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.

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)

Bypass Road Closed while Awaiting Presidential Inauguration

by Maureen Dietrich
28 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Accesses to the bypass road are blocked and convoys of army trucks were observed patrolling the road.

Although Mazatlán’s bypass road, Libramiento Mazatlán, has been open to traffic since December 19 last year, it was closed to vehicles three days ago in anticipation of the arrival of Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto tomorrow to inaugurate the toll road.

The President was slated to open the road in November but cancelled a few days before the planned event in the middle of a political crisis surrounding his wife´s purchase of a house dubbed the “Casa Blanca” from a construction company with ties to the Presidential administration.

The road closure affected vehicle traffic as drivers entering Villa Unión were re-routed to the International highway to connect with Libramiento Colosio to continue north of Mazatlán. Media stated all traffic lights on Libramiento Mazatlán were covered in black plastic bags and confusion reigned at the glorieta to enter Mazatlán as a result of inadequate direction signs.

Accesses to the bypass road are blocked and convoys of army trucks were observed patrolling the road.

The President is scheduled to inaugurate Libramiento Mazatlán tomorrow morning at approximately 11:30am after which the road will re-open.

(from Noroeste)

U.S. company plans 1st Mexico-built plane

 

Russian helicopters are among the aircraft on display at this week's fair.

factory in Mexicali

 

 

Mexico News Daily | Friday, April 24, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

 

 

Mexico’s first Aerospace Fair this week was the site for the announcement of another first: an airplane to be built entirely in Mexico.

 

United States aircraft manufacturer Spectrum Aeronautical announced it will invest US $300 million in a factory to build one of its executive jets. Construction will begin in two and a half years on the Mexicali, Baja California, plant, whose production is expected to be 200 aircraft per year, said Spectrum CEO Linden Blue.
 
The plane will be an executive model with up to eight seats and a maximum speed of 815 km/h.

During the fair’s opening ceremony on Wednesday, President Enrique Peña Nieto announced that Mexico’s goal is to be in the top 10 in aerospace investment by 2020. The country is currently No. 14 in terms of production and last year the industry generated exports valued at $6.4 billion. The 2020 target is $12.5 billion.

The president observed that aerospace export revenues have increased by 26% compared with 2012, making Mexico the sixth largest aircraft parts supplier to the United States, the world’s largest market, surpassing Brazil, China, Israel and Italy.

Peña Nieto noted there are over 300 aerospace companies in 18 states in Mexico, nearly five times more than there were 10 years ago.

To help meet the country’s growth target, Mexico’s state development bank had an announcement of its own.

Bancomext CEO Enrique de la Madrid said in a statement the bank plans be a part of the aerospace expansion through a financing program to help the industry take off. The new program will be similar to ProAuto, a joint project of the bank and several federal government agencies that provides credit to domestic auto parts firms that supply the auto makers.

De la Madrid said the automotive and aerospace sectors are priorities for the bank although it remains committed to expanding funding and support to all companies involved in manufacturing regardless of sectors.

More firms will be looking to grow because the bank expects a migration of production and investment from China to Mexico in the next few years.

“The reality that exists in Mexico is that the manufacturing sector remains the engine of exports and is an increasingly important player in the supply chain of North America, the world’s largest economic zone,” said the banker.

The Aerospace Fair wraps up tomorrow with an air show. It is being held at the air force base in Tecámac, State of México.
Source: Milenio (sp)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/u-s-company-plans-1st-mexico-built-plane/#sthash.42XJuW4N.dpuf

Governor Talks “Straight” with Pulmonia Drivers

by Maureen Dietrich
25 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

The Governor warned those who put the port at risk would lose their vehicles and their concessions.

In port yesterday for several official events, Sinaloa Governor Mario López Valdez commented on a demand from pulmonia drivers in Mazatlán that they be given the same consideration as taxi companies with respect to selling their services to cruise ship passengers within the cruise ship docking area.

In an agreement reached between the Secretary of Tourism, tour operators, taxi, pulmonia and Auriga drivers last week, taxi companies were given permission to set up a stand within the passenger landing area. Pulmonia and Auriga drivers must stay on the street outside the gates to offer their services.

Pulmonía drivers said they would not take action against the cruise ship tourists nor initiate another blockade as occurred on April 14, but they would protest in front of the Secretary of Tourism offices if their demands were not met.

In reply to the pulmonia drivers’ demands, the Governor said those who put the port at risk would lose their vehicle, their concession and would be brought before the Ministerio Público charged with damaging the destination.

“Be careful,” he warned, adding he did not want to think about anyone putting the port at risk so that all that was fought for so hard is lost.

He is giving notice and wants to be clear, he said, that it was not easy rescuing the port and recovering cruise ship arrivals. He sent a message through the Secretary of Tourism that they would not investigate who was at fault during any conflict that affects the destination and would seize the vehicles, cancel concessions and charge them with damaging the destination.

(from Noroeste)

Airlines Continue Expanding Service To & From Mexico

Tim Wilson - GAYPV Magazine
April 20, 2015

Airlines are responding to increasing demand for service to Mexico by widening service options to the country's many destinations. Greater air access contributes to boosting international tourist arrivals.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The news from the airlines regarding Mexico continues to get better. Traditionally the jet set in Mexico have had to do their traveling by bus. Not so great for a short trip to Puerto Vallarta or somewhere else for the weekend.

The most important news is Southwest Airlines announcing last week that they've applied for a new route from Denver, Colorado to Puerto Vallarta. Why the interest in Latin America? Latin America (which includes Mexico) is considered to be one of the most lucrative markets, after Asia, for growth by US airline companies. The market is expected to grow 5% over the next 10 years as compared to only 3% in the U.S. domestic market.

However, it is not all one sided. The Mexican airlines are also finding their way into the US. Mexican carrier Volaris announced April 16, 2015 the launch of new international service connecting the city of Leon in Guanajuato with Los Angeles, California. With four flights a week, the new service is scheduled to initiate operations on June 8, 2015. Volaris is in fact the carrier operating the greatest number of routes between Mexico and the US with 136 routes to 59 outstanding destinations on both sides of the border, and from Leon they operate 40 flights per week.

Conde Nast Traveler indicates VivaAerobus wants to take over the low budget airline market in Latin America. They launched service three times weekly March 28, 2015 from Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport to Monterrey and Guadalajara. VivaAerobus flies to three U.S. destinations, in addition to DFW Airport. All this was made possible when VivaAerobus ordered 52 new A320 aircraft in 2013 with 8 available for operation this year.

Mexico's jet set is traveling more. Statistics from Grupo Aeropuerto del Pacifico show from January to March 2015 domestic air arrivals to Puerto Vallarta airport increased 20.7% from 2014. That was more than the increase from international visitors (14.5%). This is only going to get better as Mexico's economy grows.
 

Repair Work Begins on Paseo del Centenario

by Maureen Dietrich
21 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

The old and very scenic Paseo del Centenario road has been sinking. Relentless waves have eaten away its supports over the years, said Municipal Public Works Director Sergio Wong Ramos.
Heavy machinery was moved to the site yesterday and began digging through the concrete to open a 10 meter long strip to begin the surgery.

As a result, Paseo del Centenario is closed to traffic and drivers should use the Cerro del Vigia road. Repairs are expected to take one week.

(from Noroeste)

Multi-Story Car Park Planned for El Centro

 by Maureen Dietrich
21 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com

Mazatlán Mayor Carlos Felton announced yesterday that last weekend he met with the Lizárraga family, owners of land that is presently being used as a parking lot between Carnaval and Ángel Flores streets in El Centro.

He has suggested the parking lot be built up three or four stories, or what is permitted by INAH, to accommodate 250 vehicles to help alleviate chronic parking problems in the El Centro district.
The family has shown interest in the idea and met with the investment committee of the municipality yesterday, the Mayor said.

In tandem with a multi-story parking lot, Felton said they are considering a project to close off streets for pedestrian walkways to give the Centro Histórico a new face as has been done in the city of Durango.

A study has begun to ascertain which streets can be closed without affecting vehicle traffic. The Mayor added that in Durango pedestrian walkways resulted in a 30 to 35 percent increase in sales.
He also told media his administration is working on a project to build a Museum of Music on land beside the Angela Peralta Theater recently donated by the Lizárraga family.

(from Noroeste)

Taxis, Tour Operators Come to an Agreement

by Maureen Dietrich
17 Apr 15 in mazmessenger.com

The parties were in negotiations for over five hours.

Five and a half hours of negotiations between taxi companies, tour operators and State representatives have resulted in an agreement which, in theory, will put an end to the two decades of conflict over the volatile territory of tourist transportation in Mazatlán.

The meeting at the offices of the Sinaloa Secretary of Tourism began at 4pm yesterday. Present were the Sinaloa Subsecretary of Government, the Sinaloa Secretary of Tourism, the leaders of ecotaxis rojo and verde and the head of the Asociación de Choferes y Guías de Turistas.

The agreement between the parties is based on six points:

• a taxi module will be set up within the tourist debarkation area. The Secretary of Tourism will pay for rental of the space
• the Secretary of Tourism will assist tour operators in planning tours and will accompany them to meet cruise ship authorities to request permission to sell tours aboard the cruise ships
• the cruise ship companies will continue to offer different tourist products on board and when docked at their discretion
• the Asociación de Choferes y Guías de Turistas ”Rafael Buelna” Civil Association will have the first contact with cruise ship passengers but tour sales will take place only at the dock area
• all parties agreed to assure the wellbeing of tourists and not partake in any actions to the detriment of tourists and the image of Mazatlàn

And finally,

• all parties agreed to hold discussions on a permanent basis to resolve conflicts that may arise in the future.

(from Noroeste)

Meters for Electric Cars in México City

by Murry Page
14 Apr 15
mazmessenger.com 

In an effort to encourage the use of electric cars, the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) announced that it will install separate meters in the homes of the drivers of electric cars.

Enrique Ochoa Reza, The Director General of the CFE, said that the initiative is part of an agreement between the CFE and the Mexican Association of the Automotive Industry (AMIA).

Ochoa Reza said that in January of this year four charging stations were installed in the metropolitan area of México City. He noted that it is essential to expand this network of charging stations to give greater confidence to buyers that there are places where they can recharge their cars.

Eduardo Solis, the President of the AMIA, said that to install an electrical charger for an automobile in a house costs on average between 8000 and 10,000 pesos, which is included in the sale price of the car.

(from Zócalo Saltillo)

First US-Mexico Rail Bridge in 106 Years Set to Open

Andrew V. Pestano - UPI

banderasnews.com
go to original
April 13, 2015

Although a series of complex twists and turns stalled the construction of the West Rail International Bridge between Brownsville and Matamoros, the project never derailed. (File Photo by Steven Frame/Shutterstock)

Brownsville, Texas - The first rail bridge between Mexico and the United States in 106 years is set to open in an effort that lasted more than 15 years.

The final inspection for the bridge was on April 2, and now U.S. and Mexican officials have to coordinate to set a date to begin traffic. Local governments in South Texas wanted to move freight trains outside of the city of Brownsville, Texas, which lies across the border from Matamoros, Mexico.

The new railroad bridge was built west of the city and will eliminate 14 railroad street crossings. The current railroad route would take freight trains through residential areas, neighborhood parks and commercial areas.

"The problem is that a lot of times, before the train is allowed to go into Mexico, they have to stage it. That blocks off several areas of downtown Brownsville," Cameron County Judge Pete Sepulveda said.

It would make it difficult for fire trucks and police vehicles to respond to emergencies, Sepulveda added.

With the new bridge, there are now seven railroad bridges between Texas and Mexico. The effort to fund and build the bridge lasted for 15 years.

"It was difficult from the standpoint that it hadn't been done before," Sepulveda said. "We had a lot of difficulties (with the Department of Homeland Security, which includes U.S. Customs,) because they hadn't done a bridge in 100 years. That was pretty frustrating."

Mexico paid $80 million for the railroad and Brownsville and Cameron County officials gathered $40 million, mostly paid for by the federal government. Traffic congestion will decrease in both Brownsville and Matamoros, which has more than double the population of Brownsville.

Original article

"Cabalgarán" hoy hacia el Puente Baluarte en la Semana de la Moto

Fernando Velasco

noroeste.com

09-04-2015

Fotografía: Noroeste.

 

MAZATLÁN._ La fiesta de los motociclistas ya comenzó y las expectativas son altas: superar los números que se presentaron el año pasado, crecer el evento y mantener el gusto de los "bikers" a nivel nacional e internacional por la Semana Internacional de la Moto.

Y para ello hoy se montarán en sus "bestias" de acero para conquistar el Puente Baluarte, enclavado en esa ruta panorámica construida para mirar desde las montañas el Océano Pacífico.

Roberto Castañeda García, organizador del evento, manifestó que con el registro de motociclistas ayer, la afluencia muestra un panorama optimista del evento.

"Los números han sido optimistas, y la recepción ha sido buena, esperamos superarnos año con año y crecer este evento que se ha consolidado en el gusto de motociclistas del País, Estados Unidos y Canadá", dijo.

La expectativa se mantiene en 20 mil motociclistas registrados para el evento, cantidad que superaría a los 16 mil de 2014, aseguró el también integrante de Moto Club Mazatlán.

"Seguimos esperando a 20 mil motociclistas, lo podemos lograr y vamos a superar los números y a cambiar la dinámica para que quienes ya vinieron repitan y siempre vean algo diferente", añadió.

El registro de participantes inició a las 10:00 horas y por la noche, en medio de la presentación de varios grupos de rock, así como la activación de concursos.

Para el recorrido hacia el Puente Baluarte está programado la asistencia del Gobernador de Sinaloa, Mario López Valdez.

$417.6 millones

Se esperan de

derrama económica

43,050

Turistas

20 mil

Motociclistas

100%

De ocupación hotelera

Airline news: more flights, growth plans

Volaris: new Guadalajara-New York service.

News

 

Mexico News Daily | Wednesday, April 8, 2015

mexiconewsdaily.com

 

   

Two Mexican airlines have announced new services connecting Mexico City and Guadalajara to the United States, while a third has growth plans.

Interjet will begin offering two daily flights between Mexico City and Houston on May 14. Tickets went on sale yesterday with an introductory round-trip fare of US $349.

Travelers looking for a Guadalajara-New York connection will find a new one this summer when Volaris begins offering flights three days a week. The service begins July 15 with an introductory fare of $204.

Another Mexican airline, a low-cost carrier based on — and partly owned by — the firm that owns Ryanair, will be the model for new carriers elsewhere in Latin America, and could represent a new travel option for budget-conscious travelers.

A consortium announced last October will fill a gap in Latin America, where there are few low-cost options other than riding a bus, says Condé Nast Traveler.

And it’s a bus company that’s going to be part of the change.

Panama-based Grupo Viva is a consortium of Irelandia Aviation and Mexico’s Grupo IAMSA, which already owns VivaAerobus and VivaColombia, operating in Mexico and Colombia, respectively.
Irelandia bills itself as the world’s premier low-cost carrier and owns Ryanair in Europe, Tiger Airways in Asia and Allegiant in the U.S., while Grupo IAMSA is Mexico’s largest bus company.
Grupo Viva wants to cut fares across Latin America, with most of its one-way flights costing less than $100. Spartan service and lots of seats is one way of doing that.

The company operates Airbus A320s with up to 186 seats. By comparison, U.S. low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines uses a 178-seat configuration on its A320s.

“The more seats you can put in, the lower the cost per seat, and the lower the price we can charge,” said Joe Mohan, Grupo Viva’s president, during an interview last fall with Condé Nast.
So far, he said, passengers don’t seem to mind because it beats taking the bus.

Now with the model established in two countries, the company has plans to expand. VivaAerobus ordered 52 new A320s in 2013, and delivery will begin with eight planes this year.
Also this year, Mohan expects to enter another country.

“We should be able to establish a new Viva every 12 months.”

Sources: Travel Pulse (en), La Jornada (sp), Condé Nast Traveler (en)
 

- See more at: http://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/airline-news-flights-growth-plans/#sthash.NvMMRnsa.dpuf

Par Vial, Inflated Taxi Fares Main Complaints of Holidayers

by Maureen Dietrich
6 Apr 15
mazmessenge.com

Media reported today that the two main complaints by vacationers in Mazatlán during the Semana Santa weekend were the inflated fares charged by taxi drivers and the Par Vial change in traffic circulation on Av. Camarón Sábalo in the Golden Zone.

Traffic bottlenecks of at least a half hour occurred on Av. Rafael Buelna and the La Marina circle particularly on Friday and Saturday of the holiday as cars backed up entering and exiting the four lane north-only Av.Camarón Sábalo. Media reported many drivers saying they preferred not to go into the Zona Dorada for that reason.

Tourists also complained of taxis charging between 120 and 250 pesos for an 80 peso trip due to the Par Vial.

(from Noroeste)

Terminan de mejorar 'rostro' de Mazatlán para Semana Santa

Verenice Peraza

noroeste.com

26-03-2015

Trabajadores ultiman detalles antes de recibir al turismo en Semana Santa. Fotografía: Noroeste / Verenice Peraza.

 

MAZATLÀN._ Al 99 por ciento se encuentran los trabajos de remozamiento del puerto, a unas horas de que inicie oficialmente el periodo vacacional de Semana Santa y de Pascua.

Julio Guerra Echeagaray, director de Servicios Públicos municipales, dijo que ayer se culminó con los trabajos de mantenimiento del Malecón, con el pintado de rampas y el retiro de grafiti del área del muro.

Además, se inició la colocación de una parte de los 300 tambos que servirán para que turistas y locales depositen los desechos que generen durante su estancia en la playa, abundó.

"En general podemos decir que Mazatlán está limpio y listo para recibir a los turistas, ya se cuenta con un operativo muy específico de mantenimiento permanente de la ciudad, a fin de no permitir la acumulación de basura, fallas en el alumbrado público, y en todo lo que tengan qué ver con los servicios públicos", sostuvo.

El funcionario indicó que a partir de este fin de semana se espera un aumento importante en la generación de basura.

Pero lo más "grueso" de la recolección, pronosticó, se presentará del Jueves Santo al Domingo de Resurrección, donde se espera recolectar por día entre 100 y 120 toneladas extras de basura, lo que se sumará a las 600 toneladas de desechos que se recogen en promedio en un día normal en la ciudad.

"Si a esto le sumamos que cada camión recolecta entre 5 y 6 toneladas por viaje, echándole pluma, vemos el 'mundo' de trabajo que tendrá el personal de Aseo Urbano", manifestó.

A partir de este sábado, personal de Barrido Humano y Aseo Urbano limpiarán en diferentes horarios la zona de playa, desde Punta Cerritos hasta Olas Altas, añadió.

Guerra Echeagaray destacó que en el caso del Malecón, los trabajos de mantenimiento serán de las 2:30 a las 7:00 horas, al igual que en la Zona Dorada y Cerritos.

Extienden la mano una vez más a Mazatlán

Yesenia Zermeño

noroeste.com

25-03-2015

Par de ambulancias que trajeron rotarios de Canadá en donativo Fotografía: Noroeste /Yesenia Zermeño.

< anterior siguiente >

 

MAZATLÀN._ Con la entrega de seis unidades de auxilio y rescate, así como un vehículo de apoyo a personas con capacidades diferentes, integrantes del Club Rotario Internacional, liderados por Allan Kuechle, llevaron a cabo una donación más a los estados hermanos de Sinaloa y Jalisco.

Después de un recorrido de más de 5 mil kilómetros desde la provincia de Alberta, Canadá, a Mazatlán, ayer se realizó la entrega de dos camiones bombero, un par de ambulancias, una unidad cisterna y un vehículo para transportar a personas con algún tipo de discapacidad, donde seis instituciones se vieron beneficiadas.

El Cuerpo de Bomberos de Culiacán, el Hospital Pediátrico de la capital del estado, así como Concordia, DIF Mazatlán y Acatic, Jalisco, fueron quienes recibieron el apoyo en especie, mientras la Primaria Jardines del Valle, de Mazatlán, recibirá el donativo en efectivo.

Ésta es la entrega anual número 14, que se realiza a través del programa Highway to Mexico.

En presencia de los beneficiados, la donación se hizo en la plazuela República con la participación del Alcalde Carlos Felton González; la presidenta del Sistema DIF Mazatlán, Sylvia Treviño de Felton; así como de José de Jesús Sánchez Reynoso, presidente del Comité Distrital de Proyectos Compartidos, y la comunidad rotariana.

En la búsqueda por eliminar la pobreza, proporcionar alimentos a los más necesitados, así como mejoras en los servicios de salud y educación, en 14 años se han distribuido en Sinaloa y otras partes de México, como Jalisco, 72 vehículos, beneficiándose 50 instituciones públicas y civiles.

Previo al acto de entrega, Allan Kuechle agradeció el recibimiento recordando el hermanamiento entre la ciudad de Alberta, Canadá, y Mazatlán.

Ahí mismo hizo entrega de una carta al Presidente Municipal enviada por su homónimo de Alberta, así como algunos detalles que ambas naciones compartieron.

En esta ocasión los aplausos se los llevaron las mujeres, quienes en su mayoría tuvieron la responsabilidad de manejar desde Canadá las unidades; al final los clubes Rotarios Grande Prairie Sunrise, Club Swan City, Grande Prairie y Edson, en coordinación con los de Mazatlán, acudieron a una comida

Bicycles Encourage Students to Stay in School

by Maureen Dietrich
24 Mar 15
mazmessenger.com

 

Bikes would provide transportation for those students who often travel over 100 meters daily to school.

With the object of encouraging children in rural Mazatlán communities to stay in school, yesterday authorities from Sinaloa and Mazatlán family services (Sistema DIF), the municipality and Fundación Telmex gave away 100 new bicycles to children in 12 communities as part of the program “Help me to arrive” (Ayúdeme a llegar).

100 new bicycles for children in 12 rural communities.

Mónica Araujo Coronel, Director of Community Development of DIF Sinaloa, explained the bikes would provide transportation for those students who often travel over 100 meters daily to stay in school.

The giveaway yesterday is the first stage of the 103,500 peso program.

Sinaloa and Maz DIF and Telmex Foundation are sponsoring the program.

Among some of the communities that benefited from the donation of new bicycles yesterday were Palmillas, Tecomate de Sigueros, Villa Unión, Santa Fe, El Habalito del Tubo, San Francisquito and El Pozoles.

Speaking to the students gathered for the ceremony, Mazatlán Mayor Carlos Felton reminded the children that having a bicycle implies responsibility to care for it and ride with caution.

(from municipal press release)

Pulmonia History

mexified.com

by Howard 

Mar 20, 2015

On December 20, 1965, this strange cart first made its appearance in the city of Mazatlan.  Mr. Miguel Ramirez Urquijo, better known as “El Chicharo” (or “The Pea” in English) was a stark advocate who did much to develop and popularize these 4-wheeled wonders.   The 60’s marked a time of rapid growth and a tourist boom for Mazatlan, and this impelled “El Chicharo” to seek a means of transport that would appeal to all tourists who visit here. The peculiar characteristics immediately attracted the attention of people from all over. The vehicle would be destined not only to become a new form of public transport, but also a veritable and distinctive icon for the city of Mazatlan.

After only one year, the cart had met such widespread acceptance, that Don Miguel imported an additional 16 vehicles. With the assistance of Governor Alfredo Valdés Montoya, he obtained the necessary permits to officially integrate them into the city’s public transportation service – a decisive point in Pulmonia history.

Although, from its inception, this mode of transport was adored by users, it initially encountered considerable opposition. Criticism and pressure from the taxi unions and bus companies, which resented the sharp decline in their services, launched a smear campaign against this new shuttle.

Certainly, these were tough times, but the stark determination of Don Miguel backed by the support of the new Governor, ensured a steady growth for this over-sized golf cart.  After only 3 years of operation, 100 of these carts were circulating throughout the city.

At the height of the smear campaign, taxi drivers would actually stop people when they tried to approach these strange white vehicles.  They warned that they were very unstable, dangerous, lacked privacy and they risked getting “pneumonia” from being in the open air.

As a result of the opposition, the carts were christened: “Pulmonias”.  The name caught on, and today you’ll see over 300 of them roaming the streets of this wonderful city!

Spring Break in Mexico

gomexico.about.com

 

Have a Safe and Fun Spring Break in Mexico: Spring Break is a time to let loose and have fun, but safety concerns are a reality for spring breakers, no matter where you decide to go. Mexico has many popular and fun destinations, and you can make sure your getaway is both safe and fun by following these basic spring break safety tips. 

 

Buddy Up!:

Arrange in advance to stay close to a friend, always stick together and if you're traveling with a larger group, inform others of your whereabouts. This way, if you have any trouble you'll always have someone nearby that you can trust to help you out.

 

Party Smart:

• Know your limits: a few drinks may be part of what you consider a fun time, but remember that drinking too much alcohol will lower your inhibitions and can impair your judgment. Over-imbibing can make you an easy target for thieves, con artists and rapists, and can even lead to alcohol poisoning.
• Obey the law: Mexico's drinking age is 18. Public drunkenness, disturbing the peace and indecent or lewd behavior are against the law
• Keep an eye on your drink, and don't accept drinks from strangers. Be informed about the date rape drug, and what you can do about it.

Stay Away from Drugs:

Mexico has strict laws about possession of drugs, and you can be arrested on a narcotics charge and can face severe penalties if you are carrying even a very small quantity of drugs. You don't want to spend your spring break (or longer) in a Mexican jail. "Just say no": don't import, purchase, use, or have drugs in your possession.

 

 

Be Careful on the Beach:

Take the warning flags on beaches seriously. If red or black flags are up, do not enter the water. Strong undertows and rough surf are common along beaches throughout Mexico. Most beaches do not have lifeguards. Always swim with a buddy. If you get caught in a current, don't try to swim against it, swim parallel to the shore until you're clear of the current.
 

Parasailing, and other beach recreation activities probably don't meet the safety standards that you're used to. Rent equipment only from reputable operators and avoid these types of activities completely if you've been drinking.

 

 

Beware of the Sun:

Avoid too much sun exposure. Sunburn may seem like a fairly trivial concern, but the discomfort and pain of a sunburn can put a big dent in your fun. Wear sunscreen with an appropriate SPF for your skin type, and remember that drinking while exposed to the sun can increase the effects of alcohol and can cause dehydration. Drink plenty of water (bottled of course, you don't want to have to deal with Montezuma's Revenge).

 

 

Practice Safe Sex:

STDs and unplanned pregnancies don't make good spring break souvenirs. If you're going to have sex, use a condom - these can be purchased at any drug store in Mexico - they're called condones ("cone-DOE-nays").

 

 

Take Common Sense Safety Precautions:

Besides these spring break safety tips, you should also take general safety precautions for Mexico travel. Women may face a few particular safety issues while traveling in Mexico. Check out our tips for women travelers.

 

 

In case of emergency:

The emergency telephone number in Mexico is 066 (not 911). You do not need a phone card to call this number from a public telephone. There is also a hotline for tourist assistance and protection:  01 800 903 9200. U.S. citizens may consider contacting the nearest U.S. consulate for assistance in an emergency situation. 

Businesses Criticize Semana Santa Par Vial and Bandódromo

by Maureen Dietrich
17 Mar 15
mazmessenger.com

 

For business owners in the Zona Dorada and Olas Altas, strategies adopted by the municipal government for Semana Santa with respect to the Par Vial and Bandóromo prejudices their sales during the long holiday.

Following the announcement that for the second year the municipality will implement the Par Vial program in the Zona Dorada when all lanes on Av. Camarón Sábalo will be one way from south to north, some store owners on that street and Av. Gaviotas said the program will not improve their sales as happened last year and complained the city did not take them into account nor consult with them.

However, other owners were in agreement with the change saying it allows more people to enter the Zona Dorada to shop and eat.

Business owners in Olas Altas on the other side of the city say they do not want the Bandódromo bandstands near their shops and restaurants.

One restaurant owner stated that the municipality thinks their plan will succeed, but last year was a fiasco with people thinking it was Carnaval.

They also complained about beer stands that were erected last year in front of Olas Altas bars and restaurants, and agreed noise from the bands bothered clients. It is a bad idea, they told reporters, for the municipal government to put the Bandóromo in Olas Altas.

(from Noroeste)