Avenida Central is packed with tiny stores, dubious hawkers, and assertive panhandlers. Yet thousands of people shop here year-round. In the hectic days leading up to Black Friday, Robert Isenberg wondered: Why shop in San José?

Recent data released by the Costa Rican Construction Chamber (CCC) reflect relatively slow growth from October 2013 to September 2014. The CCC report suggests that both public and private construction stagnated during the yearlong period, and previous estimates for public construction did not materialize, particularly in the area of power generation.

Sure, much of the architecture leaves something to be desired, but the city excels in modern urbanism in ways I had never seen in many U.S. cities. Here are four examples.

A roundup of events going on Oct. 17 – 23.

A roundup of events going on Oct. 10 – 16.

A roundup of events going on Oct. 3 – 9.

The state of Río Torres, which runs through nine cantons in the San José metropolitan area, is deplorable. Not only are fecal matter and trash found in the river, but also toxic substances such as mercury and oil. It’s hard to imagine any living organism surviving in the rushing water, but believe it or not, people still bathe in the river.

A roundup of events going on Sept. 26 – Oct. 2.

Water rides and thermal pools and a view of a perfect volcanic cone? For the suburban vacationer who prefers an antiseptic alternative to actual rivers, Kalambu will fit the bill.

In a past, a child traumatized by the sex trade had nowhere to go. Thanks to María Fejervary, there is a ray of hope.