More trouble for SEPTA on rails

A look at the week that was, the issues and people who made headlines, and a few darts and laurels for those who deserve them.

DART: Yes, it happened again. Just months after several cars on SEPTA’s Market Frankford Line derailed, there was a crash on the Norristown High Speed Line just after midnight Tuesday. An incoming car slammed into a stationary car that was sitting on the tracks at the 69th Street Transportation Center. Dozens were injured. Now the answer is why does this keep happening?

LAUREL: To the perfect response from a small army of police, fire departments, ambulance corps and first responders. They immediately put a mass casualty plan into effect and then executed it perfectly. The injured were quickly shuttled to an array of local hospitals. Turns out all that practice and drills really does pay off when confronted with the real thing.

LAUREL: To Upper Darby Mayor Tom Micozzie and U.S. Rep. Bob Brady. They’re turning up the heat on the National Transportation Safety Board for answers in this troubling string of SEPTA incidents.

DART: And that is with good reason. Remember that crash back in February. The feds still have not ruled on the cause of that one. Don’t expect a quick ruling on this week’s SEPTA crash either. LAUREL: To Mother Nature. Wow! This week’s total solar eclipse lived up to the billing, and sunny skies provided great viewing in most parts of the country, including here in Delaware County. Millions of people took in the event. Events here were held at a number of universities and public libraries.

LAUREL: It took turning day into night to do it, but it was nice to see the country stand united – if only for a few minutes. When the moon crossed over the sun, a star-struck nation stopped bickering and simply looked on together in awe. Maybe we should have one of these things every week!

DART: Now what do we do with all those special eclipse glasses? And what do you think the over/under is on the number of people who report problems with their eyes in the next few weeks.

LAUREL: To Power Home Remodeling. They unveiled their swanky new corporate headquarters this week. Serious kudos to the execs who decided to keep the company in Chester, which gave them some serious tax breaks to come there in the first place. It’s a very good thing for the city. LAUREL: Not to be outdone, SAP America also was flexing its muscles this week. The software giant, which makes its North American home in Newtown Square, talked about the 150 new jobs they are bringing to Delco, as well as their effect on the community. Gov. Tom Wolf was on hand for both good news stories.

DART: To some job losses. Sunoco this week announced they were axing 94 positions as a result of selling off 1,100 convenience stores to giant 7-Eleven.

LAUREL: To the Chester Charter School for the Arts. This week they took the wraps off their $25 million new home. It’s a beauty, and a vital one in a city that faces more than its share of challenges on the education front.

DART: To the ugly reminder this week that racism is still very much present in the region. Out in Coatesville, racist slurs and symbols of white supremacy were spray-painted on stores, garages, street signs and pavement. A suspect was quickly taken into custody. He is admitting to affiliations with white supremacy groups.

LAUREL: To the quick response of law enforcement, elected officials and the community. They made it clear such ugly rhetoric will not be tolerated.

LAUREL: To federal marshals. They finally caught up with the man police believe is responsible for gunning down a man in a random shooting in Haverford back in the last week of July. Derrick Hollins certainly could run, but he couldn’t hide. He was nabbed in Georgia and now faces extradition back to Delaware County to face charges in the fatal shooting of John Le.

LAUREL: To the legacy of Bianca Roberson. Jacksonville University has announced an initiative in honor of the Rustin High School grad who was supposed to arrive on campus this week as a member of the Class of 2021. Roberson instead was gunned down in a road-rage incident in West Goshen on June 28. The school announced the Just Be Kind initiative as well as a scholarship in her name. It will put an emphasis on acts of kindness, community

service and outreach. We certainly could use more of that.

DART: To road rage. As Bianca’s tragic story underlines, it can be deadly. Instead of flying off the handle, why don’t we all just slow down, take a deep breath and avoid confrontation. Do it for Bianca.

LAUREL: To Springfield Police Chief Joe Daly. He was named this year’s winner of the Hometown Hero Award by the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. The award goes to a police, fireman, first responder or military personnel who “selflessly dedicates their time, energy and other resources to protect our community and country day and night.” Yep, they got the right guy. Congratulations, chief.

LAUREL: To Paul and Theresa Murtaugh of Upper Providence. They recently opened their home for a fundraiser for CityTeam Ministries in Chester. A great organization and a great idea.

LAUREL: To the Penncrest High School Envirothon team. They’ve been on something of a victory tour since wrapping up their fourth national title. First they were lauded by County Council. This week it was Media Borough Council. Richly deserved.

LAUREL: To Jack Regenye. Who’s he? Well, he’s the Kennett Square outfielder who made what might be one of the best catches you’ll ever see in the Junior League Baseball World Championship tournament. Regenye literally snagged a home run ball while diving over the centerfield wall.

LAUREL: To Charles Hembree, Marcus Hook’s ‘bike man.’ He celebrated his 100th birthday this week with a little help from his friends in the borough. His key to a long life? “I try to live my life the right way and treat everybody the way I want to be treated.” Well said. And, of course, Hembree noted that “I’d also like to say that I love Marcus Hook. It’s been a great place to live all these years.”

DART: To the loss of another comic genius. We lost Jerry Lewis last weekend. He made himself a star by playing a manic, rubberfaced, adult-sized kid. But there was no mistaking his heart. For years Lewis raised millions with his annual telethon to battle Muscular Dystrophy. Labor Day just won’t seem the same.

LAUREL: To the return of high school football. Can you say Friday Night Lights? You bet.

DART: To the NFL. Enough preseason games already. Can someone explain why they have to play one more meaningless exhibition – and of course at regular season prices? Bring on the regular season.

DART: To the Phillies. Enough said. When does this team head back to Clearwater?