Issue 912, September 26 - October 02, 2014 by Vallarta Tribune

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Hurricane Odile recovery efforts

September 26 - October 2, 2014 Free Issue 912

Travel

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Photo by Madeline Milne

welcome 02

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014 PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fernando Gonzalez Corona Director DAVID ROJO sjcbcs@yahoo.com.mx Director noemi zamora noemi_zamora_reynoso@hotmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Editorial Board Marcia Blondin Raymond C. Beaty Lois Ellison John & Christie Forget Landon Hollander Nancy Van Landingham Robina Oliver Sales Team FERNANDO AYALA salestribune@outlook.com Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cisandra@vallartatribune.com cysandra@gmail.com Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely 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 soon 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 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 edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. (322) 226-0829, 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from San Blas in the north. BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person. MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees. DRINKING WATER: For the 17th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere.

EXPORTING PETS: Fall in love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com.

COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun! DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking. LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that 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 in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance. Long-distance calls from within Mexico For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (for the U.S. and Canada the country code is 1, so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number). Calling Cell Phones (from a land line) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, then the 10 digit number including area code. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number. Phone Cards Phone cards (“tarjetas telefonicas”) for use in pay phones can be bought at newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments. Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. 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

Celebrate World Tourism Day Sept. 25 to 28th, Puerto Vallarta September 25th at City Hall, Centro Opening cocktail and art exhibit by local galleries and artists at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25th continuing through the 28th,

Sept. 26th at Los Arcos Ampitheater

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police Immigration: 322.224.7719 322.290.0507 Consumer Protection: Fire Department: 01.800.468.8722 322.223.9476

Salsa Festival at 8 p.m.

Sept. 27th at City Hall, Centro Gastronomic Festival at 8 p.m with all the best restaurants offering their specialties accompanied by Mariachi music

Sept. 28th Tourist Race starting at 8 a.m. at Sports Stadium across from the Sheraton. Closing of the tourism event at the patio of City Hall on Sunday evening.

Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145

Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

Editorial 03

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Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta Win 7-night stay at the Hacienda San Angel + your flights! Raffle tickets only $35 usd

Editor´s Note

ow that summer is officially over it seems as though we can assume that fall can’t be far behind. Back in May and June I was fairly certain we would never see the end of the heat. But here we are end of September (how did that happen so fast?) and the mornings are definitely a little cooler. I’ll even admit to sleeping with a sheet again. It’s heavenly. Here at the Tribune things are picking up. We have a couple new contributors in the coming weeks. This week we have Marcella Castellanos a certified Health & Wellness Coach, who this week gives us an excuse to indulge in one of Mexico’s greatest contributions to society, chocolate. Marcella will be writing bi-weekly for the time being on healthy living in Mexico. Something many of us could probably use more of… I’m not sure she’ll agree but I think what she’s saying is you can have another margarita, if you eat more chocolate. We also have Kathleen Phelps back with another Tale to Tell. Many of our residents and visitors here in Banderas Bay have fascinating ‘tales to tell’ about their lives before Mexico. I’ve always said that it takes a certain type of person to uproot and call another country or culture home; adventurous of course but also intelligent, open-minded and enthusiastic along with stubborn, opinionated and generous. For without these qualities, most of us would be chewed up and sent packing back where we came from. (Or perhaps it’s these qualities that sent us packing from

home in the first place.) Speaking about packing, I’m heading to Vancouver, Canada tomorrow and haven’t even started to pack, though I did buy some close-toed shoes last week. I am determined to pack next to nothing and to buy up all the fantastic end of summer sale items I can find. I’m also going to stack up on Twizzlers, Smarties and Ketchup chips. I wonder if eating more chocolate will cancel out those calories. If you are worried about next week’s Tribune, don’t be. Through the power of the internet we will get next week’s copy to you same as always. Here at the Tribune we are looking for a couple new contributors. We have space for 2-3

Looking for a few good…

new columns this winter season. If you can commit to weekly or bi-weekly and you have a topic that is interesting and relevant for those of us who live and travel to Banderas Bay, please give me a shout and we can discuss your ideas. Email editor@vallartatribune.com We also welcome articles, photos and announcements (for non-profit/fundraising events). Deadline to be published in the Friday paper is Tuesday at 5pm. There is no guarantee we can publish everything but we’ll do our best. Please enjoy this week’s paper and if you have comments or suggestions you can always share with me. Have a great week. Madeline

Writers!

on’t be shy! Find your fame and fortune with the Vallarta Tribune!* We are getting ready for another busy winter season. If you have time for weekly or bi-weekly contributions, we have a couple openings for regular contributors. Do you have information you want to share with our readers? During peak months we have as many as 50,000 readers in print and on line... Send an email to Editor(at)vallartatribune.com with your ideas and we’ll talk. *Disclaimer: Fame and fortune are unlikely to find you at the Vallarta Tribune.

e are in desperate need to raise money for our no-kill sanctuary. The summer months are particularly difficult for us as there are limited donations from tourists visiting town. We hope all of our friends will be unable to resist purchasing a raffle ticket (or two!) and help us raise money so we can continue our efforts to help these animals. The winner of the raffle will receive a 7-night stay at the Hacienda San Angel Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, and a $1,500 cash airfare credit. The Hacienda San Angel is a gorgeous boutique hotel here in town. If you are unfamiliar with the hotel, check out their website at www.haciendasanangel.com. Raffle tickets are $35 each, with only 350 tickets issued. Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com about purchase or stop by the Hacienda San Angel to purchase your ticket. The hotel package is valid January 6, 2015 through December 14, 2015. The drawing will be held on December 5, 2014. Winner need not be present but will be contacted on this date by email. Winner’s name will also be posted on our Facebook pages (www. Facebook.com/PVCACanada and www.facebook.com/spcapv). Please spread the word and help us make this a successful fundraiser. You can come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these

animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. You can also play with the animals, assist the vet or help with dinner time. We have scheduled tours each week starting at noon. We ask everyone to meet in the Costco parking lot beside the large tree. You can either caravan in your own vehicle or ride with us out to the Sanctuary (reservations necessary). The length of the tour is at the discretion of our visitors and can be from two to four hours in length. Please contact Nicole Martin at nicole@cupocity.com to make a reservation. To see all the animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ spcapv. Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history. We have an urgent need for used towels and bedding you longer need! Please contact us a spcapv@gmail.com if you can help. Are you or someone you know returning from Puerto Vallarta to Canada and want to help us get more animals to fur-ever homes? Please contact us if you can be a travel companion spcapv@gmail.com.

NEWS 04

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

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Mexico’s Unemployment Rate Comes In at 5.18% in August

Mexico Looks to Quadruple Number of Migrants in U.S. Basic Education Programs

Mexico City – Mexico’s unemplo-

Los Angeles – Mexican govern-

yment rate was 5.18 percent in August, basically unchanged from the 5.17 percent level registered in August 2013, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI, said Monday. The unemployment rate last month was 4.87 percent, without adjusting for seasonal factors, well below the 5.16 percent rate registered in July. The unemployment rate for males was 5.01 percent in August, compared to the 5.08 percent rate registered in August 2013, while the unemployment rate for females was 5.45 percent, just above the 5.3 percent reported in the year-earlier period. The underemployment rate – defined as workers who wish to and are willing to work more hours but are unable to do so – was 7.6 percent in August, well below the 8.9 percent rate registered in the same month last year, the INEGI said. The statistics agency, which considers a worker to be employed if they are older than

14 and work at least six hours a week in any job, said the labor force participation rate was 94.82 percent in August. Some 57.32 percent of Mexico’s workers were employed in the informal sector of the economy last month, a figure that was below the 59.35 percent level registered in August 2013, the INEGI said. About 41.6 percent of workers were employed in the service sector, while 19.3 percent were employed in retailing, 16.1 percent worked in manufacturing and 14.4 percent worked in agriculture. Some 7.4 percent of workers were employed in construction and 0.70 percent worked in other sectors, such as mining, electric utilities and water and gas distribution, while 0.50 percent were employed in unspecified occupations. Mexico has a population of 119.5 million, according to the latest projections based on the 2010 census, of whom 53.3 million live in poverty. www.laht.com

ment representatives have launched a literacy drive that aims to quadruple the number of adult migrants participating in a Mexican-developed basic education program in the United States. The campaign unveiled Friday seeks a four-fold increase in the number of learners incorporated into basic literacy, elementary and middle-school education programs and a two-fold rise in the certification of those programs, according to sources with the Mexican Consulate-General in Los Angeles. Officials with Mexico’s Public Education Secretariat and National Institute for Adult Education, or INEA, launched the enrollment, accreditation and certification drive in that California city and will later extend it to other parts of the country. A total of 69 community learning centers, known as “plazas comunitarias,” are in operation in Los Angeles attending to more than 9,000 students, the INEA’s

New mobile network gets its first bid Consortium said to have submitted a bid for the $10 billion project

he first bid to build a stateowned mobile network has been submitted to the Mexican government by a consortium of firms, with equipment makers Alcatel-Lucent and Ericsson helping put the proposal together, according to Reuters. The US $10 billion project is designed to open up the telecommunications market to more competition by breaking the hold that America Móvil currently has: 70% of mobile subscriptions and 60% of fixed line business. The new network would enable providers such as Telefónia and Iusacell to be more competitive

through better coverage without the necessity of paying for a new network. But the plan, one of the elements of the Peña Nieto government’s telecommunications reforms, is a departure from accepted practice in most countries, where the government auctions off the wireless spectrum to private operators. Here, the spectrum will be donated to the company selected to build the network, receiving 90 MHz of the total 700. It can then rent capacity to operators such as Telefónica. Economist Scott Wallsten of

Explore Banderas Bay

uerto Vallarta is located in the middle of Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico at nearly 100km in length. It is bounded in the north by Punta de Mita and in the south by Cabo Corrientes.

It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the Ameca River. The bay is home to many wonderful communities and an abundance of natural wonders. In the winter and spring seasons

the Technology Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., said donating the spectrum is a form of subsidy, and could deter operators from investing. “This will make sure that the state ends up being really the only competitor. It could sink the reforms.” The only other country planning a similar strategy is Rwanda, though nine other African countries are considering it. The Mexican government plans to pick the winning bid around the middle of next year.

Susana Magaña said. To meet the established targets, more learning centers will be opened in areas with the largest concentration of Mexican migrants. Currently, a total of 479 centers are in operation in 40 U.S. states. Among Mexicans living in the United States, 1 million are illiterate and nearly 4 million have not completed their basic education

Auto Insurance to be Mandatory on Federal Roads

oes your car have insurance? No? Well, from now on you will need to insure it if you want to hit the road. Last week the House of Representatives approved amendments to the Law on Roads, Bridges and Federal Motor Carrier that makes it mandatory for all vehicles traveling on toll roads, federal roads and bridges to have insurance for third party liability. So if you live in a state where insurance is not mandatory (it is in Jalisco, not in Nayarit), you will need to obtain insurance coverage to drive on a federal highway.

Source: Reuters

you can witness the awe inspiring beauty of the humpback whales as they calve in the warm waters of the bay, in the summer you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world. The fall brings renewed vigour

to the mountains and rivers with the fresh rains and revived vegetation. No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you. Here is a selection of some of the many things you can do while visiting us.

requirements, according to INEA estimates. The initiative is backed by Mexico’s Foreign Relations Secretariat and is implemented through Mexico’s consulates in the United States, the Institute for Mexicans Abroad and Mexican migrant associations and organizations in the United States. As part of this program, organizers are carrying out an intensive enrollment drive this weekend in California. Participants only need to present their birth certificate, fill out a registration form and undergo a test to assess their abilities in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics. Based on the results of the test, Mexicans older than 15 will enter one of three study groups: a basic literacy and math group, a higher-level group with more advanced reading, writing and math instruction, or a third group that provides instruction on the level of a U.S. middle school.

Original: www.laht.com

Juan Carlos Muñoz Márquez, president of the Transport Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, said in an interview that since it was previously approved by the Senate, the amendment only requires enactment by the President to take effect immediately. The amendments establish penalties and fines of between 20 and 40 days of minimum wage to those driving without an insurance policy that covers third parties for damages arising from an accident. The fine would be waived if the motorist obtains insurance within 45 days.Regular inspections will be conducted by the Federal Police. Proof of insurance may be required by the Ministry of Public Security, via the Federal Police, through inspections on roads or when a Traffic Regulation is violated.

INVEST IN MEXICO 05

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

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5 Reasons to Invest in Mexico

4. Mexico benefits from U.S. recovery.

Despite the media's portrayal of Mexico, the country is making inroads economically.

The U.S. recovery has been a significant boost for Mexico as the U.S. is a key market for the country. The U.S. is the third largest trade partner for Mexico, with exports and imports totaling an estimated $507 billion during 2013 according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. U.S exports of goods to Mexico totaled $226 billion. U.S. goods imports from Mexico totaled $280 billion.

By Timothy McCarthy

any Americans think they should stay away from investing in the emerging markets for fear they are too risky. However, proper diversification is one of the key tenants to reducing long-term risk in one’s investment portfolio. And the more established emerging markets have made it to "investment grade." Take Mexico as an example. Many investors ignore Mexico, as the name conjures up the usual images of drug wars, illegal immigration and poverty often reinforced by the media. Yet, these images are obscuring the bigger picture: fundamental changes that are occurring just south of our border - such as its successful reform efforts, increasing global competitiveness, oil and gas reserves and consumer spending. Until recently, reform efforts have often failed because of a lack of political will at the top or support from opposition parties in Congress. The new government under President Peña Nieto has collaborated with two main opposition parties to ease the passage of reform laws through Congress. It is worthwhile to take a look at some of the more significant developments occurring in our neighbor to the south.

1. Structural reforms in Mexico. The Mexican economy still suffers from structural weaknesses that have impeded economic efficiency and longer-term gross domestic product growth. Tax collection is very inefficient, the labor market can be slow to change and the energy sector has been monopolized by the state. Ordinary Mexicans still carry the memories of many past overhauls and privatizations that promised to turn things around but instead created monopolies and stifled economic

growth. After President Nieto took office in 2012, he introduced initiatives to set limits on the state’s longstanding monopoly on the extraction, production and distribution of oil, gas and electricity by allowing private investments. He has reduced the power of the telecommunications giants Telmex (subsidiary of Carlos Slim's America Movil) and Televisa by opening the door to competition. He also compelled the huge National Union of Education Workers to go with reforms prohibiting the sale or inheritance of teaching positions and introduced compulsory exams to assess teachers.

2. Energy reforms – shaping the future of Mexico. Mexico is the world’s sixth largest crude oil producer, but proven reserves have shrunk from 34 to 14 billion barrels since 1998, and will last for only 10 more years without further improvement. Because of dwindling production and oil accounting for more than 30 percent of its fiscal income, the comprehensive reform of state-run Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) was the most pressing issue. On August 11, President Nieto signed into law energy reform legislation that will open Mexico’s hydrocarbon and electricity sectors to private investors. Energy reforms ended three quarters of a century of state monopoly on hydrocarbons exploration and production. Through energy reforms,

Explore Banderas Bay Walking Tours Take a tour through Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Downtown to learn about this city’s rich history, famous people, architecture, and cultural and ecological heritage; all this on an easy to

moderate two-hour stroll led by a certified guide. Tours leave from the Municipal Tourism Office every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.

Mexico will be offering private companies production or profit-sharing contracts, as well as licenses, and each will have different tax regimes. The government has an ambitious target of raising the current output of about 2.5 million barrels a day of crude to 3 million by 2018 and 3.5 million by 2025. Reforms will generate a 2 percent GDP boost by 2025, and add about 2.5 million jobs in the same period, according to an article by Diana Villiers Negroponte, nonresident senior fellow for foreign policy at the Brookings Institution. One of the important results of Mexico's energy reform is the breakup of the electricity generation and distribution monopoly of Comisión Federal de Electricidad. BBVA Bancomer, the largest financial institution in Mexico, estimates that the change will result in a 40 percent to 50 percent decrease in Mexican electricity costs. Mexico currently spends about $11.40 for each megawatt hour of electricity for industrial uses, according to the International Energy Agency, while the U.S. spends about $6.60. Other major benefits of reform will include an increase in natural gas supply through a more efficient pipeline from Texas and the development of Mexico’s shale reserves. Mexico also is benefiting from the shale gas revolution in the U.S., leading to a drop in natural-gas prices for industrial users by 37 percent since 2004. That

gives Mexico a significant energy-cost advantage over most other exporting economies. Cheaper Mexican energy further helps domestic firms to become globally competitive.

Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighbourhood is also called Old Town and is a popular residential area for expats and Mexican families. Along the main streets you will find shops galore, filled with wonderful authentic crafts, clothing,

jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more. Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring. Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the many beachfront restaurants.

3. Made in Mexico: Mexico versus China. Mexican exports of electronics increased three times from 2006 to 2013 to $78 billion, according to a report by The Boston Consulting Group. Asian companies such as Sharp, Sony and Samsung have around one-third of investment in Mexican electronics manufacturing put together—compared with only around 8 percent a decade ago. The primary reason is better productivity in Mexico compared to China and similar labor costs as costs soared in China. In Mexico, the 67 percent rise in average Mexican manufacturing wages from 2004 to 2014 was offset by higher productivity and an 11 percent depreciation of the Peso against the U.S. Dollar. The Mexican workforce also has a strong work ethic, as the average Mexican works more hours per year than people in any other member country of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, with fewer labor conflicts. The other factor working in Mexico's favor is the free-trade agreements the country has with 44 nations, including the North American Free Trade Agreement, which allows its goods to enter the U.S. duty-free.

5. Increase in consumer spending and improvement in fundamentals. With growing incomes, Mexican households have been spending on consumer discretionary more than basic amenities. The changes in ownership of home appliances, automobiles and electronics over the decades show consumption trends. The change in education levels in the past two decades has helped Mexico become more globally competitive. With increasing education levels, an increase in its manufacturing base and changes in its income levels, Mexico will benefit from higher spending in the economy. Mexico has strong tailwinds within emerging markets for three main reasons: 1) the country is closely tied to the expected pickup in U.S. growth; 2) there is no need to talk of the "promise" of reforms, as in Brazil and India – they are already underway in Mexico; and 3) the Peso is not expensive. You may still be skeptical of investing in Mexico, due to all of the negative impressions you take back from the news. But to have absolutely no portfolio allocation in Mexico means you won’t be taking advantage of the long-term growth the country is experiencing. Even the conservative long-term investor should allocate at least a small slice of his or her portfolio pie to “Made in Mexico."

Original: money.usnews.com

Sunsets on the Malecon Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the malecon, order your favourite cocktail and let it all slip away. Once the sun has set, the

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

HURRICANE ODILE 06

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Emergency Supplies & Relief Arrive In Cabo

Photos and text from: http://www.itravel-cabo.com

s power gradually returns to the region and early reports of internet access in some areas, we hope that the hardship is beginning to ease for some at least. However there are still those in real need of relief and today more and more supplies got through to Los Cabos. Local businesses who are able, have also helping out. Supplies arrived by sea, by air, by land.

he following are some options for those who are considering sending some financial help to the local people of Cabo and the damaged businesses here. At this stage, every little counts. Please note, that we are not affiliated with these organisations but merely want to pass their information on and urge that you consider your options carefully before donating

Bisbees Cabo Relief Fund

The Bisbees Conservation fund have set up a fund to help local families with limited resources to rebuild not only their homes, but their whole worlds. They have pledged to create temporary shelters whilst rebuilding takes place and to provide the vital transportation to allow aid to reach those who need it. In addition funds will be allocated to help the small boat Charter companies get back in the water and back to business as

quickly as possible. You can read about the fund and donate via their website:https://bisbeesconservationfund. org/donate/CaboRelief

The Papala Society For Todos Santos Todos Santos took a direct hit from odile. The markets within the town were depleated of supplies and many homes destroyed. People there are stuggling to survive and require assistance to help get them back on their feet. Todos Santos is a small pueblo that shows the true heart of the people of Baja. All money donated will be distributed by the Palapa Society in to Todos Santos. The society know the community and are well organized. Donate to the Papala Society Hurricane Relief Fund. Visit the Papala Society website. http://palapasociety.org/

The Humane Society of Cabo San Lucas As we previously reported, some of the animals in the Baja bore the full force of Odile's fury. One of those fundraising and doing great work in helping in this area is the Humane Society of Cabo San Lucas who's facility was hit bad and needs rebuilding. You can donate online via their website, where they announce; "We were able to get temporary foster care for many of the animals before Odile hit Los Cabos and thank God none of the animals died during the Hurricane, but the Center has sustained major structural damage and is in urgent need of repair. Any help you can give will be appreciated beyond what you can imagine." Visit their website for more information or to make a donation here:https://www.crowdrise.com/ hurricaneodilerelieffund

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

HURRICANE ODILE 07

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Re-opening of Los Cabos International Airport after Hurricane Odile

n a statement released on September 22nd 2014 by GRUPO AEROPORTUARIO DEL PACIFICO (know as "GAP") said that they are aiming to have SJD operational for commercial flights from the October 8th 2014. Until that time it will only be used for Official, humanitarian and rescue flights whilst repairs take place. GAP operate twelve airports within Mexico's Pacific region, including Los Cabos International Airport (SJD). In the meantime, following extensive damage to terminal buildings 1 & 2 in the aftermath of Hurricane Odile the focus will be on restoring these to meet minimal FAA regulations. GAP managed to clear the runways at SJD within twelve hours of Hurricane Odile and, working alongside Federal and State authorities, have secured the safety of around 25,000 people through airlifts out of the affected area. They have confirmed a commitment to fully restore facilities at the airport by November 25th 2014, stating that they are continuing to work alongside the federal gover-

nment, the FAA and the State of Baja California Sur. It would appear that this update indicates that GAP have a notice in place to allow them to work on the repairs between now and the 8th of October, and are 'aiming' having the minimum requirements in place to re-open for commercial flights from the 9th October onwards. These dates could change of course and we will continue to monitor the situation and post

updates as we get them.

Airlines Flying to and From Cabo Although the airport say they are aiming at the date shown in their press release there is still the issue of when individual airlines will resume normal operations to and from Los Cabos International. It is clear that they will take their own view on the situation and set

their own deadlines at this stage. Alaska Airlines issued the following as part of a customer update email today to those with bookings in place: "Due to the massive damage Hurricane Odile has wreaked upon

Cabo San Lucas. Alaska Airlines has had to temporarily suspend all commercial flights through the end of October. As you have upcoming travel to or from Los Cabos, we want to ensure you are informed."

Baja Recovering Rapidly Originally published in the Gringo Gazette on September 22, 2014

almart and Sam’s Club are open again. The Army has restored order, sending about 7,000 soldiers to us. There are guards at every corner downtown Cabo and at all banks, and helicopters in the air. The curfew has been lifted. Some gas stations are open, and those have short lines, with soldiers standing by them. Most, but not all banks are closed, as they have suffered window damage and do not have reliable computer connections the power is being restored way quicker than was predicted, but much of the power that is available is shaky, coming and going, as does cell service and internet. Texting is working better than email. There is enough food, as the government flew in emergency supplies and is handing it out in the barrios. Those that have the resources drive to La Paz for their food, which is well stocked. In La Paz men are driving down

looking for work cleaning up and repairing. There is plenty of that for them. The Hotel Association is estimating $1 billion in repairs, but that seems high. It’s mostly glass blown out and on the lower floors some flooding. Well, their furniture wasn’t real happy about the wind and rain whooshing in. Most of the Cabo Marina came thru OK. When the storm was approaching, the flow of fuel to the underwater tanks was cut off and the lines drained. No word on the San Jose Marina but no doubt they took the same precautions. Some businesses in Cabo have re-opened, such as Captain Tony’s and Baja Cantina. Tanga Tanga is still mopping up, so the town drunks are going to have to come up with a plan B. If any other businesses would like to report in, that they are open for business, we will get the word out. The road from San Diego is open, but wet and broken in some places. The Gringo Gazette is printed in San Diego, and miraculously we went to press on time. The bigger miracle is the papers made

it down the peninsula over the weekend and they are being distributed on Monday, today, right on time. Sometimes we even amaze ourselves. Look for the GG in the racks today. Whoops! All our racks have blown away. Well, look around, we’ll leave them out somewhere for you. You may also see the paper online at www.gringogazette.com. We have put all the storm reports in front of the pay wall so you can see them for free. But honestly, would it kill you to pay a buck to get into our site anyway? Our entire team has busted our asses to keep you as informed as possible, and to try to counter balance the misinformation rampant on social media. Let’s all congratulate ourselves for coming through some tough times, and we at the GG look forward to all of us pulling together in the coming weeks, and even months as we get back to normal. Well, we will get back to Cabo normal.

LOCAL 08

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

Tales to Tell

My Life In Vallarta By Lois Ellison loell87@yahoo.com

Kathleen Phelps kphelps1948@gmail.com.

Meeting Henry Kissinger

Viva Mexico

t’s common knowledge that Mr. Kissinger is rather short in stature so when I first met our next anonymous storyteller my immediate reaction was that they would make a great pair! Of course, Patti has been happily married to Barry for twenty-six years and living in Nuevo Vallarta for almost nine years so that’s out of the question, but she truly is a little firecracker!

Patti’s Tale to Tell…. In 1985, I joined a girlfriend on a trip to Europe. I was anxious to return to Europe since I had lived in Bavaria while my first husband served in the US Army. One of our stops was in Florence, Italy to visit my father’s first cousin who owned an elegant knit shop on the most famous shopping street in Florence. One evening my girlfriend, my father’s cousin and I arranged to meet. As we got reacquainted, the door opened and someone said, “Quick, down the street is Henry Kissinger”. The three of us raced down the street tottering on high heels to catch up! His electric blue eyes and $1,000 suit exuded an aura of supreme power and elegance. He was surrounded by a phalanx of six-foot tall, serious looking body guards. This did not stop me! I stuck my hand between the Secret Service guards and said, “Mr. Kissinger, we are also from America.” He stopped and very cordially talked with the three of us. Of course, his powerful voice

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only added to his aura. He was just so dynamic and charismatic! He seemed very interested when I told him that, many years ago, my first husband and I had lived down the street from his birthplace in Furth. After our encounter and his retinue had moved on down the street, my friend said, “On, no, we forgot to take a picture with him!” I said, “If we had pulled out a camera and pointed it at Mr. Kissinger, the three of us would all have been face down on the pavement with the guards pointing guns at us!” We had a lovely trip through Europe but truly this encounter was the most exciting part. When we returned to the tour group, everyone was green with envy that we had met Henry Kissinger! We have so many interesting people living in Puerto Vallarta! Let’s hear your story! Next time Frank is going to share his stories about being the dentist of Helen Hayes, Steve McQueen, and Don Rickles. Later we have a story about a chance encounter with John Wayne.

Share your Tale to Tell anonymously or by name by e-mailing me at kphelps1948@gmail.com.

exicans love to celebrate and no month has more revelry than September. After all, it is the “month of the nation”, marking Mexico’s independence from Spain. Buildings, homes and cars are decorated with red, white and green. Our local pharmacy clerk wears eye shadow in the colors of the flag. The plaza looks like Christmas has arrived early, but these lights are for this fiesta and it will be a great one. My favorite event in September is National Charro Day. I love a parade and this year’s Charro parade was possibly the best ever. It was advertised to begin at 11:00 so we arrived early, mingling with the horses and riders at the gathering point. There were to be 7 groups from 7 countries, right here in our little corner of paradise. So many amazing horses, adorned with silver and leather saddles, all glistening from the preparatory polishing. Some had braided tails and a few had long curls in their manes, rakishly draped over one eye. After a while we moved up to a prime location on the bridge. There weren’t too many people there, making it easier for my husband to get some photos. Further along the route the crowds will be thick making italmost impossible to see. Of course this is Mexico where starting times are just a suggestion so 11:00 came and went. Finally around 11:30, the starter vehicle began slowly inching forward and a chill went down my spine as the sounds of drums, cymbals, trum-

pets and tubas filled the air. From our vantage point on the bridge we watched in great anticipation as the lead rider came into view, carrying the beautiful Mexican flag. His eyes and his bearing reflected his pride at having been chosen for this great honor. As one hundred horses passed by prancing and dancing, their hooves beating a rat-a-tat on the cobblestone street, I stood mesmerized, thrilled to be a witness to this time honored tradition. Some groups were comprised of all men, and some were all women but many were multi-generational with young boys and girls eager to please their parents and grandparents. A team of women and young girls all dressed in

magenta skirts and cobalt blue blouses swirled by. Men wore the traditional charro garb in black, tan or white, with colorful scarves tied around their necks. Every head covered by a sombrero, with a range of styles from plain to ornate. All of the groups were very serious except for one, with each member smiling widely and holding a cold can of Modelo. For me, the best part of a desfile (parade) de charros is seeing the rope tricks and this one had them in spades. Ropes sailed through the air, expanding into enormous circles as the riders twirled them around in seemingly impossible configurations, never skipping a beat. After the last group had passed, we wandered down to the Plaza and listened to the announcer enthusiastically introducing each group. It was a wonderful way to start the day and thankfully the rain held off until it the last horse had passed the reviewing stand.

LOCAL 09

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

Paradise and Parenting

The Power of Chocolate By Marcella Castellanos marcella.castellanos@gmail.com

Leza Warkentin

Calling Mommy Dearest

think of myself as a pretty laidback mom most of the time. When things are going mostly right and we have gone a week with no open dairy products left in the hot car, I’m sort of fun to be around. But then there are times, certain pivotal moments, where I could transform into one of two distinct, non-laidback personalities. Supermom is the mother I’m tempted to be when others are watching. If you will admit, right now, to being fully human, then you know you do it too. You are being Supermom when you speak louder than necessary as you walk through Wal-Mart with your child, carrying a huge Lord of the Rings Lego Set. You use your very best stage voice with your son, who is TOTALLY not listening because he already in a deep Lego coma, “OH SON, I’M SO PROUD OF THE WAY YOU SAVED YOUR ALLOWANCE FOR A WHOLE YEAR!!!!” Hey, people need to know that some of us teach our kids the value of a dollar. Mommy Dearest is the mom that threatens to fight her way out of me with a sword when my offspring chants monotonously “Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom ” in order to get my attention while I am driving. She’s the one writhing within me when my children spill Jamaica water on the beige couch. She’s there inside of you too. Don’t leave me hanging. I had the opportunity to hear a fascinating conversation between Supermom and Mommy Dearest the other day when my daughter announced that she would like to be on the school student council. I just listened in, afraid if I chimed in we’d never hear the end of it. It went something like this: Supermom: Awww another step in her life! I am going to sign the permission form. She is

going to have just the greatest experience! Mommy Dearest: You DO realize that this is going to require a lot of work from us? She’s eight years old, she has no idea what a speech is, and now we are going to have to make posters. Do. Not. Sign. Anything. Supermom: This is a great chance for her to learn to take responsibility! She can do it all herself. I’ll just be there as a guiding hand. No problem. Mommy Dearest: (hysterical laughter) Three Days Later: Supermom: I just got an email announcing that the speech deadlines are tomorrow. She hasn’t mentioned ANYTHING about the speech! I better offer to brainstorm campaign promises with her. Mommy Dearest: What about that whole “responsibility” thing? I’m telling you, there’s no end in sight. Say NOTHING. Ugh. My eyes are starting to protrude. Supermom: MmmmHmmmm (busy Googling “campaign slogans for minors”) Next day: Supermom: I LOVE our campaign posters! I thought the koala photo might be over the top, but I think we’ll get elected on the cuteness factor alone! Mommy Dearest: Whose “we”? And why do I have glue on my new shoes? I haven’t had new shoes since Pena Nieto took office! Supermom: Let’s make a few more! I’m getting out the glitter! Wow, I’ve never been elected to office before! Mommy Dearest: Don’t look now, but your political candidate went upstairs to play with her My Little Ponies. Supermom: Who? Hey do you think our campaign promises are realistic? If we can promise Pizza Day every Friday, I think we have a good shot at it. Mommy Dearest: And folks call ME the crazy one?

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“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” – Charles M. Schulz.

ho doesn't have a love affair with chocolate?! I'm guilty as charged. Aside from the euphoria one feels from eating it, It's also a superfood - a nutrient-rich food beneficial for our well-being when it's in its pure natural state called raw cacao. Studies that claim chocolate’s amazing health benefits are not referring to your average storebought chocolate bar, what they’re referring to is this superfood- a large, unpeeled, tan-colored bean with the chocolaty treasure just below the layer. By cold-pressing unroasted cacao beans, the result is raw cacao. The process maintains the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter). Raw cacao that’s been roasted at high temperatures is cocoa powder. Unfortunately, roasting changes the molecular structure of the cacao bean, reducing the enzyme content and overall nutritional value. The Aztecs prepared cacao by grinding the beans and adding water to create a bitter chocolate flavored beverage just like the Maya and the Olmecs before them. Using a variety of local ingredients to flavor the beverage, the cacao beverage was called “xocoatl" in native Nahuatl language, and was consumed by the elite such as Moctezuma, the Aztec emperor. Cacao was also used for medicinal and ritualistic purposes. After the Spanish arrival to Mexico in 1519, it quickly became a favorite drink among the Spanish conquistadors which then led to its introduction in Europe. Europeans began adding sugar to the beverage and renamed it chocolate. Today, chocolate continues to play an important role in Mexican cuisine and it’s a key ingredient in mole poblano, named after the

Chile Chocolate Mousse: 1 avocado 1/4 cocao powder 1/4 almond milk 1/4 raw honey 5 peeled cacao beans for nibs (optional) Pinch of chile de arbol (optional for a Latin kick) Puree, chill and enjoy!

state of Puebla. Mole is a type of sauce that’s traditionally prepared with chili peppers, chocolate and spices and served over chicken or turkey. It's also used in other beverages such as tejate- ground corn and cacao beans served cold. Or in champurrado a chocolate version of atole frequently served during holidays. So what are the health benefits of raw cacao? • Decreases insulin resistance. • Protects against toxins • Guards your nervous system • Lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure and

stroke. • It's rich in minerals: zinc, copper, iron calcium, manganese. magnesium, potassium. • It slows the ageing process • Boosts your mood • But more importantly, it just tastes so darn good! Marcella Castellanos is a Certified Health Coach working with people to increase their vitality by adopting healthier habits and shedding unwanted weight. . To jumpstart your health & vitality get your FREE 7 Day Smoothie Challenge at www.wellnesslatina.com

LOCAL 10

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

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New Market Co-op

Wanderings on Olas Altas

by Marcia Blondin newmarketcoopvallarta@gmail.com

ig news this week: some of our vendors are offering 10% off our merchandise IF you are a customer at Coco's Kitchen! In other words if you have breakfast or lunch, stop by our Co-op tucked in the garden at the back of the restaurant and save 10% on whatever you buy from the sellers who are participating. I don't mean to sound vague but there are some vendors I simply can't get hold of until next Saturday Market and this idea came up mid-week so...come and ask! For sure me, Marcia, and both Barbara (cool hand painted clothes and jewelry to match) and Mark Peters (Smoking Good Meats and other great food choices) are honoring the 10% off. It is just rewards for having such good taste in choice of restaurant. Three cheers for Coco's food and great staff! Mark Hughes came through in spades with fruit tarts. He very seriously told me they would be fine in my fridge for a few days and/or would freeze beautifully. I bought three and told him they would all be gone by the end of the day. And...they were. As someone who knew me well once said, "Marcia is very fond of the things she likes!"

They were incredibly good... drizzled with heavy cream and slightly warmed...omg. What Mark won't have this week is Lorene's bread. The Artisan Bakery is taking some time off for staff to rest before the Snowbird Advance. Autumn has arrived and the temperatures have dropped considerably as has the humidity. Rainy season ends (normally) October 15th and while we don't exactly have to dig out our winter clothes it will become decidedly cooler soon. Bill Kelly's masks are creating quite a stir among discerning clients who have a taste for the unusual and casually brilliant use of found objects. Bill and Alejandro's latest shipment includes a fushia colored background adorned with glitter and another with a silver leather turban; yet another sports a gold time piece in place of an eye. There is one studded with sea shells, simple and extraordinary. They are all priced UNDER $2,000 pesos. Incredible considering the amount of work involved in each unique piece. And, don't forget the Fabulous Fabric Fellows fanciful aprons and cooling ties. And, if you are walking your dog in this heat consider pampering your puppy with his own tailor made cooling tie...perhaps to match your own. If you have run out of bagels give Peter Hardy a call at 322 146 7180 or email him at vallartabagelworld@gmail.com and like him on Facebook! If you are health-conscious and looking for organic food remember that Organic Select has a storefront in Versalles. Give Krystal or

By Poncho Davalos alfonso@tropicasa.com

Back to the past. Ana a call at 222 1015. Remember they have a Tea Bar AND a glutenfree bakery! Christel continues to create delicate river pearl earrings and necklaces and is showing some of her husband's more unusual bracelets including one made of a javelin tusk. These wild boars are hunted just outside Puerto Vallarta and while not endangered by any means, their tusks are becoming quite rare so be sure and have a look when you visit out Market. Visit Jorge's table laden with shining silver rings, bracelets and necklaces. Different designs and always sterling quality. We were serenaded last week by a duo of classical guitarists one Mexican and one from Spain. Both exceptional musicians and I hope we will hear more of them at Coco's Kitchen. Until next time, help a tourist find what they are looking for; make their vacation GREAT! See you at Coco's Kitchen, Pulpito 122 across from the Paradise Community Center, every Saturday from 9 am until 1 or 2 depending on the weather!

s a child I grew up watching Cantinflas movies. I remember every Saturday I waited eagerly for 2 pm to watch his movies on TV. For me, as for a lot of Mexicans, it was a very sad day when he died in 1993. He was an icon. For myself as a 10 years old kid to see on TV the coverage of his death in Mexico City was very impressive; the many people lining the main avenues in the city, crying and waiting to see the hearse. Really it was a national event that lasted three days. Almost 21 years later I still love to watch his movies. And for this reason I decided to go with Harriet, Joyce and Roberto to watch “Cantinflas” the movie. I knew the movie has been in the middle of controversial moments because the actor who performs Cantinflas is from Spain and some actors thought a Mexican actor sould have been chosen to play him, but as I say, life is full of chances and he took the chance to flight from Spain to Mexico City to do the casting. If you are not familiar with Cantinflas here is a little background : - His full name was Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes - He was born on 1911 - He had 14 brothers and sisters though just 8 survived - Mario Moreno “Cantinflas” was considered the Mexican Charlie Chaplin

- His wife was from Moscow - Six years after adopting a child his wife died and he never married again. There are many stories about his nickname “Cantinflas” but according to the movie everything happened as it usually does on a night when he was acting and he forgot his lines. He was playing a drunk speaking nonsense. The part required him to say his name and rather than say Mario Moreno, he created Cantinflas and it stuck ever since. The Royal Academy of the Language included the verb “cantinflear” in 2011 to celebrate the centenary of his birth. Cantinflear means, “to speak in a silly and nonsensical manner, without meaning.” I didn’t know before Cantinflas became an actor he tried to be a: bullfighter, boxer, sweeper and clown. This is an untold story of Mexico's greatest and most beloved comedy film star of all time. I was very pleased with the quality of the movie, the art, music and performances. I think it was mostly Mexican actors and actresses in the movie playing roles as Marlon Brando, Elizabeth Taylor, Maria Felix, Dolores del Rio and more. It was very interesting to learn about his life. Really I encourage you to take the time to learn more about one of our most important Mexican actors from the golden years.

VALLARTA SHOPPING DIRECTORY The only complete guide for Vallarta´s best galleries, boutiques, spas, restaurants and more. vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.mx

Looking for something specific?

uerto Vallarta has a great selection of places to shop and dine and the best place to find that special item you are seeking or that wonderful restaurant for the type of food you crave is to go online to the VALLARTA SHOPPING DIRECTORY—<vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot. com>, select from 20 pages of categories and browse to see the logo, address, telephone, website link, email, hours and description of the services or products offered. Remember to join us for the Southside Shuffle block party starting November 14th on Basilio Badillo.

Southside Shuffle Nov 14 & Nov 28, 2014 Dec 12 & Dec 26, 2014 Jan 9 & Jan 23, 2015 Feb 6 & Feb 20, 2015 Mar 6 & Mar 20, 2015

There are lots of photos of each business, maps of the areas so you can easily find the stores and restaurants. Don´t rely on finding the unique and local favorites only on the Malecon since Puerto Vallarta is a large city with businesses scattered all over the areas such as Downtown, South Side, Emiliano Zapata, Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta, Fluvial, and several towns in Nayarit. We are in process of setting up a website for dining and shopping which will be announced soon but our very successful blog will continue to exist. The categories you will find are: Best Restaurants, Cafes, cyber cafes and books, Boutiques, clothing and accessories, Food, organic products, pastries, catering, Interior Décor, furniture and accessories, Jewelry in silver, bold, gems, fantasy and repair, Beauty shops, spas,

fitness and massage, Sportswear and equipment, Handicrafts, Leather , glass and ceramics, Art Galleries and studios, Florists, Entertainment, theaters, bars, Real Estate companies, Eye glasses and optical, Boutique hotels, Services, travel agencies, tours, Drug stores and nutrition, and a page for Bucerias, Nuevo Vallarta, Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita area. This site can be translated into 50 languages with the click of a button and is a great way for new visitors to get to know our vibrant city and all it has to offer. Some of our members are advertising on this page but we have a total of 185 local businesses listed that depend on your finding them so they can continue to serve your needs and desires. Please recommend this site to your friends who are planning a trip to our Paradise. http://vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.

com and www.facebook/ Vallartashoppingdirectory. We always have great events in town so we invite you to attend the Celebration of World Tourism Day from Sept. 25 to 28th Downtown at City Hall with the opening cocktail and ART EXHIBIT by local galleries and artists at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25th continuing through the 28th, a Salsa Festival at Los Arcos Outdoor theater at

8 p.m. on Sept. 26th, a Gastronomic Festival at City Hall at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27th with all the best restaurants offering their specialties accompanied by Mariachis , and a Tourist Race starting at the Sports Stadium at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 38th, followed by the closing of the tourism event at the patio of City Hall on Sunday night. Be sure to attend if you are in town and invite your friends.

Basilio Badillo 269 A Puerto Vallarta, Jal Mon - Sat 4-11 pm (322) 223 3734 From USA or Canada 1-269-282-9550 info.divinodante@gmail.com www.divinodante.com

MEN AND WOMEN’S JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES. CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY 223 9734 BASILIO BADILLO 276 OLD TOWN OPEN DAILY

Nacho Daddy Mexico is the place in Puerto Vallarta where American, Canadian and European ex-pats and tourists across the globe gather to drink, eat, dance, listen to great music,watch football and having a rip-roaring good time. 287 Basilio Badillo in old town 322 223 0838 www.nachodaddymexico.com

TRAVEL 14

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

Traveling in Mexico: Manzanillo

ot only is Manzanillo a wellknown resort destination, but Manzanillo port was the first shipping yard to open in Latin America in 1531 and today, it’s the most important commercial seaport in Mexico. Located along the central Pacific Coast of Mexico overlooking the twin bays of Manzanillo and Santiago, Manzanillo is situated in a region with diverse natural landscapes. It’s a favorite destination for beach activities, ecotourism and adventure sports. A scenic four hour drive (or first class bus trip) from Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo is a great weekend get-away. Very similar to Puerto Vallarta, the weather in Manzanillo is pleasant year-round, and Manzanillo beach sees an average of 350 days of sunshine each year. Manzanillo’s close proximity to the Sierra Madre Mountains helps to keep temperatures slightly cooler than many of the other well-known resort destinations located up and down the Pacific Coast. The best time to visit Manzanillo is during the winter months from November to April. The summer rainy season lasts from June to October when afternoon rainstorms turn the entire region a lush, tropical shade of green. The recently refurbished centro historico (historic center) of Manzanillo is a lovely place to explore, and pedestrian walkways make it easy to explore on foot. The main plaza overlooks the bay and is surrounded by local bars, restaurants and shops. There are also some excellent seafood palapas (thatch roofed restaurants) lining the beach. Manzanillo’s zona hotelera (hotel zone), located five miles north of the downtown area, is where you’ll find some of the best beaches, luxury resorts and golf courses. Manzanillo beach has been dubbed the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” and marlin, sailfish and other are abundant in the waters just offshore. Each year the town hosts international fishing tournaments that attract sports fisherman from around the world. In addition to fishing, visitors to Manzanillo beach can partake in a variety of aquatic sports including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and surfing at the nearby beach in Cuyutlán. Manzanillo beach is also home to two world-class golf courses. Manzanillo cuisine incorporates a variety of fresh local ingre-

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Where to Stay Pepe’s Hideaway - Manzanillo By Joel Hansen

dients and seafood. You’ll find several popular local dishes on the menus at Manzanillo restaurants, including the region’s signature dish, Colima ceviche. While in Manzanillo beach you’ll also have the opportunity to sample local sweets and drinks unique to this region of Mexico, including agua de tuba, a local specialty made from the juice of the coconut palms and tejuino, a fermented corn beverage. There are numerous activities and attractions in the region surrounding Manzanillo. Travel a short distance inland to visit the capital city of Colima for sightseeing in this historic and culturally rich city and get a taste of the local cuisine. Nearby the magic town of Comala is home to one of the top attractions in the region, the Nogueras Hacienda and Alejandro Rangel Hidalgo Museum. Nature lovers interested in ecotourism can tour the nearby national park and biosphere reserve.

Things to Do

Isla Navidad Golf Course- A spectacular golf course set in sand dunes overlooking the Cuyutlan Turtle Sanctuary - A worthwhile stop, not far from Manzanillo. On the way out there, check out where they separate salt from the lagoon and the ocean and the banana and mango plantations. Nevado de Colima - An active, snow-capped volcano well-worth a side trip. Playa La Audiencia - While in Manzanillo, visit Playa La Audiencia. This is where Cortes had his lieutenant, Sandoval, the Conqueror of Colima construct

brigantines for the Spanish to explore the Pacific. Some 500 years later, Bo Derek ran down this beach in the movie, TEN, Las Hades being the swanky hotel of the time but with an inferior beach. This was the birth of the popularity of cornrow hair braids! La Campana - A 25,000-acre complex of stone pyramids on the northern edge of Colima. The ruins at La Campana were discovered in 1995 when a team of construction workers started digging the foundation for a new shopping mall. To date only about 40 percent of the archeological site has been uncovered. There are about 12 different structures (so far), including several Meso-american/ pre-Columbian pyramids from about 500 AD. Colima and Comala Colima is the capital of the state of Colima. There are several museums and typical shopping. Surrounding the central square is a museum, the governor’s palace, and a large cathedral. The "Pueblo Magico" of Comala is a small town with lots of Spanish colonial charm. Don't miss Comala for brunch/lunch. There are several 'botaneros' there that are geared to families, unlike most botaneros in Mexico. For the price of beverages, even soft drinks, a friendly waitstaff will bring you plate after plate of antojitos (snacks) such as enchiladas, riblets, slices of pork loin, sopes, etc. The food is wonderful and you can't beat the price. As long as you're drinking, they'll keep bringing different small plates of snacks. Wonderful!

arrived in Mazanillo back in July 2013 at the same time as Hurricane Erick. I was there to stay at Pepe’s Hideaway, a cluster of seven bungalows perched on the high on the cliffs splitting Mazanillo and Santiago Bays. I had left my home in Puerto Vallarta on a warm sunny morning and drove south to the sleepy village of Tuito where I stopped at a roadside distillery for a Raicilla (the local moonshine). As I hit the road again I noticed that the sunny day had started to get a little overcast. By the time I had reached Barra de Navidad it was a torrential downpour and by the time I had emerged on the beaches of Manzanillo it was a small (category one) huricane. Checking my directions I pointed my car towards La Punta, the gated residential community nestled on the tip of Santiago peninsula that juts into the Pacific. It is in this exclusive neighborhood, which is considered one of the most successful, planned luxury developments in Mexico, a community that Barbra Streisand and others celebrity’s call home while on holiday, where you will find Pepe’s Hideaway. I arrived at the resort and was met by Speedy, the long time manager and right-hand man for Pepe. Speedy met me at my car and lead me out of the storm and into the main thatched roof common area where he poured me a Don Julio to warm up from the rain. He told me that because it was the off-season I was fortunate enough to have the place to myself. Pepe was at his summer home in Colima City but would be arriving at the resort in the morning. After another Don Julio, a dinner of grilled prawns and the best guacamole I have ever eaten, Speedy lead me through the jungle, past the pool to the stairs that lead to the bungalows. My bungalow was perched 100ft above the ocean and the sea was indeed angry as I witnessed first hand the power and spectacular fury of Mother Nature that first evening. The ocean crashed on the rocks below me, the wind howled, rain pounded the roof and the windows and the sky was lit up

with lightning as Erick did his best to dislodge my bungalow from its footings. When I woke the next morning I was greeted by the most spectacular sunrise I have ever witnessed and Erick was gone, having left hardly a trace in his wake. There was already a coffee service laid out on my patio and an invitation to breakfast in the common area. I met Pepe for the first time, an incredibly spry man in his 70’s with a devilish twinkle in his eye as he joined me for breakfast and told me some of the history of Manzanillo and how he had carved out this slice of paradise from the jungle 40 years ago. During my stay with Pepe, I was invited to a number of dinner parties hosted at the resort and was introduced to a number of locals and friends. Speedy cooked for us each night and it was a truly enjoyable experience. As I was leaving at the end of my stay, I thanked Pepe for everything he had done for me, he smiled and told me he had done nothing special for me, it was how all guests are treated when they stay with him. That what makes Pepe’s Hideaway so special, the experience of staying with friends that you will continue to visit for years to come. Pepe’s is unlike any place I have stayed in Mexico, it is an all-inclusive resort, but is personalized to your tastes; there are no buffets or screaming kids. The menu is prepared by Speedy and the other chefs after they visit the local markets each day and pick the freshest ingredients. Because there are only seven bungalows the staff is able to completely take care of all your needs, and despite the rustic setting and construction of the bungalows, each unit is well equipped with a comfortable bed, stocked fridge and a luxury bathroom. Double doors open up to a patio with a hammock and sitting area that is perfect for sunsets watching. You will be invited to join Pepe for dinner (and a scotch) where he will entertain you with his stories from over 40 years of Mexico living. You will feel like a personal guest of old Tio Pepe, not like a client renting a room. A side note: I am serious about the guacamole, when you stay here be sure to ask Speedy to make some for you and also ask Pepe if they are serving the lobster, it is an inside joke that he will love to explain.

travel 15

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

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Bird conservation classes to begin in Riviera Nayarit

Perceptions

of Art

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

“If we are to win the fight against the illegal traffic of species we must work with the newer generations”

E I

went to a birthday party on the beach this week and met an American ex-pat I didn’t know. Ron Spencer. First thing he asked me was if I was an actress. Nope, not. But you LOOK like an actress, he said. Hmmm. Still not an actress. He is, however, an actor and a director. And he has written a play entitled “Assorted Fruits and Vegetables” that will open November 6th, 8 pm, on the Main Stage at Act II Entertainment. Starring himself, of course. He has performed his play in Indianapolis with much success and will not only act but will also direct here in Vallarta. As promised he sent me the script this morning and after reading it and liking it and seeing it playing clear as a bell in my head, I have deemed it a PERFECT Vallarta play. He wants me to audition (?!). I will, of course, if only to experience the process. There are tons of good experienced actors in Vallarta so I am thinking he was being terribly polite but what the hell? I will keep everyone posted on how it goes. An artistic weekend just passed in Sayulita where an interesting mix of intellectual gentlemen put their collective energies together...let’s see there was a writer, playwright, editor, actor, singer, photographer,

musician, lecturer, director, theatre maestro and more. Some of the men wore more than one hat...I would have killed to have been a fly on those walls... Elizabeth Ensor, partner at Act II Entertainment, is hosting card games at Encore Thursday evenings. I don’t play cards and have never heard of the games they play but all reports are very encouraging. Newbies are happily taught by the experts and the beautiful bar is packed! Who knew? New Karaoke, also at Encore happens every Friday night at 8. And don’t forget Ladies Night in the Red Room (no cover) also

Friday night starring sexy, dreamy Jose Maria Caudillo. Auditions start in a couple of weeks for Voice of Vallarta, Second Edition. I will be going through my clippings from last year’s amazing contest and will share some of my favorite moments from that - often gruelling - competition. Anybody is welcome to audition to be in the Voice of Vallarta - professionals, amateurs, shower stall singers, et al. Don’t miss Princesas Desesperadas this Saturday night only. This show is a blast, trust me. Doesn’t matter if your Spanish is not great or non-existent. Do yourself a favor and be there!

ach winter thousands of birders travel to San Pancho and surrounding areas to go bird watching. With over 300 documented species it is one of the most bio-diverse places on Earth. For birders, this friendly, affordable seaport hosts an amazing feast of avian life in its lush and accessible mangrove swamps, estuaries, lagoons, beaches, plantations-and sewage ponds. The San Pancho Bird Observatory is collaborating with Rotary Clubs and other foreign observatories to begin workshops for youths and adults in different communities within the destination. From September of the current year through March of 2015, approximately 10 communities within the Riviera Nayarit will begin a workshop titled “Developing Abilities for the Conservation of Birds in Coastal Communities of Nayarit.” The project is part of the activities put forth by the Center for the Study of Bird Conservation led by the San Pancho Bird Observatory (OASP by its acronym in Spanish), in collaboration with the Klamath Bird Observatory in Ashland, Oregon, and the rotary clubs of Ashland, Bahía de Jaltemba in Mexico and others around the United States. The objective is to develop the abilities of the youths and adults who live in the coastal communities so they can undertake ecotourism activities and scientifically monitor resident and migratory birds. There will be two workshops held each month in the community centers of San Pancho, Sayulita-San Ignacio, Punta de Mita-Higuera Blanca, Lo de Marcos, Villa

Morelos, Chacala and La Peñita de Jaltemba-Guayabitos-Los Ayala. Marine biologist Luis Morales, director of the OASP and a local tour guide, announced the study groups can welcome up to 15 people each, no matter their level of education. What’s vital is the desire to learn about the environment in order to preserve it and, obviously, to find within it sustainable economic development. “The training consists of online activities as well as in the classroom and out in the field. There are two profiles: nature guide and scientific monitors. If we are to win the fight against the illegal traffic of species we must work with the newer generations,” emphasized Luis Morales. The uneven levels of education among the selected communities can be a problem, but not a hindrance. Though there may be some illiterate members in the groups they can still be excellent guides, while the more educated members can be schooled in the monitoring of the birds. The best time to visit San Blas is between October and April, when the local bird species are joined by many of “our” neotropical migrants spending the winter. The San Blas Christmas Bird Count draws birders from around the world and regularly lists up to 300 species. Some of the area’s “specialty” birds include Elegant Quail, Mexican Parrotlet, Colima Pygmy-Owl, Citreoline Trogon, Russet-crowned Motmot, Goldencheeked Woodpecker, San Blas Jay, and Sinaloa Wren. There is still availability in several groups. For more details about the program, please contact Luis Morales at birdingsanpancho@ gmail.com or through the website at www.birdingsanpancho.org.

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REAL ESTATE 18

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Promotions Peak as winter season approaches

You and Your RFC Code

ith an eye towards the upcoming winter season, the first two weeks of September saw an increase in the promotional activities undertaken by the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta convention and visitors bureaus in order to attract more tourism. Starting with our neighbors to the far north, eight Canadian travel agents and one video producer flew down for a FAM trip. The group had the chance to visit both destinations during the second week of September. During the same time, the Travel Leaders Owners’ Retreat took place with visits to the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. This FAM included more than 60 owners of the top agencies belonging to the Travel Leaders’ consortium in the USA. The Hotel Iberostar Playa Mita hosted the group, which toured through the Riviera Nayarit. Both the Canadians and the Ameri-

By Fabien Madesclaire Fabien@g3mex.com

arly this September the Secretary of the Hacienda and Public Credit (the Mexican taxation entity comparable to the IRS in the U.S. or the Canada Revenue Agency) announced that all foreign buyers and sellers of Mexican real estate are now required to have their own CURP (Clave Unica de Registro de Poblacion), and RFC (Registro Federal de Causantes) numbers at the time of closing on a property. Too, current foreign property owners are now obligated to have their own RFC and CURP numbers. The CURP is the national identification number here in Mexico. If you already have an official Mexican Residency Visa your CURP should be printed on your Visa. If you have a resident visa, but no CURP, you should contact the Immigration office here in Mexico (INM). If you do not have a residential Visa you will have to contact the Mexican Consulate of your native country and begin the process of establishing Mexican residency. Applying for a residential visa has become more complicated, and a big change from the past, when you could simply go to the immigration office here in Vallarta, turn in your tourist visa and apply for your FM2 or FM3. These types of residential visas no longer exist, which has caused some confusion and aggravation, but ultimately the process is pretty straightforward, and most of the Mexican Consulates in the larger cities and towns in the U.S. and Canada are now accustomed to processing this paperwork. For instance, the Los Angeles Mexican Consulate website has a link to residential visa information on its homepage. For more information go to: http://consulmex.sre. gob.mx/losangeles/index.php/ visas-a-extranjeros. Your local Mexican Consulate will provide you with official documentation, to begin the temporary or permanent visa process. Complete and submit INM’s

online application prior to arriving at their office. Be sure to have copies of all necessary documents (they are strict about this, so make a few extra copies of everything to eliminate any trips back and forth to INM), pay associated fees, and your Visa should be ready in about 2 weeks. Note: Puerto Vallarta’s INM office is much busier during the highseason (December-March) so try to shoot for the other months, in order to expedite processing. For more information, go to the INM website at: www.inm.gob.mx/

Banks and Unofficial RFC Numbers Evidently, in the past, some banks issued unofficial RFC numbers to foreigners opening bank accounts in Mexico. To find out more check out this interesting article on the always helpful website Yucalandia: http://yucalandia.com/2014/01/18/mexicanbank-issued-non-sat-rfc-ids-forforeigners-potentially-a-problem/

How to Obtain Your Official RFC: The Secretary of the Hacienda is happy to issue you an RFC, as it means more money in the coffers of Mexico. They provide a

plethora of information online at: https://rfc.siat.sat.gob.mx/PTSC/ RFC/menu/ Remember that your RFC number is an excellent tool, which can be used to take deductions on renovation work that you’ve done to your Mexican property. If and when you decide to sell, it will help you to shave off some or all of your capital gains taxes. Always ask for an official factura (invoice) from any service providers. Check to see that they include both your and their RFC numbers on the factura. Also, make it a habit of asking for facturas from hardware and supply stores, when making home improvement related purchases. Obtaining your RFC does involve some extra work, but using one can really pay-off in long term savings Please Note: This information may not be the final word, as things do change. Be sure to consult with a Notary or real estate agent if you are involved in a real estate transaction here in Mexico. G3MEX Real Estate Group is a full service real estate agency. Our knowledgeable staff is always available to assist you with your property needs. Contact us at our office at: 322-209-0832

cans visited Punta de Mita, San Pancho and Sayulita. The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta hosted a FAM trip for the top ten agencies in Peru, which visited our shores for the first time. It’s important to point out the Peruvian agencies have a holistic, integrated format when they sell destinations, offering vacations, group and incentive travel, destination weddings and other segments at every agency. This trip took place from September 2nd through the 5th, and was organized thanks to the Hard Rock’s initiative. During their stay they visited Nuevo Vallarta, San Pancho, Sayulita and the Marietas Islands; they were charmed not only by the top-notch services offered by the hotels, but also by the destination’s cuisine and the genuine warmth of the local community, which will undoubtedly spur them on to sell the Riviera Nayarit in Peru.

The Coral Princess visits Vallarta

riday September 26th will see the arrival of the 2000 passengers aboard the Coral Princess cruiseship for the first time to Puerto Vallarta. This will be the only Mexican port for the Princess Cruises ship to stop as the boat continues towards its final destination of Costa Rica. "This cruise was not part of the program, their itinerary changed because of the recent storm in Cabo San Lucas. There are some cruise lines are making last-minute changes to their itineraries and this Friday, the Coral Princess Cruise of Princess Cruises is the first arrive in Puerto Vallarta,” said Municipal Tourism Director Carlos Gerard. "Remember that the first cruise ship of the season arrived on September 2nd, the second and third cruises cancelled their scheduled arrivals due to bad weather and after the arrival of the Coral Princess we expect more arrivals on Monday September 29th and October is very good month for arrivals in for Puerto Vallarta," said Gerard.

REAL ESTATE 19

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

Steven M. Fry

exican Lawyer Lic. Spencer McMullen has been busy again, offering yet more good insights into how real estate law, property law, and tax laws work in Mexico. Here is his latest report on key issues that affect most of us foreigners living and visiting Mexico:

Real Estate Appraisals in Mexico Here in Mexico we have three types of real estate appraisals: Tax (Catastral), Bank (Bancaria) and Commercial (Comercial). When choosing an appraiser, remember that all appraisers must be licensed. Most are engineers or architects who have postgraduate courses and state licenses and are also “peritos” or experts in real estate.

TAX (CATASTRAL) APPRAISALS The Tax / Catastral appraisal is used to calculate transfer real estate taxes and fees, as well as notary fees. In years past Notarios used this value as the sales price listed on the deed, instead of the real sales price that the buyer paid to the seller. This approach had certain consequences when the listed value was low, allowing the buyer to pay smaller closing costs and less in ongoing property taxes. After the Feb. 2010 ISR tax law changes, people could only exempt capital gains once every 5 years. Notarios also became stricter in approving people for the homeowner’s exemption, requiring foreigners to have an FM2 or inmigrado (permanent resident) immigration document and later a residente permanente (while now one can have either a temporary resident or permanent resident to qualify for the capital gains exemption as of 8/2014). Under those “new” 2010 rules, many sellers could not qualify for the exemption. This meant paying gains taxes on an artificially high reported net gain. These sellers did not actually have a real gain but had “phantom” gains, due to upon sale, as Notarios used the lowball catastral tax appraisal value combined with the current sale price for the new real value. In many cases people actually had a real loss, i.e. paid $2,500,000 pesos for a home in 2006 and in 2014 sold that same home for $2,000,000 pesos, while the original deed shows they paid only $800,000

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Real Estate Property Appraisals in Mexico: Catastral, Taxes, Capital Gains & Notarios pesos (as the amount of the prior catastro tax appraisal). While technically selling at a loss, they would have a paper gain of $1,200,000 pesos and pay tax on that gain amount of 20-30%. The catastral appraisal is based upon tax tables published by the municipality where each city block is assigned a value per square meter for the land. The municipal tax tables value the square meters of construction depending on age of the property, style and condition.

THE BANK APPRAISAL (AVALUO BANCARIO) The bank appraisal (avalo bancario) is used when someone buys a piece of property using a bank loan. It is similar to US appraisals, being determined using comparable sales, and is used as a justification for establishing the sales price.

THE COMMERCIAL APPRAISAL (AVALUO COMERCIAL) The commercial appraisal or avaluo comercial is not widely known, even among Notarios and lawyers, but it has many tax advantages when used properly. One objective of this type of appraisal (Avaluo Comercial I.V.A) is to attack and modify the value of commercial construction on a property to save on the IVA sales tax. One type of Avaluo Comercial appraisals (Avaluo Comercial I.S.R. Adquisicion) are used to justify/prove that the property has a lower market value than the corresponding catastral (tax) appraisal. This is usually necessary for properties being sold at prices less that the catastral value listed with the municipality. If someone purchases a property for more than 10% under its official listed value, then the purchaser pays the I.S.R. income tax, as they are receiving a benefit. This is the one exception to the general rule that the seller always pays the taxes in a sales transaction, since the buyer pays this income tax. Typical cases where this may arise are foreclosed properties, fire sales, vandalized properties

or properties under construction that are not yet finished, where some tax offices consider a property with a roof to be “finished” while there are no walls or anything else inside. Here the appraiser tries to justify a lower value showing that the value really is lower due to the aforementioned circumstances, thereby reducing or eliminating the I.S.R. income tax that a buyer would have to paid without the Avaluo Comercial I.S.R. Adquisicion. The last type of commercial appraisal is the Avaluo Comercial, con Mejoras I.S.R. Enajenacion. This appraisal is underutilized and can be a great way to lower

your capital gains liability. Many people have done remodels to their properties but do not have official tax facturas to document the work and justify a gains tax reduction. This type of appraisal can be used to justify improvements on the property, raising the tax basis of the property, and hence lowering or eliminating your I.S.R. tax liabilities. You only get tax benefits from remodeling and improvement costs done on your property, not from simple repairs when something broke. I.S.R. (capital gains) tax liabilities use 80% of the value of the improvements for purposes of calculating the taxes. Items your appraisal will need

1) Copies of your property deed with registration receipt 2) Copy of most recent property tax bill / receipt 3) Copy of most recent water bill / receipt We thank Lawyer Spencer McMullen for his ongoing fine work at supporting expats in Mexico. Lic. McMullen is a Mexican licensed attorney (Cédula #7928026) and official court translator (Perito Traductor). Contact him at http://www.chapalalaw.com/inicio-2-2/ or Mx 376-765-7553

Original: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.

CHARITIES 20

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations F or 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 editor@vallartatribune.com.

victims of domestic violence. www.compassionforthefamily.org

Acción En La Cruz: aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed. www. landon5120.wix.com/accionenlacruz

Bucerias Bilingual Community Center: Supporting families, seniors in Bucerias. www.buceriasbilingualcommunitycenter.org

Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club Basilio Badillo 329 www.recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Majisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. Children’s programs also. Tax-deductible in USA & Canada. Contact slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance www.americanlegion14.org Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or www. mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Catalina Eisenring at 224-9577. Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children

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. www.puerto-vallarta.com/ amf

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 or paco@setac.com.mx 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 Sundays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency food, medicine & clothing. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...NEVADA

Nevada has such a winning smile! She is happy to be safe and loved, and now she is ready for adoption! Nevada is a Lab X Hound mix rescue dog, approximately 9 months old and a smaller size of 22 pounds. She is spayed, dewormed & up to date with vaccines. She is a sweet girl, happy to chill out with people or play with other dogs. Nevada will be a wonderful companion. Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 20+ girls rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.corazondenina.mx abundancia@corazondenina.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. 22 343 11 or 22 225 72 FB/desayunosninosvallarta Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153. Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. www.familiesatthedump.org or 297-7425 Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita. org Tel. (329) 291 5053 www.fundacionpuntademita.org 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 Alvarez cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com

Horizonte de Paz: Shelter for men of all ages who are troubled with alcohol & drug addiction. Donato Schimizzi: 322 199 9523 or Roberto: 281 0644 dschimizzi@yahoo.com La Brigada de la Basur:a 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, and operates the local Toys for Tots program. www.vallartanavyleague.org. 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 special support to their families. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org

PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org

Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478. Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-4495. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza- Shelter for Children. Tax-deductible. ccshf.ca Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-222-5466. ifcvallarta.com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com. Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or Lourdes Bizarro lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com. Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com

CLASSIFIEDS 21

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS OFF

Emergency Phone Numbers Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

The police station or the fire department is 060. For Non-Emergency calls, dial (322) 290-0507 for the Police Dep & (322) 224-7701 for the Fire Department.

Ambulance Services Red Cross Ambulance: 222-1533 Global Ambulance: 226-1014

Hospitals Ameri-Med Hospital: 226-2080 Cornerstone Hospital: 224-9400 San Javier Hospital: 226-1010 Medasist Hospital: 223-0444 C.M.Q. Hospital: 223-1919 I.M.S.S. Hospital: 224-3838 Regional Hospital: 224-4000

LIVE MUSIC VENUES Please be sure to contact the venue to confirm all events. Café Roma Encino 287 Centro Mon-Sun 10:pm -3:00 am Beboteros Diaz Ordaz 565 Malecon 322.113.0099 Benito’s Paninoteca Bar Nima Bay, Local 12, “Marina Vallarta” 322.209.0287 El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311 esq. Matamoros 322.222.0743 Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias 329.298.0140 La Bodeguita Del Medio Paseo Diaz Ordaz 858, Malecon” 322.223.1583 Tu-Sun 9:30-2:00 am Murphy’s Irish Pub Morelos 484 Altos 1, Centro

La Palapa Pulpito#103, Playa los Muertos” 322.222.5225 Las Adelitas Av. Fluvial Vallarta 234 322.293.7778 / 22.113.0373

Vallarta´s only English newspaper

ADVERTISE HERE

Nacho Daddy

287 Basilio Badillo nachodaddymexico.com Philo’s Delfin15, La Cruz de Huanacaxle”329.295.5068 Thu-Sat 8:30 pm Que? Pasa Aquiles Serdan 625, Col Emiliano Zapata 322.223.4006 The River Café Isla del Rio Cuale Local4 Centro 322.223.0788 Vitea Libertad Edificio Malecon 2, Centro” 322.222.8703

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

Ask for better prices!!

Other Important Phone Numbers American Consulate: (322)222-0069 or 01-333-268-2145 Canadian Consulate: (322) 293-0098 Motor Vehicle Dept: 224-8484 Consumer Protection (PROFECO): 225-0000 Immigration Office: 221-1380 National Telegraph: 224-7970 Electric Company (CFE): 071 Water Company (SEAPAL): 223-1516 Municipal Services: 223-2500 Tourist Protection: 223-2500 Ministerio Publico: 222-1762 Animal Protection: 221-0078 Wake-Up Service: 031

Emergency Phone for Sayulita

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT TOURISM OFFICES SATURDAY MARKET A PAGE IN THE SUN FREDY TUCAN´S PANCAKE HOUSE CONSULATE OFFICES YO-YO MO´S MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT

Dial 066 from any standard land line. Dial 080 from Mexican cell phones. To report suspicious activity in Sayulita, please dial 045-322-141-5994.

Emergency Numbers for Bucerias & La Cruz Numbers for the Police Department in case of emergency are 291-0049 and 291-0666. Emergency number: 066 Police, Bucerias & La Cruz: 298-1020 Civil Protection (Fire, Ambulance): 291-0295 Ambulance, Santa Rosa Clinic: 298-0157

BRAIN TEASERS 22

Friday Sept 26 - Oct 2, 2014

SUDOKU

easy

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Challenge your brain! Sudoku is easy to play and the rules are simple. Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain only one of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

medium

Number Blocks

hard

Word Search

What’s a number block you ask? The numbers in each row add up to the totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right. Some of the numbers are missing. Try to fill in the missing numbers between 0 and 12.

SILVER SCREEN Can you find the hidden names? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. ANN BAXTER, AUDREY HEPBURN, AVA GARDNER, BETTE DAVIS, CAROLE LOMBARD, GLORIA SWANSON, GRETA GARBO, HEDY LAMARR, INGRID BERGMAN, JANE RUSSELL, JANE WYMAN, JEAN HARLOW, JEAN SIMMONS, JOAN CRAWFORD, JUDY GARLAND, LANA TURNER, LAUREN BACALL, MARILYN MONROE, MERLE OBERON, MYRNA LOY, RITA HAYWORTH, VERONICA LAKE, VIRGINIA MAYO, VIVIEN LEIGH.

1. Green - Moola - Dough 2. Playing - Time - Greeting 3. Punch - Hair - A Volleyball 4. High - Balance - Laser 5. Human - Rat - Relay 6. Cat - Dog - Gold 7. Toad - Foot - Bar 8. French - Eskimo - Hershey 9. Area - Fire - Zip 10. Gray - Red – Timber

Commonym 12 Answers 1. slang for money 2. types of cards 3. they can be spiked 4. beams 5. races 6. fish 7. stools 8. kisses 9. codes 10. wolves

What’s a commonym you ask? A commonyms is group of words that have a common trait in the three words/items listed. For example: thewords; A car - A tree - An elephant.. they all have trunks. These will make you think!

Wuzzle 12 Answers 1. Better safe than sorry 2. Wheel of Fortune 3. Hard times ahead 4. Black eyed peas 5. Jumbo Jet 6. Minimize

Commonym

Wuzzles

What’s a wuzzle you ask? A wuzzle is a saying/phrase that is made up of a display of words, in an interesting way.The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, place, or thing that each wuzzle is meant to represent.