Police are advising pedestrians to temporarily avoid Locust Street near 47th and 48th streets during late hours after a string of armed robberies near those corners. Police said there have been as many as four armed muggings recently, including one early this morning when a man’s phone and wallet were taken at gunpoint by two males.

Police have suspects and anticipate arrests soon. We’re trying to get more information on the muggings.

In fact, Southwest Detective Joseph Murray – aka thefuzz9143 – even tweeted a message to the robbers:

“To the 48th St robbers: celebrate Xmas early this year … I have a feeling you’ll be in CFCF [Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility] when the 25th rolls around.”

Kol Tzedek, West Philly’s progressive,  Reconstructionist synagogue, will host its annual Hanukkah party (Facebook event page) tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome to the synagogue, located in the Calvary Center for Culture and Community (48th and Baltimore).

The party will feature lots of latkes, a vegetarian potluck (you’re encouraged to bring a dish), music by the synagogue’s Simcha Band playing klezmer and all kinds of stuff for kids. If you can swing it, bring your own plates, napkins and silverware and a donation of winter clothing for a local charity. You are also invited to bring a menorah for the table and dreidel and pennies.

Your donation of $5 to $25 at the door goes toward Kol Tzedek’s mission to provide diverse and inclusive Jewish spiritual community in West Philly.

Starting from today Dock Street Brewery (50th & Baltimore) is not going to accept credit or debit cards on Wednesdays, so if you are going there tonight make sure to bring enough cash. The popular neighborhood restaurant is showing support to the “Occupy” movement by taking a stand against credit card companies who charge businesses fees for processing credit or debit card payments. According to a Dock Street press release, operating on a cash-only system will allow them to keep the money in the pockets of the 99 percent.

Saving this money will allow Dock Street to give everyone a 3 percent discount on Wednesdays. Occupiers and their supporters are especially welcome to come and make a statement by leaving their credit cards at home.

The City’s Zoning Board of Adjustment will hear the case today of the Subway franchise that is proposed for Baltimore Avenue near 46th Street. The franchise is planned for the storefront at 4533 Baltimore Avenue. The Spruce Hill Community Association is still finalizing its position on the Subway franchisee’s application for a takeout permit, which is required for all restaurants. If approved the Subway is expected to have a limited seating area and the owners plan to open it early next year.

Today’s Zoning Board of Adjustments meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. today at 1515 Arch St., 18th floor.

Redcap’s Corner, the venerable gaming shop at 4040 Locust St., is pulling up stakes later this week and moving to Lancaster Avenue.

The shop, which along with Locust Moon Comics occupied a good-sized chunk of the orange, 20,000-square-foot warehouse building that formerly housed Strikes Bowling Lounge (and an original Urban Outfitters), will reopen at a storefront at 3617 Lancaster Ave. in late January. Locust Moon vacated the building earlier this year and will open a new storefront location at 34 S. 40th Street early next year.

For Redcap’s Corner, the move means more retail and gaming space. The move also puts them much closer to Drexel University students, who owners Benn Roe and Adam Friedman say make up a sizable chunk of their student clientele.

The warehouse at 4040 Locust is undergoing extensive remodeling. A branch of Keswick Cycle opened in the building over the summer and at least one restaurant and office space is also planned for the location.

This Friday, Dec. 23, at 7:30 p.m. a benefit performance of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” will take place at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (3916 Locust Walk). All proceeds will go to support the church community programs. Curio Theatre‘s Artistic Associate Jared Reed is featured in this performance. Suggested donation is $10 (free for children aged 5 – 12). After the show everyone is invited for a reception. For more information call 215-386-3916.