PhilaNet.com

A peaceful protest took place in the intersection of Broad and Patterson Streets in South Philadelphia as the Philadelphia Eagles’ game ended. Several hundred protesters and several hundred police gathered around 7:00PM. The only incidents occurred when Eagles’ fans hurled insults at the protesters. Also, some protesters were observed chanting racist slogans. No arrests were made.

Ironically,the police ended up protecting the police brutality protesters from the Broad Street bullies.

Witnesses of the event commented on an outstanding job by the organizers — a clergy group called POWER (Philadelphia Organized to Witness Empower & Rebuild).

More Pictures

Mayor Michael A. Nutter released a statement following a vote by the Board of Directors of UIL Holdings Corporation to terminate its agreement to purchase the Philadelphia Gas Works:

“This decision by the Philadelphia City Council is a big mistake and represents a massive failure in leadership for our City and our citizens. It is unfortunate for Philadelphia that City Council could not make a public decision in this important matter following public hearings and an up or down vote. Instead, City Council held no hearings and chose a behind-the-scenes decision making process and no action, thus shutting out the public and denying Philadelphians the opportunity to voice their views.

“The citizens of our City, the customers of PGW and our own City workers will feel the negative effects of this terrible indecision for years to come, and ultimately will regret that City Council chose to end a legitimate debate on this issue even before it started.

“The eyes of the city, state and our country, if not the world, are on Philadelphia and looking at how we conduct business, how we treat good companies like UIL and how we handle big decisions.

“The roles and responsibilities of each branch of our government, in a transaction such as this, are clearly set forth in the Home Rule Charter, and unfortunately, in this instance, City Council failed to represent our own vested employees, all of its constituents, and the larger City interests.

“Rather, it allowed small-minded, parochial and often petty issues and interests to get in the way of larger, broader and more innovative opportunities to move forward on behalf of all of our citizens who deserved the chance to see, hear and learn more about an incredible proposal to transform PGW into a true national, if not international, leader in providing energy services.

“I want to thank Mr. Jim Torgerson and his entire team from UIL for their interest, commitment and patience in their efforts to own and operate PGW. I want to thank the many City employees who worked very hard on this proposed transaction, and our many great consultants who provided excellent advice and guidance in this process. They all deserve our thanks and appreciation.

“I look forward to learning more about the often mentioned public-private proposals from Council President Clarke and the Council, how they plan to move PGW forward financially, how they plan to accelerate desperately needed cast-iron pipe replacements, what their plan is to make additional investments in our LNG facilities, how they will take advantage of the nearby Marcellus Shale reserves and how they will make significant investments in our severely underfunded pension system on behalf of our deserving City public employees.

“PGW still needs support and investment, and now that City Council has made its decision to do nothing, it is imperative and vitally urgent that Council President Clarke release his public-private partnership plan in full detail so that the citizen taxpayers and ratepayers can understand his plan for PGW and its future. I look forward to reading that plan soon.”

Old-Fashioned Christmas

USA Today called West Chester’s Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration “one of the top ten places to experience the arrival of Santa Claus during the holiday season.” The weekend is alive with scores of events throughout the town. The Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce’s 35th Annual Mars Drinks Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade is presented by QVC which will televise the Christmas Parade nationally on Christmas Day.

See all Old Fashioned Christmas events.

Christmas in the Sweet Spot, featured article in County Lines Magazine

Parade route and traffic restrictions at Greater West Chester Chamber.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS. . .

OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS PARADE
Friday, December 5 | 7:15pm
West Chester’s grandest parade is the highlight of the Winter holiday season with hundreds of dancers, performers, and musicians making the event a true extravaganza. Dozens of events surround the parade so come downtown early and enjoy all the Christmas spirit. Presented by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce. See parking information.

HOLIDAY CONCERT by WEST CHESTER STUDIO SINGERS
Friday, December 5, 2014 | 5:15-5:45PM
The West Chester Studio Junior and Senior Singers present their Holiday Concert at the Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High Street. FREE for the whole family.

TRIAL BY JURY
Friday, December 5, 2014 | 6pm
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 2pm & 8pm
Sunday, December 7, 2014 | 2pm
The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Chester County presents Trial By Jury, an annual joyous musical farce about love and marriage. Courtroom One, in the Historic Chester County Courthouse, Market and High St. Ticketed event.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 8:30am & 10:00am
Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with Santa. Children get to sit with Santa, share their Christmas wish list, and take a photo so don’t forget the camera. Note that booster seats/high chairs are not provided. At Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High St. Reservations required, $14/person (2 years and over). Must pre-register; call 610-436-9010.

HICKMAN ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
December 5-6, 2014 | 9am-2pm
Handmade baked goods, jewelry, plants and other treasures are part of the annual Holiday Bazaar at The Hickman, a 124-year-old independent and assisted living personal care residence at 400 N Walnut St. Proceeds benefit resident activities.

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 10am
A walking tour showcasing ten beautiful homes each with its own special charm and history. As a bonus, Tanglewood, the home of West Chester University Presidents, will be also be open. 10am to 3pm; snow date December 8. Ticketed event benefiting West Chester Public Library. For details, visit WCPublicLibrary.org.

TUCKERPUPPY’S GIFT OF LITERACY EVENT at BOROUGH HALL
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 10am-Noon
Read2Dream presents a morning where children can meet Tuckerpuppy, authors, illustrators, and community readers. At West Chester Borough Hall, 401 East Gay Street. Free parking in rear.

WEST CHESTER NAACP ANNUAL HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 10am-3pm
Local artwork, crafts, jewelry, gift baskets, and holiday ornaments are part of the annual NAACP Holiday Bazaar at the Masonic Lodge of West Chester, 10 S Church St. Catered Lunch is offered for sale from 11:30am–1:30pm. Local author book signing will also be featured. Proceeds benefit the West Chester Unit NAACP Educational Scholarship Program.

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT KALY
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 10am-5pm
Celebrate Old Fashioned Christmas in a new way at Kaly (37 W Gay St). Receive 10-percent off entire purchase if you bring an unwrapped donation for Chester County Child, Youth and Family Services. Emily Alice Salon is giving FREE Holiday Make-up from 12-2pm. Plenty of festive food & beverages.

BOOK SIGNING at the MELTON CENTER
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 11am – 1pm
Glenn Proctor, whose journalism career began at the Daily Local News, will be signing and chatting about his new book Kicking Bottles, News & Dust: An Autobiography — 50 Years of Poems (2014) at The Melton Center, 501 E Miner St (parking off East Market). Books will be available at the event or now at Amazon.com.

PINOCCHIO
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 2pm
WCU Live! and the National Marionette Theatre present Carlo Collodi’s story about a puppet who wants to become a real boy. Recommended for family audiences ages four and up. Running time about one hour. At Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre Performing Arts Center. Tickets at wcupa.ticketleap.com or call 610-436-2266.

CHURCH STREET GALLERY ART OPENING RECEPTION
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 5pm
John Suplee’s new gallery show Paintings of West Chester and Paris opens at Church Street Gallery (12 S Church St) with a Saturday evening reception. Show continues through January 11, 2015.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL (more or less)
Saturday, December 6, 2014 | 6:00-7:30pm
When a storm keeps the cast of A Christmas Carol from getting to the theater, can the show’s producers play all the parts themselves? A Christmas Carol (more or less) is a hysterical retelling of this beloved holiday classic appropriate for all ages. At the Chester County Historical Society, 225 N. High St. $5 free will donation to benefit Uptown! Entertainment Alliance.

THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER
Saturday & Sunday, December 6 & 7, 2014 | 12:30pm
The West Chester School for the Performing Arts presents Barbara Robinson’s hilarious Christmas tale of a couple struggling to put on a church Christmas pageant casted by the most inventively awful kids in history. At the Chester County Historical Society, 225 North High Street. Ticketed event; see WestChesterStudio.com for details.

SANTA’S EXPRESS on the WEST CHESTER RAILROAD
December 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 | 11am, 1pm, 3pm; additional 5pm departures on Dec 13-14, 20-21
All aboard Santa’s Express! Join Santa for a 90-minute journey on the heated West Chester Railroad through the Chester Creek Valley. Santa greets everyone at Market Street Station, then rides along to Glen Mills. Explore the historic Glan Mills Station where there’s plenty of photo opportunities on Santa’s lap, so remember your cameras. Live music by Greg Wright & Friends. On board snack car offers hot dogs, hot chocolate and various snacks (cash only). A rain, shine, or snow event

Pictures from the first snowfall of the season in West Chester, PA:

Mayor Michael A. Nutter, who serves on the President’s State, Local and Tribal Leaders Task Force, released the following statement in response to the Task Force report released by the White House today. The report includes recommendations for how the Federal government can support communities in preparing for and responding to the impacts of climate change:

“It has been an honor to serve on President Obama’s climate Task Force alongside fellow mayors, governors and tribal leaders. I was able to share the City of Philadelphia’s experiences, concerns and ideas, while learning from others who are working to take responsible steps to curb emissions and plan for the changing climate. This Task Force is a clear example of local, state and federal government coming together to work collaboratively on an issue of grave concern and the utmost importance. We know we are stronger working together than alone, so we have pledged to continue our partnership. The extreme weather events we have all experienced and the future projections we face make it clear that we all share a common risk and commitment to safeguarding our communities. Here in Philadelphia, we will soon release a climate science report for the city and region, and, in 2015, we will publish a climate planning roadmap.

I applaud President Obama and his leadership team for recognizing that, despite the politics in Washington D.C., this is an issue of critical national concern that must be addressed. I want to thank the White House Council on Environmental Quality for its coordination support, the city staff who participated, and our contributing partners.”

Start your holiday on Saturday, November 29 from 3-4 pm with a concert of holiday favorites by guitarist Luke Honer and pianist Kathleen Scheide. The concert will be the public’s first chance to see Glen Foerd’s newest exhibition, “Shear Beauty: The Paper Cut Artistry of Margaretha von Glehn Luther”. The exhibition is free to the public and can be viewed Tuesday evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Glen Foerd will partner with Settlement Music School’s Kardon Northeast Branch to bring musical and ballet performances to the family friendly event Christmas at the Mansion on Saturday, December 6. From 1:00 to 5:00 pm the public is invited to experience the mansion in full holiday décor, enjoy performances and children’s crafts. The Dining Car will be selling holiday sweets and cookies. Join Santa at 5:00 pm as he makes an appearance at our outdoor holiday tree lighting and joins guests in singing holiday carols. A special performance by Nazareth Academy’s chime ensemble will kick-off the outdoor celebrations. The public is welcome to see the outdoor events for free from 5:00-6:00 PM.

On Saturday, December 13 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm adults are welcome to step back in time and enjoy a delightful holiday tea luncheon with Glen Foerd’s former mistress of the mansion, Florence Foerderer Tonner. Enjoy period music as you enjoy good company at a traditional holiday tea.

For information, reservation information and pricing for any Glen Foerd’s holiday programs visit www.glenfoerd.org, or call 215-632-5330.

Glen Foerd on the Delaware is teaming up with local eatery and bar, Three Monkeys Café,
to offer a beer tasting menu on Friday, November 21 from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Guests can enjoy a tasting of craft beers including Lagunita’s IPA, Weyerbacker Winter Ale, Dogfish Head 60 min IPA and Oscar Blues –Variety. A representative from from Origlio Beverage will be on hand to lead the tasting. The First two hours of the tasting, from 7:00-9:00 pm will take place at Glen Foerd on the Delaware’s German inspired Rathskellar. From 9:00 to 10:00 PM, Three Monkeys Café, located just two blocks away near the Septa Regional Rail’s Torresdale Train Station, will offer a open craft beer menu. Don’t forget to grab a delicious meal prepared by their award winning chef.

Tickets are $30 for Glen Foerd young friend members (ages 21 to 35), $40 for general admission. Tickets will be sold at the door at Glen Foerd, located at the corner of Grant Avenue and Milnor Street, Philadelphia.

Philadelphia’s City Council has thwarted the Mayor’s efforts to sell PGW (Philadelphia Gas Works). The $1.86 billion sale of PGW was nixed by Council President Darrell L. Clarke. “The simple fact of the matter is that there is not support on the City Council,” Clarke said.

“What we saw today is the biggest cop-out in recent legislative history in Philadelphia,” Mayor Nutter replied.

“This proposed sale was never in the best interests of our citizens, especially the poor and elderly on fixed incomes,” Frank Keel, spokesman for the gas workers’ union, said in a statement. “PGW is a stable, profitable city asset, and we are delighted that it will remain so.”

The Mayor released a statement:

After serving almost four terms in City Council, I have deep respect for its role in government as the People’s Hall, a place where matters of policy, large and small, are debated and then decided in public session with votes by its elected members.

For all the backroom discussions and the maneuverings of lobbyists and special interests, when it comes down to it, Council is the home of transparency, the place where those who want something from the city must stand up and make their case, where they must submit to sharp questioning of every nuance and detail.

It’s because of Council’s special role that all Philadelphians should be upset and disappointed with Council President Darrell Clarke’s stance opposing the mere introduction of a bill to sell the Philadelphia Gas Works and public hearings where the proposed purchaser, UIL Holdings Corp., could make its case and answer months of rumors, lies, and innuendo with facts.

And that’s the second reason Philadelphians should be upset: We have an opportunity to consider an asset sale that would create huge opportunities for new energy jobs, strengthen the city’s seriously underfunded pension system for retirees, and dramatically fix the aging network of gas mains below our streets.

But unless they read the fine print of the report Council released Monday, Philadelphians would not know that Council’s consultant, Concentric, concluded that the sale process was competitive and reasonable, that UIL’s proposal was the best bid, and that PGW’s value was lower than the $1.86 billion price.

Or that UIL explicitly agreed to assume all environmental liabilities related to PGW operations now and in the future.

The Council president asserted that Council conducted an “exhaustive review” of the proposed sale, and yet not a single element of this huge opportunity was submitted to the test of views and questions from Council members or the public in open session. No big city with hopes of attracting business, jobs, and investment conducts business in such a fashion. This is not leadership as we know it. It’s certainly not the history of the City Council that I know.

In its own very brief memo, Council commits a glaring error in describing one of the key terms of the deal: We project that the sale would provide net proceeds in the range of $418 million to $629 million. Council argues that the city would lose its $18 million per year “dividend” from PGW, and therefore the net proceeds would be $200 million to $400 million.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s assume the net proceeds are $500 million. By depositing that amount in the pension fund, the city would see tens of millions of dollars in net savings on how much it is required to put into the fund each year.

With these annual net savings, we’re going to do two things: First, cover the loss of the $18 million PGW dividend. Second, plow the remaining savings back into our pension fund, doing more than state law requires to strengthen a retirement fund that thousands of city employees, current and retired, depend on.

This plan, coupled with other pension reforms achieved by our administration, will move the pension fund into a healthy status more quickly and raise the funding level to above 50 percent within two years of the deposit.

The city general fund would be held harmless and the pension fund would be healthier. That is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity. There is no other proposal that achieves both of these goals.

One more example of why we need an open, robust debate on this proposal: With more than 3,000 miles of aging cast-iron pipe, UIL has said it can dramatically increase annual replacement activities through long-term borrowing, something that PGW can’t do with its pay-as-you-go funding model.

What is Council’s proposal to improve infrastructure safety? It calls for a 50 percent rate increase on the funding source of the pipe replacement. Yes, PGW ratepayers, who already have the highest natural-gas rates in the commonwealth, would face an immediate rate hike under Council’s plan.

UIL, which has decided to continue to pursue this sale despite Council’s announcement Monday, offers another approach to infrastructure improvement, along with dozens of other proposals, all subject to change through the legislative process, which would protect consumers, our vulnerable citizens, and the employees of PGW.

But the only way that we’ll get to the truth about this proposed historic sale is for Council to introduce the bill, schedule hearings, give everyone a chance to be heard, and then let Council members do what they’re paid to do – explain where they stand, make choices, and then vote. That’s the way Philadelphia should conduct its business.

A new law was passed in Philadelphia, PA that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana. Possession of less than 30 grams will result in a $25 citation. Public consumption is a $100 citation.

Mike Whiter, of Philly NORMl, and N.A. Poe have been fighting for legalization throughout all of Pennsylvania. This was seen as a major victory in the effort.

Mike arranged with the Philadelphia Police to receive the first citation for smoking at City Hall. “My intention is to point out that Philadelphia finally decriminalized marijuana, that it’s the largest city in the country to do so, and I’m here representing veterans who use marijuana for medicine. And we still can’t get our medicine legally. I can go out and smoke and get a $100 fine. I won’t get put in cuffs, but I’m still not going to have legal access to my medicine.”