Ajijic

Tacos El Paisa, located to the west of Ajijic, during its reopening on June 3. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- The project «Negocios Mágicos Ajijic,» or Ajijic Magic Businesses, celebrated the reopening of its first remodeling client, «Tacos El Paisa» last Friday, June 3. Having completed the first renovation, the promoters of the project, Katja Kohl and Araceli Kopiloff, are looking for the next winner.

‘Before’ photo of the renovated taqueria. Photo: Negocios Mágicos Ajijic.

The first makeover began on June 1 and ended two days later. The business owners’ investment comprised four thousand pesos, plus their active involvement in the process, in addition to funds contributed by the Negocios Mágicos Ajijic initiative.

«It is a great change that we needed. Now the place feels comfortable and cozy, but above all, cheerful. We tell other local businesses to get involved, because change is always good. It can result in more customers and a better place for them to offer a welcoming service,» commented the restaurant staff.

Immediately after their first success, the creators, designers and promoters of the project called upon other local businesses to participate in the initiative. Project personnel will collaborate with owners on redesigning the image and presence of the different businesses. 

Aspiring businesses will have to meet certain criteria, including Mexican-owned; willing to participate in the remodeling with their own hands; willing to share details of their story to help with the new design proposal, and contribute as much money to the overall budget as they can afford. For the rest, Araceli and Katja will take over.

‘After’ photo of the store post-remodeling. Photo: Negocios Mágicos Ajijic.

To nominate a local business, you can write to their Facebook page «Negocios Mágicos Ajijic,» or tag the page in posts containing the name of the business you’re nominating. The winner will be chosen by the number of nominations received, with a deadline of July 4.

Araceli and Katja have said that their goal is to assist at least ten businesses a year and to let people know that design is an element that is within everyone’s reach, regardless of budget.

Translated by Rebecca Zittle

Eric Lea, 21 years old, resident of Ajijic. Photo: Facebook.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- Eric Leal, a 21-year-old resident of Ajijic, recently appeared in an internationally distributed commercial for the electronics, software and online services brand Apple, maker of the iPhone.

He was part of an Apple production, where he appears simulating a video call. Photo: Instagram.

Eric shared exclusively with Semanario Laguna that he became interested in the casting because of the pay offered, without knowing that it was for Apple. He found out which product the commercial would be promoting after his wardrobe fitting. The recording lasted approximately 15 minutes and took place in Mexico City. He described it as a brief and exciting experience.

«The day of the recording I was summoned between 9:00 and 10:00 in the morning. I was taken to wardrobe and then to makeup and, after about an hour, I was taken to the set. All this was recorded with an iPhone, and lasted about 15 minutes. It was very professional, because even in the corners where you knew the camera would not reach, there was decoration,” Eric said.  

Eric in a commercial for the US internet and phone service Frontier. Photo: Instagram.

Although Eric currently usually does commercial modeling, he commented that in addition to modeling in productions or in the fashion world, he would also like to explore acting. In the short term he hopes to start casting as an extra for Netflix series with his agency, MMRunaway. In addition, he wants to open his own agency in the future. So far, he has participated in five commercials, some of them international in scope.

Translated by Sandy Britton

Moment of the capture of Leo ‘N’ on Tuesday, May 31. Photo: Courtesy.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- The Government of Chapala insists that an alleged stalker, identified as Leo ‘N’, was released from custody after he complied with an administrative sanction and because there were no complaints against him.

But witnesses have contradicted the statement the City Council gave on Thursday, June 2 when the man was freed, saying that there were at least six complaints filed in the Public Ministry (MP).

Complainants have shared with Laguna their testimonies against the accused.

Two complainants, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, showed to Laguna a complaint folder page. In addition, they said that they maintained contact with at least four other people who denounced the alleged stalker between the day of his arrest on Tuesday, May 31, and the following day.

The complainants did not cite a specific cause or crime in their report, but they said  the testimonies of all the complainants were similar and they believed the crime could be stalking, or taking pictures of minors without their consent.

Municipal police officers and other authorities had urged concerned residents to file a complaint, but the denial that any complaints had been received by the Public Ministry, together with the release of the accused, left them demoralized.

They said they saw no point in continuing with the procedures now that the subject was free, and reportedly far from Ajijic.

But they said that in the process of making their complaints to the Ministry, the agency’s staff was curt, lacked empathy, and failed to properly explain the paperwork.

A law student, who asked not to be named, suggested several reasons why the authorities released the individual: his possible mental condition, or that the crime of harassment is not so severe as to warrant jail while further investigations are made.  In such cases, it was likely that a precautionary measure would be granted, such as reporting each month to MP offices.

The complainants, meanwhile,  demanded state authorities tell them what has to happen before they intercede in cases like this one.

Someone could be kidnapped or abused, said one complainant. When nothing is done, people may «take justice into their own hands.»

Translated by Alan Ferguson 

Ajijic Health Center located at Ocampo 102, Ajijic. Credit: Sofía Medeles

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- The Ajijic Health Center (Centro de Salud Ajijic) recommends that women from Ajijic come in as soon as possible for a pap smear screening.

Dr. Sandra Gonzalez, director of the health center, said about 3 out of every 10 women recently tested have irregular, or positive test results, «Testing is available all year round, and due to the many cases we have seen in Ajijic, we ask women to come and get it done. «This test is free, appointments are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The only requirement is to bring a copy of your CURP with you.Pap smears test for signs of HPV (Human Papillomavirus), and cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix. In addition to pap smears, the Ajijic Health Center also provides many other valuable services for citizens and residents. Information and updates about the health center are available on their Facebook page, «CS Ajijic.”

Dr. González says that they have not seen a high incidence of seasonal diseases such as dengue, or Covid-19, nor have they seen any incidents of monkeypox.

Covid-19 vaccinations are announced as they are available, and currently they have a vaccination campaign for rubella and measles.

Translated by Amy Esperanto.

Sergio Casas with his guitar.

Patrick O’Heffernan (Ajijic).- Sergio “Checo” Casas needs his throat operated on to continue his career but, like most musicians, has no medical insurance or any other way to pay the $50,000 pesos the operation will cost.  He has started a fund at O’Rourke Fondos de Inversion to receive contributions.

Casas is the go-to bass player for many bands throughout Lakeside and was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame as part of Blue Jay Slim’s band.  His bass playing, acoustic guitar and vocals  have graced local Expat and Mexican cover bands, rock and roll and blues bands such as the Bryan James Band, House-A-Fire and Dana & Mudbugs. 

Music lovers, or anyone, who wishes to donate can do so at O’Rourke and Associates Carretera-Tlayacan, #206 just below the Foliatti Casino at the intersection of the Carretera and the Libramiento.  Ask for Susanne Warwick Tello who can deposit your donation to account # 5057575.

Dog shelter, located west of Ajijic, at the foot of Cerro Colorado. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

 Editor. In order to better understand the controversy surrounding the dog shelter in West Ajijic run by Chapala SOS Dog Shelter, Laguna has been interviewing all the parties involved in the controversy.  Last week Laguna interviewed the president and the spokesperson of the homeowners association impacted by the noise from the shelter.  This week we have interviewed an influential volunteer at the SOS shelter, and Chapala  President Aguirre. Semanario has not confirmed any of the claims made in the interview, except thore of President Aguirre. The volunteer interviewed does not have final decision authority.

Sofia Medeles (Ajijic).- A volunteer of SOS Chapala Dog Rescue, who asked not to be named,  said  that volunteers want none of the dogs that are currently in the shelter located in Ajijic to go to the new shelter that is being prepared by the current Chapala Government, located in Hacienda de La Labor.

The interviewee told Semanario Laguna that, due to the great investment in health and maintenance the workers and volunteers have made in each dog that is in the shelter, as well as the lack of information about the commitment of care in the new space, they do not want any of the 85 dogs to be transferred. So far, they have not given them a deadline to leave the place.

«None of the dogs are going to go there, because of everything that is invested in each one, besides the fact that there is no certainty that they will continue to be cared for in the same way we care for them., “the interviewee told Laguna, saying that “We want them to go to a better place. We know nothing about the methodology to be used, if the place is suitable, if there are trained people, if the feeding is correct, etc.” 

The interviewee also pointed out the lack of commitment on the part of the municipalities to continue with projects such as the shelter, and added that at no time, neither government personnel, nor the Department of Ecology, approached them to notify them, so they found out through social networks. (note: President Aguirre posted a video on the municipal website touring the new shelter and expressing his commitment to excellent care for the dogs, however, o specific information has been provided by the administration).

Currently there are 85 dogs, which cost between 90 to 100 thousand pesos per month. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

According to the volunteer, the monthly investment ranges from 90 to 100 thousand pesos, between medical expenses that include sterilizations, deworming, vaccinations, and in some cases medications and chemotherapy, in addition to food, salary for employees and the sanitization that is carried out. This amount is contributed by volunteers and associations that not only contribute monetarily, but also in kind, and by careful management.

The volunteer also pointed out that the way in which the shelter has been run has always followed international standards for this type of site, such as cage measurements, cage material, roof and floor slope, playground, isolation cages, and daily walks. The interview’ s opinion is that  the new shelter will  not be able to meet these  requirements.

Chapala President  Alejandro Aguirre Curiel,  told Laguna that although he does not have an exact  budget for the new shelter, the investment is relatively low and he hopes that it will open as soon as possible. 

He also told Laguna that a group of Expats  is interested in supporting the project, but since it is a municipal shelter,  the  municipality  will also be looking for sponsors to keep the space in good condition. He also mentioned that an agreement was signed with those responsible for the SOS shelter, where it was stipulated that they had at least 30 days to vacate, a date that has now expired.

The new municipal shelter is located on a hectare of land in Hacienda de La Labor.  The government announced that in a few days the 50 cages will be ready. The cost of renting the space is 15,000 pesos per month, which will be covered by the group of neighbors  whose homes have been impacted by the noise from the west Ajijic shelter and whose lawsuit is driving the negotiation process.

The volunteer interviewed added that interested people can help the dogs by donating, adopting or being a bridge house, and even, if there is the possibility, lending a space in contract so that a new shelter can be established in the Ajijic delegation, where most of the sponsors and volunteers are located.(note: a shelter will require permits from the municipality and must be located so that it does not impact nearby homes).  For more information, contact the Facebook page SOS Dog Chapala Rescue.

The interviewee also asked pet owners to be aware and responsible; «we will not end up sending dogs and dogs to the United States because people are quick to abandon them. We need to raise people’s awareness, if we provide  permanent homes, bridge houses and shelters, we won’t need governments to take care of them», he concluded. 

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

Juan Olivares «Juanito» – July 12, 1944 – May 28, 2022. Credit: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- One of Ajijic’s first and most prolific photographers, Juan «Juanito» Olivares, died last Saturday, May 28, 2022. He is survived by his wife Alicia Morales from Ajijic, and three children: Aquiles, Imelda, and Judith. He  leaves behind a historical photo narrative covering almost his entire life

He was born on July 12, 1944 in Ajijic. His parents were Antonio Olivares and Romana Sánchez. In an interview from two years ago, Juanito said that he began his artistic career before his 20th birthday, with a plastic arts course. He used photography to improve his drawing technique, but soon photography became his main medium. Of his success, he explained, «when I was doing well, I would print up to 300 photos. When I started, the photos cost 50 centavos, and they went up to 75 centavos, one peso, two, three, and so on until they cost what they cost today.»

With his steadily increasing reputation, he became a fixture at town festivities, and important celebrations throughout the town. During this interview, he nostalgically mentioned how his work as a photographer was devalued over time, due to the advent of cell phones. Even so, he continued painting and making signs and small landscapes for businesses in town. Until the end of his days he remained in love with his little town of Ajijic, «the landscapes have changed a lot because of the development, but it is still beautiful every moment of the day.”

His collection included photos of old hammocks, fishermen, the lakeshore when it still had no pier, no boardwalk, and other landscapes of many iconic Ajijic sites. Some of what he photographed remains today, but much has disappeared; his body of work is art and history. He photographed traditions that are now almost extinct, such as the Day of the Cross, and the Day of the Altars of Sorrows.

Translated by Amy Esperanto

Lupita Hernández Romero and Moisés Real, creators of «Son del Telar». Photo: La Tradición de Ajijic.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).-  With great acceptance and enthusiasm the «Son del Telar» (Sound of the Loom) has premiered, the first one dedicated to the Magical Town of Ajijic.

The musical piece that was created by María Guadalupe «Lupita» Hernández Romero and the musician Moisés Real Gómez, was presented on May 29 with dance and folkloric music in Ajijic’s main square. 

The presentation was framed by a loom. Photo: La Tradición de Ajijic.

The event was attended by more than 150 people. They talked about the sound and the folkloric dance, as well as the making of the costumes that will be used to dance the musical piece that lasts about three and a half minutes. 

The song was presented to the rhythm of the loom, accompanied by Mariachi Nuevo Chapala, and the collaboration of Ballet Folklorico Maya and Ballet Folklorico Huitzillin.

Mariachi Nuevo Chapala was in charge of the interpretation of the musical piece. Photo: La Tradición de Ajijic.

One of the folkloric dances presented during the premiere. Photo: La Tradición de Ajijic.

«From the beginning it was very entertaining, and when it was first presented, it made many of us cry. People were very surprised with the result,» said an attendee of the event.

Ajijic council woman Denisse Ibarra; municipal president Alejandro Aguirre; and office manager Maximiano Macias. Photo: La Tradición de Ajijic.

The song «El Son del Telar» can be found on YouTube and Facebook; in the video you can see the popular characters of the sayacas and places like the square and the Magic Town boardwalk.  The video is by Mariachi Nuevo Chapala. 

«There is no prettier town than my Ajijic, so pretty, full of beautiful girls and lots of sayacas,» can be heard in the song written in honor of the town.  

Translated by Sydney Metrick

The Terranova High School cheerleading squad gave a lively welcome to the schools participating in the Terra Games on May 25 and 26.

Editor.- With a performance by the famed  tapatío singers Zornoza and Marco León, the Terranova Institute of Ajijic celebrated the opening of the 2022 Terra Games.

Diana González Hermosillo Garibay, academic director of the Games’ host school, said that the approximate 700 students that ranged in age from elementary to high school from Chapala and Guadalajara participated in different sports competitions such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis and more. 

During his welcome speech, José Andrés Blum, the general director of the Institute, highlighted values such as harmony, participation, a sense of self-improvement, and tenacity; values found in the arts and sports, and that should be part of the lives of students and human beings.

Prior to the cutting of the inaugural ribbon, the tapatío singers Zornoza and Marco León, actors in the series «Guerra de Vecinos,» performed two musical themes, highlighting the love song «Bonito.»

Translated by MaryAnne Marble

The pickup ended up impacting a tree.

Wagon involved in the accident.

A collision  between two vehicles took place  during the afternoon of May 31 on the Ajijic-Chapala highway. Two people were injured in the accident, but their injuries were not life-threatening.

The accident involved a black Ford double cab pickup truck and a gray Honda wagon. The pickup ended up crashing into a tree, while the Honda had damage to the front only.  

Emergency Services arrived at the point, near the Chapala Civil Protection and Fire Department station, while the area was heavily loaded with traffic due to the collision. 

Translated by Sandy Britton