The aftermath of a crash Monday that left half a dozen cars damaged along the 4200 block of Locust Street.

Police are investigating an accident early Sunday morning along the 4200 block of Locust Street that left a trail of damage along the street and nearby yards. The driver was “driving recklessly at a high rate of speed” down the block at about 3:30 a.m., according to a police spokesman.

The woman lost control of the vehicle and struck six parked vehicles, including a Philadelphia Water Department truck. A neighbor said one of the vehicles hit a nearby home. The driver and a passenger were both taken to HUP.

The spokesman did not say if the woman had been charged in the accident.

Not a note you want to find on your car.

Police are searching for a suspect in two gunpoint robberies that happened Sunday night about midnight on the 900 block of South 47th Street and on 49th Street near Chester Avenue. Police believe the same man – a black male, approximately 20 years old, about 5-foot-8-inches tall, wearing a green hoody and blue jeans – is responsible for both robberies.

The first robbery happened at about at about 11:45 p.m. when the suspect approached a couple, ages 26 and 28, who were walking down 47th Street near Warrington. Brandishing a silver handgun, the man demanded their cell phones and wallets, which they did. He fled south on 47th Street.

The second robbery occurred about 45 minutes later a few blocks away, near 49th and Chester, when police say the same suspect with a silver handgun demanded money and a cell phone from a 36-year-old male.

None of the victims were injured. Police are asking those with information to call 215-686-TIPS or text short code PPDTIP. You can also submit anonymously here.

From left to right:  Hunter Gatherer shop manager Dominick Caswell and tattoo artists Josh Anderson, Zack Traum and Mike Munter (Photo by Mike Lyons/West Philly Local).

In November, we reported that plans to bring a tattoo studio to 4510 Walnut Street were in the works, becoming the latest business to occupy the revolving storefront.

Well, readers, turns out those plans become a reality two weeks ago, when Hunter Gatherer Tattoo (Facebook page) open its doors. Co-owned by tattoo artist Josh Anderson and Falls Taproom owner Marvin Graaf, Hunter Gatherer Tattoo becomes the third tattoo shop to operate in West Philly.

Hunter Gatherer, which is open seven days a week, specializes in traditional and neo-traditional designs with an illustrative focus, said Anderson. Anderson, 33, serves as the shop’s main artist, working every day to get Hunter Gatherer “off the ground and going.” Tattoo artists Mike Munter and Zack Traum also work out of the studio on a rotating schedule, with Dominick Caswell acting as shop manager.

So far, business has been good and “super positive” for the tattoo studio, with the community showing “nothing but great support,” Anderson said. Once the weather breaks, the owners plan to host a grand opening party with an art show featuring local artists, a private DJ, and food and drinks.

Hunter Gatherer Tattoo (Photo by Annamarya Scaccia / West Philly Local)

With Hunter Gatherer, Anderson said he wants to set it apart from the studios typical of South Street or in Brooklyn — two “touristy” places he’s worked where customers are rarely repeat. Instead, he prefers a relaxed atmosphere where he can make “all the artists happy and all the clientele happy.”

Much of the woodwork in the shop—a space that has been many things over the years and most recently an art gallery—was made from reclaimed wood pallets that Anderson and others cut and fitted together. The repurposing of materials, as well as Graaf and Anderson’s childhoods in big hunting and fishing towns, are much of why the shop is named Hunter Gatherer, Anderson said.

“I was getting sick of just having that whole hustle, bustle, not really get to know anyone. My clientele there, you never really saw them again,” Anderson, who’s worked as a tattooist for over a decade, told West Philly Local. “I’d like to develop a relationship with my clientele.

“We’re just trying to create a nice space for everybody to come and see, and get tattooed, that has a good vibe and environment.”

Hunter Gatherer Tattoo is open Mondays to Thursdays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays & Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Walk-ins and appointments available. For more information, call 267-233-7015.

-Annamarya Scaccia

Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that Dominick Caswell is a tattoo artist. He is the shop manager. We regret the error.

Photos by Annamarya Scaccia / West Philly Local

When I first met Lola Reed a few weeks ago, I was struck by her style.

It’s a brisk Saturday in February, and Reed is meeting me for a mid-morning interview at her new store, HALO Foundation Boutique. She’s wrapped in a chic tan coat and sporting killer heels that make her hike over the mound of snow she’s crossing a bit shaky. As we make small talk during her walk over, Reed has a warm smile on her face.

Reed, 28, opened HALO Foundation Boutique at 4616 Baltimore Avenue during the holidays, taking over the space from a short-lived clothing store. It’s a small two-level shop with oversized front windows, decked out mannequins, and an intimate atmosphere. A cozy nook notches out the ground floor, where high-end and designer clothing, jewelry, and accessories are placed on display.

To the right, wooden stairs lead up to a nearly empty loft space. A cozy loveseat and cluttered table are pushed against the back wall, which is plastered with a large collage of fashion editorials and photos of runway models cut from magazines.

This is where we find ourselves after we’ve made our way inside. As we sink into the couch, Reed, dressed in all black, begins to chat with affection about the boutique and its backstory. The air is filled with faith music playing from a portable stereo/CD player on the floor. Light from the morning sun bathes the space.

In a way, it’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates Reed’s mission, of which the boutique is only a part. Continue Reading

UPDATE (3/6/2014): Two men were taken to the hospital and listed in critical condition Wednesday night after the vehicle they were traveling in drove into a median at 48th and Market Streets, according to reports.

(3/5/2014, 10:51 p.m.): Two people are reported in extremely critical condition after a car crash at 48th and Market Streets. The crash happened around 9:40 p.m. and at least one vehicle was involved, CBS Philly reports. Market Street was shut down immediately after the accident. No other details are available at this time.

(Photo from www.pinkhouseon45th.com.)

Many of our readers probably know The Pink House, a beautiful three-story row-home and “homey hotel alternative” tucked in between other row houses on 45th Street between Baltimore and Larchwood. Some folks may have even had relatives or friends stay there. It was revealed yesterday that the de los Reyes family, who has owned The Pink House, located at 506 S. 45th Street since 2009, is relocating this summer and looking for a new owner.

They provided nightly rentals of the Guest Suite and the Studio at The Pink House, which were generating about $4,000/month. In addition to the two rental units, which are located on the ground level and first floor, the Pink House has a spacious owner’s unit on the 2nd and 3rd floors.

The sale price for the Pink House is $600,000, excluding buyer’s broker’s fee and 4% city transfer tax. This includes the 2100 sq ft row-house plus 700 sq ft finished basement plus assets associated with the owners’ rental business, such as trade name, websites, furniture, and more.

Open Houses are scheduled for: Saturday, March 15, 1-3 p.m.; Sunday, March 16, 1-3 p.m.; Sunday, March 22, 1-3 p.m. All offers should be submitted by March 28, 2014.

More information can be found here.