State Sen. Joe Picozzi spoke at last week’s Holme Circle Civic Association meeting.
A day earlier, Picozzi visited St. Jerome Elementary School, the 20th school of 56 in the 5th Senatorial District that he’s visited since taking office in January.
Picozzi said he is working on legislation to empower police and neighbors to end homeless encampments and to target predatory wreck chasers who charge high rates to tow vehicles involved in accidents.
Nance Kerns, a former member of Friends of Pennypack Park, which went dormant in 2020, asked about legislation that could lead to the return of the group. Picozzi said he would support a bill that could bring back FOPP, which lost its insurance following the settlement of lawsuits it had nothing to do with. Attorneys included FOPP in lawsuits against the park system because the group had “Pennypack Park” in its name. Picozzi suggested that trial lawyers could lobby lawmakers to oppose legislation that would remove liability for volunteer park organizations.
A man asked Picozzi about the likelihood of passage of recreational marijuana. Picozzi said lawmakers are looking for revenue, as the state rainy day fund dwindles. Picozzi believes there is a good chance this year’s budget will include regulation of skill games, which would bring in revenue. There is a better chance, he said, of legalization of recreational marijuana next year if the rainy day fund continues to be depleted. He thinks it’s a “matter of when not if” in regard to pot legalization.
Picozzi does not believe there is money available for a proposed subway on Roosevelt Boulevard. He said “Center City types” are forcing it on people and talking down to those who question the project.
As for SEPTA funding in the upcoming budget, Picozzi said the transit agency has to address concerns such as fare evasion, which costs SEPTA at least $30 million a year.
Nicole Wickizer, constituent relations specialist for Picozzi, said there will be a Real ID pop-up event at the lawmaker’s office, 12361 Academy Road, on June 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. The Register of Wills office will be on hand to offer services.
In other news from the May 28 meeting:
• Cinnamon Hill, a 26-year police department veteran, is the new community relations officer in the 8th Police District, as Chris Hanejko recovers from an injury.
Hill is familiar to Holme Circle Civic, which honored her last year for arresting Elias Diaz, the alleged Pennypack Park slasher who was shortly thereafter charged with killing a woman in Fairmount Park in 2003.
Hill noted that Paul Miller’s Law goes into effect on June 5. The law bans the use of hand-held cell phones while driving. Violators will be issued written warnings. Beginning June 6, 2026, violators can receive summary citations. Paul Miller was a 21-year-old Scranton man killed in a 2010 accident believed to be caused, in part, by a distracted driver.
The 8th district, 3100 Red Lion Road, will host Pizza with Police on June 10 at 6 p.m. and Water Ice with a Cop on June 12 at 4 p.m. at Torresdale Recreation Center, 9550 Frankford Ave.
• Sarah Steese, community engagement liaison for the district attorney’s office, mentioned a grant program funded by asset forfeiture. DA Larry Krasner and the External Engagement and Government Affairs Division announced the reopening of the application process for the DAO’s Violence Prevention Grant Initiative. This application round is focused on local, community-based 501(c)(3) organizations with an objective that centers around gun violence intervention, mentorship for girls, summer camps and trauma healing programs. The application closes on June 6. Email [email protected] or visit bit.ly/3YVbw48.
• Family Storytime will take place at Glen Foerd, 5001 Grant Ave., on Thursdays, June 26 and July 3, 10, 17 and 31, at 10:30 a.m. Storytime is presented by Torresdale and Welsh Road libraries. Kids ages 1-5 with an adult are invited. Call 215-685-0494.
• State Rep. Ed Neilson will host a Real ID pop-up event on Friday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at his office at 16 Old Ashton Road. The Register of Wills office will provide copies of the request form to complete. There will also be information on certified marriage records.
• Holme Circle Civic Association will meet on Wednesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at St. Jerome parish hall, 8100 Colfax St. ••
