Arquitectos y encargados de obra, explicaron los trabajos al Gobernador de Jalisco, Enrique Alfaro Ramírez. Foto: Sofía Medeles.
Sofía Medeles.- Tras supervisar los avances de las obras, el Gobernador del Estado de Jalisco, Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, anunció que la remodelación del Auditorio de la Ribera, ubicado al oriente de Ajijic, concluirá aproximadamente en cuatro meses, es decir, a mediados del año.
Aunque con anterioridad encargados del proyecto habían informado no tener fecha para el inicio de la tercera y última etapa de la rehabilitación, Alfaro Ramírez, aseguró durante su visita el pasado 25 de marzo que deberá estar terminada en cuatro meses y el punto cultural, en funciones.
“La última etapa comprende el espacio del ingreso, detalles en el auditorio y ajustes que se tuvieron que hacer al final, pero más que nada, el ingreso, el estanque y el equipamiento”, mencionó el gobernador.
El mandatario estatal señaló que, aunque ya se han invertido 70 millones de pesos en los trabajos realizados hasta el momento, aún falta designar un presupuesto para el equipamiento del recinto.
“Se está haciendo un presupuesto y buscamos involucrar a los empresarios de Chapala que se ofrecieron a ayudar. El presupuesto estará listo en las siguientes semanas y veremos si la iniciativa privada nos echa la mano. Seguro el equipamiento también quedará listo dentro de los cuatro meses que restan”, agregó.
Al final del recorrido por las instalaciones del complejo cultural, el presidente municipal de Chapala, Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel, agradeció por el espacio, ya que aseveró que será de gran importancia para Ajijic, debido a que en la delegación hay muchos talentos y tradiciones, por lo que será un buen sitio para que se sigan desarrollando.
Durante la visita del gobernador al municipio ribereño también estuvo presente Alejandro Guerrero uno de los arquitectos encargado del proyecto, la titular de la Secretaría de Cultura del estado, Lourdes González Pérez y las diputadas María Dolores “Lolis” López Jara y Claudia Murguía Torres.
La obra de rehabilitación comenzó en el año 2020 y el trabajo es parte de un proyecto estatal denominado “Cultura Cardinal”, que pretende llevar las actividades culturales fuera de la capital de Jalisco. En el auditorio no solo se llevarán a cabo presentaciones artísticas de distintas disciplinas, sino que también se impartirán cursos, además de que se contará con oficinas de la Secretaría de Cultura de Jalisco.
Genaro Reyes Gallardo es originario de San Cristóbal Zapotitlán, lleva 50 años creando artesanías. Foto: María Reynozo.
Por: María del Refugio Reynozo Medina
En sus recuerdos desde los cuatro años, están las canastas de colores que hacía su madre. Genaro Reyes Gallardo es artesano desde los seis años. Una de las primeras artesanías que se hicieron en la población de San Cristóbal Zapotitlán fueron las canastas tejidas en palma, venía al pueblo una troca vieja a vender bultos de palma. A los seis años ya hacía tripilla, trenza y melilla que son unos tejidos para sombreros. Recuerda que, para poder salir a la calle a jugar, antes había que ayudar a tejer la palma. En ese entonces, hace más de 40 años; pagaban a 20 centavos cada canasta de colores.
La precursora de las artesanías en hoja de maíz fue la señora Elenita, una mujer que visitaba el pueblo. Ella trajo una maestra para que enseñara a trabajar la hoja de maíz.
Genaro no fue a las clases, fue su madre Juana Gallardo que empezó a hacer las flores y muñecas. Cuando Genaro las vio le dijo: -ya no vayas, aquí las hacemos-.
Y comenzó a crear sus propios diseños con moldes de flores naturales. Utilizaba cascarones de huevo para formar la redondez de los tulipanes.
La señora que compraba las canastas vio las flores y preguntó de qué estaban hechas. Ella fue su primera clienta; le hizo cada vez más pedidos y creó diseños distintos de flores y muñecas con trajes típicos.
Cuando la señora Elenita las vio, preguntó: -¿quién hace esto?-.
Genaro comenzó a tener fama por sus creaciones; tenía 20 años cuando el INEA (Instituto Nacional para la Educación de Adultos) lo invitó a dar un curso de ocho meses, fue su primera experiencia enseñando. Comenzó con 50 personas inscritas y terminó con más de 100. Sintió una responsabilidad muy grande.
“Me acuerdo, era un lunes, las manos me sudaban, fui a la tienda y tomé dos sedales con una coca”.
En el curso enseñó a crear muñecos portando trajes típicos de estados o países, quinceañeras, novias, payasos y más de 175 modelos de flores.
Vino un segundo curso en el que tuvo 190 asistentes, mientras tanto seguía entregando artesanías a sus clientes fijos de la Ciudad de México, Tijuana y Tonalá. El trabajo de Genaro se llegó a exportar a Sudamérica, Centroamérica, Asia, Estados Unidos y Canadá.
-Algunas veces teníamos el compromiso de llenar contenedores para exportación y trabajamos mucho para entregar los miércoles y viernes-.
-Todo lo que recolectaba, me compraban, palos secos, ramas, pasto seco, hasta grama-. Se internaba en el cerro para buscar naturalezas muertas de diversas formas y fibras, cuyo destino fue Argentina, Colombia y hasta China. Su abuela le enseñó a obtener colores brillantes con anilinas.
A través de una de sus clientas, una persona cercana al gobernador del estado de Guerrero fue invitado a trabajar en un proyecto de enseñanza en comunidades de aquel estado, Genaro y siete personas más invitadas por él, fueron contratadas por el Gobierno de Guerrero inicialmente por tres meses, que se convirtieron en cuatro años, en los que al final permaneció solamente Genaro.
En una de las juntas un coordinador les dijo:
-Van a entrar a una región peligrosa y deben decidir si se quedan o se van-.
Genaro continuó su trabajo en las comunidades como instructor en los municipios de Tecpan, Arcelia, Tlapehuala, Pungarabato.
Se convirtió además en el decorador oficial de los acontecimientos sociales del gobernador; eventos de la Cruz Roja, visitas del entonces presidente de la República Enrique Peña Nieto, embajadores, gobernadores de estados. La esposa del gobernador lo presentaba siempre como su artesano estrella.
A él no le gustaba porque lo hacía sentir demasiado compromiso.
Además de Genaro, el Gobierno de Guerrero tenía 27 artesanos más, especialistas en diversas expresiones. En una ocasión, fueron convocados para recibir un estímulo económico para los más destacados. La sesión comenzó con la entrega al tercer lugar, recuerda que la esposa del gobernador le dijo a aquel artesano: -Trabajas precioso, pero te falta humildad con la gente-.
Genaro se llevó el primer lugar. Aunque sus paisanos que llevaba de invitados no le aplaudieron, tuvo el reconocimiento del resto y de las autoridades que estuvieron siempre muy complacidas con sus creaciones.
Un episodio que recuerda aún con nerviosismo es el de una tarde que se trasladó a una de las comunidades para impartir el curso. Iba en el autobús y al bajar en el poblado, observó mucha gente; le parecieron demasiadas para estar esperando el camión. Pero una vez que el autobús se detuvo y descendió de él, una voz le gritó:
-¡Maestro, bienvenido!-. Le colocaron un collar de cempasúchil y caminaron a su lado hacia la presidencia donde ya estaba instalado un escenario para el recibimiento del artesano de Jalisco. Ahí ante la mirada de cerca de un centenar de asistentes, la esposa del gobernador lo presentó.
-Hemos traído un artesano que es por sobre todo, una persona sencilla con la gente-.
-¡Qué vergüenza!- expresa y aún se sonroja al recordar.
“Fue tan bonito poder enseñar a personas que en realidad lo necesitan”, en esas tierras dice, hay gente que sobrevive con 400 pesos a la semana y aun así le invitaban su pan a veces sin tenerlo.
En su transitar por los municipios de Guerrero, Genaro no sólo enseñó a moldear la hoja de maíz, sino papel barnizado, encerado y artesanías con plumas.
Alguna vez le preguntaron si sintió miedo de estar en aquellas comunidades apartadas; pero este artesano solo piensa en la gente que enseñó y con ello pudieron llevar un ingreso más a sus hogares.
Omar Alonso González, first place, together with the person in charge of San Antonio Tlayacapan, Gustavo Aguayo; Maximiano Macías Arceo from Ajijic; the councilwoman of Ajijic, Denisse Michelle Ibarra González; and the person in charge of COMUDE Ajijic, Alejandro González.
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- On March 27, 36 participants competed to catch the biggest carp, as the Carp Fishing Tournament was held on the shores of Lake Chapala for the 27th consecutive year. From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., fishermen from towns such as San Antonio Tlayacapan and Chapala gathered on the beaches of Ajijic, in the area known as «La Crucita» near Nicolas Bravo Street.
Event organizer Arturo Gutiérrez, who is in charge of tournament logistics, commented that this competition, unlike other tournaments, is only for carp fishing and has a standard size for the winning fish, which is 35 centimeters (13.7 inches). Prizes are awarded to the three largest fish, which are usually eaten after the event.
«It’s a tradition of the town, I get the prizes, beer for the participants, logos, etc. This event is more than anything else for socializing, it is not a business, I really enjoy being here, for the pleasure of socializing and fishing,» Arturo said.
Arturo also noted that the event passed without incident, except for a few problems with the abandoned nets that are found a few meters from the shore of the lake, that caused the rods to get stuck and damaged.
The winners were: Ricardo Barajas Gutiérrez in first place; Esteban Barajas Gutiérrez in second place; and Omar Alonso González in third place.
Translated by MaryAnne Marble
Painter Antonio López Vega and acting delegate Maximiano Macías Arceo, during the maintenance of the sculpture «Tlaloc». Photo: Sofía Medeles.
Sofia Medeles (Ajijic).- This week work began on the beautification of the main square of Ajijic prior to the Easter vacation when a large influx of visitors is expected.
Acting Delegate Maximiano Macias Arceo confirmed that April tourism season, including the events organized by the group Passion of Christ, such as the Kermes to support the sick of the population, will draw big crowds and the plaza will be ready for them.
«A large tourist presence is expected for these Easter vacations, so we want the main plaza to be in the best possible condition. All will bring visitors from Ajijic as well as tourists.»
Macías Arceo noted that the work consists of maintenance for the four sculptures in the space, the retouching of the painting of the roof of the kiosk and the cleaning of the terrace and the sides of the planters.
The artists themselves will work on their own sculptures, of which two were created by Antonio López Vega, one by Ricardo González González and one by Estela Hidalgo. The necessary materials will be provided.
López Vega has already started work on his sculptures. One is located in front of the cultural center and the other on Parroquia Street. The painter from Ajijic explains: «The first one, Michi-Cihualli, has been in the plaza for approximately ten years. It was varnished with linseed oil and has gone two years without maintenance. The «Tláloc» is seven years old, and also two years without maintenance. It was originally made of mango root, but the wood rotted and now it is a fiberglass mold; this one will only be painted.»
López Vega invited the public to visit the delegation building on the plaza if they want to support the restoration work with donations.
Translated by Elisabeth Shields
Students of the Foránea No.1 José Vasconcelos high school during the first day of anti-addiction talks/workshops.
Jazmín Stengel (Chapala).- Addiction prevention workshops will be given in public and private high schools in the municipality to raise awareness among adolescents in Chapala.
«Many things can give meaning to your life, but drugs will never be one of them,» was said during the launch of the program on March 14, at the José Vasconcelos Secondary School Number 1 in the municipality. The age of first substance use dropped from 18 to 10 years of age in the last 12 years.
The work team of the Municipal Commission Against Addictions, formed by counselors Luis Manuel Ramirez, Jaime Humberto Cortes Rios, Juan Carlos Garcia, and six other integral supporters are dedicated to informing the students of the municipality about the hazards of drug use.
During the workshop they discuss that addictions not only depend on synthetic or natural drugs or medicines. Today’s children tend to become dependent on technology and the internet as well.
The first phase of the program took place from March 14 to 24. Seven hundred and thirty-three students divided into 21 groups, about half in the morning shift and the rest in the afternoon from the José Vasconcelos high school were trained through talks and workshops informed Luis Ramírez, in charge of the coordination.
The next stage will be to instruct the adolescents of Technical High School 83 to learn to say «NO» and to know how to choose their friends well, thus preventing them from falling into the temptation of bad habits, said Ramirez.
The program, coordinated by the State Council for Prevention Against Addictions and the Ministry of Health, is executed by the Municipal Commission Against Addictions and its main objective is to raise awareness among young people when it comes to making decisions in their daily lives.
Translated by Nita Rudy
The new entrance to Jardín de Niños Aurelia Flores will be a corridor located between the CETAC high school and the future offices of the Secretaría de Cultura. Photo: Sofía Medeles.
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- During his visit to Ajijic on March 25, the Governor of Jalisco, Enrique Alfaro Ramírez, said that it will take approximately one month to provide an entrance to the Aurelia Flores Kindergarten, which was blocked by the remodeling of the Auditorio de la Ribera.
This new entrance consists of a corridor between the Ajijic campus of the Center for Technological Studies in Continental Waters (CETAC) and the building where the offices of the Ministry of Culture will be located. Previously, the entrance to the kindergarten was through the same access as the auditorium.
«I asked them to speed up the work so that the children would not be at risk, because it is under construction. We have already started to free the passage, only the floor needs to be done. I hope that in a month it will be ready and working properly,» said Governor Alfaro Ramirez.
The director of the parents’ committee, Lucia Padilla, advised that they have not been informed about the conclusion of the work being done for this new access to the preschool, in addition they had hoped that the entrance would be a little bigger.
«We wanted to ask for a slightly larger entrance, at least two meters, but we could not talk to the architect and the entrance was left at approximately one meter and 40 centimeters. We have not been told when the work will be finished, or anything else,» she commented.
Previously, several parents complained that, since the construction of the auditorium was in progress, the access through the main door of the auditorium was closed for the safety of the children. The problem has existed since the beginning of on-site classes in August 2021. The parents pointed out that the provisional entrance, which was through the Cruz Azul sports field, was uncomfortable for them and the children, especially in rainy weather and that the work did not seem to be progressing on an entrance exclusively for the students of the school.
In addition, the parents pointed out the poor condition of the classrooms, bathrooms and open spaces of the kindergarten after the pandemic.
Translated by Christalle Dalsted
The bus was embedded in the back of the truck.
Redaction. – The apparent carelessness of a public transport driver left 35 injured and his bus embedded in a junkyard truck. The accident occurred during the afternoon of March 28 on the Chapala-Guadalajara highway, at the height of the so-called «curves of El Tapatío.»
According to the passengers, the driver of the C112 Agaves route was speeding and maneuvering to overtake other vehicles, but on the slope, a truck loaded with scrap metal was driving slowly because of its heavy load, so the public transport driver was unable to slow down enough to avoid the scrap metal truck and struck it from behind.
After the impact, people fell to the floor of the bus and some of them hit the seats hard enough to bend them. The passengers managed to get out of the bus and waited on the roadside for medical attention.
Translated by Sandy Britton
Municipal and state authorities during the handover of the building on the corner of Niños Heroes and Zaragoza streets. Photo: Municipality of Chapala.
Jazmín Stengel.- The former Chapala Police headquarters at the corner of Niños Héroes and Zaragoza streets will now be occupied by the Jalisco Regional Police and the Mobility Department, thanks to the signing of an agreement between municipal authorities and the state. Chapala will continue to pay rent on the building.
The agreement established last March 25 between Chapala Mayor Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel and Regional Police Commissioner Abraham Isaac Chávez Velázquez, will allow the State Police to relocate from a small building in La Cristianía Park.
The move gives the State Police better facilities from which to continue working in coordination with the Municipal Police. This helps guarantee the safety of the population just days before the start of the Holy Week and Easter vacation period.
Jalisco Secretary of Public Security Juan Bosco Pacheco Medrano said the building is a tool that dignifies police work and helps the State Police coordinate with the municipality to provide peace of mind to both residents and tourists.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have delivered dignified facilities on loan for elements of the State Security Secretariat to have their base of operations,” the mayor said through social media. “The safety and tranquility of the families of Chapala and its visitors is a priority for this government.”
Chapala has rented the building since 1998. It was the Municipal Police headquarters until June 2020, when they moved to their new location at the corner of Los Maestros and Isla del Presidio streets. The State Highway Police, with whom the State Police will share the building, began working out of the building a few months ago.
Translated by Mike Rogers
Public and civil servants wore purple shirts to support the Unite Orange Campaign. Photo: Jazmín Stengel.
Jazmín Stengel (Chapala).- The United Nations’ «Orange Unite Campaign» was instituted in 2008 to promote the prevention of violence against women, and takes place on the 25th of each month. Although it has been a little more than 13 years since the campaign opposing violence against women was instituted, this is the first year it has been celebrated in Chapala.
In Chapala, officials and civilians wore purple tee shirts instead of the customary orange, as citizens associate the color with the feminist movement, explained Alicia Medeles Córdova. Córdova is the director of the Women’s Institute of Chapala, who made the proposal after the March 8 International Women’s Day marches and other demonstrations against gender violence in the municipality. The public security officers of the municipality also wore an orange ribbon as a symbol of solidarity with the movement.
In addition to promoting the prevention of violence against women in her locality and delegations, Córdova offers counseling and follow-up to those who have been victims of violence, harassment and other types of aggression. She invites the affected population to lose their fear of speaking out and to begin the legal process to defend their human rights.
«The objective is to make a call to the citizenship and that we raise awareness,» clarified Cordova, since the purpose of this campaign at the international level is the same: «a day to act, generate awareness and prevent violence against women and girls.»
Translated by MaryAnne Marble
ARIES (March 21 – April 20)
The Sun and Moon in your sign are powerful talismans that attract luck into your life and make you feel empowered to achieve everything you set your mind to. The contacts that you establish these days will favor you and you can meet people who will be a very positive impulse for you. You will have a charisma that will make you very attractive.
TAURUS (April 21 – May 20)
The Moon invites you to reflect on those fears that you may sometimes feel and that do not let you show yourself as you are. What you need is to seek new horizons that help you to get excited, even if you have suffered some disappointment. Act with courage and forget about what could not be. It is time to make some change in your life. However small it may be, it will be positive for you.
GEMINIS (May 21 – June 21)
Your plans may not take the course you had envisioned, but perhaps it is not the time to carry them out and you should wait for better times. Be prudent and meditate well on what you are going to do. The Moon helps you to regain the friendship of someone important to you and from whom you are far away. You have a lot of potential, so trust in yourself and do not be afraid to face the changes, which will be for the better.
CANCER (June 22 – July 22)
The Moon boosts your success and makes you stand out above everyone else. You will awaken confidence and security in those around you and with your powerful intuition, you will know how to be in the right place and surround yourself with the people who suit you best. In love, you need stability and to stop thinking about things that do not benefit you.
LEO (July 23 – August 23)
The Moon offers you very favorable prospects, especially at work, where you can receive good news. Travel will also be fortunate, and in some of your travels you could meet someone who acquires a great prominence in your life. You will have clear what you should and should not do and the decisions you make will be right. You will enjoy your social life very much.
VIRGO (August 24 – September 23)
The Moon transmits a very regenerative energy that pushes you to change. Your confidence in yourself and your knowledge that you do things right will lead you to act wisely. It is time to put your cards on the table and make important decisions. Dare to express out loud what you feel and do not let yourself be held back by doubts. Remember to worry a little more about exercising the soul. Give yourself moments of peace.
LIBRA (September 24 – October 22)
Meaningless confrontations can threaten your relationships and keep you away from happiness, but the energy you will receive from the stars is very harmonious and will help you to smooth tensions. It could even bring you some interesting project that will make you see life with more joy. Venus, very well aspected, helps you to recover your smile in love.
SCORPIO (October 23 – November 22)
You may feel pressured with responsibilities and worries, but the energy of the Moon can bring you a change of direction that will greatly favor your life. You will feel the need to make changes in your daily routine that will allow you to live with more tranquility. In love, do not rush or make decisions on the fly because things may not go as expected.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 21)
Under the influence of the Moon, you can defy life because luck will not turn its back on you. Love is also very favored, and you have ahead of you very positive days to consolidate your sentimental situation, strengthen ties or start a relationship that makes you happy. Try to distinguish what is valuable from what is not and do not create needs that are not real.
CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19)
Something may not go as you expect, but don’t fall into the mistake of wanting to take on more than you can and accept the help of those close to you. The change of Moon especially favors the family, which will support you even with some emotional help. Leave aside your more rational side and bet on your most groundbreaking and idealistic projects.
AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 19)
With Mars and Venus in your sign, you have an unstoppable force and a power of seduction that will make you the protagonist wherever you are. The New Moon favors communication and travel, so if you do any, it will go very well and you will have many emotions as well as joys. Be kinder and support those who have always helped you.
PISCES (February 20 – March 20)
There may arise inconveniences in professional or economic issues that you thought were already solved, but the Moon helps you to solve them and can bring you opportunities that allow you to access a more comfortable and advantageous position. You will have the protection of the Moon in your sign. Be alert to the signs that life is sending you and let your intuition guide you.
Translated by Sandy Britton
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