University City Review - 07-22-20 - Digital Issue

West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance/Paul Robeson House & Museum receives 4951 Walnut Street to cel“I know that hiring a full- develop new exhibits and $135,000 heritage grant ebrate the arts and the life of time person will take WPCA programs, while continuing

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he National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund has awarded the West Philadelphia Cultural Alliance (WPCA) a $135,000 grant to hire an Executive Director. This will be the first time in its history that

the organization has had a paid leader.

The nonprofit WPCA has always relied on volunteers.

Its first Executive Director was Founder Frances P. Aulston, who took the group from its infancy in 1984 to the purchase and renovations of a house at

Paul Robeson, Esq. He lived here with his sister during the last 10 years of his life.

The new executive director will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the WPCA and the historic Robeson House & Museum, as well as ensure its sustainability.

SERVING THE WEST PHILADELPHIA COMMUNITY

to a level the likes of which we have never seen before, while helping us to meet the challenges of this new world we are now facing,” said Vernoca L. Michael, Volunteer Acting Executive Director. “We have been able to stabilize the organization, pay off the mortgage and

JULY 22, 2020

www.ucreview.com

Philadelphia tenants collectively organize for rent relief in the wake they said they had lost much of COVID-19 of their pre-pandemic income.

By Christopher Doyle Special to the UC Review

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he development boom in Philadelphia over recent years has been mirrored by an affordable housing crisis – one in which thousands have struggled with their monthly rent, while thousands more live in fear of homelessness. Now that a global pandemic has shuttered small business and gutted paychecks, the city is readying itself for an outright onslaught of evictions. And while City Council has just passed landmark rent relief legislation, a select number of renters have

taken a more unorthodox approach – organizing tenant unions.

Grassroot tenant organizations broke ground in Philadelphia with the establishment of the Philadelphia Tenants Union in 2016. Four years later, the union is connecting tenants who share a landlord

or property manager and encouraging them to collectively organize for rent relief in the wake of COVID-19.

Alè Lomanto, who uses they/them pronouns, lives in an apartment managed by New Age Realty. With their pet care business closed by the coronavirus shutdown,

Looking for support, Lomanto said they connected with New Age renters from throughout the city as a member of a grassroots union called the New Age Tenants Council.

“I definitely have suffered a tremendous income loss which has just snowballed into this insecurity around housing,” Lomanto said. “Then I looked to my peers and they’re dealing with a lot of similar things.”

The New Age Tenants Council’s demands include an indefinite freeze in rent increases and the forgiveness of rent until three months after the full

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Discover the Unknown in Fairmount Park This Summer and Fall Fairmount Park Conservancy encourages park-goers to safely explore with virtual scavenger hunts, solo cleanups, and more

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Photo courtesy of Fairmount Park Conservancy.

ith Philadelphia parks experiencing record usage in recent months, Fairmount Park Conservancy is encouraging park-goers to safely explore the lesser-known gems of East and West Fairmount Park this summer and fall. The nonprofit champion for Philadelphia parks is offering a variety of ways to discover all that the 2,050-acre park offers, from a new free scavenger hunt to guided yoga and hikes to solo park cleanups.

In addition, the Conser-

vancy has created a new digital guide, highlighting trails, historic landmarks, and natural areas in Fairmount Park.

The Fairmount Park Digital Guide, launching today, will allow users to find less traveled gems all on their own.

Find the guide at myphillypark.org.

“We’ve seen over the past few months just how essential parks are for our physical and mental wellbeing,” said Maura McCarthy, Ph.D., Executive Director of Fairmount Park Conservancy. “This summer and fall Fairmount Park Conservancy wants to highlight many of the trails, history, and natural areas that Fairmount

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to get the Robeson message out to the community.”

This grant was among the most recent donations to the WPCA. • More than $100,000 has been raised through a GoFundMe campaign in conjunction with the Colored Girl Museum in Philadelphia. The funds will be used for some necessary repairs.

• The WPCA has received a $33,500 grant from Independence Public Media Foundation’s Community Voices Fund to produce a multimedia history and archiving project with reflections of African Americans on the fight for racial justice in Philadelphia.

• In January, the WPCA held a mortgage-burning ceremony after paying off its mortgage with funds contributed to an online fundraiser over the last two years.

The WPCA will use the funds to alleviate a laundry list of dire structural repairs and renovation projects at the Robeson house and its administrative facility next door. It will also allow us to address the new requirement for public spaces X resulting from COVID-19. ...The grants are designated for specific projects. Like most nonprofits, we are still in need of funding for daily operations and maintenance expenses. We urge the community to continue to supPage xtheir contribuport us with tions, more now than ever X before. Please contribute at: ... https://www.plumfund. com/charity-fundraising/ paulrobesonhouse “Our goal remains to build a sustainable revenue base so that our work concontinued on page 4

4TH STREET COOKIES

Tuesday, August 4 is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day...

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POLITICS.....................................3 FUNDRAISER................................5 NOTES ON MUSIC..........................7 CLASSIFIEDS..............................11

2 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 22, 2020

Bristol Riverside Theatre celebrates songs from Broadway to the movies with the return of Summer Music Fest including annual Broadway summer spectacular finale

event cost $35. After each purchase, the buyer will be sent a YouTube Link The show must go on for Tickets for the virtual prior to the performance. the 25-year-old Bucks Summer Music Fest are Tickets are available onCounty music and theatre on sale now for August line now at BRTstage.org tradition but in a new vir- and September shows! or over the phone at 215tual format to raise money The Summer Music Fest 785-0100. The Summer to keep the theatre operatwill include A Night at Music Fest is sponsored ing after COVID-19 closed the Movies on August 5, by William J. Salerno, their stage down 7 and 9. The series will Esq. and Juniper Com conclude with the grand munities with special

By Haywood Brewster finale, the Broadway thanks to The Grundy Staff Reporter Summer Spectacular on Foundation.

September 2, 4 and 6. The “We wanted to find a ristol, PA - The first date for each show way to keep a connecshow must go will be a live perfortion to our audiences,” on! From Bucks mance, and the addition- said BRT Artistic DirecCounty to the world, al two dates are recorded tor Keith Baker. “I hope Bristol Riverside Thebroadcasts from the first audiences continue to atre brings its Summer live performance. The enjoy our Summer Music Music Fest into homes, band behind all shows Fest -- this time from the vacation homes or any- will be led by BRT Artis- comforts of wherever where its audience may tic Director Keith Baker, they are. This will be an be for 2020. This popuwho also serves as the adventure. I wish I could lar, annual summertime host and Music Director have everyone in the music series is one of the for the shows. Performroom. Our performers highlights for one of the ers will feature a who’s are super talented. I can’t region’s beloved theaters. who from the local stage wait to see what they For the new season, look and from Broadway. do with this format. The for performances that can Tickets from the seshow must go on and be watched anywhere ries will help keep the we can’t thank everyone with a solid internet con- theatre’s doors open enough for their ongoing nection and a music lover and raise funds to help support of our work.” singing along behind the the theatre reopen later Summer Music Fest screen. The series starts this year. Tickets to the with A Night at the Mov-

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Due to Covid-19, please make an appointment. Thank you!

Monday through Friday: 9am to 6pm Saturday: 9am to 5pm 3743 WALNUT STREET • UNIVERSITY CITY PHILADELPHIA, PA • 215.222.9252 WWW.JOSEPHANTHONYHAIRSALON.COM

ies runs Wednesday, August 5th at 7:00pm with a live performance, followed by pre-recorded performances on Friday, August 7th at 7:00pm and Sunday, August 9th at 3:00pm. A Night at the Movies celebrates favorite songs from Tinsel Town’s greatest musicals and movies. From Casablanca to Goldfinger, the music from the silver screen will have audiences singing along. A Night at the Movies in August will feature the musical and theatre talents of Bristol Riverside Theatre favorites Demetria Joyce Bailey, Rebecca Robbins and Sean Thomspon.

Demetria Joyce Bailey is a veteran of the Summer Music Fest and many shows at BRT and other regional stages. She last appeared at BRT in The Sunshine Boys. Rebecca Robbins was part of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera on tour and on Broadway. She last appeared on the BRT stage in Triumph of Love, where she earned raves. Sean Thompson, another BRT veteran, was Cliff in Cabaret, the last show on the BRT stage. Thompson is also a Broadway veteran, who appeared in Sunset Boulevard and played Raul in the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera.

For the grand finale, Summer Music Fest closes with the annual Broadway Summer Spectacular on Wednesday, September 2nd at 7:00pm with a live performance, followed by pre-recorded performances on Friday, September 4th at 7:00pm and Sunday, September 6th at 3:00pm. Once again, BRT will bring Broadway to Bristol in one sensational concert.

It will be an evening packed with Broadway’s best from composers like Stephen Sondheim, Richard Rodgers, and Oscar Hammerstein II. For all shows this year, Baker will host Summer Music Fest live from his own living room. Baker is a triple threat here as he also will be the conductor/band leader and play the keyboard. His band includes: Robert Garguillo (bass), Kathy Goff (percussion), Neil

Broadway Summer Spectacular 2018. Photo by Tori Repp.

Nemetz (guitar), and Claudia Pellegrini (violin).

Habib Azar, a six-time Emmy Award-winning television director, is the Broadcast Director and Editor. Hiram McLaren Becker is the Technical Director. BRT Resident Costume Designer Linda B. Stockton is the Costume Designer.

Charles S. Reece is the Master Electrician and Brett Pearson is the Audio Engineer. For performers, all solos will be sung live during the first night of each show. Any duos and trios or full cast songs will be prerecorded.

“The new virtual format for Summer Music Fest will be like watching a live show on television with pre-recorded video segments,” said incoming Co-Producing Director Ken Kaissar.

“Think Saturday Night Live -- the host is live, but then the cast may do a music video that was recorded beforehand. The concerts are designed to bring people together for a live, shared experience of beloved songs and fun spectacle. Since we can’t host a show in person this year, we wanted to create a live, shared, fun spectacle - and Keith as host will definitely help make it a memorable night for everyone!”

Keith Baker and Founding Director Susan Atkinson created the Summer Music Fest 25 years ago to offer programming in the summer at the theatre. The concerts were a way to excite the audience during a time when the theatre was dark, and each year the audience has grown and turned the concerts into one of BRT’s most popular events.

“We’re so proud to bring this music tradition back and lift everyone’s spirits,” added Baker.

“When our most recent show Cabaret was cut short at the start of the COVID-19 crisis, and theatre stages everywhere went dark, we lost a bit of joy, creativity and hope in the world. We want to bring back the sound of music to theatre lovers everywhere and keep the 25-year-old tradition alive. I hope the Summer Music Fest continues as long as we have audiences to see them.”

Tickets are on sale now for all concerts. Tickets are a $35 donation each to support Bristol Riverside Theatre. Tickets are available online at BRTstage.org or over the phone at 215-785-0100.

ABOUT BRISTOL RIVERSIDE THEATRE Since 1986, BRT has continued to bring critically acclaimed professional theatre to Bucks County. The theatre is the recipient of over 71 Barrymore Award nominations for Excellence in Theatre, given annually

by Theatre Philadelphia.

Under the direction of Artistic Director Keith Baker, Founding Director Susan D. Atkinson, and General Manager David J. Abers, the theatre serves as a cultural hub for the community. In addition to its Mainstage productions, BRT offers four concerts, including the holiday tradition An American Christmas Songbook, the new play development series America Rising, and the summer theater arts camp ArtRageous. For information, visit www. brtstage.org.

JULY 22, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 3

D. A Krasner announces charges following dis- Streets Department updates residents on delays in trash and appearance & death of 2-year-old King Hill recycling collections due to the istrict Attorney Larry Krasner pandemic last week. Residents are on Monday an-

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nounced Murder and related charges have been filed against a woman for her role in the disappearance and death of a North Philadelphia toddler who was reported missing earlier this month.

An investigation led

by Philadelphia Police and FBI that yielded cell phone and video evidence has concluded that Hill, who was last seen on July 7th in Strawberry Mansion, is dead.

Hill was in the custody of Tiana Parks (DOB: 8/4/1995) of Philadelphia when he was reported missing the second week of July. The Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit urged members of the public to come forward with any information. Residents of the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood where his mother lives led searches for the missing child as well.

Parks, who was en-

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Tiana Parks (L} Charged with Murder in death of toddler, King Hill (R.)

trusted with Hill by the former partner of his mother, was arrested on Sunday and will be arraigned today. She has been charged by the District Attorney’s Office (DAO) with Murder (F), Endangering the Welfare of Children (F2), Interference with the Custody of Children (F3), Abuse of Corpse (M2), Unsworn Falsification to Authorities (M2), False Reports to Law Enforcement Authorities (M3), Obstruction of Justice (M2), and Tampering with Evidence (M2).

“The death of King Hill is an unbearable tragedy that is compounded by Tiana Parks’ actions.

This precious baby’s family and community deserve to know how he died. They deserve the opportunity to bury and mourn him with dignity,” District Attorney Krasner said. “This child deserved so much better in life. My office will continue to work alongside the Philadelphia Police and FBI to seek justice for his death.”

The Philadelphia continued on page 8

he Streets Department has made significant progress in reducing the number of delays with collecting trash and recycling caused by increased tonnage set out curbside and decreased attendance due to COVID 19.

During the weekend, the Department supplemented collections with staff from its Highways Division and other departments the Streets Department has reduced the delays from 3 to 4 days to 1 to 2 days across the City, announced Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams. However, the Department is still experiencing delays in some areas of the City from Thursday and Friday collections.

For the week of July 20, residents should expect delays this week as crews continue to prioritize collecting materials not picked up from

asked to set their materials out at least one day later than their regular scheduled day, however, their materials may be picked up 1-2 days late depending on the volume of materials in a specific area of the City.

The volume of material can vary across the city it can be difficult to predict an exact schedule for pickup.

The Streets Department will expand the operating hours of the Sanitation Convenience centers to 7 days a week beginning Monday July 20th to allow residents to bring their trash and recycling material anytime during the week.

Drop-off centers will allow residents to dispose of their trash without delays and will help the Streets Department return to a normal collection schedule. Residents will need to show proof of residency to access continued on page 5

City provides update on Pathways to Reform, Firms selected to conduct Transformation and Reconciliation After-Action Investigation of that this group will help tion’s shared priorities: response to demonstrations ayor Jim us achieve it.”

Kenney and health, safety, quality

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other City officials today provided an update on the City’s pathways to reform, transformation, and reconciliation. The effort is supported by a Steering Committee of diverse civic, business, and faith leaders. The committee was created last month to help the City enact a meaningful agenda for reform, reimagine public safety, and advance racial justice.

“I thank the members of the Steering Committee for partnering with our Administration on this critical work,” said Mayor Jim Kenney.

“Over the last several weeks, this group has helped me better understand how governments at all levels continue to disenfranchise Black and Brown Philadelphians. The battle for racial equity is underway, and I’m confident

The Steering Committee’s role is to advise, inform, connect, and work to eliminate race-based disparities in Philadelphia communities and promote racial and social justice across institutions. The committee is staffed by senior City staff, who support the planning and implementation of reform, transformation and reconciliation strategies developed by the Steering Committee.

The City’s internal work group that supports the committee is co-chaired

by Deputy Mayor Cynthia Figueroa, City Solicitor Marcel Pratt, and Acting Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Nefertiri Sickout.

“The areas of focus for the City’s reform, transformation and reconciliation work mirror the Kenney Administra-

education, and inclusive economic growth,” said Cynthia Figueroa, Deputy Mayor for the Office of Children and Families. “Our mission is to support the Steering Committee to ensure that its shortand long-term goals are achieved.”

“If our local government is to have any meaningful success in addressing racial inequities and injustice, it cannot invoke self-reliant, siloed approaches to problem-solving,” said City Solicitor Marcel Pratt. “I am excited to work with so many extraordinary civic, business, community, and religious leaders who have committed themselves to working side-by-side with City officials while holding our government accountable.”

continued on page 5

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ayor Kenney Monday announced the firms selected to conduct the independent afteraction review of the City’s preparation and response to recent protests, demonstrations, police use of force, and other activities in the wake of the killing of George Floyd.

The City received responses from consulting firms and law firms. After reviewing the responses, the City decided that the best approach was to meld the subject matter expertise and data analysis approach of a consulting firm with the investigatory and legal expertise of a law firm.

As a result, the City selected both CNA, a nonprofit consulting firm, and the Philadelphia-based law firm Montgomery McCracken Walker and Rhoads, LLP, specifically the services of A. Nicole Phillips, a

partner at Montgomery McCracken, to conduct the after-action review.

About the selection, Mayor Jim Kenney said, “I’m confident that the prior knowledge and experience of CNA and Montgomery McCracken will enable the team to hit the ground running to conduct this independent AAR thoroughly and efficiently. I thank both firms for their willingness to take on this critical work, which is vital to strengthening the Philadelphia Police Department and rebuilding trust with the residents of Philadelphia.”

The City anticipates the AAR being completed before the end of the year. A final written report of the findings and recommendations will be issued and shared publicly. Preliminary findings will also be shared publicly prior to the final report being issued.

About CNA

Review UNIVERSITY

CITY

218 South 45th Street

218 South 45th Philadelphia, PA Street, 19104 Philadelphia, PA 19104 Tel (215) 222-2846 Tel (215)222-2846 Fax (215) 222-2378 Fax (215)222-2378 Email editor@pressreview.net Email newsdesk@pressreview.net editor@pressreview.net graphics@pressreview.net graphics@pressreview.net Editor & Publisher Editor Publisher Robert& Christian Robert Christian Associate Publisher Assistant Editor Claudia Christian Jack Firneno Bookkeeping Associate Publisher Alexandra Christian Claudia Christian Graphic Designers Bookkeeping Kelly Kusumoto Tina Davis Kasia Gadek Graphic Designers Contributing Writers Kasia Gadek Bob Behr Kelly Kusumoto Haywood Brewster Marc Holmes III Contributing Writers Richard Lord Dea Mallin Nicole Contosta Thom Bob Nickels Behr David HaywoodTraub Brewster Napoleon F. Kingcade Columnists Nathan Lerner JohnMallin Lane Dea Henry Lazarus Thom Nickels Tim Legnani Contributing Editor Paulina Malek Thom Nickels Columnists Correspondent Jennifer Jones Nicole JohnContosta Lane Nathaniel Lee Henry Lazarus KamSales Williams Claudia Christian Sales Claudia Social Christian Media Tim Legnani Kelly Kusumoto Social Media Kelly Kusumoto

CNA is a nonprofit research organization with a strong history of delivering high-quality, independent, and objective reviews of real-world incidents to local jurisdictions and federal agencies. CNA’s approach is to conduct independent reviews coupled with objective, data-driven analysis with deep subject matter expertise to produce valid findings and practical recommendations based on best practices.

As a leader in the field of justice system research, CNA has played an important role in building innovative and effective policing principles and practices through their research, analysis, and support to national training, and technical assistance programs. The diverse CNA continued on page 8

4 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 22, 2020

WPCA

• Wedding receptions • Film makings, art and continued from page 1 photography shows • Paul Robeson Birthday tinues to impact the Today, Monday • Friday Night Movies Celebration July 20th, we celebrate • Summer student community and we • Participating in paintthe 36th Birthday of West interns from Penn, can share the stories, ing the Paul Robeson Philadelphia Cultural educational classes for achievements and libHigh School youth and adults • Creating documentaeratory visions of Paul Alliance founded by Frances P. Aulston and • August Wilson Classes ries and Eslanda Robeson 50 others who wanted to • Eslanda Robeson • Repasses for future generations,” create an institution to Research and Study • Educational classes said WPCA Volunassist West Philadelphia Group • Horticultural projects teer Program Director in becoming a better • Black History Essay • Renovations projects Christopher R. Rogers. community.

Contest Most of these events WPCA’s application Since that time, we • Joint ventures with our are revenue-generating have had an impact on community partners for the National Trust for us and give us our the community through • Several parades use us visibility locally, stategrant was supported our work. Here is a short for their starting point wide, nationally, and

by Philadelphia City • Lectures and presenCouncil member Jamie list of some of our activities. Read it and celtation to senior resiGauthier, the Walnut ebrate who we are. dences Hill Community As• Docents training continued from page 1 sociation and the PresHAPPY BIRTHDAY, • Family reunions ervation Alliance for WPCA! • Development of a new expiration of the city and Greater Philadelphia. financial system state shutdown orders.

The Robeson House What we do: • Renovations in the The group has also de& Museum offers We have been busy houses manded that its members searching for resources to • Paid trip to the Tina tours to people from be negotiated with as a Turner Broadway collective. all over the world. The keep WPCA alive during Show The tenants’ council House is a go-to space the pandemic. It has hit all the small museums • Other smaller trips has written to New Age for events by commu• No Name Book Club about these demands nity groups, as well as very hard. We depend on our Tours of the Mu• WPCA Meetings & and was told that tenprograms sponsored seum, especially during community meetings ants’ concerns could only by the WPCA. The the summer. We missed • Summer parties be addressed individuorganization partners our: • Paul Robeson Chess ally, rather than collecwith the Paul Robeson • Arts in the Parlor seClub National Tourtively.

Chess Club, the Uniries, naments (where our Speaking with the versity of Pennsylvania • Lectures by noted perteams win each year) University City Resonalities • Book lectures and sign- view, Lance Rogers, an and several local high • Porch Fest ings attorney for New Age schools.

Realty, dismissed the group’s demands as “ill-conceived.” As a property manager, New Age contracts with many small landlords who, Rogers said, cannot afford to forgive rent and whose permission would be needed to offer rent relief.

Rogers did say the property management group was working with tenants and their landlords to offer relief on an individual basis – with around 75 of 900 rental households having reached out to New Age and negotiated a payment plan. Among the tenants who have not negotiated a payment plan, Rogers said the rent delinquency rate is not appreciably higher than it was this time last year.

Paul Cohen, Esq, who is General Council to Hapco Philadelphia, (a landlord association Serving Philadelphia’s Investment & Rental Community,) said that people should only organize against landlords who have mistreated their tenants.

“If a landlord is not doing the right thing, so for instance, the landlord is not providing heat in

Happy birthday WPCA

TENANTS

Community Associations, which is currently providing dinners twice a week to the community, paid for by our local Central City Toyota Dealership, and working to clean up 52nd Street that was damaged during the All of the small busi- riots. While some of nesses like this muus are isolating, we are seum support the res- Zooming programs taurants, banks, trans- writing proposals, portation networks, doing a call bank to and other businesses in check on members and the area. We are part of friends. our local neighborhood group, Walnut Hill internationally.

We partner with four high schools and several colleges all year long. We are a worksite for both senior citizen programs and youth programs. We also work with the local churches, daycare, and after school programs.

the building, and tenants want to organize and go after that landlord to force him to provide heat in the building, then yes, the tenant strike makes sense,” Cohen said. “Where you have a landlord that is doing the right thing and the tenants just want to take advantage of the situation by organizing, and not paying the rent, and trying to force the landlords to just lower the rents or do something else when the landlord isn’t doing something wrong, it’s just totally wrong and should not be condoned.”

Lomanto said that while “they” understand how landlords may be experiencing hardship too, “they” believed that helping vulnerable renters should take priority.

“Especially as a business owner myself, I have to look at both sides.” Lomanto said.

“But it also comes down to if folks have to choose between housing or putting foods in their mouths or their families’ mouths, and I think New Age should take that into consideration.”

Marti Cohen, who lives in a University City apartment managed by Altman Management Company, is a member of another grassroots tenant union. An event organizer, Cohen said she will be out of work indefinitely due to public health advisories against large crowds. Seeking help to negotiate with Altman, she connected with tenants at other Altman-managed properties from across the Delaware Valley to form the Altman Tenants Union.

“We’re in an unprecedented time where people aren’t working, there are so many people who are jobless who aren’t

able to put food on their table,” Cohen said. “If it comes to food or rent, we’re going to buy food.”

The Altman Tenants Union is demanding rent forgiveness for April, and a 90% rent reduction starting May 1, and lasting until Philadelphia has been clear of Gov. Wolf’s shutdown order for 30 days.

The union is also demanding that Altman address what members are calling public health violations. Members have accused Altman of hosting open houses and in-person showings before it was permitted by the shutdown order and alleges that some Altman employees have been working inside without the proper personal protection equipment.

The union received a response letter from Altman and a brief follow up email. Altman said that payment plans would be available to tenants on an individual basis. Late fees incurred during the epidemic would be waived, except when a tenant has not made at least a partial payment of rent or has not negotiated a payment plan. Altman would not, however, be waiving rent, with the letter citing the need to pay mortgages, salaries, and taxes.

Asserting a right to organize, union members are insisting that they be dealt with as a collective bargaining unit, rather than as individual tenants. Further, the group is asking that any payment plan an individual tenant may have agreed to prior to May 1 be annulled.

An Altman regional manager, who declined to give his name, told the University City Review that he had neither the continued on page 6

JULY 22, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 5

Famous 4th Street Cookie Co. will offer free cookies and discounts to celebrate its most iconic Philly cookie substantially limited, tions to the Philadeldonate/ we decided to double down on online deals and try to make an even bigger impact.”

From July 27th to August 7th, The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company will offer one FREE box of six colossal chocolate chip cookies with every online purchase of $25 or more at www.famouscookies. com.

For customers in Philadelphia, enjoy $1 Famous Chocolate Chip cookies at the Reading Terminal Market and Ridge Avenue Bakery locations on August Cookies 3rd and 4th, with local Proceeds will benefit be marking its favorite owner of The Famous delivery of dollar cookPhiladelphia Ronald Mc- national food holiday 4th Street Cookie Com- ies available through Donald House with TWO full weeks of pany. “As business UberEats, Grubhub and free cookies, discounts, owners and parents, we Mercato. The Famous

By Haywood Brewster and more. are thrilled to continue 4th Street Cookie ComStaff Reporter “In past years, Naour partnership with pany will donate 100% tional Chocolate Chip the Philadelphia Ronof proceeds from chocouesday, August Cookie Day has been ald McDonald House, late chip cookie sales 4 is National such a day of fun and which helped us and from August 3rd and Chocolate Chip celebration - things so many other families 4th at Reading TermiCookie Day and The that we need could use during our darkest nal Market and Ridge Famous 4th Street more now than ever,” hours. This year, with Avenue Bakery locaCookie Company will said Tina Phillips, coour retail operations

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TRASH

cepted at these facilities.

The Streets Departcontinued from page 3 ment will make trash collection the priority the drop-off centers with to reduce the amount either a driver’s license of material left curbside or a utility bill verifying throughout the week to their address. To find out mitigate risks to public the locations and operat- health. Therefore, recying hours of the sanitacling may take longer to tion Convenience centers collect than trash. please log on to www.

We respectfully ask philadelphiastreets.com residents to refrain from or click the link below placing additional 311 Sanitation Convenience requests for missed trash Centers. All materials set or recycling collection out for pick up are acunless their materials

have not been picked up at least four days behind regular schedule. The office has been inundated with calls related to trash and recycling collections.

We understand the public’s concern over delayed collections and thank them for their patience and cooperation as we work toward returning to a regular collection schedule during this pandemic. http://www. philadelphiastreets.com

PATHWAY

said Nefertiri Sickout, Acting Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer.

To date, the Steering Committee has met six times and set the following priorities for the first phase of its work:

Steering Committee as we embark on the chalcontinued from page 3 lenging, yet necessary, work of dismantling The first steps of the structural racism here in City’s internal work group were focused on Philadelphia. I am eager to draw viable connecestablishing the committee membership and tions to this work as the Office of Diversity, Eqinternal work group uity and Inclusion helps structure; identifying City departments to current priorities; dedevelop and implement veloping shared goals; their own racial equity and drafting an action strategies to improve plan with immediate, internal operations, short- and long-term shift organizational recommendations for culture and processes, review by the Steering and ensure more eqCommittee.

“I am grateful for the uitable outcomes and support and partnership inclusive prosperity for communities of color,“ of the Reconciliation

1. Public Safety: Adopt and implement a comprehensive police reform agenda.

2. Economy: Review the City budget, rebuild small businesses, and strengthen minority, women and disabledowned businesses continued on page 8

phia Ronald McDonald House. Additionally, 15% of all online sales from July 27th to August 7th will be donated to the house.

During the 2019 National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day celebration, The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company raised over $4,000. Donations to the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House will fund the care and support of families of seriously ill children.

This year, given the impact of COVID-19 on the operations at Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, Brian and Tina Phillips will, personally, match the funds raised by The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company up to $10,000. Anyone who wants to support the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House can donate at https:// www.philarmh.org/

About The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company: The Famous 4th Street Cookie Company was founded in 1978 with one goal: serving delicious, fresh-baked cookies made only with the finest ingredients.

Using the same recipe for their award-winning cookies for more than 40 years, owners Brian and Tina Phillips have grown the original bakery concept - born in South Philadelphia and raised in the Reading Terminal Market - into an e-commerce and wholesale distributor of the most delicious cookies money can buy. Today, Famous cookies can be found throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and shipped anywhere in the US. For more information, please visit: www.FamousCookies. com .

Celebrate our 32nd Year with us!

A FUNDRAISING APPEAL Name: Address:

Method of contribution:  Check (Please make checks out to either Philadelphia Free Press or University City Review, and mail to 218 South 45th Street, Phila., PA 19104. Phone 215.222.2374)  Credit Card Name on credit card: Address:

Credit Card Number: Expiration date: Security Code: Billing Address: If it is different from your address

You can also go to GoFundMe.com and search for “Keeping Community Papers Alive in Philadelphia”.

6 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 22, 2020

TENANTS

awaits a comprehensive response from Altman, continued from page 4 members wrote in a press release that they have esability nor the authority tablished a mutual relief to respond to the tenant fund for tenants who are union. Concerns about financially struggling. violations of social dis“We’re growing in tancing and public health numbers,” Cohen said. guidelines, he said, could “And we don’t plan on be addressed only by the stopping.” regional managers for Another renter, who the specific properties said she was put out of where these violations work by the coronavirus were allegedly observed. shutdown, joined the Requests for a change in grassroots union called rent policy could be adTenants of OCF, which dressed only by higherwas formed to collecup Altman executives. tively bargain with OCF No one from Altman’s Realty. The renter, who primary office could be requested anonymity in reached by phone and fear of retaliation, said multiple messages left the union helped her feel in their general voicemore secure in negotiatmail box have not been ing with OCF during returned. Altman Presi- such unprecedented dent Robert Bluth has times. not responded to multi“I work job to job so ple requests for comment COVID was really, really sent to his email as listed scary when it first hit,” on the website of the In- the renter said. “That’s stitution of Real Estate one of the reasons that I Management. joined the union, because While the union

I was feeling really small and isolated and powerless, and I needed support.”

Tenants of OCF alleges that OCF has harassed tenants through wellness checks conducted without proper predication or the lease-mandated 24 hours’ notice. It also said that OCF has sent staff to photograph apartment units before such inperson real estate activity was permissible in Philadelphia under the governor’s shutdown order – and at times, according to some union members, staff arrived at apartments without properly wearing PPE. The union added that tenants have received “incessant” phone calls and emails from OCF that, members said, amount to harassment.

In an open letter published May 4, Tenants of OCF asked that their grievances be addressed,

and that any late fees charged during the epidemic be waived.

OCF President, Ori Feibush, denied any wrongdoing by the company. He said phone calls to renters or their cosigners were reasonable and routine. He said that OCF’s wellness checks are well predicated and done with proper warning; and that OCF obtained state waivers for virtual tour photography sessions, but in any case, such sessions did not violate any version of the governor’s shutdown order.

All staff sent to carry out these wellness checks and photography sessions, according to Feibush, are furnished with the needed personal protection equipment.

Feibush emphasized how the company was working to meet tenants’ financial needs during the epidemic. He said that around 10% of OCF renters had scheduled payment plans, and that tenants had been allowed to use their security deposits to cover rent.

Overall delinquency rates at OCF-managed properties, meanwhile, have gone down from this time last year. Of the hundreds of units OCF manages, Feibush said only two late fees had been assessed from March to May, and one was later rescinded.

Feibush did say that OCF had notified several delinquent tenants that they were at risk of receiving derogatory credit reports during the coronavirus epidemic – but said that all paid in full after being warned of their delinquency.

“The overwhelming majority of our tenants are appreciative, if not grateful, for how supportive the various properties owners and our office have been,” Feibush said.

Some nevertheless have their misgivings about how OCF has treated its tenants.

Shaun Miller is a commercial tenant and Black small business owner at an OCF-managed commercial property in his native Point Breeze. In his three years running the H. Smith Shop, a barber shop named after his grandfather, Miller hosted various community events, including local art showcases and voter

registration drives. He has also been working as the president of the Point Breeze Business Association.

After his business was closed by the governor’s shutdown order, Miller began negotiating a payment plan, and said he applied for aid so he could pay rent on schedule. On May 2 however, Miller received a phone call from Feibush informing him that his lease was not being renewed.

Miller alleged that Feibush told him the nonrenewal decision was motivated by critical comments Miller made about OCF during a Tenants of OCF virtual meeting the day before.

“I feel like I’ve been a really good tenant and I don’t feel like I’ve been getting that respect back during these really tough times…so I shared all that on the [Tenants of OCF] call,” Miller said. “I get a call from [Feibush] [the next morning], telling me that he will not be renewing my lease.”

“I said can you let me know what that reasoning is, and his response was ‘because of the things you said about me and my company on that [tenants union] call.’”

Feibush denied retaliating against Miller for comments he made at the meeting, calling the allegation “sensational.”

He said that Miller had an outstanding rent balance dating to before the epidemic and had not agreed to available renewal options by a notice date specified in his lease.

Miller noted that he had been in a monthlong negotiation with OCF and his landlord about renewal options when Feibush called on May 2.

The outstanding rent, Miller said, was the result of a billing error.

Staff from OCF underbilled Miller for two years and Miller consequently underpaid for two years. The billing error was discovered and assessed only on Feb. 6 – the day after Feibush and Miller had an unrelated argument on Feb. 5 about zoning and development strategies in Point Breeze. Feibush said the argument prompted him to review the terms of Miller’s lease.

Feibush added that he found Miller to be abra-

sive towards him and his staff, and that OCF recommended non-renewal to Miller’s landlord also in part because of that acrimonious relationship.

“He had a lease and he couldn’t have been more antagonistic to the people that work in our office here, so when they’re speaking to the owner and the owner is saying ‘what do you recommend doing,’ of course all of that factors into it and we would all be insane to think otherwise,” Feibush said. “If somebody is nice to other people, they’re going to get more.”

Miller said all of his conversations with OCF employees had been cordial. He said his only negative interactions with OCF were two he had with Feibush – specifically, the Feb. 5 argument about Point Breeze development and the May 2 phone call about the nonrenewal of lease.

Miller said he ultimately believes Feibush retaliated against him for their clash over neighborhood development strategies, and for the comments Miller made at the tenant union meeting.

“It’s clearly all personal,” Miller said.

Tenants of OCF has cited Miller’s experience as an example of why tenants have a need to organize. “[Miller’s situation] was an instance of a lease renewal being intentionally denied and it does seem to me that the most aggressive responses [from OCF] are coming for people who they suspect are organized or they know to be organizing,” said one member of Tenants of OCF who also requested anonymity in fear of retaliation.

Feibush allegedly said that Tenants of OCF was airing these complaints and attacking his company, because its members harbor an anti-capitalist, political agenda.

He singled out one union member in particular as proof of the group’s ulterior motives.

According to Feibush, the member was a renter at an OCF-managed property and had been treated well by OCF staff.

That member’s failure to mention those positive interactions in social media posts about OCF, Feibush said, evinces the

continued on page 9

JULY 22, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 7

A

journey to the Smithsonian Gardens with their horticulturist Janet Draper seems like a soothing idea on a very hot day. On July 23 at noon, she’ll share her knowledge of flowering plants and will offer such tutorials as creating way stations for monarch butterflies. gardens.si.edu  That same evening at 7:30 p.m., enjoy standup comedy and readings hosted by Mary Cella, the founder of the humor site Little Old Lady Comedy. greenlightbookstore.com/event  Black Dance Stories is a new series offering storytelling while giving artists a chance to meet and chat. Created by performer/ producer/dance writer Charmaine Warren with dancers Kimani Fowlin and Nicholas Hall, the series features two guests per episode. On July 23, Rennie Harris and J. Bouey take over, followed on July 30 by Kyle Marshall, Okwui Okpokwasili, 6 p.m. every Thursday live on YouTube. More information at @blackdancestories on Instagram. Free, donations welcome.  Another Black choreographer, Jeremy McQueen, founder of the Black Iris Project, presents a 20-minute work, “Madina”, a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Available through July 24 at BronxNet.tv Details at blackirisproject.org  How about an afternoon at the opera at 4 p.m. on July 24? This is a rare chance to see Rossini’s “The Barber of Seville” performed at the Teatro de la Maestranza in Seville, Spain. operavision.eu  Local opera performed live is quite a rarity in our city just now but Amici Opera continues its season on July 26 at 3 p.m. with a complete rarity, “Fosca” by

Gomes, sung in Italian by young operatic voices to piano accompaniment. Social distancing is guaranteed, hand sanitizer will be available, bring your own mask.

Repeated on Aug. 1 at 4 p.m., both at Redeemer UMC, 1128 Cotman Ave. 215-224-0257.  As of this writing, many of our local and nearby museums and similar attractions are already welcoming visitors, among them the Brandywine River Art Museum, Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens, Longwood Gardens, the American Swedish Historical Museum, Mutter Museum of the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, Adventure Aquarium , Independence Seaport Museum, Mural Arts Philadelphia Mural Mile Center City Walking Tour, the Barnes Foundation and the Woodmere Art Museum both as of July 25, and the Penn Museum as of July 28.

A quick click on google will provide addresses where special rules can be investigated, in some cases buying tickets in advance and other new formalities, and all require masks.  “Love From BAM” is an invitation to explore the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s archival dance footage in this new series highlighting seven performances of the Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Co. from 1984 to 1994, described as “stylish, mournful, sentimental in spots, and timely once again”.

Details at BAM.org/ lovefrombam.  Our city’s Tempesta di Mare performs Telemann’s “Don Quixote Suite” on July 26, hosted by co-founders Gwyn Roberts and Richard Stone who will also talk about Baroque music, bowing, continuo and other facets. Details at info@tempestadimare.

org  The Rosenbach Museum and Library offers Virtual Courses at Home, an extended series of weekly discussions. On July 22, the topic is Harry Potter each Wed. for several weeks, and on Thursday, July 23, James Joyce’s “Ulysses” will be analyzed in the weeks ahead. 6 p.m. Other new series begin in Aug. Details on all these and other information at enews@rosenbach.org  The Pennsylvania Ballet continues to remind is of its presence and even more so of its current absence, but all is not lost. Every weekday at 1 p.m. on Instagram Live they offer classes taught by Artistic Director Angel Corella and company members, as well as PB “Stay at Home” of performance clips, interviews, fitness tips and other fun videos on You Tube.  The Institute of Contemporary Art presents “Open Video Call 2020” with Lino Kino, a series of videos of eight artists.

Mondays at noon from July 27 to Sept. 16, each segment devoted to one of the eight, followed on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. for discussions with the same artist, live captioned, with members of Lino Kino. icaphila. org  Theatre Philadelphia is a resource for numerous local arts groups.

Among them are: (Mostly)Virtual Festival from Shakespeare Delaware now through Aug. 22 on Facebook; Society XI on Line from 11th Hour Theatre Co. offering three Quarantine Cabarets, three Musical Salons, through Sept. 19; a Digital Festival O from Opera Phila. featuring two major hits from the previous season, “We Shall Not Be Moved” involving teenagers squatting in the wreckage of the burned Osage Ave. homes, and “Sky on Swings”, a sympathetic look into Alzheimer’s starring two operatic greats, our city’s own Marietta Simpson and renowned diva Frederica von Stade. Free through

Aug. 21 on WHYY-TV12.

Donations welcome. Details on these attractions and more at info@theatrephiladelphia.org  The Metropolitan Opera’s beloved free series of HD videos from their current and archival collections is shown every evening at 7:30 p.m. and on view until 6:30 p.m. the next day when

a new opera awaits.

Coming up: July 22, Verdi’s “Macbeth” with Curtis alumnus bass John Relyea, conducted

by James Levine; July 23, Gounod’s “Romeo et Juliette” starring Anna Netrebko and Roberto Alagna; July 24, Verdi’s “Falstaff”, a golden oldie from 1992 starring Mirella Freni, Barbara Bon-

ney and Marilyn Horne; July 25, Strauss’ “Der Rosenkavalier” featuring Renee Fleming’s final Met performance as the Marschallin; July 26, Puccini’s “La Fanciulla del West” with dashing tenor Jonas Kauffman. Donations happily accepted. metopera.org 

8 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 22, 2020

KING HILL

PATHWAY

continue to do so as this case progresses through continued from page 3 the criminal legal system. continued from page 5 Survivors of homicide enterprises (M/W/ CARES (Crisis Assiswho are in need of suptance, Response, and En- port may contact the DSBEs). gagement for Survivors) CARES team at 215-686- 3. Community Engageteam at the DAO has ment and Reconcili8019 or philacares@phila. been providing support gov. ation Process: Work to Hill’s family and will collaboratively with the City and commuAFTER-ACTION training. nity partners to foster About A. Nicole Philconversations becontinued from page 3 lips and Montgomery tween institutions and McCracken project team has experiresidents to address A. Nicole Phillips is a ence managing similar structural racism and partner in the Montgomreviews for many other ery McCracken’s White racial inequity issues jurisdictions. The expein Philadelphia.

Collar and Government rienced analysts bring Investigations practice 4. Health: Address COdecades of experience group. Ms. Phillips is a VID-19 racial and ecoin law enforcement and former federal and local nomic disparities. expertise in conducting prosecutor with a wide objective reviews of sen- range of investigatory See Table 1 on right sitive incidents involvexperience and has faing crowd control and miliarity with investigatIn addition to acting the use of force. ing the Philadelphia PoCNA has led and on the recommendalice Department (PPD). supported after-action tions of the Steering Montgomery Mcreviews of the planCracken is a full-service Committee, the Adminning and response to istration will continue law firm with offices special events that have in Pennsylvania, New to pursue the plans laid drawn mass protests and York, New Jersey and out in Executive Order demonstrations across Delaware. The firm 1-20, which Mayor Kenthe nation. In addition, represents leading busi- ney signed in January. members of the project nesses, multinational The Executive Order team led the Philacorporations, nonprofit delphia Collaborative organizations and indi- announced the Administration’s citywide Reform Project bringviduals across a wide ing numerous reforms Racial Equity Strategy, range of industries in to the PPD surroundcomplex litigation mat- its commitment to eming officer-involved bedding racial equity ters, significant corposhootings. As a result as an explicit governrate transactions and of these reform efforts, challenging disputes. ing principle—a lens the number of officerFor more information all City departments involved shootings in about Montgomery Mc- and agencies will use to Philadelphia dramatiCracken or its practice assess how their operacally decreased. This areas, please visit the tions, including policies Collaborative Reform firm’s website at www.

Project provides CNA mmwr.com or on Twitter and procedures, impact all Philadelphians, inwith knowledge of PPD at @MMWR_Law. operations, policies, cluding people of color. practices, directives, and Under the Executive Order, all City departments will be required, by the end of 2023, to conduct Racial Equity Assessments and create Racial Equity Action Plans. Departments will complete these assess2410 Delancey ments and action plans 2413 Spruce 2133 Green in a phased approach, 279 S 5th beginning with the first 113 Naudain 624 Kenilworth cohort of departments 1420 Locust in 2020.

2330 Pine 304 Cypress The Steering Com1919 Chestnut mittee’s short- and 1617 Lombard 2509 Pine long-term objectives 2330 St Albans will be released next 1702 Panama 1839 Addison month. Members of the 1134 Waverly 507 S 24th public can sign up to 1632 Bainbridge receive updates from 506 Pine St 426 S Taney the Steering Committee.

925 S 2nd For more information 609 Lombard 1932 Bainbridge about the City’s reform, 2609 Aspen St transformation, and recPam Rosser Thistle, REALTOR® onciliation work, visit Cell/text: 215-432-7790 phila.gov/reformingMain: 215-546-0550 philadelphia.

The Harper at Rittenhouse Square

Priority

Progress of as of July 20, 2020

Public Safety

Responded to the police reform proposal presented by elected officials to the Administration. The response by the Administration is the City’s Police Reform Agenda. The City will work closely with the Steering Committee on implementation of the reform agenda.

Mayor Kenney and Commissioner Outlaw sent an update on the Administration’s police reform efforts to Council President Clarke as requested by various members of the City Council on July 13, 2020.

City initiated an independent after-action reviewof the recent protest and other activity.

City Solicitor and Deputy Mayor of Labor co-authored a letter to the state legislature with recommended amendments to Act 111.

Mayor Kenney and Commissioner Outlaw issued a public apology for using tear gas to disperse protesters on I-676 and placed a moratorium on the use of tear gas and other nonlethal munitionsfor dispersal and control of crowds.

Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw released Philadelphia Police Department Crime Prevention and Violence Reduction Action Plan, the roadmap for safer communities in the city.

Economy

Budget Review: Increased City investments in the community and decreased direct funding in the Police Department.

• The FY21 Budget passed by City Council on 6/25 reduced the PPD budget by $33 million and the Fire Department budget by $5.8 million from originally proposed FY21 levels.

• Restored some funding to the Housing Trust Fund, workforce development, adult education, the Cultural Fund, the African American Museum, and the Office of Immigrant Affairs.

Small business and M/W/DSBE business rebuilding: • Provided $4.4 million in funding to support business owners affected by the recent protest activity and unrest ($1.4 million in initial funding for the Restore and Reopen Program and $3 million Restart PHL Loan Fund.)

Community

Hosted community engagement sessions led by City offices and local non-profits to address work associated with reconciliation and police reform. Examples include the Philadelphia Youth Commission, PCCY, the School District of Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, and the Urban Affairs Coalition.

• Created a Community Engagement subcommittee to address the reconciliation conversations needed with the community.

The launch of the community engagement is starting with faith leaders through community conversations entitled Law, Order and God. Employee Engagement Process: • Decided to engage the services of a consultant firm to initiate the conversation about racism and social injustice with the City’s workforce.

• Presented on Steering Committee progress and Citywide Racial Equity Strategy at an internal Equitable Engagement Collaborative session where it was discussed how City’s departments could contribute to close racial disparities in all communities.

Public Landmarks: Review all public landmarks and street names.

• Removed the Rizzo Statue.

• Initiated a public process for removal of the Christopher Columbus Statue.

Working with Mural Arts to recognize the voices of the protestors through a mural to depict images from the protest. This mural will be featured on MSB. The working title is “Crown.”

Public Holiday: • Designated Juneteenth as an official City holiday for the first time on June 19, 2020. In order to make this permanent, additional steps must be taken, including Council legislation and a re-negotiation of all City holidays with the municipal unions. The administration will work to ensure Juneteenth continues to be an official City holiday.

Health

The Steering Committee will consult with PDPH on the development of its Racial Equity Response Plan to ensure more equitable responses in programs and services to underserved communities.

Expanded testing sites to address the virus impact disparities in Black and Latino communities.

Sold

112 S. 19th Street, Ste. 200 Philadelphia, PA 19103 pam.thistle@foxroach.com

JULY 22, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 9

TENANTS continued from page 6

group is working in bad faith.

Feibush also said he has accused several members of Tenants of OCF of agitating for nonpayment of rent and told those members such activity was illegal. He said he had video of a member advocating for nonpayment but declined to provide said video to the University City Review.

The union member who spoke about Miller also disputed Feibush’s characterization of Tenants of OCF. He said that the union has never advocated for tenants to not pay rent, and that Feibush is making that accusation to discredit tenant organizing.

He also said that Tenants of OCF was forthcoming about its goals to level the balance of power between renters and landlords.

“The basic reason for the organization is to stand up for tenants and, through organizing, give tenants a bigger hand in the negotiation of the tenant-landlord relationship,” he said.

“And if you want to call that political, you can, I wouldn’t refute that, but I wouldn’t say that it’s hidden and I wouldn’t say that it’s nefarious either.”

“It’s fairly understood that’s what a union is for.”

He said this idea of organizing is based on collective action, and so renters’ individual experiences should not disqualify them from taking part in a tenants’ union. “[Feibush’s] argument, that if someone was treated well, then that would refute the need for union, reflects the individualism he expects of tenants,” he said. “If you’re part of an organization of tenants and you know that other people are not getting great treatment, even if you yourself have good treatment, you would still keep organizing.”

Christina Gesualdi, a member of the Philadelphia Tenants Union, said the idea of tenant organizing could help renters shoulder the burdens of COVID-19 – and shape the landscape of housing in a post-pandemic Philadelphia.

FAIRMOUNT

park.

continued from page 1

• Lemon Hill Mansion: 1 Lemon Hill Drive Park offers and provide • Mount Pleasant Mannew ways of experiencsion: 3800 Mount ing this treasure.”

Pleasant Drive Beginning late July, • Woodford Mansion: Fairmount Park Conser2300 North 33rd Street vancy has developed ad- • Concourse Lake: South ditional ways to encourConcourse Drive and age park-goers to explore Belmont Avenue East and West Fairmount • Centennial District: Park on their own or Lansdowne Drive and with members of their Black Road household: • Chamounix Drive: Virtual Fairmount Chamounix Drive and Park Summer ScavSouth Chamounix enger Hunt: Discover Drive the fascinating facts and stories behind the Guided hikes, meditahistoric houses, natural tion, and yoga: In-person areas, and public art Conservancy memof Fairmount Park by ber events will return participating in a free later this summer at a virtual Fairmount Park reduced capacity and Scavenger Hunt, launch- in accordance with all ing Monday, July 27 and COVID-19 guidelines. running until September Events include guided 7. Scavenger hunters can hikes, meditation, and participate by download- yoga. Member events ing the free GooseChase are free for Conservancy app to their smartphone members and $15 for and completing each non-members. View mission at their own pace upcoming events and (search for “Fairmount locations here: https:// Park Summer Scavenger myphillypark.org/ Hunt”). New missions events-calendar/ will be released each These events will be week. The top particicapped at 25 attendees pants will receive prizes, or less. All participants including gift cards to will be required to wear local, minority-owned a face mask, stay six businesses and Fairfeet apart from others, mount Park Conservancy and stay home if they or merchandise. members of their housePark Hubs in Fairhold are showing any mount Park: To enhance symptoms of COVID-19. the visitor experience Fairmount Park Conthis summer, the Conservancy’s membership servancy has set up program helps ensure “Park Hubs” in Fairthat Philadelphia’s parks mount Park: six spots are enhanced for generathroughout the park with tions to come and offers wayfinding signage that free year round events serve as helpful jumping like guided hikes, trail off points for exploring runs, yoga classes, and the park. bike rides as well as great From these locations, discounts throughout the park-goers can start or park. Learn more about end their exploration of the Conservancy’s memvarious trails, natural bership program here: areas, and historic struc- https://myphillypark. tures throughout the org/support/become-a“Tenants councils and organized tenants have been taking care of protecting each other,” Gesualdi said. “After [the epidemic], I think tenant councils can remain and stay vital and that will only help people exercise their rights to put the pressure where it needs to be.”

For some renters, help is sorely needed.

In Philadelphia, roughly a quarter of all residents live below the poverty line – and more than half of renters are considered cost

burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on housing.

The recent spike in joblessness, reflected by the more than 2.2 million unemployment claims filed in Pennsylvania, is likely to add to these troubles.

On June 19, City Council passed the Emergency Housing Protection Act in an effort to keep COVID-19 from exacerbating Philadelphia’s epidemic housing insecurity. The act introduces a series of eviction-diversion measures for tenants affected by the coronavirus,

member/ Love Your Park Solo Cleanups: Love Your Park Solo Cleanups encourage all park users to safely clean up trash and litter individually or with members of their household as they enjoy Philly parks this summer. Volunteers can go the extra mile by pledging to track their work online. Love Your Park Solo cleanups aim to help keep Philly parks clean this summer, and offer Philadelphians a rewarding way to give back to these important public spaces. Visit loveyourpark.org for more volunteer opportunities in Philly parks this summer.

Volunteers who have their own cleanup supplies can opt to make a donation to the Love Your Park program to cover the cost of a free cleanup kit for others.

A $35 donation covers the cost of a cleanup kit, which includes trash bags, a Fairmount Park Conservancy bandana, and gloves (while supplies last). A $75 donation will cover the cost of a cleanup kit plus a $50-level membership to the Conservancy. Donate here: https://secure.qgiv. com/for/2lysolcle.

Love Your Park is a collaborative program managed by Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation.

Event updates and schedules will be shared via the Conservancy’s weekly e-newsletter at https://myphillypark. org/newsletter and via social media at facebook. com/fairmountparkconservancy and @ myphillypark on Instagram and Twitter.

About Fairmount Park Spanning 2,050 acres, Fairmount Park is the strengthens penalties for illegal evictions, and extends the city’s eviction moratorium to Aug. 31.

(The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania has since, on its own accord, extended the city’s eviction moratorium through Sept. 2.)

Mayor Jim Kenney signed the EHPA into law on July 1. Hapco Philadelphia, which represents hundreds of Philadelphia landlords, has filed a lawsuit to overturn the legislation.

largest park in Philadelphia. In the late 19th century, the City of Philadelphia began to purchase land and properties around the Schuylkill River to create Fairmount Park in order to protect the City’s water supply and provide the residents of Philadelphia with a place for outdoor activities. This was in keeping with William Penn’s original vision for Philadelphia as a “green country town.” Today, Fairmount Park sandwiches the Schuylkill River and includes West Fairmount Park (1,400 acres) and East Fairmount Park (650 acres) with plenty to explore, including more than 50 miles of designated trails, 16 creeks, 18 historic buildings, and 43 sculptures.

Fairmount Park is owned by the City of Philadelphia and man-

aged by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. Fairmount Park Conservancy champions Fairmount Park and all of Philadelphia’s parks in partnership with PPR all year long.

Fairmount Park Conservancy exists to champion Philadelphia’s parks. We lead capital projects and historic preservation efforts, foster neighborhood park stewardship, attract and leverage investments, and develop innovative programs throughout the 10,200 acres that include Fairmount Park and more than 100 neighborhood parks around the city. For more information, please visit myphillypark.org, join us at facebook.com/ fairmountparkconservancy, and follow us on Instagram and Twitter @ myphillypark.

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10 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 22, 2020

Burlesque Community hosts All-POC Fundraiser Pennsylvania Senate for Black Lives Matter passes probation reStarring an all-POC cast, including the #1 burlesque performer in the world

go cabaret legend” and currently ranked as the #1 burlesque figure in the world.

An 11-year veteran of hilly’s cabaret burlesque, Jeez Loueez is performers may also the creator of Jeezy’s be off the stage Juke Joint, a long-runtemporarily, but this ning revue paying hommonth they are united for a cause and ready to age to Black burlesque and entertainment for the sparkle. On Friday, July last decade.

24, a dozen entertainers The full cast includes: of color will dazzle in a virtual showcase of bur- Icon Ebony Fierce, Caresse Deville, Deej lesque, drag, and other Nutz, Selene Rose, Mia performances to raise money for racial justice. Bombshell, Vinchelle, One hundred percent Rita Brujeria, Mxtress Lilith, Foxworth Vorn, of proceeds will beneHarley Honey, and hostfit Black Lives Matter ed by poet and sex eduPhilly, a thriving local cator Jennifer Eden. chapter of the national Philadelphia nightlife movement. Tickets are has been hit hard by the pay-what-you-wish effects of COVID-19, and available through with many shifting to Eventbrite. virtual shows and livesAudiences can look treaming to continue forward to seeing exceptional local talents in their work while bars burlesque, pole arts, bel- and venues are closed. lydance, drag, and more. Amid national converThe all-POC lineup is led sations about race and justice, local artists and by guest headliner Jeez Loueez — a multi-facet- event producers recently hosted a community ed artist, educator, and town hall focused on event producer who’s been hailed as a “Chica- inclusion and justice for

form bill

P

#1 burlesque figure in the world. Jeez Loueez

Black and Brown performers.

This event is the first dedicated fundraiser to come from those discussions, with more to come. The production is volunteer run, with all performers fairly compensated in advance. All tips and ticket sales will go directly to BLM Philly.

Established in February of 2015, the BLM Philly chapter works to bring justice, healing,

self-determination, and freedom to Black communities. The chapter has launched a number of initiatives including letter campaigns, protests and marches, vigils, forums, and Black Joy and Healing circles. This event is officially sanctioned by BLM Philly.

Please visit http://bit. ly/BurlyBLM for tickets and additional information.

Pennsylvania state Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, addresses a news conference on probation and parole reform Jan. 28, 2019, in Harrisburg. Image courtesy of Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus

By Christen Smith The Center Square

P

ennsylvania senators unanimously approved a probation reform bill meant to break the monotonous cycle of re-incarceration caused by onerous restrictions.

Senate Bill 14 provides for early probation termination after three years for misdemeanors and five years for felonies. It also rewards academic and employment achievements with “time off” and creates alternatives to incarceration or limits punishment for technical violations — which can range from leaving the state to associating with the wrong person and other “subjective” reasons.

“This legislation will immediately improve the lives of many Pennsylvanians trapped in an inequitable probation system,” said prime sponsor Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia. “No single piece of legislation is perfect, such is the democratic art of compromise and negotiation, however the protections and incentives contained in this bill will result in more fair and just community supervision that truly enhances public safety.”

“The system has frequently become a probation-to-prison revolving door that is not making

our neighborhoods safer, but separating individuals from their jobs, schools, communities and families,” said fellow co-sponsor Sen. Camera Bartolotta, RWashington. “By matching the punishment to their offense and rewarding good behavior, this legislation moves us towards our ultimate goal of rehabilitating offenders and restoring communities.”

The REFORM Alliance said Pennsylvania ranks third nationwide for residents currently on probation, with more than 178,000 serving in 2018. The state also incarcerates more people for technical violations than for new offenses at a cost of $330 million annually.

Jessica Jackson, REFORM’s chief advocacy officer, applauded the bill’s passage Wednesday as a “major milestone” in criminal justice reform efforts.

“SB 14 is going to transform probation in Pennsylvania as we know it,” she said. “This legislation is going to change the way probation works, taking it from a system that traps people in a cycle of poverty and incarceration to one that gets people the support they need to succeed in their communities.”

JULY 22, 2020 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • 11 403-LEGAL

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215-417-1002

UNIT#

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12 • PHILLYFREEPRESS.COM • UCREVIEW.COM • JULY 22, 2020

America’s first socially-distanced Christmas open-air eatery debuts in Philadelphia to spread light and hope during challenging times

T

is the most wonderful time of year in Philadelphia - during one of the most challenging years in modern history. Craft Concepts Group and owner Teddy Sourias will debut America’s first socially distanced Christmas open-air restaurant and eatery this coming weekend taking over a portion of 12th Street in Midtown Village. Tinsel in July debuted last Friday, July 17, 2020 in front of Finn McCools (118 S. 12th), Tinsel (116 S. 12th), the former Midtown and Penn Six (114 S. 12th) and Go Popcorn (a neighbor of CCG’s at 114 S. 12th) with socially-distanced cafe seating, frozen and ice cold Christmas cocktails, boozy Grinch pops, a brand new eatery, holiday decor and festive tunes. Patrons can enjoy food and drink while surrounded by thousands of twinkling lights, sparkling bows, red festive santa hats, whimsical elves, shiny bells,

Photos submitted by Aversa P.R.

illuminated candles, colorful ribbons, oversized candy, decked-out gifts boxes, Christmas trees, and holiday palm trees. Full table service for parties of four to six will be available by reservation only outside Finn McCools and Tinsel.

Seating for parties of two that want to enjoy their Luku Ma treats will be available in front of 114 S. 12th Street. Tinsel, Finn McCools and Luku Ma will offer food and drink for pick-up and to go as well. Hours will run from 3:00pm to 10:00pm

Staying home saves lives.

For more information, visit

coronavirus.gov

Monday to Friday, and noon to 10:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.

For reservations for the festive Finn McCools seating with table service and a full dinner menu, call 215-923-3090.

All guests must wear a mask when not seated.

All tables are socially distanced at least six feet apart. Staff will follow all local, state and national health and safety recommendations including disposal menus, the use of a menu QR code, wiping down of all surfaces, wearing masks and other protocols in place for the safety of not just the patrons but the staff as well.

For more about Tinsel in July, please visit TinselPhilly on Instagram.

“Tinsel in July was designed to bring light, hope and joy to Philadelphia residents during these darker times,” said Sourias. “We wanted to remind everyone that better days are ahead and we all need to continue to work hard, mask up and see some light at the end of the tunnel. While our bars are closed, outdoor seating is the only safe and healthy option right now in Philadelphia. We wanted to add a joyful and positive spin to what outdoor dining means.

We recently opened up our other restaurants and brought back our staff. This project entirely driven by their ideas and initiative - and it was a great way for them to stay positive, stay strong and find some personal joy and light right now.”

Sourias added, “Origi-

nally we were going to operate for twelve days in honor of the twelve days of Christmas, but instead we are now going to be open all summer long until Labor Day - or until the interest dies down. We are also pleased to announce we will feed hospital workers with a portion of sales from our popular Canned Goods cocktail.

Merry Christmas (in July) and we hope to see your smile behind your masks this summer.”

Craft Concepts Group employees thought of the idea to take outdoor seating to a fun new level - and to bring an uplifting project to 12th Street with the debut of Tinsel in July.

The stretch between Finn McCools Ale House (118 S. 12th), Tinsel (116 S. 12th) and the former Midtown Restaurant (114 S. 12th) into Philadelphia’s “Tinsel Town.”

Even neighbor Go Popcorn has joined the festive fun at 112 S. 12th with decorations and coming-soon holiday popcorns (stay tuned for dates).

FInn McCools, the oldest venue of Craft Concepts Group, has a more transitional Christmas theme with beautiful wreaths, vintage sleds from White’s own childhood, and Santa inspired garden gnomes. Tinsel property is inspired by a Dr. Seuss Christmas with a winter cottage facade. Santa’s Elf’s can be found playing around on the cottage’s fence. The seating area is lined with 7’-0” tall Christmas palm trees and 8 north poles decorated with ribbon, garland, and bells. White Christmas trees are scattered throughout. Luka Ma, the new sweet tooth venue serving desserts, has a bright and colorful design. It is decorated with oversized Christmas lights and over 25 oversized Christmas candies throughout. Santa’s Elf’s have switched gears from wrapping presents to making delicious desserts for all to enjoy.

Photos submitted by Aversa P.R.

Background music will be a collection of familiar and quirky holiday tunes curated by well-known DJ Robert Drake.

For food, patrons can enjoy a full dinner menu of Philadelphia and bar favorites outside of Finn McCools, including the well-known Philly Cheesesteak Eggrolls.

Outside of the 114 S. 12th Street property, look

Photos submitted by Aversa P.R.

for the grand debut of Luka Ma - featuring traditional Greek Loukoumades - little fluffy sweet honey balls, deep fried to golden perfection, and topped with your choice of eight different toppings. These are inspired by the authentic Greek holiday desserts inspired

by Sourias’ own childhood with his big Greek family. This new sweet shop will also feature dessert empanadas, fried oreos and other tasty Christmas (and Christ-

mas in July) inspired treats.

Reservations are required for all full service dinner tables to ensure time limits, social distancing and to avoid any lines and ques.For reservations for these full service dinner tables call Finn’s at 215-923-3090.

Seating at Luka Ma is first come, first serve.

“Don’t leave home

for Tinsel in July without your mask,” said Sourias. “Masks are 100% required and the new normal for Tinsel in July and all of our properties.

Also, remember, we are here all summer long, so make your plans for July and August - and come when you are ready. We hope to lift up your spirits and have you leave with a big smize.”

For more about Tinsel in July and Luka Ma, visit TinselPhilly on Instagram.