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Pacific Coast Road, Nogales to Puerto Vallarta Driving and Travel Guide Log 2011 only $9.99

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LAND FOR SALE

Land suitable for small ranch.

In La Loma 10 minutes north of La Penita. 700,000 pesos. Ejido.

Contact Rafael at

(cell phone 045 311 161 0573)

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August12, 2011 ..the heartbeat of the Riviera Nayarit

The Sol, the English Language source of News for the Riviera Nayarit Mexico, including La Penita de Jaltemba, Rincon de Guayabitos, Lo de Marcos. Los Ayala, Lo de Marcos, and San Pancho

Editor Bill Bell

Win a dinner for two at Mateja's Bar and Grill on the beach in beautiful Rincon de Guayabitos! To be eligible, all you have to do is tell us in 50 words or less why you think Riviera Nayarit is the best place for a winter holiday! One entry per Friend of Riviera Nayarit. Winner will be announced September 30 2011. Submission must be posted on Friends of Nayarit Face book

Become a Friend on the Riviera Nayarit Click Here

Debbie Treiber Wood

I love Riviera Nayarit because I have met so many people there. I have stayed with Frank & Donna a couple of times and it has been a great time every time. Loved Mateja's and all the people that come there as regular's, everyone is so welco...ming! The town of Guayabitos is amazing, We felt nothing but safe being there and enjoyed all the locals. The markets are great and so is the shopping. All in all it is a great place to go for a holiday!

Famous Friends Visited Riviera Nayarit

Riviera Nayarit CVB

Courtney Cox, former star of the popular TV show 'Friends' spent the weekend in Punta Mita.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - In Riviera Nayarit luxury means making new friends. According to fans' posts in different social networks, Courtney Cox visited Mexico's Pacific Treasure with her daughter Coco and her new partner Brian Van Holt.

According to witnesses, the former star of the popular TV show Friends, where she portrayed the character of Monica, was seen last Friday, August 5 at the Four Seasons Punta Mita Bahia restaurant, and in the pool area the next day.

Courtney Cox spent the whole weekend in our destination only a few days after publicly announcing her separation from agent David Arquette, and she stayed at Los Ranchos, an exclusive and private community in Punta Mita.

Courtney Cox's trip adds to the long list of celebrities that have visited our destination in 2011, including soccer player Thierry Henry, Kate Hudson, Gerry Lopez, Eric Dane, Soleil Moon Frye, Mario Lopez, Elsa Benitez, Ana Gabriela Guevara and Kim and Kourtney Kardashian.

This year, our destination has also been catalogued as one of the most romantic destinations in the world according to publications like Reuters Life!, Travesías and Bodaclick, and has also been nominated as one of the best 10 destinations for family travel in Mexico and the Caribbean, according to TripAdvisor users, which conferred this nomination as part of the Traveler's Choice Awards.

Riviera Nayarit's high-end infrastructure, which is surrounded by natural environments, has also been recognized. This month, the prestigious publication Elite Traveller has chosen Casona Jaguar at Imanta Resort as one of the top 101 suites in the world and Robb Report highlighted this hotel in its "2011 Hot List."

Additionally, Marival Residences & World Spa in Riviera Nayarit received TripAdvisor's Certificate of Excellence 2011, and the Four Seasons Punta Mita, St. Regis Punta Mita and the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit are competing in the finals for the title of "The Most Beautiful Hotel," by Hospitalitas magazine.

The promotional efforts being made by the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Riviera Nayarit are evident though direct posts like the ones made by Mario Lopez in the social networks, which help position our destination as one of the best worldwide. This is a reminder of how important it is for hotels, restaurants, government, service providers, and for society in general to constantly improve the experience of those who visit our destination.

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Eastern Pacific Shark Species

Part 2 of 2 © Tara A. Spears

My reason to educate myself about the species and habits of sharks began more than 20 years ago due to a personal encounter with these predators. My sons and I were fishing in south Florida, having an exceptional morning having landed more than 50 fish. By noon it was hot so we put down the rods and dove into the ocean. Foolish idea. As I was handing a cool soda to my youngest son- who was sitting in ankle deep water at the shore- he screams and leaps up, blood running down his back. To this day, he has scars from the 40 puncture marks from the shark bite. The lesson we learned is that you do not swim where you have been catching fish, as the larger predators are also working the same school of fish. This incident didn’t deter my family from continuing to enjoy ocean water sports- both of my sons are certified scuba divers besides avid fishermen.

Click here to read the entire shark story by Tara

El Monteon's Field of Dreams golf course now has its own Facebook Fans Page click here to become a fan

This Week

SunPower's new solar facility slated for Mexico

Joining a string of other cleantech companies in Silicon Valley, SunPower said it is taking some of its manufacturing out of state.

The San Jose-based solar cell, panel and system maker is planning to operate a solar panel manufacturing facility in Mexicali, Mexico….go to original article

5,000 rounds of ammunition seized at Texas-Mexico border

Customs officers have found 5,000 rounds of ammunition commonly used in assault rifles in a SUV crossing back into Mexico.

Customs and Border Protection announced Friday that a Mexican citizen was caught in a southbound inspection at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville on Wednesday. Boxes of ammunition were found under the back seat of the Ford Excursion….go to original article

Mexico’s Most Blissful Beaches

When people think Mexico, many see golden sand, blue water and green palms. Hundreds of beaches fit this bill: some near-empty with a few palm-thatched eateries and cabañas; others busy urban beaches. Most of the best are on the Pacific or the Caribbean coasts.

Right, got your swimsuit and a towel?...go to original article

Judge dismisses charges in Mexico hotel explosion

A judge in southern Mexico has dismissed criminal charges against five contractors and employees at a resort hotel where an explosion last year killed five Canadian tourists and two Mexicans.

Judge Nicolas Pinzon said Friday that he denied prosecutors' requests for arrest warrants against the five for negligent homicide and professional misconduct in relation to a hidden gas line that exploded Nov. 14, 2010, at the 676-room Grand Riviera Princess resort in Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun….go to original article

Mexico town’s police force quits after attack

An entire 20-man police force resigned in a northern Mexican town after a series of attacks that killed the police chief and five officers over the last three months, state officials said Thursday.

The officers’ resignation Thursday left the 13,000 people of Ascension without local police services, Chihuahua state chief prosecutor Carlos Manuel Salas said. State and federal police have moved in to take over police work, he said….go to original article

Alaska Airlines Announces 'Low Fare Fiesta' Sale on All Mexico Flights

Fares as low as $92* each way between Los Angeles and GuadalajaraAlaska Airlines launched a "Low Fare Fiesta" sale today, featuring ticket prices as low as $92* each way to some of Mexico's most popular vacation destinations. Fares are good for travel from Aug. 22 to Oct. 7, 2011 (except for travel to Guadalajara, Mexico City, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo and Manzanillo, which is valid for travel between Aug. 29 and Nov. 16, 2011). Tickets must be purchased by Aug. 15 and are available at www.alaskaair.com.

"Mexico is home to some of the world's best beaches and golf resorts," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. "We're excited to offer customers low fares to nine sunny Mexico destinations." …go to original article

Mexico Serum Takes Sting Out of U.S. Scorpion Nips
– Scorpions are alternately cherished and feared in parts of northern Mexico, where stings are common and the dead critters adorn key-chains and ornamental ashtrays.

Now Mexican scientists are bringing to the United States the result of years of experience battling the sometimes-deadly effects of their stings with a newly approved anti-venom.

The product, sold in the United States under the name Anascorp, was developed by scientists at Mexico's National Autonomous University and the private Instituto Bioclon….go to original article

16 Countries, Including Mexico, File Briefs Against New Alabama Immigration Law

In an effort to ensure their citizens are treated fairly in Alabama, 16 nations, including Mexico, filed briefs against the state’s controversial new immigration law that has already drawn fire from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Edward Still, a Birmingham attorney who filed the brief, told The Montgomery Advertiser that the nations “want to have one immigration law and not 50.”….go to original article

Last Week

Reports: Mexico nabs leader of Juarez cartel armed gang sought by US in consulate murder

Federal police have captured the alleged leader of a ruthless gang of killers who work for a drug cartel in the violent border of Ciudad Juarez, Mexican news media said Saturday.

The suspect, Jose Antonio Acosta Hernandez, is wanted by the U.S. government on charges of murdering a U.S. consulate employee and her husband last year in Ciudad Juarez, which is across the border from El Paso, Texas…go to original article

Poverty grew in Mexico to nearly half the population, study finds

The government of President Felipe Calderon blames the poverty numbers on the global financial crisis that sent Mexico into recession in 2009 and the worldwide hike in food prices. Mexico received more bad economic news Friday with a report that shows poverty is steadily on the rise.

The number of Mexicans living in poverty grew to 52 million in 2010, up by more than 3 million people from two years earlier, the report says. That means 46.2% of the population lives in poverty….go to original article

Mexico Suspends Police Aid To Juarez

Mexico's federal government has suspended aid for a police-training program in violence-wracked Juarez, saying authorities there haven't followed reporting rules and have trained few police.

Mexico's National Public Safety System says it has suspended 57 million pesos ($4.85 million) in aid scheduled to be delivered this year because the city has done little to train local police….go to original article

Southwest partner Volaris begins daily flights between McCarran to Mexico City

Discount Mexican air carrier Volaris, which inaugurated nonstop service between Las Vegas and Guadalajara in late March, today began nonstop daily flights between Mexico City and McCarran International Airport.

Volaris, which flies 144-passenger Airbus A319 twin-engine jets on the route, offers daily flights arriving from Mexico City International Airport at 12:10 p.m., departing for Mexico's capital city at 1:40 p.m…go to original article

Mexican artifact seized

A Pre-Columbian artifact intercepted by federal agents in April at O’Hare was found to be illegally exported from Mexico and will be returned to the Mexican government. The four-inch-tall clay figurine, shaped like a woman and painted in orange, had sold for $550 at an auction and was en route from Indiana to the buyer in British Columbia, Canada, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers said. …go to original article

UNESCO condemns murders of journalists in Mexico and Brazil

The United Nations agency tasked with defending and promoting press freedom today condemned the murders of journalists in Mexico and Brazil, two Latin American countries where reporters have already been killed this year. …go to original article

Argentina edges Mexico at U20 World Cup

Erik Lamela's second-half goal lifted Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Mexico on Friday on the opening day of the Under-20 World Cup.

Lamela, who is headed to Italian club Roma from River Plate, broke from midfield in the 71st minute and blasted a 20-meter shot inside the far post, beyond Mexico goalkeeper Carlos Lopez. ..go to original article

Improving Mexican economy draws undocumented immigrants home from California

There are fewer undocumented immigrants in California – and the Sacramento region – because many are now finding the American dream south of the border.

“It’s now easier to buy homes on credit, find a job and access higher education in Mexico,” Sacramento’s Mexican consul general, Carlos González Gutiérrez, said Wednesday. “We have become a middle-class country.”…go to original article

Vatican questions Mexican bishop's stand on homosexuality

A Mexican bishop has admitted that the Vatican has asked for an explanation of his support for a group that questions Church teachings regarding homosexuality.

Bishop Raul Vera Lopez of Saltillo said that he has received questions from Rome about his backing for the San Elredo Community. The bishop argued that the group's stance is not really at variance with Church teachings, and "I am ready to clear things up." …go to original article

New bulk food Store opens in Bucerias near Mega

Here are what a few people are saying about it!

Ellaine Spivak There is never anyone in there.. The prices aren't bad and the beef is quite good (steaks) it's clean, and the staff are friendly.. I was told that the name indicates it's a bulk food store and it does seem sell in quantity. I prefer, for my shopping enjoyment the Mega mart..
Lindy Laing I finally decided to give it a shot, out of curiosity just to see what was in there and why there was never anyone in the parking lot. There just isn't enough in there to justify shopping there versus WalMart or Mega. I don't think they're going to make it. Probably a location around La Peñita would make more sense.

Peter Glass

Market Basket is clean, has large selection and competititve prices and the staff is very friendly but something just doesn't click. I don't know if it size or layout or what but they just don't jump to mind when you think of shopping. It's a shame because they can't stay in business like this. I hope they make it because I believe in competition (and giving people jobs) but I wouldn't be surprised if I drove by and saw that they were closed.

Click here to read more about this new insurance product

Top of the Food Chain Predators:

Eastern Pacific Sharks

Despite the hype that shark attacks often receive in the media, there are only an estimated 70-100 shark attacks worldwide each year, and of those, only about 5-15 result in death. Estimates based on data from just the United States put your odds of being attacked by a shark at about 1 in 11.5 million. Drowning and other beach-related fatalities are much more likely to occur than a shark attack. Attacks are more frequent along the Atlantic coast, particularly Florida, than anywhere on the Pacific coast.

When shark attacks do occur, they generally take place in near-shore waters where sharks like to feed and may become trapped during low tide. By far the most common type of attack is a “hit and run” attack where the shark will quickly appear out of nowhere, inflict a single bite or slash wound and then leave. These are generally chalked up to the shark mistaking a person for prey and then retreating when it discovers the mistake. The less common “bump and bite” and “sneak” attacks tend to be much more severe and involve swimmers and divers in deeper water. In these attacks, the shark will either circle the victim and then bump into the victim before attacking or sneak up on the victim and strike quickly.

If you’re an avid diver or engage in deepwater aquatic activities, then it’s important to be aware of the precautions to take to avoid shark attacks. But for the average beachgoer, some simple practices can reduce the risk

· Swim with a group as sharks are more likely to attack an isolated individual;

· Stay close to the shore so that you look less isolated and so that help is readily available;

· Avoid the water at night or in twilight when sharks are most active and have the sensory advantage;

· Do not get into the water if you’re bleeding or menstruating as sharks have keen olfactory abilities;

· Wearing shiny jewelry should be avoided as it can resemble the glimmer of fish scales and at the very least draws attention to your presence in the water;

· Avoid waters with known effluents of sewage or that sport and commercial fisherman occupy as their bait and waste can attract sharks;

· Exercise caution in areas between sandbars or with steep drop-offs, places where sharks are likely to hang out;

· Do not enter the water if sharks are known to be present and evacuate immediately if a shark is spotted.

CClick here to read the entire story on sharks

Riviera Nayarit Turtle Release Programs Making News

RivieraNayarit.com
go to original

El Universal, a nationwide publication, dedicated an article to the adaptation of sea turtles to the growth of tourism in Nuevo Vallarta.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On August 11th, one of the most prestigious newspapers in Mexico, El Universal, published an article about the touching and exciting experience of releasing turtles in Riviera Nayarit.

The publication highlights the impressive adaptation that turtles give to the growth of the tourism activity in Nuevo Vallarta, one of the Banderas Bay area beaches that registers more turtle migrations every year.

"According to the area's Sea Turtle Preservation Program, run by the National Council of Natural Protection, over 51 thousand sea turtles nested on the beaches of Riviera Nayarit during 2010, 6 thousand of them in Nuevo Vallarta," the publication said.

Riviera Nayarit's Conventions and Visitors Bureau (CVB) had already released a newsletter last year revealing a scientific study about this phenomena, which makes the greater Banderas Bay region even more attractive for tourism.

The hotel zone beaches constitute excellent arrival areas for sea turtles, and the only thing you have to do is stay up the whole night a few feet away from your hotel room to see turtles laying their eggs.

Biologist Adrian Maldonado, who coordinates the Research Subcommittee of the Technological Institute of Banderas Bay (Instituto Tecnológico de Bahía de Banderas or ITBB), stated that the results of a study show that Nuevo Vallarta holds a higher number of arrivals than less developed areas like El Naranjo Beach, which is close to la Peñita de Jaltemba.

The historical data analysis for the past 10 years indicates that sea turtles set an average of 403 nests per mile on Nuevo Vallarta's 8.7 miles of beaches. In 2007 alone, about 6,000 Olive Ridely turtles arrived at this location.

The numbers presented by Maldonado are not exaggerated. In 2009, official evaluations at the turtle camp in Nuevo Vallarta estimated that by October, close to 4,000 nests had been recovered and 200,000 turtle hatchlings released.

"At this camp, the numbers grow every year. What I can say for sure is that the number of recovered nests has grown 600% in the eight years that we've been working here," said biologist Antonio Razo, who is in charge of safeguarding these beaches.

Once the incubation period is over and the eggs hatch, the Nuevo Vallarta turtle camp offers the general public the opportunity to release a hatchling. The release program includes afternoon sessions that start around 6:00 PM with a cost of $20 pesos ($2 USD), which is used to keep the camp running.

Nuevo Vallarta isn't the only developed beach that offers the general public this privilege; other Banderas Bay area beaches include those in the Puerto Vallarta hotel zone and Marina Vallarta, as well as El Anclote, Punta Mita, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and other developed areas. At Las Tortugas beach, where a nature-conscious development is taking place, 2,400 nests were saved in 2009.

Even though hotels located in Rincon de Guayabitos don't have the largest number of turtle arrivals, the experience is especially exciting at El Naranjo Beach, where one of the most committed protection and education programs has been established. Visiting El Naranjo is not only a delight for tourists, but it's also a truly enlightening experience.

Nothing compares to witnessing the start of a new life and the struggle for survival, framed by a unique sunset. This is the beginning of the journey for these tiny creatures that will have to overcome all sorts of obstacles to reach adulthood. The tickling their flippers produce on the palm of our hands is transferred directly to our hearts when experts explain that the one we're holding in our hands will probably never make it back to this beach.

IN THE LIGHT OF SCIENCE

The studies made by the ITBB shed light on a fact that even scientists can't fully comprehend yet: sea turtles don't seem to be afraid of touristic developments. Amongst all the beaches in this region, the largest numbers are arriving at Nuevo Vallarta, where the beach has artificial lighting, a fact that was completely unexpected.

"An unfinished university thesis study focused on measuring the intensity of light on nest sites and, oddly enough, it found that turtles prefer to lay their eggs on beaches that have artificial lighting. However, there is something we have to take into consideration: turtles have a natural aversion to light, so these results are even more surprising," commented Adrian Maldonado.

First they take La Peñita then they take....J Bay!

Los Amigos Changes its Name

When Los Amigos de La Peñita was formed a few years ago it primary focus was on lobbying the government to make infrastructure improvements in La Penita. About four years ago, the organization re-invented itself as a “community service organization that exists to serve the people of La Peñita, the surrounding Colonias, and the community at large through it’s participation in activities designed to improve the lives of area residents.” We have now grown to 180 members – almost 60% of whom are year-long national residents. Many of these individuals live in La Colonia, Rincon de Guayabitos and Los Ayala. Many of the programs we operate serve the whole Jaltemba Bay community. We collect recycled plastics and cardboard in Guayabitos, La Colonia and Los Ayala in addition to La Peñita. Schools in Guayabitos and La Colonia are active on our education committee. The criteria for our scholarship program has been broadened and our economic development initiatives benefit the entire Jaltemba Bay area. We have therefore decided to change our name to Los Amigos de Jaltemba to reflect this new reality. The change was recently approved through an email vote of our members. Work is now underway to refresh our logo and transform our website to reflect our new name so watch for more news in the future.Streets of Guayabitos hit with flooding following heavy rains

Bill and Dot are on vacation travelling Central Mexico
Here are a few highlights and our route so far!
Follow the Bell's adventure on Facebook

Xochicalco Ruins
Photography by Bill and Dot Bell

Xochicalco is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in the Municipality of Miacatlán in the western part of the Mexican state of Morelos. The name Xochicalco may be translated from Nahuatl as "in the (place of the) house of Flowers". The site is located 38 km southwest of Cuernavaca, about 76 miles by road from Mexico City. The site is open to visitors all week, from 10am to 5pm, although access to the observatory is only allowed after noon. The apogee of Xochicalco came after the fall of Teotihuacan and it has been speculated that Xochicalco may have played a part in the fall of the Teotihuacan Empire. Click here to read and see more

Morelia Michoacán Mexico

Photographs by Bill Bell

Click here to view photographs of Morelia

The Palace of Cortés

Photography by Bill and Dorothy Bell

The Palace of Cortés (Spanish: Palacio de Cortés) in Cuernavaca, Mexico, is the oldest conserved colonial era civil structure on the continental Americas, being over 450 years old. The building began as a fortified residence for Hernán Cortés and his second wife Juana Zúñiga. It was built in 1526, over a Tlahuica/Aztec tribute collection center, which was destroyed by the Spanish during the Conquest. Cortés replaced it with a personal residence to assert authority over the newly conquered peoples

Click here to view more photographs

Monte Alban Oaxaca Mexico

Photographs by Bill and Dot Bell

Monte Albán is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. The site is located on a low mountainous range rising above the plain in the central section of the Valley of Oaxaca where the latter's northern Etla, eastern Tlacolula, and southern Zimatlán/Ocotlán (or Valle Grande) branches meet. The present-day state capital Oaxaca City is located approximately 9 km (5.8 mi) east of Monte Albán.
Click here to view more photographs of Monte Alban

New Highway from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara Approved

Rodrigo Lopez Becerril - Vallarta Opina
go to original

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Now that the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has authorized the plans presented by the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT), Puerto Vallarta will soon have a short cut to Guadalajara - a new highway that will make it possible to make the journey in two hours and a half hours.

SCT Infrastructure Undersecretary, Óscar de Buen Richkarday, confirmed the approval of the plans by SEMARNAT and said that resources will be sought next month during discussions regarding the 2012 budget for road infrastructure in ten West Central states.

The new highway project had stopped because of opposition by environmentalist groups who felt that the road would affect the jaguar habitat in the Sierra de Vallejo, located within the boundaries of Jalisco and Nayarit.

Continued Click here

Check it out here Mateja's Restaurant and Bar on the Beach in Rincon de Guayabitos has its fan page on Facebook Click here

'Gringa' Gawking Judge Unapologetic Over Racy Facebook Postings

Mexico City – A Mexican judge is under fire after filling his Facebook page with photos of unwitting bikini-clad women, accompanied by racy commentary.

"I appeal to the democratic coexistence of our society. I appeal to the unalienable right that is free expression," Emiliano Zapata Sandoval, an administrative judge in the state of Nayarit, said Tuesday on Facebook, responding to criticism of his earlier postings.

Click here to read more

Mexico City is a Touch Away with New Travel App

Guide to the Ancient City Offers Contemporary Insight for First-Time and Frequent Visitors

By: PR Newswire

MEXICO CITY, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's largest metropolitan spaces is now easier to maneuver with the launch of the StyleMap Mexico City application, now available to download for free at the iTunes store. The newly released app invites travelers to get a feel for Mexico City before boarding the plane and be fully prepared to live like a local upon arriving to the dynamic city.

Click here to read entire story

Prepare Your House for an Extended Absence

YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry go to original

Things to do before leaving your home unoccupied in the Tropics:

This advice is geared to a typical NOB (North of the Border) owner who has a pool and pressurized water system (hydro-pneumatico)
1. Definitely drain the pool or treat it with a permanent larvicide like Copper.
Standing water is the main preventable cause of Dengue virus transmission here in Yucatan. Consider treating the residual water with extra doses of copper salts, to kill any larvae that grow in future rain accumulations. Adding extra copper also keeps your pool from becoming an algae swamp. (NOB snow bird untreated swimming pools in unoccupied homes are a major cause of Dengue transmission.)**

Note: If you add extra copper to your pool, then drain enough water out of the pool water when you return to give a final safe copper-algicide concentration. (The copper treatment works very well at treating the residual rain-water that accumulates in supposedly “drained” pools.)

2. Shut off the gas valves and lock/chain the cylinder or tank so something secure. (These are just too tempting: easy to carry, easy to convert to cash, etc.)

3. Definitely turn off your hydro-pneumatico, and open the water system’s air vent valve on the techo/roof. Use simple gravity feed to supply plumbing for watering plants etc…

4. If there are no plants etc to water, then give the water system a final chlorine treatment: 1/4 cup of normal un-scented NORMAL bleach per 275 gal/1000 liter tinaco – assuming your tinaco has only clean water. Turbid water or water with organic matter in it requires more bleach.

Click here to read more

US Healthcare Insurance Requirements for US Expats

YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.

Many expats have been discussing the likely impacts of the recently passed US health-care legislation on people who live and work outside the USA. The law now requires that US Citizens meet several requirements to be exempt from getting health insurance or paying penalties: a foreign “tax home” and foreign residency.

Click here to read more

The Durango-Mazatlán highway in Mexico should open in 2012
In Durango recently, Dionisio Pérez Jácome, Mexico’s Communications and Transportation Secretary, stated that the new Durango-Mazatlán highway is “80% completed” and “on schedule to be opened in the second half of next year” (2012) (Milenio online, 15 July 2011)
•New highway in Mexico joins Durango and Mazatlán

The new highway, first proposed more than a decade ago, will have cost about 1.2 billion dollars to complete. The new highway has more than 60 tunnels and 115 bridges, including the amazing Baluarte Bicentennial Bridge which will be Latin America’s longest cable-stayed bridge when opened. Some sections of the new highway have had their first annual maintenance to repair potholes and ensure that the road surface is in perfect condition for next year’s formal inauguration.

The highway will speed up overland transport from the Pacific Ocean port of Mazatlán to the northern border towns of Reynosa and Matamoros, bringing numerous economic benefits to many parts of northern Mexico.

Beautiful young women from Monterey Mexico line up for photograph outside of Matejas Bar and Grill in rincon de guayabitos

love shots like this, beautiful young women from Monterey Mexico line up for photograph outside of Matejas Bar and Grill in Rincon de Guayabitos Bill Bell photograph

Has the Capital Gain Tax Law Exemption for Foreigners Changed?

Michael Green - Tropicasa Realty
July 6, 2011

Q: Has the Capital Gain tax law exemption for foreigners changed?

A: The law has not changed, but the interpretation and enforcement have. It is very important to remember that the intent of the exemption granted for Capital Gain tax on the sale of a primary residence is supposed to be just that; Your Primary Residence. That means you can't have your primary residence in the US and exempt your capital gain tax there and do the same here in Mexico.

The SAT (Servicio de Administracion Tributaria), also known as "Hacienda", is the federal tax collector. They collect all federal taxes such as the ISR (Income or Capital Gains) tax, the IVA (Added Value) tax and the IDE (Tax on Cash Deposits.)

Recently, the director of Hacienda has issued a memorandum stating, "The foreigner who does not have a valid immigrant status before the proper Mexican authority is assumed to NOT be a resident of the country and is subject to the capital gain tax."

A valid immigrant status is considered an FM-2. So tourist visas and FM-3's are no longer acceptable as valid immigrant status for the purpose of proving your residence. So if you DO NOT have an FM-2 visa, the sale of your property is considered VACATION OR SECOND HOME OR A RENTAL PROPERTY and no exemptions are permitted.

The tax on non-exempted transactions is 30% of the difference between the value declared in the deed (in pesos) and the value of the new sale, less allowable deductions or 20% of the entire amount of the transaction, whichever is less. Therefore, when you buy your property in PV, you must insist upon having the full amount of the sale declared in the deed, in order to avoid overpaying taxes upon sale.

It is also vitally important to ask for a "factura" (official tax receipt) when doing any capital improvement on your property. In the event you have not done this, it is possible to have your property re-appraised by an authorized appraiser and this increased amount can be credited towards your tax basis. So if you do not have an FM-2, be prepared to get one prior to the sale of your property, or be prepared to pay your Capital Gains Tax here in Mexico.

Now some good news: There is no "double-taxation" on the sale of your property here. So if you pay your Capital Gain tax here in Mexico, you will not be subject to another tax in the US and you can re-patriot the funds legally.

Please remember that your friends who may have avoided the Cap Gain tax here previously are STILL subject to audit here in Mexico (for up to five years) and Cap Gain Tax in the U.S.! So nobody gets off for free, legally.

The tax authorities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico work together and share information. Everyday there is more cooperation between the countries due to tax treaties. It is no longer possible to own a property in one country, enjoy income from that property, and not report it in BOTH the country where the property is located, and the country where the owner lives.

Failure to comply means the owner is subject to double taxation and heavy penalties when the omission to file and declare is discovered. So if you are considering selling your property here in PV, you should consult with a tax expert here and also your accountant in the US in order to determine the best way to file your taxes.

Here is something else to ponder; paying Capital Gains tax implies you have made a gain on the sale of your property. Congratulations! Would you rather have lost money, so you would not have to pay tax?

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

Michael Green is a published author and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate. Green's excellent service record combined with an old-fashioned work ethic and an intimate knowledge of the local market, make him the ideal person to consult for real estate transactions. You can contact him at michael(at)tropicasa.com.

Dengue Fever Information: What to Do?

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. In the last 50 years, incidence has increased 30-fold with increasing geographic expansion to new countries and, in the present decade, from urban to rural settings ….

Dengue: transmitted between humans in the Americas by our friends(?) Aedes aegypti.

An estimated 50 million dengue infections occur annually, and approximately 2.5 billion people live in dengue endemic countries.

The affected countries include México and almost all other countries in the Tropics. Fatality rates from extreme Dengue Virus infections (DHF & DSS) have ranged from 1%-3.5% in Dengue endemic areas. Yucatán and along the Gulf coast of Mexico are Dengue endemic areas (areas maintaining Dengue Virus).

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Fruit Stand La Penita de Jaltemba, Nayarit Mexico Bill Bell Photograph

Ancient Sites in Mexico

as photographed by Bill and Dot Bell

Ancient Sites in Mexico

Mexico is a fabulous place to explore ancient cultures. Bill and Dorothy Bell over the next month will be adding over 40 sites to this map of Toltec, Olmec, Maya, Aztec and other cultures along with their photography of those wonderful and magical sites. Check it out here

Local Rotary News

ROTARY JALTEMBA BAY LA PENITA CLUB RELFECTS ON ITS PAST YEAR'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Out-going Jaltemba Bay La Penita president, Eddie Dominguez, presented an overview of last year's projects, goals and financial accounting. The club's successful projects rank it in the top one per cent of the district's sixty-two clubs. Quite an accomplishment for a three year old club! Goals were met and exceeded. Financial stability was obtained under the direction of treasurer Carlos Rendo. A big applause is in order for Eddie and his hard working members. Looking forward to the new Rotary year, under the leadership of Dr. Lidiana Flores, projects and goals are being considered. Some of the projects and programs under consideration are: kindergarten, secondary school, Conalep high school, recycling, prenatal, dengue, mammogram, scholarships and books. Members are being asked how they can best participate. Rotary Jaltemba Bay asks you to look into your heart and choose a service project as well. A small, yet mighty club, needs to grow its membership and encourage visitors, residents and Rotarians from a far, to lend a helping hand. Susana Connors is available to answer any questions. Please contact her at sescobido@aol.com.

ROTARY JALTEMBA BAY LA PENITA CLUB WINS YET ANOTHER ROTARY INTERNATIONAL GRANT

Rotary Jaltemba Bay La Penita Club has created a successful model for partnering with other Rotary and service clubs. Last year it partnered and won a grant with 12 international Rotary clubs for the extensive remodeling of the Zacualpan Prepa high school project. In the same year, it partnered with Kalispell Montana Rotary club and La Pentia's Los Amigos and Chacala's Cambiando Vidas in the winning of a grant for scholarships and leadership training. The program will roll out this year, benefiting 80 students. The latest partnership involves a grant between Los Amigos and the Jaltemba Rotary club, expanding the existing La Penita Recycling program. Success begins with a dream evolves into a plan followed by tenacious action. Many hours of work are clocked before the project begins. We thank all those dedicated souls whose motto is "service beyond self". If you would like to participate in either the recycling project or the leadership program, please contact Susana Connors at sescobido@aol.com.

ROTERACT AND INTERACT? WHAT AND WHO ARE THEY?

For service clubs to succeed into the future, they must always focus on the recruitment of new members, specifically younger members. Both International Rotary Interact (12 to 18 years) and Roteract (18 to 30 years) present opportunities for youth and young adults to do Rotary service in their own way. Some of these involve building orphanages and schools. They function under the encouragement but loose supervision of parent Rotary clubs. Nationally the interest of service amongst the next generation is growing. It is important that Rotary listens to its youth and adjusts to meet their concerns. Social media, like Facebook, allows the human side, the stories, to reach out and touch the heart strings of our ever busy youth. Posting any activity wins an audience. It is Rotary Jaltemba Bay La Penita club's goal to create a Roteract club. For more information, please contact Susana Connors at sescobido@aol.com.

JALTEMBA BAY LA PENITA ROTARY WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS CAT MORGAN AND OWEN WALCHER

Jaltemba Bay La Penita Rotary Club welcomes two new members, Cat and Owen. They are previous Rotarians, now making Jaltemba Bay their new home. They come with solid Rotary background, enthusiasm to participate and the desire to make a difference. Owen is a marketing guru. While the Jaltemba Bay Rotary club is renown for its weekly news bulletin it is just beginning to explore the power of social media. It is lacking a web site. Owen has a host of ideas which will all be much appreciated. Cat is talented in her right, adding energy medicine and massage to her list of accomplishments. We look forward to their energy and contribution

OPEN ALL SUMMER

Learn Spanish Online

Get the most of out of your experience in Mexico - by learning some Spanish...

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Spanish Lessons Online - Free

Most language courses teach a lot of grammar rules and verb conjugations, but when you're done you can't actually speak Spanish.

The Visual Link Spanish system is effective in building your conversation skills, because it teaches you to build sentences, ask and answer useful, everyday, questions and truly communicate in Spanish.

These online Spanish lessons will enable you to start speaking and understanding basic Spanish now, and they'll also provide a solid foundation for you to progress onto higher levels later on.

The course is excellent, and because of the way it's presented and structured, you'll begin to speak and understand basic Spanish right away.

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As Mexico Hurricane Season Approaches, International Insurance Group Offers New Tips For Homeowners

Mexico Homeowners Insurance provider International Insurance Group, Inc. offers consumers tips on reviewing insurance coverages for homes and condos in Mexico in preparation for hurricane season.

Many Mexico based homeowner’s insurance plans do not offer hurricane coverage, and those that do may include severe coverage restrictions, or use outdated policy language.

Most of the Homes and Condos owned by U.S., Canadian and other foreigners in Mexico are located near the coast. The 2011 hurricane season is predicted to be an especially active one, both in the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. In anticipation of the predicted active hurricane season, Mexico Homeowner’s insurance provider http://www.mexpro.com (an International Insurance Group, Inc. Company) advises owners of property in Mexico to take the following steps to prepare for hurricane season.

1. Get Mexican Homeowner’s Insurance. If a policy is already in place, it should be reviewed carefully.. Does it even offer hurricane coverage? Is the insurer A-rated with the A.M. Best Company, and thus able to withstand thousands of hurricane claims? Is the policy written on U.S.-style coverage forms?

Many Mexico based homeowner’s insurance plans do not offer hurricane coverage, and those that do may include severe coverage restrictions, or use outdated policy language. Mexpro.com, a U.S. based insurance provider, offers new Homeowner’s Insurance with hurricane coverage, available with fixed deductibles and low co-payments in all coastal areas.

“At this time, we do not have any moratoriums on writing new policies. But that could change quickly, as storms begin to develop”, stated Jim Labelle, CEO of Mexpro.com.

Property owners are advised to act now to obtain coverage before moratoriums take effect. Mexico Homeowners can get A-rated coverage, based on U.S.-style policy language, directly online at http://www.mexpro.com or by calling 1-888-467-4639 (U.S. and Canada) or 001-888-467-4639 (toll free from Mexico).

2. Protect belongings. Those homeowners in residence in Mexico home during hurricane season should pay attention to the weather.When a storm is approaching or threatened, homeowners should take precautions such as storing valuables in a safe place.

3. Be vigilant. Keep an eye on the local weather tracking websites. Have your insurance policies handy.

4. Board up windows. If a storm looks like it is going to hit, cover windows with boards. These don’t have to be special hurricane shutters, but they need to be thick and securely nailed over the windows.

5. Owners of homes and condos in Mexico who rent their houses out should also communicate this items to the renters. .

Hurricane season can be damaging and expensive, especially to the unprepared. Consumers who own homes in Mexico are encouraged to contact Mexpro to discuss their current policy coverages and receive a free, no obligation coverage analysis and premium quotation.

Click here to view more Grand Canyon Photographs by Bill Bell

WEATHER

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