Bernabé Robledo, currently in charge of CETAC Ajijic. Photo: Sofía Medeles.
Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- For almost 30 years, Professor Bernabé Robledo has not only been in charge of educating young people in the classroom but also teaching them to be empathetic citizens, while being an activist for the land he lives on.
Bernabé was born in Ajijic. He is the son of farmers and attended basic education in the delegation, until high school, when he studied at the Center for Technological Studies in Continental Waters (CETAC 01) in Jocotepec. Later, he studied food engineering at the Mazatlán Technology, Sinaloa. He also earned a master’s degree from Ocotlán and a doctorate in Education.
After working in an industrial food production company, in 1996 he decided to become a teacher; his first position as a professor was at the Center for Technological Studies of the Sea (CETMAR) in Mazatlán.
In 1996 he joined the CETAC Jocotepec, then he became one of the first members of the Mario Molina Institute which studies sustainability, as well as having been a professor at the National College of Technical Professional Education (CONALEP) in Chapala.
One of his achievements which he speaks of as a father would speak of his prodigal child, is the CETAC Ajijic, an extension of the Jocotepec campus, which Robledo managed. He went to great lengths to acquire the property and to request donations to repair the school that was abandoned for at least 15 years, and has been working since 2019, and in his words, has been “shaped to meet the needs of the people of Ajijic.”
«There are many private schools in Ajijic, but none that are public that meet the vocational needs of the region. Ajijic is a town that has approximately 12,000 citizens, and has a tourist economy, which is why we thought training in businesses related to the settlement of foreigners and tourists is a perfect fit,» commented the professor.
In addition to continuing with the improvement of the campus, which he said could have the potential to be one of the most beautiful schools in Lakeside, one of his most important goals is to secure the campus in the campus where it is located, which was loaned to it by the 2018-2021 administration. He also spoke of the exponential growth that has taken place since the beginning, with 115 students and its first generation about to graduate.
Bernabé Robledo commented that his taste for teaching at the high school level arose for several reasons, one of them being how his life has been coupled to the needs that young people have at this age and that makes it easier for him to communicate with them, and to the nobility he finds in this age range.
«At this age, you are finishing shaping the citizens about to be sent to society. I have found satisfaction, especially in their nobility. For example, when we were fixing up the CETAC playground, one of the laziest youngsters helped and put all his effort into handling the concrete mixing equipment. He gave and gave, until when he finished, he fell exhausted to the ground. He was a 16 or 17 year old kid who decided to help, and thanks to him, as well as to the other youngsters, CETAC has made progress,” he said.
Professor Berna, as he is also known, not only says he is committed to education, but also to activism, which he has engaged in on multiple occasions with his students.
«I am a great admirer of Paulo Freire, educator of America, and I agree with his philosophy that the teacher by himself is already a social transformer. I don’t find any conflict between activism and teaching, I can’t conceive of one without the other. I get tired, but I don’t get angry, I don’t work for a salary, but for an ideal. If you don’t feel that way, it may not be your vocation,» he said firmly.
On the other hand, he has always advised his students to pursue cultural activities, since, his vision is that he seeks young people to realize culture and empathy, that they feel proud and love these teachings, adding that «we are rich in culture, we do not have to envy any other culture.»
Finally, he dedicated a few words to the future teachers: in this profession they are not going to get rich so it is something they must love, since it is a social work owed to the community.
Translated by Christalle Dalsted
Tilapia hatchlings in a plastic bag before being released. Photo: Archive.
Editor.– As part of the commitment of the Tizapán Aquaculture Center to donate 500 thousand fish hatchlings to reactivate fishing activity in Lake Chapala, the first delivery was made by the Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development (SADER) Jalisco, and this first batch delivered was 150 thousand tilapia hatchlings in Jamay.
This donation of fish hatchlings benefits the 61 fishing organizations on the Chapala shore, made up of 1,661 people. Jamay and Poncitlán are the municipalities with the most fishing organizations, with 15 each. Chapala and Ocotlán have eight cooperatives, Tizapán six, Tuxcueca five and Jocotepec has four fishermen’s groups.
Translated by Paul Weeks
ARIES
21 March – 20 April 20
With the planets Jupiter and Venus passing through your sign, luck and love smile at you and you have days ahead to enjoy. The regenerating energy of the Sun will offer you all kinds of opportunities to make changes in your life, but remember that it is time to play it safe and reflect calmly before making a decision.
TAURUS
21 April – 20 May
With the Sun in your sign, you are unstoppable and nothing will be able to defeat you. Although it may destabilize you a bit, you will recover quickly and feel confident to fight for your dreams. Very favorable days for relationships, both professional and personal. Contact with people will favor you and you can expect pleasant moments.
GEMINI
21 May 21 – 21 June
The eclipse can affect your work and lower your energy, but it can also bring changes that make your life easier and encourage you to take the initiative to get what you want. The planet Mercury in your sign sharpens your intelligence and your communication skills. It is a good time to interact and contact new people who will be very positive for you.
CANCER
22 June – 22 July
The Moon can momentarily cloud your luck and make you feel somewhat sad, but follow your hunches, which will be very successful and will help you overcome situations that were limiting you. You are going to give yourself so much to those you love that you may feel that family burdens overwhelm you. Now is the time to free yourself from commitments that are not yours and breathe easy.
LEO
23 July – 23 August
From this first position, life smiles at you and you have good prospects in all areas. Although the Moon can generate some misunderstanding or disagreement in the family environment, you will know how to smooth out tensions and clarify things to restore harmony. The good aspects of Jupiter and Venus enhance your luck and give you a powerful charisma. They won’t deny you anything.
VIRGO
24 August– 23 September
These days communication with those around you may fail and you may not be clear about how to approach your issues. If you doubt, do not make decisions and wait until you are sure and always make things clear so as not to be harmed. You will rethink taking up something that you had abandoned and you can achieve some success that brings economic benefits.
LIBRA
24 September – 22 October
Some professional or economic issue can be paralyzed by the influence of the stars, but you have the planet Saturn well aspected and you are not going to spare any effort to achieve what you have proposed. Your ability to work is greatly enhanced and you will assume responsibilities without fear and with confidence in your abilities. If you have suffered some disappointment, now you can recover the illusions.
SCORPIO
23 October– 22 November
The Moon in your sign affects you powerfully and can bring out insecurities, but it will only be momentary because your magic and personality will make you stand out above everyone else. In addition, you have the strength and drive that the warrior Mars transmits to you to overcome and overcome any inconvenience. New and positive working relationships can come.
SAGITTARIUS
23 November – 21 December
Although lunar energy stirs your inner world and helps your emotions to be on the surface, your creativity will be greatly enhanced and you will know how to channel your immense energy in an imaginative and luminous way. You will have good ideas to start and enhance your life. Life gives you magical moments.
CAPRICORN
22 December – 19 January
The stars can bring disappointment with a friend. Do not try to force things if they do not flow. Life will bring you new affections. Success is knocking at your door and you can take on new challenges that will strengthen your self-esteem and make you feel good. Opportunities will be presented to share what you feel and open your heart.
AQUARIUS
20 January– 19 February
Life could delay a well-deserved success, but don’t lose confidence because, even if it takes a while, it will come in the end. The planet Saturn in your sign gives you the patience and discipline you need to not abandon what you want. It is time to overcome fears and do new things. You just have to dare and try.
PISCES
20 February– 20 March
Be careful with your plans and do not talk about your projects until they have materialized because you can arouse envy and it would not be strange if they tried to make you difficult. The Moon can cause travel delays or delays. Arm yourself with patience so that they affect you as little as possible. You will be able to leave behind any problem that prevents you from being happy in your sentimental life.
Translated by Alan Ferguson
First International Theater Festival of Jocotepec 2022
Day: April 27 to May 31
Information at Casa de Cultura «José Vaca Flores»
Location: Hidalgo Sur #38, Jocotepec, downtown
Information at 387-763-1621
Course «Literature of Mexican Women Writers»
Day: April 28, May 5, 12, 19 and 26
Virtual literary course, taught by Charlotte Carranza
Place: Virtual course
Schedule: 6-8pm
Cost: Information at 331-273-1110
Mr Q
Day: Thursday June 2
Classic Rock Concert
Place: 4to Sentido, Carretera Chapala – Ajijic 89, Top Floor, Plaza Paradise Center, San Antonio
Schedule: 5pm
Cost: $250 pesos in advance and $250 pesos on site
16th Anniversary Son de Mexico International invites to the Gala Function
Day: May 21
Children’s Folkloric Ballet
Venue: Atrium of the old temple El Hospitalito, San Juan Cosalá, Centro Histórico
Time: 8pm
Limited seating
Xapawiyemeta
Day: Saturday May 21
Offering and traditional wake
Place: Isla de los Alacranes, Chapala
Schedule: 8pm
Information and registration at 331-286-7352
Huichol Art Festival
Day: Saturday May 21
Art, culture and traditional medicine
Place: Pablola Gallery, 16 de Septiembre #1 Ajijic, Downtown
Hours: 11am – 5pm
Translated by Christalle Dalsted
Citizens denounce the lack of maintenance of public lighting by the CFE. Photo: Courtesy.
Héctor Ruiz Mejía (Jocotepec).- The rainy season has started and with it the power blackouts throughout the municipality of Jocotepec. On May 15, through a communiqué shared on official networks, the Jocotepec City Hall alerted citizens about the season of power outages due to weather conditions.
Since the rainy season officially began, the government announced that the season of “las caídas de cuchillas” [«blades dropping»] is coming, which is when fuses are set to protect the transformer from power surges.
Therefore, the community was urged to remain alert about drinking water pumping equipment in the houses and to close faucets, especially at night. This measure will avoid the waste of water that has been observed in the last few days when the electric power goes off.
However, drinking water has not been the only problem for some residents of the community. Since the winds began, neighbors in the neighborhood of La Purísima, north of town and Nextipac, have already reported problems.
«The first few days we had between 15 and 20 blackouts in an hour and since yesterday, with any wind, it goes out and it takes longer and longer to return,» said one of the neighbors.
Although this situation has been blamed on weather and the neighbors consider this to be a possible cause for the blackouts, the fact that «any little breeze» deprives them of service and denotes a lack of maintenance on the part of the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).
They also added that they have never seen CFE provide adequate maintenance to the light poles and are concerned since «we are just starting the rainy season and we are already struggling like this.»
Translated by MaryAnne Marble
This is how the new speed bumps look that are installed on El Molino Road. Photo: JocoPiolin Official.
Héctor Ruiz Mejía (Jocotepec).- Accidents on the El Molino Road stretch have decreased after the installation of speed bumps.
On February 13, a heavy vehicle overturned on this stretch, spilling 300 liters of ethanol and causing the road closure for more than 24 hours. As of May 19, no more accidents have been recorded.
A little more than a month after the last accident, the Ministry of Communications and Transportation (SCT) installed a series of speed bumps on the stretch known as “La Engorda” on the Guadalajara-Morelia highway.
According to María Dolores “Lolis” López Jara, the local deputy for district 17 who managed the project to prevent traffic accidents, these bumps are only a “temporary measure” while a long-term one is being developed.
Lopez Jara said they are still working to install some kind of signage or indicators, “because they can take you by surprise and reduce your speed all of a sudden.”
Although the congresswoman said there has been no record of another accident, largely due to the temporary solution, some drivers have been taken by surprise.
Rodrigo, who regularly travels this stretch of road, said the new speed bumps surprised him. “They are a bit dangerous and you can’t see them. I hadn’t been this way for a while and I was caught by surprise,” he commented.
The measure was undertaken by the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation (SCT) after the high accident rates on this stretch of road. In a period of less than one year, more than 89 accidents were registered in which 19 people lost their lives.
Translated by Mary Woods
The impact was slight, with no injuries.
Editorial Staff.- Two cars merging from the Ajijic beltway onto the Chapala-Jocotepec highway were involved in a minor rear-end accident on the afternoon of May 17.
Even though the accident caused only minor damage, the drivers involved had to wait for their insurance companies to arrive. Despite the fact that the damaged vehicles did not block through traffic, curious onlookers in passing vehicles caused traffic to slow.
Translated by MaryAnne Marble
Triálogo Jazz Quartet. Eleazar Soto, Miguel Soto, Gilberto Ríos, and Sofía Ramirez. Photo credit: La Cochera Cultural.
Patrick O’Heffernan (Ajijic).- Guadalajara’s historic Teatro Maria Theresa will resonate with world class jazz as Ajijic’s renowned jazz quartet Triálogo records a live performance in a double-bill concert with jazz master Luis Shatter. The live recording will be produced as Triálogo’s debut album.
Triálogo is composed of Sofía Ramírez on piano and vocals, Gilberto Ríos on double bass and electric bass, Miguel Soto on drum, and Eleazar Soto on saxophone. The live recording and album production is underwritten by Ajijic’s La Cochera Cultural and local investors.
Triálogo is well known in Lakeside for its very high level of talent and its constant search for innovation that results in music that is often exploratory. Each of the four members of Triálogo comes with a different background, including traditional jazz, free jazz, classical music, contemporary music, Afro-American rhythms, electronic rhythms, flamenco, and Latin rhythms.
They bring these influences together in their passion for jazz and for composing original songs, one reason they are beloved by Lakeside jazz fans along with world-class musicianship, a diverse catalog of songs, and their knack for engaging an audience.
Keyboardist and composer Luis Shatter will join Triálogo on the bill at Teatro Maria Theresa, joined by Marcos Díaz on saxophone; Juan Manuel Ayala on electric bass, and Armando Curiel on drums. Shatter e received a nomination for the 2022 Minerva’s de Jalisco Awards in the Best Jazz Artist category.
Shatter, who has collaborated and recorded with artists such as Hela San, La Celestina, Sharif, and Astrid Cruz, has released several singles and a live recorded EP titled Wabi-Sabi and his latest instrumental Petricor.
The public is welcome to the concert which begins at 8 pm at Teatro Maria Teresa, Calle Cruz Verde 121 between Independencia and Juan Manuel, downtown Guadalajara. Admission: $160 in presale / $200 the day of the event. Tickets on sale: teatromariateresa.com
Information: 33 19 79 01 96 / 33 11 90 88 963312879814 (S3 3312879814 (Sin central Guadalajara).
Heavy machinery clearing the channels in the Canacinta Ajijic.
Jazmín Stengel (Chapala).- Chapala is preparing for seasonal storms by clearing streams and river beds to prevent flooding.
Chapala has 32 risk points identified in the municipality, where rains could cause flooding. The current work has focused on Ajijic and especially where the landslides of last October impacted the neighborhood of La Canacinta.
Cleaning is also taking place at the San Marcos stream in the municipal capital, the Grande stream in San Antonio Tlayacapan next to the golf club, and the streambed in the Las Guerras neighborhood in Atotonilquillo.
Emergency crews in Chapala are prepared to deal with a rainfall of 30 to 70 millimeters, according to general statistics of the Fire Department and Civil Protection. However, the rainfall on October 5 reached 120 millimeters in the neighborhood of La Canacinta, Ajijic,overwhelming available resources.
Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan
Por Leticia Trejo
Hay oportunidades que nunca vuelven. Hace ya muchos años estaba paseando por los pasillos de la Feria Internacional del Libro de Guadalajara (FIL), si algunos de ustedes la han visitado saben que es enorme; en un stand vi un libro con un título que me atrajo: Anatomía del dolor, era bastante voluminoso y de un precio alto; como seguramente le pasa a mucha gente me dije a mi misma: regresaré después de ver más libros y claro que lo que pasó es que cuando traté de volver ya no recordé en qué pasillo ni en qué editorial lo había visto. En esos tiempos yo estaba atravesando por periodos intensos de dolor articular y muscular al grado de pensar que seguramente tenía artritis, que mis años como deportista y profesora de fitness grupal me estaban pasando una gran factura. Lo que pasó en los siguientes años es que en realidad esos dolores intensos se convirtieron en grandes maestros que me obligaron a conectarme más conmigo misma, buscar información, estudiar y aprender. Les comparto algunos de mis descubrimientos ya que el dolor corporal puede tener varias fuentes de alimentación:
1.Fisiológico, solo por poner algunos ejemplos: es muy común confundir un dolor pensando que es la espalda baja, cuando en realidad es una inflamación del colon (colitis), confundir un dolor pensando que tenemos gastritis porque nos arde al comer cuando en realidad puede ser una inflamación en el páncreas (pancreatitis) o sentir que nos duelen los intestinos cuando en realidad nuestras vías urinarias tienen algún bloqueo o alguna infección. Cuando los riñones tienen alguna insuficiencia duelen mucho los pies (tobillos, dedos de los pies) y se inflaman una o varias articulaciones. Es claro que cualquier proceso inflamatorio va a causar dolor y este proceso a veces es causado por nosotros mismos.
2. Emocional, los estados intensos emocionales, sobre todo los considerados de baja frecuencia energética como la ira, el rencor, la culpa, el odio y la tristeza (entre otros), generan encogimiento o acortamiento en los tejidos conectivos del cuerpo principalmente el tejido miofascial (documental de la cadena alemana DW las fascias, un mundo bajo la piel). Estos acortamientos roban espacio interior a órganos y músculos importantes por ejemplo el diafragma torácico que es el músculo más importante de la respiración y eso genera dolor.
3.Por estrés, el estrés, aunque es una respuesta sana y normal ante las amenazas, genera el despliegue de ciertas hormonas que nos ayudan a reaccionar ante la situación estresante. El cortisol, la adrenalina, la noradrenalina, entre otras, son hormonas que fluyen al torrente sanguíneo, aumentan la frecuencia cardíaca, aceleran el ritmo de respiración y nos ponen en alerta y esto está muy bien cuando la amenaza es real, pero te pregunto, querido lector: ¿cuántas veces has sentido estrés IMAGINARIO? Por situaciones que no están sucediendo, pues bien, aunque estas situaciones no están pasando de todas formas generan la respuesta hormonal y cuando ésta es crónica y ocurre repetidamente todos los días provoca inflamación celular y esto a su vez dolor constante.
Mis recomendaciones giran en torno a que: a) aprendas a escuchar a tu cuerpo para saber qué necesita, b) realices auto observaciones de tus emociones y aprendas a no darles fuerza a las improductivas que no producen bienestar, c) vivas en tiempo presente, disfruta que en este segundo estás bien y cuando las amenazas si estén ocurriendo dale las gracias a tu cuerpo por reaccionar sanamente ante ellas.
© 2016. Todos los derechos reservados. Semanario de la Ribera de Chapala