UPDATE (8/13/2015): The shooting stemmed from an argument over a missing dirt bike between the victim, a 23-year-old man who was visiting his girlfriend in the area, and unknown males on the block, according to a police report. After the argument, the man reportedly left and returned with other males who pulled out guns and started shooting at the men the victim was arguing with. The victim was shot in the shoulder and was taken to the hospital where he was listed in stable condition, according to police.

(8/12/2015): Police are investigating a shooting that took place on the 5100 block of Catharine St. around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Police say the shooting was from two different guns. A total of 17 shots were fired. One person, an unidentified man, was wounded. His wounds are not life-threatening, according to police. The investigation continues.

New apartment building on S. 45th St. (Photo West Philly Local)

Those who often walk down 45th Street must have noticed new construction between Locust and Spruce streets. The “by right” project – meaning it doesn’t need variances or local approval – started in late spring at 245 S. 45th St. and is progressing quickly. The four-story apartment building has been carefully inserted between old West Philly row homes. It is taller than the adjacent houses. As was reported last fall, the new 15-unit building is owned by Glasberg Properties, which owns other – mostly student housing – projects in the city. We hear that these will be market rate apartments, priced at about $2000/month.

Naked Philly has some more details and photos of the building here.

Police have arrested three people, two females and one male, in connection with the robbery and assault that took place on Sunday, Aug. 2 at a SEPTA bus stop at 48th and Larchwood. As was reported earlier, a 46-year-old woman was waiting for a bus shortly after 9 a.m. when another unknown woman approached her, grabbed her purse and cut her arm with a box cutter, according to a police report. She then fled in a black 2014 Volkswagen Jetta, which police said was an Enterprise rental car operated by an unknown male.

Two days later, on Aug. 4, police spotted the same car and the male and female suspects in the Wynnefield neighborhood. After searching the male suspect, police found a black and yellow box cutter razor, which matched the description of the weapon used in the Aug. 2 robbery and attack. Police also searched the car and the suspects’ residence located in Wynnefield and found several receipts from purchases made with the victim’s credit cards after the robbery. Three suspects, 35-year-old Maryam Spain, 47-year-old Marvin Saunders, and a third, unidentified female who police say was using the stolen credit cards, were arrested on Monday, Aug. 10.

A new cafe that will offer tea, coffee, snacks and desserts is opening soon on the 4500 block of Walnut Street. The new establishment, called Lulu Café (as we understand, named after the owners’ French bulldog) is expected to open this month at 4508 Walnut St., next door to Hunter Gatherer Tattoo and across the street from University City Chinese Christian Church.

The full menu hasn’t been posted yet, but it will include varieties of tea (caramel milk tea, sea salt green tea, plum tomato green tea), coffee (sea salt iced coffee), blended drinks (mocha, watermelon, pistachio), and snacks (popcorn chicken).

According to its website, the Chinese owned business is currently hiring part-time and full-time employees (speaking both English and Mandarin is a must; email: lulucafeusa@gmail.com for more info).

For more information and updates, visit Lulu Café website or Facebook page.

This is a reminder that the SEPTA Trolley Tunnel Blitz, the annual maintenance and construction project in the trolley tunnel connecting West Philadelphia and Center City, is underway until Monday, Aug. 17. All trolleys are being diverted to 40th and Market where passengers can switch to the Market-Frankford line.

Over the weekend, SEPTA crews were also repairing tracks at the 40th Street Trolley Portal at 40th and Woodland (see photo below).

Photo courtesy Scribe Video Center

This month, Scribe Video Center is bringing back its Street Movies! program, with free outdoor film screenings and live performances taking place across Philadelphia neighborhoods. The program features independent films from around the world that spark discussions of issues relevant to the community. Each screening is hosted by a community organization and is followed by a moderated discussion. Two screenings will be held in West Philly this weekend, both at 7:45 p.m. – at Clark Park on Friday and at Malcolm X Park on Saturday. Details are below (for more info, visit scribe.org/news/streetmovies).

• Friday, Aug 7, 7:45 p.m.

The Bowl @ Clark Park (45th Street and Kingsessing Avenue)
Host: Jubilee School
Event Emcee: 900AM WURD’s Stephanie Renée
Opening live performance: the Jubilites of Jubilee School

The program includes the following film screenings:

Tengo Talento: Jennyselt Galata of Yoruba Andabo & Sailen (Afro Cuban Folklore)
dir. Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi

Jennyselt is a dancer of Afro Cuban Folklore, with great prestige within Cuba and internationally and currently dances with the group Yoruba Andabo. She seeks her successor to keep the legacy of Afro-Cuban culture, dance and religion alive. Who will she choose to keep the legacy alive? (Cuba, 2014, 10:21 min, Spanish w/English Subtitles)  Continue Reading