Issue 929, Jan 22 - 28, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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News AUTOMAKERS IN MEXICO

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Jan 22 - 28, 2015 Free Issue 929

Parenting

THE PERFECT PARENT

18

Riviera Nayarit festivals and more...

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By Madeline Milne

welcome

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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 Guayabitos 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 year 18 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: Falling 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.

Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Rebeca Castellón Rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

Doberman puppies

looking for loving homes

RESCUED: Two starving mama dogs and their three-month old puppies.

Nancy Coates, who volunteers at Colina clinic, found the dogs living in a gravel work lot.

In a two week period, the mamas had given birth to a total of nineteen puppies.

Workmen at the location gave seven of the puppies away, but couldn´t manage to feed the others.

Nancy raised funds for an extra clinic at Colina, which guarantees twenty free sterilizations of dogs and cats every Sunday.

Warren Brander of Boardwalk Real Estate assisted in the fundraising, which resulted in a second free clinic at Colina.

Kim Kuzma, with her terrific voice and exuberant performances at local clubs here, is a Colina volunteer and helped transport the dogs from the lot to the clinic.

As all volunteers involved in this rescue were unwilling to return the

puppies to the work lot, efforts were made to find permanent and temporary homes for them.

Volunteers Brischa and Ted took in the mama dog with her six puppies, because they were in need

of the most vet care. Both mamas and all puppies have been sterilized and vaccinated. If interested in adopting, or if you can foster, please contact Colette, owner of Colina clinic: cez@rogers.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. 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

editorial

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Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com It’s been a couple weeks of visitors and deadlines. I haven’t had a chance to get out much lately, being tied to my computer trying to get the next issue of Mexi-Go! magazine out the door. Tomorrow I leave for a week in Texas visiting family and in typical Mexico-mind fashion I completely spaced my actual travel dates. I just made up some random date in my head and have been basing my plans off of it ever since. Turns out I leave on the 22nd not the 27th. My mother recently did this on her return to Canada- arriving at the airport late but was able to change flights and not be penalized, (yeah! Alaska Airlines) so maybe it’s hereditary.

I had hoped I would have a tan as there isn’t anything quite as satisfying as heading north with an enviable tan, but I guess I will pretend I’m above it all and I avoid the sun now because ‘it’s bad for my skin’. Pffft. How I envy my friends who are here on vacation and the wonderful things they get

to do with all their free time!

• Like hit the Sayulita Festival last weekend for a three-day bender of food, booze, music, surf and great times. I had all-access passes but… you know. From all accounts it was an excellent weekend. I hope that the organizers found some success and are up to doing it again for 2016.

• Or we could all head to Bucerias Saint’s Days which are wrapping up this weekend. The streets are filled with carnival games, the plaza has music and shows each night. There are plenty of fireworks and rockets in case you didn’t get enough over Christmas.

• Or you could spend a couple days chilling on Mayto Beach with just you and the baby turtles at the turtle hatchery along this pristine 12km beach.

• Or you could go see a bunch of great shows at The Red Room, The Main Stage or The Palm and support local theater – perhaps stopping off at one of the neighbouring restaurants for a pre-show dinner and wrapping it all up with an after-show cocktail at Encore.

• Or maybe a day on the open

In remembrance:

Corinne Law

C

orinne Law, aged 83 passed away on August 27th, 2014 following a stroke on August 14th. She and her husband, Jim Law, who survives her, would have been married 6 years this February 12, 2015. She is also survived by her loving daughter, Melanie Law and husband John Kornbluh.

Also surviving her are her beautiful grandchildren, Jordan Law, Sara Law, Jonah Kornbluh and Ruben Kornbluh. Corinne was preceded in death by her identical twin sister, Connie Fauber.

Corinne and Jim began their love for Puerto Vallarta in 1975 when they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary in this beautiful city.

They bought their Puerto Vallarta home in 1982. Corinne has been a regular winter visitor in PV for many years and she will be missed by all who knew her.

This weekend’s MUST The 4th Taste of La Cruz

T sea; whale watching, snorkeling, catching some sun from the prow of a sailboat.

Ah, well. I can dream. For now I’m heading north to the land of giant shopping malls with their 75% off sales, 300 thread count sheets, electronics for half the price, shoes that fit! I bet a couple of you wish you could come along.

Have a great week – get out and support our local businesses.

Enjoy all that Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas has to offer.

Madeline

his Saturday January 24th 2015 marks the 4th Annual Taste of La Cruz from 3pm-7pm. It will be held in La Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Restaurants from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías, Nuevo Vallarta, Punta de Mita and more than 80 local artisans and purveyors will be offering their unique regional art, crafts, clothing, jewelry, drinks and food. This event will feature a unique blend of businesses, services and restaurants including this year’s sponsors: Los Arroyos Verdes, Best of Bucerias, Café Des Artistes/Tuna Blanca, Frascati, Grupo Chalita, A Hand

In The Kitchen, Hotel Cielo Rojo, Inside La Cruz, Marina Riviera Nayarit, Mex-Eco Tours, Puerto Bahia, and Sonora a La Parrilla.

The exciting musical lineup will feature flamenco group Tatewari, Latin/Swing performers Al & Zoe and The Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars in the Xiriki Marina Amphitheater throughout the afternoon and early evening. As with past years, this event will draw visitors from throughout the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta region as well as Tepic, Guadalajara, San Blas, Mexico DF, Leon, San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato and Queretaro.

Popular Second Edition

Guidebooks Have Arrived!

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he Second Editions of two popular guidebooks by local author Sandra Cesca have arrived from the printers! Walking Puerto Vallarta and beyond has been updated to 150 pages of full-color photos taken by Sandra during her 10 different educational walks around Vallarta and Banderas Bay. Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta has been updated to include some new plants and an expanded section on the Vallarta Botanical Garden. It is now available in with 128 pages of full-color photos taken by Sandra. The book is arranged by color making it easy to use to identify over 200 of the local tropical plants in this area.

The books will be available this week at Page in the Sun Bookstore, the new Friday Market at the Marsol Hotel, and the Saturday Market “Three Hens and a Rooster” in the market place at #466 V. Carranza. For further information about Sandra’s walks, contact her at: sandra.learn.vallarta@gmail. com or 322-228-9365 or visit her website: escaperoutevallarta.com.

news

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Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Oscar Perez is PV’s new Tourism Director Tax Time Replacing former Tourism Director Gerard Carlos Guzman, Oscar Ernesto Perez has been named by Puerto Vallarta’s Mayor as the cities new head of the Municipal Tourism department.

Oscar grew up in Puerto Vallarta and most recently was the Mayor’s private secretary.

Beginning last Friday January 16th, Oscar Perez has assumed his new role in the government. His life long commitment to the city will serve Perez well as he works to uphold public policies and promotional efforts in strengthening tourism in Puerto Vallarta.

It’s time to pony up to the tax man. Property taxes are due annually starting January 1st but if you pay for the entire year before February you will enjoy a 15% discount. You will need your property ID number and you can pay online or in person at the city hall. Online here: http://enlinea. puertovallarta.gob.mx/PredialEnLinea/Default.aspx Be sure to keep your receipt with your records as you may be asked to show it at some point, especially when you sell your property. Unpaid balances are subject to interest and fines.

Drones, with a Porpoise

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Mexico develops method

to degrade diapers

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t’s a quandary for all parents of young children - all those used diapers that end up in the landfill. But scientists from Mexico’s Metropolitan Autonomous University have an answer. They’ve developed a technique to degrade diapers together with wheat hay to grow mushrooms. Scientists Alethia Vazquez and Rosa Maria Espinosa receive dirty diapers from nurseries in north-west Mexico City. They only use urine soaked diapers, as they’re easier and safer to handle. After taking the diapers apart, the remains are placed with wheat straw in plastic bags. The bags are then sterilized to get rid of pathogens, which inhibit mushroom growth. Mushroom seeds are placed with the mixture, while cells from the diaper waste and a wood polymer called lignin - found in the hay - help them grow. Espinosa

says mushrooms are one of the few organisms that degrade wood, specifically cellulose, which makes up most of a diaper’s structure.

Scientist, Rosa Maria Espinosa says, “The diapers come from cells extracted from the trees. When we think of something that could degrade them, we think of an organism capable of degrading wood.

Within the few organisms in nature, we have mushrooms.” To inoculate the mushrooms, sorghum seeds are used. The seeds, diaper waste, and hay are placed back into plastic bags and left in a dark room with controlled temperature and humidity so the mushrooms can grow and degradation begins.

The mushrooms aren’t meant for eating, but three recyclable sub-products are left. Espinosa explains, “We have plastic, which can be separated, cleaned and

sent to be recycled. We have the hay and the rest of the diaper which did not manage to degrade, which can be sent off for compost and we have the mushrooms, which is high in protein product and can be used to feed cattle, as a flavouring product or as a high quality protein.”

The bundles are moved to a bright room, so that sunlight can stimulate the mushrooms’ growth. The degradation process takes about three months.

The process degrades more than 70 percent of the diaper, significantly reducing the volume of waste generated. 500 tons of used diapers end up in Mexico City landfills every day. The scientists believe parents can be trained to perform the procedure at home, helping them generate less waste and easing their guilty conscience.

Original: Rueters

exico is planning to use drones to patrol the upper Sea of Cortez to combat illegal fishing and save the critically endangered vaquita marina, the world’s smallest porpoise.

Assistant environmental prosecutor Alejandro del Mazo said Monday his agency has conducted tests of unmanned aircraft flights in cooperation with the Mexican Navy.

Del Mazo says he hopes to have three drones patrolling the vaquita’s habitat in coming months. Also known as the Gulf of California, it is the only place vaquitas are found.

“We are considering the use of advanced technology, because drones would allow us to have permanent aerial patrols in the area and be able to react much more efficiently and quickly,” Del Mazo said.

Fewer than 100 of the shy, elusive porpoises remain. The vaquita is threatened by illegal gillnet fishing for totoaba, a large fish whose swim bladder is prized by chefs in China.

Del Mazo said Mexican authorities had arrested a total of 17 people in 2014 for trafficking in Totoaba bladders, which is illegal.

Luis Fueyo, the head of Mexico’s national protected areas, noted that Mexico is increasing cooperation with U.S. authorities, given that dried Totoaba bladders are often clandestinely shipped through California and then to China.

In December, Mexican authorities proposed a $37 million plan to ban gillnet fishing in about half of the upper Gulf.

The plan is up for mandatory public consultation, and could be implemented in March.

There is already a protected reserve area around the mouth of the Colorado River delta, but the new proposal would greatly increase the no net-fishing area southward.

The new area would essentially include almost all of the vaquitas’ known range. The ban would

initially be in place for two years.

The plan presented by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department would pay some of the fishermen to work patrolling the area to detect violations of the net ban. Some non-threatening net fishing techniques would be allowed for some months of the year.

Fueyo noted that a longer-range plan is needed.

“The vaquita can’t recover in two years, because they only reproduce every two years, and only 25 of those left are of reproducing age,” said Fueyo. “In order to recover a population of 5,000 individuals, there will have to be a long range plan of 20 or 30 years.”

Mexico got some good news this year about another marine mammal, the grey whale that calves in lagoons and bays on the Pacific coast of Baja California.

Authorities said they had detected 141 whale calves in the Ojo de Liebre lagoon, 8 percent higher than last year, and 34 calves in San Ignacio lagoon, five times as many as last year.

The Associated Press

entertainment

05

Perceptions

of Art

by Marcia Blondin

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he first Mix, Mingle and Munch, presented by the RED ROOM and hosted

by Nancy Page, was a delicious success. Held at Boccon di Vino, the twenty-plus Minglers Munched on baby pizzas, calamari, prosciutto and much more and Mixed in a visit with Dame Edna herself, then with new friends in tow walked virtually next door to Act II Entertainment’s Red Room. All the MMM participants were given first choice of seating…good thing as Dame Edna’s extraordinary show was sold out! The Red Room will be hosting more MMM events soon; watch this space and Facebook for news about the next one.

The Wonderful World of Miss

Conception was introduced to a packed house last Thursday with a sophisticated video preview followed by indoor pyrotechnics and fabulous costume changes that delighted everyone’s inner child that grew up with Walt Disney characters.

Michael Walters as the ever-lovely Dame Edna, Kim Kuzma in two completely different shows and Rob Knight impressively Presley continue their wonderful shows into February with Sharron Weathers gracing our Red Room stage for her last performance January 29th.

After an incredibly fun run the curtain has come down on Danny Mininni’s fabulous romp “The

The Blond Gypsies and Luna Rumba are on fire at The Palm!

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he Palm brings back to the stage live Spanish Gypsy Guitars and hot Rumba, Cuban, and Flamenco rhythms, showcasing award-winning local and international musicians.

Latcho & Andrea; The Blond Gypsies are European recording artists who perform Gypsy Rumba and Spanish Flamenco Guitar music in Puerto Vallarta.

Both of German descent, Latcho & Andrea's music takes influences from around the world and back through time, authentically producing the mysterious and passionate sounds of Gypsy Flamenco music.

In order to trace the origins of this amazing sound, you have to go back some 30 years to El Sacromonte, the gypsy quarter of Granada, Spain, where Latcho lived and learned how to play Spanish guitar from the masters of Flamenco.

Touring with his band Lailo,

Latcho played with Antonico Reyes, and members of the Gypsy Kings family and other notable musicians of the time in Europe.

The Blond Gypsies return to The Palm with three shows only Jan. 26th, Feb. 14th & 28th.

Luna Rumba, featuring Cheko Ruiz on vocals and guitar and George “Geo” Uhrich on violin, mandolin, Flamenco and electric guitars, also returns to The Palm.

Luna Rumba is a fusion of Gypsy, Latin, Celtic, Flamenco, Middle Eastern and Rock, all spiced up with hot Rumba and Cuban rhythms.

From beautiful, romantic ballads to fiery dance pulsations, the group will delight a diverse audience with its infectious sounds and rhythms.

Their music has been judged “world class” in international songwriting competitions Luna Rumba returns to The Palm for three performances, Jan. 31, Feb. 11, Mar. 3.

Musical Comedy Murders of 1940” on the Main Stage. His direction continues every Sunday with Voice of Vallarta.

As an avid, no…rabid fan into my second season of Voice, I can honestly say that if last year set the bar – this season - theatrically at least, has busted that wide open. The full house last week was treated to Broadway numbers with make-up and costumes and staging far and above anything seen so far ever in Voice. With girls playing boys and boys playing girls and Dame Edna as guest judge and Alain Perrault in the audience (last year’s Head Judge) heckling from the sidelines it was wonderfully exhausting and ecstatically performed.

Jose Maria Caudillo from last year's contest won that competitions first perfect score with his rendition of "Bring Him Home" from Les Mis. What a treat to hear that again - in French. I am unabashedly in love with Jose Maria - what a superb talent and he is working very hard at his craft and those opportunities arose for him partly because he competed in Voice last year. Very sad to see

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Elias leave us this week (I blame Facebook totally). I shall miss his velvety tenor.

The tribute to Joni Mitchell is an exquisite visit to times past with Mitchell’s succinct sometimes wildly splashed lyrics that soar and dip like a bird drinking from a rushing stream flowing into a still lake. Crazy then quiet. Beautifully sung by Jenny Allen and long-time friend Rhonda with back up by Don Pope, Chuy, Roberto, Willow and wonderful blues harp by Geoff Watkinson.

The Golden Girls open on the Main Stage Thursday the 22nd.

I will be there and will have a full report next week.

The play Equus opens in less than two weeks on the Main Stage.

The Press Conference was held on Los Muertos last week at the gorgeous new Sapphire Beach Club. Those of us lucky enough to be invited were pampered by exotic food and drink and interviews with Director Alain Perrault and some of the cast members hosted flawlessly in both languages by Paco Ojeda.

It is a characteristically difficult play in all respects and aspects:

Vallarta is in for some seriously long-awaited drama.

The Palm Cabaret has put its long running hit “Greater Tuna” to bed. Amy and Freddy are back and in better voice than ever. Amy’s has softened and become clearer… something I didn’t believe was possible. An almost completely new show…to go with her ‘new clarity’. They both shine. And then there is Well-Strung…Four young men brilliantly talented: Classically trained musicians all with voices to match. The show is brand new this year: Composer’s names and birth-dates along with the title of the compositions lit up the screen behind the players and, as a gentleman beside me mentioned, the ‘boy band’ gave as much respect to Leonard Cohen as to Edvard Grieg; to Pink and Bono as to Mozart and Beethoven.

The time flew by like the breath of fresh air this quartet is. Go and hear Daniel on cello, Trevor on viola, Christopher, second violin and Edmund first violin.

There are a few delightful musical surprises… Oh, and by the way - they aren’t hard to look at either.

FANTASY COMES TO LIFE IN THE RED ROOM CABARET

MISS CONCEPTION MISS CONCEPTION

MON 7:00PM AND MON & THURS 9:30PM

After 4 years in the making it’s finally here. The Wonderful World of Miss Conception has been written and produced by Kevin Levesque and all the costumes made to perfection by Richard Ryder.

This all live singing fairy tale show will leave you laughing and singing your favorite cartoon songs and grinning from ear to ear. The Wonderful World of Miss Conception features characters from Beauty and the Beast, Frozen, The Lion King, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, 101 Dalmatians, Mary Poppins to Maleficent. This show will blow you away!

DAME EDNA FINDS HER VOICE

JAN 23, 28 AT 7:30 PM JAN 24 AT 9:30 PM Renowned vocalist and actor Michael L. Walters takes the stage by storm in a critically acclaimed full-scale homage to Dame Edna’s fabulous Broadway shows!

SHARRON MATTHEWS

SIDE ONE JAN 22, 27, 29 at 7:30PM SIDE TWO JAN 23, 25, 30 at 9:30 PM “She proved once again that she may be the most exciting thing to have happened in cabaret since Bette Midler at the Continental Baths.”

— NiteLifeExchange/NYC

EVERY WEEK YOUR FAVOURITES RETURN! VALLARTA’S FAVOURITE - KIM KUZMA

ACOUSTICO - SUN AT 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY NIGHT FEVER - WED AT 9:30 PM Kim Kuzma and her live acoustic band is a Sunday evening tradition in Vallarta.

Join Kim for Wednesday Night Fever for a high energy disco show.

ROB KNIGHT AS ELVIS

WEDNESDAYS AT 4:00 PM Rob Knight is a Pacific Northwest Award Winning International Elvis Tribute Artist.

Rob’s performance provides an opportunity to travel back in time to enjoy the music from Elvis’ career.

The Red Room Cabaret @ ACT II Stages Insurgentes #300 Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes A EVERY KIM KUZM Act II Stages (322) 222-1512 0PM AYS AT 9.3 D S E N D www.facebook.com/Theredroomcabaret E W

news

06

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Entering the fast lane: why automakers are flocking to Mexico

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ts close proximity to the US, cheap labour and uncomplicated, duty-free export opportunities have seen automotive companies from all over the world coming to Mexico. Lillie Guyer reports.

Auto production is skyrocketing in Mexico, and the Spanish-speaking country is poised to overtake Japan and Canada as the number one source for producing vehicles for the US by the end of 2015.

This prediction comes from the ProMexico Consulate in Detroit, Michigan. “The multi-billion-dollar wave of new investments in Mexico has turned a handful of central and northern Mexican cities into bright spots of productivity,” says Angel Ramirez, the consulate's deputy trade commissioner. “Automaker investment in Mexico totalled $18.8bn between 2007 and 2012. And Mexico’s total car export value surged from $40bn in 2007 to $70.6bn in that time.” By mid-2014, auto investments had risen to $24.3bn, according to ProMexico data.

Automakers have committed $13.3bn to Mexico since the start of 2011, according to trade officials.

Investments by General Motors, Ford, Chrysler-Fiat, Volkswagen and Japanese automakers Nissan, Toyota, Mazda and Honda have paved the way, to be followed by Kia, BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

Nearly every major automaker now has production facilities in Mexico, moving it well ahead of Canada in second place when it comes to auto investments in North America. “Currently there’s a close race between GM, Nissan and Volkswagen in Mexico,” says Mr Ramirez. “Japan, Germany and South Korea are making the newest and bigger investments as their footprint in Mexico was not as big as the US one.” However, he adds that recent US expansion, adding to the country's already large footprint, “pretty much evens the equation”.

Forging alliances The bigger picture is that Mexico produces about 3 million vehicles a year, and is expecting to increase output by 38% by 2016, Mr Ramirez says. Nissan is becoming Mexico’s largest stakeholder in production and domestic sales.

“Nissan has been the biggest investor in Mexico this decade with a total figure of $3.4bn and more than 8700 direct jobs,” says Herman Morfin, communications director at Nissan Mexicana.

“This includes a Nissan-Renault alliance with Germany’s Daimler

and Nissan investing about $1.4bn to begin producing its luxury Infinitis model in Mexico by 2017.” In a new alliance, the plant also aims to build Mercedes-Benz C-Class vehicles in 2018, Mr Morfin adds.

Nissan, active in Mexico for 53 years, has two plants in the country and a third (for the Infinitis) on the way. Its $2bn second plant in Aguascalientes opened in 2013 and celebrated its first anniversary in November. The plant created about 3000 jobs and has a capacity of 175,000 units annually, says Mr Morfin.

Nissan leads in Mexico’s domestic market, with a total market share of 25.7%. “No other Nissan operation globally sustains this high market share,” says Mr Morfin. “Nissan will sell more than 280,000 vehicles in Mexico [in 2014], an industry all-time high,” he adds.

GM steps up Automakers favour Mexico for cost savings and its proximity to US markets. They can take advantage of lower labour costs, export duty-free vehicles to the US due to the North American Free Trade Agreement, avoid unfavourable exchange rates with the yen and US dollar, and avoid high shipping rates on Japan exports.

Of those present in the country, GM is an old hand, celebrating 80 years of operations south of the border in 2015. Headquartered in Mexico City, GM has four manufacturing complexes comprising 14 plants, an after-sales warehouse and a regional engineering centre in Toluca.

In June 2013, GM announced plans to invest $691m in expanding operations in Silao, San Luis Potosi and Toluca. This was to build more fuel-efficient powertrains, largely to be used in GM’s small car portfolio, with $349m for Silao’s new transmission plant, $131m for San Luis Potosi for a transmission plant expansion and $211m for Toluca.

Ernesto M Hernandez, president and managing director of General Motors of Mexico, said at the time that GM’s investment “means more employment and development opportunities for the [three] regions and more advanced technology that will benefit our customers”. In August 2014, GM also said it planned to shift some production of its Chevrolet Equinox SUV to Ramos Arizpe, Mexico, from Tennessee in the US. Going south Volkswagen also is increasing its stake in Mexico, despite its recent decision to build its all-new midsize crossover in Chattanooga, Tennessee, rather than south of the border. Debate had raged for months after some union unrest at the Chattanooga plant.

In November, VW forged a new labour agreement with the auto workers' union, considered historic in southern plants. The Tennessee expansion creates an additional 2000 jobs, with the new SUV slated to go on sale in 2016, according to VW spokesman Carsten Krebs.

Volkswagen CEO and chairman Dr Martin Winterkorn told the 2014 North American International Auto Show in Detroit that the German automaker would be investing $7bn

in North America over the following five years, aiming to sell about 1 million VW-Audi vehicles in the US by 2018. To meet those numbers, plant expansion is essential.

VW officials have declined to say exactly how the $7bn investment will be split in North America, though $900m will go on the yet unnamed crossover vehicle to be built in Chattanooga. That amount includes $600m on plant upgrades and an R&D centre on site. VW now has four plants in Mexico and the US: Chattanooga in the US and Puebla, Silao and Querétaro in Mexico.

In May, VW’s Audi luxury unit began building a $1.3bn factory near the hilly Mexican town of San Jose Chiapa. The 150,000unit complex will be instrumental in Audi’s push to catch up with its German luxury rivals. Last year it sold about half as many US vehicles as BMW and Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz. The plant is scheduled to start producing the Audi Q5 in 2016, according to Mr Krebs.

Fit for work This year, both Honda and Mazda opened plants in the Mexican state of Guanajuato.

Honda’s new $800m plant in Celaya will build the 2015 Fit subcompact hatchback and crossover models. About 80% of the 200,000 Fit production will go to the US and Canada, with the remaining 20% going to Mexico.

Honda’s Fit plant will partner with a nearby $470m variable transmission plant to open in late 2015. The Celaya project means Honda has invested a total of

$21bn in North American manufacturing facilities, including eight auto assembly plants. Celaya is Honda Mexico’s second plant; the first plant near Guadalajara opened in 1995. In August 2014, South Korean Kia Motors announced that it will open a $1bn plant in Mexico, its first investment in the country.

South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai, a leading US seller, is also eyeing the area.

Mazda Motors is boosting production capacity at its new plant in Guanajuato to 230,000 vehicles by 2016 from 140,000 vehicles. The company is investing $650m in the plant, which will also assemble about 50,000 future Toyotas.

Suppliers follow demand In September, Toyota Motor Corporation began reconsidering opening a new plant in Mexico after company president Akio Toyoda asked developers to review their rationale. An expansion decision is unlikely before the start of 2015, Toyota said.

Toyota recently partnered with Mazda to produce Toyotas at Mazda's Salamanca complex in Guanajuato state. Investment is $100m, with production to begin in the second half of 2015.

Autoparts suppliers are also increasing their presence in Mexico: companies such as Hella, Bosch, Mahle and Freudenberg NOK are making inroads. Where automakers go, suppliers follow, and automakers are increasingly going to Mexico.

This article is sourced from fDi Magazine http://www.fdiintelligence.com/

news

07

Cancun changes

to Eastern time zone

A

fter federal deputies and senators of all parties approved the time zone change proposed by the state’s entrepreneurial organizations, Quintana Roo Gov. Roberto Borge Angulo suggested Thursday that all Quintana Roo residents should prepare for the change, which takes effect February 1st, 2015.

The Interior Secretariat reported that Jan. 31, the Official Gazette will publish the decree reforming articles 2 and 3 of the Time Zone System Law of the Estados Unidos Mexicanos, which will make Quintana Roo pass permanently from the Central to Eastern time zone.

The State Government lobbied to change the time zone for more than 18 years and it was insistently requested by citizens and entrepreneurial organizations to make better use of sunlight, Borge Angulo said.

Entrepreneurs from Quintana Roo proposed the time zone change to President Enrique Peña Nieto last May, during Mexico’s Touristic Tianguis in Cancun.

After pointing out the benefits of the new measure, Borge Angulo said studies show that everyone wins with the change.

This includes transport workers, restaurant owners, hotel owners, marine workers, tourism industry workers and residents.

“We advise all Quintana Roo residents to set their clocks one hour forward on Jan. 31 before bed. On Feb. 1, Quintana Roo will start the day in the new time zone,” he said. This adjustment will be permanent and definitive.

He also said that several departments of the State Government, such as the Tourism, Economic Development, and Government Secretariats will be in constant communication with service providers, airlines, land transport workers, banking institutions, and others to fine-tune and avoid delays in operating times for flights, buses, etc. to avoid problems.

The News

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico Fights Electronic

Cigarettes as Their Sales Increase

H

ealth authorities have seized the biggest shipment of electronic cigarettes in Mexico’s history, more than 9,000 units of a product whose use is banned in this country but which, according to experts, is increasing due to the unproved belief that they help people quit smoking.

“They are products that have not been confirmed anywhere in the world to have the necessary safety, quality and effectiveness to replace the use of tobacco, but unfortunately people believe they are a viable means to stop smoking when no evidence for that exists,” Alvaro Perez Vega, commissioner of the Cofrepis Health Operation,

told Efe. Last week the Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks, or Cofrepis, closed two establishments in the Mexican capital for selling such products, which are banned by health legislation, and seized 9,455 e-cigarettes and accessories.

The General Tobacco Control Law bans importing, selling, distributing, displaying, promoting or producing any object that is not a tobacco product but which displays some elements of a tobacco brand or some design or audio effect that identifies it with tobacco products.

And since e-cigarettes have the same shape as traditional cigarettes, they are subject to that prohibi-

tion. But it’s not just their similarity to real cigarettes nor their possibly false promise that concerns health authorities – the ban is, above all, because in the liquid that e-cigarettes contain “there are unregulated chemical components that could be damaging and dangerous.”

Dr. Guadalupe Ponciano Rodriguez, a specialist in treating addictions, said that many e-cigarette brands actually contain nicotine, but the makers never say how much, and people have the mistaken idea that what they’re smoking is “just water vapor.”

“That smoke really isn’t water vapor. The makers include propylene and diethylene glycol,

which are highly irritating types of alcohol,” she said.

In her opinion, other treatments are much more effective like “nicotine patches, inhalers, chewing gum,” which really do help people quit smoking while getting rid of habits related to that practice.

Original: www.laht.com

Canada postpones trilateral summit With some thorny issues between them, the Three Amigos aren’t so chummy any more

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ill politics in Canada trump relations with Mexico?

That’s one conclusion to be drawn from the Canadian prime minister’s decision to cancel the “Three Amigos” summit that had been tentatively scheduled for February. Stephen Harper’s office announced yesterday the meeting with Mexican President Peña

Nieto and United States President Barack Obama will be postponed until later in the year.

The Globe and Mail reported today that Canada’s chilly relations with both countries could be the reason for the postponement, but no official explanation was offered.

With a federal election coming in October, a summit meeting that

highlights differences with neighbors and results in an awkward encounter might not show the prime minister in a positive light.

Mexico is unhappy with Canada over the visa requirement introduced in 2009 for Mexican visitors, while President Obama’s opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline is one of the reasons for sour U.S.-Canada relations.

A report by a Canadian business group last year said there are many opportunities for Canadian firms in Mexico if they would only look farther south than the U.S., and suggested the Canadian government could do more to help.

As the three leaders no longer appear to be amigos, that help may not be coming any time soon.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

Vallarta-Nayarit: Shopping AND TRAVEL guide vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.com Road Tripping North – The Fun and Fabulous Towns of the Riviera Nayarit (Part One)

By Larissa Magee About the author: Larissa Magee owns Agave Villas Mexico, which specializes in Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta Villa Rentals. Looking to visit the area for your next vacation? Get in touch with the experts at www. agavevillasmexico.com

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henever we have friends come to visit us here in Puerto Vallarta, our inner tour guides come out and there are always several “must-do’s” on our tourist playlist. Ceviche and margaritas at Barracuda on Playa Los Camarones, hike from Boca de Tomatlan to Maraika on the south shore, dinner at Barcelona while watching the sunset and Old Town Farmers’ Market at Parque Lazaro Cardenas are just a few of our favourite things to do. Also always on the list is a day trip north to the gorgeous Riviera Nayarit.

This 200 mile stretch of coastline starts at the resort town of Nuevo Vallarta and ends in the small fishing village of San Blas. Along the way, there are so many great,

little, coastal towns, each with their own personalities, the hardest part is choosing which town to spend the day in.

Nuevo Vallarta

mouth watering cuisine. The concept is tapas from all over the world and the menu is broken up into continents – Argentinean empanadas from South America, roasted duck spring rolls from Asia, potato blinis with smoked salmon from Europe, and shrimp corn dogs from North America are just some of the items on their menu.

Bucerias

Heading north up the coast from Nuevo Vallarta, the next stop is the fun town of Bucerias. If you

happen to be arriving by car, I would suggest driving through the side streets on the south end of town where creative owners have taken pride in building some beautiful and totally unique homes. After that head to the town square on the north side of town, where you’ll find a plethora of food stalls to choose from including my favourite, Mariscos El Payo, which serves a killer seafood cocktail complete with prawns, scallops, octopus and conch. Don’t forget to ask for their special homemade spicy

Many people reading this article will already be familiar with the area of Nuevo Vallarta, as it is home to many popular all inclusive resorts, luxury condominiums, golf courses and timeshares. It is also home to some of the finest restaurants in Jalisco and Nayarit, so it is a great place to visit if you are looking for an amazing meal. One of my favourite spots is Insú Sky Lounge at Marival Residences which offers sleek design, amazing views, incredible sunsets and, of course,

soy dressing; it takes the seafood cocktail to the next level!

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

Just up the coast from Bucerias, you’ll find the pretty little town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, named after the giant cross at the town entrance that is made of wood from a Guanacaste tree. La Cruz is most famous for its beautiful marina and its fantastic Farmers’ market.

You can see both if you head there on a Sunday as the market is located along the jetties of the marina and features local vendors who make, grow or design their own wares.

One of my favourite stalls is the Italian sandwich guy who makes giant paninis stuffed with roasted pork, sausage, grilled onions and cabbage.

Be prepared to stand in a long line as he is always busy.

Punta de Mita Next along the way is the stylish beach town of Punta de Mita, which is best known for its celebrity visitors and white sand beaches. Nicknamed by some

Kathleen Carrillo Galleries...

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ill be participating in the Southside Shuffle this Friday from 6-10. The gallery has moved to a new location: 325 Constitution, Old Town, PV. We are in the old Puerco Azul space right next door to the Banderas Bay Trading Company. The shop, Faith Colectiva, will have maps with directions to the new location for Carrillo galleries.

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

Kathleen will be showing new works inspired by her Italian painting workshop trip last summer, along with selected new works from other Collections. Be sure to ask her about Italy 2015 Painting trips when you visit her at the Shuffle. Two spots are left in the Cinque Terre Italy Workshop June 5-12, 2015 and a few spots are available for the Hilltop

Village of Orvieto, Italian workshop June 22-30, 2015.

Also, there are still openings for Kathleen Carrillo’s One Day Studio Painting Workshops held in her location at 325 Constitution this season, where you come in by 10am and finish a painting by 5pm in the evening!

Only 5 more dates with availability.

Now taking sign-ups for the following

February and March sessions: Flower Classes: February 10th or March 17, Landscape Classes: February 24 or March 24, Foodies Class: February 17.

Consider one, or consider all of them. You can go to www.YourCreativeAwakening.com and click on the Studio Painting Tab or contact Kathleen’s cell 044 322 141 8867. Act fast, as they fill up quickly.

as the Mexican Malibu, this is a great spot to dine on fresh seafood right on the beach and watch the waves roll in.

There are many great places to choose from but my favorite is Si Senor at the south end of “restaurant row” where they make incredible cucumber jalapeno margaritas and amazing grilled prawns.

After lunch, don’t miss an opportunity to rent a stand up paddleboard

from one of the many surf shops along Playa El Anclote. It is a great way to get out in the water, get a little exercise and see the coast from a different perspective.

Coming up in Part Two of The Fun and Fabulous Towns of the Riviera Nayarit, we’ll explore the towns of Sayulita, San Francisco, Lo de Marcos, Rincon de Guayabitos, and San Blas.

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

local

10

Of Markets

and men

Paradise

and Parenting

By R.L. Avery avery1@mac.com

S

unday night the Chinese stock market dropped seven and a half percent.

The powers that be had increased margin requirements that morning.

Last week the Swiss Central Bank removed a cap they had placed on the Swiss frank. Essentially the bank had been buying Euros in order to keep the frank at one twenty to the Euro. As soon as the cap was lifted the U.S dollar and the Euro dropped, fifteen and sixteen percent in less than an hour. The Swiss Stock market took a seven percent hit and the bourses around the globe swayed in response. A couple of brokerage houses have already gone under and the full consequence will take some time to unravel. Is that currency war?

If you’ve been following me, you know that I have mentioned James Rickard’s books Currency Wars and the Death of Money.

If you are unable to obtain a copy you can listen to him at any number of conferences on YouTube. I have very limited space here and I do my best to record some of the more mentionable happenings over the last couple weeks. Increasingly those events are gaining traction. Volatility is up.

Last column I commented on the price of financing cars. Zero percent for seven years! This past week at the Auto Show the CEO of Fiat Chrysler said “ Car companies can not earn the cost of their money,” and he challenged anybody to say so with a straight face.

The problem, he said, was not that the government was forcing them to make cars they have few buyers for but the egos of the executives themselves. Does anyone remember the lear-jets landing in Washington to ask for bailouts? Well, this latest shocker comes from one of the horse’s mouths as it were. Too big to fail and maybe too big too change.

Last week Jamie Dimon of J.P. Morgan claimed that the banks are under assault after reporting the financial carnage of his earnings against billions of dollars in settlements for anything from rigging interbank lending rates to foreign exchange rates to the price of gold.

They announced the closing of their commodities trading division as commodities have taken a drubbing this past year.

Did anybody notice the price of oil and/or gas? Was that hot money coming out of the trade or fundamentals?

Anyway Mr. Dimon claims that by doing what he does he is, “best serving the world.” Reminiscent of Lloyd Blankfein of Goldman Sachs exclaiming he was doing “ Gods work!” The egos are not confined to Detroit.

Could the energy complex be too big to fail? They are already subsidized by governments around the globe, could we see that in the U.S. this year? The amount of junk bonds in the sector are considerable and the yields on that debt is rising fast.

As usual the banks say that their exposure to the sector is limited. Does that sound anything like Ben Bernanke saying that the subprime mess would be contained? The jobs have already to be cut and some divorce payments too. (Continental’s boss can’t afford the settlement!)

DoubleLine capital had an investor presentation this past week. Jeffrey Gundlach who manages the sixty-four billion in assets always has some memorable things to say and he did comment on the oil patch’s potential fallout.

He claims that twenty-nine percent of future capital expenditures in the S&P come from that sector and if the price of oil stays anywhere near where it is at (forty-six bucks) then that Capital expenditure could drop to zero.

He mentioned that many people after the latest financial crisis asked, “Where were the warning signs?” Well, he proceeded to point out what could be considered signposts at the moment. The presentation can be viewed at Doubleline.com. It is free to register and watch the recording.

The whole thing runs about thirty minutes and is worth watching. If you do, well then you won’t be able to ask where were the signs of trouble in hindsight.

The question then becomes, “What do I do now?”

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Less than Perfect

I

f you are the Perfect Parent, I wonder if you will enjoy this article. Because this particular one happens to be about the Less Than Perfect Parent, so you might get bored/judgmental/angry.

Although if you actually believe that you are the Perfect Parent, then you probably get a kick out of being judgmental. If that’s the case, or if you are, like me, the Less Than Perfect Parent, read on. I have compiled a lengthy list entitled Things My Children Will Tell Their Therapists Someday.

I am sure your kids’ list is different from my kids’ list. But, make no mistake, there’s a list in every one of us.

1) I’m pretty sure I heard my mother cheering for the other competitors of my track team meet because she had missed lunch and didn’t

want wait for the finals.

2) My baby book is half empty/ water damaged/inaccurate.

3) No one else’s tooth fairy was three day’s late with the money under their pillow because she was in Africa helping a hippopotamus with an impacted wisdom tooth.

4) No one else’s tooth fairy left money in a currency that was virtually useless in Mexico.

5) My mother told me that I should join the intramural soccer team first because it’s just for fun and no one would bully me if I didn’t know all the rules (I KNOW, right?).

6) My mother insisted in raising us vegetarian in the land of the taco de pastor. And when she found out we were fed tortas at Sunday school without her knowledge, she told us that pressed ham was ok because it wasn’t really meat.

7) My mother did a very poor job of explaining why Santa’s Magic Workshop couldn’t produce the

Skylanders Trap Team Starter Pack 8) I honestly thought our dogs were our “fur siblings”.

9) I have a fear of children’s birthday parties thanks to my mom always dancing “Gangam Style” at the ones we attended, especially when I begged her to stop.

10) My mother had a great sense of humor until 7:57pm on a weeknight.

11) Doing chores for allowance is less motivating when your mother is “short on change” every Friday night.

12) My mother sent me on a weeklong sleepover nature camp to get over my homesickness AND my aversion to nature in one clean shot.

I’d like to change the subject now.

13) Parents should only laugh when you are really trying to be funny.

14) No one told me that most people aren’t the flower girls/ring bearers at their parents’ weddings until I presented My Personal Timeline in front the entire first grade.

15) Why did everything in my childhood need to be accompanied by eighties glam rock? (he doesn’t mean it, Bon Jovi) 16) My mother wouldn’t take us to Manitoba at Christmas because she said she didn’t want to traumatize us. When I asked her what was so traumatizing about a little snow, she wouldn’t speak or stop rocking back and forth for over two hours.

17) My parents are probably, like, 150 years old. ENOUGH already with the PDA.

PEACE Animals this week

C

olonia Primavera, an easy 20-minute drive northeast from centro, is a quiet colonia close to the jungle and foothills of the Sierra Madres. In comparison with some other Puerto Vallarta neighbourhoods, it is quieter and cleaner, and because it is higher up, is cooler. Cherie Verber´s painted green home, perched high on a hillside, was a perfect location for the clinic. The enclosed cement veranda provided views, breezes and protection from the sun for the volunteers, vet team and animals.

Paulina, PEACEAnimals clinic director, called me on Wednesday to say forty cats and dogs had been sterilized that day. That number is unusually high, as first days are usually slower than later in the week.

I picked up Oregon volunteers, June and Helga, who had committed to a "sun and service" vacation and

attended all clinics for two weeks.

When we arrived shortly after 9 AM, thirty animals had already been accepted. Those who came with their pets after the three of us arrived were asked to come back the next morning at 8:30. Amongst the dogs and cats on Thursday, there was a large crate full of six three-month old movie star-looking Terrier mix puppies and their mama - all but the mother dog available for adoption Frank Ohly, star volunteer, brought in "Gus," a small blonde Terrier mix that he and his wife Vicki rescued a month ago.

ADOPTED: TOPE - a gray Schnauzer doggie whose hips had been broken when hit by a car. Rescued by Brischa and Ted Borchgrevink, Tope was adopted by a local minister here in Vallarta and can now walk, run and swim again.

His new name is Victor.

STERILIZATIONS AT CLINIC

IN COLONIA LA PRIMAVERA: Male dogs: 24; Female dogs: 46; Male cats: 28; Female cats: 32 TOTAL: 130!

RIDES FOR RESCUE DOGS NEEDED: For Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. All expenses for dogs paid for. Please contact robin. nobars@gmail or patty@mexpup. com. Clinic schedule, including directions and other clinic information are always on website: www. peaceanimals.org

real estate

11

Buying a Beachfront Property in Puerto Vallarta:

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Banderas Bay Initiative

Part 2: Amapas, Playa Conchas María del Mar Zamora Chinas, Playa Punta Negra maria@fundacionpuntademita.org and Playa Garza Blanca Volunteer in the

Fabien Madesclaire and Ariel O’Donnell

New Year

If you have real estate questions, or want to know more about beachfront properties, contact Fabien anytime at G3MEX Real Estate Group: 322-209-0832. Or visit us in out new office in Old Town on Calle Amapas, right near the Hotel Emperador.

A

Fabien@g3mex.com

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ere’s part two of our series on ownership of beachfront properties around the Bay of Banderas. This week we focus on the South Shore of Puerto Vallarta.

Amapas and Playa Conchas Chinas Just south of town are the gorgeous hillsides above the bay known as Amapas and Conchas Chinas. The beaches here are rocky and very scenic. With beautiful tide pools, and a variety of currents. Much of the actual coastline is populated with hotels and resorts, but there are villas, and condos, as well.

The views here are unbeatable! Much more quiet, and tranquil than being in town, with some pretty restaurants, such as the ever popular Lindo Mar Resort, which is always packed for their massive Sunday buffet brunch.

The highway is busy, so owning

a property next to it can be loud.

Though, a property up the hill, or facing the ocean will be much quieter.

Investing here can be pricey, as many of the properties are more luxury oriented. Also, expect to do a fair amount of hiking up and down hills and stairs. You will probably also want a car, if you live in Amapas or Conchas Chinas, as there are very few local services.

If you plan on renting your property, expect a decent amount of interest, since many people know and love the areas.

Playa Punta Negra

A personal favorite—the swimming here is excellent—with a nice cove making the tides less forceful than some of the other Bay of Banderas beaches.

There are some very beautiful condos available in Punta Negra.

With superb views, parking, and a great feeling of getting away from it all. You’re farther out of town, though,

so car ownership is pretty much a necessity. That, or you can rely on the local bus and taxis, as there are no services at all in this area.

An investment here is great, since it’s still close to town, but the vacation rental market is a little sluggish, seeing that transportation is an issue.

Playa Garza Blanca Pretty white sand beaches, and a luxurious residential club with full ownership and fractional ownership options. This is an exquisite resort, which is very private and highly secure, for owners and travelers who want to enjoy a feeling of safety. The area is also surrounded by vast jungles, with great hiking, for taking a break from the beach. Five star dining, impeccable service, and all the amenities you can imagine, which means you never need to leave the resort area.

Though, you are still only about 15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta.

s I settle into the New Year I keep thinking of all that we accomplished this year and everything that still needs doing.

The holiday season brought me many gifts, but not the kind that fit under the Christmas tree. It had been a long time since I went to a traditional “posada.” I hope all of you have had the pleasure to experience the food, the traditional songs and punch, but above all the sense of community that can be felt in these gatherings.

The food was delicious and the piñata looked beautiful hanging from the tree, but that wasn’t what brought a smile to my face as we celebrated the Foundation’s potluck posada.

Each guest reminded me of an achievement you made possible this year.

Two kitchens and school gardens, another successful year at the sports center, 400 participants in an environmental education program, one summer camp funded, 5 matching-funds grants awarded, three lives empowered by a top-notch education, one assis-

tant teacher at the kindergarten; they all managed to fit neatly in our backyard. And throughout the bay many organizations were having similar experiences, each one celebrating triumphs they achieved with your help. Your commitment to this community (be it your neighborhood, your city, or your planet), this society, which together we build day to day, is inspiring, and the changes you are creating can be seen more clearly with every passing year.

I hope you will continue to support the organizations that do work throughout the bay, whether finding forever homes for abandoned pets, tending to special needs, rehabilitating injuries, protecting whales and turtles, or empowering our schools; they need your help. Our region still faces many challenges, from illiteracy and high drop-out rates since middle school, to low incomes and low environmental awareness, there is still much to be done. However, the more I work with various groups and get to know individuals, the more I am filled with hope and the knowledge that this community is more than up to the task of leading its own development in a successful and sustainable manner.

The folks over at pvangels.com have a great website for finding an organization that supports a cause that is meaningful to you, and promotes events that benefit great causes.

We at the Foundation would also be happy to point you towards community groups or organizations that can use your help.

Visit us at fundacionpuntademita. org or find us on Facebook.com/ FundacionPuntaMita.

Environmental

Education

S

haron Radchenko of Bucerias sent us this photo of Bonita and Ceasar and explained, “I am in my own little way helping to educate students on the importance of taking care of the earth for the future generations.

On garbage days in Bucerias I take different students around the area and pick up garbage.

These students walk on this path to school every day. Now the path is cleaner.

From speaking with the younger folks I think our younger generation are interested in making our world a better place.

"Doing small things with great

love"is my motto. I do not need to be recognized. Being with the students, seeing them care and raising awareness is joy enough!”

ROMANTIC ZONE

Frankies

N

ewly opened, Frankie’s is fast becoming the new favorite Italian restaurants. They sell delicious, thin crust pizza. They also have incredible artisan pastas and salads. Their Italian chef, who definitely knows his way around the kitchen and their Italian owner guarantee you are eating an authentic Italian Mangiare. Prices are low to moderate. Try their Italian wines; the list is small but carefully selected.

local

14

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta We have an ongoing need for help transporting dogs to the States and Canada. The SPCA will take care of all the details and cost of transporting the animals. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Vallarta and one of our volunteers will meet you with the animal and get it checked in for the flight.

Another SPCA volunteer will meet the plane at your destination and pick up the dog. Stop by our table at the Old Town Farmers Market and we will answer any questions you might have.

Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate.

Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv.com/home or on Facebook.

Our special volunteer of the week is Ashley Malone-Rodriguez Link. Ashley and her animal loving daughter Alijah came to our sanctuary last year while on an extended vacation to PV where they have family. They returned many times since and Alijah even spends her days making little handmade flyers on the importance of "Spay and Neuter" to hand out on the streets of Vallarta.

How to become a volunteer?

Volunteers are needed all over!

We have pawesome volunteers in Canada, the United States and of course here in Puerto Vallarta.

Volunteers do many tasks from visiting our shelter and walking, cuddling or taking care for our animals, driving people to and from the sanctuary, social media and web site work, posting online "For Adoption" ads, airport transportation, crate management in BC and Alberta, home checks, animal delivery to new homes, foster home

management, newsletters, adoption stands, Farmers Market booth, networking and fundraising.

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 and vehicle space is limited.

We ask everyone to meet in the Costco parking lot beside the three large trees in open grassy area.

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 anywhere from one to four hours in length.

Please feel free to bring donations and treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

We have also begun scheduling tours from Nuevo Vallarta so don’t hesitate to 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.

Annual Meeting Announcement ACT LGBT A.C. is having its annual meeting on February 12, 2015 at 2 pm at Almar Resort.

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

A Butterfly

from Isreal Terry Connell Terry Connell is a licensed acupuncturist and yoga teacher practicing in Old Town, Vallarta (www.eastmeetseast.net). In his spare time he walks his dog and reads and writes. His first book, “Slaves to the Rhythm” was a Cowley Literary Award Finalist (www.terryconnell.net).

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hen she stood up and took the microphone, there was a collective groan from everyone in the room. The last time Sarah stood in front of this group, she started by saying, “I’m so upset, so angry! I need to keep walking as I talk…”

And she did. For the next few minutes, Sarah paced around the room, as she spoke about her frustration and the confusion that comes from being different. I sat listening, totally mesmerized.

Spontaneous, eloquent, poetic, I thought she was amazing.

Sarah was one of 63 people enrolled in a yoga teacher training program at Kripalu. A dark beauty from Israel, she seemed to struggle from the very beginning. It wasn’t just the cultural differences that kept her from connecting with the rest of the group, there was an innate way that she moved through the world that was more out of sync than

most (which is saying something, since yoga attracts a large percentage of odd ducks, myself included). Still, I think everyone in the training tried to accept and understand Sarah. Sadly, there are some differences that are too big to overcome and Sarah spent most of her time in the month-long training on the outside looking in.

On the night before our graduation, we celebrated by putting together a talent show.

The show was actually quite impressive, and included some opera, modern dance, acapella singing, and even some funky, body-shaking drumming. It was the perfect way to end our time together, and everyone was enjoying themselves. Then…..

Sarah stepped up to the microphone.

Dressed in harem pants and carrying a small package wrapped in a scarf, Sarah began telling the story of a group of Spanish gypsies in an apple orchard and a special gift (the

scarf/package) a man left for the woman he loved. The story went on long enough that I began to wonder what the point was and when we’d be able to chow on the cookies and snacks.

After removing something from the scarf, Sarah, still talking, turned away from the audience as she draped the scarf across her shoulders. Then, with a sudden flourish, she turned around, with a pair of castanets now in her hands, and began dancing and moving across the stage area with a fire and precision no one expected. It was unbelievable.

This misfit who struggled all month to get along with her peers, had morphed into a fierce, gorgeous dancer.

The transformation was so sudden, so powerful, we sat watching in stunned silence.

When she finished, the whole room was standing, clapping wildly and cheering her on. As she took her bow, Sarah smiled and said, “I think you are all butterflies too.”

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By Joel Hansen

Best comeback ever?

T

hat's arguably what I witnessed from my couch on Sunday when the Seahawks rallied cruising Packers, who were up by two scores with less than five minutes left in the game. When Morgan Burnett appeared to punch Green Bay's ticket for Arizona by picking off Russell Wilson for the 4th time on the day, my kid, the ultimate Seahawks fan disgustedly tossed his hat across the living room and peeled off his Wilson jersey, balled it up and tossed it on the floor. (Where surprisingly, it wasn't intercepted.)

We both agreed it was over. I began texting buddies lamenting the loss, one of whom was actually at the game and leaving!

Then the Packers went three and out in under a minute. And then Hawks were back in business. A quick score, an incredible two-point conversion and a successful onside kick and you know the rest. Well, most of you do. My buddy who left early never saw the game winning score. He was stuck in traffic in the parking lot. In the other game, New England did its thing and steamrolled the hapless Colts and I think it sets up the best possible Super Bowl. Feel free to ask around if you want, I predicted these two teams in the final. I know what you are thinking, “Wow, Hansen! You were way out on a limb picking the top two teams.”

sports / events Random Thoughts from the Tribune sports Desks And I think the scandal around the Patriots deflating the football will make for an interesting subplot all week, I love how Belichick interacts with the media at the best of times, so I know he will be at his peak being asked about “deflate-gate” for the next two weeks.

It’s been a few week since I have bagged on either Nick Saban or Lane Kiffin. So, let’s correct that. It looks like Kiffin is about to fall forward yet again into another cushy gig as the OC of the 49’ers.

How is it that this guy keeps moving up in the world? What kinda dirt does he have on seemingly every person in football that he can keep weaseling his way into jobs?

Finally, I spent the past weekend in Sayulita at the Sayulita FilmFest.

I arrived on Friday afternoon and took in a number of events including a tequila pairing dinner and the concert on Saturday night featuring the Kongos and the Dirty Heads. I can tell you the concert was great, the event was well run but other than that, I can’t report much more, as I did my best to drink all the Racilla, Tequila and

W

hat happens when your doctor tells you “there is no more I can do for you”? What happens when the same doctor asks himself, “Why could I not heal this person? What did I miss?”

The answers to both questions may very well be revealed during

EVENTS Saturday, January 24th, 2015 4th Annual TASTE OF LA CRUZ Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 3-7pm will feature restaurants, businesses, artisans and musicians from Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

Tuesday, January 27 at 10:30 am FASHION SHOW & BRUNCH Always a sold-out event this elegant fashion show and three-course brunch (with mimosas!) at Daiquiri Dick’s will feature gorgeous women’s and men’s fashions, original jewelry and a raffle for fabulous prizes is in support of the Purr Project – a no-kill feline sanctuary.

Tickets are $24us or $28cad. You may pay with credit card, PayPal or cash ($350 pesos). Tickets through Vallartatickets.com Thursday, January 29, 2015 XV ART AUCTION in support of Los Mangos Library Local and international artists auction off unique pieces of art and donate a minimum of 50% towards the library fundraising efforts. Los Mangos is funded solely by donations.

Pacifico in Sayulita and I almost succeeded.

Make sure you check it out next year. www.festivalsayulita.com

Thursday, January 29 7 PM the IFC will present "Your Healthcare Options in Puerto Vallarta" presented by Pam Thompson of Healthcare Resources, discussing Information on Hospitals, Specialists, Emergency Care, Insurance Coverage, and other important topics. Donation: $40 pesos or 3 canned goods at the door (no advance tickets) Doors open at 6:30 PM. January 29th to February 1st 4th Annual Arena Vallarta International Charro Championships This isn’t like your rodeo back home, the 4th National Charro Championship ‘Grand Premio 2015’ is the perfect way to enjoy the real Mexico and its traditions. Friday evening will feature a Charro parade along the Malecon, always a stunning display of horsemanship. Not to be missed. $80 pesos a day at Arena Vallarta.

Monday, February 9 Medical Matters Conference Held at the Hotel Marriott Casamagna from 9-5 there will be over 50 exhibitors, speakers and events geared towards educating you on medical matters. Free to attend.

Wednesday, February 4th, 2015 John Ozzello memorial food bank fundraiser Enjoy a day of Whale Watching as well as helping to support the local food bank. $650pp 9am-4pm leaving Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta Tickets: Sandi or Randy Nystrom 322-103-2828

Alternatives Marcia Blondin

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

the Global Foundation for Integrative Medicine taking place this February 7th and 8th at the Fiesta Americana Hotel. With 18 speakers flying in from all over the planet to help spread W-E-L-L-N-E-S-S to all people on the earth through alternative healing; lectures will be given in English and simultaneously translated into Spanish.

Hosted this year by our own

Tuesday, February 17 at 9:00pm Mardi Gras – Puerto Vallarta Mark this date in your calendar. Join up with friends and build a float or plan on hitting the street to watch this fantastic spectacle. Plenty of other events happening in support. More information can be found at www.mardigraspv.com/

Doctor Martina Goldberg who has helped hundreds of patients right here in her Puerto Vallarta clinic for over 30 years and continues her ongoing altruistic outreach programs throughout Mexico.

For more information and tickets to this extraordinary Congress visit the website www.gfim-world. comand/or contact gfimworld@ gmail.com and vallartatickets.com

March 5-8 4th Annual Vallarta Bird Festival The Banderas Bay Region is home to over 300 species of different birds. The Festival is hosted by the Vallarta Bird Conservancy. Four action packed days of birding and natures walks with expert guides in unique habitats will be sure to satisfy even the most advanced birders, workshops and lectures from local and international authorities on many interesting bird and birding related topics will round out the festival. www.vallartabirdconservancy.org/ May 17-25, 2015 Vallarta Pride Focusing on the theme of Unity, this year’s weeklong event is one of the best Pride events in Mexico. More information at vallartapride.com

Old Town Farmers Marke Sourdough Bread Comes to the O Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

By Erin Staley

“Make it, bake it, grow it” market fun awaits this Saturday! The OTFM features over 90 vendors with locally grown produce, one-of-akind artisan products, live music, on-site services and of course, ready-to-eat goodies.

A

mong those tasty treats are the fine artisan breads of Artisan Bakery. Owner Lorene Rivera moved to Puerto Vallarta in 1997 with the vision of bringing “real” bread to Puerto Vallarta. Since opening her bakery’s doors in 1998, she has been a “sourdough bread-u-cator” for thousands of tourists and locals.

What is Real Bread?

Real bread is Old World style European breads that are handshaped and baked in a brick oven.

They are 100% naturally fermented and made from only flour, water and salt. Real breads are preservative and additive-free and are made without oil, butter, eggs, sugar, powered yeast or commercially produced yeast.

Sourdough Perfectio Sourdough is a “friendly” bacteria. It contains a culture called lactobacillus bacteria that produces

lactic acid and gives off that signature sour flavor.

Although Artisan Bakery’s sourdough “starter” originated in the San Francisco Bay area, it has since developed its own culture from wild yeast spores here in Puerto Vallarta.

In fact, this tropical destination is the perfect environment in which to grow wild yeast!

Artisan Bakery’s Bread-Making Process The sourdough starter brings exceptional flavor and texture to all of Artisan Bakery’s breads. Unlike that of commercial breads, naturally produced leavened breads take time and care through each step.

They are carefully mixed, proofed and hand-shaped. The ability to control the fermentation for over 12 hours, the mixing, proofing and

shaping is a process of artistry. In fact, each “rustic” loaf takes 30-40 hours to make from start to finish!

Artisan Bakery breads are made in their brand new bread oven – a Guilard style oven which has a separate fire box and low-vault ceiling.

The intense heat makes the bread gases “pop,” creating those well-known holes through each loaf.

And nothing compares to baking in a brick hearth, which gives the finest crusts and textures.

Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread There are several health benefits to naturally leavened bread.

During the bread-making process, bran is broken down. This releases nutrients. The body absorbs minerals as the grains’ acids are

neutralized. With sourdough bread, complex carbohydrates are broken down into digestible simple sugars, and proteins are broken down into amino acids.

The fermentation of quality bread aids the digestion of all complex carbohydrate and restores the digestive tract.

Select Your Favorite Treat yourself to Artisan Bakery’s variety of breads. Favorites include: sourdough (baguette, round or loaf), whole wheat, New York rye, filone, ciabatta, focaccia, rustic grain, multigrain, artichoke spinach & 3 Italian cheese, apricot and raisin, jalapeno and cheese, garlic and cheese, sourdough cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, and scones.

Artisan Bakery is located at Calle Aldanaca No. 178 Local 9, Col. Versalles (322) 223-8233. You can also find their products in the following locations: • Mikey’s Deli (Los Mercados) • Frutas Vaca (near Mercado Emiliano Zapata) • The Coffee Cup (Marina)

Get to Know the OTFM Ours is a festive “make it, bake it, grow it” North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. We are a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on the “buy local” movement as well as entrepreneurial and community development.

You’re Invited!

Join us this Saturday from 9:30-2 in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town.

And be sure to save your appetite for the International Food Court (located under shaded pergolas on the eastern side of Lazaro Cárdenas Park). We’re cooking up Thai, Indian, traditional Mexican favorites (tacos, empanadas, burritos and green pozole) and vegan dishes, such as hamburgers, al pastor and falafels.

The market is open every Saturday from November 1 through April 25. For updates, visit www. oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook.

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et - Tianguis Cultural OTFM

Find us at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Romantic Zone Saturdays 9:30 - 2:00 pm

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Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery

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Artisan Bakery

Artisan Bakery

…where bread is an art.

Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s …where bread is ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

an art.

Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

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…where bread is an art.

Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

…where bread is an art.

Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

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Swimwear and beachwear made ​​to order!

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

Tel. 322-13-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal

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riviera nayarit

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Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan

www.rivieranayaritfun.com

For any questions, comments or information about tours, rentals, restaurant and entertainment please contact me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com or Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com

H

ola a todos! Well I guess I’ts official! I must be acclimated to Mexico and the Banderas Bay temperatures as I got COLD this last week! Although, compared to the Rocky Mountains, or Canada, not really coldcold, but I did feel chilly, and my feet needed socks! When I moved here several years ago I thought I would never even get a chill again, and thought the nationals were just plain crazy to ever wear pants and long sleeves unless they were hiding their bodies from the sun.

The one thing I do like about the cooler weather is that I get to use a blanket in the wee hours of the morning! NICE! I know this will not last long… I do love living here all year around…so blessed indeed!

Bucerias Festival “Lady of Peace” It is that time of year again for the annual Bucerias Festival, “Lady of Peace”, which began on Friday, January 16th with a fun parade Friday morning, and will last for 9 days. The “Lady of Peace” is the mother and protector of the fishermen. You will be hearing the “firecracker-bombs” go off, signaling the times for mass at the Bucerias Centro church at 6am and 7pm.(and before and after too!) There will be a blessing for

the fishermen for luck and safety for the up-coning year on the last day of the festival on January 24th, called, “The Blessing of the Boats” anywhere from 10am to noon. Decorated panga boats head over from the La Cruz Marina, and beach themselves for the blessing on the Bucerias beach. After the “Blessing of the Boats” everyone heads to the church to continue the blessing. If you’re looking for a good spot to view the “Blessing of the Boats” Breakers Beach bar is having a breakfast up on the balcony overlooking the bay with a perfect view. Later that same evening the grand finale for the festival is at the town plaza with fireworks spinning and shooting off of a huge tower called a Castillo for the closing the festival. A wild and crazy “toritos”, is a man dressed as a bull with a structure built on him with fireworks going off from his back. He runs around like a crazy bull while the young guys try to touch him! One of the wildest things I have seen for sure. It was banned for awhile…go figure! So picture this guy running through the crowds!

The Amazing Escaramuzas will also be present at the “Blessing of the Boats”, and then later at the Bucerias arena showing off their

riding skills. Donned in amazing dresses and hats and riding gloves with crops, these women are completely coifed as they charge into the arena side-saddle on horseback. The event begins at 4pm or so, (Mexican time).

The Charro arena in Bucerias is located on Canal Road, (opposite of Tercera Edad Seniors Facility).

It is a paved road and goes past the El Eden nursery (which is on both sides of the street) as well as the Amigos de Bucerias recycling yard. When you come to the canal, the Charro arena is just along on the left. From the highway it will take about 10 minutes to walk.

Entry is 50 pesos per person, and they should be selling snacks and drinks. If you have not yet seen these women in action you will be in for a fun surprise!

The streets are blocked off one block north of the church on Mexico Ave, down past the Luna Lounge to Esquina 22 Bar and Lounge (Esquina 22 is having all kinds of food and drink specials) during the festival. This is where the kid’s rides and food booths will be set up, along with the carnival games that everyone likes to play, as well as live music for dancing in the evenings. There will be a ton of people coming to the festival, so take the bus or a cab if you’re going anywhere near Bucerias Centro. If you feel like getting away from the crowds and craziness, the south end of Bucerias by Marks Bar and Grill is a bit quieter, or there is a ton of fun and live music in the evenings in La Cruz de Huana-

caxtle. You can check the La Cruz calendar at allLaCruz.com .

The Fourth Annual “Taste of La Cruz” is also on January 24th at the Marina Riviera Nayarit (La Cruz Marina) Amphitheater this year and begins at 3pm. A 150 pesos entry fee also gets you one drink ticket.

With a super music and entertainment line-up this year begins with Tatewari flamenco music starts their concert at 3:30 to 4:15, followed by the Crazy Bitches from Luna Lounge at 4:30 – 5:00. Al and Zoe from “Mango Duo” will be performing their magic at 5:15-6pm with the amazing Banderas Bay Jazz All Stars from 6:15 to 7pm.

Everyone has a great time out on the La Cruz Marina for this fun-music-filled festival! This year we will also be able to enjoy the Vallarta Cup Race Series (A nautical series that will be ongoing throughout Saturdays in January) for a lovely sailing scenery for our background view. So, in addition to the beautiful and exotic atmosphere of the Marina and the Bahia de Banderas, Sierra Madre Mountains, live music, drinks and delicious food, you can also look forward to sailboats on the bay!

Pub Britannia in La Cruz has a new music night on Friday with the band “Rock Lobster” beginning at 7pm. Andra, who is the lead singer from “The Good Stuff” rocks the house at Pub Britannia with classic rock and roll: although they all sing lead and backup! I went to check them out last Friday and they are

a great sounding band with plenty of room for dancing at Britannia.

They are also serving all you can eat fish and chips that evening.

Come on over to the only British pub and castle in La Cruz… Take a left at the only light; left at the round a bout; and down a few blocks on the left across from the Octopus’s Garden. You can’t miss the huge white castle and the knights in armor!

Luna Lounge in Bucerias not only has amazing talent for their live stage shows all season long, but they also help out with a lot of fundraising throughout the high season. Coming up on February 6th at 8pm is a benefit for Vida Reavivida, A.C. This non-profit organization is a shelter up the coast at an undisclosed location (for obvious reasons) for abused women and their children. The cost for the fundraiser is $200 pesos per person and includes live music, hors d’ oeuvres, door prizes and the amazing opportunity to help so many abused women breathe a little easier! Tickets are available by emailing Sandi Barkwell at Bucerias.sally@Gmail.com / phone 322-120-5572 or Kathy Castell at KathyCastell@gmail. com / 320-298-1927. Thank YOU! Thanks for tuning in everyone!

There is always a lot of action going on around the north end of the Banderas Bay. Please check out the allLaCruz.com calendar as well as the allBucerias.com calendars for the live music and events and fundraisers every

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riviera nayarit

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Living

In La Cruz

By Cindy Bouchard

Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

Characters of La Cruz; Rafa Alacantra

W

orld-class marina meets small Mexican fishing villa = La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. I asked our harbourmaster about what brought him here, what were his challenges and how he was received, what a wonderful journey!

The challenge of overseeing the largest marina in Mexico in a small, charming and quiet town brought Rafa Alacantra to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Heading up the Marina Riviera Nayarit team after the first year of operations was very interesting. His goal; develop and maintain a smooth running operation that includes so many people with so many interests while providing the best quality and affordable services to our clients while respecting the environment and preserving the tranquility of the town and the people living here.

My arrival to this position was step by step. I started working at

week. February is packed! I will be posting more of February events coming our way next week! Until then, have fun at the Bucerias Lady of Peace Festival, the Taste of La Cruz and all of the live shows, dinner specials and live music that abounds. We are so lucky to be here on the Riviera Nayarit for all of this fabulous entertainment!

If you have any questions, comments, or are looking for a rental, tour or other fun please contact me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com . I am happy to send you in the right direction!

Many Blessings for your day and week!

Cat Morgan

Marina Vallarta, creating the first "cruzers club" at Flamingo hotel in 1999. I was running the restaurant there, invited boat owners and we created a sailors club. A few people looking for a place to create a real Yacht Club invited me to join them to create and run the first yacht club in the bay. That was the Vallarta Yacht Club, which I ran before day one; creating, hiring, and training everyone. We opened in November 2002 and I worked there until 2008 when a friend invited me to join Marina La Cruz. I didn't realize the commitment until I comprehended the dimension of the project a few months after I started to work here.

All the people have been extremely friendly since the first day, everyone… fisherman, neighbors, staff and clients. I have learned a lot from them and they received me as a friend always.

When I came there were thirty boats. It was like a game, meeting people having fun, putting together potluck parties, supervising ten people and a tiny operation. Today we have approximately 260 boats, fifty fishermen panga boats, forty

sport fishing boats. We run the fish market and the shipyard with a total of sixty employees; after six years, the marina is doing great, but still has a long way to go.

The restaurant, Frascati’s has just joined us merging their marvelous food with our terrific location and view. Restaurants are my passion, my career… I love to be socializing with people while having meals.

The events are my opportunity to meet new people, show my place and are the opportunity to learn what I need to improve for my clients. We have an annual fishing tournament in October, Copa Mexico every two years and so much more. This coming Saturday is ‘A Taste of La Cruz’, well worth a day trip. Nothing like a happy client and receiving compliments; I’m always listening for feedback.

And finally, what one thing do you think people 'about town' don't know about you?

I'm a motorcycle rider, not a boat guy; I prefer to be off road instead of on the water.

Do you have a favourite quote?

More action, less talking.

La Galería Curatorial Project

opens in Punta de Mita Punta de Mita has a brand new cultural arts attraction featuring Mexican artists for its visitors; it is open from December through March.

The cultural arts space recently opened its doors offering the area’s visitors a new alternative attraction and Mexican artists a new exhibit area: the curatorial project.

La Galería, is now open through March.

La Galería’s specialty lies in

showcasing talented Mexican artists and aims to achieve international admiration and recognition for Mexican brands that push the limits of luxury design and craftsmanship in one of the most exclusive destinations in the country.

Opening a new store in Punta de Mita is challenging, but opening a brand new concept in Mexico is exciting,” says Lolita Santos, curator of La Galería.

Each designer chosen to exhibit

embodies three key elements: youthfulness, sleek elegance and individuality.

La Galería will also give these artists a global platform through its online store with worldwide shipping when it debuts its website on February 1st.

The La Galería pop-up gallery is located in El Anclote and is open from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

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classified and more...

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Cruise Ship Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

Attention ! Investors Tianguis and Farmer´s Markets All the towns have some type of weekly market. In Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit we are blessed with many excellent farmer’s, artisan and co-op markets. Most are open from 9am – 2pm unless stated.

Bucerias Tianguis - Year-round Sundays In the arroyo La Cruz Sunday Mercado Sundays At the La Cruz Marina Bucerias Market - Monday Artwalk Plaza Guayabitos – Mondays year-round In the main plaza Nuevo Vallarta Farmers Market –Tuesdays San Pancho Market / Tuesday in Main Plaza La Cruz Tianguis Year-round Wednesday Below the glorietta La Penita Tianguis – Thursday year-round In the main plaza Marina Vallarta Market – Thursdays In the main plaza Marsol Market to the pier - Friday Sayulita’s Farmer’s Market - downtown Friday Tres gallinas y un gallo - Saturdays 466 Venustiano Carranza Old Town Farmers Market – Saturdays Lazaro Cardenas Park Lo de Marcos Tianguis – Saturdays In the main plaza

Business Opportunity Ideal for eco-tourism this 25 hectare area is only 25 kms from Puerto Vallarta in the mountains.

The property has road access, and year-round river. 14 hectares is a mature avocado (Hass) orchard. Info Cell. (322) 138 5503

Important Numbers Emergency phone numbers. The police station or the fire department is 060. For Non-Emergency calls, dial (322) 290-0507 for the Pol & (322) 224-7701 for the Fire Department (322)223 9476.

Ambulance Services Red Cross Ambulance: 222-1533 / (065) 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 Other Important Phone Numbers Motor Vehicle Dept: 224-8484 Consumer Protection (PROFECO): 225-0000

Immigration Office: 221-1380 * 224 7719 01.800.468.8722 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 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006 Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145

Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900 Emergency Phone for Sayulita 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 dept. in case of emergency are 291-0049 and 291-0666.

Emergency number: 066 Civil Protection (Fire, Ambulance): 291-0295 Ambulance, Santa Rosa Clinic: 298-0157

classified and more...

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Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... Baby

Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

by Janice Gonzalez

by Janice Gonzalez ll the votes are in and Baby has been voted Miss Congeniality.

She is just a youngster, only 10 months old, but what a sweetheart.

She is very playful and just loves to be with people.

She is great with other dogs and cats too.

This lovely Labrador mix is looking for a like-minded companion who is ready to enjoy life and meet new friends.

Think Baby might fit right into your lifestyle?

Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com if you are interested.

Live Music

Celebrating warmth this winter with 25% off jackets, sweaters and coats all week long!

Hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 to 5 pm Saturday 10 to 2 pm 497 Francisco Madero & Naranjo Emiliano Zapata 044 322 100 1577

Café Roma Encino 287 Centro Beboteros Diaz Ordaz 565 Malecon Benito’s Paninoteca Bar Nima Bay, Local 12, “Marina Vallarta” El Dorado Pulpito # 102, Playa los Muertos” El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311 esq. Matamoros

El Rio BBQ Bar elriobbqbar.com Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias La Bodeguita Del Medio Paseo Diaz Ordaz 858, Malecon” Murphy’s Irish Pub Morelos 484 Altos 1, Centro Paradise Stage Concerts Pulpito 127 at Olas Altas La Palapa Pulpito#103, Playa los Muertos” Las Adelitas Av. Fluvial Vallarta 234

Nacho Daddy 287 Basilio Badillo Philo’s Delfin15, La Cruz de Huanacaxle” Paradise Stage Paradise Community Center Pulpito 127 Que? Pasa Aquiles Serdan 625, Col Emiliano Zapata The River Café Isla del Rio Cuale Local4

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET A PAGE IN THE SUN FREDY TUCAN´S

PANCAKE HOUSE CONSULATE OFFICES DECAMERON RESORT ELEMENT REALTY GROUP

YO-YO MO´S MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT LA CRUZ FARMERS MARKET OSO RESTAURANT

charity

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Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@ vallartatribune.com.

Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120.wix.com/ accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego. htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. www.compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. puerto-vallarta.com/amf CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688.

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, 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 & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org 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 Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita. org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals. com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: 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, 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 more.

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 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 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@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

Evening of Gratitude An Evening of Gratitude was held Sunday January 18th at Corazon de Niña, the home for children from high risk situations.

It was a very special evening of music, entertainment,

food and most importantly public acknowledgement of the love and support of donors to Corazon. Many of the children participated in the entertainment and with hosting the event.

Some of the children who entertained.

Melissa Canez, the head of the home, speaking with some of the girls.

Two of the major donors who received awards.

games

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SUDOKU easy

Jan 22-28, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

hard

Number Blocks

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.

EXPLORERS Can you find the hidden explorers? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. Volcanoes BEERENBERG, COTOPAXI, EREBUS, ETNA, FUJI, HEKLA, HUALALAI, IZALCO, KILAUEA, KILIMANJARO, KRAKATAU, LLAIMA, MAKUSHIN, PINATUBO, POAS, POPOCATEPETL, SANTORINI, STROMBOLI, TAMBORA, VESUVIUS.

Wuzzles

Commonym

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.

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!

Commonym 13 Answers 1. all have strings 2. they have Homers 3. graphs 4. Johnnys 5. basketball players 6. they run 7. phones 8. sugars 9. wrenches 10. banks

1. A tennis racket - A marionette - An orchestra 2. Babe Ruth - Hank Aaron - Marge Simpson 3. Line - Pie - Bar 4. Carson - Bench - Cash 5. Bird - Jordan - Magic 6. Pantyhose - Candidates - Track Stars 7. Pay - Princess - Cell 8. Cane - Brown - Powdered 9. Monkey - Box - Crescent 10. Blood - Piggy – Sperm