The Early Word: Springtime Comes to Fort Greene Park

1. The other day we stumbled upon what joggers, parents with strollers and hardy tennis players already know too well: Fort Greene Park is beginning to look more and more like spring. After an uncommonly warm winter, the first shoots of tulips and daffodils in full bloom have arrived. And with temperatures expected to reach 60 degrees today and tomorrow, there will be plenty of opportunities to revel in the early season.

2. On Tuesday, transit advocates called on the City Council to fight against a planned fare hike in 2013, arguing that the burden of paying for reduced train and bus service shouldn't come on the backs of riders. In the city's proposed budget for the coming fiscal year, released by Mayor Michael Bloomberg last month, funding for transit was flat.

3. with live drumming for adults. , 260 Jefferson Ave. 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. $10.

4. Come early for and stay late to hear musicians including Eric Frazier, Bill Sims, Jr., Ian Duerr Jazz Trio, Ronnie Roc and Daddy Snugg's Snake Bite, to name a few. , 755 Dean St. Happy Hour: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Jazz: 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

5. Alternate side parking rules are in effect.