Hefty fines for dumping; Women’s sports fans seek a home; Carnaval de Puebla is canceled

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A surge in illegal dumping during the pandemic led City Council to pass laws in 2022 toughening penalties. Then-councilmember Cherelle Parker spearheaded a change that sharply boosted fines to $5,000 per dumped object, for each person involved. That allows massive fines to stack up. Fort instance, the biggest penalty the city has pursued in court, $963,000, followed the involved the dumping of used tires in Fairmount Park in May 2023.

City officials say the changes have impacted dumping, while alleged violators say it feels like a money grab. Billy Penn’s Meir Rinde digs deep into the situation. Continue reading…

Dumping that led to lawsuits by the city of Philadelphia included incidents on the 4500 block of Warnock Street in April 2023, at left; on the 1000 block of West Glenwood Avenue in June 2023, center; and on North 27th Street in March 2024, right. (City of Philadelphia/Billy Penn)

It has been one year since Watch Party PHL, founded by firefighter Jen Leary, began partnering with local venues for the women’s sports community to gather and enjoy live games, highlighting the fervent fan base to women’s pro sports leagues looking for potential homes for expansion franchises.

Now, its looking for a permanent space for the city’s first-ever women’s sports bar, with some fundraising help from its community. Continue reading…

Women’s sports fans enjoy the 2025 NCAA college basketball final between the University of Connecticut and University of South Carolina at Watch Party PHL’s one-year anniversary. (Nick Kariuki/Billy Penn)

RECAP: What else happened?

$ = paywalled

• How to track down your childhood vaccination records in Pa., N.J. and Delaware. [WHYY]

• Philadelphia plans to continue a program that allows all city employees to ride for free on SEPTA vehicles, after its fate was in limbo under Mayor Cherelle Parker’s budget proposal. [WHYY]

• Community College of Philadelphia’s board of trustees is preparing to vote Thursday to oust its president, Donald Guy Generals, when his contract expires in June. [Inquirer$]

• An additional 2,000 students will be able to participate in the Philadelphia School District’s free summer programs this year, but looming budget deficits and threats to federal funding may put those programs at risk. [Chalkbeat]

• A guide to Philly’s food co-ops, which offer an affordable, community-driven way to shop for fresh, local groceries. [Billy Penn]

• Citing concerns that ICE may target the festival, organizers of the Carnaval De Puebla, one of the largest Mexican heritage celebrations in Philly, have canceled this year’s event. [NBC10]

• The knitted art display at the Singing Fountain in South Philly was vandalized, but the public is rallying to restore it. [PhillyVoice]

Philly DA Race

Candidate appearances:

MAYOR WATCH

Mayor Parker has several public events in her schedule today. At 11:30 a.m., she joins the celebration of current centenarians and seniors who will be 100 years old in 2025.

At 2:15 p.m., Parker greets Gianni Infantino, the president of the FIFA World Cup, in Lemon Hill, ahead of FIFA 2026’s visit to Philly next year.

At 3 p.m., Parker joins officials at the Lawncrest Library ribbon cutting.

Then, at 6 p.m., she hosts a “One Philly 2.0” Budget Town Hall in Fairhill.

Citizens Bank Park welcomed Phillies fans back to the ballpark Monday for the season’s home opener. (Cory Sharber/WHYY)

ON THE CALENDAR

College theater productions this spring
WHYY/Indie Lens Pop-Up Community Screenings – April 6-12

Friday, April 11 through December 28: Exhibition Opening – “Philadelphia, The Revolutionary City”
Explore the lived experiences of Philadelphians during the period leading up to, during and after the Revolutionary War. Hosted by the American Philosophical Society. (5:30 to 7:30 p.m. opening)

Saturday, April 12: Roll Into Spring Market
This inaugural art/vendor market is for 30-plus disabled vendors to showcase their work. Hosted at the Disability Pride Center in Old City. Pay-what-you-wish donations accepted. Masking is required. (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Saturday, April 12: $1 Sale at Urban Exchange Project
The vintage store on Frankford Avenue is hosting a $1 sale beginning at 11 a.m. Also on hand will be food, music, vendors and street interviews.

Saturday, April 12: CRAP Bazaar Craft Edition + Spring Pop-Up Market
The bazaar focuses on craft supplies this time, as artists clear out their studios of gently used/overstock items. 25% of sales go to local nonprofit, NLArts, and the ACLU of Pa. The pop-up will continue the craft theme with a handful of curated vendors. Both inside the Independence Visitor Center. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Saturday, April 12: Bunny Brunch at Philadelphia Zoo
Tickets are $54 for the 1 p.m. event that includes brunch, photos with the bunny, general Zoo admission, and meet-and-greets with ambassador animals. Another Bunny Brunch is scheduled for Sunday, April 20.

Saturday, April 12: De Cerca – Philadelphia Ballet
The city’s premiere dance company returns to the Teatro stage for an intimate performance and conversation spotlighting the Latino principal dancers of the Philadelphia Ballet. $20 for adults; Free for children and seniors. (3 p.m.)

Saturday-Sunday, April 12-13: Major League Table Tennis’ Championship Weekend
Love table tennis or simply curious and want to meet Olympians? Tickets are $50-90 to the championship matches between the Carolina Gold Rush, Chicago Wind, Texas Smash and Bay Area Blasters at St. Joseph’s Athletic Recreation Center.

Sunday, April 13: Latino Market opening day
Celebrate the start of the market’s season across from the skate park in FDR Park. 12 vendors will be on hand every Sunday with tacos, pupusas, fresh cut fruit, agua fresca and more. (8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)

Sunday, April 13: Container Gardening with Black Girls with Green Thumbs
This workshop at Glen Foerd on container gardening techniques might inspire city dwellers to transform a small space into a green oasis. Learn how to pick the right containers, soil and plants for your space. $5 per person; donations welcome. (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.)