Issue 983, Feb 4 - 10, 2016

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

News

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PV TOPS TO LIVE

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February 04-10, 2016 Free Issue 983

Life in Vallarta then and now

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Charity PASITOS DE LUZ

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Courtesy Bucerias Diver by Algis Alfonso Kemezys

Featured property now distributed in sayulita! pg. 18

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 18th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption.

The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere.

EXPORTING PETS: 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

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 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

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476

Ambulance: 322.222.1533 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

Ahoy Cruisers!

Day Ship 07-Feb Grand Princess 09-Feb Carnival Miracle 10-Feb Carnival Miracle 10-Feb Ruby Princess 11-Feb Norwegian Jewel 16-Feb Carnival Miracle 16-Feb Crown Princess 17-Feb Carnival Miracle 17-Feb Grand Princess

Passengers 2,600 2,124 2,124 3,080 2,376 2,124 3,120 2,124 2,600

Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

In port this month Day 19-Feb 23-Feb 24-Feb 24-Feb 27-Feb

Ship

MV Voyager Crown Princess Azamara Journey Carnival Miracle Grand Princess

Passengers 556 3,120 686 2,124 2,600

Total 36,814 passengers!

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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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

T

his has been a terrible week for me. The arrival of my mother was put on indefinite hold as my 94-year-old grandfather went into the hospital and my mother stayed to manage his care. He’s now on the mend, thankfully. But my mothers cancelled trip means many things for me (because ultimately this is all about me!).

No trip to Michoacan to see the monarchs and to explore Morelia and the nearby towns for artisan goods – I have my eye on some pottery that comes from Michoacan and is outrageously priced at the galleries here. If there wasn’t a better reason to get out and explore the countryside; I will wait patiently to buy it from the artists themselves.

It also means no one to direct me in the creation of a hummingbird and butterfly friendly garden, though she thoughtfully sent a list of plants I should consider and which I will share here with all of you gardening enthusiasts in the coming weeks.

It also means, tragically, that rather than running to the airport and back we went out to do some shopping and catch a movie.

(Actually we tried to get to Sayulita for the Festival but the traffic on the highways was bumper to bumper from Galerias to well past Home Depot, where we eventually gave up. New highway can’t come soon enough.) Anyways, we came home from the movies to find one of our dogs (and my baby) inexplicably missing.

Despite a fenced-in yard she was gone and has yet to return. See Lost Dog post below.

Penelope has separation anxiety and has been known to climb her way out of fenced yards to search for me. In the past, we lived in a colonia that was out of the way and 99% of the traffic was local so she would find her way home because everyone knew her and me.

Now that we are in Las Gaviotas, our neighbours are

behind high walls and the streets are a thoroughfare for people getting from one side of the city to the other. I have plastered the neighbourhood and the surrounding colonias with almost 300 flyers and I have made huge florescent posters that are placed at the intersection where she went missing. I’m considering billboards or perhaps banners that stretch across the road. Everyone uses the radio here to publicize events, perhaps radio ads are the answer?

What is most distressing is in the two months we’ve lived in this house we have lost two other dogs and I can’t help but feel like we might be victims of a dognapper. All of the dogs are Chihuahuas and presumably they sell for good money. (Two are rescues and one was bought many years ago, before I knew better.) The dogs are tagged, the yard is fenced yet somehow they escape/disappear. And the finder(s) don’t appear to want to return them, despite the fact that I’ve advertised a reward. All of which is distressing in light of a very public recent dognapping in the Amapas neighbourhood.

As a member of many of the animal rescue groups on Facebook, I can attest that everyday there are a number of lost/stolen dogs, and even a few that have been purchased with the intent of reuniting them with their owners.

Having been through many lost (and found) dog and cat situations here in Puerto Vallarta it is beyond frustrating that there is little resources for locating missing pets. In Canada (and the US, presumably), the found animal would be surrendered to the local SPCA or City Pound and it would be the first place you’d call when you lost a pet. Here no such place exists, not for lack of trying by a few dedicated animal lovers but the sheer numbers of street dogs fills any space lost dogs might have access to. I don’t have the solution though I have ordered GPS tracking tags for my remaining dog and now leave her locked in the house and not the yard.

If someone offers you an older puppy or adult dog for sale (especontinued on page 18

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Facebook.com/Dr.SergiodelHoyo

Emergency: (322)1506291

dr_sergiodelhoyo@me.com

Av. Los Tules 160 int.9 Col. Díaz Ordaz, Pto Vallarta.

LOST DOG - Penelope Penelope went missing Saturday, January 30 afternoon in Las Gaviotas. A small, golden, long, haired Chihuahua, she has a fabulously curly tail. Please contact editor@vallartatribune. if you have seen her. I suspect she is being offered for sale.

Substantial reward for her return.

There has been a recent rash of (small, pedigree breed) dog thefts around Puerto Vallarta. If someone offers you an adult dog for sale, consider purchasing it (or making note of where it is) and help it become reunited with its owners. There are a number

of excellent FB groups that help reconnect dogs and owners. Match Dog Com and Animalistas de Puerto Vallarta are just two.

Old Town Farmers Marke

By Erin Staley

T

reat your Valentine to “make it, bake it, grow it” specialties from Vallarta's favorite weekend

Treat Your Valentine to H

attraction, the OTFM-TC! We have everything from hearthealthy produce, artisan foods and organic coffee to

Cell. 322 134 4162 MEXICO, (952) 583 0329 USA & CANADA info@muchococo.com www.muchococo.com

handcrafted decor, freshly cut tropical flowers and all-natural body products.

We even have chiropractic sessions, live music, yoga classes and an International Food Court to make the perfect outing for you and your special someone!

While here, be sure to meet Heriberto Saucedo Perez and his partner, Christel Reimink, of Heriko Jewelry. These two artisans have a special knack for wowing customers with distinctive, must-have jewelry pieces.

Get to Know Heriko Jewelry Heriko Jewelry brings out the beauty of natural and organic materials, such as silver, gold, wood and leather, and the sophistication of fossils, fire opals, pearls and wide variety of semi-precious stones.

“We strongly believe that handmade jewelry should feel great when you wear it,” says Saucedo. He encourages shoppers to respect the beauty and uniqueness of every stone. He also invites shoppers to try on the jewelry, and to trust

the intuitive energy of the stones, many of which are Mexican.

“Original,” “A very unique style,” “Drawn to it” and “Mystical”...all of these can be heard as shoppers try on and show off their favorite Heriko Jewelry pieces.

Heriko Jewelry is known for its original silver and leather designs, as well as for its customized friendship

You’re Invited!

We’re open 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7 to April 30, 2016. We’re located at Lazaro Cárdenas Park in Vallarta’s Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood. For only 14 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath park. Public buses and taxis also come this way with a Pino Suarez Street drop off.

and wedding bands. Heriko Jewelry also specializes in creative redesigns, transforming old silver and gold into breathtaking pieces.

Meet the Artisans Guadalajara-native Saucedo started his artisan journey twenty years ago.

Two artisans showed him, a mere seventeen year old, how to make leather

sandals. That very day, Saucedo made (and sold) his first pair. He was hooked and immediately invested in a set of tools to continue his sandal-making adventure. Saucedo then began making bracelets, bags, taidai shirts and eventually, jewelry made from natural materials. Saucedo received training from experienced artists and craftsmen,

et - Tianguis Cultural

Heriko Jewelry

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

from Heriko Jewelry's complete line. “On the spot” repairs and delivery options are available. If your jewelry needs to be adjusted, it can be fixed and delivered it to your hotel or condo at no additional charge. For more information, contact them at (322)160-2747, herikojoyeria(at)hotmail. com, or on Facebook Heriko Jewelry.

Love Yoga?

While at the market, join us for yoga classes (9:30-10:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Colective. We meet in the kiosk every Saturday through April 30. Participation is by donation.

taking specialized courses, such as the complicated lost wax technique course at the UNAM's Escuela Nacional de Artes Plasticas in Mexico's silver-center, Taxco.

Today, Saucedo is a master

jeweler, making people happy with exquisite pieces to enjoy for a lifetime.

Heriko Jewelry has been a part of the OTFM-TC since its first season. “Over the years, many of our visi-

Get Involved!

Interested in becoming a new vendor? Stop by the information booth for an application. For the latest in market news (both in English and Spanish), visit www. oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook (Old.Town.

Farmers.Market.PV).

tors have become returning customers and dear friends,” says Saucedo . “We've become a part of each others' history'. Stop by this Saturday and pick out the perfect Valentine's Day gift

Meet the Market The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. It is also a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans. All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometres of the city.

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 ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

ChelowVallarta

Swimwear and beachwear made ​​to order!

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

Tel. 322-137-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal

Tel. 224-6670 Cel: 322-116-9908

Authentic contemporary jewelry

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 322.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

news

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Democrats Abroad Forums - Immigration

By Democrats Abroad Costa Banderas

T

he next Democrats Abroad free public forum will be held on February 9th with immigration as its topic. On January 19, Democrats Abroad held their second free public forum in Puerto Vallarta. This forum discussed the growing issue of unlimited and unidentified money being spent on political campaigns in the United States. Money in Politics forum began with an overview by Tobe Jensen, Chair of Democrats Abroad, Costa Banderas, who gave a brief summary of the changes that have occurred in the last 50 years regarding campaign funding.

She began by saying, “Most of us in this room have lived through a startling political reversal of public policy from the social-democratic programs of FDR, JFK, and LBJ

like the GI Bill, Social Security, Medicare, Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts to the great unraveling of these policies that protect the 99%. We have shifted from policies geared to greater empowerment and enfranchisement of the many to policies that benefit a limited few as our national focus. We are here today to contend that political funding and increasing income inequality are critical factors in that unraveling.”

She went on to present that more than half of 2016 Presidential contributions are coming from fewer than 200 families and much of that money is going into Super Pacs that have grown dramatically since the 2010 Supreme Court decision of Citizens United vs. FCC. These Super Pacs, unencumbered by spending limits, do not need to reveal their donors. They comprise 96% of outside spen-

ding, as opposed to candidate and party spending, and have rapidly increased to ten times greater this year than that in 2010. As a result, great wealth translates into political power which then allows the wealthy and corporations to generate policies which favor them, thus creating a vicious circle of wealth and power.

Jerry Kroth, Professor Emeritus of psychology at Santa Clara University then spoke on the rise of plutocracy, which has disenfranchised most Americans from influencing policy, and its intersection with politicians.

He claimed that the average wealth of a current Senator, for instance, would put them in the top 1% of people in the country in terms of wealth. As a result, to approve any policy, it first must be supported by the richest of Americans.

Paul Crist, local business owner and former Senate staffer, then went on to describe the political and legal implications and controversy regarding recent Supreme Court decisions which have reversed over 100 years of previous campaign finance law, and opened the gates to an avalanche of secret cash into campaigns, not just on the federal level but for state offices as well.

Finally, John Wilson-Bugbee described various efforts to stem the effects of unidentified and unlimited funding of campaigns.

He suggested joining forces with the League of Women Voters or Common Cause for guidance since they have provided a lot of leadership on this issue. He said the process would be a long one to stem the political power of the plutocracy but there were some hopeful signs. He suggested the

easiest one would be to require all recipients of government contracts to be identified as donors to campaigns.

Right now, those who are seeking government contracts do not have to do so and that leads to outright corruption. He also cited a recent Washington State directive to limit campaign funding, which if not passed by the legislature this next year, would go directly to the voters and could create a precedent other states could follow.

The next forum is scheduled for February 9th from 2-4 at the Red Room in Act II on Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes in Old Town, Puerto Vallarta and it will discuss immigration issues for ex-pats who come to Mexico to live and work from the U.S. but also U.S. immigration policy for Mexicans and Central and South Americans immigrating to the U.S.

Puebla’s tunnels will open soon to public

T

hey were discovered last September, now they are being restored Five months after the discovery of ancient tunnels beneath the city of Puebla, the centuries-old passageways are being opened as part of the Secretos de Puebla, or Secrets of Puebla, project.

Believed to be as many as 500 years old, the tunnels were originally constructed within the foundations of the city, possibly to provide underground passage between monasteries, or to function as a drainage system.

The tunnels are also rumored to have aided Mexican soldiers in their celebrated fight against French troops, which they won on May 5, 1862.

Located in Puebla’s historical center as well as on the fringe of the area known as Las Fuertes,

the tunnels reach seven meters in height and 3.5 meters in width and extend for an estimated total of 10 kilometers in length.

The president of the State School of Civil Engineers, Ricardo Olea Ayala, believes that the tunnels were used as secret passageways between a network of monasteries, including Santo Domingo, San Agustín, La Merced and San Javier.

Sergio Vergara Bermejo, manager of the Historical and Heritage Center of Puebla, remarked that the discovery of Puebla’s tunnel network was the confirmation of a popular urban legend. He said, “We talked of the tunnels of Puebla, but nobody had seen them.”

Specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History will assist in the recovery

of the remaining tunnels, but on February 17 the first recovered sections will be opened to the public. Secretos de Puebla will introduce about 2.5 kilometers of uncovered tunnels in addition to its other catalogued historical

sites, including the Puente Bubos.

They are calling on visitors to create videos to recount their personal experience with the tunnels, stories of which have been passed down through generations.

Total restoration of the subterranean passageways, whose existence was confirmed last September, is expected to take 10 years.

Original: Mexico Daily News

The 2016 Gala Vallarta-Nayarit Consolidates Promotional Alliances

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he 23rd Gala Vallarta-Nayarit has served to strengthen the promotional alliances between wholesalers and the national and international airlines with the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta’s hoteliers.

“Now that we’re talking about the tourism recovery it’s important to mention how essential the trust of our wholesaler and airline partners

has been.

They were steadfast in their support during our darkest hours, strengthening our alliances and making them long-lasting,” said Fernando González Ortega, President of the Banderas Bay Hotel and Motel Association.

González Ortega also extended his gratitude to Governor Roberto Sandoval for the safe environment

achieved in Nayarit.

The Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta have together created in this Gala one of the most privileged tourism industry events in Mexico. Unlike the Tianguis Turístico, tour operators and airlines come to negotiate only with these host destinations.

Over 900 business appointments took place over two work-

days with the participation of more than 600 tourism professionals from among 65 wholesalers, 83 hotels and the tourism offices from both destinations. Seventy percent of the wholesalers were domestic, the rest were foreign.

“The joint promotional campaign has been successful and we will continue to move it forward,” commented Álvaro Garciarce,

President of the Puerto Vallarta Hotel and Motel Association. “The Gala Vallarta-Nayarit is special because of its unique format and it has been quite a success.”

The Gala Vallarta-Nayarit allowed the hoteliers and wholesalers to formalize nearly 80% of the commerce that will take place during the second half of 2016 and the first half of 2017.

news

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Federal District is now officially Mexico City

Puerto Vallarta Again On List Of Top 10 Best Places To Live Or Retire

By Fernanda Orozco VisitPuertoVallarta.com

A

re you thinking about where to live or retire? Puerto Vallarta is undoubtedly one of the best choices in the world as is evident in the annual Top 10 reports that have again listed Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas as one of the best places in the world to call home.

Kathleen Peddicord, editor of Live and Invest Overseas , just published the now well-known list of the World’s Best Places to Live or Retire. This publication specializes in retirement abroad, and, along with International Living , Mexico, and specifically, Puerto Vallarta, has once again been named as one of the cities offering the best quality of life with the most benefits and discounts for those wishing to spend their retirement years abroad.

Puerto Vallarta, for several years now, has served as a reference point, as an increasing number

of retirees have chosen this location as a place to live, experience adventure or to permanently establish. Most of these retirees are expats, however, there are more and more nationals also choosing this as a place in which to retire.

There are several reasons for this, Puerto Vallarta is a peaceful and safe city, an important part of its quality of life.

The growth of infrastructure that Puerto Vallarta has experienced in the last few years has turned it into a world-class destination, with a lifestyle similar to that in Southern California, without the cost. Puerto Vallarta is no doubt an attractive and affordable destination with great golf courses, enjoyable top-notch resorts, marinas, restaurants, shopping centers and numerous places and activities to see and do.

Puerto Vallarta, one of the largest and most welcoming communities in the world, is presently home to over 40,000 expats and retirees.

The change brings more autonomy for the country's capital

T

he Federal District became history yesterday as President Enrique Peña Nieto officially declared the creation of Mexico City as an autonomous entity within Mexico, which he described as a democratic triumph for its citizens.

The new entity will be known as Ciudad de México, or CDMX. For English speakers there will be no change other than the disappearance of the abbreviated name, DF, for Distrito Federal. It will still be Mexico City.

The metropolis of nearly 9 million people will not be a state but will take on some of the responsibilities and powers that the 31 states already have. It will also get its own constitution and congress, and

what are now the 16 delegaciones, or boroughs, will become more like municipalities, and each borough chief will become a mayor.

Writing the constitution is the next step in the process. A constitutional assembly made up of elected and appointed members will begin work on the document in September and finish up by the end of January 2017.

Peña Nieto said that despite the change, Mexico City would continue to be the seat of the federal government, the heart of the country and home to millions of Mexicans.

He did not say, however, how those citizens would be known, which has been the subject of some debate recently.

One option is that proposed by the Spanish language watchdog agency, the Royal Spanish Academy: mexiqueños. A survey last week found that many like the name capitalinos, meaning resi-

Visa promise repeated but no date given

M

exico's foreign secretary asks for a time frame during meeting in Canada The promise to remove Canada’s requirement for Mexican visitors to have a visa was repeated today by that country’s foreign affairs minister, but when that might happen was not announced.

Stephane Dion said following a North American foreign ministers meeting, which included Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary Claudia

Ruiz Massieu and U.S. Secretary of State Jon Kerry, that the visa requirement will be eliminated.

Implemented in 2009 by the former government of Stephen Harper, the move soured relations between the two countries and created diplomatic tensions.

Canada’s new prime minister, Justin Trudeau, promised during last fall’s election campaign, which he won, that the visa rule would go.

Ruiz Massieu asked for a time

frame to indicate when that would happen, the EFE news agency reported. She and Dion also discussed how to generate more investment between Mexico and Canada, grow academic mobility and create more opportunities for human capital formation during their meeting today in Quebec City.

A summit meeting of the three countries’ leaders is expected later this year.

Original: Mexico News Daily

dents of the capital.

Defeños, which is derived from DF, is a name that has been around for a while, but it would have to become exdefeños. When all is said and done, chilangos is the name that might well stand the test of time.

As for the name of the new entity, there are some concerns over the confusion it might create, given that Mexico City will be the official name of the capital city of a country called Mexico, located within the State of Mexico.

Chilangolandia might have resolved that but apparently it never came up.

A sociologist told The Guardian the name Mexico City reflected a lack of imagination, while a DJ predicted it would always be DF. “Chilangos will always be ‘defectuoso,’” said Juancho Nuñez, a play on words that combines “DF” and “defective.”

Original: Mexico News Daily

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entertainment Luna Lounge Entertains all Month with Neil Diamond Tribute, Miss Conception, Motown Memories and Well-Strung

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

By Debbie White

L

una Lounge continues their incredible season of dinner/ shows with four more top, international entertainment acts!

It's been an exciting season so far, with many shows selling out quickly. Here are some upcoming performances that you won't want to miss!

Premiering on Thursday, February 11th, Canadian singer/ guitarist Will Chalmers performs his extraordinary, tribute to Neil Diamond. With great respect and admiration, Will created the Solitary Man tribute celebrating a 'living legend.'

With over thirteen years of bringing his show to audiences worldwide, Will loves to share the incredible music and persona of Neil Diamond. With the enduring popularity and universal appeal of the music, he encourages his audience to clap and sing along to these well known tunes.

With a natural resemblance to Neil Diamond and a flawless replication of Neil's singing voice and stage presence, Will truly captures the essense of the 'artist..' Neil Diamond fans absolutely love this show! With familiar songs like, "Solitary Man," "Red, Red Wine," "Sweet Caroline," "America," "I Am, I Said," "Cracklin' Rose" and many more, it's sure to be a night of incredible music!

Friendly and personable, Will is always happy to meet fans after his show. Seeing the audience enjoy the music is what he loves the most! Having toured his show extensively throughout Canada, the United States and the Caribbean, Will Chalmers is excited to perform his show for the first time in Mexico on Thursday, February 11th !

Luna Lounge is delighted to welcome back, Miss Conception for her third year in a row here in Bucerias.

On Friday, February 12th, she will present her brand new show - Miss Conception Goes To The Movies! Let Miss Conception take you on a hilarious journey through all of your favorite classic movies as only she can!

Miss Conception, (a.k.a. Kevin Levesque) has been performing her unique shows throughout Canada, the USA and Mexico for

many years and is delighted to be back in Bucerias where her shows are loved by so many. This year, her new show will take you through many of the classic movies we all know and love! They include, Chicage, Sister Act, Mrs Doubtfire, The Wizard of Oz, Mamma Mia and many more!!

Miss Conception will have you singing and dancing in your seats and will keep you laughing with her side-splitting comedy throughout the show! The show features incredible, rapid costume changes that will amaze you! Those who have seen her shows before will definitely be back for more... and if you haven't.... then this is your time!

The next show, Well-Strung is another 'NOT TO BE MISSED' performance! The New York Times recommends Well-Strung as "A talented quartet of men who sing and play stringed instruments... brilliantly fusing pop and classical music from Madonna to Beethoven."

This is a slickly choreographed musical comedy act in which the musicians, clad in black T-shirts and black slacks combine excerpts from well-known classical works with arrangements for string quartet of pop hits.

Well-Strung is 'the new band on the block' that features classical musicians, who sing and play, putting their own spin on the music of Mozart, Vivaldi, Rihanna, Adele, Lady Gaga and more! Since the group's beginning in New York in 2012, they have been playing sell-out shows around the world.

The Well-Strung show was a highlight of last season and most definitely will be enormously popular again this season. Buy your tickets A.S.A.P. to avoid disappointment! February 13th is sold out, but another show has been

added on Thursday, February 18th.

On Valentines Day, Luna Lounge is proud to present, Memories of Motown. This dinner/show features internatinal singing star, Dwight Blake.

Dwight is currently on a tour of Europe, the South Pacific and Australia. He will be back on the Riviera Nayarit in February and Luna Lounge is delighted to be the FIRST VENUE to confirm his Memories Of Motown show for a special Valentine's Day performance, Sunday, February 14th.

THIS SHOW IS LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 80 TICKETS ONLY to allow room for a dance-floor, so you can dance the night away!

If you were lucky enough to have seen Dwight in action at Luna Lounge in past seasons, then you know just how great this show will be. Buy your tickets soon, as they are sure to sell out fast!!

This will be an extra special Valentine's Day event that will include a welcome glass of Champagne for everyone and a single, red rose for the ladies!!

For information and tickets for all Luna Lounge shows, go to: lunaloungebucerias.weebly.com/.

entertainment “Not Fade Away” The Spirit Of Buddy Holly Lives On

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Merv Buchanan holding a rare boxed set of all of Buddy Holly’s recordings that has been out of print for 30 years is what you get” attitude won him the respect of future stars like Mick Jagger, Bruce Springsteen and Burton Cummings. He was the real deal!

Buddy Holly was a broadminded, “people” person. He worked with black, openly gay Little Richard, when other white entertainers wouldn’t. And he shocked the people of Lubbock by bringing him home for dinner. Although polite to a fault, he was a “take charge” guy who brooked no nonsense, when it came to his career. Despite his backwater location, he mastered complex recording techniques and gained acceptance into the elite New York music scene, without the aid of YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter.

Buddy Holly appreciated all styles of music and recognized the connection between country music, r’n’b and rock. While fiddles and steel guitars provide the classic “Nashville” country sound, horns and Hammond organs create the “soul” of rhythm & blues made famous

by Atlantic Records. Leave those key components out and you have “rockabilly”, which gradually morphed into what we now call “rock’n’roll”.

Elements of country, r’n’b and even classical music are evident in many of Holly’s compositions and he saw no reason it shouldn’t be so.

Comparisons with Elvis Presley are natural. Elvis was a born entertainer, with his own unique voice, style and look. The undisputed king of rock’n’roll. John Lennon famously said “before Elvis, there was nothing” and that may be true. But Elvis was an interpreter, turning many songwriters into millionaires, their songs into timeless classics. Elvis didn’t write songs and he didn’t control his own career, but he opened a new door for hungry young musicians with something to say and Buddy Holly marched in, a Fender guitar in one hand and a book of original songs in the other. The rest is rock’n’roll

history.

So what was a smart, successful guy like Buddy Holly doing, away from his comfortable New York apartment, in a terrible place like Iowa, in the middle of the winter?

He was doing what any responsible husband would do when times are tough. He was taking whatever work he could get, to pay the bills. Rock tours of the 50s didn’t pay much, but the work was steady and over a period of a month, the nightly take added up.

Buddy Holly was on tour because he was having difficulty collecting his royalties, a common problem in the fifties. In those days, most artists knew nothing about their rights, so they were easy marks. Managers and producers routinely added their own names to the composer credits and collected the royalties themselves, living high, while the artists barely got by. Buddy Holly was smarter than most, but still had to fight for his money. Many others were not paid for decades, if ever.

Little Richard’s famous rant “I am the king of rock’n’roll, and I still ain’t got paid!” may be pretty close to the truth.

Buddy Holly’s untimely death happened because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Fatigue and disillusionment played a part too. The tour bus had no heat, so his voice was ravaged by a cold.

He was a businessman, with no time to take care of his business. He was lonely, concerned about his wife and unborn child, at home. He should have been in New York, working on his next record. And that’s where he would have been, had he been able to collect the money he was owed.

But lacking the services of expensive lawyers, he was powerless and was forced back to the concert stage.

Cyndi Lauper said “money changes everything”. In Buddy Holly’s case, money might have saved his life.

In his 22 months in the spotlight, Charles Hardin Holley, aka “Buddy Holly”, recorded over 100 songs, landing at least two dozen on the charts. He and his friends Jerry Allison, Joe Mauldin and Niki Sullivan, “The Crickets” went from playing small town dance halls and roller rinks to the major concert venues of the world. His well crafted songs captured the public's imagination and left an indelible mark on the music industry. His hit records are still heard on radio and found in jukeboxes around the world, almost 6 decades after he recorded them.

The song title “Not Fade Away” truly describes Buddy Holly's place in the story of popular music.

“Dinner & Show Under The Stars”

elriobbq

TRENDTRIBUTES.COM

By Merv Buchanan uddy Holly’s meteoric rise to fame was cut tragically short 57 years ago, on February 3, 1959 when a small plane crashed in a frozen field, near Clear lake Iowa.

That crash ended the career of the era’s freshest, most original entertainer. But his body of work has lived on, influencing generations of rock’n’roll stars to this day. Is there anyone on this planet who doesn’t know the chorus to “That’ll Be The Day? According to Paul McCartney, Keith Richards and Linda Ronstadt, Buddy Holly was a genius who was ahead of his time. He didn’t rely on professional songwriters, arrangers or record producers, to make hit records, he did it all himself, a feat unheard of in the 1950s. The first song ever recorded by the Beatles was Holly’s “That’ll Be The Day”.

“Not Fade Away”, the last song ever performed on stage by Holly, was the first top 10 hit for by The Rolling Stones in North America. And Ronstadt’s cover of “It’s So Easy” shot instantly to the top of the charts, 20 years after Holly wrote it. His pioneering work set the standard for every self-sufficient rock’n’roll band that came after him. And there’s not a working musician alive who doesn’t acknowledge his influence in some way.

Like Johnny B. Goode, Holly could “play a guitar like ringing a bell”, and he wasn’t afraid to strap on his beloved Stratocaster and get up on any stage, any time, to prove it.

In the fifties, long before MuchMusic and the Internet, road tours were a necessary part of every recording star’s job and Buddy Holly was no exception. That was the way to promote records and build a name.

It was exhausting work, but it helped him hone the skills that drove his records to the top of the charts. As Canadian rockers April Wine said, “rock’n’roll is a viscious game”, but Buddy was up to the challenge.

Buddy Holly didn’t strive for a “trendy” image. He wore suits and bowties on stage. And in an era when most entertainers left their glasses in the dressing room, he wore his with pride. Sure they made him look like a nerd, but the fans didn’t care, it was just part of his look. Another Texan, named Roy Orbison, took notice. So did Hank Marvin of Cliff Richard’s backup band, The Shadows. And it wasn’t long before London’s Teddy Boys and hip young men from New York to New Delhi were sporting “the Buddy Holly look”, a look that has returned with a vengeance in the 21st century. His “what you see

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Miss Richfield 1981 Dishes About ‘Red Lips to the White House’ Now Playing at The Palm

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ow in her third season at The Palm, the hilarious Midwestern maven, Miss Richfield 1981 stars in her all new show, ‘Red Lips To The White House’. Miss R. is kicking off her US Presidential campaign in Mexico. Proving she will be the best, ‘Commander in Chiffon’, she will lay out her platform with all new songs, videos, and even more fun audience interaction, inviting all to

join her campaign #BigHairMatters!

Miss R.’s all-live performances have received critical acclaim with The New York Post declaring Miss Richfield 1981, “The must-see act in Provincetown.” And The Chicago Sun-Times describes Miss Richfield as “Garrison Keillor meets Mary Tyler Moore”. In addition to selling out theaters and nightclubs each year in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia,

Atlanta, South Florida, and Minneapolis, Miss R. continues to fill the Paramount Theater at the Crown & Anchor in Provincetown, MA nightly, throughout the summer.

Her debut two seasons ago at The Palm Cabaret and Bar in Puerto Vallarta was a huge success and PV has been in love with her ever since.

Press contributor, Jacqui Birchall, caught up with “Miss R.”

(as she is affectionately known), before she boarded a bus for the border and asked about her Minnesota upbringing, how she got her start in showbiz, and all about her new comedy show at The Palm.

JB: First, how did Miss Richfield 1981 come to be?

Miss R: Beauty is the center point of my career, winning the title of Miss Richfield 1981 in Richfield, Minnesota, where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage. It’s also Minnesota’s first suburb and the home of our international airport!

Yes, there’s a bit of a draft when the 747’s skim our rooftops, but that doesn't bother me because I always wear my hair with the chinstrap down.

JB: Tell us about your new show "Red Lips to the White House."

Miss R: Does chiffon give you a lead? It’s not a show! It’s a movement! I’m going to be the next Commander in Chiffon! And I’m kicking off my US Presidential campaign in Mexico! I want to get that Mexican vote before Donald and the others start showing up. Of course it’s going to be another one of my highly produced “programs” with all new music, new videos and new fun with the audience! I hope everybody will come to hear about my big plans and see my darling red, white & blue outfits that I’ll be parading around this year!

JB: You are a wonderful saw player. How did you learn that skill?

Miss R: It was the talent that won me the title of Miss Richfield in our city’s beauty pageant on July 4, 1981. I was going to do a duet with my puppet, Chopped Liver, but all that changed when Trudy Olson, one of the other contestants, was twirling 3 flaming batons and lost control, taking out all the other 11 contestants and my puppet in a terrible fire! So I was the only contestant left, but had no talent!

Then one of our biggest, toughest, most burly Richfield Firefighters by the name of Hal, which is short for Cynthia, pulled me aside. I still have the mark on my left arm to prove it. Hal taught me how to play the saw and also how to keep it sharp and shiny!

JB: Your lips and glasses are amazing. They symbolize Miss Richfield. How did they come to be?

Miss R: That story goes back

a ways! As a naturally talented child, my parents wanted to give me music lessons. They couldn’t afford much, so they enlisted the help of my Uncle Clarence to give me whistling lessons. It was a win-win, because we didn’t have to buy an instrument and Clarence was recently released from prison and had plenty of free time! Old Clarence had one of the best puckers, so his prison buddies would often recall. So I credit all those years of whistling for begetting my lovely lips. And those fashionable glasses are the result of staring directly at the sun for most of my early childhood.

JB: How much fun was Cake Boss?

Miss R: What a surprise to be included on another episode of Cake Boss! For this installment I brought the cake to the New York City Pride Family Movie Night on Chelsea Pier. Buddy and his crew made a gorgeous rainbow colored cake, which was as delicious as it was beautiful. This was my second cake with Buddy! Six years ago the cake was based on Jesus and Christmas, and this time it was homos and children. So I guess you never know!

JB: Matching undies! Does it matter? Cotton, nylon or silk?

Miss R. Yes, just ask Britney Spears! I tend to steer away from silk, as the smallest moisture stains and with the smooth texture, I keep falling off my chair when I sit down. So I prefer cotton and nylon and cotton. I think layers are always a good idea for those of us who spell with our legs, particularly words with “U’s” and “V’s”.

JB: I heard a rumor that you are trying online dating. How is that working for you?

Miss R: OK, who is the blabber mouth?! Yes, I am online when I fire up my Apple IIE and can get a dial tone! It’s been challenging because every man I encounter always wants to see my “rack”. So, I’ve taken every photo imaginable, showing not just salt and pepper, but also the more exotic crap I never use, like parsley, rosemary and sage! This computer dating thing is nuts!

JB: I hear you are a Country Western dancer. Tell us about that.

Miss R: I simply adore two-stepping across the floor in the arms of a handsome cowpoke, which is often code for “lesbian”. It’s so special because it’s coordinated and involves moving together as one. I know the kids today love jumping around to that pots and pans music! But give me a Hank

art & culture

11 Williams number or let me hear Garth or Reba chirp out a toe-tapping country tune and I’m in Heaven!

JB: Is there a movie in your future?

Miss R: Probably not, because when I get off the bus I’m hungry and rarely have enough quarters to watch a movie and get snacks. Quite frankly, once I hit the vending machines for a decaf and chips, I’m just lucky to get through half an episode of “Matlock”!

JB: Is there anything else you’d like your fans to know?

Miss R: I like to end my interviews with a word of advice.

"Always pack a smile in your handbag!" my mother used to tell me. "Because you can lose your money, you can lose your lipstick, and you can lose your dignity! But as long as you've got a smile, you'll always be able to find some trucker to give you a ride home!"

Performances of ‘Red Lips to The White House’ at The Palm begin Feb. 2 -15. Big crowds are again anticipated this season, so please reserve early.

Now Playing at The Palm Well-Strung, the hunky and talented string quartet, is now playing their popular blend of classical strings and pop hits in ‘Summer Lovin’ through Feb. 19. Bohemia Viva continues to soar in popularity with their own show featuring sizzling Latin rhythms and beautiful harmonies. Next show Feb. 13 at 7pm.

Kim Kuzma and her ‘Acústico’ live band, with their original Latin and pop “mash-ups”, plays every Wed. & Sun. at 7pm all season. And Miss Conception recently debuted her all-new extravaganza ‘Miss Conception Goes To The Movies’ to rave reviews and sold-out houses.

She plays Mondays and Thursdays at 9:30pm. Reservations are suggested.

The Palm is non-smoking (a patio is provided for smokers) and is located at Olas Altas #508, in Zona Romantica.

Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day online, and at The Palm’s box office, open at 10:00 am daily (322-222-0200).

A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.

ThePalmPV.com. You can also find the Palm on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ThePalmPV/

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

New works presented by Angeline Kyba

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hursday February 11th the doors open to showcase new works by artist Angeline Kyba. A well-respected artist in her own right, Angeline’s paintings evoke the traditional spaces of Mexico in vivid colour and form. Join her in her studio from 4-8pm where she will serve canapés and refreshments.

"In Angeline Kyba's paintings dancers leap about in slashes of color that animate their bodies, faces, masks and costumes in a swirl of celebration.

Everything seems to be whipped out of air in constant agitation and there is a radiance of light pervading the canvas, a sort of fiery substance that invades nature as well as the figures.

Although Angeline's work is always modern, she brings to us her own experience of indigenous México.

It is an experience of Mexican southern sunlight and color, of her 20 years plus spent living in Yelapa and Puerto Vallarta. Her subject matter elevates the traditions that have made México one of the few countries with a living indigenous population that participates in the culture. " - Edwin Treitler The National Geographic recently used Kyba's portrait "Carmen" for a second printing. Angeline has the honor of having her painting " Miriam Reclining" accepted into the prestigious Bienal de Monterrey.

Her painting, "Bésame" is the cover of the book Erotic Journeys.

Angeline continues to capture friends and neighbors in paintings and forming a large part of her recent work.

As she quotes from a Sioux song; "Out of the earth I sing for them the animals."

Come join Angeline for a showing of her recent paintings at Kyba's studio at Cuauhtémoc 635 in downtown Puerto Vallarta, simply follow along Guerrero - it is the same street.

Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Refreshments and canapés will be served.

322-222-4238 angie@angelinekyba.com

ANGELINE KYBA - Artist´s Reception

Thursday, February 11 from 4 - 8pm Cuauhtemoc 635 (at Guerrero), Puerto Vallarta - Centro

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Upclose With Kim Kuzma at The Palm Cabaret

By Debbie White

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ne of Vallarta’s dearest, funniest and most loved divas of song has returned this season to The Palm Cabaret! Yes, I’m referring to Puerto Vallarta’s beloved songstress, Kim Kuzma!

Back for her 10th season of performing in Vallarta, Kim Kuzma is excited to be back where things began for her 10 years ago.

“It’s like going home,” comments Kim. She enjoys her friendship and camaraderie with the entertainers and staff at The Palm and the support and encouragement that they offer each other. “We’re all in the same boat, trying to put on the best shows possible. We promote one another, elevate one another it’s really a positive experience!”

Kim and her band started their Acústico show at The Palm five years ago and since that time it’s become one of Puerto Vallarta’s top shows and ‘hottest tickets.’

So what are the ingredients that make Acústico fresh, exciting and popular each new entertainment season? To start with, Kim always manages to come up with dramatic, new song ideas combined with truly unique mashups that keep people raving about the show and coming back for more. She blends new and familiar songs with Spanish favorites, from Rihanna to Michel Legrand and a little Enrique Iglesias with each and every performance. Respected by musicians, critics and fans alike, Kim brings sass, high energy, wit and amazing vocal ability to the stage each new season.

With songs like, “Windmills of Your Mind,” “This is My Life,” “Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti”, “California Dreaming”, “Bamboleo,” “Sweet Dreams” and “If You Love Me,” Kim and the band lead their audience on a glorious musical journey that won’t soon be forgotten.

Another reason for Acústico’s enduring popularity is the team of extremely talented musicians who hail from all parts of Mexico.

Joining Kim this season are Eduardo Leon on guitar, Fernando Gonzalez on rhythm guitar, Roberto Falcon on bass, Jeronimo Guido Martinez on drums and Bob Tansen on flute. Kim continues to bring special guest musicians to the stage who add excitement and variety to the performances. Kim and the band perform their Acústico show every Sunday and Wednesday night at 7 pm.

Much of the music in this year’s show is from their outstanding new CD, Acústico II, that has been highly praised by fans and critics, alike. When asked about the ‘creative process’ involved in making the CD, Kim says,” Well, it definitely was a labour of love. I find the whole recording process somewhat tedious...Hard to keep my attention span focused on one song for 8+ hours a day.

But I did it for I’m very hands on, much to the chagrin of my producer! Carlos Santana produced the CD here in Vallarta and actually appreciated my hands on approach. I know

the different nuances of my voice enabling me to hear what might be missing and what could be added during the editing process.

Creatively, myself and the guys look at the songs that move people the most and then I add my favorites as well. We added new musicians on this CD, like ‘Pollo’ Adaleny on percussion who is an absolute master Cuban percussionist/drummer, Presiliano on trumpet and David Esqueda on piano for “If You Love Me,” which is so elegant with only Eduardo and him instrumentally.”

When asked about the close bond that she and band share, Kim explains, “First off, it’s based on our love of music. Plain and simple.

I’ve stated this before onstage and off - This band made me love music again... Allowing me to creatively ‘mash’ songs together with live instruments, is in my eyes, a gift from these musicians. It’s a very creative thought process and the fact that they trust me to try it and make it work is a blessing for me. Believe me, there’s been some moments of stress but in all honestly, pretty much little drama, much less than I’ve ever dealt with in the past. I think that has to do with healthy egos from the guys and mutual respect for one another. They are my ‘brothers from other mothers’!”

Kim Kuzma is very postive about her return to The Palm and is enjoying the amazing season that she and the band are having there. With strong ticket sales and great reviews from folks along with stellar reviews on Tripadvisor, things are going well for their Acústico show. Kim explains, “It has been great - I’ve enjoyed being back in the Olas Altas area, returning to The Palm Cabaret - nothing against anywhere else - I simply started at The Palm and found my world was getting smaller here, not walking down Olas Altas as much as I used to. And I’ve seen the change in the faces in the audience by doing so, along with the incredible locals/friends that have supported us all along. This season we are also performing at Luna Lounge in Bucerias once a month and we just had a wonderful turnout at our show in Ajijic, Jalisco just this past week.

One key thing I want people to know is that we rehearse extensively... We do so in order to learn new songs, create new song ideas to keep it fresh for people so they don’t think ‘once is enough,’ that we never change the show. We continue to add songs to our repertoire and love performing new material for audience members. We’ve had some people come time and time again each season, bringing friends that are in town, mentioning to me that it’s a ‘no brainer’ for them to do so.

They know their friends are going to enjoy the show and they themselves hear the new material we’ve added, keeping it fresh along with some favorites!”

Kim is also adding a new solo show with Jean-Guy Comeau accompanying her on the piano at The Palm starting Saturday, Feb 27th at 9pm. This show will feature songs by

local

13 Annie Lennox of the renown band Eurythmics. She’s’ really excited to try something different, something that people in PV have yet to see her do. Kim’s show schedule and tickets for her PV performances can be found at The Palm’s website http://thepalmpv.com/.

When asked about what draws her and other performers to Vallarta year after year, Kim comments, “I’m pretty sure straight across the board if you asked all the visiting musicians the same question...

WEATHER! Lol! All in all though, PV has truly grown up in the entertainment sense. People are now used to the fact that yes, one must pay to see top notch, professional entertainment, including locals or guest artists that travel and performs elsewhere. This is our living for many for us and we take it seriously.

And audience members are realizing that you get what you pay for and I am so proud of what PV has become in the past 10 years that I’ve witnessed... More and more known for the incredible entertain-

ment you can see, all within blocks of one another instead of driving all over a huge city to do so. How fortunate are we all? Also, with online tickets now available while perusing The Palm Cabaret’s or Act II Entertainments’s website via vallartatickets.com, people can plan their entire vacation and pre purchase/ plan what they want to see prior to even arriving. We’ve come a long way! How cool is that?”

As Kim looks to the future, her main career goal is to continue to love music first and foremost.

She would love to do more musically with her band. “It would be wonderful to take this show to Canada or the States. That would take grant money or other funding to perform in other areas of Mexico or internationally for that matter. When I no longer enjoy singing/ performing, it’s time to look at something else.” Let’s hope that Kim and the band continue to love what they do and give us their gift of music and peforming for many years to come!

Thanks for the music, Kim!

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

From Here

by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

“Solitary Man” Marcia and Nick Walker

M The Definitive Neil Diamond Tribute, Starring Will Chalmers

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anadian singer/guitarist Will Chalmers has been performing his “Solitary Man” tribute to Neil Diamond for thirteen years. And he insists that it is the enduring popularity of Diamond’s music, and not his excellent performances, that gives his show such universal appeal.

Will loves to get the audience clapping and singing along. And his natural resemblance to Neil Diamond, flawless replication of his singing voice and outstanding stage presence captivates audiences wherever he appears.

The response from Neil Diamond fans is an experience to behold. Many have difficulty accepting the fact that Will is not the famous star. But he is friendly and personable and fans approach him with ease.

And he is always happy to greet fans after his performances and enjoys watching them leave “with smiles on their faces and a song in their hearts”.

Will has traveled extensively throughout Canada, the US and the Caribbean, performing in theatres, casinos, convention centres, arenas, resorts and festivals. His upcoming shows in the Puerto Vallarta area will be his first in Mexico. A tribute to a true living legend, “Solitary Man” features all of Diamond's major hits, plus a few unexpected gems from the star's huge repertoire.

Performances in the Vallarta area are scheduled for Thursday, February 11, at the Luna Lounge, in Bucerias and Saturday, February 13, at El Rio BBQ, in Paso Ancho. Details are available on both venue's websites.

ilestones are wonderful things especially when friends, staff, colleagues get together and create a fuss.

Last week Sean Moore, of Nacho Daddy/Texas Embassy Blues Band celebrated his 55th birthday in grand style complete with a piñata that looked exactly like him, but shorter! At Nacho Daddy’s, of course, with Chris Kenny and her band playing in the newly created/ shared space upstairs with the Boutique Theatre. Ken Sebryk gave me a tour backstage; what a difference hard work and a lot of money can make! I must get there this season and see how the new digs work.

Back to Chris Kenny. I have heard her perform many times usually coming and/or going somewhere else but I sat and really listened to her voice at Sean’s party and watched her presentation/guitar playing on stage and finally figured out what it is I love about her: she sings exactly like Chris Kenny! She doesn’t turn into a New Orleans torch singer or a Mississippi black man or even an Appalachian hillbilly. Nope, she’s just Chris Kenny and that’s more than

great. Brava, chica!

The Old Town Farmer’s Market in Parque Lazaro Cardenas every Saturday has the best of the best in Vallarta. My dear friends Antonio and Sasha of Hecho en Mexico (remember the Paradise Community Center Market?) make rolls the size of a lunch plate covered in a cinnamon/ maple glaze, stuffed with raisins… not many things make me speechless/superlative-less but these rolls are amazing. Get some, but go early; they sell out fast!

An extremely important book launch was made at the Presidencia on January 30th: the history of Puerto Vallarta told through her artist’s eyes. The book is called ARTE VALLARTA and was compiled by my friend Ruben Cham, who is instrumental in overseeing the Madonnari Festival every year.

The exquisite painting on the cover was done by an even older friend of mine, Javier Niño, whose magnificent mural covers an entire wall in our airport. What a great gift this colourful coffee table book would be; I said that so you would be prepared for the price. See Ruben at the gallery

over Oscar’s restaurant on the Isla Cuale. I will find out more distribution locations.

The Tribute evening shows continue at El Rio BBQ Bar in Paso Ancho. Close to 200 people crowded onto the beach, under the stars at the edge of the Cuale River to listen to Brian McCullough sing just like Roy Orbison.

Lots of people danced and sang along to tunes that spanned a thirty-year career; everyone has been touched by Roy Orbison’s immense tragedies that helped create his soul-wrenching lyrics.

Brian McCullough’s career as the Big O began in earnest in 1995; his three shows in the Bay of Banderas were sold out…he will be back next season. Kurt Sinner, owner of El Rio, told me today he has hired more staff for these events which will make the next show’s dinner service flow more smoothly and quickly. Coming up is Neil Diamond next Saturday night, February 13th. More details and a couple of tiny changes coming.

The last time I was in Casa Chickie was for a fundraiser for the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club.

This past weekend’s jewellery show by Nick Walker was not quite as busy (thank heaven, said the furniture!). Dozens of wellturned out women scanned the hundred or so pieces artfully laid out in the living room of the incredible villa that is Casa Chickie. I swear the view includes glimpses of Japan. Always a gracious host, Nick saw that the drinks and food flowed like the infinity pool on the terrace and found time to help the girls try on his lovely creations.

A portion of the proceeds will go to Corazon de Niña. And, just in case any of you are relocating and want a house close to town but not IN it: Casa Chickie is for sale for 2.8 million US dollars.

CK Productions are about to announce their next spectacular event starring Moruno, the group that dazzled everyone at Terra Noble and Art VallARTa events last month. The date is Thursday, February 18. More details next issue!

What would you pay to be at a concert with one of Bob Marley’s sons playing his daddy’s reggae music? Kymani Marley is coming!

March 25, Good Friday, with reggae bands from Mexico and, of course, Jamaica. Tickets are under $300 pesos! Email me.

I am done. Have a great week, get in touch and please look out for our tourists; they have our lives in their hands. Be kind.

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

Lois Ellison

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

On Being Tired

W

hen I was in university, I had a really hectic schedule. I was determined to get my Bachelor of Education degree in four years. Music was one of my majors, so I was part of rehearsals and performances with choirs and small groups. I was a student teacher practicing in public schools while keeping up a full course load. I used to stay up all night cramming for college exams.

I remember being so exhausted that, post-exam time, I would spend entire days doing nothing but going to the college cafeteria to bulk up on carbs, changing back to my pajamas, and eating ice cream in my dorm room before taking a five hour nap. I always thought, after this experience, that I knew what it meant to be tired. And I always wondered why parents complained about being tired all the time. Why would anyone have children if they can’t handle being a little sleepy once in awhile? Isn’t that just part of life? Why not just take a nap and stop the griping? I knew deep in my heart that I would never let tiredness stop me from being the kind of parent that: -Knew how to stop a temper tantrum -Produced children named Madison or Bentley who always said “yes mummy” and left me thoughtful, sweetly misspelled notes in my dresser drawers - Kept a spotless, well-organized home (I thought this while I sat in my dorm room trying to remember where my desk was, an odor of burnt ramen noodles wafting out of my closet) Trying to explain to me the exhaustion that parents often experience would have been kind of like trying to describe a winter in Manitoba to my children: Until you have lived it, you just can’t know about the deep discomfort and the frequent desire to run away.

With newborns, the feeling is sort of like being hit suddenly upside the head with a large wooden plank. It comes from out

My Life In Vallarta loell87@yahoo.com

of nowhere. You are already worn out from doing this little task of GIVING BIRTH. This is, by far, the hardest physical chore I’ve ever undertaken. I will not describe the feeling of it because Carol Burnett’s description of your lower lip being pulled over your head is more than adequate. But then you are supposed to feed this person every TWO HOURS, day and night, even though you don’t really want to sit down on a fresh set of stitches and try to gently encourage a baby to latch on to two body parts that you no longer recognize as your own.

With toddlers and preschoolers, it’s like being locked up for hours, barraged by relentless, cruel interrogators. This could happen in the morning, when your child needs to know why socks have seams and why the dog’s hair can’t be cut and why you won’t let them just TRY one TIME to put ketchup on their yogurt. This could, more terrifyingly, happen in the dead of night. Just when you have finally decided you can sleep without waking in a rush of fear, there’s a three-year-old face just millimeters from your own. He’s asking if it’s ok if he goes to the bathroom, and if the closet emptied all the clothes on the floor by itself, because if so, that’s really scary and you’ll have to sleep with him tonight.

These days, the weariness involves working full-time, school, friends, homework, many different after school activities with many different skills that need practicing at home in order to develop correctly, and (only if you are a good parent, of course) twenty minutes of reading in two languages every day. By the time we get to the reading I know that I could just jump in my car and drive somewhere that’s very far away where there are no books about Aztec history for children or tae kwon do classes three times a week. There’s a bed there, though, and pillows, and soft blankets.

There’s ice cream too. And there’s also a faint smell of burning ramen, but I think I can get used to it.

Then and Now Part 2

R

ecently I wrote about how much the airport and entry into town have changed since my first trip to Puerto Vallarta in 1987. Well the airport isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Take the Malecon for example.

Nothing beats a walk on the Malecon to start the day off right.

Even though I’ve done it hundreds, no, make that thousands, of times, no walk is ever the same.

Everything changes: the weather, the people, the morning light, the sounds and smells. But over time, nothing has changed as much as the Malecon itself.

In 1987, we, on our first trip to Puerto Vallarta, we stayed at a small hotel just a few blocks north of the Malecon. We were younger then and enjoyed starting each day with a run so on our second morning in town, we laced up our running shoes and headed south.

Just crossing the side streets on the way to the Malecon was a challenge. There were no curbs to speak of, no flat crosswalks, no concrete anchoring the cobblestones which wobbled mercilessly turning our ankles with every step.

The Malecon was just a wide elevated walkway, separated from the stores by busy a street. Other than two sculptures, the friendship fountain (in a different location) and a row of palm trees in plain boxes, it was essentially unadorned. The north end, where McDonalds is

today, was anchored by delightful restaurant called El Jardin. It had the most beautiful carved wooden doors we had ever seen. On the Bay side, a dozen tiny fishing boats unloaded their catch to be sold at the on-site fish market. No little restaurants or bars there. And no sand sculptures or Voladores.

Did I mention that we were the first joggers in Puerto Vallarta? At least it seemed that way. We didn’t see a single other person exercising; our only companions were a few workers with straw brooms, sweeping up the evening’s leftovers. We drew stares from the locals, partly because we were jogging, and partly because I was wearing shorts.

Something no self-respecting Mexican woman would have dreamed of doing in the 1980’s.

Women didn’t drive cars then either, but that’s another story.

The original Malecon ended at the arches opposite the main plaza.

Although the pedestrian walkway now extends behind the arches, affording an easy passage further south, at that time the arches stood at lands end, right above the Bay. To get further south you had to go around and through the amphitheater, up and down several steps.

I guess we were watching our footing too closely because it wasn’t until we reached the old Naval Hospital (now a museum) and looked up that we saw two men in uniform standing guard holding huge rifles. Unsure how to proceed, we came to a screeching halt. They didn’t smile or speak a

word but one of them pointed his rifle southward which we interpreted as a go ahead sign. Whew!

Past the Naval Hospital, the area now known as “Malecon II” was still just a city street with parking for locals and a children’s playground right before the river. To continue south you had to head inland and cross the river via the traffic bridge.

Of course there wasn’t much to see on the Southside in those days: just a handful of rustic palapa style restaurants and the old pier which was still used for fishing. A few day excursions departed from there but some were already using the new Maritime terminal further north.

As the years passed, we watched as the Malecon was reinvented several times. I think the only businesses remaining from 1987 are the bank and the club known as The Zoo (although it too has undergone several renovations). Condos started sprouting on the Southside and the children’s playground was replaced by the parking deck you see today.

The pedestrian bridge simplified access to the Southside and now it is easy to get from the Hotel Rosita on the north end all the way to the pier.

Change is always controversial and none more so than the most recent updating of the Malecon in 2011 when traffic was eliminated and it became a pedestrian only walkway. Five years later people still hold strong opinions on this, even as some elements of that renovation have been swept away by angry seas.

It’s just a matter of time until someone comes up with another plan to change things again. In the meantime, I’ll just keep on making those daily walks.

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Wellness

Look Out, The Big Tax Guys are Talking Amongst Themselves

Latina

Marcella Castellanos

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

Meatless Meet-up YUP

B

info@wellnesslatina.com

y now, you may have heard that under the FATCA law, the US Treasury and the Mexican Tax Service (“SAT”) have entered into agreements to exchange financial information.

The purpose: to discover those who have assets or income in one country, which should have been reported and taxed by the other.

The traded information is by no means equal. Mexico provides the US Treasury much more sophisticated and complex data, but they are already working with what they’ve got.

The Mexican journal El Economista recently reported that the SAT is already taking steps to provide the next batch of account information in September.

To that end, it published two amendments to the Mexican tax regulations, instructing banks how to sift through accounts with “indicia” of ownership or control by U.S. persons. This applies to accounts, whether one actually owns the money or just has signature authority over it, for both personal and business accounts. The scope goes far beyond what we know as “bank accounts”. A wide range of financial instruments and arrangements is also reportable.

Your local bank may send a letter informing that for “regulatory purposes” you may have to provide documentation proving that you are a “U.S. person” or not. Failure to reply could cause the bank to close the account or to classify you as a “recalcitrant” account holder.

Pretty soon, U.S. persons who

P

ass the cochinita pibil tacos please! Or maybe the carne asada ones with avocado salsa, cabbage, and lime! Can you say a loud, "SUPER YUM!!"

Veggie Table located at Guerrero 182 in el centro was the location for the first Meatless Meet-up YUP event hosted by Vegetarians and Vegans Puerto Vallarta.

This quaint veggie haven stayed open one evening for the group of individuals that were die-hard vegans or vegetarians and also omnivore individuals interested in adopting more vegetables into their life. Everyone was welcome!

The menu included six different plant-inspired tacos for 18 pesos each - al pastor, potato with chorizo, nopales with rajas ( cactus with poblano peppers), vegetable tinga which are shredded veggies in a special tomato sauce, carne asada, and cochinita pibil which is a veggie rendition of the traditional Mexican slow-roasted pork dish of Mayan origin.

There were many gluten-free options as well. A side-table was set up with different salsas, fixings such as cucumbers, cabbage and whole pinto beans to stuff our tacos with. To wash it down we had the agua fresca that was made that day. And this charming little plantbased establishment also carries goodies such as coconut yogurt, hummus, mushroom pozole, non-dairy cream cheese and sour cream, curry panang ( eggplant), and now vegan chocolates!

Oh. My. Goodness. I just had one the other day - lavender and rose dark chocolate and there are a variety of other delectables.

This Meatless Meat-up was a huge success even though the place is small, it filled up! Every month a different restaurant will be featured, to show that you can

always find great, plantbased eating if you get creative. And compassion is the theme. You don't have to be vegetarian or vegan to participate, you just have to have a curiosity and a willingness to embrace better health and compassion for yourself, the animals we share the plant with or the planet itself. If you would like to join the group Vegans and Vegetarians Puerto Vallarta do a search on facebook and click to join.

I'm a bilingual, bicultural Certified Wellness Coach. My mission is to empower you to become the best version of yourself so that you are unstoppably fulfilling your dreams! My approach is holistic. I help you incorporate, mind-body work, plant-strong nutrition, fun

Latin movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health. If you want to feel like the amazing, vibrant person you know you are this year download my FREE guide at www.wellnesslatina.com.

own or have signature authority over foreign financial accounts whose total value exceeded $10,000 USD at any time during 2015 must prepare a Foreign Bank Account Report for the US Treasury. Treasury already issued official rates for the Mexican Peso, 17.3620 per dollar.

Assuming only one Peso account, if at any time it had a balance of 173,620 pesos, it may be reportable. For multiple accounts, the maximum value of each is added up. Accounts with negative values count as zero.

It is easy to see how this is not an exercise that should be left for the last minute. Consider there are substantial penalties for failing to file accurate FBARs on time.

FBAR records should be kept for at least six years. Dual nationals (and so called “accidental Americans”) who ignore they may have U.S. filing obligations may come in for a less than pleasant surprise.

The SAT will also be combing through the southbound data, and no doubt it will also try to identify those who should have been reporting in Mexico, but were not… in case someone thought the U.S. could be a fiscal paradise.

Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies.

His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to the tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico. He can be reached at tax@orlandogotay.com.

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local

18 SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

F

rom the Old Town Farmers Market this past week, we hear from our friend Lynnette: “Another very busy day at the market this week. Lots of folk dropped round to our booth to tell their doggy rescue stories, their involvement with rescue organisations “at home” or to say that they’ve noticed a reduction in the numbers of stray dogs in town. It’s heartwarming to hear and we appreciate the thanks we get, along with the donations!

Other visitors this week included Robin, Carol and Wendy, all volunteers at SPCA, as well as Colette, from Colina Spay & Neuter Clinic and ex-volunteer Marj, who worked for many years with SPCA before returning with her family to Canada.

We always love to see you and catch up with news.

One lovely young lady rescued a street dog (puppy), in the early

afternoon, bought a leash and a tote bag and was taking her to the Vet’s for a check over and spaying. She will adopt this little beauty.

Best-sellers this week were bottle & can cozies, bumper stickers and calendars. Only one person remembered the password for reduced-price calendars, so come along next week for the same deal.

Remember, calendars currently sell at $200 pesos but if you say PERFECT PURPLE POOCHES OR CRAZY COMICAL CATS you will collect your beautiful calendar for $150 pesos!

Total sales this week topped $3,000 pesos, going directly for maintenance of the sanctuary.

Megan Rogers donated a cat-climbing tree before she returns to Australia. Thank you, Megan.

We had a new delivery of ladies tee-shirts and new-style tank tops to

By Janice Gonzalez

add to our sales table which will be available for your delight next week.

A couple of travelers volunteered to take dogs for adoption to Canada and several were ready to visit the sanctuary. Details of these visits are in the newsletter.

Many thanks for your continued support and thanks to our intrepid volunteers, Brian, Michelle, Doreen, Lynnette.” And, thanks for your report Lynnette!

Tickets are now on sale for our 3rd annual Valentine’s Day High Tea at High Noon to be held this year at the gorgeous newly renovated Casa Kimberly. Casa Kimberly is the former residence of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, famous for the “Bridge of Love” connecting the two properties. Tickets are 450 pesos each.

Come and enjoy scrumptious food and a strolling violinist and relax

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

in the incredible ambience of this lovely boutique hotel. Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for your tickets.

All proceeds benefit the SPCA so bring your friends. We look forward to seeing you on February 14. 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.

Tours will be each Tuesday and Thursday leaving from the Costco parking lot at noon. Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. To make a reser-

vation, contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it. To see our 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.

To make donations via PayPal, select the “Donate” option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/.

You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro.

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.

Property of the week

V

ista Mar 1: Great two level loft style unit with fantastic views of the bay and town in the desirable Amapas hillside neighborhood.

The upstairs is a great open plan with kitchen, living and dining all opening to the full length covered terrace and downstairs is the master suite with private bath and covered terrace.

The boutique complex features security gate, common laundry area and beautiful pool and sundeck.

The dues are a very reasonable $140 USD per month and the unit is very well priced by a motivated seller. This is a great opportunity to be in the heart of one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the bay with a great view at a reasonable price. Here is a link to the property with more photos and information:

boardwalkrealtypv.com/property/vista-mar-1/

continued from page 3 cially if it’s a pedigree breed), be aware it is possibly stolen and if possible purchase or note the location of the animal and share the information on the various Facebook groups including: Match Dog Com, SPCA Puerto Vallarta, Animalistas de Puerto Vallarta. If you know of others, I’d be thrilled to learn of them and share them here. If you have lost a pet and would like to use the Vallarta Tribune to publicize, please send me a message, we reach upwards of 50,000 readers a month here and online.

I’ve used all my space for this week (and then some) but I do

want to mention that I went to the Bucerias Artwalk last Thursday evening (every Thursday until end of April from 6 – 9pm along Lazaro Cardenas Street) and it was hopping! Lots of people and the galleries were full of wonderful art and some served wine, tequila punch, cookies and more!

Many of the restaurants along the strip had live music, the shops, spas and galleries were all very welcoming.

By all means, if you are looking for a fun chance to explore the art and cultural heart of Bucerias, this is the time to do it! They’re on Facebook at Bucerias Art District and you can tell who is participating by the colourful flags flying

above the shops.

This week’s cover image comes to us from vacationer Montrealer, Algis Alfonso Kemezys an art photographer who recently had a show at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. www.alkeme888.com to see more of photos.

Please keep your eye out for Penelope (and Gata and Mole) and please check out the local shops, the markets, the theaters, the restaurants and support our the local communities as best you can.

Have a great week.

Madeline

Letter to Editor Dear Editor, I wanted to thank you for including in your weekly calendar of events the Free Malecon Sculpture Tours that I conduct every Tuesday morning at 9:30 through mid-April. It really helps to get the word out. This is the only tour that features direct contact with two of the artists who have sculptures on the Malecon, Mathis Lidice of the "Millennium" next to the Hotel Rosita where the tour begins and Jim Demetro of the "Vallarta Dancers" on the extension of the

editor@vallartatribune.com Malecon after Los Arcos amphitheater. The tour is also the only one that includes Kevin Simpson of Peyote People and Collectika Galleries to explain the Huichol Indian symbols imbedded in the pavement of the Malecon. Finally this is the only tour that supports with voluntary donations our cash strapped local library and cultural center, La Bibiloteca Los Mangos.

Thanks once again.

Gary Thompson Owner/Director Galeria Pacifico

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Elizabeth Taylor - Last of the Hollywood Golden Era

By Fred Jacobs

Part Two – From teen beauty to stunning woman

L

ast week we covered Elizabeth’s early years and becoming a teen studio contract actress. By 1950 (when she was just turning 18) Elizabeth was fully transitioning to more mature roles.

She was also featured on the cover of Time Magazine as the leader among Hollywood’s next generation of stars, and they called her “a jewel of great price, a true sapphire”.

One of her big films in 1950 was “The Big Hangover” co-starring Van Johnson and was released the same month as the first of Elizabeth’s famous marriages to Conrad Hilton Jr. The wedding was organized by MGM and had all the trappings of a royal wedding. The studio paid for the wedding to tie in with Elizabeth’s next movie “The Father of the Bride” co-starring Spencer Tracey; the film was a box office hit.

Shortly after came “A Place in the Sun” (1951) where Elizabeth

played a spoiled socialite who comes between Montgomery Clift’s and Shelley Winter’s characters. It was a critical and box office hit… again. By 1952, Elizabeth signed a new seven year contract with MGM and signed a new marriage license to fellow actor Michael Wilding. The couple already had a baby on the way so ensuring financial stability lead to Elizabeth signing the new contract, despite her hating the “control” the studio had over her.

The mid 1950’s saw Elizabeth star in “Giant” opposite Rock Hudson and James Dean. James Dean died in a car crash days after he finished shooting the film. 1957 saw Elizabeth’s first Oscar nomination for “Raintree Country” again opposite Montgomery Clift. Shortly after filming, Elizabeth divorced again and married Michael Todd.

In March 1958, Elizabeth made “Cat on a Hot Tim Roof” which would mark one of her most powerful acting roles of her career.

The pain and tears on the screen were more Elizabeth than the characters. Just weeks into filming Michael Todd died in a plane crash and Elizabeth returned to the set just weeks later, showing her real emotions on screen.

Elizabeth’s next famous role was not on the big screen, but rather played out in the tabloids and main stream media. Elizabeth was at the center of Eddie Fisher divorcing Debbie Reynolds which made headlines around the world. Elizabeth and Eddie married quickly after Debbie Reynolds was made a divorcé.

Elizabeth’s public drama led the studio to select her to make “Butterfield 8” (1960) in the role of a homewrecker. She won an Oscar for the performance, but her personal life continued to imitate her screen life. Her contract with MGM now finished, she signed with 20th Century Fox and soon made “Cleopatra” opposite none other than Richard Burton.

We previously covered in detail the Burton/Taylor saga and their love affair in our own Puerto Vallarta. By the end, Elizabeth had married eight times (twice to Burton) and had four children. One later husband was US Senator John Warner and her last husband was Larry Fortensky. She met Larry while both were in rehab for addictions, and doomed to divorce within five years. Elizabeth always referred to Burton as the love of her

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... CHANCE

life, but she loved to hate him.

From the mid 1980’s, when her friend Rock Hudson died of AIDS, Elizabeth became a tireless champion to find a cure for this devastating epidemic sweeping the world.

Elizabeth also was an astute business woman creating a worldwide known perfume and jewelry line.

Her estimated estate was around one billion US including a personal jewelry collection to rival many royal queens.

The last 20 years of Elizabeth’s life, she was plagued with health issues, one after the other.

Everything from pneumonia, hip replacement, a brain tumor, skin cancer and eventually congestive

Flower of the Week

Flame Vine Llamarada Pyrostegia venusta

Will you take a look at this cute face…how could anyone abandon such a sweetheart! Chance is a handsome Terrier mix, about five years old, weighing 45 pounds. Unlike a lot of terriers, he is pretty calm and relaxed.

Chance has a sweet disposition and loves his play time with most other dogs and his humans, although he is not good around cats. This guy also enjoys long walks with his family. If you are ready to give Chance a chance, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.

heart disease. Elizabeth passed away at the age of 79 on March 23, 2011 while surrounded by her children.

Her funeral was held the day after in a private service at Forest Lawn. At Elizabeth’s request, the service started 15 min behind schedule, because “she even wanted to be late for her own funeral.” Fate did not smile on Elizabeth in the love department, but it did bring her to the big screen to amaze and astound a worldwide audience of appreciative movie goers. She was a true movie STAR. Fred Jacobs is the writer of three books and a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta.

Orange Trumpet Vine.

This large woody evergreen vine is originally from Brazil. It is a rampant climber that carries cascades of bright orange tubular flowers which tend to grow along railings, wires, and fences, over rocks and even buildings. It is a stunning ornamental plant when in bloom; however, it can become invasive if not pruned. In Brazil,

by Sandra Cesca

the leaves are used in traditional medicine as a tonic and for treating diarrhea. It is very attractive to hummingbirds.

This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at the Vallarta Botanical Garden’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org, Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Marsol Artisan’s Market on Fridays. Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Valentine’s Party and you’re invited!

www.vallartatribune.com now open for dinner Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

Diners familiar with Hacienda San Angel's stunning views, outstanding cuisine and topnotch service will feel right at home at The Iguana, the new Mexican specialty restaurant at the new Casa Kimberly Hotel; the former homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton that have recently undergone a meticulously luxurious renovation.

Reservations only - 322 222 1336 Open for dinner 6-11 pm Zaragoza 445, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta www.casakimberly.com

J

une Rosen Lopez is having her 3rd annual Valentine’s Day party! On Thursday, February 11th and Friday, February 12th from 1 to 8pm, June hopes you will visit her gallery and home, relax, visit with old friends and make some new friends! With the approach of Valentine’s Day in Mexico, what makes it so special is the concept of “Dia de la Amistad”, translation “friendship day”. This day celebrates all relationships; friends and lovers.

For the last few years June has been opening up her home to celebrate this special day here in Puerto Vallarta. This holiday has motivated her to focus in on the heart as a symbol of adornment.

She has become aware not everyone feels that they “like hearts” or they are heart people. She has enjoyed taking this symbol and creating pieces that have her personal touch..

This year she is adding to the collection and has thoroughly enjoyed creating them! Of course

the Valentine’s collection is not all hearts!

There are many other pieces with influences from her travels over the last year and definitely worth viewing.

June invites you up to travel up the hill from Olas Altas in Old Town and have a toast to friendship and a few laughs! Her gallery is on the same street as the pier, Francisca Rodriquez, #200, up the hill and on the corner of Pino Suarez. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from noon to 6pm.

21

artwalk

Galeria Caballito de Mar Offers Art by Mexican Masters

F

or nine years Galeria Caballito de Mar has showcased art that is a serious reflection of Mexico’s cultural past and present. The gallery represents silversmith and ceramic artists whose work exhibits an unsurpassed level of artistry and craftsmanship.

Works by Jose Bernabe and Bernardina Rivera, Great Masters of Mexican Folk Art, and Matias Reyes Gomez and Jose Luis Cortes are on display. Bernabe is Mexico’s premier petatillo master whose work is collected internationally. Rivera and Cortes are considered to be virtuosos of burnished clay, while Reyes represents the best of Oaxacan black clay artists. Also, unique ceramic pieces from Michoacan, Jalisco, Oaxaca, Guerrero and Guanajuato were recently chosen by the gallery owners for exhibition.

Silversmiths of the past and current day are also part of the gallery’s focus. Silver from the 1940s and 1950s predominate the antique jewelry display which is part of a large family collection. Contemporary jewelry designers’ work is a recent addition with silver pieces by Michoacán and Oaxacan artists. Sculptural bronze mobiles and contemporary jewelry by N’do Lozano are now featured.

Paintings by Chad Buck and Roberto Bermejo vary in style from minimalist to figurative to pictorial chronicles. Chad Buck’s paintings are exhibited in San Francisco, Chicago and Puerto Vallarta. He is a minimalist artist of note who is the recipient of the Krasner-Pollack grant. The oils of local artist Roberto Bermejo colorfully depict Puerto Vallarta street scenes. Amate paintings on hand-made paper are from Puebla.

Molas from San Blas, Panama and hand loomed wool rugs from Oaxaca are beautifully crafted.

The gallery is located at Calle Aldama 162, Centro, in Puerto Vallarta. Hours are 10-5 weekdays and Saturdays from 10-2.

The galeria is a member of Wednesday night’s ArtWalk comprised of Centro Historico galleries which display a variety of collectible work.

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

riviera nayarit

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Sayulita; Mexico’s worst kept secret Popular local destination Sayulita is causing a stir online, throughout the continent and beyond the borders of the Americas. It would seem that everyone is catching on to what we already know. Neck and neck with Tulum on the Riviera Maya Coast, Sayulita is ‘the’ place to be if you’re looking for an authentic laid-back beach scene with great food and shopping.

“There are several factors that have increased interest in Sayulita, such as when we brought the Stand Up Paddle Championship here last year,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. It’s not hard to find great articles, and information about Sayulita on the internet these days. USA Today, the website with the most followers in the United States,

published a list in January on 10 hotels to kick off the New Year with the Haramara Retreat in Sayulita among them. On Yahoo Travel, Sayulita was touted as one of the top 16 trendiest places to go.

BuzzFeed México, with all the creativity and sarcasm it’s known for, posted an interesting and funny article titled: “22 reasons why the beach at Sayulita is the grossest in all of Mexico.”

In Argentina, Infobae, one of the most important media in this South American country, published the article “Sayulita: Surf destination in western Mexico.”

The UK’s BBC ran a story where they mentioned the Guamuchil tree, famous for being home to giant iguanas, which is located right in Sayulita.

And though it might seem odd, even as far away as Vietnam they

recommended Sayulita among the 50 places you can’t miss.

When American fashion designer, Carol Lim, answered the questionnaire for 10 Magazine, she declared that Sayulita is among her 10 favorite places to go. And, speaking of fashion, in Germany the designer Rosetta Getty created a dress inspired by Sayulita.

Sayulita is an easy day trip from Puerto Vallarta by city bus or local taxi. There is plenty to see and do while in Sayulita including eating excellent food and shopping for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. The Friday Farmers Market has many wonderful vendors you won’t find at the other markets around the bay. The main beach has plenty of loungers and umbrellas for rent.

Just pack your sunscreen, a towel and your pesos.

T

FIND US IN SAYULITA!

he Vallarta Tribune is now available in Sayulita at the Friday Farmers Market as well as local cafes and restaurants around town including: North Side Café, ChocoBanana, Ya-Ya’s Café, the River Café, Café El Espresso, Don Pedro’s Restaurant ALSO! We now have a permanent space at the Amigos De La Cruz booth in the La Cruz Sunday Farmers Market.

We look forward to better serving the Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit communities.

riviera nayarit

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

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ey Everyone! Gosh, it’s already February; it really seems like this season has flown by! February is one of the busiest months during the high season, and the fun keeps rockin’ on with new free events and fundraisers coming our way, along with the weekly live musical entertainment and food specials, as well as theater shows and also a fun sunset market is in the works at the La Cruz Marina.

The Super Bowl is on Feb 7th with many folks showing the event.

Go Broncos (I am a Rocky Mountain gal!) and also Valentine’s Day on the 14th. A couple of choices in Bucerias are Bryan Savage Sunset Concert at Breakers Beach Bar, 6pm, or perhaps Mark’s Bar and Grill where the love of great food, wine, friends and music all come together in a romantic ambiance with a sensational three course Prix fixe menu. Whatever your choice, enjoy the love in your life!

Also, a reminder that the Women Who Sail gathering is a free event on February 12th at Los Arroyos Verdes.

Here are some of the fundraisers going on this month. These fundraisers provide so much for so many! Thank You! Amigos de Bucerias has their breakfast meeting every first Saturday of the month. Come to the February 6th breakfast meeting at IXTA Restaurant, 500 Lazaro Cardenas and catch up on the latest updates. The self-serve buffet is delicious and only 100 pesos, starting at 9:15am with the business meeting following. Please reply by 6pm on Thursday to amigosdebuceriasac@gmail.com Also as an Amigos and Ananda Yoga reminder, Bucerias beach clean-up day is always the second Saturday of every month; meeting in the morning at the BUZO statue.

John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank teams up with The Bucerias Art Walk Plaza The Bucerias Theater Guild is holding an Open Casting Call for all “Wanna Be Rockers”. All singing

will be lip syncing, so no harm will come to anyone. But if you like to fake it till you drop, please stop by and meet our Director, Writer John Wells and join in on the fun on Friday at 3pm at the Bucerias Art Walk Plaza. The performance is scheduled for mid March and will benefit the John Ozello Food Bank and Humanitarian Relief Fund.

For more info contact Christy at thebuceriasartwalkplaza@gmail. com 62 Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerias Telephone 329.298.2506 / Cell 322.120.4450 La Cruz NEW FUN and Updates Sunset Market at La Cruz Marina Malecon The director / coordinator of the Marina Riviera Nayarit (La Cruz Marina) events Catalina Liana, better known as “Cat” has taken up with an idea she had several years earlier, and which is now coming into fruition! On February 20th there will be a Sunset Market held at the Marina Riviera Nayarit malecon with local vendors, restaurants with food samplings along with live entertainment on the stage, as well as the “true heart of businesses along the North Shore of the Banderas Bay who support and love our community”. The event is from 4-7:30pm.

THIS IS A FREE EVENT TO THE PUBLIC! Please spread the word and let’s support this event. It’s going to be a grand celebration! If you have a business or restaurant and would like to participate please contact Cat Liana at FB https:// www.facebook.com/catalina.liana or svkatrinaliana@gmail.com, or call 322.183.3843, or at the La Cruz Marina office.

New Restaurant Management at the Octopus Garden..

WOOOHOO! Upstairs is the Tree House Bar that is actually built around a Huanacaxtle tree. It’s so cool! Our friends Alfredo and Marichuy have taken over management of the restaurant and bar with their official grand opening held on January 27th. Live music entertained the large crowd with Tatewari and

the Not Huey Luis band as folks feasted on a delicious homemade authentic Mexican buffet. Live music abounds once again at the Octopus Garden with Acoustic Jam Night on Saturdays beginning at 7:30…bring your instruments and voice along! The Tree House Bar is open at 4pm from Monday to Saturday.

Alef´s organic breakfasts and delicious smoothies are available from 8am to 2pm. The Huichol Gallery is open. Wayland is overseeing the process for their excellent organic coffee from Nayarit.

The Octopus Garden is located at Coral 66, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bar phone 01 (329) 295 5367. Just take a left at the round a bout and go 2.5 blocks on the right!

La Cruz Spay and Neuter Clinic will be held on Feb. 18-21, Wed Fri from 9am, to 2pm, and Saturday from 9am to 12 noon. More information coming!

Amigos de La Cruz Fundraiser – Girls Night Out A murder mystery dinner theater that benefits the Amigos programs, like the trash and recycling! The play will be held Feb 23rd, 24th, at 6pm, 28th at 12 noon, and Tues.

March 1st at 6pm at Philo’s Bar in La Cruz. This year they are selling front row reserved seats for $400 pesos per ticket which includes one beer/wine. All seating includes a three-course Italian dinner. You can purchase front row seating across from Philo’s at Gloria’s Place, or contact the La Cruz Amigos.

La Cruz Amigos Benefit fiesta for Amigos’ Medical Assistance Programs Feb 10th It’s a Mexican Mojo at Philo’s with Mariachi Band, Ropers, Floklorico Dancers, Musica and MOJO! It all begins at 6pm with general seating for 350 pesos, which includes all you can eat ribs! Get

your tickets at Philo’s or Gloria’s Place located across from Philo’s Bar, or the Amigos table at the La Cruz market, and from the Amigos de La Cruz board members. http:// www.amigoslacruz.org/ Turtle News in San Pancho / Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde, A.C. A note from the director Frank: Only ten late-season nests have been collected since mid-November. The last nest was found on December 8th. Total nests recorded this season came to 962, down 24% as compared to last season, while an estimated 71,774 hatchlings were released, down 20% as compared to last season. From 1992 to 2002, the number of nests we had recorded remained static; more-or-less 200 per season. However, by 2003, the numbers began to rise sharply to a peak of over 1,485. If the number of nests rises to over 1,600, as it very well could next season, we will not be able to accommodate the increase, thus becoming a victim of our own success. In order to lessen the workload we must make two major changes in the way we handle nests. January volunteers are, Beth, Hemmie, Julio, and Lisa.

Good news, from mid-June to the end of August, Joslin, Starlie and Summer will returning to San Pancho as volunteers. Please see their website for all of the news. http://www.project-tortuga.org Tel. 311-258-4100

Please check the allLaCruz. com and the allBucerias.com calendars, and our RivieraNayaritFun FB page for all of the latest fun around the north end of the Bay. You may also email me with questions at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com Have a super week!

healthcare

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

What is a Scar?

And how can you treat it?

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surgery, ask your surgeon if overthe-counter treatment is an option. If not, there are prescriptions that may help. Often, treatments can include steroids or certain antihistamine creams for scars that cause itching and are very sensitive. Likewise, if you have scarring from severe acne, ask your dermatologist for advice.

Your doctor can also recommend or use pressure treatment or silicone gel sheeting to help treat scars or as preventive care.

• Surgical removal or treatment.

There are many options to treat deeper scars depending on your particular case. These include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion, or laser surgery. In a skin graft, the surgeon uses skin from another area of your body. This is often used with people who’ve had burns. If you’ve got scarring that impairs function, surgery can help address the functional problems. If you’ve recently had surgery that has caused scars, it is best to wait at least one year before making a decision about scar treatment. Many scars fade and become less noticeable over time.

• Injections. You may get steroid injections to treat scars that stick out, such as keloids or hypertrophic scars.

Your doctor may use this on its own or with other treatments.

• Other types of injections, such as collagen or other “fillers,” may be useful for some types of pitted scarring, although these are not usually permanent solutions.

and the location of the injury.

Children are active and susceptible to cuts and injuries. They and people with fair complexions tend to get hypertophic scars. While Asians and Blacks are more likely to have keloid scars, people from other ethnic groups also experience this form of scarring.

Keloid and hypertophic scars have similar appearances. However, the keloid scar expands beyond the original wound.

The location of the wound also has an effect on its size. If the scar is located on places like the knee or shoulder, it will eventually widen because these areas are in motion.

Dr. Luis Mauricio Alvarez Covarrubias at the Wound Healing Clinic in the new Vallarta Medical Center Hospital can offer leading edge solutions for painful, itchy or unsightly scars.

Treatment can minimize a scar but will not usually erase the mark. Scar treatments may include: • Over-the-counter or prescription creams, ointments, or gels. These products can be used to treat scars that are caused by cuts or other injuries or wounds. If you are under the care of a plastic surgeon and your scarring is from cosmetic or plastic

carring is the process by which wounds are repaired.

Damage to the deeper layer of the skin, the dermis, is required to produce a scar. Damage to only the epidermis, the most superficial layer of skin, will not always produce a scar. Scars produce a structural change in the deeper layers of the skin which is perceived as an alteration in the architecture of the normal surface features. It is not just a change in skin color.

Causes of scars include cuts, sores, surgery, and burns. Severe acne and chicken pox may also scar skin. The degree that skin scars depends on more than the size and depth of the wound. Age also affects the process.

The healing process is stronger in younger skin. That results in scars that are thicker in those of older people. Other factors affecting the type of scar are ethnicity, heredity,

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES A PAGE IN THE SUN - ZONA ROMANTICA FREDY TUCAN´S - ZONA ROMANTICA REMAX - MARINA VALLARTA FAJITAS BANANA - MARINA VALLARTA NUEVO VALLARTA RESORTS PLAZA PARADISE - NUEVO VALLARTA CONSULATE OFFICES DECAMERON RESORT - BUCERIAS YO-YO MO´S - BUCERIAS MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT - LA CRUZ PHILOS RESTAURANT - LA CRUZ CHOCO BANANA - SAYULITA 1

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AND 100’S OF OTHER LOCATIONS AROUND THE BAY OR ONLINE AT VALLARTATRIBUNE.COM

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND EVENTS www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com

Kathleen Carrillo – Jungle Magic

T

his Friday, be sure to stop by the Kathleen Carrillo Gallery during the Southside Shuffle, on Calle Constitucion 325, you will see some of her newest paintings from the “Simple Abundance” and “Jungle Magic works. These paintings are inspired by her surroundings in the Jungle by the Rio Cuale where she and her husband Andy Marcus chose to make their home. They sit high on the hillside with a view of the majestic

jungle walls, amongst the trees, where each morning the birds gather and sing their jungle songs.

The works include figures learning the secrets about the power of nature, with the birds singing the songs of “Remembrance” in their ears. Other paintings include the charming river shanties surrounded by magical color and an abundance of nature.

There will also be some of the “Tropical Delight collection” which

are amazing close ups of Flowers and Trees indigenous to Puerto Vallarta. These works will be hanging for two weeks and are not to be missed.

Hours are 10-5:30pm Monday through Friday, Saturday 10-3pm and 6-10 during the Southside Shuffle.

To see some examples of this work go to www.KathleenCarrilloGalleries.com and click on the Jungle Magic tab on the Originals page.

“Remodeling and Renovations”

Juarez 599 El Centro 322 222 1383, 322 111 6359 www.colibridesignvallarta.com galeriacolibri@gmail.com

Home Tours!

Supporting local charities Home Tours depart every Tue. & Wed. at 10:30 a.m. from Sea Monkey Restaurant (just south of Rio Cuale and Molino de Agua condos on the beach at Aquiles Serdán)!! $500 pesos

Tickets for all tours go on sale at 9 a.m. the day of the tour at Sea Monkey Restaurant.

For advance ticket purchases and more details go to : ifctoursforvallarta.com or call

(322) 222 5466

charity

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Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Good People Doing Good Things

By John Warren

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magine a single mother who lives on the breadline trying to take care of little girl with cerebral palsy while also supporting three other children. Then imagine that this whole family lives in a single room constructed from corrugated iron and cardboard. Pasitos De Luz (Little Steps of Light) enables this family to survive.

Pasitos De Luz is a non-profit organization that provides care for disabled children from low-income families in Puerto Vallarta. It is a lifeline for the more than 120 families who rely on its staff and volunteers to look after their children during the day. These children often suffer from acute physical and psychological illnesses and many are unable to enter the mainstream education system and, by providing a safe place for these children during the day, the parents are able to go out to work. It is open Monday through Friday from 7am to 4pm and offers free day care, pediatric medical services, therapy, special education, music, dance, art, balanced meals, nutritional aid and specialized care.

A couple of weeks ago a group of friends and I were invited to visit Pasitos, which is a ten minute drive from Liverpool shopping centre.

We were welcomed by Arturo Ayala, the chief operating officer, and given a tour of every room. We met kids suffering from cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down’s syndrome, autism blindness, hydrocephaly and other physical and developmental conditions. All the children we saw in the therapy sessions and in the tiny classrooms were happy and smiling and the staff was welcoming and friendly.

We met the nannies, Gloria and Cassandra, who provide the personal hygiene, positioning, feeding, administration of medi-

Ana Karen Orozco Rodriguez cine and diaper changes. In the classrooms Martha and Lili provide education for the huge range of abilities and help the kids with normal daily activities such as tying their shoes, brushing their teeth and using cutlery.

Pasitos de Luz has five physiotherapists, Francoise, Mary, Mariana, Laura and Eliseo, on staff who diagnose the children, treat them and provide rehabilitation with the help of electro-sensorial stimulation, treadmills, hydrotherapy, heat and cold therapy and, most importantly, love.

The place is spotlessly clean and smells like it too. That’s because there are two cleaners and a laundry person who work tirelessly to ensure that the bibs, sheets, staff uniforms, pillows and cushions.

Yolanda Sanchez founded the organization seventeen years ago in 1999 and as soon as the doors were open word got around and more families came to ask for assistance. Parents, the majority

Jesus Benjamin Ordoñez Calis

Brenda single mothers, rushed in begging for help, for advice, for supplies, for a friendly face and, most importantly, for a safe place to leave their children so they could go to work.

Yolanda has worked full time at Pasitos De Luz since its inception and has never received any financial compensation.

Pasitos receives no ongoing government funding so the organization relies on fundraising events and donations for their operations.

If you will be in town on Saturday

New angel in town donates $10,000

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he civil association Proyecto Pitillal Busca un Amigo, A.C., who offer therapies and daycare for children with disabilities, received this January a donation of 170 thousand pesos from the Richard R. Reed Foundation. These funds will be used to improve daycare as well as finish the hydrotherapy pool.

The funds will be used to improve the quality of life for the

many children who benefit by attending daycare services where children receive rehabilitation therapy and special education as well as their food and special care.

The facilities are located on Calle Chihuahua 484 Col. Bobadilla and for more information call (322) 299 0976.

Richard R. Reed Foundation is based out of Phoenix, Arizona, and was founded in June 2015

with the intent of helping children and animals in need. Each year, 15-20 grants of $10,000 each will be awarded in Arizona and Puerto Vallarta.

The focus of Reed´s new foundation are small charities that benefit children and animals.

These generous grants will make significant differences in meeting organizational expenses and/or funding special projects.

5th March please attend “Riverfest”, the annual fund-raiser. It’s a festival of music with seven bands and held at Rio BBQ in Paso Ancho from noon to 7:00PM. (See http:// www.pasitosdeluz.org/events/ 5to-riverfest/ for details.).

If you would like to see an example of how good people do good things please give Yolanda or Arturo a call at 322 299 3625 and ask them to show you around Pasitos.

One of the local donors to Pasitos de Luz is the International Friendship Club (IFC). Its members and volunteers raise money for local charities in a number of ways throughout the winter. We play bridge, we have a social hour and dinner on Friday evenings, we organize lectures and we run our famous Home Tours. Everyone is

welcome. Please check out our website at www.ifcvallarta.com or visit our clubhouse at the corner of the streets Libertad and Miramar.

We are just above the HSBC bank in El Centro.

A Home Tour is a great way to see four interesting homes. They run every Tuesday and Wednesday morning, starting at 10:30. All details and booking information are available at www.toursforvallarta.com The IFC Thursday evening lecture series continues on 11th February at 7:00pm at the clubhouse. Kavindu (Alejandro Velasco), Buddhist teacher and author will present “The Five Wisdom Energies: A Buddhist Perspective.” Learn how to distinguish wide energy from confused energy in your own life. Pre-registration is required through dangrippo&yahoo.com

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events around the bay

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com.

February 13 Rotary Club Wine and Art Fundraiser Del Canto condominium - Nuevo Vallarta- Flamingos Nayarit, from 6-9pm Donation: 250.00 pesos (includes wine-appetizers-live music) Local artist supporting the community, funds benefits the elderly and sight-impaired.

February 14 3rd Annual Open Your Heart Gala in support of Corazon de Nina Tickets available at Carol’s Boutique 322/113-0073 or Salsa Salon 322/221-3256. For information, please visit www.fundacioncorazon.mx or Facebook: corazondeninapv.

February 15 Medical Matters 2016

February 22 Adult Bingo Held at The Palm Cabaret this naughty but nice bingo game benefits the Purr Project. Each bingo has a special guest and plenty of great prizes. Starts at 4pm February 23 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – ‘Girl’s Night Out’ in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come.

February 24 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – Girl’s Night Out in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come.

February 28 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater

March 5 5th Annual Riverfest at El Rio BBQ Music festival - 7 bands, exhibits, bbq buffet plus paella, silent auction, 50/50 and more. $80 peso donation at the gate or advance purchase VIP patron ticket for $750 pesos. 12pm to 7pm New this year - patron table sponsorship! All proceeds to Pasitos de Luz. Information at the Pasitos table at The Old Town Famers Market January 2 and 9 or email Barb condo211@ yahoo.ca

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Entertainment

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lorEttA lynn tributE

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January 21 - 27, 2016 Free Issue 981

Art & Culture ArtwAlk

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riviera nayarit SAyulitA FEStiVAl The Colors of Coltrane by Wosene Kosrof. Courtesy of The Loft Galeria

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February 17 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s at 4:00 pm All bingo games at Nacho Daddy’s will be every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm. Bingo bags over 1000 pesos, raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

March 4 Annual Becas Ball at the Westin Regina. More information to come.

ID

February 12 CANICA Breakfast – This annual event raises funds for local children with Cancer to assist in housing and transportation costs. $200 pesos 9:30am at the River Café. Now celebrating 10 years of service.

February 17 Becas Vallarta Breakfast at River Cafe 9:30 a.m., $200 pesos per ticket- info and tickets: Suzanne Erikson 221-5599 or Terry Prill 221-5465, or Mariel or Carlos Fregosa 221-0789

March 1 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – ‘Girl’s Night Out’ in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come.

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February 11 Garbo’s Sing-A-Long -with New York Pianist Kenny Luchs Playing the American Songbook at one of Mexico’s oldest Piano Bars.

On Pulpito Street - Love songs only this week for Valentine’s.

No cover. No minimum. Tips to local charities.

February 16 2nd annual Culinary - Art Festival 3 to 7 p.m at the Hotel Marsol Celebrating Valentines day and Mes de Amistad Free admission. Restaurants with their specialties, paintings, sculpture, handicrafts by local artists and galleries. Entertainment, music, raffles and more!

– Girl’s Night Out in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come. (matinee)

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February 9 Carnaval - Parade starting at 8pm along the Malecon and through Centro with other assorted events being held around town.

Beginning at 9 AM at CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, this all-day event is open to the public. Come learn about healthcare in Puerto Vallarta.

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February 8 Adult Bingo – held at The Palm Cabaret this naughty but nice bingo game benefits the Purr Project. Each bingo has a special guest and plenty of great prizes.

Starts at 4pm

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

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February 5 Breakfast Fundraiser in support of Corazon de Nina at La Palapa Restaurant at 10:00am. Tickets are available at Carol’s Boutique, Basillo Badillo #250, 322/113-0073 or Salsa Salon & Boutique, Paseo de la Marina #165. 322/221-3256.

April 13 Becas Vallarta Breakfast at Coco’s Kitchen 9:30 a.m., $200 pesos info and tickets: Suzanne Erikson 221-5599 or Terry Prill 221-5465, or Mariel or Carlos Fregosa 221-0789

Property of the Week

pg. 20

Advertise all year in the largest English newspaper in the Bay - for only a few pesos a day!

Published 52 weeks a year and distributed from Punta Mita to Mismaloya - the Vallarta Tribune has been your best resource for the past 19 years!

Contact editor@vallartatribune.com or Call 225 49 82 for more information.

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real estate

Ask

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

a realtor

By Michael Green Boardwalk Realty

Q: I am trying to buy a fixerupper house in downtown directly from the owner. He says that it is standard practice here to give the seller a deposit in order to guarantee the sale and is asking for $10,000 USD. Is this safe?

Joe, Pittsburgh A: No way Jose! We have an old saying in our office, it is: “Don’t leave your brains at the border!”

Now Joe, if you were going to buy a home in the steel city, would you give the owner cash before closing? Of course you wouldn’t.

(Or at least I hope you wouldn’t.) In the event your transaction does not close, it would be difficult, expensive and time consuming to recover your deposit. For that reason, the standard practice here is to draft a formal contract of sale, which both buyer and seller will sign. This contract should state the agreed

price and terms of the sale and stipulate that any deposits shall be made to a neutral third party escrow account established specifically for the transaction.

There should also be provisions to return your deposit if the transaction does not close, as well as agreed upon penalties in the event one of the parties fails to comply with the terms of the contract.

There are several established financial institutions that are able to handle escrow accounts here, First American Title, Stewart Title and Monex are some of the most common.

Typically the buyer is responsible for the cost of the escrow (approximately $500 USD per transaction) but this is a small price to pay for the peace of mind that your

money is in a safe place. These fiduciary institutions have the legal responsibility to guard your deposit and not release it unless both you and the seller agree in writing. In the event of a dispute, a judge would rule on final disbursement.

For new construction, it is common to give the developer a deposit with the sales contract and make progress payments as the building is being constructed.

For this reason, you want to make sure that the necessary plans and permits are in place and the developer has a sound business plan and proven track record. You should also ask for a completion bond in order to guarantee your deposit, or insist that your deposits remain in an escrow account, only to be released upon certain pre-es-

tablished stages of completion.

Please note that Spanish is the binding language in the sales contract, (with English translation often provided as a courtesy) so I strongly encourage you to enlist the expertise of a bilingual local Realtor who is a member of AMPI. Joe, I hope you can see that the days of unprotected real estate investments in Puerto Vallarta are long gone, so “Don’t leave your brains at the border!”

Do you have a question about Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta? Just ask!

Michael Green is the Broker of Boardwalk Realty. Active in local and national Real Estate boards; published author and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, Mike moved here in 1997 to take advantage of the unsurpassed lifestyle PV offers.

E mail Mike at: Michael@boardwalkrealtypv.com

31 Markets and More – Weekly Events in Banderas Bay If you have an ongoing weekly event you’d like to add, email editor@vallartatribune. com TUESDAY Malecon Sculpture Tour – 9:30am Hosted

by Gary Thompson. The tour starts at the “Millennium” sculpture next to the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Malecon.

IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes.

Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am. Cost is $500 pesos.

Riviera Farmers Market – Nuevo Vallarta from 9am-2pm WEDNESDAY Forever Spring Farmers Market - 50 Lazaro Cardenas, opposite Sandrinas, Bucerias 9am-1pm Three Hens and a Rooster Market - on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta 9am to 1pm IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes.

Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am.

Artwalk – In the historic center of Vallarta 6-10pm Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta.

THURSDAY Bucerias Artwalk from 7-9pm Calle Lazaro Cardenas Marina Night Market – 6-9:30pm vendors and artisans set up along the marina FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Vallarta – 9:30am – 1:30 Sayulita Farmers Market – 9am-2pm SATURDAY Old Town Farmers Market - 9:30am-2pm Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Vallarta Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis - 9am - 2pm SUNDAY Live Music in the Main Plaza, Vallarta – 6pm La Cruz Farmers Market – 9-2pm

games

Feb 04 - 10, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com