Columbia Heights

Looks Like Claws & Paws closed on 11th Street Too

By Prince Of Petworth

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3303 11th Street, NW

A reader reports:

“I just read that El Latino is leaving! I’m going to miss that wonderful smell. A few days ago I noticed that Claws & Paws, the pet food shop near 11th and Lamont (next door to what used to be Arthur’s), was closed and everything was removed from the store, except for plumbing and cleaning supplies. Yesterday it was completely empty. It’s unclear if they’re just renovating, moved, or went out of business. I always enjoyed passing by and seeing the cat who lived in the store and always hung out in the window. I would love to know what happened to the business and my cat friend.”

Dagger: “Adios El Latino Bakery”

By Prince Of Petworth

el latino
3314 11th St, NW

A reader reports:

“Every few years, readers would write you and ask “where is that great smell coming from on 11th and Lamont Street in Columbia Heights?” The answer of course was El Latino Bakery.

It saddens me to report that El Latino Bakery is no more. My source from the block said that rent was raised and so they decided it was a good time to move to a bigger space in Maryland. They even had to cut the bars and wall in the front to move the ovens out.”

This is incredibly sad, and inevitable news… It follows news of the closing of Arthur’s across the street. I look forward to learning who will take over the space and I believe there is a strong likelihood it will be something cool – but now is time to grieve. RIP that sweet, sweet smell.

Anyone Else See the Naked Dude “totally hairless and covered in tattoos” Jogging through Columbia Heights?

By Prince Of Petworth

naked dude
Photo by PoPville flickr user MJWein

“Dear PoPville,

I saw this guy Sunday night and can’t really get it out of my mind and want to know if others saw him/if this is a repeat offender… I was in my car, making a left onto 14th street from Irving, directly across from the CH metro, when I glanced out the driver’s side window and saw a completely naked man jogging down the sidewalk and turning onto Irving. Not only was he naked, but he was totally hairless and covered (as in, all over) in tattoos. The most disturbing part was that literally nobody else on the crowded sidewalk seemed to notice him and/or care. Was I hallucinating?”

“An Oompa Loompa band will showcase the sounds of Bavaria” on Saturday

By Prince Of Petworth

meridian pint

From an email:

“Families and revelers of all ages welcome – clap along to live German folk music, engage in carnival games and explore delicious food options. Big kids welcome to imbibe in more spirited tradition!

In partnership with Meridian Pint, the community nonprofit known as the Columbia Heights Initiative, will host the semi-annual Oktoberfest block party on Saturday, October 3 from 11am-6pm. Located on 11th street between Park and Monroe, this free event welcomes all ages to join the festivities!

An Oompa Loompa band will showcase the sounds of Bavaria as visitors explore culinary delights brought to you by neighboring restaurants. The Meridian Pint Biergarten, open only to those 21+ will ensure that the most recognized of Oktoberfest traditions is honored, offering a variety of beers in a tented area spanning nearly half a block! A portion of the proceeds from the biergarten will benefit the Columbia Heights Initiative. Dirndls and Liederhosen are not required, but are encouraged!

General admission is free, though guests are requested to bring nonperishable canned goods to the Columbia Heights Initiative welcome table as a community food drive donation. Thanks to the generosity of annual sponsors, the Columbia Heights Initiative is able to create these unique opportunities for residents and businesses to get to know one another, celebrate diversity, have fun, and enrich the quality of life in our community.

This Oktoberfest is rain or shine.”

Please Note: The following streets will be closed from 6:00 am – 8:00 pm.

* 11th Street, NW between Park Road, NW and Monroe Street, NW

UPDATE: Found!! Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Reefer Missing from Columbia Heights

By Prince Of Petworth

reefer

UPDATE: “Reefer has come home! thank you to the popville community for being so freakin awesome!”

“Dear PoPville-

Our beloved, curious, 9 month old kitten, Reefer is missing. He probably took an opportunity to sneak out the door at some point last night while one of our roommates wasn’t paying attention. (Fairmont between 11th and 13th) Unfortunately he recently outgrew his kitten sized collar and doesn’t have his nametag on. He’s very friendly and responds when you call his name. He is microchipped. We’ve gotten some strange looks from passers-by while calling for him, the only humorous part about this.”

Beware of who you “buzz in to a building, it can have some very severe consequences for you or those around you”

By Prince Of Petworth

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Photo by PoPville flickr user Clif Burns

“Dear PoPville,

Neighbors, I wanted to report a break in at the Adams Court Condominiums on August 28th around 1:30 in the afternoon in Columbia Heights just a block from the metro.

The burglars, whose pictures are attached, were buzzed into the building by a fellow resident (not the owner of the unit that was burglarized) most likely saying they were delivering a package. In roughly 10 minutes they broke into my apartment after picking the lock (cops and the locksmith said they were pros) and ransacked the place, stealing several thousand dollars worth of small electronics and jewelry among other things and then walking calmly back into the activity of the city carrying the items in bags that also belonged to me.

Thank you for sharing! I hope this serves as a lesson to people in condo buildings everywhere to be more aware of who they just “buzz in” to a building, it can have some very severe consequences for you or those around you.

The cops told me there was a string of them happening around Columbia Heights of late. I really want people to be aware of this, especially those in buildings with a buzzer system.”

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