❄️🌧️ Philly’s silly weather

🚌 SEPTA Strike Averted

• SEPTA’s largest union, Transport Workers Local 234, reached a tentative deal with SEPTA on a one-year contract. The deal includes a 5% wage increase and enhanced safety measures, like bulletproof enclosures for bus operators. [🔒The Inquirer]
• Related: Learn more about SEPTA’s “death spiral” and what it means for Philadelphia. [🎧City Cast Philly]

❄️ What’s Up With This Weather?

• While last night’s rain provided some relief, it doesn’t fully alleviate drought concerns in Philly. Areas north and west of the city may see some snow on Friday, but it should only be a light accumulation. [🔒The Inquirer]
• While La Niña conditions are predicting a warmer winter overall, meteorologists predict that Philly will receive more snowfall this season compared to last year. Get your boots ready, Philly! [Axios]
• Learn more about Philly’s wacky weather in today’s podcast, “Warm, Weird — and Maybe White? — Weather in Philly.” [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🎭 Calling All Theater Buffs

A TKTS booth opens today at the Independence Visitor Center. Tickets for theater performances that are happening in the city and surrounding areas within a 72-hour window will be sold at discounts of up to 50%. [PhillyVoice]

🥊 This Historic Boxing Sanctuary Could Go

Joe Fraizer’s gym holds landmark status, but the city could intervene and demolish it if it’s deemed “imminently dangerous.” Since 2012, the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia has been working to protect this historic site. [🔒The Inquirer]

Nearly every day I pass by tomatillo plants being grown in recycled pails and flowers sprouting from what looks like an old mop bucket. I habitually check my wallet, hoping I’ll have $7. If I happen to have the cash on hand, I take it as a sign and slide through San Lucas Pizzeria’s door for my favorite slice in the city.

Since I moved to South Philly, this spot has felt like my spot. The food is reasonably priced, and I recognize everyone behind the counter. When I pass by on my run to the gym, the smell of fresh-baked pizza and slow-cooked meat is always present (which is why I cross the street to avoid being lured in).

So when I saw that The New York Times named San Lucas one of the best pizza places in the country back in June, I was surprised. And it wasn’t because I didn’t think the Mexican-flavored slices could stand up to any New York pie, but because this restaurant feels so intimate to the neighborhood. It’s a hidden gem you show off to best friends from out of town when they visit, not somewhere you expect national media organizations to pay attention to.

Valentin Palillero and his wife Eva Mendez opened this pizzeria in July 2005. Palillero took over the spot, originally a pizzeria selling traditional slices, and decided to sell not only classic Italian pies but also ones inspired by the flavors of Puebla, Mexico, where Palillero is from.

Palillero says customers were initially unsure of the offerings, like those featuring avocado slices and carnitas meat, but the flavors caught on quickly after the shop gave out samples. Now the most popular order is the al pastor pizza, which has seasoned pork, cilantro, and onion, plus lime wedges and a spicy chile guajillo sauce on the side.