en inglés

Lago de Chapala. Foto: Héctor Ruíz. 

Por: Daniel Jiménez Carranza.

La Laguna de Chapala, otrora bello enclave  que cautivó a sus pobladores originales, provenientes de Aztlán, por sus aguas transparentes y saludables, playas con arenas limpias, y  una variedad de peces, cuyas especies algunas han desaparecido y otras se encuentran en proceso de serlo, como consecuencia de la actividad humana.

El agua, es elemento fundamental para el desarrollo de la vida, en todas sus manifestaciones, y como tal, la laguna como humedal, cumple con una importante función en nuestro entorno, pues mantiene los mantos freáticos, la biodiversidad de los recursos pesqueros, estabiliza las condiciones climáticas controlando la erosión, la retención de nutrientes y sedimentos favoreciendo la proliferación de la flora en la región, lo que le ha permitido ocupar un lugar privilegiado en el enclave climático global, considerado por la revista General Geographic, como uno de los lugares con mejor clima en el mundo.

Actualmente es doloroso observar el agua de la laguna en las condiciones en que se encuentra por las altas concentraciones de desechos industriales, agropecuarios, desechos orgánicos, utensilios de plástico, etc.,  todo ello, producto de  la degradación ambiental por la proliferación de residuos no metálicos como el azufre y flúor, y metálicos que han propiciado la “eutrofización” que es una capa que impide la penetración de los rayos solares y oxígeno provocando una excesiva proliferación de materia orgánica como el lirio, y últimamente, una capa verdosa.

En atención a estas imperantes circunstancias, es necesario tomar acciones que contribuyan a restaurar la calidad del agua, y su biodiversidad, concertando acciones entre todos los municipios ribereños de la laguna, de aquellos municipios localizados en las márgenes de los ríos que confluyen a la laguna, para formar un organismo rector que se ocupe de verificar e inspeccionar que se cumpla con la normatividad de SEMARNAT,  de todos aquellos sitios que desalojen residuos contaminantes cuenten con las plantas de tratamiento adecuadas, que las zonas de cultivo, empleen métodos naturales de combate a plagas y fertilización, así como integrar un fondo para la compra de equipo de dragado y limpieza, además de una adecuada concientización a la población, a través de módulos de información donde se exhiban videos de los desastres medioambientales a la laguna, y la importancia de su participación en conducirse adecuadamente, instalando depósitos de basura… ¡Inaplazable!

Traffic on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway through  downtown Ajijic, is constant, especially on weekends. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).- In recent weeks, traffic has jammed Ajijic, both on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway and on Ocampo Street. 

This situation has gone from being a holiday and weekend problem to a daily one, making it difficult for those who live in the town to travel by car.  Drivers interviewed by Laguna stated that it is becoming increasingly difficult to drive in the Pueblo Mágico, especially during rush hour.

«Normally, from 2:00 in the afternoon until 4:00 pm, the road fills up with cars from La Floresta and traffic starts to become more difficult in Villa Nova (in Chapala). The problem occurs in La Floresta, where everyone starts using the breakdown lane, and when they try to get back into the regular traffic lane, they cause a small jam. Then on Ocampo and Guadalupe Victoria, there is also a traffic jam, not to mention Colón. I don’t know where so many cars come from and I don’t see a solution to the problem,» said Luis, a resident of Ajijic.

When the vehicle load intensifies on the highway, motorists opt to cross the delegation through the surrounding streets, mainly Ocampo, however, Ajijic residents also mentioned Colón, Zaragoza, Juárez and Guadalupe Victoria as shortcuts now being used to avoid the Carretera..

On the other hand, pedestrians interviewed complained that cars and motorcycles move at high speed during traffic hours, making it difficult to cross at corners and putting both other drivers and residents at risk. 

«The children here on the block go out to play, plus there are several dogs. Cars going very fast don’t stop to see who is in the street or who might cross, they think they are going down the road. They say that the traffic jam is due to the traffic lights that are not synchronized, and if that is the case, the authorities should intervene quickly, because it is not only the traffic, they can harm the people who walk on the streets», said Fany, an Ajijic resident.

Director of Social Communication of Chapala Elizabeth Oropeza Silva ruled out that the problem is due to the traffic lights, since they were all repaired  and synchronized at the end of the year.

Other problems mentioned by those interviewed include the knot of cars at the intersections with the highway, for example, at the intersection of Revolucion Street, where cars start to merge into the highway after crossing La Floresta on the side, or on Aldama Street.

Another native of the town, Antonio, commented that some years ago these were problems that were seen only on vacations or when there were festivities, but since the appointment of Pueblo Mágico, it began to become a daily occurrence, in addition to mentioning problems such as long lines at rush hour and cars of visitors that drive the wrong way through the streets.

Director of Social Communication of Chapala Elizabeth Oropeza Silva, commented that since the Carretera is a state highway, the Chapala government has been requesting more support from the State Government in the form of more traffic police cars and police directing traffic. 

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

So far in 2022, Lake Chapala has lost 26 cm (about 10 ¼ inches) of water. According to data from the National Water Commission, Lake Chapala is at about 72% of its capacity, as of February 14th.

During the last rainy season, Lake Chapala gained 1.90 meters (about 75 inches), reaching 75.69% of its capacity; the level began dropping on December 18th.

Translated by Amy Esperanto

Councilman Hugo García Bombín next to the banners after the demonstrations in El Chante. 

Héctor Ruiz Mejía (Jocotepec ).– José Miguel Gómez López, municipal mayor of Jocotepec, in a video, accused FUTURO councilman Hugo García «Bombín,» of provoking disinformation among the community of El Chante, regarding the controversial work of connection to the water well. 

In response «Bombín»  published a video under the right of reply, where he argued that he was not inciting disorder and in which he claimed to be a man of the people.

«Yesterday (February 10), I was singled out by Mayor José Miguel Gómez López for misinforming the community of El Chante and now he says he will not solve the water and sewage problem because of the ‘disinformation’,» explained the opposition councilman in the video. 

The frictions between both public servants were taken to the Cabildo (council), since in the third ordinary session, held on February 14, José Miguel reiterated his accusation to the FUTURO alderman, of inciting the citizens to disinformation despite him having the correct information. 

He is «neither leader, the Messiah, nor Robin Hood,» asserted José Miguel Gómez regarding Hugo García’s position.

Backed by other council members such as Marisol Contreras Durán, from Morena, who lashed out at Hugo Garcia, calling him incompetent and lacking experience in politics. 

In response, «Bombín» reproached the Morena councilwoman for her «opposition» stance, which she swore to be invalid, by showing that her family was on the City Hall payroll.

The attacks against «Bombín» also was confirmed by a councilman of the same party, Israel Camarena Flores, who called him «unruly» and not a team player, since the councilman aclaimed «that all of them are workers of the people.»

Finally, after the attacks in the Cabildo session, «Bombín» assured that his intention has never been to misinform and he had no choice but to align himself with the majority and join in the socialization of the work and the dialogue with the reluctant community. 

Translated by Sydney Metrick

Inhabitants of El Chante have expressed their disagreement with the project and the City Hall by means of signs and protests. Photo: Héctor Ruiz Mejía.

Héctor Ruiz Mejía (Jocotepec).- Residents of El Chante and the Municipal Government of Jocotepec resumed talks after disputes over a construction project to connect the water well that supplies water to the community with a real estate development located on Ribera Del Lago street, which has provoked anger and indignation in the residents.

Last Tuesday, February 15, negotiations were resumed when both parties met  tgo try to mitigate the friction and inform the community about the project. The meeting was not attended by the municipal president José Miguel Gómez López, but the municipal trustee Carlos Alberto Zúñiga Chacón was present on his behalf, as well as the councilmembers Hugo García «Bombín» of FUTURO, José Manuel «Manolo» Haro Chacón of the Green Party, and Nancy Pérez Lupercio, Director of Citizen Participation. 

The representatives presented a series of documents showing the «legitimacy» of the development under construction known as Ribera Capital Living S. A. P. I. de C. V., a multi-family housing development  of 25 apartments. The project had legally obtained approval for its feasibility reports i, according to documentation delivered to the community.

Other documents presented included the surveyor’s report, the construction license granted under permit 2521/2018-2021, and payment vouchers for permits totaling 718,935 pesos.

The meeting ended with the inhabitants of El Chante agreeing that they will review the information received, but for the time being the project will  remain suspended.

Protests were carried out by the citizens on February 4 and 8, where the protesters chanted “The people, united, will never be defeated,» and displayed banners with messages such as «This well is ours,” causing the closure of the dialogue with the City Hall.

José Miguel Gómez López sent a messge through his social networks that El Chante would be left without the support provided by the project, «despite the fact that the construction company had done everything right and that there would be other communities that would use the resources.”

Felipe Aguilar Montes de Oca, director of Social Communication, stated that, in the event of receiving a negative response from the community to the project for the renovation of water and sewage networks, the delegation of San Juan Cosalá is already being considered as the possible beneficiary. 

Translated by Sandy Britton

Casa Comunal of Ajijic is located at Galeana #289

Sofia Medeles(Ajijic).– The president of the Indigenous Community of Axixic, or CIA, Margarito Rojas Mora, clarified that the remodeling of the Casa Comunal is being done primarily in order to protect the collections and to provide a more comfortable space for the community member meetings.

In addition, the property, located at Hermenegildo Galeana #289, will be able to be used as an event hall by the members of the CIA. 

The hall can also be rented out for parties upon request, with the intention of generating resources for the organization. Finally, Margarito Rojas reiterated that the money received was distributed to the community members and the rest was used for the remodeling.

Translated by Colleen Beery

Alejando de Jesús Aguirre Curiel during an interview in his presidential office.

Jazmín Stengel (Chapala).– The campaign to recover public spaces will  continue, declared Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel, president of Chapala, during an interview with the media on February 15. 

When questioned by this reporter about whether the opening of privatized streets will happen in other subdivisions of the municipality, the mayor said that work is already being done in this regard. «As you have seen, we have already been working on it and we will continue,» he announced. 

The first reopening of closed streets occurred in the Mirasol subdivision. This change provoked discontent from the subdivision’s residents.  Aguirre Curiel reiterated that these streets will remain open, «The streets have to be open because the population of the area has grown.» 

«The growth of the population is with its streets,» said the president, adding that the campaign to recover public spaces will not stop, as promised during my political campaign.

The authorities did not provide specific data on which streets will be reopened, nor how many subdivisions are in the same situation as Mirasol before this report went to press.

Translated by Nita Rudy

Traffic on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway, near Rancho del Oro, in Ajijic. Photo: Sofía Medeles

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic).– In the last few weeks, traffic saturation on the Chapala-Jocotepec highway, at the height of Ajijic, as well as its streets, especially Ocampo, has been increasingly noticeable. This situation is changing from a holiday problem into a daily one, making it difficult for those who live in the town to use their cars. 

On Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th, there were lines of cars from San Juan Cosalá, due to the accident on the Guadalajara-Morelia highway at the intersection of El Molino, in Jocotepec. This accident caused cars to take up to 50 minutes to drive the three kilometers through Ajijic, also congesting Ocampo Street while it was used as an alternate route. 

Although the traffic is not always this heavy, several drivers in the town said that it is increasingly difficult to drive in  Ajjic, especially during rush hour.

«Normally, from two o’clock in the afternoon until four o’clock, the road fills up with cars from La Floresta and traffic starts to become lighter in Villa Nova (in Chapala). The problem occurs in La Floresta, where everyone starts to use the side roads, and they jam  traffic. Then on Ocampo and Guadalupe Victoria, there is also a traffic jam, not to mention on Colón. I don’t know where so many cars come from and I don’t see a solution to the problem,» said Luis, a resident of Ajijic.

Another native of the town, Antonio, commented that some years ago these were problems that were only seen on vacations or when there were festivities, but since Ajijic was declared a Magic Town, it began to become a daily occurrence.

«On a Tuesday or Thursday, it has taken me up to 40 minutes to get through Ajijic. During rush hour they should assign traffic cops because there is no lack of visitors who want to go the wrong way on a street, just to get around the traffic on the highway. It happens a lot on Zaragoza Street, around Six Corners, and they don’t go slowly, they go very fast.»

Fany, a pedestrian in the area, confirmed that cars coming down to avoid traffic usually go at high speed. She said, «The children here on the block go out to play, plus there are several dogs. Cars going very fast don’t stop to see who might be trying to cross, they just think they are going down the road. They say that the traffic jam is due to the traffic lights not being synchronized, and if that is the case, the authorities should intervene quickly. Because it is not only the traffic, it can cause harm to the people who walk on the street.”

The director of Social Communication of Chapala, Elizabeth Oropeza Silva, commented that since the highway is a state highway, they haven’t asked for support from the State Government, for more police crs and traffic police. She also ruled out that the problem is due to the traffic lights, since they were maintained and synchronized at the end of the year. 

Translated by Christalle Dalsted

Our Lady of Lourdes during her coronation Feb. 11 in her neighborhood chapel.

Jazmín Stengel.- This year, the image of the Virgin of Lourdes got to know her neighborhood in depth. Due to the cancellation of the religious festivities and processions because of the pandemic, neighbors received the visit of the venerated image in their homes Feb. 11.

Since the usual procession to the church of St. Francis of Assisi was prohibited, the guard chose to go through the houses and streets of their neighborhood. This gave people an opportunity to enjoy the presence of Our Lady of Lourdes in an intimate setting. 

“We were not going to stand idly by,” said Carmelita, who every year helps organize the carnival in the parking lot outside the Chapel of Our Lady of Lourdes, where the feast was usually held. 

“We told the neighbors that they could not come in the procession, but that we would pass with the statue to their homes.” Said Carmela’s husband. They all ran to their homes to receive the sacred image. People liked this very much, since “it was something beautiful and unforgettable,” said a young neighbor.

After she was crowned, parishioners thanked her for the miracles she has granted them.

The coronation of Our Lady of Lourdes usually takes place at 6 a.m. However, with the current restrictions and at the request of the priest in charge, it was postponed until the Mass of “the sick,” at noon. During that Eucharist, the people gave thanks for miracles the Virgin has granted them, kissing and caressing her once with her crown on.

The party used to last all night, with fireworks, rockets, drinks and lots of food. But that also was not possible this year. That did not change the faith, nor the loyalty of her parishioners who escorted her throughout the day until the removal of her crown, at almost at 10 p.m.

The crown was donated 50 years ago, according to the neighbors, by inhabitants of the French colony who helped build the Chapel of Lourdes in 1940, coordinated by Guillermo González Hermosillo y Brizuela.

Translated by Mike Rogers

ARIES (March 21 – April 20) 

You may be experiencing a personal crisis, but this Moon is very favorable to you and will attract luck into your life to leave behind what is making you suffer. Be cautious because the tensions of the environment can lead you to talk too much and not act appropriately. Do not get carried away by your impulses.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20) 

Some situations at home may be worrying, but the energy of the Moon softens the atmosphere and helps you get along well with the family. If you have unfinished business, take care of it as soon as possible and leave nothing to chance. Enjoy the little things will help you to appreciate what you have and to recover the illusion.

GEMINIS (May 21 – June 21) 

Your ability to speak and communicate is very enhanced by the Moon and you will connect wonderfully with people. Any trip you undertake you could make very positive contacts for your professional and personal life. With Mercury, things will be very clear and you will know how to act in difficult situations. Do not give anything up for lost without having tried everything.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22) 

Some issues related to money may have you worried, but the stars favor your work and your economy and can bring you solutions to regain peace of mind. Make an effort to accept others as they are, without expecting them to change, so as not to generate a climate of confrontation in which you will lose out. You will have magical days.

LEO (July 23 – August 23) 

Your self-confidence will help you to accept with courage any challenge that arises and you will know how to act in the best way to get what you want. The Moon in your sign boosts your luck and can bring benefits for you and your friends. Something unexpected may happen that will give a very positive direction to your love life.

VIRGO (August 24 – September 23) 

Life invites you to dream and to seek new horizons that make you happy. Things will go very well for you and you will be able to develop projects and activities that you have been looking forward to for a long time. It is a great time to open yourself to love and enjoy relationships to the fullest. The Moon in your sign gives you some magical days.

LIBRA (September 24 – October 22)

If something tells you that you are right, follow your intuition because you will be right, so do not miss opportunities due to doubts about yourself. The Moon is very favorable for everything related to friends and through one of them may come something that will make you happy. Show yourself open to change because it is your time and you should take advantage of it.

SCORPIO (October 23 – November 22)

You may have doubts about something you did in the past and you will not be able to stop thinking about it, but the Moon is a very favorable energy for you and can bring you a very positive change of course to leave the past behind. New people may come into your life that will be like fresh air for you. Live life the way you think you should.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 21) 

Your work affairs are favored by the energy of the Moon, but be careful because some conflictive situation could arise in which you will have to control your impulses, however hard it may be for you to do so. Some trip may come up that excites you and helps you forget the bad memories of the past. Open up and share your feelings.

CAPRICORN (December 22 – January 19) 

The Moon regenerates you, helping you to free yourself from situations that distress you and to think more about yourself. Show yourself open to the changes that come, with a positive attitude towards life so as not to miss opportunities that may not return. With Venus in your sign luck favors you in love and you can recover your smile if you have suffered some disappointment.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 19)

You are receiving a very beneficial energy from the Sun that transits through your sign and there will be no impediments that will keep you from your plans. The planet Mercury enters your sign and you will notice that your mind is very agile and you are clear about what is best for you. You will be sociable and can reach personal and professional successes. The Moon harmonizes your life.

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)

The Sun enters your sign and will illuminate your life, helping you to find solutions and feel happier. Follow your intuitions because they will show you the way to move forward in something that is very important to you. The Moon can bring you lucky breaks at work and opportunities that you will know how to take advantage of.