The 4300 block of Larchwood Avenue will be closed today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a large multi-family porch sale, so drivers will have to detour around that block during these hours. We hear that housewares, furniture,  kids and adult clothes and toys are among the items offered for sale.

If you know of other sales today or tomorrow, please leave a comment below.

The Green Block Build Collaborative, a coalition of community organizations including LISC and The Partnership CDC, is inviting Walnut Hill residents and neighbors to the Green Block Party tomorrow, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the 4700 Block of Sansom Street. This is a free community event where residents can learn about how to transition to a cleaner, greener and healthier future. See the flyer below for more details.

A reader, William, found this little guy on his steps at 47th and Hazel. He spoke with a couple on the street who said they saw another kitten a couple houses up and thought there might have been a litter on the block (West of 47th).

A 29-year-old man sustained facial injuries during a gunpoint robbery at 12:40 a.m. at 46th Street and Cedar Avenue. Police said the victim was approached by a male who struck him several times in the face and head with a metal object, believed to be a handgun.

The attacker took $45 from the man and ran east on Cedar. As a result of the attack, the victim had cuts and bruises on his face and was taken to Mercy Hospital for treatment.

The attacker is described as a black male, medium complexion, about 5’10” tall, wearing a black T-shirt and shorts. No other details were provided.

Don’t forget about the walking escort service. Call 215-898-WALK (9255) and a Public Safety Ambassador will be dispatched. This is a free service and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The legendary bicycle store at 4311 Lancaster Avenue is reopening under new ownership and inviting folks to their Grand Reopening Extravaganza, titled Dances with Wolves, this Saturday, July 28, from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m.Wolff Cycles store was recently purchased by West Philly’s Firehouse Bicycles (50th & Baltimore) and renamed to Wolf Cycles (with 50% less F). The shop has been in operation since the 1930’s.

The grand reopening celebration is free and open to the public. It will feature workshops, a bike ride, catered food and beer and an outdoor movie screening. Also there will be music by live DJ’s and raffle all day. Costumes are encouraged. Here are more details:

11 a.m. – Doors open

2 p.m. – Riding Basics Class hosted by the Bicycle Coalition, for riders 16+
For those who feel nervous navigating Philly’s aggressive drivers and trolley tracks.

3:30 p.m. – West Fairmount Park Public Art Ride
Check out public art and enjoy your wheels. For all ages, but under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. The ride is approximately 5 miles. Helmets required.

5:30 p.m. – Legal Rights Workshop hosted by the National Lawyers Guild
Learn your rights and responsibilities as a bicyclist involved in a crash.

7 p.m. – Catered Food and Keg of Beer
Food will be provided, but if you want beer, you’ll have to buy a pint glass (only $5).

8:30 p.m. – Outdoor Screening of the movie “RAD”
If weather allows. RAD tells a fantastic fable of an unflappable BMX biker fighting the factory rider to win on the Helltrack.

For more information go to: www.firehousebicycles.com, email firehousebicycles@gmail.com or call 215 222 2171.

A ring of car thieves is apparently operating in Sector 3 of the 18th Police District, between Market and S. 49th Streets and the Schuylkill River, according to information provided by Brian M. Villa, 27th Ward Democratic Committeeman (the 27th ward for the Democratic Executive Committee encompasses Penn’s campus). The police asked for help to address this problem, Villa said.

Toyota Camry models from the 1990s to the 2000s are being specifically targeted, apparently for their metal body parts. The thefts are mostly taking place between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. About a dozen cars were stolen in this area in the past month (see map).

If you see suspicious activity please call 911 and note to the dispatcher that this is a targeted issue of the 18th District police.

Map of car thefts in the 18th Police District, Sector 3, from June 23 to July 23, 2012. “V” stands for vehicle theft. (Source: Crime Reports)