Community

Mayoral candidates Greg Stanton and Wes Gullett defended their ideas on Phoenix's economy, adaptive reuse of buildings and expansion of public transportation at a debate downtown on Tuesday.

Downtown community members took over parking spaces on Friday as part of PARK(ing) Day, an event designed to make a statement about urban land use. Participants fed parking meters and used the spaces put up tents, play music and pass out lemonade.

Slow Food Phoenix teamed with the Phoenix Public Market on Saturday to provide healthy $5 meals to customers as part of Slow Food USA's nationwide $5 Meal Challenge.

The Arizona Gay Volleyball league began fall season registration and open play at Steele Indian School Park on Monday. The turnout at the first evening of informal league play for the new season was comprised of several crowds of friends and social acquaintances, but once they hit the sand courts it was all serious.

Sunday marked the 20th anniversary for The Rhythm Room, and owner Bob Corritore is only getting started. The venue's weekend-long anniversary celebration drew crowds from all over the country, spanning three days and featuring dozens of local and national blues acts.

Community artists, activists, citizens and students will take over parking spaces around downtown Phoenix Friday as part of an event taking place around the world known as PARK(ing) Day.

Sweet Salvage, on Seventh Avenue and Camelback Road, opened its second four-day sale Thursday. The vintage shop opens once a month for four days, with a new theme and new merchandise each time.

Arizona-based comedians will compete Friday night for the title of “Top Comic” at The Duce in downtown Phoenix as part of an effort to help fund a college scholarship for local aspiring artists.

The Desert Botanical Garden is home to 11 new critters this fall. Unlike the millions of bugs that currently live throughout the garden, these insects are sculptures ranging from seven to 25 feet long, constructed from twigs, wood and other natural materials.

Marco Zamora, 37, is the Lincoln Family Downtown YMCA’s only kickboxing instructor. His class runs Mondays and Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and is almost always full with 30 to 40 people attending.