Continuing Ed for Solutions Mazatlan Staff

AMPI recently had a training course regarding the understanding of deeds. In order to better serve the needs of the clients of Solutions Mazatlán, Shaun Klynstra sent team members Gonzalo Moreno, Carla Osuna and Lizette Blancarte to the seminar. It was held at the business room of a hotel on the Malecon. Realtors from different offices attended as well as the president of AMPI ,Mazatlan Jesus Lopez.  After successfully completing the course, the staff were awarded certificates of completion.

 

Continuing education is invaluable for both team and client support. Keeping everyone up to date and on the some page is something Solutions Mazatlán strives to do everyday!

 

If you have any questions about deeds or anything else real estate relate send us an email and we will answer your inquiry.Solutions Mazatlan is a full service real estate team that is dedicated to serving you, the client. Whether you are going to buy, sell, or rent real estate in Mazatlan, our team is going to be with you every step of the way and we’ll be there afterwards to support you too

 

AMPI Mazatlan is the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals in Mazatlan, Mexico, which gathers under a Constitution and a Code of Ethics to all individuals engaged in the property business as: Marketers, Managers, Appraisers, Mediators, Developers, Brokers, Financing and Consultants. AMPI is the largest Real Estate Association in Mexico which was formed in 1957 in Mexico City.

 

AMPI works together with the Municipal, Federal and State authorities, proposing new laws and amendments to existing regulations and laws, directly related to the Real Estate activity.
 

Read more about AMPI here.

 

 

 

Mexican wins third Derby

Jockey Víctor Espinoza leads American Pharoah to the win before a record crowd at Churchill Downs in Kentucky, Saturday. AP PHOTO/MORRY GASH

BY JOSH ABNER
The Associated Press
thenews.mx


LOUISVILLE, Kentucky – Víctor Espinoza is getting pretty good at winning the Kentucky Derby.
The jockey who calls himself the “the luckiest Mexican on Earth” won his second straight Derby and third overall Saturday, guiding favorite American Pharoah to a one-length victory over Firing Line before a record crowd of 170,513 at Churchill Downs.

Espinoza won last year’s Derby aboard another favorite, California Chrome, and with War Emblem in 2002. Two of his wins came for trainer Bob Baffert, with American Pharoah and War Emblem.

The 42-year-old became the seventh jockey to win three Derbies and the sixth to win in back-to-back years — Calvin Borel being the most recent with Super Saver in 2010 and Mine That Bird in 2009.
 

“There’s been a lot of great trainers that haven’t been able to win it because they just didn’t have the horse, but every great jockey wins the Kentucky Derby,” Baffert said in praising his jockey.

American Pharoah was the 3-1 favorite in the 18-horse field. After winning last year’s race, Espinoza said Baffert congratulated him with this message: “You and I, next year.”

“What were the odds?” Espinoza asked Saturday. “We were just joking around.”

Espinoza, among the nation’s leading riders, describes himself as nervous and hyper, yet was calm throughout the week. Even his wife said he seemed unexpectedly relaxed.

It’s understandable why Espinoza felt strongly entering the Derby: American Pharoah had won four straight stakes races by 22 1/4 lengths combined.
 

“It’s all about confidence,” he said. “I went into this race with so much confidence in American Pharoah. The way he was running, the way he was winning.”

American Pharoah cruised to a dominating eight-length win in the Arkansas Derby on April 11 that made him the horse to beat.

The horse and Espinoza now prepare for the trip to Baltimore in two weeks for the Preakness, the second leg of the Triple Crown.

Just before the race, the wife of American Pharoah owner Ahmed Zayat promised she’d make Espinoza dinner if he won.

After he held up his end, she told the crowd at the post-race news conference, “I owe you dinner.”
Espinoza answered, “I hope you know how to make Mexican food.””

Spain’s Iberdrola to Build Cogeneration Plant in Mexico

laht.com

MADRID – Spain’s Iberdrola said on Monday it signed a contract with petrochemical company Dynasol to build a 56 MW cogeneration power plant in the northeastern Mexican state of Tamaulipas.

The cogeneration plant will cost 1.3 billion pesos ($84 million), Iberdrola said in a statement.

Cogeneration is a process that simultaneously produces both electricity and heat from one fuel source, such as natural gas, making use of heat that would otherwise be lost.

The deal is part of an expansion strategy in Mexico, where plans call for investing up to 78 billion pesos ($5 billion) in generation projects over the next few years, the Spanish company said.

Iberdrola, Spain’s largest power company, operates in Britain, the United States, Mexico and Brazil.

Cinco de Mayo Commemorates La Batalla de Puebla

BanderasNews.com
May 5, 2015

banderasnews.com

Cinco de Mayo is a significant date in Mexican history. On May 5, 1862, Mexicans won the battle at Puebla against the much larger French army. Despite being outnumbered, the Mexican army was victorious.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Lots of us have heard of the Mexican holiday Cinco de Mayo, but not everyone knows what it celebrates. It is not, as some believe, Mexico's Independence Day. The festivities that occur on the fifth day of May commemorate a battle that was fought almost 50 years after Mexico declared its independence from Spain.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's independence, but it is not Independence Day. Mexico asserted its independence from Spain on September 16, 1810. The festivities on May 5 are about another battle for independence - a battle fought against the French in 1862.

After the 1846 Mexican-American War, in which boundaries were clarified after Texas became the 28th U.S. state, Mexico entered a period of political and financial hardship. The Mexican civil war lasted from 1858 to 1861 and left Mexico without a stable support structure. To supplement a deflated economy, Mexico borrowed a great deal of money from other countries. Among those countries were England, Spain and France.

In 1862, all three European powers came to collect. Their navies arrived in Mexico to demand payment and land to settle the debts, but Mexico offered vouchers instead, essentially asking for more time. England and Spain accepted and went home; France invaded, seeking total control of Mexico. Under Napoleon III, French troops began at the shore and tried to make their way to Mexico City. Before they could get to the capital, they were stopped at the state of Puebla, where a major battle took place on May 5, 1862: La Batalla de Puebla.

Outnumbered and outarmed, the Mexican soldiers at Puebla, under the command of General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, managed to defeat the French forces. Ultimately, the Mexican victory at Puebla only delayed the French invasion of Mexico City, and a year later, the French occupied Mexico.
But the Mexican men who fought at Puebla nonetheless defied the odds to defend its independence. Cinco de Mayo celebrates that bravery and determination, and commemorates Mexico's fight to ward off imperialist forces.

The city of Puebla holds a big annual celebration on the anniversary of the battle. But in most of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is not really celebrated. The real celebration takes place on Independence Day, the Sixteenth of September (or Diez y Seis de Septiembre), when everybody celebrates similar to the way the Fourth of July is celebrated in the U.S., with feasting, fireworks and parades dedicated to celebrating Mexico's freedom from European external powers.

Norway and Mexico Looking To Increase Economic Ties

theyucatantimes.com

Norway’s Foreign Relations Minister Morten Hoglund called on President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration to fully implement the free trade agreement between the two countries Tuesday, in order to attract large investments to Mexico.

Commercial services and investments are aspects of the agreement which have yet to be completely incorporated. The Free Trade Agreement between Norway and Mexico includes a large portion of the exchange between the European and Latin American nations. The Norwegian government seeks to establish a bilateral agreement on commerce with the Mexican government.

While inaugurating the forum for Norwegian Business Day in Mexico, the secretary said that the test of the free trade agreement is the opening of sea trade by the Mexican government and the recent approval of structural reforms which open the energy sector for private and foreign investment.

“Mexico has recently embarked on a series of ambitious reforms to be a more attractive destination for the international business community,” Hoglund said. “The reforms to the energy sector have a similarity to our own regulatory and concessions system for assigning exploration rights and a very strong regulatory situation, also an oil revenues fund, which has served us very well.”

Norway, Mexico strengthen ties (PHOTO COURTESY OF SRE)

The secretary said that Norwegian companies have emerged as pioneers in terms of cost effectiveness and environmental solutions for natural resource exploitation, especially offshore drilling. Norwegian companies have already established offices in Cuidad del Carmen.

Four Norwegian companies have undertaken seven seismic studies for deepwater drilling, he said, the first time that foreign companies have undertaken this type of exploration in Mexico.
During the forum for Norwegian businesses, hosted at the Foreign Relations Secretariat headquarters in Mexico City, the two governments sought to create alliances and incentive for investments, in the context of the structural reforms in Mexico.

Specialists from both nations talked about the desire to attract investment from Norway and other international business leaders. The ambassadors praised the Mexican energy reform as one of the most important in recent decades. The Mexican government hopes that investment and shared technology will translate into better growth, jobs, efficient energy, exports and competitive prices.

BY PEDRO MONTES DE OCA
The News
Source: http://thenews.mx/

Two ancient Maya cities found

thenews.mx

REUTERS PHOTO/Research Center of the Slovenian Academ y of Sciences and Arts.

 

 

Archaeologists have found two ancient Maya cities hidden in a jungle in Mexico.

 

 

REUTERS Archaeologists have found two ancient Mayan cities hidden in the jungle of southeastern Mexico, and the lead researcher says he believes there are “dozens” more to be found in the region. Ivan Sprajc, associate professor at the Research Center of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, said his team found the ancient cities of Lagunita and Tamchen on the Yucatan peninsula in April by examining aerial photographs of the region. Sprajc said the two cities reached their heyday in the Late and Terminal Classic periods (600-1000 AD).

AT&T Inc. Completes Acquisition of Nextel Mexico

att.com
go to original
May 4, 2015

banderasnews.com

On the heels of purchasing Iusacell, AT&T has completed its acquisition of Nextel Mexico. AT&T will merge Iusacell and Nextel into a single company to create the first-ever 'North American Mobile Service Area.'

Mexico City — AT&T has completed its acquisition of companies operating under the name Nextel Mexico from NII Holdings, Inc., including spectrum licenses, network assets, retail stores and subscribers in Mexico, for $1.875 billion, less approximately $427 million of net debt and other adjustments.

Earlier this year, AT&T acquired Mexican wireless provider Iusacell. AT&T will integrate Iusacell & Nextel into one company focused on bringing more choices, better service and faster mobile Internet speeds to more locations throughout Mexico.

AT&T plans to create the first-ever 'North American Mobile Service area,' which will cover more than 400 million consumers and businesses in Mexico and the U.S.

Thaddeus Arroyo, Chief Executive Officer for AT&T Mexico, LLC and Iusacell, will lead the combined company.

Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America and has a growing middle class. This economic strength, combined with Mexico's close geographic, economic and cultural ties to the U.S., make it an attractive place for AT&T to invest.

AT&T's acquisition of Nextel Mexico was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, which is overseeing the restructuring of NII Holdings. It was also approved by Mexico's telecom regulator, Instituto Federal de Telecomunicaciones.

Swift action by IFT, aided by recent regulatory reform by the Mexican government, has created a positive climate for AT&T to invest significantly in Mexico.

Original article

Mar del Fondo Produces Three Meter Waves, Floods Road

by Maureen Dietrich

4 May 15 

mazmessenger.com

Despite the red flags, dozens of beachgoers entered the treacherous water.

The annual mar del fondo oceanic phenomenon is causing havoc along Pacific coastal areas prompting the Federal government to post alerts in Sinaloa, Baja California Sur, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Guerrero, Oaxaca and Chiapas.

Its affects have been felt in Mazatlán since Saturday when lifeguards closed all beaches. Despite the red flags, dozens of beachgoers entered the treacherous water where three meter waves with strong undercurrents pounded the normally tranquil beaches.

Waves flooded access walkways in the Zona Dorada beside the Inn at Mazatlán and south of the El Cid hotel towers.

Waves have been pounding up against and breaching retaining walls of hotels and private residences flooding access walkways in the Zona Dorada beside the Inn at Mazatlán and south of the El Cid hotel towers. Flood waters reached Av. Camarón Sábalo where traffic was forced to slow down to wade through the overflow.

Mazatlán’s Port Captain closed navigation for small boats including sports fishing and recreational boating. Juan Romero of the Office of the Port Captain said the closure could be in effect until tomorrow (Tuesday) when they would re-evaluate the situation.

The Secretary of National Defence stated Acapulco and Coyuca de Benítz in Guerrero have suffered the most damage from the mar del fondo. There a total of 218 homes were damaged, one person died and another disappeared.

The National Meteorological Service advised the oceanic phenomenon would continue for another 48 hours.

(from Noroeste)

Mexico's Central Bank Leaves Interest Rate Unchanged at 3%

laht.com

MEXICO CITY – The Mexico Central Bank left the overnight rate unchanged at 3.0% in Thursday’s policy meeting, matching market expectations.

The closing paragraph from the statement was almost identical to the one from the 26 March statement. The bank wrote that it will remain watchful of all determinants of inflation and of medium- and long-term inflation expectations, but particularly the relative monetary policy stance (Mexico-United States) and the performance of the exchange rate trend.

One subtle change relative to March was that in March the bank wrote it would watch the performance of the exchange rate, and not of its trend. Analysts believe that this may be an attempt to signal that the currency trend is more important than outright levels.

The central bank sounded less upbeat about global growth than in March. In this week's report, it wrote that weakness has become more generalized across countries and regions. In March, it had written that the drop in oil prices could result in a net positive for global growth.

On the US Fed, the central bank wrote that there is now a stronger perception that liftoff will take even longer than previously anticipated. The bank argued that the drop in volatility in some international financial markets since 26 March was in response to the expectations of a later liftoff date by the US Fed.

On the domestic front, the bank upgraded somewhat its assessment of the state of the economy. In March, it wrote that economic activity had had a somewhat weak performance. This week, it wrote that economic activity continued to show moderate growth. Similarly, in March it wrote that consumption indicators had shown “little vigor.” In its latest statement, it wrote that “some consumption indicators seem to be showing some recovery.”

In March, the bank wrote that the balance of risks to growth had worsened; this week, it wrote that the balance of risks is still biased to the downside, but it did not worsen relative to late March.

Finally, on the inflation front, the bank’s assessment was almost identical to the one from the March policy statement. Specifically, the bank continues to project annual headline inflation to be “near” 3.0% in upcoming months and that it will close the year below this level. Meanwhile, the bank projects annual core inflation to be below 3.0% throughout 2015. For next year, it projects annual headline and core inflation to be “near” 3.0%. The bank reiterated that pass-through from peso weakness has been in line with expectations, impacting mainly durable goods, and without second-round effects.

"Barring a major depreciation of the peso in the next five weeks, we think that the central bank will leave the overnight rate unchanged at 3.0% in the next monetary policy meeting on 4 June," writes Alonso Cervera of Credit Suisse. "For now, the exchange rate continues to be the key variable that will likely determine the timing and extent of interest rate hikes in the remainder of 2015. We think that next year, the expected rise in inflation, and likely higher interest rates in the US will be particularly important."

Deputies Approve Single Emergency Number

by Murry Page
2 May 15
mazmessenger.com

México’s Chamber of Deputies approved setting 066 as the only emergency telephone number for civil protection, emergency response and complaints. The Chamber called on the National Center for Crime Prevention and Citizen Participation to promote the use of 066 as the only emergency number at federal, state and local levels.

Last November president Nieto called for a single emergency number for the country. At that time the number 911 was being discussed.

(from Milenio)

New works in Mazatlan get praise

Enrique Peña Nieto inagurates a new bypass in Mazatlán, Sinaloa. CUARTOSCURO/PRESIDENT’S OFFICE

EPN opens new Mazatlán bypass

THE NEWS
thenews.mx


“Infrastructure projects like this one, raise our level of competitiveness and promote investment in Mexico,” President Enrique Peña Nieto said this week during the inauguration of an 8 kilometer bypass in Mazatlán, Sinaloa.

“Mexico is now among the ten most attractive countries for investment,” he said.

“Yes we can compete” and today, there are two powerful reasons why to invest in Mexico.
“The first is our developing infrastructure and the second the scope of the structural reforms.”

Accompanied by Governor Mario López Valdez, the Communications and Transportation Secretariat head, and entrepreneur Carlos Slim, the president said that society should be the main protagonist and beneficiary of the structural reforms while the government should be efficient in implementing them.

The president said that the future of Mexico has been established with the structural reforms, consolidating the nation as a new platform and an important destination for global investment.

Peña Nieto stressed that in terms of infrastructure, the government is working as a team and not through isolated efforts.

In terms of road infrastructure, he mentioned a project to modernize 80 highways with a total of 4,000 kilometers. This is in addition to 46 new highway projects with a total of 3,000 kilometers. “This projects will give a new face of modernity and will allow Mexican companies to be more competitive,” he said.

Peña Nieto acknowledged the importance of entrepreneurs who have the responsibility of making Mexico grow.

He reiterated his invitation for Mexicans to have faith in government capacities.

“The world is watching Mexico, and it knows there are conditions to invest with security and competitiveness,” he said.

Natural gas engines to power new plant

 

Wartsila's engines, the largest in the world. wartsila

 

 

mexiconewsdaily.com

Mexico News Daily | Saturday, May 2, 2015

 

A Finnish company has received final approval to build a 139-megawatt power plant in Nuevo León to supply power to Guatemala.

Wartsila Corporation will begin work immediately on the natural gas-powered plant, which will employ seven of the company’s 18-cylinder 50SG engines, the largest gas engine in the world.
 
Wartsila will supply 950 gigawatts of electricity a year to two utilities, Eléctrica de Guatemala and Energuate, exporting the power through Mexico. The plant is expected to begin operating next April, and will run at full output 24 hours a day to produce the required electricity.
 
The internal combustion engines were chosen for their reliability and fuel efficiency, regardless of extreme temperatures.

The project, to be built in Pesquería, near Monterrey, will double Wartsila’s capacity in Mexico to 280 megawatts.

“Mexico is a very interesting market for us,” said Raul Carral, Wärtsilä’s business development manager. “Flexible engine power plants can help optimize the power system by providing efficient peaking power and fast-reacting back-up for wind and solar energy. This can lead to significant savings.”

Wartsila was contracted by Energía del Caribe, which will be the plant’s owner and operator. Financial details were not revealed.

Source: Stockhouse (en), Milenio (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/natural-gas-engines-to-power-new-plant/#sthash.8jkZT5K6.dpuf

Jaguar: 'Mexico a Strong Option for Land Rover Plant'

Nacha Cattan - Bloomberg.com
go to original
May 1, 2015

Land Rover's Range Rover Vogue and Range Rover Sport are top sellers in the U.S. and could possibly be produced at a new Mexico factory because it would be tied to the U.S. market, ChamaSrour said.

Mexico City - Jaguar Land Rover is considering building a plant in Mexico, following other luxury car makers lured by cheap labor and free trade agreements.

Mexico is a "very strong option" for Jaguar Land Rover to invest in, possibly more than $500 million, said Joseph ChamaSrour, Jaguar director general for the brand in Mexico. "Three years from now it could be interesting to have a plant in North America, and Mexico would definitely be a very strong candidate because of the cost of labor, the logistics and the expertise of the whole supply network," he said in an interview in Mexico City.

Jaguar, owned by India's Tata Motors Ltd., would tread a well-worn path to Mexico, Latin America's top vehicle producer, which has already wooed Germany's premier luxury brands. Last year, BMW AG committed $1 billion to start turning out 150,000 cars in 2019, following Volkswagen AG's Audi and Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz in deciding since 2012 to build cars in Mexico.

Last month Toyota Motor Corp., the world's best-selling automaker, said it will spend about $1 billion to begin producing Corollas in 2019 in Mexico, its first car factory in the country as it ends a self-imposed freeze on new plants following the financial crisis. Hyundai Motor Co. may also build a factory in the country, its managing director in Mexico said earlier this month, joining a roster of other Asian manufacturers including Nissan Motor Co. and Honda Motor Co.

Automakers are flocking to Mexico to take advantage of a low-wage yet highly experienced labor base, and export access to the U.S. and other countries through the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Land Rover's Range Rover Vogue and Range Rover Sport are top sellers in the U.S. and could possibly be produced at a new Mexico factory because it would be tied to the U.S. market, ChamaSrour said. He didn't rule out producing Jaguars at the plant.

Original article

New Regulations For The Use of Drones in Mexico

theyucatantimes.com

Large drones over 25 kilograms will require an operating permit and the operator must have a pilot’s license.

Mexico has published rules governing the use of drones, allowing people to operate the smallest drones in daylight without a permit but with safety rules.

MEXICO MOVES TO REGULATE USE OF DRONES (Photo: Google)

Mexico’s Transportation Department has established three classes of drones according to size.
The smallest weigh 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) or less. They won’t require a permit, but like all other drones must stay 9.2 kilometers (5.72 miles) away from airports and 900 meters (985 yards) from helicopter pads.

Medium-size drones are defined as weighing between 2 kilograms and 25 kilograms (55 pounds), and require a permit unless they’re operated on the grounds of a flight club.

Under rules published Wednesday, large drones over 25 kilograms will require an operating permit and the operator must also have a pilot’s license.

Source: http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/in-english/

Tips for Disabled Travelers Visiting Mexico

theyucatantimes.com

Persons wih disabilities obviously have the right and the freedom to travel and move around the world, despite of their physical incapacities. After all, travel restrictions have no room for anyone who wishes to know about the cultures and social conventions of other parts of the world.


Traveling through Mexico if you are disabled

If you are disabled or have low mobility, Mexico will be quite a challenging place to get around in.
However, if you really want to visit Mexico, don’t let its under-development in this area put you off!
By planning your trip carefully, and staying at higher-end hotels (which are more modern, recently built and thus the architecture caters for wheelchair access), you will find that you will be able to visit Mexico and not spend your whole time maneuvering around what may seem a field of obstacles.
Some of the most important archaeological sites (such as Chichen Itza), have wheel chair access and disabled people can easily tour the place.

To make everything much more convenient for these special persons; they, along with their travel companions have to plan ahead of their scheduled trip (Photo. http://www.hotels-and-beach-resorts.com)

Planning Tips for Disabled Travelers

Choose a nice ocean resort, and fly there – either directly or with a connecting flight in the USA. Once you get there, use taxis or Rent a Car to get around. (Several Car Rental Companies, such as Alamo Rent a Car provide a range of Adaptive Driving Devices for customers with disabilities).
Major Car Rentals such as Alamo, will use good faith efforts to satisfy requests for vehicles with hand controls, left foot accelerators, spinner knobs, or pedal extenders, as soon as reasonably practical, they may require up to two to three business days notice for vehicles equipped with Adaptive Driving Devices depending on the location of the branch where such a vehicle is requested.

However, at certain major airport locations, vehicles equipped with Adaptive Driving Devices may be available with as little as 24 hours advance notice.

Rent a car locally so that you and your party can visit the places you want to see with the flexibility and freedom an independent car provides. Fact is, public transportation is inadequate for the disabled in Mexico.

Through Mexico Accessible Travel Agency you can rent scooters, wheelchairs and other devices (Photo: Mexico Accessible)

A Travel Agency might be able to help you plan your trip

Nowadays, most people research, plan, book and make their reservations online; but there are major Travel Agencies in the U.S that work to meet the special needs of disabled and mature travelers. They research clients’ vacation choices and plan each person’s trip on an individual basis to make their trip enjoyable and rewarding by trying to eliminate unpleasant “surprises.”

Some Travel Agencies in Mexico, such as Mexico Accessible, feature traveling services specially created to attend the needs of people with disabilities, adulthood or any other factor that requires medical / personal attention.

Disabled and mature travelers are always welcome in Mexico (Photo: Mexico Accesible)

Make arrangements in advanced

Make the proper arrangements in advanced, if you’re planning to visit certain places that interest you, call one of these travel specialists ahead of time, and ask what resorts or hotels have facilities to cater for disabled people. They may be able to make special arrangements for you if necessary.


Inquire about accessibility

Before persons with disabilities leave for their scheduled departure, it is of a primary requisite and importance to inquire about their accessibility. This includes people who ambulate themselves, through crutches, wheelchairs, walkers and canes. Be sure that the places that they are planning to visit will provide them with the best kinds of accessibilities that they badly need. Among the travel premises that must have special lanes for the disabled are as follows:

a. Parking lots
b. Hallways
c. Bathrooms
d. Doorways


Always ask for Assistance

Ask for Assistance if you find yourself in a place that seems inaccessible, the people that work at tourist and recreational centers in Mexico are always happy to help their customers; (for example, it may appear that there is no elevator) – don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Sometimes, there will be a cargo elevator hidden away in a corner, or the staff may come up with an impromptu and perhaps quite ingenious way to help you get to where you want to go!

Travels are the nicest experiences that everybody must be allowed to explore and cherish for a lifetime. Therefore, persons are entitled to enjoy their vacation as much as anybody else.

Sources:

• http://www.hotels-and-beach-resorts.com/
• Mexico Accesible

Mazatlán Moto Club Holds Charity Bazaar

by Maureen Dietrich
1 May 15
mazmessenger.com

Motoclub Mazatlán is inviting motorcycle enthusiasts to a sale of souvenirs from their 2015 Motorcycle Week last month from noon to 8pm beginning today and ending on Sunday.

The bazaar is located in the Gran Plaza shopping mall parking lot under the Cinépolis sign structure close to the entrance to the parking area.

Roberto Castañeda, president of the club, said a portion of the sales will be donated to Fundación Down, Fundación Letty Coppel, USAER 35 and to Bryan, a young boy who suffered burns on 85 percent of his body.

(from Noroeste)

“Pajaritos” Arrive Early this Year

by Maureen Dietrich
1 May 15
mazmessenger.com

The season for pajaritos, a small fish that is a favourite of Mazatlecans, has arrived two weeks ahead of schedule this year. The annual influx of the delicacy usually begins around May 15 said seafood vendors at the Juárez market, but they have already made their appearance off the shores of Teacapán and Escuinapa.

Panga fishermen at Playa Norte said they have begun to see small schools of pajaritos appear in different locations off shore in Mazatlán and hope that unlike last year when the fish bypassed Mazatlán completely, it will be a bumper crop this year.

Pajaritos are selling for 50 pesos a kilo or 60 pesos for cleaned fish ready for the fryer.

 (from Noroeste)

066 will be the sole emergency number

 

Operators are not always standing by. quadratín

 

Mexico News Daily | Thursday, April 30, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

 

The Chamber of Deputies has approved legislation that will make 066 the official, nation-wide emergency number for civil protection, emergency response and denunciations. But there is some work to be done if the service is to function better than it has.

 

Deputies approved the amendment to the National Public Safety System Law with 362 votes in favor and four abstentions, giving the National Center for Crime Prevention and Citizen Participation the responsibility to promote the service among federal, state and municipal governments.
 
A single number to call for all emergencies was one of 10 measures presented last November by President Peña Nieto in response to the Iguala tragedy. At the time it had been intended to adopt 911, the number used in the United States and Canada. The reason for staying with 066 has not been reported, but perhaps it’s because the number is already well known.
 
However, it’s not always well operated. Two thieves who robbed a recycling business last Saturday in Torreón, Coahuila, should be thankful to 066 operators. Their victim called the number and waited 40 minutes for an answer.

After the thieves took 10 envelopes containing close to 200,000 pesos (US $13,000), they quickly hopped into a getaway car. But they needn’t have worried: they had time to spare given the 066 delay.

In Tampico, a woman named Esther stepped outside her home to make a phone call one evening when an unknown assailant grabbed her, punched her in the stomach and threatened rape.

Upon hearing her cries, two neighbors pursued the assailant, who took off on foot, while one called 066. The operator calmly asked a series of questions for five minutes. An hour later, state police showed up.

When asked why they took so long, police said the emergency responder had only just passed along the call, and recommended calling the police station instead. “You called 066? They always call us too late. What you need to do is call us directly, at the moment that you need us. We will come instantly and leave the questions for after.”

Source: Milenio (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/066-will-be-the-sole-emergency-number/#sthash.wgwPtQ5o.dpuf

BC could be site of new telescope project

 

Possible CTA sites. cta-observatory.org

 

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, April 29, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

 

Mexico is one of two countries on a short list for the construction of the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), a project that will be the world’s largest and most sensitive, ground-based gamma-ray observatory.

Two sites are to be selected, one in the northern hemisphere and a second, larger installation in the south. The latter will consist of about 100 Cherenkov telescopes.
 
Mexico is already the site of the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory (HAWC) situated on a mountain in Puebla. It went into full operation last month.

The new observatory will complement HAWC, said the director of the Institute of Astronomy at the National Autonomous University (UNAM). The latter continuously observes a large part of the sky while the CTA observes smaller regions at a higher resolution, said William Lee Alardin.

The two locations under consideration for the CTA in the northern hemisphere are La Palma, one of Spain’s Canary Islands, and San Pedro Mártir in Baja California, already the site of the National Astronomical Observatory, operated by UNAM. Southern hemisphere sites in the running are in Chile and Namibia.

 

Requirements are clear and cloudless skies, research infrastructure and a large flat piece of land on which to erect dozens of telescopes.

The choice between Mexico and Spain will be made in November and construction, expected to take five years, will begin next year.

Twenty-nine countries and 1,000 scientists and engineers are involved in the CTA project.

Source: El Economista (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/bcs-could-be-site-of-new-telescope-project/#sthash.rqIDW1pp.dpuf

Firm unveils prototype of all-Mexican plane

The Pegasus, created by Oaxaca Aerospace.

 

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, April 29, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

 

Mexico’s aerospace industry, experiencing an annual growth rate of more than 14%, is on a roll and a small company in Oaxaca wants to be part of it.

 

Oaxaca Aerospace has unveiled its prototype of an airplane completely designed and developed in Mexico, the Pegasus, a single-engine, two-seater plane that is agile, fast and inexpensive.
 
The father-and-son team of Raúl and Rodrigo Fernández began their project four years ago, developing what they describe as a completely different aircraft. A team of highly-qualified engineers has worked with them, using the latest computer software to design it.
 
“Most airplanes today are designs that were born in the 1950s, and they have only been modified in terms of avionics and engines that are more modern,” says Rodrigo Fernández, who is general manager of Oaxaca Aerospace. “There has not been any basic modification to make them more efficient and aerodynamic.”

The Pegasus is expected to have a range of 1,600 kilometers and a maximum speed of 400 km/h and fly at a maximum altitude of 16,000 feet. Its design makes it ideal for aerial surveillance, said Fernández, so potential clients are police services and armed forces. It could also serve for pilot training.

Although the Pegasus has not yet flown, the company hopes to build 12 of its planes in 2019, and sell them for US $550,000 each. Their principal challenge is financial: the Fernández have invested $3 million of their own money into the project, and assistance has also come from Conacyt, the National
Science and Technology Council, and the business accelerator TechBA. Collaborative help has come from the National Polytechnic Institute, which has been participating in runway trials.

Certification of the airplane is also something of a challenge because the Mexican authority, the Director General of Civil Aeronautics, has little experience in that process.

It is, after all, the first 100% Mexican plane, one that could well help propel the aerospace industry to greater heights.

Source: Milenio (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/firm-unveils-prototype-of-all-mexican-plane/#sthash.p02mxHcJ.dpuf

23,000 Mexicans Take Part in Educational Exchanges with U.S.

laht.com

MEXICO CITY – U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a speech praising Mexican-U.S. educational exchange programs that last year brought some 23,000 students and teachers from Mexico to the United States.

“It is a good experience,” Blinken told Mexican students in a meeting organized by the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City. “When you talk with people who have done exchanges they will always emphasize that it helped them to develop abilities for leadership and teamwork.”

Presidents Barack Obama and Enrique Peña Nieto established in May 2013 a Bilateral Forum on Higher Education, Innovation and Research, known as FOBES II, to “combine efforts and increase exchange opportunities,” in support of “economic and educational goals,” the embassy said in a statement.

Between January and June 2014, six bilateral working groups held meetings with the participation of 450 representatives of academia, civil society and the business sector to identify new fields for collaboration, the statement added.

The Bilateral Forum is part of Obama’s “100,000 Strong in the Americas” initiative aimed to increase academic mobility between the United States and the rest of the hemisphere.

Mexico, in turn, created the Proyecta 100 Mil program to send 100,000 students to the United States and to receive 50,000 students from north of the border by 2018.

During his visit, Blinken talked with a score of students in different programs sponsored by governments and the private sector that, over the past year, have served more than 8,000 university students and graduates.

One of those programs allowed Mariana Rojas, 18, to visit several U.S. sites as she designed a project seeking to reduce the dropout rate at her Mexico City school.

“We were able to implement the project and the dropout rate came down 10.2 percent in the last school year,” Rojas told Efe.

Blinken also talked with Francisco Javier Roman, 22, a student of Development Engineering and Business Innovation who spent four months in San Antonio, Texas.

“I learned many things, I learned to be more independent and to function in a country with a different language,” he said.

Last year, Proyecta 100 Mil sent 7,500 students to learn English in the United States.

California, Mexico Announce Action Plan on Climate

calepa.ca.gov
April 30, 2015
Alex Barnum

SACRAMENTO – Following ambitious commitments by both governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, California and Mexico environmental officials today announced a Joint Action Plan that will direct the work of their cooperative agreement to combat climate change.

“California is committed to achieving the goals of our agreement with Mexico,” said California Secretary for Environmental Protection Matthew Rodriquez. “The Joint Action Plan outlines the specific steps that we will take to ensure our partnership delivers tangible results and protects public health and natural resources while investing in a clean economy on both sides of the border.”

The plan comes a day after Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. issued an executive order establishing an aggressive target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in California to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. Last month, Mexico became the first emerging economy to commit to reducing emissions in the post-2020 timeframe, demonstrating critical leadership in the lead-up to U.N. climate negotiations later this year.

"By implementing the actions in this plan, we will increase collaboration across the border, integrating and harmonizing our processes and standards to support a high-efficiency energy system, clean vehicles and healthy ecosystems,” said Mexico’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Rodolfo Lacy. “By reaching our goals, we will increase low carbon development in Mexico and California."

The California-Mexico Memorandum of Understanding to Enhance Cooperation on Climate Change and the Environment was signed last summer by Governor Brown, Undersecretary Lacy and Mexican National Forestry Commission Director General Jorge Rescala Pérez. The MOU was part of a broader Trade and Investment Mission to Mexico by Governor Brown.

The MOU commits California and Mexico to a four-year collaboration in four areas: aligning greenhouse gas reduction programs and strategies; improving air quality; collaborating on wildfire emergency response along the border; and strengthening clean vehicle standards.

To implement the MOU, working groups of California and Mexican representatives have been established for each priority area, each with its own goals and deliverables. Each group will report internally on its progress on a quarterly basis, and a public progress report will be released.

The Joint Action Plan, announced today at the Navigating the American Carbon World conference in Los Angeles, includes:

• Developing rigorous monitoring, reporting and verifying of greenhouse gas emissions to support carbon pricing or regulatory mechanisms
• Strengthening air monitoring and emissions reporting along the border to support air quality planning and pollution mitigation efforts
• Updating Mexican vehicle emission standards for greenhouse gases and smog pollution Trainings for wildfire suppression and forest health management methods

The MOU is one of several international agreements that California has pursued to address the impacts of global climate change. In addition to Mexico, Governor Brown has signed accords with leaders from China, Canada, Japan, Israel and Peru to fight climate change, strengthen California’s economic ties and expand cooperation on promising research.

“The Republic of Mexico is not only our closest international neighbor, but one of our greatest allies in the fight for cleaner air and greenhouse gas reductions,” said Secretary Rodriquez “Our agreement with Mexico can serve as a model for collaboration as we work to pave the way for an ambitious, meaningful result from the United Nations negotiations in Paris later this year.”


 See more at: http://www.calepa.ca.gov/PressRoom/Releases/2015/CaMexico.htm#sthash.il8SbxHq.dpuf

The History of El Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) in Mexico

Marie Callan - BanderasNews.com
April 30, 2015

banderasnews.com

In Mexico, May 1st is a Federal holiday known as 'Dia del Trabajo,' with banks, schools, government offices, and many businesses closed. So kick back, relax, and have a safe and happy May Day!

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - May 1st, International Worker's Day, commemorates the historic struggle of working people throughout the world, and is recognized in every country except the United States and Canada. This is despite the fact that the holiday began in the 1880's in the U.S., with the fight for an eight-hour work day led by immigrant workers.

In Mexico, May 1st is a Federal holiday known as Día del Trabajo (Labor Day) or Primero de Mayo. Banks, schools, government offices and many businesses are closed, but most shopping centers and many restaurants will remain open for business.

Having the day off means people can either relax at home or spend time with family or friends. In the main streets of major cities, Labor Day parades, rallies or demonstrations often feature large crowds holding banners to promote workers' rights.

A Bit of History
At the end of the nineteenth century, the need for Mexican workers to have more humane and fair work conditions became apparent, but Mexico's labor movement was repressed in places such as Cananea.
In June 1906, the Cananea Strike, also known as the Cananea Riot took place in the Mexican mining town of Cananea, Sonora. Although the workers were forced to return to their positions with no demand being met, the action was a key event in the general unrest that emerged during the final years of the regime of President Porfirio Díaz and that prefigured the Mexican Revolution of 1910.

During the Mexican Revolution, various capitalist factions vied for power whilst attempting to overthrow the dictatorship of General Porfirio Díaz. Meanwhile the Agrarian movement of Emiliano Zapata and the emerging urban working class attempted to defend their own interests amidst the chaos.

This armed conflict is often categorized as the most important sociopolitical event in Mexico and one of the greatest upheavals of the 20th century; it resulted in an important experimentation and reformation in social organization.

The Constitution of 1917 instigated significant social reforms to labor laws and provided for equality without discrimination, among other reforms.

According to some sources, a Labor Day parade was held in Mexico as early as 1913, but the holiday that commemorates the struggle of the Mexican working class wasn't officially celebrated until May 1, 1923.

While many countries celebrate May 1st in different ways, including the traditional Maypole ceremony, here in Mexico it is a day of rest and reflection. So kick back, relax, and have a safe and happy May Day!

Costco Opens in Culiacán: Mazatlán Next?

by Maureen Dietrich
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Costco inaugurated its 34^th store in Mexico yesterday in Culiacán with an investment of 40 million dollars. The store will employ 300 people directly and 500 indirectly.

At the opening attended by government officials, businessmen and tourist associations, the President of Costco México, Jaime González, said they are talking about future plans to open a store in Mazatlán and with luck it will happen soon.

(from Noroeste)

Fire Breaks Out behind Sectur Building

by Maureen Dietrich
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com 

Brush in an empty lot behind the Secretary of Tourism (Sectur) building on Av. Del Mar caught fire yesterday morning, reported rescue personnel.

A fire truck arrived immediately but could not access the lot which borders on the Laguna El Camarón until Sectur personnel helped by directing the trucks through Sectur grounds to the back of the building where the fire was located.

Firemen were able to suffocate the blaze before it reached nearby high tension cables.

(from Noroeste)

Dengue Vaccine to be ready in January 2016

by Murry Page
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) reported that the first vaccine against dengue will go on sale in early 2016 and that the vaccine could reduce the mortality rate from the disease by 50 percent in just four years.

Olivier Charmeil, CEO of Sanofi Pasteur, the company producing the vaccine, said “We want to reduce dengue mortality by 50 percent and morbidity by 25 percent by 2020.”

Charmeil told the BBC that according to previous studies in 20,800 volunteers in Latin America, the vaccine would have a preventive rate of 95.5 percent. He said that such effectiveness would help avoid the most severe cases of dengue and reduce the hospitalization rate by 80 percent.
The CEO said, “Until now the only way to combat dengue was to eliminate the insect that transmits it, but as of January 2016 will be another weapon: a vaccine.”

According to data from the World Health Organization, 390 million people are infected with dengue each year, 100 million of them seriously.

(from Diario de Yucatán)

Carlos Slim Attends Road Inauguration

by Maureen Dietrich
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com
 

Carlos Slim went almost unnoticed on the VIP platform.

Not everyone knew he would attend the inauguration yesterday of Mazatlán’s Libramiento bypass road along with the President of Mexico, Governor of Sinaloa and Mayor Carlos Felton.

In fact, he went almost unnoticed on the VIP platform until Governor Mario López Valdez mentioned in his speech that he was proud to be in the company of men such as Carlos Slim.

And suddenly all eyes were on the wealthiest man in Mexico, second richest in the world, dressed in an open neck shirt sitting between the President and Mazatlán Mayor.

Media reported that he did not speak to anyone and kept a low profile.

Slim attended the inauguration most probably because his company Grupo Carso has the concession for the bypass toll road.

Grupo Carso also holds the concession for the Mazatlán-Durango autopista toll road.
Mayor Carlos Felton announced recently a proposal on the part of Acuario Inbursa to acquire Mazatlán´s aquarium. Acuario Inbursa is also owned by Carlos Slim.

(from Noroeste)

Banks Closed on Friday

by Murry Page
30 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

México’s banks and the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV) will be closed Friday, May 1, in recognition of International Labor Day.

According to the general provision of the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) establishing legal holidays in the financial sector, the institutions will close on Friday and reopen for business on Monday, May 4.

However, banks that offer their services in stores and supermarkets will be open to the public during their normal business hours on Monday.

Customers of banks will have available to them telephone banking services, internet banking and 36,000 ATMs across the country, where they can make balance inquiries and cash withdrawals.

 

(from Azteca Noticias)

Topolobampo to Receive First Cruise Ship for 2015

by Murry Page
29 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Topolobampo, which is not exactly a staple on most cruise lines itineraries, will see its first cruise ship call on the port on May 11. The cruise ship Pacific Princess will call on Topolobampo with an estimated 660 passengers on board. This will be the first time this cruise line will have called on the Sinaloa port.

This cruise ship will stay in port for 17 hours, permitting passengers to take a special tour aboard the El Chepe train to Copper Canyon. Other tours include a tour to El Fuerte, a Magical Town, a tour of Topolobampo Bay, and trips to La Villa de Ahome and Los Mochis.

(from RíoDoce)

Mexico will air Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao fight for free

national.suntimes.com

04/28/2015

Kevin O'Brien, Digital Editor at Sun Times Network

The public in Mexico won’t have to worry about dropped almost $100 to watch the Fight of the Century between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Because it will be aired by two TV stations, Televisa and Azteca, completely free of charge.

From CBS Sports:

“Televisa and Azteca must be recognized for their great commitment, for bringing to Mexico this bout for free,” the World Boxing Council told TMZ. “This has never, ever happened in any country of the world.”

Of course, Mexico is heavily invested in the fight. The Mexican Tourism Board is sponsoring the fight and the official beer of the fight is Tecate, which is based out of Monterrey, Mexico. The two sponsors helped the Fight of the Century bring in a record $13.2 million in sponsorship money.

And, even though an entire country won’t have to purchase pay-per-view to see the fight, the sales generated via PPV should smash yet another record.