Mexico News, 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

Mexico's troubles fail to deter Canadian tourists

A massive explosion at a Mexican resort coupled with violence linked to gang wars and drug cartels have cast the country in a negative light, but it isn't stopping Canadians from booking holidays there. The number of travellers to Mexico from Canada is up about 10 per cent this year, industry experts say. ….go to original article

Speculation grows over Mexico blast cause

As the families of the five Canadians killed in an explosion at a Mexican resort Sunday begin their mourning, speculation over what caused the deadly blast is growing despite claims by authorities that a build up of natural gas beneath the hotel is to blame. ….go to original article

Mexico: 10 kidnapped migrants freed by navy

The Mexican navy says it has freed 10 migrants including a 7-month-old infant during a raid in the cartel-infested northeastern state of Tamaulipas. A statement from the navy says its agents traced a cell phone call from one of the hostages to a house in the Gulf coast city of Altamira. There they freed five men, four women and a baby who had been kidnapped by an armed gang.….go to original article

ADA stops doing produce inspections in Mexico

The Arizona Department of Agriculture has halted its practice of doing some produce inspections in Mexico, citing concerns for inspectors' safety. Department director Donald Butler says inspectors have been hassled by Mexican authorities and told they shouldn't be driving vehicles in Mexico that aren't their own although the inspectors are using vehicles owned by the state of Arizona.….go to original article

Gunmen in Mexico's Drug War Getting Younger

Mexican police on Friday detained a minor accused of working as a gunman for a drug cartel after shocking videos and photos surfaced online of fresh-faced boys mugging for the camera with guns and corpses.
One video, briefly posted on YouTube, showed a youth, apparently in his teens, confessing to working for a branch of the Beltran Leyva cartel. While the authenticity of the video could not be determined, cartels in Mexico frequently post such interrogation videos to expose their rivals' crimes.….go to original article

Foreign media 'focus too much on Mexico drug violence'

Mexico's ambassador to the US has criticised the international media for paying excessive attention to the drug-related violence in his countryArturo Sarukhan said news organisations gave the impression the whole of Mexico was ablaze with violence. He said stories such as economic ties with the US and the rise of the Mexican middle class went unreported…..go to original article

Refugees from a town mired in gang warfare can only flee — but still fear — for their lives

CIUDAD MIGUEL ALEMAN, Mexico — More than 300 men, women and children from the colonial ranching town of Ciudad Mier, a 10-minute drive from Texas, have taken refuge in the Lion's Club in this small city on the Rio Grande — fleeing for their lives from the gangland killers called the Zetas.

The refugees deserted Mier en masse during the past week after Zetas attacked in force to wrest it back from rival thugs of the so-called Gulf Cartel narcotics smuggling organization. Businesses and houses were burned, refugees say, and innocents murdered. Government forces have not yet reacted, they say…..go to original article

Second homes: Ruins, reefs and resorts mix in Mexico's Riviera Maya

Few places in the world have developed as quickly as Mexico's Riviera Maya, an 80-mile stretch of Yucatan Peninsula coastline running from just south of Cancun to Tulum.

The reasons are simple: easy flight connections from most of the USA and attractions found nowhere else, including more than 70 miles of beaches, the world's second-longest barrier reef, golf courses by top designers, world-class diving, adventure activities from canopy zip lines to horseback jungle tours, several eco-culture theme parks, and more than a dozen Maya ruin sites.…..go to original article

Mexico violence costs $350K daily in gas losses

Threats and violence by drug gangs are preventing some government oil workers from reaching installations in northern Mexico and costing state-owned Petroleos Mexicanos about $350,000 every day in lost production, a company official said Thursday.

The official said Pemex has shut down the equivalent of about 100 million cubic feet of natural gas production per day. He talked to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, because company rules do not allow him to be quoted by name.…..go to original article

Mexico's La Familia cartel to government: We'll disband if you protect citizens

La Familia of Michoacán, one of Mexico's most violent drug trafficking organizations, allegedly sent a letter to the government saying it will dissolve if authorities 'promise to take control of the state with force and decision.'Mexico City

When La Familia of Michoacán came onto the scene this decade, they marketed themselves as vigilantes protecting a vulnerable state from the vices of drugs and the threats of kidnappers and other criminals running rampant.…..go to original article

Mexico violence sparks changes in produce industry

Violence in Mexico is now starting to take its toll on Arizona's produce industry.

The state has banned produce inspections in Mexico so now every inspection run by the Arizona Department of Agriculture must be done in the U.S. That pushes the workload here way up by about 200%.

The state said there are a number of benefits that come from having the inspections done here like not having to drive back and forth saving a lot of money. The main reason though comes down to safety.…..go to original article

Mexico uses robot to explore ancient tunnel

TEOTIHUACAN, Mexico – The first robotic exploration of a pre-Hispanic ruin in Mexico has revealed that a 2,000-year-old tunnel under a temple at the famed Teotihuacan ruins has a perfectly carved arch roof and appears stable enough to enter, archaeologists announced Wednesday.

Archaeologists lowered the remote-controlled, camera-equipped vehicle into the 12-foot-wide (4-meter) corridor and sent wheeling through it to see if it was safe for researchers to enter. The one-foot (30-cm) wide robot was called "Tlaloque 1" after the Aztec rain god.…..go to original article

Visit mysterious and beautiful Palenque with Mexico adventure tours

The ancient city of Palenque is one of the most beautiful sights you are likely to see on a visit to Mexico. Exploring it is sure to be a memorable experience, particularly if you trek through the jungle to reach the city.

Mexico may not be the first country you think of when planning adventure holidays, as it is much better known for its beach and party breaks. However, it is packed with rugged terrain and if you take a Mexico trekking break you are certain to come across a host of historic sites. …..go to original article

Last Week

Canadians Abroad. Dion's death won't curtail travel, says Mexico expert

The violent death of Daniel Dion of Carleton Place in Mexico may further stain the country's safety record, but experts agree it probably won't prevent Canadian tourists from flocking south in record numbers. "All those good travel deals are just too tempting," said Jean-François Mayer, a Concordia University professor who is an expert on Latin America. Alberto Lozano, a spokesman at Mexico's embassy, said Dion's death needs to be put in context. "Fifteen Canadians died in Mexico out of more than four million who visited since 2006. And some of those were drownings and falling off balconies."……go to original article

Nearly 4,500 stranded on disabled ship off Mexico

Fire leaves cruise ship without power. Passengers to be bused back to states.

Navy helicopters shuttled in supplies Tuesday to 4,500 passengers and crew members expected to remain stranded on a disabled cruise ship off the coast of Mexico at least through tonight.

Mexican seagoing tugboats were expected to reach the Carnival Splendor on Tuesday afternoon to begin the slow process of towing it 150 miles to the nearest Mexican port at Ensenada. Passengers will be bused back to California from there……go to original article

Sara Lee selling bakery unit to Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo

Sara Lee is cutting the apron strings on its unit that bakes bread, selling it to Mexican bakery giant Grupo Bimbo for $959 million as it looks to concentrate more on its coffee and meat businesses.

The maker of Jimmy Dean sausages and Sara Lee breads said Tuesday the sale would allow it to aggressively expand other businesses through acquisitions and other means. The company also reported its first-quarter earnings declined, burdened by higher commodity costs and higher marketing spending……go to original article

Mexico House votes for same-sex couple benefits

Mexico's House of Representatives has voted to amend social security rules to include medical and social benefits for same-sex couples.

The vote Tuesday was 232 in favor and 58 against. The measure now goes to the Senate for debate.……go to original article

U.S. effort to slow flow of guns into Mexico failing

An inspector general's review finds that a once-praised federal program is too narrowly focused, fails to share information with law enforcement agencies and does not adequately trace U.S. guns in Mexico.

A much-touted federal effort to keep U.S. firearms out of the Mexican drug wars is unwieldy, mismanaged and fraught with "significant weaknesses" that could doom gun smuggling enforcement on the border to failure, an internal Justice Department review concluded Tuesday.

Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives focus only on small gun sales and do not share information with law enforcement officials on both sides of the border, the review said. Even the cornerstone effort of tracing U.S. guns in Mexico too often comes up short because of missing data and the lack of U.S. training for Mexican police, it found.……go to original article

Narcocorridos: The Balladeers of Mexico's Drug Wars

In Rialto, on old route 66 just outside Los Angeles, young Mexican Americans in sharp cars and glittery, cowboy-goth clothes are pouring into a hangar-size nightclub to hear El Komander sing. Brawny, buzz-cut and with a midnight pallor, El Komander looks as if a Mexican drug cartel might have sent him on a summer internship with the Russian mob. He's wearing a black satin cowboy outfit with flashes of silver lightning embroidered on its sleeves. His narcocorridos — narco ballads — are about the gunfights and beheadings going on south of the border: the word asesino (murderer) figures heavily in his lyrics. "Trashed with drugs," he croons in a deceptively sweet voice. "Blowing heads off those who cross us." ……go to original article

MEXICO, USA: Mexico expects more medical tourists as US outbound medical tourism stagnate

Mexico is experiencing an increase in medical tourists and this year the number will comfortably exceed the 50,000 in 2009, says Health Digital System (HDS). Between January and September of this year, 44,512 foreigners checked in to Mexican hospitals, 25 percent more than the 35,610 who did so during the same period in 2009. Last year, some 50,000 foreign patients were treated in Mexico and each one spent an average of $13,000 per week on medical care, for a total of $650 million, according to an HDS study.

HDS expects this sector to continue growing and that in two years it will generate revenues of about $1.2 billion. The good quality of care and the low charges, which are about half the equivalent medical costs in the USA, spurs foreign patients to come to be treated in Mexican hospitals. Most come from the United States and Canada for everything from regular checkups to dental and cosmetic surgery, and more recently there has been an increase in those seeking major surgery. Jaime Cater of HDS says, "Mexico has managed to increase the development of its health system and in private hospitals as well as federal ones emphasis is being decisively placed on strengthening this type of tourism."……go to original article

Seven Safer Places to Visit in Mexico (Including Here!)

Most Mexican Tourist Areas Are Safe From Drug Cartel Violence

With drug wars escalating and daily reports of murders in Mexican border towns, many American tourists have been wary to visit the warm beaches to the south.

While there are some dangers to traveling to Mexico -- the State Department has issued a travel warning -- most resort areas have remained immune from the drug violence and make for an easy, and often affordable, vacation. ……go to original article

50 countries to meet on climate change

Ahead of the UN climate change meet in Cancun , representatives including ministers from over 50 nations will gather here for a two-day conference begining tomorrow to deliberate on mechanisms to ensure clean technologies to mitigate impacts of global warming .

The "informal ministerial dialogue on Climate Change: Technology Mechanism" will be held in collaboration with Mexico which is host to the global UN climate summit and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs……go to original article……go to original article

Mexicans fear turf war after drug kingpin's death

For Mexicans living in the battleground between two of the country's biggest drug gangs, the threat of even worse violence is rising as the Zetas try to grab the turf of the Gulf cartel's dead kingpin.

"We're all very afraid of what's coming," said Julio, a car wash worker in the city of Matamoros, just across the border from Brownsville at the southern tip of Texas. "This was already a war zone and it is only going to get worse."……go to original article

Mexico Tourism Board Launches Visit Mexico iPhone app

The Mexico Tourism Board has recently launched the Visit Mexico iPhone application—the first iPhone travel application to provide nationwide coverage. Users can select to receive information from six regions and all 32 states, in addition to receiving in-depth information about 27 top tourist destinations….go to original article

Mexico drug lord death may aid Zeta cartel's rise

MONTERREY, Mexico — Rival gunmen blocked roads near the U.S. border and strung up threatening banners on Saturday after marines killed one of Mexico's top kingpins, and Washington reaffirmed its support for the country's drug war.

Gunmen used buses and trucks to block roads in Reynosa, a Gulf cartel stronghold across the border from McAllen, Texas, and west of Matamoros, where marines on Friday shot dead gang leader Ezequiel "Tony Tormenta" Cardenas, or "Tony the Storm." …go to original article

Mexico's Lost Youth: Generation Narco

The grainy video of torture and murder looks like so many that have come out of Mexico this year: a bleeding man is tied to a chair; the victim screams for mercy; an assassin's hand swings in with a machete. However, when soldiers on Oct. 29 stormed a house in central Mexico where the snuff film was allegedly made, they uncovered a brutal detail. The gangsters behind the terror were not just veterans of the narco wars, but included several 18- and 19-year olds. The teenagers, paraded before the press with acne, scruffy hair and loud t-shirts, were also accused of hanging victims from freeway bridges, genitals sliced from their bodies….go to original article

8^th Annual International Margarita Challenge to be bigger and better in 2011

As if it could get any better? The 8^th Annual International Margarita Challenge’s organizers Jim and Bonnie Williams are planning to have the best ever Margarita Challenge this year and to make it an even better show they are putting out the invite to other communities from Puerto Vallarta to Las Varas to come up with their own competitor.

“Yes, every year with the help of so many volunteers and great contestants, the Margarita Challenge continues to provide more excitement, entertainment and great margaritas,” Jim Williams said.

Adding that the funds garnered from the event continue to grow and provide much needed support to the local food bank and Rincon de Guayabitos School Emilio Zapata.

“Seeing how much help these funds bring to the community brings a tear to our eyes. Everyone is so grateful,” Williams said.

This year’s Challenge will once again be held at the “fabulous” Pina Colada Restaurant in Rincon de Guayabitos on Wednesday February 2^nd. The cost remains 200 pesos.

Last year’s exciting winner Patty Hueso from Hinde and Jaime’s Restaurant in La Penita de Jaltemba will be returning. Hueso went on to win the 2010 International Tequila Contest in Tequila with her presentation following her local victory.

For more information on how to enter the contest or to buy tickets (REMEMBER THEY SOLD OUT WELL IN ADVANCE LAST YEAR) please email Jim Williams at poptop_u@hotmail.com or call 327 274 0805

Or go to www.internationalmargaritachallenge.com

U.S. Consulate Warden Message: Security Update
guadalajara.usconsulate.gov
November 20, 2010

Due to a variety of security incidents in various parts of the consular district, the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara urges U.S. citizen residents and visitors to remain vigilant and makes the following security recommendations:

1. Avoid all unnecessary travel to Colotlan, Jalisco near the Zacatecas border because of an increasingly volatile security situation, including roadblocks during daylight hours by individuals posing as police and/or military. The Consulate General has previously advised against unnecessary travel to Yahualica, Jalisco.

2. Use extreme caution when traveling near the borders between Jalisco and the states of Zacatecas and Michoacán.

3. Driving between cities should be undertaken only during daylight hours. Extra caution should be exercised on the road between Guadalajara and Mazamitla, Jalisco, where an increasing number of security incidents have been reported.

4. Avoid all unnecessary travel to the city of Tepic, Nayarit. Exercise extreme caution on the non-toll portion of the Route 15 bypass around Tepic.

The Consulate General emphasizes that there are currently no specific security advisories for the Guadalajara metropolitan area, including the Lake Chapala/Ajijic area, nor for the coastal resort areas of Puerto Vallarta/Riveria Nayarit and Manzanillo, Colima and their surroundings.

The Consulate General strongly encourages U.S. residents and travelers to Mexico to refer to the personal safety practices contained in the Travel Warning for Mexico dated September 10, 2010. Security updates are also available on the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City’s website at mexico.usembassy.gov.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and health information resources can be found.

Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-888-407-4747 end_of_the_skype_highlighting toll free in the United States and Canada or, for callers in other areas by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 1-202-501-4444 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara is located at 175 Progreso Street; Col. Americana, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara’s telephone number is 011-52-333-268-2100; the fax number is 011-52-333-825-1951. For after-hours emergencies, please call 011-52-333-268-2145.

The U.S. Consular Agency in Puerto Vallarta is located at:
Paseo de los Cocoteros No. 85
Sur Paradise Plaza
Interior Local L-7
Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit

The U.S. Consular Agency in Puerto Vallarta’s telephone numbers are 011-52-322-222-0069 and 011-52-322-223-3301; the fax number is 011-52-322-223-0074. For after-hours emergencies, please call 011-52-333-268-2145.

Guayabitos Folk Art Market Every Monday

Town Plaza next to the Church

Spend a relaxing morning strolling under the trees in Guayabitos town square enjoying the hand-made Mexican folk art from local craftsmen. Complete article on page 2

Taxco by Bill Bell

Celebrating the Centennial of Mexico's Revolution
Allan Wall - PVNN
November 20, 2010

The Mexican Revolution (Bicentennial Office of the Instituto Nacional de Estudios Historicos de las Revoluciones de Mexico)

In the year 2010, Mexico celebrates both its Centennial and Bicentennial.

The Bicentennial celebrates the beginning of what became the Mexican Independence Movement, with Miguel Hidalgo’s famous "Grito" (Cry) on the night of September 15th/16th, 2010.

The Centennial celebrates the start of the Mexican Revolution on November 20th, 1910.

Therefore, 2010 is both Mexican’s Bicentennial of Independence and Centennial of its Revolution, two historical periods separated by an intervening century.

That’s the reason for the festivities and observances. It’s been calculated that over 700 activities related to the bicentennial/centennial are being held this year.

The Bicentennial/Centennial is being marked by various cultural, artistic and educational programs. There are ceremonies, conferences, radio shows and art exhibitions. Mexican television stations are broadcasting related programming, and highways are marked with Ruta 2010 signs indicating historical routes.

Besides the federal government, all 31 Mexican states and the Federal District (Mexico City) are holding observances. Furthermore, the celebrations are expanding beyond Mexico’s borders as Mexican embassies and consulates host related events in other countries. All in all, it’s a big celebration.

The Mexican Revolution is important historically, as it is the source of the contemporary Mexican political system. It is emphasized in Mexican schools and is a key part of Mexican identity.

The Mexican Revolution began November 20th, 1910, as an uprising against longtime dictator Porfirio Diaz, who resigned and left the country in 1911.

Francisco I. Madero, who started the Revolution and became president, was overthrown by Victoriano Huerta, who in turn was overthrown by a coalition which then broke up into warring factions.

The two most colorful revolutionary leaders were Pancho Villa, the "Centaur of the North," and Emiliano Zapata, leader of the "Liberation Army of the South." They’ve also made the deepest impression on the collective psyche of Mexican identity.

A principal legacy of the Mexican Revolution is the current Mexican Constitution, drafted in 1917 in the central Mexican city of Queretaro, under the leadership of Venustiano Carranza. It’s still in use in 2010, albeit with many amendments. (Unlike the U.S. Constitution, however, amendments in the Mexican Constitution are inserted in the text and not placed at the end in a special section.)

Throughout Mexico, there are streets and monuments named for the various heroes of the Mexican Revolution, principally Madero, Zapata, Villa and Carranza.

And each November, Revolution day is celebrated. This year it’s the Centennial of the Revolution.

So what’s going on? There are many Centennial commemorations, with those being held in Mexico City receiving the most publicity.

A massive multimedia sound and light spectacle is being held every night in Mexico’s downtown Zocalo plaza, entitled Yo, México (I, Mexico). It started on November 11th and is set to go until the 23rd. You can see photos HERE.

On the 20th of November there are two parades scheduled in Mexico City. The deportivo (sports-oriented) parade, sponsored by the Mexico City government. This parade’s destination is the famous Monumento a la Revolución. See photos HERE.

The federal government is also sponsoring a military-oriented parade. Its destination is the Zocalo.

Also scheduled for the 20th of November are a tribute to Francisco I. Madero and a musical concert Cien Años de la Canción Mexicana (100 Years of Mexico's Song). And, Mexico City Mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, is scheduled to officially re-open to the public the Monumento a la Revolución and the National Museum of the Revolution.

Other cities are having their programs too, of course. For example, the city of Guadalajara has a gigantic marionette show scheduled for November 23rd to the 28th.

Television and radio shows are dealing with the subject matter of the Centennial, and a new movie is being released entitled Revolución, with 10 directors.

In Mexico City’s Palacio de Bellas Artes there are expositions entitled Rostros de México (Faces of Mexico) and Testimonios de una Guerra - Fotógrafos de la Revolución Mexicana (Testimonies of a War – Photographs of the Mexican Revolution). There is plenty of material available for the latter exposition, as there is much extant photography from the era of the Mexican Revolution.

Mexico’s Centennial of the Revolution is a big celebration, an occasion for a fiesta. It is also an opportunity for both Mexicans and interested foreigners to study the history of Mexico in the past century, and to reflect upon it.

I wish all BanderasNews readers, wherever they may be, a happy Mexican Revolution Bicentennial!

Allan Wall is an American citizen who recently moved back to the U.S. after living, and teaching English, in Mexico for a decade and a half. Today, he continues to write articles about various aspects of Mexico and Mexican society. Some of these articles are about Mexico's political scene, history and culture, tourism, and Mexican emigration as viewed from south of the border, which you can read on his website at AllanWall.net.

Click HERE for more articles by Allan Wall.

WHAT A VIEW!

Juan wants everyone to know that he has moved to the beach and that he is open for business from 7 am to 10 pm daily.

Juan's very popular restaurant is at the south end of Guayabitos beach, south of Willy's and Latitude.

Juan is still cooking up great favorites daily. His menu will stay the same this year with generous portions and 10 peso cerveza all day long.

Juan has added some great daily specials that you are sure to enjoy:

Sunday - Steak

Monday - Lobster

Tuesday - Shrimp

Wednesday - Chicken Special

Thursday - Mexican Plate

Friday - Dorado

Saturday - Ribs

If you have never eaten at Juan's before, give your taste buds a treat. Walk down the beach and be prepared for excellent local foods and a view that stretches out forever.

View Rincon De Guayabitos Nayarit Mexico Restaurants in a larger map

Discover Mexico Through Its Routes
VisitMexico.com
go to original
November 18, 2010

The Mexico Tourism Board's 'The Routes of Mexico' program aims at promoting the country’s natural beauty, archeological sites, charming towns, colonial cities, ecological reserves, sustainable areas and sun and beach destinations in a more integrated and organic manner.

The 10 routes included in the program connect the 31 states and Mexico City according to various themes including food, wine, culture, history, art and more.

They are: “Wine Country and the Aquarium of the World,” “The Millenary Tarahumaras,” “The Magic of Traditions and Nature,” “The Birthplace of History and Romanticism,” “The Art of Tequila and Music Under the Sun,” “The Huastecas and their Outstanding Beauty,” “Thousand Flavors of Mole,” “The Mystery and Origin of the Mayan Culture,” “A Colonial Experience” and “The Fascinating Encounter Between History and Modern Day Mexico.”

Wine Country and the Aquarium of the World
La cultura del vino y el acuario del mundo

Discover incredible places full of life, sun and sea, where you can enjoy the best wines in Mexico and spectacular landscapes that range from the inhospitable desert to the imposing mountains, in addition to dozens of features.

VIEW MORE +

The Millenary Tarahumaras
Los tarahumaras milenarios

A unique experience: rich in landscapes, magic and color. The Route extends over the majestic Copper Canyon (Barrancas del Cobre), and covers the stretch from the port of Mazatlan in Sinaloa, passing through Los Mochis, and continues on to the extensive Tarahumara Sierra.

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The magic of Traditions and Nature
La magia de las tradiciones y la naturaleza

Explore the cultural wealth and historical heritage of the Purepecha region, which showcases traditions and the privileged natural environment of one of the most beautiful and fertile regions, full of history, art and culture.

VIEW MORE +

The Birthplace of History and Romanticism
La Cuna de la Historia y el Romanticismo

Enjoy a fascinating historical tour, discovering some of the destinations from the Mexican Independence, which leads to the Mexican Pacific Ocean, where sun, sand and sea underline the beauty of this country with its magic and color.

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The art of Tequila and Music under the Sun
El arte del tequila y la msica bajo el sol

The origins of tequila go back to Pre-Hispanic times, when fermented agave beverages were consumed by Aztec leaders and holy men. This Route presents the best way to combine traditions, culture and much fun.

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The Huastecas and their Outstanding Beauty
Las bellezas Huastecas

Explore the Huastecas and their natural wonders, archaeological sites, culture and incomparable cuisine. Discover the Huasteca in Veracruz, the Huasteca in San Luis Potos’, and the Huasteca in Tamaulipas.

VIEW MORE +

Thousand flavors of Mole
Los mil sabores del mole

Relish in the aromas and colors of mole, one of the most representative dishes in Mexican cuisine. The origin of mole is lost in legend and is inspiration for this very special journey, which will take you around some of the richest spots in culture and tradition.

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The Mystery and origin of the Maya Culture
El misterio y el origen de los Mayas

Discover the awe-inspiring past that will offer a life-changing experience, for the culture and the colors that fill the Mayan world will stay with you forever in lasting memories.

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A Colonial Experience
Una experiencia virreinal

Experience a tour full of culture, among pink quarry stone and romantic cobble streets, and engrave in your memory the colorful customs. This Route invites you to explore epic landscapes filled with history, combined with adventure and adrenaline in daring extreme sports.

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Fascinating encounter between History and Modern day Mexico
Encuentro Fascinante entre la Historia y la modernidad

Be amazed with an interesting fusion between the rural and the modern, a mixture of millenary activities like agriculture, and large industries. Through this Route, you will learn about the history of the most representative places in each state, as well as enjoying the singular natural beauty: desert areas, ocean and gorgeous landscapes.

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Vacationing Singles Welcome in the Riviera Nayarit

Ahh, the single life. Freedom to do what you want, how you want, when you want – but if all that alone time is getting a bit, well, lonely, or you seem to be in a social holding pattern, head to the Riviera Nayarit and experience the rejuvenating beauty and charm of Mexico! Make your plans before the holiday/winter doldrums set in and look forward to relaxing on warm beaches with an opportunity to meet new people and experience another culture while you have grown-up fun.

The small ocean side communities within 90 minutes of Puerto Vallarta’s airport have lots to offer at very affordable prices: comfortable to luxurious accommodations, excursions that range from historical to ecological to art; beach bars with dollar beers that allow one to cut loose, and a low key nightlife with excellent dining, live music and dancing. Whether you’re newly retired, simply looking for adventure, or gay or lesbian, the Jaltemba Bay area is very cosmopolitan and welcoming without the hassles of a large urban area. Pack your sunscreen and leave your business attire at home as you will enjoy the fantastic sunsets over the Pacific best with sand on your feet. Whatever you're into and whoever you're looking for, your chance of meeting someone is better in a lower density community where everyone talks to you.

Go to Travel page 5 for full article

First Meeting of the Season
The next meeting of Los Amigos de La Peñita will be on Monday, November 22 at Restaurante La Palapa de Guty, Circuito Libertad #4. There will be a social gathering at 6:30 with the formal meeting starting at 7:00.
Key agenda items will be:
* Status of funds report from Treasurer
* Recycling Committee
* Tianguis Booth
* Economic Development Activities
* 2011 Fundraiser
* Discussion on Election of New Officers
-
All are welcome.

lick the

Click here to visit our site

Eric Nice and friends Play Mateja's every Thursday around 2.

Medical Expo – November 22, 2010
Key Speaker Schedule

One of the few specialties that are not available in the Banderas Bay area
is a rheumatologist. There are a large amount of people here who suffer from
arthritis and arthritis-related problems. We are pleased to have Dr.
Middleton participate in the Medical Expo, bringing fresh and innovative
ideas in dealing with arthritis.
11:00 a.m.
Dr. Greg Middleton
“You and Your Arthritis – Towards Happily Ever After”
Dr. Middleton will provide an overview of recent advances in the
understanding of the causes of arthritis, as well as its associated pain and
difficulty functioning, but most importantly lots of things that you can do
to get better.
Dr Middleton is an associate clinical professor rheumatologist, specializing
in the non-surgical care of patients with joint and muscle pain,
particularly associated with rheumatological disorders such as
osteoarthritis. Dr Middleton went to medical school at Boston University,
completed his residency and fellowship at UT Southwestern in Dallas. He
joined the team at UC San Diego after almost ten years as Chief of Medical
Specialties at Southwestern Medical Associates in Las Vegas. He is board
certified in rheumatology.
Dr Middleton became a physician out of a keen interest in science and the
desire to help patients maintain a satisfying and active lifestyle. He
believes that his clinical wisdom, patience and honesty allow him to make a
difference in the lives of his patients. Dr Middleton has treated many
former and recreational athletes who strive to maintain an active lifestyle
in spite of certain muscle and joint challenges. "Staying active in the
right way is probably as big a factor in pain as the amount of damage to the
joint."
Dr Middleton ran cross-country in high school and was coxswain for the
Boston University rowing team. He currently walks and practices yoga. Dr
Middleton also writes fiction, composes music, plays keyboard and drums and
is an amateur chef.

The Medical Expo is sponsored by the US Consular Agent, HealthCare Resources
Puerto Vallarta and the Hotel Marriott. This no charge event will feature a
vast area of local and international healthcare providers including
insurance, physicians, local hospitals among many more!
9am – 7pm
Transportation available from San Pancho, Sayulita, La Cruz and Bucerias.
For further information, please contact pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com or
322 107 7007.

Medical Expo – November 22, 2010

Sponsored by the US Consular Agency, Hotel Marriott & HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta

9am – 7pm

Transportation – Northern Banderas Bay

We are pleased to offer round trip transportation for our friends in the northern part of the bay!

We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to attend the Expo without fighting the traffic! Make a day of it, have lunch at the Marriott (discounted lunch price) and take your time perusing all of the exhibits available.

Transportation times have been arranged so that you will be able to attend the most popular “mini-talks”.

To participate in this transportation, please contact the person below in your area:

San Pancho

Pick Up Time: 8:30 am

Location: Crucero (highway)

Cost: 250 pesos pp, round trip

Contact: Barbara Hart-Kirkwood

Phone: 311 258 4315

Email: hartinsanjose@hotmail.com

Sayulita

Pick Up Time: 9:00 am

Location:: Parking lot – Next to Salud

Cost: 200 pesos pp, round trip

Contact: Eileen Loftus

Phone: 322 140 3007

Email: loftus_eileen@yahoo.com

Additional Information:

Superior Tours Vallarta will be providing transportation. Luxury buses with air conditioning. Water and brownies provided.

Only round trip may be purchased.

Departure time (return) from the Hotel Marriott: 3:45 pm

Reservations must be made with the contact person in advance.

Feel free to forward this on to your friends!

Questions: Pamela Thompson

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

322 107 7007

Mexico Launches Homicide Probe Into Hotel Blast
CTV.ca News
go to original
November 20, 2010

A view of the area destroyed by an explosion at the Grand Riviera Princess hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2010. (Photo)

Mexican officials said a homicide investigation is underway after a hotel blast rocked the Playa del Carmen area early last Sunday killing seven people, including five Canadians.

Quintano Roo state attorney, Francisco Alor, said he was given the green light by Governor Felix Gonzalez Canto, to pursue criminal charges if the Nov. 14 explosion proved to be caused by faulty construction at the 676- room Grand Princess Hotel, a beach-line resort that lies on the Yucatan peninsula south of Cancun.

Investigators are still searching for answers into the blast and earlier reports of swamp gas have been dismissed. They are currently looking into a broken sewage line nearby that may have contributed to the blast. Other theories include the accumulation of methane gas from rotting material in waste water, ignited by the gas, could have caused the explosion, said Alor. Negligence is also being examined.

Seven people were killed, including five Canadians. The explosion ripped through the hotel lobby shortly after 9:35 a.m, injuring 18 people.

At least 60 Canadian tourists from Ontario's Kitchener-Waterloo region were staying at the hotel, while reports say other guests were from Alberta, Winnipeg and Quebec. WestJet spokesperson Richard Bartrem said more than 400 Canadians had booked vacations at the resort through his company.

Alor said Thursday three Canadian families have already launched homicide complaints, and more are expected to follow.

Among the dead are: Christopher Charmont, 41, and his nine-year-old son, John, from Drumheller, Alta; Malcolm Johnson, 33, who was married at the resort days before the blast, from Nanaimo, B.C.; Darlene Ferguson, a 51-year-old grandmother from the Edmonton area; and Elgin Barron, 51, from Guelph, Ont. Two hotel employees also died.

With files from The Associated Press and The Canadian Press

Cultural Expressions of the Mexican Silver Artisans

Just as the land of Mexico teems with natural deposits of rich ores, for centuries the indigenous people have put their heart and beliefs into creating with the local silver bounty. Mexico has a long history of beautiful and inventive jewelry designs in sterling silver.(left photo) The center of the Mexican silver industry is Taxco, in the state of Guerrero. While beautiful silver jewelry is also produced throughout the country, the leading hubs of silver art production are in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Cuernavaca, with the city of Taxco world famous for hand crafted silver items.

Go to Homes and Living Page 4

New Chair the Recycling Committee

Los Amigos is happy to report that Carol Wallace of La Penita has volunteered to chair the recycling committee. Carol worked in Ontario, Canada in a rural recycling program as a business manager/admininstrator/coordinator. Carol comes to Los Amigos at a very important time. The recent award of a grant through our local rotary club will create an important opportunity for the expansion of recycling in Jaltemba Bay. Please join us in welcoming Carol and her husband, David, to Los Amigos.

Click here to view the latest JBAR newsletter

Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue
Advocating humane and healthy practices for animals in the Jaltemba
area by promoting health, education, sterilization, adoptions, foster care
and positive relationships with animals and their owners.
December 2006 to October 2010: During this time, there were 8
clinics and more than 1,585 animals spayed or neutered in the Jaltemba Bay

Los Amigos – First Meeting of the Winter Season

The first meeting of Los Amigos de La Peñita for the 2010/11 winter season will be on Monday, November 22. The meeting will be at Restaurante La Palapa de Guty, Circuito Libertad #4. There will be a social gathering at 6:30 with the formal meeting starting at 7:00. An agenda will be available shortly.

Everyone is welcome to come out and find out what Los Amigos is all about.

Simply - A Good Old Fashioned Garage Sale
Enhancing the Quality of Life

Sunday, Dec. 12th

8:oo a.m.

Los Ayala Town Plaza

   This is the first, of a series of fund-raising events held by the community of Los Ayala, during the next few months to raise funds to enhance the quality of life for residents of Los Ayala, by improving the roads. As part of the government sponsored 3 for 1 program, every dollar we raise will be matched 3 for 1!

How can you help?
     1. By donating any items you have on hand, and dropping them off at Bungalows Las Iguanas. Household items are always very appreciated. Any items that are not sold at the Garage Sale will be donated to those in need!

      2. By attending! Shop for that "Something Special" for yourself, a friend or a neighbour in need, and walk away knowing that you were a part of helping our community. Everything sold for a song! Food and drink, will be available to purchase.

Donated items may be dropped off, any day of the week from
Nov. 1st - Dec. 11th
Anytime between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Recent flooding in Los ayalas shows the need for improvments

Sand streets are not so "Quaint" during the rainy season.

Bungalows Las Iguanas
Bahia de Jaltemba #75, Los Ayala
Map of the Area

(Bungalows Las Iguanas is located near the entrance to Los Ayala. One block south of Bahia de Banderas, and in the area of Bungalows Alexa (#11 on the map)

The community of Los Ayala thanks you for your support.

San Pancho Arts Walk bigger and better this Year

The Friday night Art Walks in San Pancho are bigger and better this year. Starting

November 19 every Friday evening along Avenida Tercer Mundo (main street) in

San Pancho from 6 to 8 pm Art Galleries, Jewelry stores, Mexican handicraft and

Mexican Folk Art stores along with various restaurants will be participating in the

Art Walk. Stores will be serving complimentary wine and there will be different

live music playing in the street every week. The music lined up for this season

includes tradicional Huichol music performed by Los Hermanos Carillo, beautiful

Mexican music performed by a Trio, marimba and other music as well. In addition

many stores will be inaugurating new expositions and introducing new work on

these Friday evenings.

San Cristobal Cathedral by Bill Bell

Puerto Vallarta Tourists Warned of ATM Scam Defrauding Visitors
PR.com
go to original
November 19, 2010

Grand Miramar Resort and Spa of Puerto Vallarta is warning its members of a recent ATM scam in Puerto Vallarta defrauding unsuspecting tourists using cash machines on the street.

Puerto Vallarta - A recent outbreak of ATM scams in Puerto Vallarta involving cloned cash machines designed to steal confidential banking information has been the latest method to fraud visitors to the popular resort town.

Many times a day tourists use one of the ATMs installed into the street-side of local businesses designed to capture encrypted banking information. Each time this happens, the user puts their funds at risk to the fraudsters at the helm of this operation.

To avoid being scammed by this theft, Grand Miramar suggests you make sure that the ATM used is in a bank. This will reduce the instances of being defrauded greatly as the bank ATMs are monitored by closed circuit TV cameras linked to a security station.

When visiting Puerto Vallarta and to avoid being scammed, Grand Miramar recommends only using bank's ATM machines.

North American Union – “U.S. Super Spy Center” Uncovered in Mexico
Jorge Carrasco & Jesus Esquivel
Translated by Mario Andrade - proceso.com.mx
go to original
November 18, 2010

With the approval of Felipe Calderón’s Administration, the U.S. Government finally got what it always wanted: To set up a super spy center in Mexico City. It was the escalation of the drug war in the country what opened the door to all U.S. intelligence agencies, including the military, to operate out of the Federal District without having to disguise their agents as diplomats.

The establishment of the Office of Bi-national Intelligence (OBI) was authorized by Calderon, after negotiations with Washington, which began under the government of his predecessor, Vicente Fox Quesada. The creation of the super spy center was authorized by the director of the Center for Investigation and National Security (CISEN), Guillermo Valdés Castellanos, without taking into account any objections from the Mexican military.

Through the OBI, Calderon has given the green light to U.S. Intelligence agents to spy on organized crime syndicates and drug cartels. They can also spy on Mexican government agencies, including the Secretariat of National Defense, Navy, and the diplomatic missions in Mexico.

The building headquarters, which includes offices from the Pentagon, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Departments of Justice, Homeland Security, and the U.S. Department of Treasury is located at 265 Paseo de la Reforma Avenue, approximately 250 meters from the U.S. embassy.

The most significant presence at the OBI building is that of the Pentagon, which includes the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and the National Security Agency (NSA). It is followed by the U.S. Department of Justice, also with three agencies: the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

With two services, there is the Department of Homeland Security: Coast Guard Intelligence (CGI) and the Bureau of Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE), while the Treasury Department has officers of the Bureau of Intelligence on Terrorism and Financial Affairs (TFI) .

In addition, the OBI opened two remote offices: one in Ciudad Juarez and one in Tijuana, housing U.S. agents and “task force commanders” who coordinate operations against drug trafficking with the support of Mexican Government personnel.

It is not known how many intelligence agents from the U.S. are operating in Mexico with the authorization of the Mexican Federal Government, since the creation of this center was announced on August 31st. They maintain that the exact number is “classified.”

The building occupied by the OBI in the Federal District is right next to the Mexican Stock Exchange and is part of what the security and intelligence services in Mexico define as a “soft target area” in reference to the possibility of an attack on U.S. interests in Mexico.

At this strategic point for Washington in the Mexican Federal District, there are also facilities for transnational corporations such as Ford, American Airlines, as well as Marriott and Sheraton hotels, among others.

The building where the OBI is located gives the impression of an ordinary business facility, with banks, insurance, telecommunications, commercial offices and private offices. The only thing that stands out is the entry and departure of U.S. citizens.

The building directory lists the names of the occupants all the way up to the 21st floor. However, after the 22nd floor, there are three penthouses that are only listed as “occupied.” And on the roof, there is a dozen satellite dishes placed just above the logo of the telecommunications company Axtel.

“It’s the best covert location for the agencies to operate,” said the source that provided the location of the OBI. The ordinary appearance of the building is the way in which the United States often disguise intelligence centers around the world.

The reception and parking are guarded by private security services, while Federal District Police provide outside support.

Furthermore, the city government has installed special surveillance cameras with sirens to observe the movement of pedestrians and vehicles outside the building.

The scope and power of the OBI in Mexico is similar to the El Paso Intelligence Center, in Texas (EPIC), which dates back to 1974 and operates exclusively to combat drug trafficking, weapons and money laundering on the border between Mexico and United States.

EPIC has been credited for creating the strategies launched against drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico. Among the most successful are “Operation White Tiger,” which was used to investigate the activities of the Hank Rhon family in 1997, the capture and extradition, a year earlier, of Gulf Drug Cartel Leader Juan Garcia Abrego, and the discovery of narco-graves in Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, in 1998.

Subordination

Overrun by drug trafficking, the government of Felipe Calderón agreed to the establishment of the OBI in Mexico, which was a proposal of the then head of National Intelligence in the United States, Admiral Dennis Blair, who last March was accompanied by Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, during his working visit to Mexico.

According to the formal agreement, the new U.S. office workers interact with their Mexican counterparts, under the coordination of the State Department and the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

For the Pentagon, the strong presence of its agents in Mexico is intended to merge the intelligence and espionage services of both countries to identify and exploit the vulnerabilities of drug trafficking organizations and organized crime gangs.

Under this directive, issued on 18 March by Gen. Victor Eugene Renuart, then head of Northern Command (NORTHCOM), Mexico has carried out several operations against drug traffickers.

Since then, among some of the actions taken against the drug lords have been the killing of Arturo Beltran Leyva, (aka El Barbas), Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel, and Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen (aka Tony Tormenta), in addition to the arrests of other drug lords, such as Edgar ‘Barbie’ Valdez Villarreal.

Since the killing of Beltran Leyva in December of 2009, U.S. intelligence services, mainly the DEA, have mentioned their participation in various operations, against the very Arturo Beltran Leyva, Barbie Valdez, Teodoro Garcia Simental (aka El Teo), Jose Gerardo Alvarez Vazquez (aka El Indio or El Chayán), operator of the Beltran Leyva organization and Carlos Ramon Castro, a drug dealer who worked for several organizations.

As part of the Mexican government’s need to justify the militarization of the fight against drug trafficking, the Pentagon has strengthened its cooperation with the Mexican military. In early 2009, just as the Department of State and the Mexican Exterior Relations Secretariat (SRE) fine-tuned the details for the establishment of the OBI, the U.S. Department of Defense stepped up military training for Mexicans in Mexico and in several U.S. military bases.

The training has been an unprecedented event in the history of military relations between the two countries. For the first time, the Pentagon has brought counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism expertise from Iraq and Afghanistan to their offices in central Mexico.

In the case of Mexico, the training courses are developed and run by the Defense Department, and are focused on intelligence and tactical operations against drug trafficking, terrorism and the implementation of counterinsurgency tactics.

In addition to the courses offered in Mexico, the Mexican military has significantly increased the number of special forces troops in the Army, Air Force and the Navy to attend specialized intelligence training in U.S. military bases.

Liaisons

The main example of this cooperation is the presence -for the first time in the bilateral relationship- a member of the Mexican Army as a “liaison” between the Mexican military (Central Command) and the Northern Command in Colorado (NORTHCOM), according to a military source who spoke to the Mexican magazine Proceso.

On Wednesday 10, The Washington Post published on its front page a note informing that the liaison will also serve as deputy commander of the Institute for Security and Cooperation in the Western Hemisphere at Fort Benning, Georgia. From the sixties to the eighties, these facilities housed in the so-called School of the Americas, which went down in history as a supplying center for Latin American dictators, which are characterized by the systematic violation of human rights.

A U.S. official, who told the Post on condition of anonymity, said that given the seriousness of the drug violence in Mexico, “we have received direct instruction from the President (Barack Obama) and the highest levels in government, to really examine what more can be done in this counter-narcotics cooperation with Mexico.”

The establishment of the Office of Bi-national Intelligence (OBI) implies that for the first time in the history of Mexico, surveillance, supervision and qualification of work against organized crime between federal government agencies, including the military, rests in part on foreign officials.

According to the document unveiled by the White House on March 25, 2009 on the establishment of the OBI, the office is also responsible for overseeing the proper use of resources that Washington provides the Calderon administration in combating drug trafficking through the ‘Merida Initiative.’

“We will be coordinating our efforts with the government of Mexico through high-level contacts, which in part are related to the new intelligence services responsible for overseeing the implementation of Merida Initiative,” according to the document released by the White House (published by Proceso).

A year later, on March 23, 2010, Hillary Clinton announced during her working visit to the Federal District, in the context of the implementation of Plan Merida, the establishment of two “pilot programs” in the Tijuana-San Diego and Ciudad Juárez-El Paso corridors.

The two governments declared in a joint statement, that in the case of Ciudad Juárez, the program considers the development of “a model for the Mexican Government to collect and analyze tactical intelligence” as well as to “take action against drug trafficking, extortion, kidnapping and other criminal activities.”

However, the actual operations of the OBI in security and intelligence services, Mexicans will be subordinates of the U.S.. Agencies of the U.S. Government will play the role as experts in intelligence work, apart from previous advisory roles in order to increase Mexico’s ability to use information resources against drug cartel operations.

Link to original article in Spanish

Women to Women Fashion Show 2011

New Location, website, designers

Just when you thought a spectacular event couldn’t be better, the creative Fashion Show committee has come up with exciting changes for this season’s fundraiser. The venue will be held at the panoramic Vista Guayabitos Resturant overlooking the beautiful Jaltemba Bay on Tuesday, February 8, 2011. Two new local designers will be presenting original fashions: Celi Perez of Texiles Galilea(above photo) and Carlos and his wife, Rosi, of Ropa Alejandra, are joining the five other LaPenita designers.

To make it easier for guests to obtain tickets, the Fashion Show organization now has a webpage: www.jbayfashionshow.com. Besides all sorts of facts about the non-profit organization and how the proceeds are helping the community, the webpage offers PayPal for charging event tickets. The tables of 10 ($3,000 pesos) were in great demand last year, and are available for the upcoming show via the web or from committee members. Purchase a reserved table by January 14 and talk to your friends! Don’t miss out on the fun-seating limited to 300 guests.

Tickets $300 pesos (includes meal and show)

www.jbayfashionshow.com or call Susan: 322-140-4128

Fashion Show Committee

(back row) Sue Moss, Susan Schrendt. Nancy Milski. Mona Cavelli;

(Front row) Kate Barron, Deborah Triplett, Jody Butler

Click here to view Fashion show Poster

fs comittee 11.JPG

WEATHER

Click to see the current weather

Acapulco	Loreto	Puerto Vallarta
Aguascalientes	Los Mochis	Queretaro Airport
Cancun	Manzanillo	San Felipe
Cozumel	Mazatlan	San Jose Del Cabo
Cuernavaca	Merida	San Luis Potosi
Durango	Mexico City	Santa Rosalia
Ensenada	Monterrey	Tampico
Guadalajara	Morelia	Tepic
Guanajuato	Oaxaca	Veracruz
Bahias De Huatulco	Puebla	Zacatecas
Ixtapa Zihuatanejo	Puerto Escondido
La Paz	Puerto Penasco

Mexican Silver Mines: From Dangerous Labor to Baubles and Industry Worldwide

Part 1

With the entire world recently watching the plight of the Chilean and Chinese miners who were trapped in underground mines, it heightened the awareness of the dangers in the mining industry. Hailed for centuries as the poor man’s gold, silver mining has been a dominating influence in Mexico’s economic development for over 500 years. Although only 270,000 people work the mines in this country, mining was one of the first Mexican industrial sectors to show signs of recovery after the recent international downturn, generating 4,600 new jobs since August 2009. From the Spanish conquerors to the current presidential administration, the governing body has held tight control of Mexico’s silver, reaping the profits with minimal benefits to those that labor to locate, dig, and process the ore into the final commodity that is so valued worldwide....go to page two for complete article

lick the

Click here to visit our site

Mexico Navy Rescues Kidnapped Migrants
BBC News
go to original
November 17, 2010

Mexican marines on patrol in Acapulco, 27 October 2010. The Mexican navy is heavily involved in the fight against drugs gangs.

The Mexican navy says it has rescued 10 migrants, including a baby, who were kidnapped by an armed gang in the northern state of Tamaulipas.

The navy said it found the captives by tracing a mobile phone call one of them made to a house in the city of Altamira.

Three policemen have been detained on suspicion of the kidnapping.

Mexico's criminal gangs often abduct illegal migrants heading north to the United States.

In August drug cartel gunmen massacred 72 mostly Central American migrants in Tamaulipas.

Most of the captives rescued in Altamira were migrants from Central and South America.

Four were from Colombia, two from El Salvador and one from Ecuador.

The three police officers arrived at the scene as navy troops were carrying out the rescue, and were detained after the captives identified them as their kidnappers.

Tamaulipas state is the scene of a bloody conflict between the rival Zetas and Gulf cartels, who are fighting for control of drug smuggling routes into the United States.

The Mexican navy has been playing a growing role in the fight against the drugs gangs, partly because local police forces have been infiltrated by the cartels.

Earlier this month navy marines killed the Gulf cartel leader Ezequiel Cardenas Guillen, known as "Tony Tormenta", in the city of Matamoros on the border with Texas.

NEW QUESTION

Dear Miguel,

I am 66 years old and I was told that it was a good idea for me to apply for the Mexican Senior Citizen’s card.

Tonya

Dear Tonya,

You need a birth certificate, FM3 or Fm2, Passport and electric or phone bill and copies of each. You also need pictures.

The card is free.

You will get discounts on various busses, some restaurant, pharmacies. It is definitely worth applying for. Once you have it you need not reapply every year.

Dear Miguel,

I have a bed and breakfast that I operate but my clients are only friends and relatives from home. Do I need a working FM3.

Jack

Dear Jack,

You need a working FM3 even if you only collect money for maintenance. However this is easy. You do NOT need a corporation.

You are given 30 days by immigration to get your working numbers (RFC Affiliation) from the taxation board (Hacienda). The process is relatively simple: you must make an appointment to register in person and you must know what category best fits your needs. I believe from your letter it would be a small contributor to minimize both the obligations and taxes paid.

Once you contact me with your particulars I can advise you further. Each case is different.

I can assist you with obtaining your working FM3, advising and accompanying you regarding Hacienda registration.

Last Week

Dear Miguel,

I have a truck that is eleven years old. Is there any way I can legalize it?

Tony

Dear Tony,

Generally you need a vehicle that is exactly 10 years old. However there may be opportunities to get around that specific time frame. There are a number of questions I would need to ask before I could say yes or no.

For example, if the VIN number starts with a letter, your chances are slim to none. Conversely with much older vehicles, you may be able to import them as an antique autos.

Call me for a consultation. (Cell: 322 148 9788)

For More Questions to Miguel Go Here

___________________________________________________________________________________

New Home for Rent in Guayabitos Residential

great room from patio.JPG front entrance.JPG

Long term furnished single home rental:

Custom new construction in desirable, quiet Guayabitos residential area; 2 blks from beach; 1000 sq ft. single level home with cathedral ceilings, air conditioning, beautiful contemporary furnishing and appliances, 2 covered patios, carport, and private swimming pool on 11m x 25m lot with privacy fence. 2 bedrooms (king and queen size beds), 2 full baths. Lots of closets! This is a perfect home for entertaining or relaxed, private, tropical living.

Monthly rates: Dec.-April $16,000 pesos;

Special rate according to length of stay

Cell within Mexico: 322-779-3496 (English)

or email: tara.nayarit@yahoo.com

Call from US/Canada: 011-52-322-779-3496

View La Penita de Jaltemba, Nayarit, Mexico RV and Camping in a larger map

Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue

Free spay and neuter clinic Nov. 24th to 27th

JBAR will be holding its next free spay and neuter clinic Nov. 24th to 27th . A very special thanks to Tom and Bruce of offering the use of their home as the clinic site

We will have Dr. Malcolm Macartney and his veterinary team fly in from Victoria to help so it will be a very busy clinic.

Many thanks to Vern Porter, Tom and Bruce and Lacy for offering accommodations.

We still need offers of lunches (about 30 people), snacks, water, and drinks for our volunteers.

Donations of dog and cat food, collars, leashes, kennels, Frontline ( flea and tick medication) and volunteer time are needed. Cash donations are also appreciated

Many thanks to all of you for your support

Local Google Maps this one is of the three RV Parks in La Penita