Southwest Philly’s tweeting detective, Joe Murray, whose updates on Twitter have helped people in the neighborhood keep up with crime trends and have helped make him a local celebrity, has suspended his account until he gets the go ahead from the department’s top brass.

Murray said by e-mail that some inadvisable uses of social media within the Philadelphia Police Department recently prompted him to send a memo to police Commissioner Charles Ramsey seeking formal permission to continue his @thefuzz9143 Twitter account.

The Philadelphia Police Department has increased its use of social media in recent months and it has helped in solving crimes.

Murray said on Twitter that he will let followers know when he gets the go ahead to start tweeting again.

Reader Vanessa has just emailed us with this information:

“Some time within the last 24 hours, a bike was stolen from 4413 Baltimore Ave. I’m writing in because the thief actually cut through a wrought-iron fence (!!) to take it. Pretty brazen, and kind of scary. It was in the back garden of the building, which is also brazen because the bike wasn’t at all visible from the street (or even from the front of the building).

It’s a brand new Specialized Vita with a black frame and adorable hot-pink handlebars. It was a really special Christmas present, so there’s some sentimental value… It has a Keswick Cycles sticker on the frame.

It was properly locked with two locks. If anyone sees this bike, or if anyone asks you for advice on cutting a Kryptonite New York chain lock, please let me know! I’m offering a $200 reward (and undying gratitude) for its return, no questions asked.

I’d also like to know if other people have had their bikes/parts stolen recently. The details of this theft make me think that whoever took it was a “professional.””

If you have any information about Vanessa’s bike (pictured below), please email her at: vhamer[at]gmail.com

Artists from the 40th Street Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program have invited 11 West Philadelphia-based artists to show their work at the program’s annual exhibition Friends and Neighbors. The show opening reception is tomorrow, Jan. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the 4007 Chestnut Street gallery (1st floor). Apart from seeing the exhibition’s dynamic and diverse artwork there will be an opportunity to meet the participating artists and talk with the 2011-2012 40st AIR residents. The talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. See the flyer below for more information on featured artists. Here‘s the event’s Facebook Page.

This week’s featured cat is O’Malley. O’Malley was living as a Philadelphia street cat, but his affectionate personality makes everyone think that he was somebody’s pet in a former life. As luck would have it, he found his way into the neighborhood of a City Kitties volunteer. After patiently waiting for weeks until a foster home was available, O’Malley finally got his turn for the opportunity to find a forever home.

He initially didn’t know what to make of life indoors, but it was only a matter of time before he was right at home. This former tough alley cat can now be found playing with toy mice, rolling over for belly rubs, and grooming his foster brother, Tiny Tim. O’Malley loves attention and does not discriminate when it comes to the source. He is extremely talkative, ensuring that you haven’t forgotten about him with his loud and unique “meow.”

O’Malley is an extremely laid-back, low-maintenance guy. He tolerates the constant pestering and teething of Tiny Tim and regularly allows him to sneak a few licks of Fancy Feast from his plate at mealtime. He even politely waits until Tiny Tim walks away from the kitten food before moving in for a chance at some leftovers.

O’Malley will likely be a perfect fit for any type of household whether as an only kitty or with some 4-legged siblings. He is adorably gentle with kittens and seems to enjoy ‘fatherhood.’ He has not had the opportunity to interact with young children or dogs, but he should not have issues with either.

O’Malley is about 2-3 years old, neutered, FIV/FeLV negative, FVRCP and rabies vaccinated, received a fecal exam to test for parasites, uses the litterbox, and was treated for fleas and parasites as needed.

If you want to meet this cat or have questions about adoption, please go to this page and fill out a short form.
 

West Philadelphian Jazmin Idakaar has come up with a wonderful idea for neighbors to get together and help people. She’s about to start Sweet Charity Sundays – a weekly meet-up for people who want to knit, crochet, sew or do other fiber arts for those in need.

The group will meet every Sunday afternoon, from 2 – 5 p.m. at the A-Space Community Center (4722 Baltimore Ave). The first meeting is this Sunday, January 15.

The first goal for the group is to make hats and scarves for local shelters. Jazmin says that The People’s Emergency Shelter agreed to accept handmade items made by the group. As the group grows, there are plans to reach out to other local homeless shelters.

Light refreshments will be provided and please bring a snack to share. A modest donation is requested and will go to the A-Space. There will also be yarn available for purchase at a discount to help raise money for more yarn & supplies.

If you want to join the group please visit their website or Facebook page. Have questions? Please email Jazmin at: jazmin.idakaar[at]gmail.com

It looks like the Penn-owned space at 40th & Walnut left vacant after Marathon Grill and MarBar closed last May won’t stay empty for too long. Harvest Seasonal Grill & Wine Bar is set to open its doors at this location in June 2012, as The Daily Pennsylvanian reports.

This will be the second location for Harvest. The first original is in Glen Mills.

The restaurant offers a farm-fresh menu with the ingredients coming from over 75 local and sustainable farms. The menu will change according to the seasons. The restaurant will have an “upscale-casual” atmosphere  with a wine bar on the second level. It sounds like it will serve a similar clientele as its predecessor. Has anyone been to the original Harvest Seasonal in Glen Mills?