en inglés

The walkway on Colón Street starts at the corner of Parroquia Street and ends at the Malecón. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- The walkway at Colón and Morelos streets, in the downtown area of Ajijic, was received with good comments by Ajijitecos, and will be set up  on weekends and holidays, authorities told Laguna.

The space set aside for pedestrians is only on the east side of the road, where cones have been placed  to indicate that there is no parking on that side, thus allowing tourists and locals to walk easily in the pathway created by the cones.

The person in charge of Ajijic’s office, Maximiliano «Max» Macías, explained that, both a survey in social networks and in person revealed a  positive response to the project, with a  small percentage  of negative opinion.

«I think it’s good, because this way the sidewalks are not so crowded, and there are no problems when passing people. And, since there are no people walking down the street, the flow of cars in that area is faster; it’s a very good idea». Photo: Sofía Medeles.

«For example, an American  commented that since there is nowhere to park, there are visitors who park at his door inconveniencing him. We are taking into account all opinions and not trying not to mpact anyone just to attract more tourism», said Max.

Ajijitecos interviewed by Laguna, confirmed what he said. Aurora, a young neighbor of Ajijic said, «I think it’s good, because this way the sidewalks are not so crowded, and there are no problems when passing people. And, since there are no people walking down the street, the flow of cars in that area is faster; it’s a very good idea». 

However, there was no lack of opposition comments which focused on the lack of parking on the main road.  

«This project is very unfortunate, because they removed parking spaces without offering an alternative solution. It is a good idea that they encourage people to walk, but what if someone with a disability wants to go to the Malecon? they would have to park far away, and there is nothing to do if they are late and need to be closer. Let’s hope they solve the problem soon,» shared a resident of Ajijic.

Finally, Max added that together with the municipal president, Alejandro Aguirre Curiel, they are looking for another parking lot, although  it may be difficult, since everything is very crowded. One solution could be to ask the merchants to leave the parking lots on the boardwalk free, he said. Finally, he asked the community of Ajijic to use the vehicle less, and try to move more on foot.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

The Queen Live Band will perform onstage at LCS at 3:30. Photo: Semanario Laguna. 

Patrick O’Heffernan, Ajijic.  Roy Gomez Cruz will return to the Concerts in the Park at LCS once again in the person of Freddie Mercury in two December 1 concerts that include a full Queen Live Band performance and a live and visual presentation of the “I Want It All :The Freddie Mercury Story”.

The Queen Live Band will perform onstage at LCS at 3:30. The band that dazzles audiences in the Palm Cabaret Club in Puerto Vallarta will bring its excitement to the LCS Park stage with favorites like We Will Rock You, We are Champions, Radio Ga Ga and Another One Bites the Dust.

At 6 pm Gomez returns in Mercury persona with   “I Want It All: The Freddie Mercury Story”, a high energy, visual and emotional journey through the songs and life events of the legendary Freddie Mercury. Gomez, who has a Master’s Degree  and is currently a PhD Candidate in Performance Studies at Northwestern University, immerses himself in the role of Freddie Mercury and amazes audiences with his detailed, authentic portrayal of the rocker. Palm Cabaret Entertainment Director Mark Rome, formally of the Spotlight in Ajijic, says, “I have never seen audiences embrace and enjoy a performance like this before,” of Gomez’s “I Want It All: The Freddie Mercury Story.

Freddie Mercury (born Farrokh Bulsara in 1946 and died in 1991) was a British singer, songwriter, record producer, and lead vocalist of the rock band Queen who is regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music. Known for his flamboyant stage persona and four-octave vocal range, Mercury defined  and redefined the conventions of a rock front man.

Advanced ticket purchase recommended. Tickets can be purchased at LCS office or online at https://lakechapalasociety.com. General Admission tickets (seats arranged in rows): $350 MXN.

VIP table tickets: $500 MXN

The proposal to request an advance of money for the payment of Christmas bonuses was unanimously approved.

Arturo Ortega (Chapala, Jalisco) – The Municipality of Chapala will request an advance of four million pesos from the General Fund of Participations to the Treasury Department of the State of Jalisco, in order to meet year-end commitments, including the payment of Christmas bonuses. 

The Mayor of Chapala, Alejandro de Jesús Aguirre Curiel, explained to the councilors that this is an option offered by the State Treasury Department to meet year-end commitments and those of the new administration.

Jaime Nicolás Padilla Ramos, the treasurer, estimated the payment of the Christmas bonuses from October to December at three and a half million pesos, when he was giving an economic report of City Hall.

Former mayor of Chapala (2018 -2021) and emecista, Moisés Alejandro Anaya Aguilar, recalled that the administration over which he presided made the payment corresponding to the months of January to September, and said he was in favor of the proposal as long as it is destined for the payment of the corresponding benefit to the workers.  

Padilla Ramos added that, if the request of the Chapala city council is approved by the Ministry of Finance, the funds will arrive before the legal deadline for the payment of the benefit, in mid-December. 

At the request of councilor Verónica Torres Raygoza, in case the advance is not granted, the municipal council will resort to a loan of five million pesos from a private individual, whose resources would be sought with an interest rate of no more than three percent and be paid by March 2022.

The issue was addressed as the tenth item of the November 4 city council meeting.

Translated by Dee Lynn

Area where the roadside was cleaned.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- Last Monday, personnel from the Ajijic delegation began cleaning an area of the highway and formed a strategy to continue cleaning, as well as making a plan to avoid littering at points and times where the garbage truck does not pass.

The area that was cleaned was from the highway, between the crossroads with Revolucion and Encarnación Rosas, along the entire roadside, as well as the cleaning of the planters, located on the side of the main road.

«The people shared with us their complaints, that in this area it is normal to take out garbage from before, for the moment, to combat these actions signs were sent to make signs with the number of the delegation to make complaints, whoever leaves their garbage and is caught will be sanctioned,» said the Head of Office Maximiliano «Max» Macias.

The interviewee shared that as part of his strategy to keep the town clean, garbage drums will be removed in places such as the so-called Placita de las Banderas. «One of the things that will be done is to eliminate cans. For example, in the Plaza de las Banderas where there are two drums, there are some people who take out garbage from home all day and every day, when they (the drums) are removed in these places, a sign will also be put up urging people to only take out the garbage on their corresponding schedule and days; if not, they will be sanctioned.»

As for the town’s streets, he affirmed that he, together with the workers of the delegation, are creating an organization chart of the town’s zones, and will be in charge of cleaning at least one day during the week, if possible on Saturdays -in conjunction with volunteers, for example, the students of CETAC-, also placing signs at points where garbage is usually placed.

Likewise, to keep the roadside planters clean, his idea is to collaborate with parks and gardens to help beautify the area and invite businesses to adopt a tree or plant from the boxes, to do their bit and support them by taking care of them and giving them maintenance.

Finally, he commented that the cleanliness of the town depends on everyone, and that although his job would be to initiate and set an example, it also depends on the ajijitecos to help; for example, by cleaning the facades of their houses or helping to take out the garbage at the corresponding times and days to their homes. The person in charge of the office made available the delegation’s telephone number (376 766 1760) to make the corresponding reports.

Photo: courtesy.

Héctor Ruiz Mejía – Although they are already performing their duties as delegates and municipal agents, the 13 office holders of the municipality of Jocotepec will be on probation for three months. The City Council has not yet decided whether it will let the towns elect their representatives.

Of the 13 people in charge of this Jocotepec administration (2021-2024), only two are women: Rosaura Villa Venegas, in charge of the town of San Cristóbal Zapotitlán; and Luz María Fernández Carranza, who is in charge of the townof Las Trojes.

As for the 11 men appointed, Óscar Torres Gálvez, the municipal agent of La Loma, will serve for the fourth time as the town representative, and Carlos Vázquez Reyes will be delegate of San Juan Cosalá for the second time.

Juan Antonio Flores García, who was left in charge of El Chantepec, took office ahead of schedule after the resignation of the former municipal agent, Pablo Mendoza, due to problems between the community and the Lago Luna subdivision.

«After all this happened, there were people who assaulted him at his home, people were upset, so he chose to resign,» said residents of Chantepec, who explained that they felt dissatisfied with the management of the former municipal agent.

For Nextipac, Antonio Valentín Flores was left in charge of the office; in Potrerillos, Víctor González Sánchez; in San Luciano Alberto Castañeda Canales and Everardo Ruiz Jiménez in El Molino.

Finally, in Huejotitán, Rodolfo Barreras Vázquez was appointed delegado and for the municipal agency of El Sauz, Valentín Torres García.

The list of those in charge of the office was unanimously approved by the reelected president of Jocotepec, José Miguel Gómez, as well as by the eight councilors that make up the town council.

List of municipal officials and agents for the 2021 – 2024 administration 

1 Carlos Vázquez Reyes,  San Juan Cosalá – in charge of office

2 Juan Antonio Flores García,  Chantepec – municipal agent

3 Óscar Torres Gálvez,  La Loma – municipal agent

4 Antonio Valentín Flores,  Nextipac – municipal agent

5 Víctor González Sánchez, Potrerillos – person in charge of office

6 Luz María María Fernández Carranza, Las Trojes – municipal agent

7 Alberto Castañeda Canales, San Luciano – municipal agent

8 Everardo Ruiz Jiménez, El Molino – municipal agent

9 Rodolfo Barreras Vázquez, Huejotitán – office manager

10 Francisco Rosas Navarro, Zapotitán de Hidalgo – in charge of office

11 José Ramón Medina Zaragoza, San Pedro Tesistán – person in charge of office

12 Rosaura Villa Venegas, San Cristóbal Zapotitán – in charge of office

13 Valentín Torres García, El Sauz – municipal agent

Translated by Sydney Metrick

Garbage at the intersection of Hidalgo and Juárez. These types of actions can now be reported, with proof attached, on the WhatsApp number: 33 3290 0382 or on the Facebook page Delegación Ajijic 2021-2024.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- Complaints to violators in Ajijic will be received, while maintaining the anonymity of the complainant, through the WhatsApp number: 33 3290 0382, which is managed by the person in charge of the office Maximiliano «Max» Macias Arceo. 

Macías Arceo, also invited to make reports through the Facebook account Delegación Ajijic 2021-2024, through a private message. In other words, it will be possible to report (under condition of anonymity) people who take out garbage at inappropriate times, who obstruct sidewalks and roads, among other situations that affect community coexistence. 

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

Ranzio, a fantastic zombie show. 

D. Arturo Ortega (Chapala, Jal).- A “clown theater” and four musical presentations is what Estación Cardinal Chapala, Un Cargamento de Cultura will present in the month of November in coordination with the Centro Cultural González Gallo (CCGG), Secretaría de Cultura Jalisco and the Dirección de Cultura de Chapala. All presentations are free and suitable for all audiences.

This month’s program opens with a presentation of «Ranzio, a fantastic zombie», a circus clown theater show that shows the difficulties of being and thinking differently in our society through a character that combines music, magic, circus and comedy. The presentation tookes place this Friday November 12 at 7:00 p.m. on Chapala’s malecon at the open-air forum «Salate de Felisa.» 

World music comes to Chapala with Phi and Tala Friks, two groups that will perform this Saturday, November 13, starting at 5:00 p.m. in San Antonio Tlayacapán’s plaza.

The sound of the guitar and transverse flute will be heard this Sunday, November 14, at the CCGG at 12:30 p.m., with the interpretation of David Mosqueda on strings and Nury Ulate on the wind instrument.

The whole family is invited to enjoy a beautiful sunset concert on the Ajijic boardwalk with Gil Rios Quartet and Marea Fandanguera on Saturday, November 20, starting at 6:00 p.m. 

A Concert with a Cumbia Flavor will be brought by the musical groups Los Afrodisíacos and La Pura Piña, who will conclude the program with a presentation at the open-air forum located on the Chapala boardwalk on November 27 at 7:00 pm.  

Translated by Kerry Watson

Open Parliamentary Bench in the Jalisco State Congress. Photo: Courtesy. 

Héctor Ruiz Mejía – In her first public act as deputy-elect, «Lolis» López, originally from Jocotepec, declared that she will seek a legislative agenda that is close to the people, to her district, as well as to promoting substantive equality, she said during the first open parliamentary session that took place on November 10 in the Jalisco State Congress.

The deputy was sworn in as president of the Substantive Equality and Gender Commission, and as a member of the Environment, Civil Protection and Resilience Commission. She aims to ensure better participation of women in both private and public spheres.

«Equality is not only a women’s issue, it is not a fight against men, it is a matter for everyone», explained López Jara, who stated that she will work towards all women having an impact on «an even floor of equal opportunities».

 López Jara presented the five axes of the program of Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) to a diverse audience including businessmen, activists and different media. She highlighted issues such as economic development, security, culture and corruption, especially the approach to the civilian population.

The Jocotepec congresswoman explained in an interview with Semanario Laguna that her plan is «to get to know the people» and explained that she intends to repeat the presentation  in her District (District 17). She has several times tried to hold similar formal events in delegations such as San Juan Cosalá, but attendance has been low. 

«These proposals are not conjectures, it will be an open parliament to listen to the entire civilian population because sometimes everything is concentrated only in the metropolitan area,» said Lolis.

López Jara served as a Councilor in the 2018-2021 administration, as well as a consultant for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; in addition, she has attended various courses focused on leadership for women, and equality and gender perspectives

Translated by Elisabeth Shields

Miss Grand México 2021, Mariana Macias.

Redaction. – With the crown of Miss Grand México 2021, Mariana Macias of San Antonio Tlayacapan, will face a new challenge in the beauty pageant catwalks representing Chapala and México in the ninth edition of the Miss Grand International 2021 pageant, to be held from November 16 to December 5.

Mariana, who in a local media  interview  said that  hers would be México’s first participation in the Miss Grand International pageant, has begun the research about the host country and is ramping up her public speaking and catwalk schedule as well as her physical exercise, among other disciplines on her way to Thailand.

If she qualifies and  wins in the distinguished beauty pageant finals on December 4, the former Miss Jalisco 2019,  said that she will expand  her agenda of activities to include trips to different countries.  But for now, she feels like a winner in the vast increase in her self-confidence.

Translated  by Patrick O’Heffernan

Patrick O’Heffernan.

Three double bass players – Evaristo Leyette, Gilberto Rios, and  David Calvario –  ran into each other at the Plaza recently and  talked – as three musicians will – about ways to promote music in Lakeside. They were joined by the new Director of Culture for Ajijic and San Antonio Tlayacapan, Santiago Baeza ,who also  happened to be in the plaza.

Ideas flowed, and the three double bass players decided to call a convocation of musical artists for a dialogue  about organizing for the benefit of the musicians and the community. Baeza agreed to attend as a guest, andEl Barco offered them  meeting  space. Evaristo  sent out an online invitation to the music community. The response was enthusiastic.

About 30 people filled the chairs on a sunny afternoon, mostly from the music community, including local band leaders, producers, and artists.  The meeting was conducted in English and Spanish and was chaired by Evaristo.  Culture Director Baeza  spoke, giving a little of his background in the arts and pointing out that as yet he did not have an office so his office “was in the streets,” which allowed him  to give artists his full attention, which he did.

He outlined his vision for the  “Good times ahead for art and culture in this area”, including musical events held in many public and private places,  a possible international jazz festival, and increasing the opportunities for musicians to play.

“My  job is to give you more options – I want to use every inch of Ajijic and San Antonio Tlayacapan for cultural activities,’ Baeza told the crowd.

 I love that vision – it reminds me how the  South By Southwest festival  uses every inch of Austin, Texas, and puts the small Texas city  solidly on the map as an American music and creative hub. As a music writer who has been covering fusion music (Mariachi blues, recuerdo rap, alt. cumbia electronica, chicana rock – you get the picture)  in the US, Europe and Mexico for almost 15 years from Los Angeles,  I was heartened to see that the instigators were  Mexican, that about a quarter of the audience was Mexican, and that it was bi-lingual from the start. I was also encouraged that some of the area’s heavy music hitters were there from all genres – major producers, band  and  orchestra leaders, popular artists – and they seemed to be buying in.  

After the meeting, Baeza told me how unique and vibrant  the music scene has become  in Ajijic and San Antonio Tlayacapan.  The energy and vision that Evaristo and his double bass co-conspirators  surfaced clearly demonstrated that the music scene here is not only varied but high quality and dynamic.  Baez’s energy and commitment supercharges this energy.

So what now?  The convocation was not an official event  but it was an important event. Many independent musical artists got together, added their names to a directory, and offered ideas and proposals. More importantly, they offered their commitment and their energy. 

The double bass trio have a plan,  determination,  and allies.  The product of what they have started could be music festivals, jobs and audiences for musicians,  and tourism.  But what is more exciting is how they may just  lay the foundation for a reputation  that goes far beyond Pueblo Magico, branding Ajijic/San Antonio Tlayacapan nationally and worldwide  not only as Mexican centers for art, but as a creative hub for music. We shall see, but the possibilities are music to my ears.

(see a  personal  statement by Director of Culture Santiago Baeeza elsewhere in this edition)

Patrick O’Heffernan