Community Corner
🌱 Mediterra Cafe To Open In Lawrenceville + Officer Injured + Remains
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Pittsburgh.
Good morning, Pittsburgh. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on around town. Today's briefing includes updates on:
- Mediterra Cafe to open in Lawrenceville in former B52 space
- Looking to meet trans people's basic needs, a new LGBT center opens on the North Side
- Pittsburgh police officer injured responding to domestic incident
Rain; breezy this afternoon. High: 66 Low: 57.
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Here are the top stories in Pittsburgh today:
1) Mediterra Cafe, currently operating in Sewickley and Mt. Lebanon, is set to open their third location in a former B52 space in Upper Lawrenceville. "We've looked at a few locations in the city, and sometimes you find a place that you know is the right one. And this was it," says Mediterra founder Nick Ambeliotis. At 35 seats, it'll be the smallest of the three locations. Nevertheless, it will feature the same menu as the Sewickley and Mt. Lebanon branches. The family also owns Mediterra Bakehouse, so it's no surprise that bread from their 40,000-square-foot bakery is the focal point of what they're offering. That means toasts, Roman-style pizza and, of course, lots of sandwiches along with breakfast items and layered salads. The Lawrenceville shop will also offer a full line of Mediterra bread and pastries as well as a concentrated version of the specialty market that made the business a success in its other two locations.
2) Pittsburgh nonprofits Proud Haven and Trans YOUniting joined together last month to open a new LGBT space on the North Side. Q-MNTY Center — pronounced like "community", but with a Q — doubles the space they have to create an inviting spot for all to convene. Within this space, folks can figure out their identity with support, free of judgment from others. The main space will also host events and public programs. Smithson said the center is partnering with local groups to host weekly yoga classes, and practices and competitions for Pittsburgh's ballroom scene. Deeper into the center, the walls are lined with shelf-stable pantry items and hygiene products for trans, non-binary and queer youth to access. Downstairs, there is a gender-affirming clothing closet, separated by masculine and feminine-presenting wear. Trans YOUniting Executive Director Dena Stanley said they plan to add a computer lounge, showers and washing machines for community members to use as well. The center, after all, is meant to serve as a "backbone" for trans, non-binary and marginalized people struggling to meet their most basic needs.
3) A Pittsburgh police officer was injured responding to a domestic incident in Brookline this morning. According to Pittsburgh Public Safety, officers were called to the 500 block of Brookline Blvd. just before 4 a.m. for a domestic-related incident involving a male and a female. When officers got to the scene, they surrounded a vehicle with the male inside. The male allegedly reversed the vehicle, striking a police cruiser and causing an officer to jump out of the way to avoid being struck. The officer hit her head on a curb, according to a report. She was transported to the hospital by medics in stable condition with neck and wrist pain. The suspect then hit another vehicle before fleeing the area. He later wrecked at the bottom of Pioneer Avenue and ran through a wooded area on foot. Officers found him near London Towne Road, where he was taken into custody. Multiple charges are expected to be filed against the male. No other details were provided.
4) The McKees Rocks Fire Department is facing a severe manpower shortage that is threatening the department's ability to function, according to borough officials. The department's contract with the borough expired with the new year. The two sides are in the midst of negotiations. Borough Council President Archie Brinza said the department is down to just five active volunteers, a loss of 20 volunteers during the past few years. He said that has kept the department from responding to several recent incidents. That's raising concerns among residents. "Oh my God, these people will be hurting if it closes. You know something catches on fire, even a small brush fire could cause problems," said Jim Mackey of McKees Rocks. "All around McKees Rocks there are a lot of vacant houses and people go in, and they're homeless, and they're sleeping there and catching things on fire so it's a big concern," said resident Diana Rudolph.
5) While searching for a missing 18-year-old, Allegheny County police discovered human remains along the Montour Trail. According to Allegheny County police, detectives were conducting a search in relation to the missing person investigation of Dorian Serrano on Nov. 17 when the remains were found. The remains found were taken to the Medical Examiner's Office for identification, according to police. Police didn't say if the remains found were Serrano or connected to him. Anyone with information concerning this incident is asked to call the Allegheny County Police tip line at 1-833-ALL-TIPS (1-833-255-8477); callers can remain anonymous. The department can also be reached via its social media sites.
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Today in Pittsburgh:
- Board Game Night - Mount Lebanon Public Library (7:00 PM)
- Yoga Flow - Brentwood Library (7:00 PM)
- Tuesday Night Folk Dance Group - Bulgarian Macedonian National Educational and Cultural Center (7:00 PM)
From my notebook:
- US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA: "A warm front is just north of Pittsburgh as of 1pm today. Areas north of it will are more likely to deal with light rain/drizzle through this evening while locations south stay dry (and dare we say maybe even see the sun?!)." (US National Weather Service Pittsburgh PA via Facebook)
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: "It's the last week of our Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden! Come visit all of the topiary arctic animals, the abundance of winter blooms and twinkling lights while you still can! Plan your visit here: https://www.phipps..." (Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens via Facebook)
- Bike Pittsburgh: "❄️ Free yoga for WMNBikePGH - Only a few spots are left! The Winter Yoga Series is taking place every Tuesday, January through February 2023. " (Bike Pittsburgh via Facebook)
- The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center: "🚨We have #internship opportunities!🚨 If you want to grow your Human Resources experience or are working to re-join the workforce, this is your sign! Apply today: https://bit.ly/tchinterns #childrenshomepgh #springinternship " (The Children's Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center via Facebook)
- Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: "Parks are where we celebrate milestones, watch our families grow, take time for ourselves, find inspiration, and so much more. Share a story, memory, or thought about the parks that you love below! https://pittsburghparks.org/park-story/" (Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy via Facebook)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday off right! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.
— Rachel Tasker
About me: Rachel is a native Pennsylvanian with stops in Erie and State College before making Pittsburgh her home in 2020. She's got a background in a little bit of everything... from working in media newsrooms and public health to the 2016 Presidential election in Washington, D.C. and the 2019 Super Bowl where (surprise!) Tom Brady won... AGAIN. She loves good coffee, bad reality T.V., attending local events and trying new food in the 412. She resides in the South Hills.
Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Pittsburgh Daily? Contact me at pittsburgh@patch.com
