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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

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.

Signing of the agreement between municipal and Jalisco authorities for the handover of the former Chapala Police Station. Photo: Municipality of Chapala.

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.  

Chapala has rented the building since 1998. Photo: Jazmín Stengel.

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.”

The Regional Police had occupied a small building in La Cristianía Park. Photo: Jazmín Stengel.

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. 

Officers from the Municipal Police Station wearing the orange ribbon as a symbol of support for the eradication of violence against women. Photo: Jazmín Stengel.

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

CUOP celebrated the birthday of Octavio Paz with biographies and reading of poems by the writer who gave his name to the educational institution.

Editor. With sports and cultural activities, the students of the Octavio Paz University Campus (CUOP) commemorated the 108th birthday of the Mexican poet and writer who gave his name to the campus located in Ajijic.

Elizabeth Gutiérrez, Rector of CUOP, thanked and congratulated all the participants in the event.

The event, held on March 31, began with the honoring of the national flag under the custody of the elementary school escort. Following this, aspects of the poet’s life were narrated by high school students, while the writer himself was brought to life by the elementary age students.  

In addition, the youngest students of CUOP, nursery and preschool students, released balloons symbolizing the eternity of his work.

The high school participated with the interpretation of the poem «Otoño» (Autumn), which was presented in Spanish and English. 

During the tribute, the Mexican writer was brought to life thanks to the presentations of elementary school students.

Students taking part in the curriculum of the University of Guadalajara (UdeG) read aloud the story «El Ramo Azul,» which concluded with an oral tour of phrases of the poet’s work. The ceremony continued with the presentation of awards to students who participated in the LIMATEJ mathematics tournament, organized by the Ministry of Education of Jalisco (SEJ), as well as to the students who won first and second place. 

The youngest students of CUOP, nursery and preschool students, carried out a balloon release.

Awards were given to the teachers’ team that won the volleyball tournament a few days prior to the celebration, and uniforms were given to the men’s and women’s high school volleyball teams. The high school students won third place in volleyball at the municipal level. 

To conclude the event, Mrs. Elizabeth Gutiérrez, Rector of CUOP, thanked and congratulated all the participants in the event, inviting them to continue their hard work and reaping good results in both academics and sports. 

Translated by Rebecca Zittle

Despite the fact that hospitalizations are decreasing in Jalisco, the SSJ asked citizens not to forget health protocols.  (Photo: El Sol de Hermosillo)

Staff.- The Ministry of Health of Jalisco (SSJ) released a statement indicating that hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 continue to decrease in the state.  Although 45 deaths due to the disease were reported as of March 25, 2022, most of them occurred days, and even weeks and months, ago.

Of the total number of deaths reported on March 25, 2022, 91% occurred prior to week seven of this year 2022; one in week ten, two in week eleven, and only one in week 12.

To date, Jalisco has recorded a total of 19,226 confirmed deaths due to the COVID-19 virus and 580,249 confirmed cases (as of 1:00 p.m. on March 25, 2022).

The agency reiterated that the pandemic continues to be active, and encouraged residents to properly use masks, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol gel, and to complete vaccination schedules or get a COVID-19 booster if they are 18 years of age or older.

Translated by Rebecca Zittle

Firefighters worked for hours. Photo: Courtesy.

Editor.- A strong fire in the Libertad market, better known as San Juan de Dios, surprised the city of Guadalajara during the early hours of Thursday, March 31, affecting 430 businesses and damaging the historic building.

Around three o’clock in the morning as the authorities realized the magnitude of the fire several metropolitan corporations of Civil Protection and Firefighter were notified.  They worked intensively to gradually quench the flames. 

The interior of the burned market. Photo: Courtesy.

The president of Guadalajara, Pablo Lemus, went to the site of the fire Friday morning to assess the damage to the southern part of the market where food, clothing and sundries are sold.  He stated that a short circuit of an illegal electric installation may have been the cause of the disaster. 

The shopkeepers waited behind police barricades, uncertain as to whether their businesses were affected. When they were allowed to enter the market in small groups, tears and feelings of helplessness were evident.  Many could not believe what had happened.

No injuries were reported from the incident, but there were multiple economic losses. The Government of Guadalajara and the Government of Jalisco announced that they will provide support to those who were affected.   

Translated by Nita Rudy

Two terraces have already been installed in the commercial area of San Juan Cosalá’s boardwalk. 

Héctor Ruiz Mejía (Jocotepec).-  The Government of Jocotepec authorized the installation of terraces in the commercial area of the boardwalk of the San Juan Cosalá delegation. 

According to local vendors, the original project proposed by the city council included «traditional» tile terraces for each one of the stores in order to homogenize the image of the establishments; however, the vendors were opposed.

The structures would have had a cost of 80,000 pesos (approximately US$4,000 or CDN$5,000), but after the merchants refused to pay that amount, the government opted to allow them to build their own terrace. «After some meetings where we refused the original project, they allowed us to make our own terraces, the only condition was that whoever had the money should start,» explained one of the merchants consulted, who preferred to remain anonymous.

The merchants are optimistic about the arrival of Holy Week, and the flow of visitors and cash that it brings with it, to assist in financing the construction of the new premises. «We have been building since last year when we started, we have been going along as we go along, little by little, as we can, we have even gone into debt, borrowing, whatever we can get, but we want to open it for Easter,» said the anonymous merchant.

Although the merchant did not specify the cost of the work, he said that the wood and the metallic structure of the platform, which will be approximately six meters wide and eleven meters long, represented a major investment, but one they hope to recover since the platform will have a capacity of 15 tables for four merchants on the upper floor.

Semanario Laguna tried to confirm this information through Jocotepec’s social communication department; however, the agency did not comment on the matter.

Translated by MaryAnne Marble

The tables of the new restaurant can already be seen at the Ajijic Cultural Center. Photo: Sofía Medeles. 

Sofía Medeles(Ajijic).- A space on the second floor of the Centro Cultural de Ajijic (CCA), as well as a small part of the terrace in front of the venue, has been rented to install a restaurant.

The administrator of the CCA, Héctor Hinojosa, commented that these permits and the lease were granted by the Municipality of Chapala and that this area on the second floor has been suitable for a restaurant since the building was built, with a bar and a space for kitchen furniture. 

«If anyone goes to a gallery, a cultural center or an art space in the city, there is always a space designated for a cafeteria or a soda fountain. When the cultural center was built they planned in the space for this. Anyone who has visited it can see that there was always a space for the kitchen and tables,» said Hinojosa.

The administrator added that they charge 3,500 pesos for the rental of the space and that, in addition, the owner pays for the space in front of the building to place tables, which she is willing to remove when there are events.

Since it started operating last weekend, the restaurant, called «4 Estaciones (4 Seasons),» caused controversy because there were opinions against it, both for the place where it is located and for the tables that were placed outside the CCA. This space has previously had a restaurant in service.

Finally, Héctor invited those who were not in agreement to visit the place to see the quality of the food and to reflect that it is an attraction for tourists to visit the Cultural Center.

Translated by Sandy Britton

Jhaneiva Sinahi Mondragón Morales won first place in the LIMATEJ tournament in school zone 96. Photo: Alma Serrano. 

Alma Serrano (San Juan  Cosalá).-  Ten-year-old Jhaneiva Sinahi Mondragón Morales, a student from San Juan Cosalá, won first place in the Jalisco State Mathematics League competition. The fifth grade student stood out in the math skills tournament held on March 23 at the facilities of the Terranova Institute, located in Ajijic. Fifty-two fifth and sixth grade children competed in two categories of 26 students each.  All study in school zone 96, which includes schools from Chapala to the El Chante delegation in Jocotepec. 

Sinahi Mondragón earned the highest score of the day and  will represent her zone in a regional tournament, the date and place of which have not yet been defined. 

Sinahi Mondragón is a student at Escuela Primaria Urbana, 699 Ignacio Zaragoza, San Juan Cosalá.

Translated by Elisabeth Shields