Is Halloween what it once was? Events hosted by churches, schools and businesses, as well as parents dropping their children off in wealthy neighborhoods, may have eclipsed the good old-fashioned door-to-door trick-or-treating. “I think parents are much more cautious than they used to be,” said Lourdes Brown, an office manager at the Capital Heights Academy, an elementary school located at 2520 33 st. Aveola Abedipe, a teacher at the Phoenix Private Preschool(600 I st.) said that the school offers a Halloween party because parents of preschool children don’t commonly take their kids out on Halloween anymore. “I think some schools offer parties for children. We host a party with candy an

Shoppers were anxious to check out the re-built wing damaged by arson fire last fall. Some were feeling impatient because mall security wasn't letting hundreds of people in all at the same time. It was a lesson learned near Christmas last year when the weight of a 'flash mob' created structural stress on the second floor food court. Discount offers and promotions were given to the first 1,500 people in line. 100 of those early shoppers found a $50 gift card in their bags according to Westfield Galleria spokeswoman Stephanie Ringey. Here's some scenes:Shopper Trista Jensen said she thinks the new area seems brighter and more spacious.Signs throughout the mall stated "We're back Better t

Where do you go when you want to buy or shop for a car? A car dealership obviously. But that’s the point, you GO to the dealership. That’s not necessary anymore. Planet Automotive Group in partnership with Hyundai have opened a new type of store, a car store, THE car store. The Hyundai Store. The only store of it’s kind in North America, not even the Mall of America with its roller coaster and such has a store where you can walk in, test drive and purchase a car. They will even accept a trade-in if you got one. Starting Monday, Nov. 22, the Hyundai Store is officially open for business in the Westfield Downtown Plaza. Employees were still polishing up the store as the days first customers

The former Doubleday bookstore in Downtown Plaza has a new tenant in time for the holiday shopping season – JZ Toys & Gifts, which opened Nov. 12. “We sell toys for kids ages 2 to 3 and everything up to decorative knives and swords,” said Ali Mohammad, who helps his friend, store owner Zeba Alemi, by managing it. Mohammad said this is the first business venture for them, and he hopes it succeeds. In addition to toys and decorative reproduction edged weapons, the store also sells an assortment of ball caps, lamps, dishes and collectible dolls. About one quarter of the store is devoted to handmade Oriental rugs from Pakistan. “A family of two to three people will spend eight or nine mon

In her State of the City address Monday, Roseville Mayor Gina Garbolino acknowledged the punch the Galleria arson dealt the city last month. “Certainly, the fire is a blow to the Galleria and city, but hardly a knockout punch. Roseville is tougher than that,” she said. Roseville’s innovative city programs and services as well as its careful resource planning assure the city’s continued role as a regional leader, she said. Garbolino said she oversaw the “second-best era” for Roseville. “I absolutely believe the very best is still to come.” Garbolino became mayor in 2008. She also previously served as mayor from 2004 to 2006. With Macy’s and Nordstrom now open and JC Penney scheduled to

Those who have been avoiding Westfield Downtown Plaza might want to take another look. After kicking off a multimillion-dollar remodeling project last October, the shopping center has a new look and upgraded security. New planters, improved lighting and a more open feel mark a noticeable change to the mall. “We are going to continue to make as many positive features to this property as we can,” said General Manager Russell Dougherty, adding that there is no set timeline for when the mall will be “done.” “We think of it as a bunch of small projects,” Dougherty said. “We want to keep it fresh so shoppers will keep coming back.” Much of the remodel work has focused on making the shopping

Westfield Group has agreed to sell Downtown Plaza, Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday morning. The city has been pressing Westfield to invest in the plaza for nearly 12 years. Since August, Johnson has been pushing the shopping mall owner to make good on its promise to invest at least $120 million in the under-performing plaza. The alternative, he said at the time, was for Westfield to sell the plaza. Unwilling to invest that much, Westfield decided to sell, Johnson said. But the mayor and city staff must now find a buyer who can agree on a price with Westfield. "Westfield has agreed to step aside, and, if necessary, sell its interests in Downtown Plaza," Johnson said during his week