The Norwood News’ arts, entertainment and events calendar.

Followed by a crowd of more than 500 people, including activists, politicians, union leaders, local clergy, new moms and a radical marching band, 16-year-old Adolfo Abreu wrapped yellow tape around the Kingsbridge Armory. The message from the northwest Bronx community was simple, clear and written in black letters on the yellow tape, both in English and Spanish: "It’s Our Armory."

As it heads toward the finish line, the crowded race for the Bronx’s 14th District Council seat is sprouting more subplots and mysteries than a season of "Lost."

In the face of loud opposition from community groups, union leaders, business owners and local residents, the members of Community Board 7 voted to conditionally approve a developer’s plans to turn the long-vacant Kingsbridge Armory into a giant shopping mall.

For the first time in six years, community education councils across New York City were not legally obligated to meet this month. This is because Mayor Bloomberg’s control over New York City public schools ended on June 30 and has yet to be renewed by the New York State legislature. But education councils, including the one in District 10, which represents a large swath of the northwest Bronx, are continuing to pursue their agendas.

Campaigns are gathering speed as the Sept. 15 primary election for City Council is fast approaching. On July 16, all City Council candidates were required to submit at least 900 petition signatures to secure a position on the ballot.

Check out the latest fund-raising numbers in the competitive 14th and 11th District Council races.

In testimony during the Senate’s confirmation hearings last week, Bronx CongressmanJose E. Serrano, praised Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor for her strong character and hard-scrabble roots.

Public and community meetings and events in the northwest Bronx.