Ron Panepinto Jewelers
Jim Stevenson
700 Sansom St. 215-923-1980
9371 ROOSEVELT BLVD. PHILADELPHIA, PA 19114 215-698-7000 JStevenson@ChapmanAutoGroup.com
Vol. XI. No. 2 (Issue 467)
www.PanepintoJewelers.com We Buy Gold & Diamonds
Serving Citywide Political, Labor, Legal and School Communities of Philadelphia “The good things we do must be made a part of the public record”
Value 50 ¢
January 8, 2009
‘Tiny Rascal Gang’ Growing Menace Community Takes Them On
GENERAL ASSEMBLY swore in its members Tuesday, including these ladies of the Philadelphia caucus. From left are State Reps. Cherelle Parker, Kathy Manderino, newcomer Vanesssa Brown, Louise Bishop and Photo by Donald Terry Rosita Youngblood. More pictures on Page 7.
Security Clampdown Screws Port Workers
The Transportation Security Administration, in an effort to increase security at the Port of Philadelphia, has unwittingly sabotaged the Port’s efforts to handle its commitments to shippers using the Port’s facilities. It did so by insisting that effective Dec. 30, 2008, no one would be admitted into Port facilities without a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. In effect, it has banned them from reporting to restricted security areas without an escort. Involved are well over 300 stevedores, all of whom are members of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1291, all still waiting for their TWIC identification cards. Though the process for application is well over a year old, and handled by long-time government contractor Lockheed Martin, it hasn’t gone well. According to TSA spokeswoman Ann Dafis, “A typical turnaround is 10 to 25 working days.” Some of that time is due to the fact fingerprints taken are forwarded to the FBI for evaluation and record CRANE operator Dan Collins remains perplexed as to why the checking. TSA reports over 700,000 have re- Transportation Security Administraceived TWIC cards since the applica- tion didn’t tell him for a year it had tion process began a year ago. Based messed up his application for TWIC (Cont. Page 2) card, without which he can’t work.
by Rory G. McGlasson A group of civic leaders has banded together to stop a violent gang that continues to terrorize South Philadelphia. The gang known as the “Tiny Rascal Gang” or TRG has seen its membership rise in the last 10 months. Now it is targeting schools and public parks to recruit members, take over area gangland and reap havoc across one of the city’s most populous areas. The City’s Criminal Intelligence Unit targeted TRG members last summer and warned individuals and their leaders they were being watched, but it hasn’t stopped the gang from violently patrolling South Philly. (Cont. Page 2)
COUNCILMAN at Large Bill Greenlee listens to concerned residents at Kaffeeklatsch meeting at 9th & Sigel Streets. Neighbors are concerned block is being overrun by “Tiny Rascal Gang”. Greenlee said he will look into putting up fence around demolished house on that block used by drug takers and dealers to run and hide from Police.
PHA Plans Jump Over Recession
PPA Adds 3 Camera Intersections
The Philadelphia Housing Authority has no plans to slow down its robust pace of building affordable housing for low-income seniors, disabled citizens and families in the New Year even in the face of the weak economy. The agency has announced its schedule, which includes beginning and completing development of the first phases of a 101-home site called Mantua Square in West Philadelphia (where PHA demolished an 18-story high-rise in 2008) and a 95-unit complex with commercial space and a senior center in Germantown called Warnock Street. (Cont. Page 4)
by R. George Linton The Philadelphia Parking Authority activated its new red-light cameras yesterday, at intersections in North and West Philadelphia. The three intersections are located at 58th & Walnut Streets, Broad Street & Hunting Park Avenue, and 9th Street & the Boulevard. With the two-month grace period over, drivers found in violation will now face a $100 fine. "We are doing everything possible to create a safe environment for the city's drivers and pedestrians," said Councilman Darrell Clarke. "The evidence shows this program makes tra(Cont. Page 2)
PHA IMPLODED 18-story Mantua Hall high-rise on Mar. 30, 2008, clearing way for new low-rise Mantua Square which will feature 101 homes. Phase I will be complete in fall 2009, Phase II mid-2010.