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Local band Athensville has released its debut LP, ‘Undressing Minds For Show.’ | Page 6
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FROM THE EDITOR
I’LL MISS RAISING
HELL AT PW I
t’s hard to believe it’s only been half a tion with the media bias that leans left in this year, but I am already saying goodbye town. Just look at whom other publications endorse for elections, name as “influential to Philly Weekly. people,” or tap for “winners and losers.” I want to thank you for reading this More than once, I’ve been blasted on social paper and (if you did) my columns these last six months. Thank you to media for my role, but that’s only toughened up my thick skin. It’s nice hearing from peothe people who let me interview them and who shared their stories with me ple who appreciate the work we’ve done, even if they don’t agree with everything we write. so that I could share them with others. It reAnd I’ll miss raising hell on our front pages. ally helps to have a great subject. In PhiladelThese stories have often led to readers exphia, there really is no shortage. pressing genuine gratitude for us simply “tellThough I’ve not been editor of PW long, this job has meant a lot to me. It’s challenged ing it like it is.” PW has done an excellent job in telling me, enlightened me and invigorated me – and stories that might otherwise go forced me to take some risks. It ignored. We have asked probing, pushed me out of my comfort zone, uncomfortable questions, and enso that I thought alternatively about couraged people to think criticaltraditional journalism – a new conly, outside the box, and beyond the cept for me. That required creativiscope of the mainstream media. ty and imagination. If this concept makes you scratch Thank you to all the freelancyour head, then that is what true, ers who have contributed to this alternative journalism is supposed awesome endeavor – Eugene Zeto look like. nyatta, Jesse Bunch, Paul Davis, The AltPhilly membership proStu Bykofsky, A.D. Amorosi, A. gram has been a huge undertakBenjamin Mannes, Chuck Darrow, ing, but it has promise and a ton of and Timaree Schmit – who has the investment, so check it out if you most interesting, educational and want to see what my team (many steamy sex column on the planet! thanks, in particular, to Stephanie) I am proud of the work we’ve done @ RUFFTUFFDH and I have already created. It feaand I know there’s more where that tures video interviews with a public came from. official, an ex-con/prosecutor-turned Good SaI could not have put the paper together maritan, and a celebrity, thus far – all telling without my talented and dedicated editorial their own true stories. I interview them myteam, who’s worked with me late nights and self and don’t baby them with softball quesearly mornings to make last-minute changes tions. to a product upon which we’re constantly tryLastly, thank you to the readers, subscribing to improve – even if that means switching up the cover story at the 11th hour. Thanks, ers and members of AltPhilly who have supported what we’ve done. You are supporting fellas, for putting up with my impulsiveness. journalists who are holding your government Extra special thanks to Dan McDonough, officials accountable – not the ones who are my publisher, who is kind, generous, and in bed with them. This is still a work in progcommitted to his work ethic – and really is a visionary. Kerith Gabriel, my predecessor, ress, but every week you will see something in these pages you didn’t see anywhere else, and taught me how to be an editor-in-chief, and showed me the ropes when I first started this I think the paper does a fine job explaining those things. complicated job, which has so many facets It is, though, time for me to move on, as a and functions. I have no doubt these friendnew opportunity has come my way at City & ships will last. State PA. I leave behind great memories at My goal with PW has been to provide a platPW and look forward to watching it grow. I form for voices in the city that have not been given the time of day in other news outlets. am humbled and blessed I got this chance to While these are often conservative ones, many write in the first person, and I hope to see you around at the P&P some time soon. readers have expressed to me their frustra-
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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 13 - 20, 2021
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STATE OF OUR CITY
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Image | Tim Koen
STATE
OF OUR
CITY
New spots for Parks on Tap
New music from Bazmati Vice Bazmati Vice, Philly’s spicy blend of funk, rock, jazz and blues, worked on a new album for 18-plus months. It dropped last week on all streaming platforms and is definitely worth a listen. “Onward & Outward” features vocalist Ari Michaels on about half of the tracks. Check out the new music and see how far the band has come from its first iteration back in the day at Haverford College. Visit bazmativice.com for all of the details.
Parks on Tap has announced two new, season-long locations for 2021. The official season opening for both outside the famous Fairmount Water Works (640 Waterworks Drive) and at the allnew South-to-Christian Trails End (entry ramp at South Street and South 27th Street) took place May 6. Patrons can enjoy sweeping riverfront views, fresh food, beers on tap, wine and non-alcoholic beverages in a secure outdoor environment with comfortable chairs and clean restrooms. For more information, hours and more, visit parksontap.com.
HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES The International Songwriting Competition has announced its 2020 winners, and Philly is well represented. Taking second place in the blues division were Frank Bey, Rick Estrin, Christoffer Lund Andersen, Kathy Murray (Frank Bey) for “All My Blues are Paid.” Congrats to all, and check out the complete list of winners and their music at songwritingcompetition.com/winners.
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Dan McDonough, Jr. Chairman & Publisher
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Alan Bauer Managing Editor
Ed Lynes Chief Revenue Officer Stephanie Hawkins Michael Chambers Controller Director of Circulation
Contributors: A.D. Amorosi, A. Benjamin Mannes,Jesse Bunch, Signature Supporters: Paul Davis, Timaree Schmit, Ryan K. Smith, Ted Kazantzis Stu Bykofsky, Eugene Zenyatta. Intern: Zachary Bard. To purchase advertising in Philadelphia Weekly, contact Sales To contact the news department: mail@philadelphiaweekly.com. at 215-543-3743, ext. 104, or sales@philadelphiaweekly.com.
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MUSIC
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ROCKING OUT WITH I
ATHENSVILLE Indie alt-rockers release debut LP, ‘Undressing Minds For Show’
Philly alt-rock band Athensville recently released its debut LP, ‘Undressing Minds For Show,” available now on streaming services. Image | Nadeen Srouji
MAY 13 - 20, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
MUSIC
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I
ndie alt-rock outfit Athensville has released their debut modern rock LP, “Undressing Minds For Show,” the follow-up to their 2018 EP, “Proper.” The authentic and evocative 11 original songs were recorded throughout 2019 and 2020 by producer Derek Chafin at Newtown Square’s BarnSound Studios. The album highlights the layered sonic textures of Dave Perry’s modern guitar tones, the fervent, melodic performance of vocalist and guitarist Matthew Taglang, and the driving rhythms of bassist Mark S. Walsh and drummer James Farrell. Thematically, the songs address political angst, the band’s world view and embracing what’s right in front of you, in contrast to gazing into the distance and the inevitable unknown. “If you have to go through a pandemic, you really should be recording a rock and roll album – or whatever your version of the most exciting thing you can do is,” said Taglang. “It really gave us all something fun and positive to focus on during those early months where it seemed like the world was ending. It truly kept me going.” Composed of lifelong Philadelphians, Athensville celebrates and embraces its hometown. “I always saw the city as some sort of granite garden, a place where tall buildings and adults merged into something akin to the Emerald City,” said Farrell. Athensville draws its name from the history of Ardmore, the Philadelphia suburb where rehearsals first took place. The band immerses itself in the process of making music, as well as the design and art that accompanies it. Athensville’s hope is that the listener will find something meaningful, connect to the melodies and lyrics and produce smiles and foot-taps while provoking thought and introspection. They have performed in venues including World Café Live, Connie’s Ric Rac, Bourbon and Branch, Dawson Street Pub and The Grape Room. PW recently caught up with the band to talk about its music and the new album. Let’s go back to the beginning. How did the band come together? Matt Taglang: Dave Perry and I met at a fundraiser for a nonprofit run by a mutual friend. He introduced us with the words, “You guys have to meet…You were both in bands at PSU and both love the same music.” Within two weeks, Dave was at my house in Ardmore and we were playing covers of REM, The Smiths, U2...That turned into a day-long practice session, and before we knew it, we had about 30 songs under our belt. We set a date a few months in the future and planned a party at Dave’s house. About 50 people jammed into his basement and we had an old-school party, complete with busted screen doors and neighbor-alarming noise levels. After positive feedback, we started considering putting lyrics to some of Dave’s guitar riffs,
Athensville has played a number of local venues, including World Cafe Live, and looks forward to taking the stage again once the pandemic restrictions are loosened. Image | Jamie Taglang
Oates and the Philly Sound, to G. Love and Dr. writing some original songs, and looking for Dog. We make great music in this town, and some stages to play. we do it with real brotherly love. If Within a month, we had shows Athensville can contribute to the booked at The Grape Room, Fergie’s musical legacy of this town – makPub and Philadelphia Brewing ComBY EUGENE ing even just a small mark, an alpany. After a few shows as a duo, ZENYATTA bum or song that finds its way into we decided to look for a drummer our neighbors’ record collections, or and bassist and record our first five even onto WXPN – we will feel acsongs. In 2018, we found [drummer] James Farrell and completed recording of our complished. The rest is gravy. Talk a little about how “Undressing EP “Proper.” In early 2019, our present lineup Minds For Show” came about. Did the pancame together when we auditioned bass playdemic present any production challenges? ers and found Mark S. Walsh. Dave and I look Where is the album available? back incredulously at all of the good fortune Taglang: We started working with Derek we’ve had as this has come together and are Chafin at BarnSound Studio in January of excited for the future potential as the world 2019. We quickly realized what an incredibly starts to open and we start to gear up! talented producer, musician, and all-around All of you are lifelong Philadelphians. How has the city, and its music scene and great guy we had met. In twice monthly sessions we re-worked the first nine songs until history, influenced you? they were where we wanted them to be – Dave Perry: Truth be told, Mark is a native New Yorker, but the rest of us have called this shorten a verse, add a chorus, remove half of home since we were kids, and all of us have an intro, write better lyrics, etc. Then, in October and November, we finally pressed record raised our families here, in the shadows of all of our favorite Philly venues, from the Mann and got most of the drums and bass tracked. Of course, this was prior to the pandemic, and the Keswick to the Ardmore Music Hall, the TLA and The Grape Room. We have been and so we were also rehearsing for and playfortunate in Philly to be a tour stop for nearly ing live shows...Ahhh memories…So, scheduling was tricky in early 2020. We had shows at any band you’d want to see, and we certainly carry pride as the U.S. home of Live Aid on World Cafe Live, The WaR3house 3 in Swarthmore, and The Underground in Lansdale, all July 13, 1985, kicked off by The Hooters – who played James’ high school when we were kids while Dave was doing studio guitar sessions two-three times a week. Then …boom…the – where my high school didn’t win the contest! And that was Matt’s first-ever concert! Just shutdown came. Of course, right away, this project fell off as we carry pride for everyone from Hall and
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everyone’s radar as we hunkered down and put our families first and the album a close second. By mid-April 2020, we were scheduling vocal sessions for me, and throughout the summer we were each in the studio individually. The studio vocals setup was perfect for a pandemic. Derek’s control room is downstairs and the recording room is upstairs. So I’d just walk in, wave through the window, head upstairs, throw on the headphones, and get to work. Dave recorded five-six hours per song in the control room, masked with Derek all the while. Then we wrote two more songs (“Hallstatt” and “Easy Enough”) and chose a cover to record (“Human Behaviour” by Björk). So, for those three songs, it was back to square one. Then, the fall and early winter was all mixing and mastering. So, it was a complete two-year process. The pandemic made it a bit more challenging, but making this album was an amazing gift. So many people were prevented from doing what they love during the worst months of this difficult time, but we were able to keep going. None of us took that for granted for a second. So, now it’s out and available everywhere music is streamed. The artwork on the album was a joint creation of our good friend Nadeen Srouji, who did the painting and our art director Stephen Perry, who came up with the record tonearm motif. That design is best viewed on the limited supply of vinyl copies which are available for purchase at athensville.com. You’ve performed in a lot of local venues. How eager are you to get back on a stage in front of a live audience? Mark S. Walsh: Very eager, indeed. As musicians, we are very fortunate to have our fellow bandmates to rely on to do something that feels magical when it all comes together. We write material, rehearse it until it’s right; we get to record it, which is an artform all its own – mix, master and release the music on various formats – which is exciting and challenging, all at once. But the final act, which completes the circuit, so to speak, is performing live. A band without performance is somewhat incomplete in my opinion. And the feedback that you receive from the audience – for me – makes all of those preceding steps worthwhile in a more meaningful way. Especially in a pandemic year, we have not had a live audience, and so we, as four band members and a producer, were operating in a vacuum. Your instincts suggest that we are producing good music, but an audience will let you know for sure. We are very much looking forward to being able to connect with people soon in this capacity. We miss our old friends, and we look forward to meeting some new ones. What are the best ways for your fans to stay current with what you’re doing? Matt: Subscribing to our email list at athensville.com is the best way, or follow @ athensvilleband on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, FB.
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 13 - 20, 2021
8
THE RUNDOWN
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THE RUNDOWN Image | Nathan Ansell
Image | Plate 3 Photography
All aboard the Bearded Ladies’ Beardmobile
The Bearded Ladies Cabaret Company has announced show details for the Beardmobile – a roving, multi-use cabaret truck that makes live performance accessible in the age of the pandemic. The 15-foot box truck will be the main stage for a series of outdoor pop-up performances throughout Philadelphia, presented as part of the queer cabaret group’s Late Night Snacks series this May. Visit beardedladiescabaret.com for tickets and details.
Image | Plate 3 Photography
Love Jawns
This is a project from Yolanda Wisher and Philadelphia Contemporary that fuses poetry and music performances, featuring Ursula Rucker, DJ Junior, and films by Wren Rene. May 13, 8pm. Vernon Park.
Black Femme Magic
An entire evening curated by LaNeshe Miller-White, featuring Noelle Diane Johnson, Karen Smith, and Caitlin Green, hosted by Cookie Diorio. May 15, 2pm. Bartram’s North.
Unity at the Initiative: Queer Skate Day
A queer skate day celebrating Asian Arts Initiative’s Unity at the Initiative with live music and performance, hosted by Sam Rise featuring Vichte Boul Ra, Icon Ebony Fierce and Messapotamia Lafae. May 29, 2pm Venue to be determined.
MAY 13 - 20, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
Opera Philly
A performance hosted by Cookie Diorio featuring T-VOCE, Opera Philly’s all-city youth choir. May 19, 5:30pm. Cherry Street Pier.
Tak Kenal Maka Tak Sayang
Sinta Storms, Modero & Co. and Bearded Ladies offer an evening of Indonesian dance, Gamelan and poetry all devoted to the saying: Tak Kenal Maka Tak Sayang (translation: To Know Is To Love), featuring Modero Dancers, Katherine Antarisko, and the Gamelan Orchestra, hosted by Anthony Martinez-Briggs. May 22, 5pm. Fleisher Art Memorial.
Love Tour Host Show
Hosted by the Beards’ own John Jarboe and introducing the Beardmobile host team. May 27, 6pm. Bartram’s North.
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THE RUNDOWN
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Royal Boucherie
Old City’s American brasserie specializing in French-style cuisine offers quite the extensive curated craft cocktail and French-forward wine selection, as well as brand-new sidewalk streetery and the return of their second-floor, verdant rooftop garden – one of Philadelphia’s most hidden gems. Imbibers are welcome to sip on a tasty tipple such as the À La Philly, composed of Northbound rye whiskey, Bénédictin, sweet vermouth, absinthe and Peychaud’s, at one of their many outdoor tables. Opening hours: Wednesday through Sunday from 4 - 10pm. 52 S. 2nd St. | 267.606.6313 | royalboucherie.com
‘Tis the season for sipping cocktails on the patio with pals, while taking in the sun and rising temps. We’ve rounded up some of our go-to Philadelphia restaurants, bars, beer and wine gardens offering outdoor seating and drinking this spring and summer.
Image | Courtesy of Royal Bucherie
Time for some outdoor drinking Assembly Rooftop Lounge Art in the Age
Old City’s one-of-a-kind tasting room, home bar supply and bottle shop offers a socially-distanced happy hour daily from 3 – 5pm featuring $2 off small batch bottled cocktails and $1 off local craft beer and cider at their outdoor cocktail garden. Stay and sip your bottled cocktails in the garden or grab a four-pack to take to the beach, park hangs, stoop sitting, etc. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from noon – 6pm. 116 N. 3rd St. | 215.922.2600 | artintheage.com
Image | Daniela Fedorowicz
MAY 13 - 20, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
Center City’s rooftop lounge with panoramic views of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, City Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art boasts expansive outdoor seating with their vast, chic rooftop, fit for sipping on popular frozen cocktails whilst taking in sweeping views of the parkway. Happy hour specials are available from 4 – 6 featuring a full menu of small bites, craft beer, cocktails and wine. Opening hours: Tuesday through Saturday 4 - 9pm. 1840 Benjamin Franklin Parkway | 215.963.2723 | assemblyrooftop.com
The Bourse
Old City’s modern artisanal food hall offers imbibers the choice of delicious mimosas and Bloody Marys from Grubhouse Philly, and local and domestic brews available for purchase at Freebyrd Chicken. Folks can enjoy these libations at The Bourse’s expansive outdoor 5th Street patio during the spring and summer months. Opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 7am – 10pm and Sunday from 9am – 6pm. 111 S. Independence Mall E. | 215.625.0300 | theboursephilly.com
Philadelphia Brewing Company
The city’s largest and oldest brewery located in Kensington holds an expansive beer garden open for service year-round with covered picnic tables galore available for patrons to take a seat, grab a pint (or six pack) of Walt Wit, Working Cat, or Kenzinger, BYO food, and enjoy the warm weather. Bonus: the beer garden is dog-friendly, too! Opening hours: Monday through Saturday from 11am – midnight, and Sunday from 11am – 11pm. 2440 Frankford Ave. | 215.427.2739 | philadelphiabrewing.com
REX 1516
Philadelphia’s go-to for elevated Southern cuisine remains open for take-out, delivery and outdoor dining at their streetery set-up. Half a dozen cocktails, including their Horned Lake Hurricane, Tequila Thrasher, Gin Mot Mot and more are available to go or for sipping outdoors at their South Street location. Open Monday through Thursday 1pm – 8pm, Friday and Saturday noon – 9pm, and Sunday noon – 8pm. 1516 South St. | 267.319.1366 | rex1516.com
THE RUNDOWN
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The Burger That Ate Philadelphia
STARR’s newest virtual restaurant concept is here. An ode to classic 1950’s horror movies, The Burger That Ate Philadelphia is lean, mean and ready to take eat Philadelphia by storm. The Burger That Ate Philadelphia offers seven different burgers complemented by three types of fries and a variety of signature dipping sauces. Instead of your typical, eight-ounce patty, The Burger That Ate Philadelphia boasts double smash patties – crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. 1210 Frankford Ave. theburgerthatatephiladelphia.com
As the weather warms and the pandemic restrictions ease, we’ve rounded up a few things – both virtual and live and in person – you’ll want to check out.
More fun things in Philly to check out TS Hawkins’ ‘They’ll Neglect to Tell You’
Grace is a burgeoning therapist. Merci dangles for freedom at the bottom of a bourbon glass. College sweethearts and newlyweds, they elope to Philadelphia for a fresh beginning. Stumbling into polarizing landscapes, they struggle in margins of heart and home. Theatre Exile presents a Studio X-hibition virtual reading of “They’ll Neglect to Tell You,” written by international author and performance artist TS Hawkins. May 17 at 7pm. theatreexile.org
Difficult Journey Home
On Friday, May 28, the Independence Seaport Museum will debut a special temporary exhibit on cruiser Olympia. Titled Difficult Journey Home, the exhibit will feature a 10-panel installation that examines the 15-day treacherous voyage home that Olympia faced after departing from Le Havre France in 1921. The exhibit will also feature animations that highlight the tropical force winds and 20-to-30-foot waves the ship encountered. The exhibit will be available for viewing aboard the Olympia until Thanksgiving weekend. phillyseaport.org
Red Owl Tavern
The modern American restaurant and bar located across from historic Independence Hall has announced the seasonal return of Lobster Clam Bakes – every Monday night through Labor Day with $25 Lobster Clam Bakes served in a traditional New England-style speckled pot with a copious array of seafood including half-pound lobster, clams, mussels, shrimp, corn on the cob and fingerling potatoes. Lobster Clam Bakes will remain on Red Owl Tavern’s menu throughout the week ($41), but Mondays are the day to feast on the classic summer feast when the pots are just $25 each. 433 Chestnut St. | 215.923.2267 | redowltavern.com
A Botanical Paradise: Kazakhstan & the Altai Mountains
Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education and Paul Meyer present an illustrated lecture on his recent botanical travels in northeast Kazakhstan. The world’s largest landlocked country, few travelers from the western world have visited this extraordinarily beautiful region, noted for its rich steppe and alpine flora. In addition, Meyer will share stories of the people, architecture, and culture. May 20 at 7pm. schuylkillcenter.org
Image | Courtesy of STARR
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 13 - 20, 2021
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VOICES
OF OUR
CITY
Face the future by facing today What a wild ride we’ve lived in the last year – even today, it feels like we’re living in strange, in-between times. But when we acknowledge that things are changing, we are able to choose our future that comes. And to create the future we all want – one with the pandemic as a thing of the past, one with the new puppy we welcome into our home, or one with the beauty of the natural world that we all deserve right outside our front doors. We need to rise to the occasion. Because the time for action is now. And there’s one area where Pennsylvania needs to rise – our great commonwealth needs to join RGGI. Pronounced “Reggie,” the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, it’s designed to do two things, simultaneously: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and generate economic growth. It’s wild to me that Pennsylvania is one of the only states in the northeast that’s not leading the way to a brighter tomorrow. We may be the fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the entire nation, but that only means our partnership in RGGI is all the more criti-
cal. We can have a bigger impact if we step up as a new energy leader for the country. And no one can tell us we don’t deserve the beauty in our natural lands that will come with it, or the economic freedom in jobs to lead the way to a future that is already unfolding around us. Our future is defined by our ability to see that the world is changing. And all we can do as people is to challenge ourselves to face today. That’s why I’m writing a letter to the editor myself – something I’ve never done before. This year will bring another set of new things for us to face together, and things happen and will continue to happen all the time. Let’s not let them happen to us. Let’s make things happen. And that means creating a future world and economy that works for today and tomorrow. That starts with RGGI. Pennsylvania knows we are strong. “Life is not about waiting out the storm, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.” And it’s been so long since we all danced together.
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THE SHOUT OUT Image | Priscilla Du Preez
Harrison Mace | Philadelphia
Make Pennsylvania a winning state for job growth PA Chamber President and CEO Gene Barr issued the following statement in regard to Pennsylvania’s burdensome regulatory environment and uncompetitive corporate tax climate driving investment out of the state: “Last week, President Joe Biden mused, ‘there’s no reason why wind turbine blades can’t be built in Pittsburgh.’ But it turns out there is – a concerted effort among environmental groups paired with obstruction by environmental regulators to undermine Pennsylvania’s ability to manufacture the goods needed to compete in a 21st century economy. “The recent announcement by U.S. Steel to cancel significant investment into its facilities because of this anti-growth, anti-jobs agenda is just the latest example of a missed opportunity for the commonwealth. This came on the heels of the news Pennsylvania will lose another congressional seat. Let there be no mistake: The states that have gained seats have more dynamic, competitive economies than those losing seats, because these winning states have, by and large, taken steps to improve their tax and regula-
MAY 13 - 20, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
tory environment. With those reforms have come more economic opportunity for their citizens and, as we are increasingly seeing, for graduates and young workers from other states who are leaving moribund local economies behind. “Economic stagnation and decline are a direct result of the policy decisions our elected officials make. When Pennsylvania again loses out on significant, new economic opportunities for investment and job growth, it is incumbent on these officials to become more motivated than ever to pursue policies that will transform Pennsylvania into a beacon for investment, growth and opportunity. Reforms that create a transparent, efficient, accountable regulatory process; a competitive tax structure; and a skilled and able workforce will bring about an equality of opportunity for all Pennsylvania residents. These are the pillars of our member-driven Bringing PA Back economic recovery initiative, and the PA Chamber will continue to advocate for making Pennsylvania a winning state for job growth and investment in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.”
Philly’s concert venues are preparing to get back to live, in-person performances.
Your turn: Would you feel safe attending a live concert again? Send your thoughts to voices@philadelphiaweekly.com
PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY
VOICES OF OUR CITY
A District Attorney’s Office in disrepair Philadelphia’s criminal justice system needs reform. This is why we must reject Larry Krasner’s reelection. I once believed that Krasner was Philadelphia’s savior. But during my two years as a prosecutor in his DA’s Office, I learned how dangerously wrong I had been. In reality, Krasner is the worst thing to ever happen to the criminal justice reform movement. Krasner’s inability to responsibly manage the DA’s Office created a toxic environment. I witnessed the morale of excellent attorneys vanish. Those attorneys who did not flee have struggled to perform with a dearth of leadership. Both progressive and traditional prosecutors alike are fed up with and miserable at Krasner’s office. No one can do their job well in this environment. An office in disrepair ensures neither safety nor lasting reform. And now, people associate reform with disaster. But the disaster does not stem from reform. It stems from Larry Krasner. Another four years of Krasner will only worsen this association of reform with Krasner’s personal failures. Instead, we need a skilled reformer, a victim advocate, and a leader. I was excited to be part of Krasner’s first class of new hires in fall 2018. My class shared my hope of making this city safer and fairer. Our hope soon turned to confusion and concern. It started with the training. Rather than a rigorous program, my class was trained by a man named by Adam Foss, a former prosecutor from Boston with no experience in Philadelphia’s criminal justice system. As of November 2020, Foss was under investigation for rape. The training had little applicability. It was a cross between a graduate seminar and a religious retreat, filled with lectures, followed by group reflection circles. Our bizarre training ended with Krasner giving us a big “congratulations.” He announced to the new hires that his future hiring plan would focus nationally, not regionally. In his words, UPenn is Philadelphia’s only “A-list” school. The rest were “B-list” schools, and hiring only from “B-list” schools gets you a “B-list” office. In this moment, Krasner revealed the elitism from which he desperately tries to distance himself. He demonstrated a not-so-subtle disdain for my many classmates who attended excellent schools like Temple, Drexel and Villanova. He disregarded the fact that many brilliant lawyers do not attend elite law schools because they might not have the advantages often needed to attend one. As we eventually entered the courtroom, my colleagues and I realized our training was insufficient at best and misleading at worst. Foss had instructed us to do with our cases what we wished, even going so far as suggesting we evade or disregard supervisor over-
sight. Foss’ suggestion misled some members of my class into believing they had authority to unilaterally withdraw felony charges in their first few weeks in the courtroom. Poor training was not limited to new hires. Attorneys at all levels complained about lack of training. Even supervisors for the office’s different units, all of whom were experienced lawyers, were victims of Krasner’s aloof leadership. By no fault of their own, Krasner assigned many supervisors to roles they did not want and for which they were admittedly unprepared. Even some prepared supervisors struggled, as they had to manage understaffed units of ill-equipped and untrained attorneys. Krasner wasted our potential; he snuffed out our passion. Now, attorneys flee the office at alarming rates. Some even quit with no future job lined up. Few people in that office have any hope things will get better. That’s because they won’t. Why does it matter that Krasner cannot manage an office? When prosecutors make mistakes, people can get hurt or killed. Krasner has been unable to perform a core function of his post: Protect Philadelphians from danger. In October 2018, police arrested Michael Banks for a felony gun violation. Banks already had a record. Yet, in February 2019, Krasner gave him a plea deal of three to nine months. Banks immediately got back on the street. He went on to shoot 7-year-old Zamar Jones in the head as the child played with a toy on his family’s porch. Stories like Zamar’s are too many. Crime rates in Philadelphia, including homicide, are as high as they were in the 1990s. Krasner takes zero responsibility for the role his mismanagement plays. His failure to take any responsibility is disheartening, but not surprising for those of us who know him. Luckily, Philadelphians are not so naive to accept his attempt to distance himself from his abysmal record. It is indefensible. And it is most certainly not progressive. Almost all the city’s crime and homicide victims are Black and Latino Philadelphians living in the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods. And do not hold your breath that Krasner will hold bad cops accountable. The only cop Krasner could nail with a felony, he then turned around and offered house arrest. Make no mistake: Rejecting the disaster of Krasner’s regime is not a rejection of reform. It is a necessary step to achieving it. We need a competent leader to take Krasner’s place, someone who can prove that reform and low crime rates are not mutually exclusive. We cannot continue Krasner’s charade of progress while crime skyrockets, reform fails, and the city’s chief law enforcement office lays in disrepair.
Thomas C. Mandracchia, Esq. | Philadelphia
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PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 13 - 20, 2021
GOSSIP
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MAY 13 - 20, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
VOTE!
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Your life literally depends on it
Y
ou’re familiar with the phrase, invited, through friends, to Philly Milly Meek “BLANK like your life depended Mill’s birthday weekend party at LIV in the on it.” It’s a line mostly geared Fontainebleau down in Miami, Fla. I didn’t go. toward sports things, and usually I left my cabana wear and cocaine in another tinged with a certain last minute/ suitcase a decade ago. That said, I did hear inning/round/quarter desperathat Tekashi69, Meek’s long-time nemesis, tion – a sweaty palm and closed was banned, not only from the club, but like, throat sensation all Philly teams and/or balFlorida. Mill’s Meekend was also in celebralers are both familiar with, and have failed at tion of his 1-year-old son Czar’s birthday, so heartily, miserably, almost always. With that presents all around (cue to phone Sixers ownbeing the case, all Philly teams should, by all er, billionaire-buddy-to-Meek Michael Rubin rights, be long gone and buried. for suggestions). This week, I’m using the phrase, “VOTE Happy 30th? like your life depended on it,” come May 18, Speaking of birthdays, I see socials saying because Philly’s citizens, in their heart-ofhowdy and sending birthday wishes to Paul hearts, have got to be truly tired of looking Levy’s Center City District for turning 30 this at their Citizen apps in fear of how close anspring, which is nice, and congrats. I thought other “man wielding a gun” report is to their Center City was older, like 200-plus years house for the sixth time in a row this week. older than that. But hey, lie about your age. I Whole neighborhoods have got to be drained won’t stop you. at the thought of having to line another house Music for a price with teddy bears and candles. This city of row If you are a vinyl nerd such as I, you pehomes and small, independent busiruse Discogs like you check out the nesses has got to be fed up at not beobituaries, to see who’s up and who ing able to report crimes and nuisancdropped. With that, I can tell you, BY A.D. es ranging from countless, roaring proudly, that the free jazz funk of AMOROSI ATVs, to corner muggings, to shops North Philly’s The Sounds Of Liberbeing shoplifted, all without legal reation’s “New Horizons” on the Dogcourse. town Records label went for $7,777. I know you’re tired, because you’ve This is the original, 1972 improvisatold me you’re tired, and yet, you’re happy tional epic tied to local giants Khan Jamal that holding marijuana isn’t any kind of crime and Monette Sudler, and not Max Ochester’s (me too, believe me) and that bail for minor Brewerytown Beats’ jam, but still...Dag all crimes is approachable and reasonable (which over the place. is amazingly great). Still, you do not feel safe Sieve music – at all. So, vote like your life depends on it on Speaking of music nerds, Philly’s synth May 18, because it does – quite literally. noise punk Sieve, we hardly knew ye. After Flyers fight COVID one truly silly, yet dynamic debut EP, “Three By the way, kudos to the Flyers for making Secrets,” in 2018, and some definitely loud their final, regular-season game ticket the live gigs, they’re knocking it on the head, and other night one worth a COVID-19 vaccine for calling it quits with the double A-sided single, ticketed fans and employees at Wells Fargo “Prudence” and “Around,” on Philly’s Ramp Center, compliments of Penn Medicine. But Local label. Double dag. then, they had to go and make it Johnson & Time to laugh Johnson. Wha-wha. Next time, Gritty, phone Just to show you just how open-past-panExton, PA’s biopharmaceutical company Imdemic this city is, at present, Sansom Street’s munome, which is working on COVID cockHelium Comedy Club is starting its prelim tails. I’ll drink to that. rounds for 2021’s Philly’s Phunniest Person Meek’s birthday competition with its on-stage contests, comeDone preaching. Let’s talk about how I got dians and audience applause meters running
GOSSIP
PHILADELPHIAWEEKLY.COM @PHILLYWEEKLY until July 27. Philadelphia born-and-bredthen-gone stand-up comedian Todd Glass (also from “Act Happy” on Netflix) will appear at Helium, May 20 to 22 for something surely wry. Parks on Tap Along with its all new, fresh faced, Southto-Christian Trails End Parks on Tap having just popped its pop top (canned beers from Two Locals, Philly’s first Black-owned brewery), Avram Hornik’s FCM Hospitality also opened its PoT at the Fairmount Water Works on Waterworks Drive. That just happens to be one of my very favorite, least appreciated destinations in the city – Schuylkill River scent and all. Cold-button Image | Courtesy of Patty Jackson debate The Inquirer LIVE’S new series, Agree to Disagree, opened with a promised “hot-button issue” and a “fastpaced debate” about…cobblestone streets, literally the least-buttoned, slow-paced possible conversation ever. “Are they a dangerous relic that sprain oodles of ankles every year or a charming historical feature that makes our city unique?” was the principal, and really quaint initial question. With that bold newness as its calling card, Agree to Disagree’s next showcases could be, “Henry Clay’s Whig Party: Dangerous or Essential?,” or “The Key’ to Ben Franklin’s ‘Electric’ Dating Life.” Shocking. Masked Philly: Patty Jackson In Icepack’s continuing saga of asking mask-donning local celebrities what they’ve been up to, beyond the pale, during COVID-19 – from lockdown to the current, slow reopening – I reached out this week to the legendary Patty Jackson, the goddess of WDAS 106.3 FM, the princess of the Patty TV podcast (YouTube) and an all around Philly icon. Jackson, like the rest of the city, went into hard quarantine immediately. Unlike the rest of the city, Jackson still had weekday and Sunday shifts. “So, I had to learn how to work by myself during COVID because I had to work by
myself,” said Jackson, who – by trade – is a trained announcer and voice-over artist – not an engineer. “No one was allowed to come into our studios, so there was a lot of quick learning on my feet. I became very independent.” That independence has been an inestimable new trait when it comes to everything from podcasting to producing. The masks? Jackson didn’t like wearing a face mask at first, but only changed her mind, “when I noticed during the winter that it kept my face really warm.” Whether COVID’s on or not, when winter comes, expect Jackson to be wearing a face mask. As for whose mask she is wearing: “A childhood friend of mine named Buffy Faith Singleterry started making face masks as a side hustle, and they were lovely. They had my name on it, she made one in memory of my mom. They were just really nice and they were different and I got lots of compliments on it.” Along with looking for an immediate future (other than winter) where she can look back on this 16-month period of life and laugh (“and say ‘remember when we had to wear face masks?’), Jackson – ever the live event host, is most looking forward to getting on this city’s live stages. “I’m looking forward to going on a stage and hosting a concert, hosting parties, hosting events and seeing people – something that we just haven’t been able to do during this pandemic. The first time I walk across the stage, I’ll probably skip because I’ll be so happy. I will also look forward to seeing friends and hugging them and family members that I haven’t seen in a long time. I really want to get back to living and enjoying life.” Expect to see her soon, hosting Big Scott’s 13th annual All White Affair with Lady B on July 17 at the Battleship New Jersey. Check bigscott.com for tix.
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Krasner v. All All eyes eyes on on May May 18 18 D.A. D.A. primary primary
Vega
Carlos Vega speaks with residents about their ideas for a fairer, safer city during a spring clean-up last month on Spring Garden Street. | Image: Lorraine Donnelly
MAY 13 - 20, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
OPINION
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Images: Lorraine Donnelly
I
t is very rare, in Philadelphia, for a district attorney’s race to catch fire. It has this year and the outcome is of national interest. Why? Because far-left Democratic incumbent Larry Krasner, 60, is one of “George’s Boys” — a clutch of D.A.’s (not all male), who claim to be “reforming” the criminal justice system, while often upending it. In the 2017 Democratic primary, criminal defense attorney Krasner — backed by a jaw-dropping $1.7 million from a political action committee funded by progressive billionaire George Soros — beat six opponents to secure the nomination, with slightly more than one-third of the votes cast. Because Democrats have a 7-1 registration edge in Philadelphia, the Democratic primary winner is almost always the winner of the general election. Predictably, in the 2017 general election, Krasner bested Republican Beth Grossman, a traditional prosecutor, by 3-1. Grossman beat the 7-1 point spread, so to speak, but still lost — 150,330 to 50,858. A total of 201,246 votes were cast, with turnout less than 20 percent. The D.A. race is an off-year election, turnout is traditionally low, and anything can happen. In 1985, with the D.A.’s chair vacant, the “anything” was Republican Ron Castille — a Vietnam vet who lost a leg in the war. The former U.S. Marine campaigned furiously against a Democratic cipher, and won — the last Republican to become D.A. The “anything” this year is Democratic insurgent Carlos Vega, who, unlike Krasner, has vast experience as a prosecutor and who wants to lock up bad people, rather than make excuses for them.
union “racist,” and after his election-night Vega, 64, was a lead homicide prosecutor for most of his 35 years in the D.A.’s office before victory, some of his campaign workers chantbeing fired by Krasner, along with 30 other ed, “Fuck the police!” Officers barred Krasner veterans, shortly after the defense lawyer took from visiting a wounded cop in the hospital on one occasion. over the office at 3 S. Penn Square. Vega filed As you may know from “Law & Order,” an age discrimantion suit against Krasner. cops and prosecutors are supposed to be teamThat’s ironic, because Krasner has a long hismates to protect the public. tory of suing the police department. Protecting the public is not high on KrasVega represents the traditional, liberal approach to law enforcement, which starts with ner’s to-do list, and that is especially important as homicides are on a trajectory to set a enforcement, but includes programs and dinew record this year. versions that help rather than punish. In a highly unusual move, the But that is not good enough for Democratic Party city committee deprogressives, and if Krasner is in a clined to endorse Krasner, the Demotough fight, as many believe, watch BY STU BYKOFSKY cratic incumbent. The city’s progresfor last-minute Soros money to come sive mayor, Jim Kenney, declined to pouring in. endorse the progressive D.A. Krasner In fact, it has just begun, but not shrugs it off. He answers to a higher as much as 2017 — yet, as the Inquirpower. Starting with Krasner, Soros has funder admits Krasner is in a fight for his job. “We know most of Krasner’s money comes ed more than a dozen progressive D.A. candidates across the country, including Los Anfrom out of town,” says longtime political observer Larry Ceisler, who thinks Krasner will geles, San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, San Diego, and Houston, according to the Associawin. tion of Deputy District Attorneys. “If Krasner loses this somehow, I don’t Soros bankrolls many legislative candithink it’s about criminal justice reform, it’s dates, too, but this — buying district attorneys more of a personal loss than anything. He is with their wide discretion as to which crimes not a good politician.” to prosecute — is an end run around lawmakNor is Vega, Ceisler adds. ers. One humorous line that Vega uses to deSome see the Philadelphia contest as a batscribe himself is that he plays well with othtle between progressives and traditional Demers. The implication is that Krasner does not, ocrats, and those to the right of them. Progressives seem to have the momentum. including other law enforcement officials. Philadelphians have twice elected a proBefore he resigned following the election of President Joe Biden, U.S. Attorney for the gressive mayor. They have elected a third-party progressive to the City Council. Will they Eastern District of Pennsylvania William Mcre-elect a progressive D.A.? Swain wrote: “There is a new culture of disreNot if Carlos Vega can help it. spect for law enforcement in this city that is Despite Krasner’s arrogant predilection promoted and championed by District Attorfor driving away allies, any incumbent must ney Larry Krasner — and I am fed up with it.” be seen as a favorite, and Krasner retains the Krasner has repeatedly called the police
same rabid base that turned out for him last time. Vega, however, managed to keep other Democratic competitors — who would have split the anti-Krasner vote — out of the race. He did that by declaring his candidacy early, in December, he said, and quickly raising a war chest of more than $100,000. Also: “People were afraid of Krasner. They were intimidated by him and his money from out of state.” Krasner never responded to queries from PW. About three quarters of Krasner’s donors are out of state (Hello, John Legend), according to WHYY, while almost all of Vega’s donors are local. The question is this: Can Vega ignite and mobilize the anti-Krasner forces to get to the polls? He got a little help on Tuesday when former Mayor Ed Rendell endorsed Vega, who he hired to be an assistant D.A. His endorsement of Vega put Rendell in the traditional Democrat camp. It’s awful to say it, but the best thing going for Vega is the massive murder rate, running 34 percent ahead of last year, which nearly set a record. Rightly or wrongly, many people blame Krasner, because it happened on his watch. That’s politics. Krasner has been accused of failing to prosecute gun crimes in the midst of an epidemic of gun violence. The numbers don’t lie. Krasner has withdrawn almost half of gun possession cases, always blaming something else — like witnesses not appearing, or “weak evidence,” as if this were new to the D.A.’s office. It was only “new” to this D.A., who lacks experience, and lacks the will to prosecute. Philadelphians will decide if they have had enough of this kind of progressive “reform” on May 18.
PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY | MAY 13 - 20, 2021
18
COMEDY
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‘AMERICA’S FAVORITE HUSBAND’ Catch Steve Treviño at Punch Line Philly Friday and Saturday
S
teve Treviño is quietly bewith his wife and best friend Renae, coming one of the counand the etiquette of face masks and try’s fastest-rising comics hand sanitizing. and embodies the title of 2020 had a silver lining for the “America’s Favorite HusTreviños, as they call 2019 their band.” He has been viewed worst year. Part of it was the spemore than 175 million times cial touches on Renae’s miscarriage as of 2020, selling out shows coast-toat five months pregnant, the trials coast, amassing nearly 1 million total and tribulations of a fertility clinic, social media followers. He’s headlinand the blessing of being able to get ing specials for Amazon, Netflix, and pregnant and give birth to their baby Showtime, and most recently, a once- girl during the pandemic. Though a in-a-lifetime pandemic comedy speheavy period in their lives, both Steve cial, “My Life In Quarantine,” that is and Renae wanted to share their stonow available on Amazon. ry. You can see Treviño live Treviño is breaking barwhen he performs three riers culturally and in the BY EUGENE shows at Punchline Philly comedy world, as well as ZENYATTA this Friday and Saturday, using his celebrity to help May 14 and 15. The Mexpeople in need. While being ican-American comic, in a positive force in the comthe vein of Ray Romano and Kev- munity, he raises money for Helicopin James, is regularly on the road, ters For Heroes, an organization bentouring more than 250 shows a year efiting veterans, something he is very around the world. Last year, after a passionate about. few months off, due to the pandemic, PW recently caught up with TrevTreviño said that he persevered, even iño to talk about his comedy and upwith venues at 20 to 30 percent capaccoming shows in Philly: ity, to provide for his family, and for Let’s go back to the beginning. mental clarity for himself and for his When did you first realize that you fans through a little laughter. could make people laugh and that That is how his new special, MLIQ, you’d like to do that for a living? came about. “My Life In QuaranI changed schools a lot when I was tine,” was shot last September, outyoung, and I quickly found out that doors, in front of a live, masked, and being funny was a great way to make socially distanced crowd in Canyon friends at my new schools. As an Lake, Texas. 8-year old, I snuck in watching RichIn a press release, Treviño said he ard Pryor on TV and that was when takes on the brutal reality of real- I realized you could do stand-up as a izing he’s nonessential. He uses his job. Ever since second grade, if anytongue-in-cheek humor when refbody asked me what I wanted to be erencing not being able to tour over when I grew up, I would say stand-up the last few months, while also findcomedian. ing laughs in all aspects of the shutAs someone who is used to dodowns – panic shopping, being home ing 250 shows a year around the
MAY 13 - 20, 2021 | PHILADELPHIA WEEKLY
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‘America’s Favorite Husband’ Steve Treviño will perform three shows at Punch Line Philly Friday and Saturday. Image | Terry Stewart
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ARE YOU READING THIS? world, the pandemic and all of its closures had to have an impact on you. How did you get through it? It was very hard in the beginning to find out that I was nonessential and not get to work at all. My gigs were canceled and I was stuck at home for the first time in over 20 years of being a touring comic. And to be honest with you, I had never dealt with depression, but being out of work, being stuck at home, not being able to get on stage really put me in a very bad place. If I didn’t have my wife, Renae, who made me realize this wasn’t just happening to me, that everybody was going through it and we should do something...So my wife and I started doing a weekly live Facebook video that grew into our weekly podcast, “Steve Trevino & Captain Evil.” It has continued to grow through the pandemic. Of course, one positive thing that did come out of the pandemic was your special, “My Life in Quarantine.” Can you talk a little about how that came about? “My Life in Quarantine” came about because my stand up is about everyday life, and I started writing material about things I was experiencing during the quarantine, like being stuck at home with my wife and constant trips to Home Depot. I knew that I had to film it because this was a moment in time and that if I didn’t film it those jokes would never be in another special. As time goes on, those jokes won’t resonate with people as much. Even now, people are starting to forget what it felt like to be in quarantine. And because of the circumstances I was able to do something different than my other specials and include my family in it. My son does some stand-up, and
because of the popularity of the podcast, we filmed a live podcast and included that, too. In addition to making people laugh, you like to help those in need and are a big supporter of Helicopters For Heroes, an organization benefiting veterans. How and why did you get involved with that group? My father’s a Vietnam vet and I saw, firsthand, what war could do to a man. I wasn’t able to serve myself due to a back injury, so I figured, if I could do anything, I could support the veterans by raising money, supporting them at my shows, and bringing awareness to the cause. I know the sacrifice. That’s why I did it and it means a lot to me to be able to use my stand-up to give back. On stage, you don’t talk a lot about politics or whatever is in the news that day. You find humor in everyday events. Why do you take this approach to comedy? I’m here to entertain. I’m here to make people forget about their troubles and just have a good laugh, so I’ve always made the decision to make sure that my shows are an escape from day-to-day life. What will people experience when they come out to Punch Line Philly for your shows this month? I hope that people come to my show and take a little time to laugh at themselves. I spend a lot of time talking about everyday married life, family life, being a parent, and I hope that people can sit there and realize that we’re all the same. We all have the same struggles and we can sit back and have a good laugh about it together. For tickets and details to Treviño’s upcoming show, visit punchlinephilly.com.
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The race for district attorney of PhiladelAs D.A., Krasner has received both praise phia is heating up for the May 18 primary, and and scorn for his policy of declining to proseone of many issues on the table is the future cute prostitution cases. Instead, his office said of sex workers in Philly. Will the city continue in a statement to Philly Weekly, “Generally, to move progressively on the issue, as part of those who are arrested for solicitation are ofa national trend toward decriminalization? Or fered a diversion program.” will we go back toward a traditionWe know where incumbent al model of arresting and jailing Krasner stands on the issue. What people, purportedly for their own about the other candidates? good? In a phone interview with DemRecently, Manhattan District ocratic challenger Carlos Vega, the Attorney Cy Vance announced his candidate told PW: “What I want office would no longer prosecute to address is, those women who prostitution cases. This move is are really in the sex trade, is that cautiously applauded by activists, they are victims – these ladies are along with the repeal of “anti-loiaddicted to drugs: Heroin, crack, tering” laws that had largely been whatever – and they are being baused to harass trans women of sically abused and exploited by the color, as well as the decision to no pimps and also by the drug deallonger consider possession of coners.” doms as evidence of prostitution. Vega supports the diversion In March, a Queens D.A. requested programs like Dawn Court, which @TIMAREE_LEIGH 700 related cases be dismissed, and he says will avoid giving sex worka Brooklyn D.A. vacated outstanders a record and, “Gets these laing prostitution-related warrants dating as far dies out of that environment, get their needs back as the 1970s. met for job training, get them clean and sober, These changes will not only make it easigetting them housing and putting them onto er for sex workers and victims of trafficking the straight and narrow. And those ladies give to seek help and report crimes committed us information on drug dealers and pimps. By against them, but will also free up police and not addressing that, we’re saying ‘go figure it court resources. Of the changes, Vance said out and hopefully you’ll be alive in a year.’” in a statement, “Criminally prosecuting prosAdditionally, Vega says addressing sex titution does not make us safer, and too often, work is a quality-of-life issue and references achieves the opposite result by further margrowing up in New York. ginalizing vulnerable New Yorkers.” “Let’s say on your street you buy a house Much of the national coverage of New York and you’re raising a family. Those ladies don’t has mentioned that similar action has been take you to a home, they commit acts in an taken already in Philadelphia – as well as Balalley, a hallway or a car. I don’t think anyone timore, San Francisco and Ann Arbor, Mich. wants that in their neighborhood.” When then-candidate Larry Krasner was Meanwhile, Republican challenger Charles first running for office as Philly D.A., he met Peruto, Jr said in a statement to PW: “We are with members of Project Safe, a local mutual not doing anyone any favors by not prosecutaid organization for “women, queer, and trans ing sex workers. They are mostly drug-addictpeople involved in the street economies of ed females who need the system to at least atPhilly” that focuses much of its effort on the tempt to get them clean, and counselled. Like Kensington area. According to Project Safe’s other crimes of this nature, they can work Aisha Mohammed, Krasner reached out to their way out of the system by completing our them for information that would help inform drug program, and staying clean. They can his office’s policies and “keep sex workers even work their way to an expungement.” safe.” But what do diversion programs mean in
TIMAREE SCHMIT
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oth praise g to proseoffice saidpracticality? While sex workers may not be Generally,facing prosecution for the sale of sex, they on are of-may still face aggressive interactions with police. And if their clients still face criminal ncumbentprosecution – a strategy known as “end-desue. Whatmand,” or the “Nordic Model” – they may es? actually be more with Dem-endangered. InterVega, thenational research at I wanthas shown that this men whomodel ironically de, is thathas increased the ladies areamount of violence in, crack,that sex workers being ba-face at the hands of ted by theclients and police drug deal-and does nothing to reduce issues of diversionhousing and emurt, whichployment discrimisex work-nation. these la- Further, while the heir needsdiversion programs and sober,themselves are an hem ontoupgrade from jail adies giveand a criminal repimps. Bycord, they are not o figure itwithout criticism. year.’” Currently, if a womssing sexan is picked up for a referencesprostitution-related charge and has similar (non-violent) priors, y a houseshe can qualify for Project Dawn, a diversion adies don’tprogram that takes roughly a year to comacts in anplete, often much longer. nk anyone According to sources within the Project Dawn system, participants will undergo er Charlestrauma therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, W: “We arethey’ll be set up with a case manager and then prosecut-will have regular reporting to a probation ofug-addict-ficer and monthly court appearances before a at least at-judge. elled. Like It’s a fairly intense intervention. can work Conversely, the men who are first-time arleting ourrestees for soliciting will undergo a SER (SexThey canual Education and Responsibility) program ment.” that only requires one afternoon-long class. s mean in Aside from not being particularly egalitar-
ian, these diversion programs are not seen by sex work activists as true reform. In a joint statement, sex worker rights organizations Project Safe and Philadelphia Red Umbrella Alliance said: “The only way forward is full decriminalization. This includes the distribution and possession of drugs and the procurement and solicitation of sex. These issues are intertwined, and decriminalization allows us, as a city, to address the history of harm caused by criminalization. Further, decriminalization is an effective anti-violence measure that helps reduce violence, including police violence, in our city.” After New York’s latest announcements, sex worker rights activists and some politicians – like Manhattan D.A. Candidate Eliza Orlins – are pushing to go further, to full decriminalization. Many health and social science researchers, including the World Health Organization, support this policy. A 2015 study found that decriminalization of sex work would be the single biggest policy change that could be made to curb HIV transmission. For advocates of decriminalization, drug treatment and housing services could be rendered without involving police or courts. But for many in the city, the criminal justice system is still seen as the solution to social problems. The upcoming election will help determine the trajectory of this issue in Philly. Have a question for Timaree? Send an email to asktimaree@philadelphiaweekly.com.
“The only way forward is full decriminalization. This includes the distribution and possession of drugs and the procurement and solicitation of sex.”
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