Office of Councilman Patrick Dowd - May 2010 News and Updates Councilman Dowd seeks to resolve shortfall of Police vehicles in circulation. Councilman Dowd will introduce a resolution on Tuesday, May 4, for the purpose of creating a new City "X-Car Program" that will allow for one unmarked and two marked retired police vehicles to be available to officers on a temporary basis whenever police vehicles are brought in for regular preventative maintenance. The X-Car Program will prevent a shortfall of vehicles on the road during these times and allow the Bureau to preserve public safety to the best of its ability. Council District 7 is going techno. Councilman Dowd's District 7 office is getting into Facebook and Twitter. You'll be able to follow the official happenings of the office, City Council, and community activities via our facebook page @ Pittsburgh City Council District 7 <http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=113140928720192&ref=ts> and on Twitter @ pghdistrict7 <https://twitter.com/Pghdistrict7> . Bicycling Magazine lists Pittsburgh in their Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities. A list that Pittsburgher's never thought they'd be on only eight years ago, Bicycling Magazine <http://www.bicycling.com/topbikefriendlycities/slide30.html> has released their Top 50 Bike-Friendly Cities in the US - and Pittsburgh fared very well. The magazine, that once ranked Pittsburgh the worst city in the country to ride a bike, just ranked Pittsburgh 28th best - inched out by Milwaukee, Boston, and Philadelphia. May is the season for markets - both farmers and flea. May marks the re-opening of two fun and valuable "events" in District 7. On Thursday, May 14, the City of Pittsburgh's Bloomfield Farmer's Market <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/PARKS/html/farmers_market.html> reopens at the Immaculate Conception School parking lot on Cedarville Street & Friendship Avenue. This weekly market occurs each Thursday from 3:30pm to 7:30pm. And in Lawrenceville, Little Flea is making its return on Saturdays at the corner of Butler St. and 36th (Goeller's parking lot) from 8am-3pm. Lawrenceville Little Flea <http://lawrencevillelittleflea.blogspot.com/p/about-little-flea.html> is a different kind of flea market. It's a curated environment made to fit the eclectic neighborhood, and features as a result a rotating variety of flea fare, craft/handmade goods, food and cultural activities. Upcoming Events Council to Go Wednesday, May 12: From 6:30 to 8:00pm, Councilman Dowd and staff will be Polish Hill's Lili Cafe, 3138 Dobson Street. Meet in the coffee shop and then take a walk around the neighborhood with Councilman Dowd - weather permitting. Thursday, May 27: From 6:30 to 8:00 pm, Councilman Dowd and staff will be in Highland Park at Enrico's Tazza D'Oro, 1125 North Highland Avenue. Community Events Western PA Conservancy <http://www.paconserve.org/243/community-gardens> will host its Spring Community Garden Plantings in District 5 over the next few weeks. If you are interested in volunteering in the district or elsewhere, please contact the Conservancy to register. And look for the replenished District 7 gardens at 30th Street & Brereton Street, Penn Avenue & Friendship Avenue, Highland Park Bridge @ Butler Street, Allegheny River Boulevard & Washington Boulevard, 40th Street Bridge @ Butler Street, 48th Street & Butler Street and 57th Street & Butler Street. The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh <http://www.carnegielibrary.org/future/> is holding a series of community workshops over the next 6 months to discuss what can be done to ensure that Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh remains operationally and financially healthy. The "kick off" set of workshops will be held on May 15, 16, and 17 at various City locations. Sunday, May 16, Registration opens 6:30am: A ride as unique as the city, Pedal Pittsburgh <http://www.pedalpittsburgh.org/Home.htm> annually attracts more than 2,000 participants ranging from families with children and recreational riders to fitness enthusiasts. Participants can choose from six courses ranging from 6- to 60-miles, this year starting and finishing at SouthSide Works and meandering through the City's diverse and distinctive neighborhoods including Lawrenceville, Highland Park and East Liberty. Did You Know? Among the occasional showers and blooming flowers of Spring is a very special happening in commemoration of some truly giving people. May marks National Teachers Appreciation Month <http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/> and May 4 is National Teacher Appreciation Day. Ever wanted to show how grateful you are to a current or former teacher? Or just how much you appreciate him or her? Our school district boasts approximately 2,040 teachers and Councilman Dowd is honoring them with a Proclamation on May 4. If you need some great ideas for recognition or care to learn more this special month of events, please visit www.teacher-appreciation.info <http://www.teacher-appreciation.info/> . To unsubscribe from Council District 7 updates, please notify Jennifer Thoma at jennifer.thoma@city.pittsburgh.pa.us and you or your organization will be removed from our contact list. --- JENNIFER THOMA | Administrative and Communications Director Office of Councilman Patrick Dowd | Pittsburgh City Council District 7 City-County Building, Rm. 510 | 414 Grant Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Tel 412.255.2140 | Fax 412.255.2419 jennifer.thoma@city.pittsburgh.pa.us <mailto:elaine.zelmanov@city.pittsburgh.pa.us> District 7 Schedule of Events Google Calendar <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/> | <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/assets/2008-Newsletter.pdf> 2010 Annual Report <http://www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district7/assets/2010-Newsletter.pdf> [pdf]