lago

Officials painting the fencing along the boardwalk. Photo: Santiago Baeza

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)- Officials of the current PAN administration of Chapala, gave a facelift to the Ajijic boardwalk, painting area blue which previously were orange. 

«We haven’t been able to address it as much as we would like, but we’ve already started. We are going to continue throughout the park and the boardwalk, renewing the paint of the dining areas and library, and at the beginning of the year we will start to renovate the aging grills» said Ajijic Delegado or town administrator Maximiliano «Max» Macias Arceo, who promised that the boardwalk and the beaches of Ajijic will continue to be beautified.

Painted and clean, this is how the dining areas and grills look. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

The Delegado said that a search has already begun for a new water pump to irrigate the green areas. He emphasized that the line will not be connected to the Municipal Potable Water and Sewage System (SIMAPA), but will take water from the lake, to improve the distribution of water to the neighbors of the boardwalk.

The green benches without back supports that were removed from the Ajijic plaza due to popular complaint will also be repaired and then relocated back to the boardwalk.

«We are looking to designate one day a week to clean up the boardwalk, remove the “lirio” or floating seaweed, and provide maintenance. We still don’t know if there will be new projects for these areas, but for the time being, they will be maintained and cleaned,» concluded the interviewee. 

Translated by Kerry Watson

Photo Caption 1: The collection company has been overwhelmed by the problem.Photo:Héctor Ruiz Mejía

Héctor Ruiz Mejía – One and half million pesos are needed to reopen the La Loma landfill in Ixtlahuacán by Grupo Integral de Recolección y Reciclados de Occidente (GIRRSA), and save its contract with the City Hall.  City Hall does not have resources but it hopes GIRRSA can put up the funds to  solve the problem of the long transfers to Ixtlahuacán .

This will also benefit GIRRSA, since the investment it makes in the Ixtlahuacán landfill, around two million pesos a year, will be consolidated into a single investment for the possible new landfill.

According to the municipal president of Jocotepec, José Miguel Gómez López, the collection company only has five of the seven trucks in operation needed for the collection,  upsetting Jocotepec’s residents  since people say they no longer know when their garbage will be collected.

The problem of the trucks has already caused  intermittent collapse of the service and although José Miguel claimed that the company is willing to solve the problem, so far no action has been forthcoming. In addition to the mechanical failures that prevent the seven units from working properly, the round trip to and from the Ixtlahuacán landfill, which takes about four hours per unit, hinders the collection process, with delays accumulating for days and  even weeks.

The problem is illustrated by the  Mayra Berenice J. Vicente Negrete elementary school, which, according to García, principal of the school, the collection trucks do not have the capacity to go up to the school, so it has taken up to 15 days to clear  the garbage that 300 children generate. 

Every day the municipality generates around 40 tons of garbage;  the waste that accumulates with the collection and disposal problems, leaving the 47 thousand inhabitants of Jocotepec uncertain if someday the garbage problem can be solved favorably and definitively.

«The people don’t care, the people want results’ ‘, said José Miguel, adding  that although GIRRSA helped to contain the garbage crisis when the last administration had just begun, he will not hesitate to revoke the concession if they do not regularize the service.

Translated by Patrick O’Heffernan

Traffic lights in Walmart intersection. Photo: Semanario Laguna. 

Honey, can you tell if the light on the Carretera is red yet?

I can’t see it.  I think the green light is broken, or at least so dim it is invisible.  But I have to practically lean out of the window to see it and I can’t do that in this blouse. Can you see the other light?

There is no other light, hon, that is why I need to know about the lights on the Carretera.

Why didn’t they put a light on the other side of the highway?

I don’t know, honey.  Maybe the same reason they don’t fix the lights when they burn out or get damaged. Just look at this one next to us – it looks like a truck killed it and it is not quite ready to die.  Hold it, this delivery van wants to turn into the street  here so I have to back up so he can get in. 

I think we just got a green – the car facing us is starting into the intersection. Try your left turn now. They have a light on this side they can see.

As soon as this truck lets me move, hon.  Damn…the light just went red again. Now we have to wait through another cycle.  What idiot designed this intersection?

You know who – the same so-called Federal  engineer who designed the Walmart intersection. Why don’t you just turn right and then make a u-turn?

Yes! Hold on, hon…I made it. U-Turn at Pemex coming up.

Nicely done, dear.  Driving in this town is like playing a video game.

Opinion by Patrick O’Heffernan

Hon, video games are easier- everything generally works and there is a help desk.  Would you look at the signal at Juarez, just hanging down like that. If this is a Federal highway, the Mexican government should be embarrassed.

If the Administration is not embarrassed by the Maya Tren fiasco and the abandoned airport and the collapsing metro in Mexico City,  the lack of traffic lights in Ajijic won’t phase them.

Hon, you are so right. Now, tell me why is it that the Federal highway workers can shut down the Carretera  in rush hour to resurface the road which they could have done at night much faster, but they can’t manage to fix the broken traffic lights? Can’t Chapala do anything?

They tried, but it is a Federal highway.  Remember when the Chapala Director of Mobility got so frustrated with no-shows from the Feds he went out and synchronized the lights himself.

I do. One of my Mexican  beer buddies  suggested dumping truckloads of horse manure in front of the Federal Transportation office in Guadalajara until they get the message that their roads are not fit for cars.

I don’t think it would help, dear.  They don’t care and they have so much horse pucky of their own that they shovel at us, they probably wouldn’t even notice.

So true.  Wait, did the light just turn green?

(Watch for a follow up on Laguna’s survey of broken traffic lights)

Jocotepec municipality  has a population of 47,534 of which 24,129 are women, according to information from the Institute of Statistical and Geographic Information of Jalisco (IIEG), Jocotepec reports 870 attacks against women  throughout the municipality so far,  equivalent to 72.5 women attacked per month or  2.4 women per day. Photo Caption:The photograph is for illustrative purposes only.Photo:Héctor Ruiz Mejía.

Héctor Ruiz Mejía: According to data obtained by Laguna through a transparency request, 2.4 women are attacked  everyday somewhere in the municipality of Jocotepec. San Juan Cosalá  is Jocotepec’s most dangerous town for women for the third straight year.

San Juan Cosalá continues to be the most violent town despite a slight drop in reported attacks on women from their high point in 2019 .  In that year authorities registered 224 attacks , which represented 18.6 women raped per month. The year 2020  saw a drop to 210 attacks (17.5 women per month) . In 2021 there have been a total of 126 reported cases (10.6 women per month) to date, but Cassandra Reyes, director of the Directorate of Substantive Equality,  warns that December, traditionally the month with the highest incidence of violence, is still ahead.

«Something strange happens  after Christmas and days of partying and alcohol before the New Year, the numbers of women victims of violence shoot up,» she  said.

The numbers from the towns at the west end of Lake Chapala (known as the headwaters) are not encouraging either. Since 2020 attacks on women have  increased almost double  over 2019 as  the municipal headwaters area recorded 109  cases in 2019 (9.08 women per month),  204 cases in 2020 (17 cases per month) and so far this year, 115 cases of violence have been reported (9.5 per month), with an anticipated increase  in December.

However, last year saw the highest number of attacks, with  972 cases at the municipal level, which represented 81 women assaulted per month, largely influenced by the confinement caused by the pandemic, explained Casandra Reyes.

«The confinement represented a challenge for the women who were raped, as this made them live full time with their attacker who, being unemployed, increased their alcohol consumption», explained Cassandra.

Participants in the painting of a crosswalk with the colors of the community flag (Johnny Cobián, Noemí Martínez, Delfina Zamora, Cinthia Martínez, Jose Luis Ibarra, and Vanesa Sandoval). Photo: Sofía Medeles

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)-  Gay activists painted a zebra crossing with the colors of the rainbow flag Wednesday to make the LGBTTTIQ+ community visible in Lakeside.

Before painting the crosswalk, General director of Guadalajara Pride, Johnny Cobian explained that they were not doing a simple painting, but a political disobedience, a form of protest to tell the residents of Lakeside that they are there, they want to be visible, and, above all, to be respected.

«This action  is also to tell our sisters and brothers that they are not alone, because there are those who do not dare to express their sexuality out of fear, so we want to tell them  that here we are, fighting shoulder to shoulder, which is one of the objectives of this proud first year in Ajijic, and although they are few, the most important marches began with 10 people. In the future, this will be much bigger than today,» said Cobian.

Maximiliano «Max» Macías, who was in charge of the office, showed up to help secure the area while they were painting. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

The action was held in November instead of  during  the June festivities of the LGBTTTIQ+ community  because it celebrated an important event to the Mexican Gay community, the  so-called «Dance of the 41», a police raid that took place on November 17, 1901, to arrest a group of 42 men in dresses and ball gowns  at a dance., including Ignacio de la Torre y Mier, son-in-law of the then president, Porfirio Diaz, who was spared. 

Activists during the painting of the crosswalk. Photo: Sofía Medeles.

The activists invited the people of Chapala both inside and outside the movement to the parade on Saturday, November 20, starting at 4 p.m. in Chapala starting at  Cristianía Park and marching through the city to a small festival.

Translated  by Patrick O’Heffernan

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

Foto: Comunicación Social de Chapala.

Redacción.- Luego de que se volcara la embarcación en la que viajaba acompañado de otras dos personas, el cuerpo de Moisés «N» fue encontrado sin vida, en el interior del lago por elementos de Bomberos y Protección Civil de Chapala.

El incidente habría ocurrido la noche del 14 de noviembre cuando Bomberos y Protección Civil recibieron el reporte que se hacía referencia a una canoa perdida con tres personas a bordo, y cuya embarcación se volcó cuando regresaban a la orilla.

Comunicación Social informó que el cuerpo fue localizado a las 13:45 de este 15 de noviembre, a 10 metros de donde se encontraba la embarcación hundida en la que viajaba.

Formato de la denuncia, otorgado por el síndico Gamaliel Soto.

Sofía Medeles (Ajijic, Jal.)-La actual administración de Chapala está promoviendo que los lugareños denuncien ante las instancias federales la invasión al lecho del Lago de Chapala. 

Segunda parte del formato.

Es por esto, que el Ayuntamiento ha compartido por redes sociales un formato de quejas donde los lugareños podrán hacer sus denuncias, tanto rellenos como invasiones con cercados y presentarlas (con asesoría del Ayuntamiento) ante la Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA).

El activista de Ajijic, Julio Carmona, compartió en el grupo de Facebook: “Ajijic Junta Vecinal”, un formato facilitado por el síndico del ayuntamiento, Gamaliel Soto, el cual tiene como fin, denunciar apropiación y actividades ilegales dentro de la zona federal del Lago de Chapala.

Para denunciar, solo es necesario imprimir y llenar el formato, que incluye cuestiones simples, tales como el tipo de infracción que se está realizando, descripción de la denuncia y la dirección de los hechos, para después ser firmada por el solicitante y presentada en la oficina de la Sindicatura del Ayuntamiento de Chapala, donde se dirigirá el documento a la autoridad correspondiente, es decir PROFEPA.

El documento está disponible en el grupo Ajijic Junta Vecinal o en las redes sociales de Semanario Laguna, páginas desde las cuales se podrá guardar e imprimir.

Foto: Cortesía.

Héctor Ruiz Mejía.- Tras las invasiones federales y construcciones de fraccionamientos irregulares, uno de los bloques que conforman el movimiento llamado Pueblos Unidos por la Ribera es «Del Pueblo para el Pueblo», fundado en San Juan Cosalá y encabezado por Leobardo Rentería, quien es residente de la delegación de Jocotepec. 

Para el activista,sí afectaron los fraccionamientos en los deslaves provocadas por las lluvias del pasado 5 de octubre, “claro que hubo desviaciones de caudales, los arroyos los desviaron tapándolos”.

«Del Pueblo para el Pueblo» surgió a finales de mayo de 2021 con el objetivo de conciliar el proyecto de la ciclovía; a partir de ahí surgieron nuevas iniciativas, como las invasiones federales, tomando el ejemplo del vecino pueblo de Ajijic. 

 A pesar de las agresiones físicas e incluso el ataque mediático que ha recibido el movimiento a través de Facebook, seguirán haciendo lo que consideran correcto para el bienestar de la ribera, señaló el entrevistado.