Issue 12

These

RACHEL WILKINSON

BY COLIN WILLIAMS

HAPPY TRAILS FOR ALL

Parks in our region are making strides in accessibility for those with disabilities

BY STACY ROUNDS // INFO@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Spring brings some muchneeded sunshine after facing the long, dark days of winter. It helps lift many Pittsburghers out of our seasonal depression, gets us out of our homes, and back out into the healing embrace of nature. Unfortunately, nature isn’t fully accessible to everyone, particularly those with mobility-related disabilities.

Pittsburgh is a difficult city in which to build ADA-certified trails due to the topography — rolling hills, sharp slopes, and varying elevations. Even relatively “flat” trails in the city and surrounding areas have gentle grade variations, but not enough to comply with the ADA regulation that requires 3% or less. The ADA also requires trails to be at least 36 inches wide and provide a stable surface without loose gravel or dirt.

According to the CDC, around 12% of Pennsylvanians have a mobilityrelated disability, and folks with disabilities are more likely to suffer from depression than those without. Getting out into nature is an important key to fighting depression, whether the symptoms are seasonal or year-round.

With all this in mind, City Paper took a look at the most accessible trails in the area. Most are not ADA-certified, but some are close, and after speaking with Brandon Riley, Director of Community Projects and Engagement at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, we learned that there is a lot of positive work and innovation brewing behind the scenes.

For instance, the ability to rent track chairs, or all-terrain wheel chairs, has been floated in western Pa. (Programs are already in place in state parks in Michigan, Colorado, eastern Pa., and New Jersey, among other locales.) Additionally, online trail topography maps could be added in the future because, according to Riley, “It’s one thing to provide an accessible trail, but we need to update the information to let people know what they’re getting into with slopes and terrain. There’s not a lot of consis tent information out there, and that can present a barrier.”

Still, some facilities around Pittsburgh are ahead of the curve when it comes to accessibility. Here’s a look at a few notable examples:

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy launched plans for building a new sensory and disability-friendly education center at Frick Park. The new accessible center will include a renovated path with 5-foot wide, elevated trails that will be more accessible for people with mobility-related disabilities.

With full inclusivity in mind, this environmental education project is aimed at providing an inviting space for those with sensory issues, persons who are blind or deaf, and those who use mobility devices such as wheelchairs. In the planning phases of this project, individuals with disabilities were invited to the table to speak about their experiences.

The downside: This project is not yet open. However, construction is slated to begin in May 2024.

FRICK ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER SENSORY CLASSROOM AND TRAIL 2005 BEECHWOOD BLVD., SQUIRREL HILL

HAPPY

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON The Frick Environmental Center.

THE TRANQUIL TRAIL IN FRICK PARK 1000 LANCASTER AVE., REGENT SQUARE

(THIS ENTRANCE LEADS TO AN ACCESSIBLE PARKING LOT RIGHT ALONG THE TRANQUIL TRAIL.)

Speaking of Frick Park, this is currently its most wheelchair-friendly pathway. With accessible parking, this easy, 1.1-mile in-and-out trail runs alongside a babbling creek. It’s flat and sturdy enough to accommodate people of most abilities. The path leads along Fern Hollow Creek from Lower Frick Park to the Homewood Cemetery.

The downside: Because this trail lies alongside the creek, it may not be safe during or right after heavy rainfall, as the pathway may become flooded.

MCKINLEY PARK, CHICKEN HILL 900 DELMONT AVE., BELTZHOOVER

(THIS IS THE BEST ACCESS POINT FOR UPPER MCKINLEY PARK.)

The loop around the Chicken Hill area of McKinley Park is as close to meeting ADA accessibility guidelines as possible, with wide, paved paths and a nearly flat trail. Noted on the McKinley Park master plan blueprints, this trail system was aimed to provide an accessible pathway to all of the park’s major facilities.

The downside: Chicken Hill is close to busy areas, so it may not be as tranquil or immersed in nature as some prefer.

NORTH PARK LAKE SHORE LOOP TRAIL 303 PEARCE MILL RD., ALLISON PARK

(YOU CAN ACCESS THE LAKE SHORE LOOP FROM PEARCE MILL RD. OR LAKE SHORE DR.)

For those who enjoy longer treks, the Lake Shore Loop Trail is five miles long and mostly paved. Much of the trail abuts the road, but you can enjoy lake views, garden views, and bird watching along the trail. The path is also dog-friendly and open year-round. Amenities along the trail include shelters, enclosed restrooms with running water, sitting areas, and water fountains.

The downside: With grades above the ADA maximum, the trail may not be fully accessible to all.

MORAINE STATE PARK, BUTLER COUNTY 225 PLEASANT VALLEY RD., PORTERSVILLE

(TO ACCESS THE TRAIL, TAKE THE SOUTH EXIT FROM RT. 422.)

OK, so it’s not in Pittsburgh, but it’s close. Moraine State Park’s 7.3-mile multiuse trail runs through winding wooded areas, meadows, and along Lake Arthur. The smooth asphalt and wide berth make this an excellent path that, while not ADAcertified, is wheelchair-friendly for most.

Since 2021, the lake has had an ADAcomplaint dock that has a wide ramp for wheelchair access and a trough system to steady watercraft, making water recreation at the park more inclusive for all.

The downside: The hills along the trail surpass a 5% grade in some areas. •

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Clayton Hill behind the Frick Environmental Center.

SPRING EVENTS IN PITTSBURGH

BY CP STAFF

THU., MARCH 21

EXHIBITION • OAKLAND

Spring Flower Show: A Closer Look. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 14. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. One Schenley Park, Oakland. Timed tickets $13.95-21.95, free for members. phipps. conservatory.org

DANCE/FILM • OAKMONT

Shana Simmons Dance presents the Pittsburgh International Dance Film Festival. 6 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 7. The Oaks Theater. 310 Allegheny River Blvd., Oakmont. $10-60. shanasimmonsdance.com

FILM • MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

See thought-provoking cinema from around the world during the Carnegie Mellon

University International Film Festival. Screening at CMU, Kelly Strayhorn Theater and Harris Theater, the selected works aim to address the issues surrounding this year’s theme, Faces of Fear 7 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 7. $5-50. cmuiff.com/festival-2024

SAT., MARCH 23

FAMILY • CANONSBURG

WQED and Fred Rogers Productions present Be My Neighbor Day. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Various locations, Canonsburg. Free. All ages. wqed.org/bemyneighborday

EXHIBITION • STRIP DISTRICT

A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Oct. 6. Heinz History Center. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. Included with regular admission. heinzhistorycenter.org

SUN., MARCH 24

FASHION/CONVENTION • DOWNTOWN

The Sneaker Travelers Pittsburgh David L. Lawrence Convention Center. 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. $20-380. pittsburghcc.com

MON., MARCH 25

MUSIC • UPTOWN

Avenged Sevenfold with Poppy and Sullivan King 6:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $28. ppgpaintsarena.com

PHOTO: EVAN ZIMMERMAN FOR MURPHYMADE Jesus Christ Superstar at the Benedum Center

WED., MAR. 27

WED., MARCH 27

MUSIC • UPTOWN

Fall Out Boy with Jimmy Eat World and Hot Mulligan 6:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $38. ppgpaintsarena.com

MUSIC • DOWNTOWN

Herbie Hancock brings his genre- and decade-spanning music to the Byham Theater. Presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and August Wilson African American Cultural Center, the evening showcases what has made Hancock an enduring talent who, for the last seven decades, has influenced jazz, funk, and rock. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. awaacc.org

THEATER • DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Public Theater presents The Importance of Being Earnest. 8 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 14. O’Reilly Theater. 621 Penn Ave., Downtown. $35-88. ppt.org

SAT., MARCH 30

COMEDY • DOWNTOWN

Margaret Cho: Live and LIVID. 7:30 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $36.25-56.25. trustarts.org

WED., APRIL 3

FESTIVAL • DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Humanities Festival 7:30 p.m.

Continues through Mon., April 8. Greer Cabaret Theater. 655 Penn Ave., Downtown. $25-100. trustarts.org

THU., APRIL 4

MUSIC • UPTOWN

Andrea Bocelli with Pittsburgh Opera 8 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $81. ppgpaintsarena.com

SAT., APRIL 6

MARKET • STRIP DISTRICT

Vintage Pittsburgh. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Heinz History Center. 1212 Smallman St., Strip District. Included with regular museum admission. heinzhistorycenter.org

ART • POINT BREEZE

Two collections converge at The Frick Art Museum for an exhibition of master painters. Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt: Forging the Frick Collections in Pittsburgh & New York combines, for the first time, artworks individually acquired by industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his daughter, Helen Clay Frick. Besides the three titular artists, crowds can expect works by Titian, Edgar Degas, El Greco, and others. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through July 14. The Frick Art Museum. 7227 Reynolds St., Point Breeze. $1-24, free for members. thefrickpittsburgh.org

FESTIVAL • POINT BREEZE

Westinghouse Park Earth Month Celebration 12-3 p.m. Westinghouse Park. 7051 Thomas Blvd., Point Breeze. Free. All ages. pittsburghparks.org

Herbie Hancock at the Byham Theater

PHOTO: SERGIO GARCIA

Margaret Cho at the Byham Theater

SUN, APR. 7

MON., APRIL 8

FASHION • STRIP DISTRICT

Pittsburgh Opera Fashion Show. 6:30 p.m.

Bitz Opera Factory. 2425 Liberty Ave., $20-200. pittsburghopera.org

LIT • OAKLAND

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures present

Hernan Diaz 7:30 p.m. Carnegie Music Hall. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $30-43. pittsburghlectures.org

THU., APRIL 11

THEATER • DOWNTOWN

NPR presents Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! 7:30 p.m. Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $31.25-136.25. trustarts.org

COMEDY • MUNHALL

Maria Bamford. 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. $34.75-49.75. librarymusichall.com

FRI., APRIL 12

PARTY • NORTH SIDE

21+ Night: Titanic. 6-10 p.m.

Carnegie Science Center. One Allegheny Ave., North Side. $35-40. carnegiesciencecenter.org

SUN., APRIL 14

COMEDY • DOWNTOWN

Kevin Hart: Brand New Material. 7 p.m.

Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $158.75-308.75. trustarts.org

TUE., APRIL 16

THEATER • DOWNTOWN

PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh presents Company. 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 21. Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $38-104. trustarts.org

PHOTO: COURTESY OF SHANA SIMMONS DANCE

In Retrospect, part of the Pittsburgh International Dance Film Festival

MAYFRI.,17

THU., APRIL 18

FESTIVAL • GARFIELD/ BLOOMFIELD

Pittsburgh Fringe Festival Showtimes vary. Continues through Sat., April 27. Multiple locations. Penn Ave., Garfield and Bloomfield. Free. pittsburghfringe.org

COMEDY • NORTH SHORE

Napoleon Dynamite LIVE! 20th Anniversary Celebration. 7 p.m. Stage AE. 400 N Shore Dr., North Shore. $35-99. promowestlive.com

FRI., APRIL 19

FILM • EAST LIBERTY

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour 7 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 21. Kelly Strayhorn Theater. 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty. $35-75. kelly-strayhorn.org

WRESTLING • UPTOWN

WWE Friday Night SmackDown 7:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $30. ppgpaintsarena.com

SUN., APRIL 20

FESTIVAL • HIGHLAND PARK

Wild Earth Music Art and Culture Festival. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. 7370 Baker St., Highland Park. Included with regular admission. pittsburghearthday.org

THU., APRIL 25

FESTIVAL • DOWNTOWN

See, hear, and taste what makes the Steel City distinct during Pittsburgh Yinzerfest at David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The expo invites visitors to shop and eat local, meet Pittsburgh sports heroes, and be entertained by area bands, comedians, and more. Proceeds from the multi-day event will also benefit Pittsburgh charities. 3-11 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 28. 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. $18-60, free for kids 12 and under. pghyinzerfest.net

FRI., APRIL 26

THEATER/KIDS • DOWNTOWN

Sesame Street Live, Say Hello! 6 p.m. Continues through Sat., April 27. Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $33.75-73.75. All ages. trustarts.org

FILM • VANDERGRIFT

April Ghouls Drive-In Monster-Rama 8 p.m. Continues through Sat., April 27. Riverside Drive-In Theatre. 1114 Lees Lake Ln., Vandergrift. $15. riversidedrivein.com/special-events

SAT., APRIL 27

VISUAL ART • STRIP DISTRICT

Art All Night 4 p.m. Continues through Sun., April 28. Crucible Building. 3011 Smallman St., Lawrenceville. Free. artallnight.org

MUSIC • UPTOWN

Tim McGraw with Carly Pearce 7 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $37. ppgpaintsarena.com

OPERA • DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Opera presents The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson 8 p.m. Continues on Tue., April 30, Fri., May 3, and Sun., May 5. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $7.50-152.50. pittsburghopera.org

SUN., APRIL 28

COMEDY • DOWNTOWN

Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head 8 p.m. Byham Theater. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $49.50-94.50. trustarts.org

MUSIC • MUNHALL

Toto: Dogz Of Oz Tour 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. $59.75-89.75. librarymusichall.com

PHOTO: EMILY O’DONNELL EQT Children’s Theater Festival

MON., APRIL 29

LIT • OAKLAND

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures presents Ed Yong. 7:30 p.m. Carnegie Music Hall. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $30-43, $18 online pass. pittsburghlectures.org

TUE., APRIL 30

THEATER • DOWNTOWN

Jesus Christ Superstar 7 p.m. Continues through Wed., May 1. Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $41.25-111.25. trustarts.org

THU., MAY 2

FILM • OAKLAND

JFilm Festival 7 p.m. Continues through Sun., May 12. Carnegie Music Hall. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $118-136. Tickets for JFilm’s full 2024 lineup will be released on Thu., April 11. filmpittsburgh.org

MUSIC • OAKLAND

Aging millennials will wipe away their nostalgic tears when two emo legends join forces. The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie celebrate the 20th anniversaries of their respective hit albums — Give Up and Transatlanticism — at Petersen Events Center. Includes a performance by Slow Pulp 7:30 p.m. 3719 Terrace St., Oakland. Tickets start at $69. promowestlive.com

FRI., MAY 3

CONVENTION • DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Health and Fitness Expo. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Continues through Sat., May 4. David L. Lawrence Convention Center. 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. thepittsburghmarathon.com

PHOTO: PUBLIC DOMAIN “Girl Interrupted at Her Music” by Johannes Vermeer, part of Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt: Forging the Frick Collections in Pittsburgh & New York at The Frick Art Museum

SAT., MAY 4

SPORTS • NORTH SHORE/ DOWNTOWN

DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon. Event times vary. Continues through Sun., May 5. Various locations. Downtown and North Shore. thepittsburghmarathon.com

MUSIC • DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents Music of Star Wars 7:30 p.m. Heinz Hall. 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. $45-95. pittsburghsymphony.org

TUE., MAY 7

MUSIC • NORTH SHORE

The Decemberists with Ratboys 7 p.m. Stage AE. 400 N Shore Dr., North Shore. $49.50-85. promowestlive.com

THEATER • DOWNTOWN

The Kite Runner. 7:30 p.m. Continues through Sun., May 12. Benedum Center. Seventh St. and Penn Ave., Downtown. $35-97. trustarts.org

THU., MAY 9

COMEDY • MUNHALL

Marc Maron: All In Tour 8 p.m. Doors at 7 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 510 E. 10th Ave., Munhall. $49.50-69.50. librarymusichall.com

SUN., MAY 12

MARKET • STRIP DISTRICT

Neighborhood Flea 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Continues through Oct. 13. 27th St. and Railroad St., Strip District. Free. neighborhoodflea.com

PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE HEINZ HISTORY CENTER DETRE LIBRARY & ARCHIVES A Woman’s Place: How Women Shaped Pittsburgh at Heinz History Center

FESTIVAL • DOWNTOWN

The Cultural District promises a weekend of shows where families can “discover unlikely friendships, stories of freedom, and mystifying adventures where theater and magic meet.” The EQT Children’s Theater Festival returns to Downtown with performances at various venues, as well a free activities by local organizations. Continues through Sun., May 19. Multiple locations. Downtown. Free activities and performances. $12 per featured show, $11 each for two shows, $10 each for three or more shows. ctf.trustarts.org

SAT., MAY 18

MARKET • POINT BREEZE

Handmade Arcade Spring Market. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 214 North Lexington St., Point Breeze. Free. handmadearcade.org

ART • NORTH SIDE

KAWS + Warhol 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Continues through Jan. 20, 2025. The Andy Warhol Museum. 117 Sandusky St., North Side. Included with regular admission. warhol.org

THU., MAY 23

WRESTLING • SOUTH SIDE

WrestleRex. 7 p.m. Enclave. 1602 East Carson St., South Side. $30-75. facebook.com/ WrestleRex412

MUSIC • UPTOWN

Heart with Cheap Trick 8 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $33. ppgpaintsarena.com

SPRING EVENTS IN PITTSBURGH, CONTINUES ON PG. 18

SAT., MAY 25

FESTIVAL • ALLISON PARK

WonderWorks Music & Arts Festival

Continues through Sun., May 26. Hartwood Acres Park. 200 Hartwood Acres, Allison Park. Tickets TBA. wonderworksfest.com

FRI., MAY 31

FESTIVAL • DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Pride. Continues through Sun., June 2. Multiple locations. Downtown. Free. pittsburghpride.com

FESTIVAL • DOWNTOWN

Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival

Continues through Sun., June 9. Multiple locations, Downtown. Free. traf.trustarts.org

SAT., JUNE 1

CONVENTION • DOWNTOWN

3 Rivers Comicon Continues through Sun., June 2. David L. Lawrence Convention Center. 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd., Downtown. $5-75. 3riverscomicon.com

SUN., JUNE 2

FESTIVAL • NORTH SHORE

Pride on the Shore 3 p.m. Stage AE. 400 N. Shore Dr., North Shore. $39.50-159.50. prideontheshorepgh.com

WED., JUNE 5

FASHION • OAKLAND

Discover sustainable style during the Ecolution Fashion Gala: The Time for Action is Now at Carnegie Museum of Art Presented by Pittsburgh Earth Day, the event brings attention to environmental issues by showcasing locally-made designs created from recycled, reused, or organic materials. 6-10 p.m. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. $60-185. pittsburghearthday.org

FRI., JUNE 7

PARTY • NORTH SIDE

Garden Party: MAKE/BELIEVE. 5:30-11 pm Mattress Factory. 509 Jacksonia St., North Side. $125-375. mattress.org

SAT., JUNE 8

MARKET • ALLENTOWN

Allentown Night Market 7-11 p.m. 800 block of Warrington Ave., Allentown. Free. allentownnightmarket.com

SAT., JUNE 15

FESTIVAL • HILL DISTRICT/ DOWNTOWN

Pittsburgh Juneteenth Parade and Outdoor Festival. Continues through Sun., June 16. Parade starts at Crawford St. and Centre Ave., Hill District. Festival takes place at Point State Park and Market Square, Downtown. stoptheviolencepgh.com/wpa-juneteenth

SUN., JUNE 16

MUSIC • UPTOWN

Lionel Richie and Earth Wind and Fire. 7:30 p.m. PPG Paints Arena. 1001 Fifth Ave., Uptown. Tickets start at $49. ppgpaintsarena.com

readers are R AV I N G about our:

Pittsburgh’s “most livable” listings continue to amuse locals. Our original accolade from 1985 proves the more things change, the more they stay the same.

BY: RACHEL WILKINSON // RWILKINSON@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Pittsburgh is no stranger to lists. The city and metropolitan area appear so often on lists ranking it as both a desirable travel destination and place to live that, in 2017 — on the heels of a Vogue article titled “5 Industrial Cities Making America’s Rust Belt Shine Again” — Pittsburgh City Paper’s Alex Gordon considered our status as the “Most Listable City.”

“It seems like every other month Pittsburgh is being lauded with new superlatives and praised for its perceived renaissance,” the late Gordon wrote, contextualizing the endless listing within a larger history of American travel writing. Perhaps unsurprisingly, stretching back centuries, such coverage tends to exclude criticism, and often glosses over glaring inequity in favor of good press

and modern tourism dollars. (For a powerful counter to the city’s selfmythologizing, read Damon Young’s “The Least Livable Body in America’s Most Livable City.”)

Gordon’s “Most Listable” title is, of course, a play on Pittsburgh’s bestknown plaudit, the “most livable city.” As City Paper news editor Colin Williams recently pointed out , the phrase is now so ubiquitous it even

appears on some city trash cans. That honor came courtesy of Forbes in 2010, in which Pittsburgh, described as a “newly revitalized former manufacturing center,” took the numberone spot based on calculations about its “art[s] scene, job prospects, safety, and affordability.”

But the origin of Pittsburgh’s lofty place on lists dates back to 1985, in the second edition of Rand McNally’s Places Rated Almanac — what Gordon called “patient zero.”

emblematic of its time. With overtones of Reagan-era crime panic, the book makes the explicit promise that you, the savvy reader and consumer armed with its ratings, can vote with your feet and move, geographically, toward safety, upward mobility, and “personal success.”

Decades before the listicle would become a journalistic mainstay, Places Rated filled the niche of what it calls “an American tradition” of ranking locales. The book’s back cover

“NOW WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO FEAR A YUPPIE INVASION. AS YOU KNOW, YUPPIES TAKE LISTS AND RATINGS VERY SERIOUSLY.”

As the “Most Livable” honorific has become synonymous with Pittsburgh, the original Places Rated win felt lost to history, and CP set out to find a copy of the book that started it all. Given that so much has emanated from it — in its way, that first ranking probably influenced my own move to Pittsburgh — I imagined it as a museum piece or an out-of-print tome that would take weeks to find.

In reality, there are two copies of the yellow, 450-page almanac in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh system. One is held in the Pennsylvania Department at the Main location, accessible by request (which did give me my special handling fix), and another is a circulating copy that I transferred to my local library branch. The circulating copy is also signed in blue ink by authors David Savageau and Richard Boyer (“Highest regards…”).

I’ll admit that, when the book landed in my hands, casually passed across the reference desk, I felt the same jolt one might get beholding a relic. After perusing the book, I found that it is just that — a work

alludes to its first edition, published in 1981, going viral by the standards of its time: the “furor” it caused was covered by CBS Evening News and NBC’s Today for four consecutive days.

“This brand-new edition of the controversial bestseller continues the no-nonsense approach…” the back cover copy reads. “Praised in Atlanta, assailed in Massachusetts, disputed in Florida, and applauded in Pittsburgh … Some of its findings may infuriate you, some may delight you.”

As compared with a AAA TourBook of the same era, intended only to express the preferences of the organization, Places Rated has a more technocratic bent, claiming objectivity by scrupulously evaluating 329 metropolitan areas according to nine major criteria (presaging Forbes). The authors imagine the criteria as “what most people thinking of moving would deem important” and they include climate, housing costs, healthcare, transportation, crime (as measured by annual violent and property crimes per 100,000 population), transportation, education, arts, recreation, and “economics.”

is mentioned in this chapter — and healthcare and “environment” (14).

However, in the book’s “Putting It All Together” section announcing Pittsburgh (which had previously ranked fourth) as the new winner, crime and housing are among the first criteria mentioned. In 1985, according to Places Rated, the metro area ranked 78th in terms of safety from crime.

“Most comparably sized metro[s] cannot approach this level,” Boyer and Savageau wrote, specifically citing Atlanta. Earlier in the book, the authors emphasize the importance of examining a crime rate — the incidence of crime per 100,000 people

tion as a tough steel town, is actually twice as safe from murder as the average metro area,” the authors conclude.

As a millennial, the book’s housing chapter (“Housing: Affording the American Dream”) made me laugh out loud.

“The 1980s may well be the era of making do, doubling up with parents, buying a house with several people unrelated to you, making dollhouses livable, learning creative financing tactics, budgeting up to 40 percent of your gross income for shelter costs — or, yes, simply getting used to renting indefinitely,” the authors lament following the statistic that the average

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Rand McNally guide

877-350-1003

American home price reached an alltime high in May 1984 of $101,000. Pittsburgh then ranked 186th for housing costs, “just under the midpoint.” (Today, though still affordable by national comparison, Pittsburgh’s median home listing price is $255,000, with those in the market facing other obstacles to buying).

In their final assessment, the Places Rated authors appeal to the notion of post-industrial renaissance that carries through to today, alongside the notes of conservatism that pervade the book.

“Many people who perhaps have a stereotyped and outdated image of a smoky, noisy blast furnace of a city may be surprised,” Savageau and Boyer wrote. “But Pittsburgh shows great strength in the social indicators … Values are traditional and simple, neighborhoods tight yet friendly.”

As Gordon recalled in CP, in 1985, Pittsburgh’s unemployment rate was nearly 10 percent, the steel industry was in crisis (in tandem with an economic recession), and residents were leaving the area by the thousands.

A New York Times article in March of that year detailed Pittsburghers’ “bemused” reaction to the

number-one ranking, even noting that Places Rated author Savageau “couldn’t quite believe it himself.”

“On behalf of Pittsburgh, I demand a recount,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Peter Leo wrote. “Now we have every reason to fear a Yuppie invasion. As you know, Yuppies take lists and ratings very seriously.”

At the same time, Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri expressed pride, according to the Times , as did older Pittsburghers. A 1985 song called “Pittsburgh’s No. 1” was released (which, to today’s ears, sounds so cloying I defy readers to listen to the whole thing), with a music video featuring sweeping shots of the Point, rivers, and Cathedral of Learning. Johnny Carson even made a joke about the city’s number-one status on The Tonight Show

Though taking a trip back to 1985 largely felt like a throwback, one thing that remains unchanged is that Pittsburghers will hold court about the merits of living here. With rising costs, political shifts, and changing demographics, I think we’re unlikely to drop the “city in transition” label and accolades anytime soon. •

CP PHOTO: JEFF SCHRECKENGOST Vintage promotional sticker for America's most progressive city.

THE RIVERHOUNDS AT 25

As the 2024 season begins, the Riverhounds have earned their spot in the Pittsburgh sports pantheon. With new talent and a dedicated fanbase, what they could really use now is a victory.

BY COLIN WILLIAMS // CWILLIAMS@PGHCITYPAPER.COM

Another Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC season has begun. The team took the pitch for their 25th anniversary season with new kits, a refreshed grandstand, new faces — and backto-back losses to overcome.

“Nothing’s gonna come easy for us with this early schedule,” head coach Bob Lilley told members of the media after the Hounds fell 0-2 to Orange County SC during their sellout home opener on March 16. “But it’s also

going to season us, it’s gonna push us into better form quicker as long as we stay after it,” he added.

The team next heads to division rival Louisville, the only USL Championship team with a longer playoff streak than the Hounds. Following that is a string of duels with perennial contenders Tampa Bay; newcomers Rhode Island, who lured away the Hounds’ Golden Boot winner Albert Dikwa this offseason; last year’s league champion Phoenix;

and a home game versus Detroit, who shattered the Hounds’ playoff dreams in 2023.

Lilley said he remains optimistic. “I see more positives that came out of this game than negatives for sure,” he said. “We’ll turn the corner hopefully sooner rather than later.”

Lilley noted that, with lots of new personnel, including three new goalkeepers, “some guys are still learning the system.” Other bumps in the road with new signings have included

a groin injury to midfielder Bradley Sample and visa delays with English striker Kazaiah Sterling.

The 5,125 fans who packed Highmark Stadium for the Hounds’ first home stand seemed undaunted by the team’s early hiccups — the line to buy merch before kickoff snaked around a hallway and back into the stadium’s pub. A particularly popular item was the team’s new black primary jersey with Riverhounds Academy alum and Duquesne

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Pat Hogan of the Riverhounds takes a header against Orange County during their home opener

breakout Nate Dragisich’s No. 17 on the back.

That jersey is part of the team’s new contract with Mexico-based apparel company Charly, which is making a big push into the U.S. soccer market. The Riverhounds’ director of communications Matt Grubba told Pittsburgh City Paper that the multiyear deal gives the team greater flexibility than its previous deal with Adidas.

“While we were happy with our deal with Adidas, we were looking for the ability to do more customization [and] to do more things in terms of our own distribution,” Grubba says,

which includes “getting the jerseys and merchandise available in more local outlets.”

In a city that loves to celebrate itself, the black jerseys, emblazoned with a stylized golden suspension bridge and water patterns with a “412” on the back collar, already seem to be going over well. They also, importantly, looked great on the pitch and made for an attractive contrast with Orange County SC’s new orange jerseys.

“They’re not like anything we’ve ever had before,” Grubba says of the Charly kits. “I think they’re pretty unique, just across the league.”

Beyond the new look for the team,

Highmark Stadium has also gotten some aesthetic upgrades. Gone are the old blue seats spelling out “HOUNDS” — the team just finished a seating upgrade featuring yellow HOUNDS lettering, evidenced by a row of taped-offed seats below the press box and some tan lines where gold paint got beyond the drop cloth.

The stadium also boasts new multicolor LED lights, which the team deployed to fans’ delight ahead of the second half. The colorful spotlights and club-like effects were complemented by light-up boomwhackers the Hounds gave out to fans headed into the stadium. Grubba says fans

“FOR THE TEAM TO STILL BE CONTINUOUSLY OPERATING … IN A PRETTY TOUGH MARKET, WITH THE STEELERS AND PENGUINS AND PIRATES TO COMPETE WITH, JUST SAYS A LOT FOR THE SOCCER FANBASE IN PITTSBURGH.”

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON Luke Biasi of the Pittsburgh RIverhounds signs autographs after the Hounds' home opener

can expect other goodies at upcoming home games, including, on June 1, a Kenardo Forbes bobblehead. There will also be a ‘90s celebrity night to throw it back to the team’s founding days.

As the Hounds turn 25, they boast veterans like Forbes, fresh talent (including goalkeeper Eric Dick, who Lilley said was “fantastic” during the Hounds’ season-opening loss in New Mexico), airtime on KDKA+ and Sportnet Pittsburgh, and new two-game broadcast deals with CBS Sports Network and ESPN2.

“For the team to still be

continuously operating … in a pretty tough market, with the Steelers and Penguins and Pirates to compete with, just says a lot for the soccer fanbase in Pittsburgh and sort of the resiliency of the team,” Grubba says.

What the team needs now is a win.

There were the building blocks of one during the Hounds’ home opener. Forbes, who has relinquished team captaincy to midfielder Danny Griffin as he transitions into a playercoach role, showed his usual prowess, and Dragisich had a stoppage-time header on goal that went just wide.

It wasn’t enough to overcome

a third-minute goal from Orange County’s Bryan Iloski and another from Cameron Dunbar in the 76th minute — the team’s only two shots on goal were both successful. Things got chippy as the game wore on, with OCSC drawing four yellow cards and Pittsburgh drawing two. Lilley lamented the over-aggressive shooting, saying some players were “swinging for the fences on low-percentage balls.”

But faithful Hounds fans still had 12 attempts, nine corner kicks, several daring saves, lots of canny passing, and last year’s Players’ Shield to cheer

for. Fans were loud, lines were long, and Hounds supporters seemed hopeful the team could continue its winning ways with a refreshed roster.

This tough early stretch will be an important indicator of whether the road back to victory will be more Bigelow Blvd. or Canton Ave.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC will play Louisville City away on Sat., March 23 on Sportsnet Pittsburgh. They return home to face the Tampa Bay Rowdies on Sat., April 6. •

CP PHOTO: MARS JOHNSON The Riverhounds sold out Highmark Stadium for their home opener on March 16, 2024.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 700 E Carson St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203. April 3, 2024 at 12:15 PM. Maria Camila Vergara Avila 3046, Tmar Howard 3073, Asia Hill 3113, William Azikiwe 4149. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased space’s lien at location indicated : 3200 Park Manor Blvd., Pittsburgh Pa 15205 on April 03, 2024 at 1:00pm. Carrie Scheller-unit 3205, Suzzane Stockey-3231, Michael Miller-3245 and Spencer Calloway-4027. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 902 Brinton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15221 on April 3, 2024 at 11:30 AM. 2032 Kea Smith. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 6400 Hamilton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206 on April 3, 2024 at 1:45pm.

1035 Charmaine Moore, 3057

Angelique Smith. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated:

111 Hickory Grade Rd. Bridgeville, PA 15017. April 3, 2024 at 12:30 PM. 2235 Erica Clipper. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

PUBLIC AUCTION

nette Sowell 1110, Rick Perry 3118, Justin Duttine 3200. The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Extra Space Storage, on behalf of itself or its affiliates, Life Storage or Storage Express, will hold a public auction to sell the contents of leased spaces to satisfy Extra Space’s lien at the location indicated: 141 N Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15208 on April 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM. 1168A Tenika Chavis, 2133A Devonte McKinstry, 2170A Nava Hilaire. The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

ESTATE NOTICE

IS HEREBY

GIVEN that Letters of Administration in the Estate of Judith L. Brown Ames, late of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, who died on February 15, 2018, have been granted to Candice Rachelle Scott, Administratrix. All persons indebted to said Estate are requested to make payment and those having claims or demands are requested to present the same without delay to:

David E. Schwager, Esquire 183 Market Street Suite 100 Kingston, PA 187045444

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF MULHOLLAND, DEBORAH J.

DECEASED OF CARNEGIE, PA

Deborah J. Mulholland, deceased, of Carnegie, PA. No. 022401719 of 2024. Barbara J. McMullen, Ext. 115 N. Wren Dr. Pittsburgh, PA 15243.

ESTATE NOTICE

ESTATE OF FODIAK, WILLIAM PAUL

DECEASED OF PITTSBURGH, PA

William Paul Fodiak, deceased, of Pittsburgh, PA. No. 022401771 of 2024. Ann H. Fodiak, Ext. 143 Beaconview Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15237.

MIFFLIN, PA

of

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24-001185 In re petition of Amanda Leigh Cardamone for change of name to Mandi Cardamone Gaudy.

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 17th day of April, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

ODDFELLOWS

BY BRENDAN EMMETT QUIGLEY // BRENDANEMMETTQUIGLEY.COM

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24-001787

In re petition of Claire Barbetti for change of name to Claire Fior.

To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 17th day of April, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

NAME CHANGE

IN The Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania: No. GD-24-3061, In re petition of Evelyn Rhone, parent and legal guardian of Kayson Travis Thomas, for change of name to Kayson Travis Agurs. To all persons interested: Notice is hereby given that an order of said Court authorized the filing of said petition and fixed the 26th day of April 2024, at 9:45 a.m., as the time and the Motions Room, City-County Building, Pittsburgh, PA, as the place for a hearing, when and where all persons may show cause, if any they have, why said name should not be changed as prayed for.

ACROSS

1.  Cutting room?

5.  Jack-o’-lantern mo.

8.  Gets up

13.  Mount Olympus queen

14.  Org. that does a lot of lab work

15.  Restaurant place

16.  A news anchor might wear one

18.  “Same here”

19.  Buzzing activity

20.  Audit manager, likely: Abbr.

21.  Harvest

22.  R&B group with the 1986 Top Ten hit “Tender Love”

25.  Bathtub cleaner

28.  Their motto is “Defending Our Nation. Securing the Future”: Abbr.

29.  “The Past is Another Land” musical

31.  Tackle item

32.  Minor cold

35. The Chi creator Waithe

37.  The Storting’s nat.

38.  Toy’s sound

41.  2002 Adam Sandler movie

43 & 44. Tied up after four games

45.  Working stiff

46.  “The English Beat’s” genre

48.  Ills

50.  Candy in the Wonder Woman universe

52.  Austin City Limits network

55.  Tidy up

57.  Fried fish in a bun lunch

61.  Suckling spot

62.  Time slot placeholder letters

63.  Born this way?

64.  “This way!”

66.  “Whew, that smells AWFUL!”

68.  Seafood and rice dish

69.  Parks & ___ 70.  Accusatory phrase

71.  Bad guys in bedtime stories

72.  Bearded animal

73.  Bee lookalike

DOWN

1.  Bundle of grain

2.  Directly confrontational

3.  Three are there in this cule

4.  Fist bump

5.  Late lunch time

6.  Noisy insect

7.  With 26-Down, 1994 Brandon Lee movie

8.  Blue supergiant in Orion

9.  Wailing Wall nation

10.  Extended family member by remarriage

11.  Preceding, in poetry

12.  One to grow on?

15.  Groups that play well with drunks?

17.  Swelling reducer

23.  Ride from the airport

24.  Sound in “muscle” or “scissors”

26.  See 7-Down

27.  Life saver

30.  Bloodhound’s tail?

33.  One who works from home?

34.  Matcha, e.g.

36.  Question

38.  Display ennui

39.  Additive in

some cosmetics

40.  Cheap sofa covering

42.  Stipple unit

47.  Car-financing fig.

49.  British MI6 agent Christopher who linked Donald Trump with the Kremlin

51.  Tennis legend Gibson

53.  Beautiful, in Barcelona

54.  Comes down hard?

56.  Titled Englishmen

58.  One way to be taken

59.  Pinning spot

60.  Was a prelude (to)

64.  CNBC news item

65.  Badger repeatedly

66.  Twisted

67.  Mountain ___

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS