Outdoor dining regulations need improvement, say businesses
Philly restaurateurs say there is “room for improvement” on restrictive regulations currently enacted against outdoor dining setups such as streeteries and sidewalk cafes in Philly.
Business owners and advocates testified at City Hall on how a convoluted application process, costly and time consuming requirements, bad communication, accessibility and other things have hindered what was once a lifeline during the pandemic. BP’s Ali Mohsen dives into the issues at play. Continue reading…
How Philly welding programs attract women to the workforce
Only 8% of the welding workforce are women, but some local programs are working on changing that and increasing the appeal of nontraditional industries. This includes the welding technology training shop at Community College of Philadelphia.
“Especially being the only Black girl. I got discouraged when I first started,” said Camyra Sawyer, 20. “You have to have a lot of confidence in yourself and just tell yourself, ‘Listen, I can do it.’” BP’s Vicky Diaz-Camacho has more on the appeal of welding. Continue reading…
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Mayor Cherelle Parker marked her first 100 days in office by revealing a public safety plan, new law enforcement tactics around body cameras, increased focus on illegal ATVs and retail theft, and a range of programs targeting gun violence prevention—including stopping sales of ghost guns online and in stores. [WHYY]
• Philly is seeing a drop in poverty, violent crime and unemployment levels, as well as an increase in college degrees and immigration, but deep-seated issues remain, the latest Pew State of the City report says. [WHYYx2]
• Within three hours of going live, the state program offering stipends for otherwise unpaid student teachers received 3,500+ applications for 600-700 spots. [Capital-Star]
• Expect detours and delays as the Streets Dept. will be temporarily closing the Penrose roundabout in South Philly for construction. [NBC10]
• A Washington state man walking across the country will be passing through Philly for the next few days. On his agenda: a chocolate covered onion. [PhillyVoice]
MAYOR WATCH
Mayor Parker joins Philly Schools Superintendent Tony Watlington on a panel at the American Education Research Association (AERA) Conference in Center City. (5 p.m.)
ON THE CALENDAR
🖋️ Up-and-coming cartoonists will be at the Moore Comics Expo selling art and giving keynote talks. Free. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13)
📜 Local history buffs, heads up for the Northeast Philadelphia History Fair, where books, photographs, live panels, and more will be on display. Free. (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13)
🛍️ Now + Then Marketplace returns for the first Sunday indoor/outdoor market of the year, this time popping up at Star|Bolt with “Ready, Set, Bloom.” Free with RSVP. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 14)
🎲 Try a new board game with neighbors at Thirsty Dice: Lorcana Lounge is a family friendly, trading card game that features Disney themes. $7 ticket includes free card pack. (3 p.m. Sunday, April 14)
💸 West Philly residents have a say in the local budgeting process and create advocacy artwork in the process at Blackwell Library. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 16)
Catch up on the previous week
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