Carl is reporting that a couple of smash-and-grab bandits walked into Kaleidescope Boutique yesterday, “hit and pepper-sprayed” employees and took off with two racks of clothes.

Unfortunately, we have yet to find any news sources covering the story so all of these details can’t be confirmed. Note that this info is at least second-hand, but Carl did receive confirmation that the robbery did in fact occur.

If you have heard any other details or just want to show your support, please comment.

A really odd and disconcerting occurrence in our normally tranquil downtown. I really hope everyone involved is doing all right today.

Another way to show your support to this 7-year Decatur staple is to stop by their anniversary party this evening (which is still on despite yesterday’s events)

From Daily Candy…

PARTY (and SHOP)
Kaleidoscope Boutique Anniversary Party
What: They’re celebrating seven years in the fashion biz with Badda Bing cupcakes, a Sawicki’s spread, a DJ, and 30 percent off.
Why: Better find something to wear.
When: Thurs., 6-10 p.m.
Where: 252 W. Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur (404-378-1214).

It sure has been hot enough lately to conjure up thoughts of the beach. But why waste all that precious $4 gas to drive all the way to the coast when you’re kids can enjoy the feeling of sand between their toes right along East Ponce?

Co-chair of the event, Scott Drake, forwarded along this summation…

Beach Party

June 20, 2008 from 5 p.m. to midnight

Decatur brings in 60 tons of sand and turns the square into a beach for this annual event. Dance in the streets to the beach music from the live band performing from the stage that stretches across Ponce de Leon Avenue. Activities include children’s boardwalk games, a special beach movie on the giant inflatable screen, face painting, wading pools in the sand and more. Adults $6.50; Children 12 and under, free (limit two children per paying adult). No coolers, glass or pets allowed.

Sponsored by Decatur Business Association. Proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit downtown improvement projects.

Buy your adult tickets beforehand at a discounted rate HERE.

There’s something to be said for being the home of local newspaper writers.

Both Creative Loafing’s Thomas Wheatley and Andisheh Nouraee live in the Decatur area and generally show a special interest/affinity for our little city.  Both have commented on this site in the past, especially Wheatley, and often topics started in Decatur forums (be it on blogs or message boards) go citywide on a newspaper site.

Thus is the case with my recent posting entitled “When Publix Just Ain’t Enough“.  The letter to the community that inspired the post showed up a couple days later on the Oakhurst Message Board and started a dialog, which Wheatley recently highlighted on CL’s Fresh Loaf blog in a posted called “Oakhurst Residents Push for Trader Joe’s“.

Earlier I said that I loved spreading TJ’s rumors because they generally catch fire faster than a thatched-roof. And while that might be true, at this point I wanted to highlight a couple points regarding this very issue already addressed by the city in a February post entitled “The Value and Importance of a Downtown Grocery“.

Click the continuation to read 2 different comments from Asst. City Manager Lyn Menne that directly respond to bringing a TJ’s into Decatur… Read the rest of this entry »

Carl is good enough to point out a new doggy bakery in Oakhurst.

A quick google search revealed it to be the relocated Taj Ma-hound, which recently opened in the spot vacated by Beauty in a Bag (707 D East Lake Dr., across from Steinbeck’s). I’m not sure how recently they opened, since pics on the website show Christmas decorations, but regardless, my pup and I weren’t aware of it so he wanted me to write a post.

Looks like they have lots of jowl-watering goodies. I guess we’ll be taking a lot more walks to Oakhurst in the coming weeks…W. Howard/railroad tracks/W. College be damned!