Week of April 1, 2025
It’s been one of those weeks in Reading where the stories haven’t stopped moving—and neither have we.
Music poured into the streets as Berks Jazz Fest kicked off, bringing life and rhythm back into downtown. The lobby at the DoubleTree was packed—lines at check-in, performers with their gear, and a staff juggling it all with a smile. Managers told me they’re seeing a 50% jump in the number of guests this week. For them, this isn’t just a celebration—it’s one of the most important business weeks of the year.
But not far from the sound of saxophones and sold-out shows, a very different story shook the community.
Adonis Salazar, just 21 years old, was shot at City Park while playing basketball. He had just finished volunteering at a community event days before. Now he’s recovering, and Barrio Alegría—alongside many in Reading—is rallying to help him and his family through a long road ahead.
These are the stories that stay with you.
The ones that shift your energy from reporting to simply being human.
We also looked at new gates going up near the Pagoda and Skyline Drive—a move meant to limit late-night activity and give the city more control over who’s accessing that area during certain hours. It’s not about shutting people out; it’s about safety, structure, and responding to long-standing concerns.
And of course, Phillies Opening Day reminded us that even in a packed week, there’s still room for fun—fans filling local spots, raising a glass, and celebrating the start of a new season.
In the middle of it all, I kept coming back to this:
Reading is a city in motion.
There’s music and tension, celebration and concern—all sharing space.
And if you slow down just enough, you’ll see how each of these moments reflects who we are… and who we’re becoming.
Thanks for sitting with me again this week.
We’ll talk soon.
—José ☕️
José Martínez 