discussion about climate change, and PHMC hosts a conversation about health issues (you can submit questions here). Stay up to date on future forums with the calendars at 10k Independents and Every Voice, Every Vote. [Eventbrite x 2/Google Forms/10k/EVEV]
• Will a new Love Park restaurateur please stand up?
Five years after Love Park reopened with a new design, the “flying saucer” shaped welcome center still awaits a promised restaurant. The pandemic ruined plans for a spot from chef Marcie Turney of Lolita, so now the city is soliciting new bids. Interested restaurateurs must attend a Zoom session this week, and are invited on an optional tour of the space, which is already outfitted with a modern kitchen. [BP 2018/PhillyVoice/WHYY/PDF]
• Phillies make their home debut
The Phillies gave up 27 runs in their first two games of the season, and they have four more on the road before finally returning to Citizens Bank Park. The home opener on Thursday will mark the debut of a giant new scoreboard and some new ballpark eats, which BP food and drink writer Ali Mohsen will preview in the week ahead. [@JClarkNBCS/6ABC]
• Philly celebrates Passover and Easter
Spring holidays start percolating across the city this week, with Passover starting at sundown on Wednesday and Easter egg hunts happening throughout the weekend. Sunday brings the return of the famous and costume-filled South Street Easter promenade, which once fell apart — but was lovingly resurrected. [Philly Family/Billy Penn/BP 2016]
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