Vallarta Tribune Digital 007 by Vallarta Tribune

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020 Year 01 Online Issue 007

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ALL-INCLUSIVE NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOR PUERTO VALLARTA AND RIVIERA NAYARIT

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Welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

t the Vallarta Tribune we want you to have the best experience possible while you explore Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas and Riviera Nayarit. Here are some helpful tips for traveling. TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco and the southern part Nayarit are on Central time – if you’re heading further north than Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, remember the time change so you don’t miss your flight. BUSES: A system of urban buses can bring you from El Tuito in the south to San Pancho in the north and all the spots in between. Fares vary according to distances travelled, but the base fare is 10 pesos. If you’re going further than San Pancho, head to the main bus terminal to catch a ‘Pacifico’ bus. TAXIS: There are set fares within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver. Make a note of the taxi number in case you leave something behind. Drivers typically do not carry change. UBER: New in 2017 to Puerto Vallarta, Uber is still experiencing some growing pains particularly in the state of Nayarit. Uber is cheaper than a taxi usually. GETTING AROUND: In many places such as Centro Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta there are paths for bikes and pedestrians. Please be respectful of these designations. MONEY EXCHANGE: The most hassle-free way to exchange money is to use your debit card in the ATM to withdraw pesos. Exchange houses offer higher rates and banks are remiss to change dollars to pesos if you don’t hold an account with them. Best to use ATM’s that are affiliated with a reputable bank located in well lit secure areas. TIPPING: In general you should tip 10-20% in restaurants and bars. Taxi or Uber drivers – 10-20 pesos. The person who bags your groceries or helps load your car – 10-20 pesos. Don’t forget to tip

CALLING IN MEXICO

your maid, bell boy, masseuse, the band, the entertainment on your tour. And by all means, tip more if you want, wages are extremely low in Mexico. DRINKING WATER: While Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for the past two decades, the quality of the water tested at the source varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. Don’t wreck your holiday – buy bottle water. EXPORTING PETS: Falling in love with the street dog outside your hotel is easy to do and it’s also easy to bring them home with you. The process is inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You only need a certificate of health from a local vet and check with your airline for additional requirements. COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and belligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexico is a tolerant culture, politeness is paramount. Don’t pee in the streets. Don’t flash your money or expensive gadgets. Pay attention to your surroundings. Know where you are going. Pay your bills (and don’t forget to tip). And have fun! DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis or Ubers are cheap and plentiful. Fines are very expensive. You can go to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends, and you will be asked to take a breathalizer test if they suspect you have been drinking. LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not a valid excuse in Mexico, or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation, be aware that often guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Sept. 21 - 27, 2020 Year 01 Online Issue 002

FR EE

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ALL-INCLUSIVE NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOR PUERTO VALLARTA AND RIVIERA NAYARIT

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Teléfono: (322) 226 3870 Proa #111, Marina Vallarta, C.P. 48335. Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México.

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

LOCAL CALLS WITHIN MEXICO All calls within Mexico can now be dialed using the 10-digit telephone number (usually a two- or three-digit area code plus an eight- or seven-digit number) from a landline or cell phone, eliminating the need for prefixes, such as 01, 044 or 045. In Mexico, most cities use a three-digit area code, notable exceptions being CDMX, Guadalajara and Monterrey. LONG DISTANCE CALLS WITHIN MEXICO Same procedure as above applies. LONG DISTANCE CALLS TO MEXICO FROM ABROAD If you are making a long-distance call to Mexico from abroad, simply add the country code (52) to the 10-digit number as described above.

CALLING TOLL-FREE NUMBERS (The following procedure predates the August 2019 update. We are waiting for specific information regarding toll-free calls within Mexico and to numbers elsewhere.) Some toll-free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. Those that do work are often not toll-free. You need to dial a different prefix. To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

INTERNATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE CALLS FROM MEXICO US & Canada: Dial 001 + Area Code + Number Elsewhere: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Number

FIRE DEPARTMENT: 322.223.9476 AMBULANCE: 322.222.1533 IMMIGRATION: 322.224.7719 CONSUMER PROTECTION: 01.800.468.8722

Emergencies: 911 Red Cross: 065

The Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host. We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to

TOURISM OFFICES Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006 CONSULATES American Consulate 24 hrs 01-332-268-2100 Canadian Consulate 322.293.0098 322.293.0099 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

Photo by Nomad Family Photo Group

take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment. Weekly publication. * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/VtaTribune/

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Local Voces Bucerías Life in the Slow Lane

Kelly and Dennis Wilson

buceriaslifeintheslowlane.com

Kelly and Dennis moved from the chilly north to sunny Bucerias in July 2017. Together, they publish Bucerias Life in the Slow Lane, an online news outlet describing community events, eateries and arts, local history, human interest stories and more. They enjoy spending time volunteering for various organizations.

Tortas and More

ave you ever tried a torta? “Torta” means different things in different countries. Cake, flatbread, even omelette. Here in Mexico it is a type of sandwich. Although we’ve tried to soak up the local culture including food, through two and a half full time years living here, we only recently discovered tortas. And, oh, what a discovery it has been. We now visit our favourite shop three or four times a month for fresh tortas, made before our very eyes. Abarrotes y Loncheria Magallanes is located just off Hwy 200, on Alfredo V. Bonfil (Centro). The restaurant is directly across from the taxi stand. When I advised the Magallanes ladies in my broken Spanish that we’d like to do an article about their restaurant, they called over an English speaking taxi driver who kindly translated. “The family has been cooking here for generations,” he said. I noticed a couple of little boys playing in the back of the store area and realized there are three generations right here today! The family has, in fact, been running their restaurant for the past forty years. And it’s not just prepared food they offer. In the rear of the restaurant, you’ll find grocery items such as fresh produce, salsas, cleaning supplies, sugar, pasta, toiletries and some other surprises. I love watching as our sandwiches go on the grill, with all that melting, cheesy goodness.

Next comes pulled pork, ham and more cheese, the creation sizzling and smelling so tantalizing. Then, fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes, purple onion and optional hot serrano peppers. This describes the Torta Cubana. For the same forty pesos you might also try the Torta Mexicana with beans, Torta Hawaiiana with pineapple, or the Torta Especial, the grande one, which will not break the bank at just fifty pesos. They also prepare fresh juice and Aguas Fresca, delivered in an enormous glass. Our twenty-five year old son, Ryan, required two hands to pick up his jugo mango. Although the menu offers a variety of choices, we have not yet sampled any other items. I can tell you, though, we’ve watched as many different dishes are served up, either to eat-in or to go, and each one looks mouthwatering. Don’t be afraid to go there if you don’t speak Spanish. When the taxi driver and I were having a discussion, the ladies jumped in every few seconds to answer my English questions through him, or to correct his English answers. It would seem they don’t have any more confidence in their ability to speak English than I have in my ability to speak Spanish, but you’ll make out just fine when you go! They’ll know exactly what you’re saying, smiling and nodding as they take your order. Open 7:00am to 7:00pm, Monday to Friday and 7:00am to 4:00pm, weekends. ¡Buen Provecho!

Photos were taken prior to the pandemic

News

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Artist adapts to pandemic, turns to sneakers as new medium

International Airport of Puerto Vallarta changes administration

nternational Airport of Puerto Vallarta reports that Saúl Ernesto Sanabria Gibert, administrator of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, is retiring from his position to dedicate himself to personal activities. As new administrator of the air terminal, Cryshtian José Amador Lizardi takes the position, who has served as administrator of the International Airports of Aguascalientes, Hermosillo and Guanajuato; He has seventeen years of experience in the airport sector and meets all the necessary requirements to relieve the position. One of the main missions

of the new administrator is to continue with improvements in the passenger travel experience and comfort during their stay. Both the outgoing and incoming Management will collaborate during this period of change to adapt the new command. An orderly transition is anticipated, since the company has a management team with leadership and solid experience that positions and promotes it as the leading company in the operation of airports in the countries in which it operates, providing quality service and focus on client.

he athletic footwear bears themes related to Oaxacan traditional culture After Covid-19 restrictions across Mexico indefinitely closed nonessential businesses, Oaxaca artist Doris Arellano Manzo made a decision: a canvas is a canvas — it could be stretched over a wooden frame or stretched over a pair of athletic shoes. Like other artists worldwide who are succeeding at beating the pandemic’s economic challenges to their careers, Arellano is learning to adapt — to be less conventional and to think quite literally a bit smaller: she now paints her art on sneakers. Arellano has been painting sneakers since July, when she and her daughter Frida, a communications and social media professional, realized that Arellano needed to reinvent herself and her art to adapt to the fact that museums and galleries would probably remain closed for the foreseeable future. Since then, she has been creating artwork on her new, tinier form of canvas. Her latest collection of work, all painted on athletic footwear, is entitled Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This latest collection features shoes with colorful abstract designs in bright cempasúchil orange, with lush floral wreaths and, of course, featuring the iconic, skeletal Catrina. “Since I love to paint, I can paint for you on a large canvas just as well as I

Artist Doris Arellano’s colorful sneakers.

can on a small [one],” she recently told the newspaper Milenio. “As far as I’m concerned, while you have me here with my paints and paintbrushes, I’m thrilled.” Each pair of shoes is unique, she said, “because it’s all done by hand, not by machine.” She describes her style as “traditionalist contemporary,” and says she is drawn to evoking the rites and customs of Oaxacan traditional culture. When she began her first foray into sneaker painting in July, at Frida’s suggestion, her sneaker art was Guelaguetza-themed. The Guelaguetza is a traditional Oaxaca cultural festival that had to be canceled this year due to the pandemic. She said both sneaker collections are homage to the Oaxaca rites and traditions that couldn’t take place in 2020. In some ways, she said, the enforced isolation of the pandemic has been a huge challenge for artists like herself, but in other ways, it’s actually been familiar. “The work of an artist is a bit enclosed,” she admitted. “We go out when there are exhibits, when we have to go introduce ourselves in public or do interviews.” Still, she said, the pandemic caught the art community flatfooted. “Artists don’t have a way to show their work during the pandemic,” she said. “It’s all been halted, and we have to go back and look for new formats for the public to see what we are doing.” Source: Milenio (sp)

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

News

AMLO signs off on new law allowing free access to all beaches

Installs Secturjal tourism advisory council in Vallarta

he Jalisco Tourism Secretariat (Secturjal) formalized the installation of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Advisory Council, through which there will be a communication channel between the agency, the municipality, the private sector initiative, the academy and civil society for decision-making related to tourism in the State, within the framework of the economic reactivation after the Covid-19 pandemic. In this first meeting, the head of the agency, Germán Ernesto Kotsiras Ralis Cumplido, welcomed those present and proceeded to take a protest by the members, who participate voluntarily to build agreements for the benefit of the sector and the community. The following personalities participated in this first meeting of the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Advisory Council: - Guadalupe Bayardi - Asociación de Expresidentes de Cámaras - Arnulfo Ortega Contreras - Consejo Coordinador de Puerto Vallarta - Juan Pablo Martínez - Representante de Coparmex Puerto Vallarta - Jorge Villanueva Hernández - Asociación de Empresarios de Puerto Vallarta y Bahía de Banderas - Sergio Jaime Santos - Canirac Puerto Vallarta - María Fernanda Arreola Bracamontes - Canaco Puerto Vallarta - Francisco Beltrán - Amav Puerto Vallarta - Norma Furlong - Agencia DMC Tukari - Magdalena Avelar Mondragón - Asociación de Vecinos, Zona Romántica - Alejandro Torres Magaña - Representante de la Asociación de Hoteles y Moteles de Puerto Vallarta - Magaly Fregoso Ortíz - Centro Internacional de Convenciones Puerto Vallarta - Jorge Tellez López - Centro Universitario de la Costa, UDG - Luis Ignacio Zúñiga Bobadilla - Univa Puerto Vallarta - Oscar Daniel Zamora Cuevas - Instituto Tecnológico de Puerto Vallarta - Víctor Bernal - Representante del presidente municipal de Puerto Vallarta - Luis Villaseñor Nolasco - Encargado de la Dirección de la Oficina de Fidetur Puerto Vallarta - Crysthian José Amador Lizardi - Administración del Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Vallarta - Germán Ernesto Kotsiras Ralis Cumplido - Secretario de Turismo del Gobierno del Estado de Jalisco - Willehaldo Saavedra González - Director General de Desarrollo de Turismo Regional de la Secturjal - María del Rocío Lancaster Jones Granada - Directora General de Promoción Turística de la Secturjal - Martha Susana Rodríguez Mejía - Directora de Turismo de Playa de Secturjal

Prohibiting access could result in a fine of up to 1 million pesos

resident López Obrador has signed into law a guarantee of free access and transit on beaches throughout Mexico and establishes sanctions for those who prohibit access with fines of up to 1 million pesos (US $49,400). The move comes after the Congress approved a reform to the General Law on National Assets in late September that established fines for owners of coastal properties who prevent, restrict, obstruct or place conditions on access to beaches. By law all beaches in Mexico are public. Fines can be issued if fences, barriers or buildings prevent entry to a beach or if property owners, hotel security staff or other hotel personnel block access when there is not an alternative public path. Concession or permit holders could see their permissions to operate revoked if they are found in violation of the new law. “Mexican beaches are constitutionally and legally public, so there must be access roads so that any national or foreign visitor who wishes to enjoy them can do so. However, despite this legal status, there are still multiple complaints from citizens who have seen their right to enjoy them restricted,” Senator Mónica Fernández said when the

Senate passed the measure. “In the event that there are no public roads or accesses from the public thoroughfare, the owners of land adjacent to the Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone must allow free access to it, as well as to the maritime beaches through the accesses agreed upon by the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources with the owners, mediating compensation in the terms established by the regulation,” the bill reads, and that, “said accesses will be considered easement.” The Federal Maritime Terrestrial Zone is the strip of beach spanning 20 meters from high tide which belongs to the Mexican people. In the past, the government has cautioned hotel owners that their properties could be closed and demolished if they don’t comply with orders to grant access to public beaches. The director of the federal office of maritime law zones said last December that one hotel project in Cancún, Quintana Roo, was demolished because it would have blocked public access to the beach. In February of this year, more than 1,000 people gathered outside a beach club in Playa del Carmen to protest the lack of public access to the country’s beaches. Source: El Universal (sp)

News

The state’s whimsical wooden carvings are now protected with geographical indication

ooden alebrijes made in Oaxaca are now protected against plagiarism in other parts of Mexico and

abroad. A geographical indication, or GI, designation for the brightly colored sculptures of fantastical creatures was published on Monday in the federal government’s official gazette. Published by the Economy Ministry and the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI) on the request of the Oaxaca government, the GI designation states that authentic wooden alebrijes can only be made in five locations in the southern state: San Antonio Arrazola, San Martín Tilcajete, Unión Tejalápam, San Pedro Taviche and Oaxaca city. The designation also protects Oaxaca-made sculptures of nahuales, supernatural beings with the capacity to metamorphose into animals, and other unique locally made wooden carvings. According to the Oaxaca government, the request for a GI designation it submitted to IMPI earlier this year sought to protect not just the alebrijes themselves but also the history surrounding them, the materials they’re made with and the artisanal process. Economy Minister Juan Pablo Guzmán said in January that the GI designation would protect the wooden figurines “at the national and international levels so that they won’t be

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Oaxaca’s alebrijes get international protection against plagiarism subject to plagiarism and piracy.” He cited Chinese fakes as a particular concern to local artisans. Guzmán also said that a GI designation, which already applies to products such as Roquefort cheese, Colombian coffee and Thai silk, will add to the commercial value of the wooden alebrijes made in Oaxaca. He explained that the protection will prevent the export of foreign-made replicas of the sculptures just as fake tequila is blocked from entering different countries around the world. “Tequila arrives that is made in other … countries and when it’s detected at customs, a report is sent to Mexico. [If] it’s verified that it’s not really that beverage, fines and sanctions are issued. In addition, the product is destroyed,” Guzmán said. A GI designation is similar to designation of origin status, the minister said, explaining that they both offer protection to a range of products. The former is more widely recognized in the United States while the latter is more prevalent in Europe, he said. “They don’t compete with each other, … both seek to maintain the attributes of a product from a determined region. The difference is that in a GI [designation] not all of the elements of a product are necessarily

from that place,” Guzmán said, explaining that if a gold adornment is part of an alebrije, the gold doesn’t necessarily have to come from Oaxaca. However, all the work must be completed in the place to which the GI designation corresponds, and the product must originate there, he said. Among the Mexican products that have a geographical indication designation or designation of origin status are tequila,

mezcal, talavera pottery, Morelos rice, Chiapas coffee, Olinalá wooden handicrafts from Guerrero and vanilla from Puebla and Veracruz. Source: El Universal (sp), Mexico News Daily

Funded by the Vallarta Institute of Culture Rio Cuale bridge illustrated with work by Manuel Lepe

he clean and simple line characteristic of naive art was replicated by Marcela Lepe and the young artist Luis Enrique Lepe Colorful scenes of daily life in the port, embodied in the unmistakable naïve style of the painter Manuel Lepe Macedo, give life to the pillars of the vehicular bridge on Ignacio L. Vallarta Avenue that connects the Centro and Emiliano Zapata neighborhoods of this city. The intervention was carried out by Luz Marcela Lepe Quiroz, daughter and custodian of the legacy of the illustrious Vallarta native, with the support of the artist Luis Enrique Pérez Lepe, at the request and with funding from the Puerto Vallarta municipal government, through the Vallarta Institute of Culture (IVC) . Initially Marcela suggested painting the vehicular bridge. After an inspection visit, we decided to intervene only the pillars to take advantage of the new lighting, explained the director of the IVC, Marina de los Santos Álvarez. The idea, he said, is for each of the 22 pillars to have a connection to the next, in such a way as to tell a story. The naive-style motifs are presented

chronologically along the bridge, in a north-south direction, and show a variety of scenes of daily life in the city, among others: Guadalupana pilgrimages, tourists on the beach, walkers in the boardwalk and the distinctive cherubs that appear throughout Lepe Macedo’s work. The Emiliano Zapata neighborhood is very representative for the family, said Marcela Lepe regarding the relevance of

intervening in the public space with the characteristic style of the illustrious son of Puerto Vallarta. “My grandfather was the founder of it and my father gave names to several streets,” he said. Manuel Lepe Macedo (Puerto Vallarta, 1936-Guadalajara, 1984) is, without a doubt, our artist, said the director of the Vallarta Institute of Culture. “He represents us, gives us identity and is completely universal due to

the simplicity of his art.” With the intervention of the vehicular bridge on Ignacio L. Vallarta Avenue, the second stage of a comprehensive project that began at the end of August with the cleaning and maintenance of the mural “Puerto Vallarta”, located inside the Municipal Presidency, concludes. by Marcela Lepe and Luis Enrique Pérez Lepe in coordination with the IVC.

News

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

To avoid contagion, the Jalisco Health Secretariat urges the population to honor the dead from home and to avoid parties alluding to Halloween Both celebrations represent a high risk of contagion due to the fact that the pandemic remains active.

n the eve of the celebration of the Day of the Dead, on November 2, the Jalisco Secretariat (SSJ) urges the population not to visit the pantheons, due to the health emergency that we face due to COVID-19. Likewise, the agency invites society in general, especially young people, to refrain from participating in meetings related to Halloween or Halloween. Both celebrations represent a high risk of contagion since the pandemic continues to be active and because on both dates people gather to participate in these expressions. That is why a respectful call is made for the general population to honor their dead from home and, in the case of Halloween, avoid any type of gathering. With a cut to October 17, the two criteria for pressing the emergency button had a

rebound. In this situation, it is recommended that if you go out into the public space, it is advisable to use the mask properly (which can reduce the risk of contagion by up to 90 percent), avoid crowds -especially in closed spaces-, keep a distance of 1.5 meters between people, and wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol gel.

8 Day of the Dead Halloween, Day of the Dead canceled in Southern Baja

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Cemeteries across the state will be closed over the Day of the Dead holiday

he Baja California Sur (BCS) Health Safety Council voted to cancel Halloween and Day of the Dead celebrations throughout the state this year due to the coronavirus. Cemeteries across the state will also be closed over the Day of the Dead holiday, from October 30 through November 3. “This decision is part of the strategy implemented to contain Covid-19 infections. Remember that we have not overcome the pandemic,” Governor Carlos Mendoza said. BCS is at the yellow level on the coronavirus risk stoplight and citizens are urged to continue to wear masks and practice social distancing. As of Thursday, BCS had recorded 11,390 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and 563 deaths. No school for 7,000 In Los Cabos, 7,000 families do not have the necessary tools for their children to be able to participate in distance education. They are families that live without a legal supply of electricity, much less a television, computer, tablet or smartphone, said Adriana López Monje, regional president of the Los Cabos Parents’ Association. Televised education leaves much to be desired, Diario El Independiente reported. “It is an obsolete way of teaching. We do not think the content or presenters are good,”

López said. “Many parents do not even know how to read or write, they do not know if their children are doing their homework well or badly. There are also complaints from parents about teachers who only ask [students] to watch TV and do not give homework or assignments. “Of course, there is also the recognition of teachers who are very concerned about the students, who know that they do not have access to a computer or the internet and leave booklets for parents to go through and do the activities,” she says. Fish Tales The Bisbee’s Los Cabos Offshore tournament kicked off Thursday with a record 128 teams participating, up from 114 last year. The event, known as the “Little Bisbee’s,” concludes October 18 and is in full compliance with coronavirus protocols. The weigh station has been moved from in front of the Puerto Paraiso shopping mall to the cruise ship dock and only one angler can approach the scales with his catch. Typically, crowds of hundreds gather to see the enormous black and blue marlin get weighed. To qualify, marlin must weigh more than 300 pounds. Underweight fish result in a deduction of points. The teams are competing for a purse of US $1.44 million, up from last year’s US $1.16 million. The Bisbee’s Black & Blue tournament, the world’s richest fishing tournament, starts October 20. Earlier this week, fisherman Hugo Pino aboard the Stella June pulled in a black marlin weighing a whopping 268 kilos during the Los Cabos Billfish Tournament. The monster fish was not enough to win the tournament, however, which is based on points. Greg DiStefano of the El Suertudo caught a 179-kilo black marlin and a 158-kilo blue marlin which propelled his team into first place. The El Suertudo team took home a US $344,700 check. Busted A man in La Paz who allegedly stole a briefcase full of medical supplies from the Calafia volunteer paramedics last Saturday was arrested this week. The medical supplies were stolen out of Calafia’s ambulance while it was parked in the Camino Real neighborhood of the state capital. The man was released from jail to await trial but is required to sign in with authorities weekly and is ordered to stay away from Calafia’s property. Tourism recovering in Los Cabos as high season looms With the beginning of high season just

around the corner, tourism officials expect to see 191,000 tourists travel to San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas this December, a number representing about 70% of the number of visitors to Los Cabos in December of 2019. Last December 165,000 international and 80,000 national tourists traveled to the resort destination. This year officials expect 126,000 foreign tourists and 65,000 Mexican visitors. That number could grow even higher as there are now four airlines offering direct flights from New York to Los Cabos, adding 4,500 new seats. The number of visitors who travel to Los Cabos in private planes is also enjoying an unprecedented uptick, with 70% more tourists arriving in private planes in September than during the same month in 2019, Cabo Mil Noticias reports. The good kind of excess baggage Not all tourists get to see what life is like for some of Los Cabos’ poorest residents, but many of those who do find ways to help people who are struggling economically. Such is the case of Bryan Shaul from Indianapolis, Indiana, who has been coming to Cabo San Lucas for the past 10 years. Last October, Shaul traveled to Cabo with 50 suitcases in tow containing items to aid children of low-income families who are served by the non-profit Solmar Foundation. This year he outdid himself, arriving in Los Cabos with 62 suitcases full of new or gently used clothes, shoes, hygiene items and toys to help local families, Shaul told

Mexico News Daily. As for how he got 62 suitcases on one airplane, “I always have a large group traveling with me and many other friends that are always [in Los Cabos] this time of year, so I ask them to bring a suitcase I fill, and we get donations to cover the luggage fees since sadly the airlines won’t waive,” he said. Customs was also a breeze for the travelers bearing gifts. “I have one friend that works for a national soccer association back home, and [customs] got him with a bunch of soccer balls, jerseys and shorts that they made him pay US $50 taxes [on], but the rest got through OK,” Shaul says. Seen Australian actress Rebel Wilson of the Pitch Perfect series of films and her boyfriend Jacob Busch posted a number of photos to social media from their Los Cabos vacation this week, including shots of them enjoying a beach barbecue and churros before watching Jurassic Park together. Legendary boxer Floyd Mayweather also touched down in Cabo, posting a photo of himself staring out to sea on his Instagram account where he has 23.8 million followers. Mayweather travels to Los Cabos often and does not do so in a low-key fashion. The retired champion arrives at the Los Cabos airport in a Gulfstream G650 jet emblazoned with “MAYWEATHER” in large, black letters across the body and “a “50-0” on the wings, a reference to Mayweather’s boxing record. By Susy Buchanan Source Mexico News Daily

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Day of the Dead

Tips for a safe Halloween during COVID-19 — and what to do if trick-or-treating is cancelled Sheri Madigan Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development, Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary Craig Jenne Associate Professor, Department of Microbiology Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of Calgary Rachel Eirich Master’s student, Determinants of Child Development Lab, University of Calgary

ince the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, families have had to adjust to several health regulations and restrictions. Much to the dismay of millions of children, this may apply to Halloween trick-ortreating as well. National health authorities in Canada have said Halloween trick-or-treating can go ahead, depending on local public health direction, with careful planning and preparation to minimize risks of viral transmission. Due to local infection numbers, some cities or regions recommend skipping trick or treating. As trick-or-treating is largely an outdoor activity, it is on the safer side of the spectrum when social distancing and mask wearing are maintained. However, many parents are reportedly feeling uncertain about trick-or-treating given the potential for increased virus transmission when collecting candy door-to-door. A recent poll conducted by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies suggests that 52 per cent of parents will not let their children trick-or-treat this year. Whether you decide to allow your child to trick-or-treat or not, it is important to plan out how you will talk to them about this decision. Drawing on our expertise in child development and infectious disease, we are here to help make an informed decision about Halloween this year and provide some tips for communicating your decision to your child effectively. If trick-or-treating is a go in your family If your family has decided to trick-or-treat or give out candy, you will want to sit down with your kids and lay some ground rules that take the pandemic into consideration. Root the conversation about trick-or-treating regulations in what you know about the virus within your community. Safety varies between communities, and in areas of the country with few COVID-19 cases, the risk remains low. However, in hotspots, the risk rises. Come up with a clear plan for children to follow so they can keep themselves and others safe when trick-or-treating. Write down or walk through what your child can expect

and what is expected of them well before the night. When parents do this, children feel more comfortable and prepared, which helps them buy into the plan. Central items this plan should include: 1. Continue to use fabric or surgical masks. Some children may be tempted to replace fabric or surgical masks with Halloween masks, but the fabric of Halloween masks may not be sufficient to prevent viral transmission. Do not draw on masks. Some markers or paint could have solvents that would be directly inhaled by the child. It could also be possible to inadvertently tear a disposable mask with friction. 2. Avoid gathering at doors. Instead, think of lining up to get candy the same way most stores have set up check-out lines, with only one person at a time at the door. While some who are shelling out candy may find creative ways to create more distance between themselves and trick-or-treaters, such as sliding candy down a tube or chute, others may follow recommended practices of using tongs to distribute candy or pouring pre-packaged candy onto a tray for children to choose. 3. Health authorities are recommending to “keep it local, keep it small,” which means staying within one’s local neighborhood and in small trick-or-treating groups. Ideally these groups should be built

around the children’s pre-existing cohorts or bubbles. 4. Encourage children to bring — and use — hand sanitizer as they are likely to be touching their faces more than usual while adjusting their costumes. 5. Have children wash their hands thoroughly at home before they start digging into their loot. Although you may want to encourage your child’s independence by letting them trick-or-treat without you if it is developmentally appropriate, you also want to ensure your child has the maturity and ability to manage these added pandemic-specific suggestions. If you do not think your child can follow through with your COVID-19 Halloween plan, you may consider putting on a costume and joining them in the local tour of neighbors’ porches this year! If trick-or-treating is a no-go Although it may be hard to tell your child they cannot partake in trick-or-treating, an honest conversation about the specific reasons for why they cannot help them process the information. Research shows that parents who are open to discussion and collaboration tend to be most successful in conversations with their children. When discussing this decision with your child, tailor the details of this conversation to their age. For children under six, you may want to emphasize that this is to keep them and others safe. For children older than six, emphasize that this choice plays an active role in reducing the transmission of the virus and that missing Halloween this year is likely a one-off. If you child indicates that they are upset

or frustrated about missing out on the Halloween tradition this year, start by taking the time to listen and validate their feelings. It is a treasured holiday for most children and it’s understandable that they feel miffed for missing out. Be compassionate and let them know that feeling disappointed and upset is completely understandable. For instance, you could share something along the lines of: “I understand why you feel sad that you can’t trick-or-treat this year, I know how much you love that tradition.” While it is hard to see our children upset, it also presents an opportunity to help them learn some problem-solving skills. You can encourage them to brainstorm some options and resist the urge to find all the solutions for them. When children generate solutions to their problems, it helps give them a sense of control over the situation and an enhanced degree of satisfaction. For example, research has shown that children are more likely to be motivated and buy into plans if they had a say in developing them. The executive functioning skills they learn through problem-solving is also good for their brain health. Although door-to-door trick-or-treating may not be an option for your family, there are plenty of alternatives. Some ideas could include a candy scavenger hunt in the house or park, a Halloween movie night or a virtual costume show-and-tell with family and friends. And even though you are not trick-or-treating, you can still have fun with other Halloween traditions, like pumpkin carving and lawn decorations. Ultimately, it will be up to parents to decide whether they are comfortable with trick-or-treating this year. If you want to take a more collaborative approach with your child, you can discuss the pros and cons of trick-or-treating and together come to a decision. This approach may be particularly important for the growth and development of older children and adolescents. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

Day of the Dead

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

The Day of the Dead

We have all heard about the Day of the Dead or seen the classic sugar skull paintings—but what does this celebration really represent? Source By Logan Ward

ERE’S ONE THING we know: Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. Though related, the two annual events differ greatly in traditions and tone. Whereas Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, Day of the Dead festivities unfold over two days in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. Sure, the theme is death, but the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers don funky makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing, dance and make offerings to lost loved ones. What Is Day Of The Dead? Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. While the holiday originated in Mexico, it is celebrated all over Latin America with colorful calaveras (skulls) and calacas (skeletons). Learn how the Day of the Dead started and the traditions that make it unique. The rituals are rife with symbolic meaning. The more you understand about this feast for the senses, the more you will appreciate it. Here are 10 essential things you should know about Mexico’s most colorful annual event. [See more stunning photos from Day of the Dead celebrations.] Recognition by UNESCO Thanks to efforts by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, the term “cultural heritage” is not limited to monuments and collections of objects. It also includes living expressions of culture—traditions—passed down from generation to generation. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today Mexicans from all religious and ethnic

backgrounds celebrate Día de los Muertos, but at its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of indigenous life. History Day of the Dead originated several thousand years ago with the Aztec, Toltec, and other Nahua people, who considered mourning the dead disrespectful. For these pre-Hispanic cultures, death was a natural phase in life’s long continuum. The dead were still members of the community, kept alive in memory and spirit—and during Día de los Muertos, they temporarily returned to Earth. Today’s Día de los Muertos celebration is a mash-up of pre-Hispanic religious rites and Christian feasts. It takes place on November 1 and 2—All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on the Catholic calendar—around the time of the fall maize harvest. Altars The centerpiece of the celebration is an altar, or ofrenda, built in private homes and cemeteries. These are not altars for worshipping; rather, they are meant to welcome spirits back to the realm of the living. As such, they are loaded with offerings— water to quench thirst after the long journey, food, family photos, and a candle for each dead relative. If one of the spirits is a child, you might find small toys on the altar. Marigolds are the main flowers used to decorate the altar. Scattered from altar to gravesite, marigold petals guide wandering souls back to their place of rest. The smoke from copal incense, made from tree resin, transmits praise and prayers, purifies the area around the altar. Literary calaveras Calavera means “skull.” But during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, calavera was used to describe short, humorous poems, which were often sarcastic tombstone epitaphs published in newspapers that poked fun at the living. These literary calaveras

eventually became a popular part of Día de los Muertos celebrations. Today the practice is alive and well. You’ll find these clever, biting poems in print, read aloud, and broadcast on television and radio programs. The calavera Catrina

In the early 20th century, Mexican political cartoonist and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada created an etching to accompany a literary calavera. Posada dressed his personification of death in fancy French garb and called it Calavera Garbancera, intending it as social commentary on Mexican society’s emulation of European sophistication. “Todos somos calaveras,” a quote commonly attributed to Posada, means “we are all skeletons.” Underneath all our manmade trappings, we are all the same. In 1947 artist Diego Rivera featured Posada’s stylized skeleton in his masterpiece mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park.” Posada’s skeletal bust was dressed in a large feminine hat, and Rivera made his female and named her Catrina, slang for “the rich.” Today, the calavera Catrina, or elegant skull, is the Day of the Dead’s most

ubiquitous symbol. Food of the dead You work up a mighty hunger and thirst traveling from the spirit world back to the realm of the living. At least that is the traditional belief in Mexico. Some families place their dead loved one’s favorite meal on the altar. Other common offerings: Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is a typical sweet bread (pan dulce), often featuring anise seeds and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough. The bones might be arranged in a circle, as in the circle of life. Tiny dough teardrops symbolize sorrow. Sugar skulls are part of a sugar art tradition brought by 17th-century Italian missionaries. Pressed in molds and decorated with crystalline colors, they come in all sizes and levels of complexity. Drinks, including pulque, a sweet, fermented beverage made from the agave sap; atole, a thin warm porridge made from corn flour, with unrefined cane sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla added; and hot chocolate. Costumes Day of the Dead is an extremely social holiday that spills into streets and public squares at all hours of the day and night. Dressing up as skeletons is part of the fun. People of all ages have their faces artfully painted to resemble skulls, and, mimicking the calavera Catrina, they don suits and fancy dresses. Many revelers wear shells or other noisemakers to amp up the excitement—and also possibly to rouse the dead and keep them close during the fun. Papel picado You have probably seen this beautiful Mexican paper craft plenty of times in stateside Mexican restaurants. The literal translation, pierced paper, perfectly describes how it has made. Artisans stack colored tissue paper in dozens of layers, then perforate the layers

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

with hammer and chisel points. Papel picado is not used exclusively during Day of the Dead, but it plays an important role in the holiday. Draped around altars and in the streets, the art represents the wind and the fragility of life. Day of the Dead today Thanks to recognition by UNESCO and the global sharing of information, Día de los Muertos is more popular than ever—in Mexico and, increasingly, abroad. For more than a dozen years, the New York-based nonprofit cultural organization Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders has staged the city’s largest Day of the Dead celebration. But the most authentic celebrations take place in Mexico. If you find yourself in Mexico City the weekend before Day of the Dead this year, make sure to stop by the grand parade where you can join in on live music, bike rides and other activities in celebration throughout the city. Countless communities in Mexico celebrate Day of the Dead, but styles and customs differ by region, depending on the region’s predominant pre-Hispanic culture. Here are a few places that stand out for their colorful and moving celebrations: Pátzcuaro: One of the most moving Day of the Dead celebrations takes place each year in Pátzcuaro, a municipality in the state of Michoacán about 225 miles west of Mexico

Day of the Dead

City. Indigenous people from the countryside converge on the shores of Pátzcuaro Lake, where they pile into canoes, a single candle burning in each bow, and paddle over to a tiny island called Janitzio for an all-night vigil in an indigenous cemetery. Mixquic: In this Mexico City suburb, bells from the historic Augustinian convent toll and community members bearing candles and flowers process to the local cemetery, where they clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. Tuxtepec: This small city in the northeastern part of Oaxaca state is best known for its sawdust rugs. For days, locals painstakingly arrange colored sawdust, flower petals, rice, pine needles, and other organic materials in elaborate, ruglike patterns on city streets. Traditionally made for important processions, Tuxtepec’s sawdust rugs are judged in a contest held during Día de los Muertos. Aguascalientes: Located roughly 140 miles north of Guadalajara, Aguascalientes— birthplace of engraver José Guadalupe Posada—stretches its Day of the Dead celebrations to nearly a week during its Festival de Calaveras (Festival of Skulls). The festival culminates in a grand parade of skulls along Avenida Madero. Source: www.Nationalgeographic.Com

12 Day of the Dead Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020 Oaxaca welcomes spirits home with “bread of the dead”

On Day of the Dead, families throughout Mexico make offerings of food to their departed loved ones. By Joel Balsam

On the other side of town, another one of Sánchez’s grandkids, 28-year-old Eduardo, paints a gigantic face of Frida Kahlo. The art piece will be displayed in the center of Miahuátlan and entered in the first-ever carita competition for a chance to win 1500 pesos. When asked if he thinks his carita will win, without looking up he says, “Probably.” “Here in Oaxaca, we celebrate this festival more than Christmas, more than Mexico’s Independence Day,” Eduardo explains. “We see the dead with sadness, but also with joy.” Behind him is an altar decorated with pictures of his grandparents as well as his father who died just two years ago. There’s also a Bible, flowers, and candles, but no pan de muerto. Noticing its absence, Eduardo runs into a back room and pulls out a golden-brown loaf—embedded in it is a face made by the Sánchez family. “There’s no Día de Muertos altar without bread,” Eduardo explains. “The bread is essential.”

n ovens across Oaxaca, bakers are raising the dead. The recipe is simple: Mix eggs, flour, yeast, sugar, a dash of anise and let sit. Sculpt the velvety dough into a round body, cut slits for arms and legs, and add the finishing touch: the carita, or little face. Put it in the oven, and watch it rise into a golden pan de muerto—bread of the dead. There are more than 400 types of pan de muerto prepared in bakeries throughout Mexico during Día de los Muertos, the festival honoring the dead. The three-day celebration lasts from October 31 to November 2, and features elaborate costumes, wild street parties, and sacred traditions. Gifts of sweets, mescal, and pan de muerto are laid out on ofrendas, or altars, to welcome the dead home—but Oaxaca is the only state where the bread stares back. Gifts to the living and the dead Forty minutes outside of Oaxaca City in Tlacolula, a young runner jostles his way through the crowd balancing a pallet stacked high with pan de muerto on his head. They were made at Tlacopan, a bakery that ships thousands of loaves to the market in the days leading up to Día de los Muertos. Back at the shop, Edgardo Montes García pinches the shape of a head and feet into a slab of dough and presses in the carita. García says Tlacopan—a bakery he hopes to take over from his father someday—is adored for maintaining the traditional Oaxacan style of bread making. “The bread that you’ll see in Mexico City is very commercial, but here it’s a very, very artisanal bread,” he says. “From the recipe, the way we do the work, and the oven— it’s an oven of clay and firewood—it’s very traditional.» On an altar in his home, García will place a loaf of his best pan de muerto alongside chocolate, fruit, and mole negro, a complex sauce made with as many as 40 ingredients including fiery chilies and rich, Mexican chocolate. “[The dead] come the first [of November] and the second to eat breakfast with us,” he says. “On the altar, we put ofrendas of the most traditional food or what they liked.” The faces behind the faces While Tlacolula is known for its pan de muerto, the caritas themselves come from two hours south of Oaxaca City in the town of Miahuátlan. There, 70-year-old Guadalupe Sánchez watches as Lucio, the youngest of her 11 children, presses a teardrop-shaped slab of dough into a clay mold of Jesus’s

face—the same mold she used as a girl. Sánchez recalls when the caritas only came in the shape of Christ, with the bread signifying the tomb he rose from to heaven. But other shapes have been added over the years, including the Virgin Mary, angels, and secular figures like calaveras (skulls) and Aztec symbols, a tribute to one of the ancient civilizations that inspired Día de los Muertos. Starting as early as February, three generations of the Sánchez family color the face-shaped dough with vegetable-based

paint and churn out hundreds of thousands of caritas. Watching their process, it soon becomes clear why the faces are made with safe-to-eat ingredients: Sánchez’s three-year-old granddaughter María Fernanda tosses a piece of bread into her mouth, carita and all. “Working all this time with the family, the family becomes one,” says Ana Lilia Toribio Santos, Sánchez’s daughter-in-law. “It’s a tradition from a long time ago and we don’t want to lose it in future generations.”

Welcoming the dead home On the evening of October 31, copal incense sweetens the air and thousands of flickering candles illuminate Pantéon de Xoxocotlán, a cemetery just south of Oaxaca City—Día de los Muertos has arrived. Juventino Hernández Esteba, a Mixtec native and practicing Catholic, sits in front of his mother’s grave and snacks on pan de muerto with his wife Luciana and granddaughter Dalila. “Today, the angelitos will come—the children, the little souls. Tomorrow in the afternoon, the angelitos will go,” he says. “Then the adults will come at 3 p.m. tomorrow and they’ll stay until November 2.” Esteba admits not everyone believes the dead visit. When he came to the cemetery with his mother in the past, he was also skeptical. But her death was all the convincing he needed. “My mother died on November 2 at 3 p.m.—the day they all go,” he says. “It was something incredible. Because me, I believed, but not that much. But when this happened, I believed.” Across the cemetery, men blow into tubas and strum guitars amidst choruses of laughter. The majority sit quietly alongside lavishly decorated headstones, some drink beer or mescal, others dunk pan de muerto in chocolate. Esteba says without the joy, without the ofrendas, the dead may not come back. “This ofrenda is the essence—its part of [why] they come,” he says. “What do they come to eat? Their bread, their chocolate.” Source: www.nationalgeographic.com

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Day of the Dead

Authorities call not to go to this place on October 31 They will restrict access to the boardwalk for Day of the Dead celebrations • The deputy director of Civil Protection and Firefighters also invited citizens to live the tradition of Day of the Dead from home

s part of the prevention measures against Covid-19, the municipal government of Puerto Vallarta headed by Arturo Dávalos Peña, calls on citizens to celebrate the tradition of Day of the Dead from home and that on October 31, do not go to the boardwalk, as is done year after year, to avoid the massive congregation of people in this space and not expose their health and well-being. The deputy director of Civil Protection and Firefighters, Adrián Bobadilla García, announced that to avoid crowds on the boardwalk, on October 30 and 31, Citizen Security and Civil Protection personnel will install filters in all the intersections that give access to this area, as well as at the hotel Rosita and El Caballito, to invite citizens not to focus on the place and inhibit the celebration of ‘Halloween’, in addition to requesting the use of face masks and all sanitary measures.

In addition to these actions, it indicated that the additional measures that the State Government may issue for their due compliance are being observed. “Until now, our function as a municipality is to invite people not to come to the boardwalk on the 31st so that many people do not

accumulate due to the issue of the pandemic. That they avoid bringing their children, that they avoid infecting their children, that they avoid bringing their older adults, that they do not celebrate the 31st ”. The official recalled that by decree of the state government, in Jalisco all

public events are canceled on this date and on the Day of the Dead, both by municipal authorities and private entities in public spaces. “All Day of the Dead celebrations from October 31 to November 2 are completely prohibited. The pantheons are going to be closed and the city council

is not going to put up altars as it does every year, it is not going to put catrinas, that is to inhibit people from coming“. For this reason, he again invited the people of Vallarta to remember their deceased faithful from home, because due to current health risks, “we have to carry out this

tradition in our homes this year, we cannot do it any other way.” He also asked that in case of placing altars, the necessary security measures be taken with the use of candles so as not to put their heritage at risk, take all the care to avoid any accident, and live this tradition safely.

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

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18 Health Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020 Breast cancer awareness is not enough: Public health strategies need to be based on prevention Jane E. McArthur Doctoral Candidate, Sociology-Social Justice, University of Windsor

’m tired of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Forgive me, but as a researcher studying how we understand information on links between environmental and occupational exposures and breast cancer, I’ve grown weary of yet another October decorated in pink, promoting the same message of awareness. The message itself has become tired, and awareness-raising alone is an ineffective solution to the breast cancer epidemic. Year after year, we miss opportunities for critical interventions into the primary prevention of breast cancer. For my dissertation research on awareness of environmental breast cancer risks, I interviewed women workers at the Ambassador Bridge, where there are high rates of breast cancer. Larissa* pointed out: “I know it is out there. I know it happens. You see breast cancer awareness everywhere, but it’s pink. That’s what you see. You don’t see information on what we can do to prevent.” Screening and early detection programmes are widely promoted, advocacy for treatments continues and survival with breast cancer for some groups of women has improved. These are crucial pieces for tackling breast cancers that develop. But comparatively little effort seems to go into primary prevention, which means stopping cancer before it starts. The focus persists on advising women to exercise, eat well and limit alcohol intake. Messaging about the need for policy, regulation, legislation, strategies and programs that prioritize primary prevention from environmental exposures to breast carcinogens are inconspicuous. Lifetime risk is 1 in 8 I recognize that Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity for contribution, engagement and hope. And I understand why women and their allies support these initiatives. It offers a chance to feel some power over a disease that creates so much fear and suffering. Nearly 630,000 women across the globe died from breast cancer last year. The overall global incidence of breast cancer continues to rise with marginal improvements in five-year survival rates. North American women face a one in eight lifetime risk for breast cancer, with almost 525 new diagnoses of breast cancer each week in Canada. Fourteen Canadian women die each day from breast cancer. Incidence is rising in younger women, specifically in premenopausal women.

Only five to ten per cent of cases are related to genetics, with family history, lifestyle and behaviour factoring into overall incidence. Fewer than 50 per cent of breast cancers can be explained by known or suspected risk factors. Research suggests that environmental factors may contribute in 70 to 90 per cent of breast cancer cases. When I interviewed Annie, she said: “I am a big proponent of government taking care of us citizens. To me, that is what government is for. Regulation is important to me. I feel that that’s key.” With Annie’s words and those of other women in mind, I recently wrote to governmental leaders, ministries, public health agencies and the Canadian Cancer Society. I conveyed my concerns about the focus on awareness that highlights lifestyle factors and omits exposures in our living and working environments. I suggested we need more action on primary prevention to limit or eliminate exposures to known and suspected breast carcinogens. My letter also reflected Erin’s thoughts: “I think that ensuring that people have the knowledge of what is really going on is a big issue. And then, with the knowledge, change policy or the way that things are being done, so that people are not at risk.” Primary prevention To implement practical primary prevention activities, we need to draw on the science of the associations between breast cancer and risky exposures in our social environments. For example, when we know women are being exposed to identified breast carcinogens in their workplaces, why are we not reducing or eliminating these exposures to prevent breast cancer? When we know that there are endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care products, and these are associated with an elevated risk for breast cancer, why are we not eliminating or replacing these substances? When science tells us that women in areas with high volumes of air pollution, especially vehicle exhaust, are at a higher risk of developing premenopausal breast cancer, why are we not putting controls on pollutants or developing alternatives? When we know there are disparities

in breast cancer incidence and survival across groups of racialized women, why are we ignoring social determinants of health in our strategies to mitigate risk and to prevent the disease? Science provides the evidence of exogenous exposures that contribute to the development of breast cancer. Many of these exposures are outside of the control of individual women; they are involuntary

exposures not modifiable with lifestyle or behavioural changes. Instead, systemic changes — regulations, legislation, policies — with the protection of the public is fundamental to prevention. We need the political will and those with power to enact these critical changes. Pink products and awareness-raising are not enough. Currently, when COVID-19, climate change and political turmoil dominate our thoughts, it is tiring even to begin to think of adding yet another struggle to the list. But to effect real change against the breast cancer epidemic, we need more powerful, structural strategies that prevent exposures to known and suspected breast carcinogens in the places we live and work. *Pseudonyms are used to protect the identities of study participants. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license.

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Health

Sharing the Experience of Cancer Patients ...

DIF Bahia de Banderas holds the Forum “Touch yourself with Hope”

reast Cancer is one of the main causes of death in our country and today we want to invite you to prevent this disease through self-examination. I am sure that the message that we are going to share with you today will reach your heart, thank you for being present in this broadcast “, were the words of the LTS Ana Esperanza Berumen de Cuevas, president of the

DIF System, at the beginning of the Virtual Forum” Touch yourself con Esperanza ”which had the participation of three brave women survivors of Breast Cancer. Accompanying his wife and as a special guest, the municipal president, Dr. Jaime Cuevas Tello, recognized the initiation of the Municipal DIF, “as a doctor and as mayor, I have the moral obligation to reinforce these actions that are part of public policy, to be holding hands with those who suffer from this disease that affects not only those who face it but the entire family; Self-exploration is not only recommended to women, but also to men ”. Katia Marite Acardia Gómez, shared that she lived her treatment with the best attitude, “chemotherapies, it was not something easy, but it was necessary. Far from denying, from asking why me? I thought, well, if it already touched me, I already have it, I’m going to enjoy it. Every day I fixed myself, I was a patient who did not stop smiling, talked to my cells, told them that we would be fine and that’s how it was “, adding that she took the disease as her own,” today I can say that cancer did not change my life, because I love life, I love my body, I decided not to reconstruct my breast because I accept and love my body as it is. This is my story, I love my life, my scars, my body and life and whatever comes I live it

with the best attitude”. On the other hand, Mayra Rosalía Flores Peña, was diagnosed in 2012 with just 33 years of age, who shared that while some specialists assured her that she had stress, when she was properly diagnosed, the cancer had advanced and was in the last stage before metastasis, “I was always very demanding of myself and life put a brake on me. It made me go back to the origin, to give a different value to things, “he affirmed that going through this experience gave him the opportunity to help other people who are beginning their fight against this disease,” cancer has marked a before and an after in life. “ Finally, Verónica Serrano, who defines herself as an adventurous, optimistic woman, a lover of nature and willing to help others, learned her diagnosis after a self-examination, “I detected something that was not part of my body one day while I was bathing and I said we must attend to this ”, the surgery to which she was subjected lasted twelve hours and in the operating room she made a commitment to God to help other people,“ my life did change. Today I live more intensely, I enjoy much more everything I do, every evening. I have a new life opportunity that I do not want to miss, I have changed some eating habits, my scar does not stop

me, I live each of my days as if it were the last, I am more alive than ever and I will take advantage of it ”. The panelists agreed that family monitoring is very important and stressed the importance of prevention through self-examination or medical examination; At the end, a present of thanks was given to the panelists for their presentation and to the journalist Noemi Zamora Reynoso, who served as moderator and briefly, also shared her experience as an oncology patient. Finally, the LTS Ana Esperanza Berumen de Cuevas, pointed out that within the body, psychological support is provided to women and men who face this disease, through campaigns for free mammograms and programs such as “Braiding Hope”, where wigs are delivered Oncology, “at DIF we continue working to create and deliver support to those who need it most,” he concluded.

Health

D.O.s like Sean Conley, physician to the president, can face stigma from people who don’t understand the practice. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

An osteopathic medical student practices an adjustment that is part of osteopathic manipulative treatment. Gary Friedman/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

What is osteopathic medicine? A D.O. explains

hen President Trump was diagnosed with COVID-19, many Americans noticed that his physician had the title D.O. stitched onto his white coat. Much confusion ensued about doctors of osteopathic medicine. As of a 2018 census, they made up 9.1% of physicians in the United States. How do they fit into the broader medical field? Andrea Amalfitano is a D.O. and dean of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He explains some of the foundations of the profession and its guiding principle: to use holistic approaches to care for and guide patients. And don’t worry, yes, D.O.s are “real doctors” and have full practice rights across the U.S. How did osteopathic medicine get started? In the years after the Civil War, without antibiotics and vaccines, many clinicians of the day relied on techniques like arsenic, castor oil, mercury and bloodletting to treat the ill. Unsanitary surgical practices were standard. These “treatments” promised cures but often led to more sickness and pain. In response to that dreadful state of affairs, a group of American physicians founded the osteopathic medical profession. They asserted that maintaining wellness and preventing disease was paramount. They believed that preserving health was best achieved via a holistic medical understanding of the individual patients, their families and their communities in mind, body and spirit. They rejected reductionist interactions meant to rapidly address only acute symptoms or problems. They also embraced the concept that the human body has an inherent capacity to heal itself – decades before the immune system’s complexities were understood – and called for this ability to be respected and harnessed. What do osteopathic doctors do today?

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine students take the osteopathic pledge. Michigan State University, CC BY-ND Doctors of osteopathic medicine – D.O.s, for short – can prescribe medication and practice all medical and surgical specialties just as their M.D. counterparts do. Because of the focus on preserving wellness rather than waiting to treat symptoms as they arise, more than half of D.O.s gravitate to primary care, including family practice and pediatrics, particularly in rural and underserved areas. D.O. training embraces the logic that understanding anatomic structures can allow one to better understand how they function. For example, alongside contemporary medical and surgical preventive and treatment knowledge, all osteopathic physicians also learn strategies to treat musculoskeletal pain and disease. These techniques are known as “manual medicine,” or osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). They can provide patients an alternative to medications, including opioids, or invasive surgical interventions.

D.O.s pride themselves on making sure their patients feel they’re treated as a whole person and not simply reduced to a symptom or blood test to be rapidly dealt with and then dismissed. We say we aspire to care for “people, not patients,” with an empathetic attitude and an emphasis on making sure those closest to those in their care, such as family and loved ones, as well as other social factors, are all taken into account. What’s different between a D.O. and an M.D.? The osteopathic philosophy around prevention and wellness might seem like common sense today, but it was revolutionary. Aspects of osteopathic medicine, including the use of alternative therapies such as OMT, were originally met with skepticism or outright hostility by some medical doctors who questioned their scientific bases. Indeed, in 1961, the American Medical Association’s

code of ethics declared it “unethical” for an M.D. physician to professionally associate with doctors of osteopathy. So with the guidance of the American Osteopathic Association, D.O.s created their own D.O. hospitals, residency and fellowship programs, and four-year D.O. degree-granting medical schools. Instruction around the current science of health and illness is similar between D.O.s and M.D.s – it’s the philosophical delivery of that knowledge that’s different. Certainly a holistic approach to health is no longer exclusive to D.O.s. In fact, many M.D., nursing, physician assistant and other health professional schools now embrace parts of it as they deliver care. And now, D.O.s and M.D.s often work side by side in medical settings across the country. More recently, the AMA has recently recognized the D.O. licensing exams as equivalent to the exams M.D.s take. D.O.s compete for the same training residencies as M.D.s and, eventually, the same jobs. How prevalent is osteopathic medicine today? Osteopathic medicine is now one of the fastest-growing health professions, with over 150,000 D.O.s and D.O. medical students practicing in the U.S. and internationally. One in four newly minted U.S. physicians in the class of 2019 graduated from an osteopathic medical school. Osteopathic medicine is now a mainstay of contemporary medical practice, with D.O.s active in all aspects of the nation’s health care systems. Andrea Amalfitano Dean of the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine and Professor of Pediatrics, Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University Source This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Health

Coronavirus cannot deter dancers from their tradition in Tlaxcala Dance of the Knives goes ahead eight months late

he people of Toluca de Guadalupe, Tlaxcala, ended their long wait and took to the hills this week to take the traditional Dance of the Knives to rural communities. The dance, normally performed in the spring as part of Carnival, had to be postponed this year due to the coronavirus, but those who perform it wanted to keep

the tradition alive even after eight months of confinement. The dance, which has been performed since 1930, represents the start of a new agricultural cycle and commemorates a peasant uprising that occurred against abusive landowners at the turn of the last century. As the story goes, indigenous people were able to organize against their European repressors by adopting a practice of talking backward when discussing their plot, that is, saying precisely the opposite of what they

actually meant in order to avert suspicion. The celebration of the reenactment of those events is portrayed by dancers clad in brightly colored shirts, skirts, elaborate hats, shawls, and masks representing different characters such as a doctor, a widow and a priest. They perform complicated dance steps with knives strapped to their ankles to demonstrate their agility and ability not to injure themselves. At the end, the dancers simulate a riot against a Spanish landowner which ends in

his hanging. But the dance also represents the changing seasons and respect for nature. Hats the dancers wear are festooned with rainbow-colored streamers. They carry whips to represent the sound of thunder and bells to symbolize rain, dancing in a circle to the sounds of a violin and guitar. The dance is a celebration steeped in identity and pride, and one that dancers felt important to take to the ranches and farms outside the city, albeit eight months later than usual. Source: El Universal (sp)

Culture

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Guanajuato’s virtual Cervantino festival dubbed a success

he format will be continued in future for its ability to connect with a bigger audience worldwide With a virtual audience of at least two million, organizers are declaring this year’s International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato city a success despite Covid-19 restrictions forcing them to hold much of the festival virtually. In fact, the new hybrid format — a mix of live, in-person activities and performances broadcast on television, radio, and online — was such a success that festival director Mariana Aymerich said it will be repeated in 2021 and beyond, whether or not there are pandemic restrictions next year. “We hope to experience a festival like the one we know, and we are working toward that, but we will continue next year with the virtual format because it permits us to connect with a greater number of people all over the world,” she said during a press conference Sunday that was also broadcast virtually. “What is a fact is that the virtual format is here to stay and will be a more frequent part of the International Cervantino Festival each year,” she added. The fine arts festival, in its 48th year, took place Wednesday through Sunday and involved 822 artists and performers, nearly half of them from at least 13 countries other than Mexico. Organizers say they

saw 300,000 visits to the festival’s internet homepage, which provided links to the virtual events. Aymerich said the festival put on 41 live showings and 23 taped events that were later broadcast on 66 radio stations, 58 public television stations, and 87 public and private online outlets. The festival itself broadcast 10 live transmissions on online platforms and hosted in-person art exhibits and academic

workshops. Events shown on the festival’s YouTube channel had attracted 42,500 views worldwide by Sunday, Aymerich reported. The event is usually a huge boon for Guanajuato’s tourism industry. This year, Aymerich acknowledged that the new format meant a lot less clientele for the city’s tourism-based businesses. “The numbers will not be exactly as

many as in previous years because digital consumption [of events] has different metrics, and the festival was transmitted on various [media] platforms,” she said. Nevertheless, Guanajuato Mayor Alejandro Navarro said hotels were full on the weekend, although he acknowledged that due to state’s current yellow status on the national coronavirus stoplight system, the city’s hotels are currently allowed to function only at 30% capacity. But at Sunday’s press conference, he announced publicly that the city will continue to support the festival financially in years to come. Source: Milenio (sp) Mexico News Daily

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

- The entity concentrates most of the existing companies in the industry’s value chain, positioning itself as the second audiovisual producer in the country

Culture

New film law will make Jalisco the capital of Latin American cinema

- Jalisco has stood out for its outstanding participation in this sector, only in 2019 there were 14 film festivals, in addition to four international events

ith the aim of strengthening the audiovisual ecosystem and its sectors, despite the reductions at the federal level, and through a legal framework that facilitates the attraction of investments and detonates the value chain of this industry, the Governor of the State, Enrique Alfaro, presented this Wednesday the Filming Law, an innovative proposal for technological and audiovisual development in the entity. “Today October 21 marks the way for Jalisco to become in a very short time the capital of cinema in Latin America. In 2019, 110 productions were made and generated a spill of 100 million pesos, it is a huge opportunity to strengthen our economy. Jalisco sends a clear and forceful message: with or without the federal government, next year, despite budget restrictions, we are going to allocate more resources to support the film industry in our state, ”said the president. This initiative aims to regulate the planning, promotion and development of cinematographic, audiovisual, photographic and entertainment works; as well as promoting the development of the infrastructure that is required and preserving the state and national cultural identity. With the Filming Law, Jalisco will have an innovative legal framework that provides confidence to potential investors, promoting good practices within the industry, in addition to positioning the state as an international film destination. “The reason that brings us together today is transcendental for the film industry in our state, it is worth mentioning that Jalisco has the most modern cinema in the country. With the vision and commitment that this industry be strengthened, consolidated and a cultural and economic catalyst for our state, today we are pleased to announce the initiative of the Filming Law of the state of Jalisco, we want to continue promoting the filmic activity and support the abundant talent that exists in our state ”, said Raul Padilla

López, president of the board of trustees of the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG). This project will contribute to the generation of direct and indirect local jobs, since the value chain of industries offers a wide variety of jobs necessary for its formation. To know more In 2019, the audiovisual industry generated 247 billion dollars (MDD) in the world, with a projection of 325 thousand million dollars for the year 2024. Telecommunications, audiovisuals and computing were the second most commercialized services in the world, with 13.2% in 2017; While in 2018 in Mexico the cinema generated 20,110 million pesos of the country’s GDP. The film industry has an important value chain that includes different economic activities from pre-production to the exhibition of films and other audiovisual media.

Environmental

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

The primitive fishes, which scientists call “living fossils,” represent a new taxonomic family, a rare finding. BY DOUGLAS MAIN Doug Main is a senior writer and editor at National Geographic focusing on animals and wildlife.

Dragon snakeheads— strange new underground fish— discovered in India

ESEARCHERS HAVE DISCOVERED a new family of eel-like fish, named dragon snakeheads, which live in underground waters in southern India. These primitive fish are a type of “living fossil” and may have diverged from their nearest relatives more than a hundred million years ago. Discovering a new family of fish— the taxonomic category above genus and species—is very uncommon, says study leader Ralf Britz, an ichthyologist at Senckenberg Natural History Collections, part of the Museum of Zoology in Dresden, Germany. Taxonomic families are often large and diverse; For example, the human family, Hominidae, includes chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas. This family includes only two species, one of which is named the Gollum snakehead, after the subterranean Lord of the Rings character. “We think this is the most exciting discovery in the fish world of the last decade,” says Britz, lead author of a study published recently in Scientific Reports. These strange, long-bodied fish, which dwell in aquifers of porous rock, are rarely seen, only coming to the surface after flooding from heavy rains. Britz says the family’s common name is fitting because “everyone who sees a photo of the fish is somehow reminded of a dragon.” The area where the fish live, the Western Ghats of southern India, is a biodiversity hot spot. In all, scientists have discovered 10 species of subterranean fish in the aquifers there that provide water for millions of people. An estimated six million wells draw from this underground reserve, Britz says. This has lowered the water table and could imperil some of the newfound obscure species that live there. Enigmatic species The saga began in early 2018, when researcher Rajeev Raghavan, a study co-author and fish researcher at Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, spotted a post on Indian social media from a person who found and photographed an odd fish retrieved from their backyard well. Raghavan sent the photo to Britz, who had “no idea what it was,” Britz says— not the species, genus, or family. Britz travelled to India after Raghavan and other colleagues had collected more specimens, to scientifically describe the fish. An initial study, published in Zootaxa in

The Gollum snakehead, named after the subterranean character in Lord of the Rings, is one of two species in a newfound taxonomic family of fishes. May 2019, identified the fish as a new species and genus, named Aenigmachanna gollum— the Gollum snakehead. Shortly thereafter, another researcher found a second species in that genus as well, based on a single specimen—the Mahabali snakehead. Another breakthrough came when Britz and others visited a farmer’s field north of Kochi, a town in Kerala. There, late at night, they found Gollum snakeheads surfacing into a flooded rice paddy. But when Britz and his colleagues performed further research on the anatomy and genetics of these fishes, he found they belong in a new family entirely. His genetic analysis shows they may have diverged from their nearest relatives, snakeheads in the family Channidae, before Africa and India separated and spread apart 120 million years ago, Britz says. There are more than 50 species of Channidae snakeheads, which live in streams and lakes throughout Asia and Africa.

Strange fish The dragon snakeheads have “a whole series of primitive characteristics,” and are rightly called “living fossils,” says David Johnson, an ichthyologist at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., who wasn’t involved in the paper. These unique traits include a shortened swim bladder and fewer vertebrae with ribs, features that show the dragon snakeheads are less specialized than regular snakeheads. The family also lacks a structure called a suprabranchial organ, which allows Channidae snakeheads to breathe air. This air-breathing trick has enabled one species, the northern snakehead, to spread far and become an invasive nuisance in North America and elsewhere. Dragon snakeheads also have eyes and a reddish brown pigmentation—traits uncommon in subterranean fish, many of which are white and eyeless. (Related: World’s largest cavefish discovered in India.)

Britz says it’s unclear why the species have these traits, but suggests it may be because they are not exclusively subterranean. These fish have a unique way of moving in the water, undulating their fins as eels do to move backward and forward. This probably helps them get around in small underground chambers. Watching them can be mesmerizing, Britz says—they move “like a veil in the wind.” Johnson likens the dragon snakeheads to a primitive eel-like fish named Protoanguilla palau, discovered in an undersea cave in Palau, which he helped describe in a 2012 paper. Like the dragon snakeheads, this previously unknown family of eels has ancient traits that have been lost in its relatives, and it has changed relatively little over time. Why such living fossils survive without diversifying much remains a mystery. “I can’t begin to understand why,” Johnson says. Source national geographic.com

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Environmental

Health protocols in place, ready for arrival of monarch butterflies Michoacán sanctuaries prepare to receive tourists with Covid-19 precautions in place

onarch butterfly sanctuaries in Michoacán are preparing to receive tourists for the upcoming arrival of the migrating butterflies, which is expected to begin around November 1. But visitors this year will find new health and safety protocols in place to protect them from Covid-19. The butterfly population has already begun its journey from Canada and is expected to arrive on time at sanctuaries in Sierra Chincua and El Rosario, said Roberto Molina Garduño, a hotelier and tourism promoter who spoke with El Universal. The monarchs typically stay in Michoacán for about five months. Because the sanctuaries are in the open air, the risk of spreading Covid-19 is low. Nevertheless, said Molina, stringent safety protocols will be in place, including mask

Some can travel as far as 14,000 kilometers

he 4,000-kilometer migration of the monarch butterfly from Canada and the United States to the forests of Michoacán and México state is well known. But there is another insect that undertakes an equally impressive annual journey: the dragonfly also migrates, and some do so for even greater distances than the butterflies. Dragonflies, which can fly at speeds of up to 97 kilometers an hour, are capable of crossing the ocean and can travel as far as 14,000 kilometers without rest, says dragonfly expert Enrique González Soriano, a researcher at the National Autonomous University (UNAM) Institute of Biology. The Pantala flavescens species “makes tremendously large migrations, the most extensive for any insect, as they are capable of crossing the Indian Ocean, flying from India to the northeast coast of Africa,” said González, who has studied the insect for 30 years. Although the dragonfly migration is not as well studied as the monarch’s, 11 species of dragonflies migrate in North America, six of which include Mexico in their path. Dragonflies migrate at the end of summer or beginning of fall, following the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico or the Pacific Ocean. Less is known about the migratory phenomenon in the Pacific where there may be more species that arrive in Mexican territory, González

and social distancing requirements, capacity limits of only 20 visitors at a time, and temperature checks at entrances. Tours will be coordinated along different routes within the sanctuaries to avoid visitors encountering groups, and there will be time limits on how long people may visit. According to Molina, the Ministry of Tourism has yet to launch a campaign to promote the migration, which he said indirectly benefits hotels and other tourist-based establishments in the area. The sanctuary in El Rosario alone supports more than 5,000 tourism workers and has the potential to generate over 3 billion pesos for the region. “We are calling upon government officials to pay attention to promoting the butterflies, a distinctive feature of not only Michoacán but of the region and all of Mexico,” Molina said. The official opening to the public of the monarch biosphere reserve is planned for November 18. Source: El Universal (sp)

Monarch butterflies not alone: dragonflies too make long journey to Mexico

says. Dragonflies are too small to track and do not travel in swarms, as monarchs do. Biologist Carlos Velasco, president of Nuevo León’s Biodiversity Commission, pointed out that at least two species of dragonflies have been reported flying over Monterrey recently: the yellow striped dragonfly (Pantala flavescens) mentioned above, as well as the green darner, whose scientific name is Anax junius. The green darner emerges from ponds

and lakes in Mexico in the spring to journey 700 kilometers north to the southern and central portions of the United States where it will lay its eggs and die. The second generation will reach maturity and head south in the fall to return to Mexico. “Dragonflies are predatory insects in the water in their larval stage and outside it, as adults. They feed on other insects, but they can also feed on fish fry, some types of mollusks, and outside the water they are

also predators and feed on wasps, flies and mosquitoes,” González explains, adding that they can also feed on the larva of insects harmful to humans, such as mosquitoes that can transmit dengue or malaria. Velasco says that dragonflies can also act as indicators of the health of the bodies of water or ecosystems where they develop. “Unlike the monarch butterfly, dragonflies need another type of habitat, not like the oyamel forests we have in central Mexico. For dragonflies, it is extremely important that there are wetlands, that is, bodies of water, rivers, streams, where they can lay the eggs of the next generation of dragonflies, that is why the conservation and knowledge of these species is of great importance to all of us,” Velasco says. He recommends that people consider becoming citizen scientists by recording their observations of dragonflies and other flora and fauna on platforms such as Naturalista, part of the iNaturalist.org network. The website is a joint project of the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic in which more than one million people are participants in an online social network of people sharing biodiversity information to help each other learn about nature. Source: Milenio (sp) Mexico News Daily

Riviera Nayarit

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Broadcast Puerto Vallarta confidence to a wide audience, through Columbus Travel Radio Show

he radio program that was broadcast from here reached seven states of the American Union, reaching an average of 80,000 listeners The Public Trust for Tourism Promotion and Advertising of Puerto Vallarta received two members of the Columbus Travel consortium of travel agencies with headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the purpose of familiarizing them with the new biosecurity protocols implemented in the chain of destination services, and instilled confidence in consumers across a broad region of the United States. The message of confidence in Puerto Vallarta was broadcast through the Columbus Travel Radio Show radio program, which is broadcast by 6 radio stations in the United States, located in Utah and in regions of Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and Montana, reaching an average of 80,000 listeners in the two hours of programming. Each of the broadcasts transmitted on Saturdays for 30 years, dedicates the special to a destination in the world, this time Puerto Vallarta starred it for the first time, due to its importance as a world-class destination and a favorite among Americans, especially from these regions of the West Coast in the neighboring country, from where connectivity has undoubtedly begun to recover through easy-to-transit airports such as: Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix,

Portland, Seattle, Houston and Dallas. A RELIABLE DESTINATION Thanks to this important commercial alliance, Puerto Vallarta consolidates its position as a beach destination sufficiently prepared to welcome thousands of vacationers, which in the words of Mark Faldmo vice president of Marketing at Columbus Travel, and the traditional Utah Travel Expo, which previously It brought together more than 6,000 potential travelers

year after year, in which Puerto Vallarta has always participated together with its hotel industry: “Mexico has represented throughout this year the top destination in sales even during the contingency.” The executive added that there are very good expectations for the next winter season, in which the traveler is undoubtedly looking to #revivirsudeseodeviajar to Puerto Vallarta, and where in the words of the expert Larry Galwix, “the traveler will feel even safer in a destination that complies with all security

protocols, not even in your own home ”. In addition to this, he highlighted the colonial flavor that Puerto Vallarta has, especially in its historic center, and the unmissable Magical Towns of the mountains such as San Sebastián del Oeste, the perfect location for all those who want to venture further into the Sierra Madre and have a different experience in the destination, considering that the vast majority are frequent visitors to Puerto Vallarta and are willing to discover new routes.

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Riviera Nayarit

Representatives of the OVC of Riviera Nayarit and AHMBB led the promotional actions, together with the sales executives of the associated hotels

iviera Nayarit encourages the national market with the 2020 Morelia-Bajío caravan. The promotional actions are aimed at the nationals, with an eye on the next winter season. More than 200 travel agents and tour operators were trained on the Riviera Nayarit news during the Second Promotion Caravan in the Bajío and part of the Central and Western parts of the country, in an effort to reactivate the destination’s sales for the next winter season. Promotional actions continue to be directed at the national market with an eye toward economic reactivation in the region after the health contingency caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Between October 12 and 16, the Promotion Caravan toured five important cities in the aforementioned regions: Morelia; Queretaro; San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes and León, which are natural markets for the Riviera Nayarit since they generate just over 34% of national visitors.

Representatives from the OVC and the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association (AHMBB) spearheaded the work, along with sales executives from the associated hotels and wholesale agents. Safe Hotels A lunch-workshop was held in each

of the cities, through which hoteliers and wholesalers updated the attending retail travel agents, to whom they presented the new sales strategies, as well as the way in which the measures are being applied. protection in hotels, in accordance with the protocols dictated by the Federal Government’s Health

Secretariat. In addition, at the beginning of each event a workshop was held in which each exhibitor had the opportunity to present relevant information about their company. Among the wholesalers participated Imacop Tour, La Operadora.com, System Tour, Naturleon, Record Vacation, Grupo FVP and Viajo México, whose representatives gave a broad explanation of the products they offer, which allowed a more direct contact and better dissemination of the information. The Volaris airline, with an office in León, spoke about the connectivity between the Bajío and this region. TO KNOW: The importance of these actions lies in the fact that the Bajío, Central and Western regions of the country are natural markets for the Riviera Nayarit since they generate just over 34% of the national visitors to the destination. There are currently direct flights to this region from Querétaro, San Luis Potosí, Aguascalientes and León, through the Bajío airport.

28 Riviera Nayarit Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020 For Canadian snowbirds, The youngest Spaniard better to isolate from Covid to go around the world in a warm climate promotes Riviera Nayarit

I Biggest risk might be the airline flight itself By Elisabeth Ashe

ith coronavirus cases rising daily, particularly in four of Canada’s most populated provinces, Canadians are turning to Mexico for some winter respite. Having lived part or full-time in Mexico for over 25 years, the thought of not returning to what I have considered my second home seems inconceivable. And I am not alone. There are thousands of Canadians who, like me, flock south of the border every year, arriving anytime between the months of October and May. While reported cases in Mexico appear to be rising again (as they are the world over), most people I talk to feel that it is easier to isolate and distance in a warmer climate than it is in a cold one. Although the biggest risk seems to be the flight itself (middle seats now being sold on most airlines), the idea that we can safely fly with masks, sanitizers, and face shields is an appealing argument. Beaches, hotels, and most restaurants are also open in Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, the part of Mexico where I winter, but at limited capacity. Thankfully, social distancing and mask wearing, washing hands, etc. are widely encouraged from the top down, which makes the idea of going all the more attractive. Although, as in Canada and the U.S., there are still people in Mexico who believe the pandemic is a hoax, for the most part locals are complying with the rules for safety and health. However, it is reported that some tourists from other parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada are not, and there lies the rub. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid both situations and people who do not comply with the guidelines. Still, as easy as it could be to social distance while enjoying a daily dose of vitamin D, two of the biggest concerns for Canadians heading south are health insurance and health care in Mexico should you get sick. In March, Canadians in Mexico

were strongly urged by insurance companies to return immediately as their plans would not cover Covid. This year several insurance companies are offering Covid protection, albeit at a steep price of up to $1,000 extra on top of regular fees. For many of us it is worth considering while some say that given reasonable medical costs in Mexico, it is better to pay as you go. The bigger issue is can the hospitals in places more rural handle the influx of cases should the need arise? And do we as Canadians want to tax a potentially overrun health system and take care away from nationals should things become worse? Another problem for some when deciding on travel is the frequent flight changes or outright cancellation of flights to and from Mexico. In my case I have already used up the credit I was issued for my cancellation back in March, and was warned by the agent that should I have to cancel due to Covid, I would not be issued another. This, however, does not apply if the airline cancels, but it is still a concern. General consensus among expats and locals seems to be that the end of 2020 and going into 2021 will be a much different experience than one we have enjoyed in the past. In Zihuatanejo, we assume there will be few festivals, if any, and perhaps celebrations such as Day of the Dead, Carnival and Cabalgata will be canceled as well. If they are not, most people, including myself, will avoid the huge crowds. Day to day life will be different too, as my friends and I plan our stricter social bubbles with like-minded people, patronizing restaurants and shops that follow guidelines. As in Canada, our hobbies, online classes, and Netflix binging can be as prevalent in Mexico but in a warmer climate. Whether you stay in Canada or go to Mexico, my advice remains the same: follow the guidelines — wear a mask, wash hands and social distance, stay healthy and live your life for the betterment of all. And remember, one day this will pass. The writer divides her time between Canada and Zihuatanejo. Source Mexico News Daily

n his search for “new, exotic and unexploited destinations,” renowned influencer Álvaro Rojas set his sights on the Mexican Pacific Treasury. Álvaro Rojas, photographer, travel reference and the youngest Spaniard to visit every country in the world, was visiting us last month with a genuine interest in getting to know this beautiful treasure of the Mexican Pacific. As a curious fact, he points out, only 200 people in history have visited all the countries in the world, that is, less than those who have been in space. Considered “the travel influencer who actually travels”, at 31 years old Álvaro is a pioneer, not a copycat, as he visits new destinations. He has been literally everywhere and has explored countries that other travelers have not even heard of. It was thus that, in search of “new,

exotic and unexploited destinations”, Álvaro set his eyes on the Riviera Nayarit, where he appeared to see first-hand the most emblematic places, such as the magical towns of Compostela and Jala, located in north of this destination, as well as the coastal towns of Lo de Marcos, San Pancho and Sayulita Pueblo Mágico, the luxurious Punta de Mita and the wonderful Marietas Islands. On his tour, he dedicated himself to creating the most amazing travel content through personalized live stories and fresh, original photographs that captured his experience as a tourist. One of these publications, in which Álvaro can be seen on a boat in front of the “bridge” on the long island, in Las Marietas, had more than 5 thousand “likes”, just to mention a few.

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Riviera Nayarit

7 extreme activities that you can practice F or most people, traveling to unknown places, sometimes alone, is exciting. But there are other people who, in addition to traveling, need an extra dose of adrenaline, explore their limits, and even overcome their fears. And for all those lovers of the extreme, Riviera Nayarit offers endless activities to do in the sky, sea or land; from swimming with whale shark, to releasing turtles, or sports such as surfing, kitesurfing, deep diving, sailing, and even jungle walks, mountain biking, zip lines, or tours aboard All-Terrain vehicles. DIVING / APNEA Although for some diving is not considered an extreme sport, we cannot fail to mention it because not everyone dares to dive more than 30 meters under water, with an oxygen tank strapped to their back to stay alive, surrounded by fauna that is often dangerous. How more extreme can it be? On the other hand, diving is passionate because it allows you to get to know marine life, appreciate coral reefs, colorful fish, stars, jellyfish, and other species that inhabit the sea. There are ideal places for diving such as the Marietas Islands, El Morro, Los Anegados, La Corbeteña, Isla del Coral and Isla Isabel. MOUNTAIN CYCLING At first glance, mountain biking could be considered a non-extreme sport, but if we take into account the conditions in which it is practiced, through demanding trails, on many occasions downhill at full speed, avoiding the trees, rocks and roots that excel along the way, we consider it very appropriate to include it in this series of recommendations. In recent years this sport has been gaining adherents, and being Riviera Nayarit a destination of great natural beauty, with splendid hills, it has hosted important cycling competitions, including the MTB Race, which takes place at the Comprehensively Planned Center. (CIP) Litibú and whose

route combines the sea and the mountains. On the other hand, if you are an amateur cyclist and you like to enjoy nature, there are trails already established in the lush Sierra de Vallejo. KITEBOARDING Kitesurfing or kiteboarding is a dynamic, young, athletic and striking sport that is performed with a surfboard that in turn is attracted by a parachute or “kite”; This combination allows you to reach high speeds on the water, and make spectacular jumps. The winds of Riviera Nayarit are considered by kitesurfers as one of the best in the world because the waves have the ideal characteristics to make the sportsmen’s skills shine, conditions that prevail during most of the year, although it is in the month of May when the atmosphere is ideal. The taste for this sport is so great that the Wind Festival was even created here, an event included in the 100 Must-Sees of Mexico in the category of moments and events, at the height of major international events. SWIM WITH WHALE SHARK Can you imagine swimming with the largest fish known in the marine world? Swimming with the whale shark is one of the most exciting experiences that can be practiced in Riviera Nayarit from November to March. The magnificence and majesty of the fish is such that the visitor is truly impressed and grateful for having the privilege of observing it from just one meter away. SURF Surfing is undoubtedly the favorite among adrenaline junkies who go to the beaches in search of catching the biggest waves in the world and whose motto is: “The bigger the wave, the better.” It is considered the extreme sport “king” of the beaches and to practice it only requires a specially designed board, a lot of patience and a large dose of energy. This sport is what has made Sayulita

stand out as a special place for surfers at an international level; On its beach you can slide, it does not matter if you are a beginner or a professional, since it has three different waves: left, right and a section to learn. RAPPING, CLIMBING AND CANYONING An extremely extreme alternative for lovers of nature tourism is the practice of rappelling, climbing and canyoneering, which in the Riviera Nayarit is quite an experience. Adventurers can see natural and cultural attractions while exercising. CANDLE Sailing is one of the most extreme nautical sports because not only do you have to have an admirable physical condition, but it requires temperance, strength, and courage to face the wind and the sea. Fortunately, in the Riviera Nayarit -especially in the Banderas Bay region- the conditions are perfect for sailing in any of its disciplines, since there is always wound to drive and the sea is kind to boats. It does not matter if you are a novice or an expert handling the waves, here you will find a great variety of places to enjoy this sport.

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Sports

Between the mountains and the sea, the adrenaline of the 7th edition of the Pacific Games

rom November 13 to 15, athletes from all over the country will be here in the national crossfit competition One of the largest national sporting events, the Pacific Games, will be held in Puerto Vallarta from November 13 to 15 , the arrival of more than 300 athletes from various states of the country is expected who, in addition to competing in this extreme sport, will be able to relax and enjoy the many attractions that this beach destination offers. It was in 2014 when the first edition of the event was held in Puerto Vallarta, and since then it has not stopped growing; the organizers comment that this destination represents a great attraction for crossfit fans , with new varied, fun and safe dynamics. The framework of the Sierra Madre mountains and the Pacific Ocean will witness the adrenaline that athletes develop during their daily routines(known as ‘work of the day’, WOD in crossfit slang), which will have a magnificent setting on the beach. The main venues for the tests will be the ‘Agustín Flores Contreras’ sports unit and Camarones beach, which will be prepared to receive the competitions with respect to all the preventive indications set by the health authorities. The Pacific Games are a warm and friendly event attended by athletes with the idea of living together and meeting a large community with a loyal spirit ; the athletes preparation needs to be the best so they can have a good performance since it involves several disciplines such as Olympic

lifting, cardiovascular resistance, athletics, gymnastics and swimming. And of course, competing on the beach in a destination like Puerto Vallarta is a great motivator for the participants. A RELIABLE DESTINATION There are six categories of athletes participating in the men’s and women’s branches : RX, highest level. Elite, requires solid physical condition. Master, similar to Elite for over 40s. Inter, athletes with technical consistency in basic activities. PPT, special category for newly started athletes. Youth, for competitors from 13 to 16 years old. Athletes can now register for the category that corresponds to them. The program indicates that Friday the 13th will be the registration and the athletes meeting. On Saturday 14 from 7:00 am there will be competitions, at 12:00 pm will be the official opening and at 1:00 pm, new rounds of competitions. On Sunday 15, the competitions will start at 8:00 am and the final will be at 4 pm. Sports tourism is one of the most hyperactive segments in Puerto Vallarta. Event organizers show that this destination offers them the best conditions, since it awakens confidence in travelers ; Thus, in the coming weeks we will have soccer 11 tournaments, soccer 7 tournaments, an athletic race on Doctor’s Day, the Puerto Vallarta-San Sebastián del Oeste Cycling Route and the Pacific Games, which will surely be a success, commented the Acting Director of the Trust of Promotion and Publicity of Puerto Vallarta, Luis Villaseñor.

32 Sports Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020 Sinaloa native Julio Urías becomes World Series star It’s been a long and challenging road for the left-hander from Culiacán

uliacán native Julio Urías has traveled a long, challenging and at times dark road to reach Major League Baseball’s 2020 World Series. But it will all be worth it if the Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher is, as predicted, given the opportunity to take the field in Saturday’s fourth game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Urías, 24, moved to the United States as a teenager to pursue a baseball career after being signed to the Dodgers on his 16th birthday by scouting legend Mike Brito. His talent as a pitcher was recognized at a very young age, recalls Carlos Urías, his father, in an interview with the newspaper Reforma. “A lot of people who watched how my son played from the age of 5 said … ‘He can play good ball.’” While recognizing his talent, Carlos Urías said he didn’t want to place any pressure on his son by making a big deal about his baseball skills, explaining that all he wanted was for him to enjoy the game. Besides, Julio already had a significant challenge to deal with – he was born with a benign tumor on his left eye that grew larger as he did. Carlos said he taught his son to accept the problem and see it as “something normal” but he was bullied by other kids who singled him out as being different. Three surgeries to remove the tumor didn’t slow down Julio’s progression through the junior baseball ranks in Mexico. He began playing for the Mexican youth team in his early teens and caught the attention of Brito at a showcase event in Oaxaca in 2012. A year later, at the age of just 16, he made his debut in the U.S. minor leagues, playing for the Great Lakes Loons in the Midwest League. In 2016, at the tender age of 19, he made the step up to the big time, debuting in the Major League as the Dodgers’ starting pitcher. He was the youngest starting pitcher to debut for the dodgers in more than 70 years. Urías pitched 18 games in his debut season in the Major League but was sent back to the minor leagues in 2017 before suffering an injury to his valuable left shoulder that threatened to put an end to his fledgling professional career. But after surgery and a long rehabilitation process, he returned late in the 2018 season and his career got a further boost at the start of the 2019 season when he was selected as the Dodgers’ starting pitcher on several occasions. But just as things were looking up, his career was abruptly put on pause as he was suspended for 20 games after being arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of domestic battery. CBS Sports reported that Urías was arrested in May 2019 after witnesses said he shoved his girlfriend to the ground in a parking lot in L.A. While he was arrested, police didn’t charge the then 22-year-old because

the woman didn’t suffer any injury and “she at no point indicated to either the uniformed police officers or to civilian witnesses that she believed she was a victim.” Nevertheless, Major League Baseball suspended Urías, concluding that he had violated the league’s domestic violence policy. The pitcher chose not to challenge the decision, saying in a statement that he took “full responsibility” for his “inappropriate conduct.” “Even in this instance where there was no injury or history of violence, I understand and agree that Major League players should be held to a higher standard,” he said. “I hold myself to a higher standard as well. I have taken proactive steps to help me grow as a person on and off the field, and in my relationships, including attending counseling sessions. I am deeply grateful for all the support I’ve received during this challenging time. I look forward to proving it is well deserved.” Urías returned to the Major League later in the 2019 season and in January 2020 agreed to a US $1-million deal for this year’s pandemic-shortened season. In the seven-game series against the Atlanta Braves that the Dodgers won 4-3 to qualify for the World Series, Urías played an important role, throwing a career high 101 pitches in game 3 before returning to the mound after three days’ rest to throw 39 pitches and claim the final nine outs in game 7. The Los Angeles Times concluded that the Dodgers had “removed the last layer of bubble wrap from left-hander Julio Urías, the

pitching prodigy who was eased into the major leagues as a teenager in 2016 and stamped with a “fragile: handle-with-care” label for a solid year after returning from major shoulder surgery in 2018.” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said much the same, telling reporters last week that “we’ve kind of handled him over the last four years with kid gloves” and acknowledging that Urías “hasn’t really liked and appreciated” the treatment. He described his young charge as “very talented, very smart and very tough.” He hasn’t yet pitched in the World Series (currently tied at 1-1 ahead of game 3 Friday) but according to ESPN, the Dodgers are “lining him up to start game 4 on Saturday.” If he does take the field in Arlington, Texas, tomorrow, there is no doubt that he will have massive support both in his adopted home town of Los Angeles and back home in Mexico, something that is not lost on the pitcher. “Ever since my debut, ever since the moment I signed, we all know which team

is the most popular among Latino people, among Mexican people,” Urías said recently, attributing the Dodgers’ popularity with Mexicans to the fact that Sonora native Fernando Valenzuela played for the team throughout the 1980s. Possibly the most famous Mexican who will be cheering Urías on as he throws against the Tampa Bay Rays is President López Obrador, an avid baseball fan who took time out of his own batting practice this week to acknowledge the Culiacán pitcher’s performance in the final game of the series against the Braves. “Julio Urías, our compatriot from Culiacán, got us out of a hole. He pitched very well and did a very good job. I’m supporting the Dodgers to be the champions of the 2020 World Series,” he said in a video message. “[Urías’ performance] is a tribute to Fernando Valenzuela, … the best Mexican baseball player of all time, an extraordinary pitcher. Julio Urías is following in his footsteps.” Source: Reforma (sp) Mexico News Daily

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020

Charities

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to cpsmedia.pv@gmail.com You can find all of our local charities online at vallartatribune.com Amigos de La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, A.C. – contributing to the quality of life in La Cruz through cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. Tax Deductible. www. amigosdelacruz.org Contact Amy Welch amywelchpdx@comcast.net Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club – Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio – Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead. amigosdelmagisterio.com lysephilrioux@ hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly – Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@ hotmail.com or mexonline.com\ asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down – Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577. Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter – Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. CANICA – Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688. Casa Hogar – A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, casahogar_maximocornejo@hotmail. com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974

Photo by Nomad Family Photo Group

Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara – Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754. COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic – Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www. fundacioncorazon.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) – Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153. Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851

fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@ fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@ hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com International Friendship Club – Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta. www. ifcvallarta.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League – assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico – Challenging Child Poverty with health and education

programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@ newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz – substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org Purr Project – no-kill feline rescue located near Puerto Vallarta providing homeless cats and kittens a recuperative stay with the ultimate goal of adopting them out to loving homes, sterilized, vaccinated and disease free. www.purrproject.com PEACEAnimals – Free mobile spay/ neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza Orphanage for children aged 0-14. www.ccshf.ca SETAC - Effectively reduce the incidence of HIV / AIDS in Puerto Vallarta and promoting respect for human rights of people living with HIV / AIDS www.setac. com.mx SPCA PV – Provides long term no-kill shelter and vet services as well as rehabilitation and adoption to rescued animals. www.spcapv.com Vallarta Botanical Gardens - An award winning botanical garden that offers research & education of native plant life, city beautification programs, bird and butterfly watching, orchid garden and more etc. www.vbgardens.org

Oct 26 - Nov 2, 2020