As we promised in our July edition, we present excerpts here from a brief interview we held with mayor elect Alejandro Zepeda Munro, triumphant victor in the recent elections held July 5th, who hails from the National Action Party (PAN). During basically an informal chat, he outlined for us what his initial steps will be as Mayor.

JOINUS: First of all, we would like to thank you for your time while congratulating you on your triumph in the recent elections. Beginning with the first question; what steps will there be for the transition? Clearly a commission must be formed to work with the current administration in order to begin working on coordinated plans for the turning over of the city government.

Alejandro Zepeda: That’s right. We are already putting together a team; shortly I will reveal information concerning the transition team. This will not be the same team that will serve in the cabinet; I will provide information regarding the cabinet two days prior to my swearing in and no one is definite other than the treasurer, who I have already Read more…

An Enormous Step Forward in Improved Care for Unprotected Children.
Moments of great emotion were experienced at the formal inauguration of the Municipal DIF children’s shelter, “Amores de Peñasco “. This project will make its mark with the opening of the first center of its type in Puerto Peñasco, signifying an enormous step forward in improving attention for unprotected children.
Tears, laughter and enthusiasm combined in the ceremony that took place the afternoon of June 26 in Colonia Oriente. Mayor Heriberto Rentería Sánchez, together with his wife Minerva Ramírez de Rentería, cut the ribbon marking the completion of this new structure. Approximately six million pesos were invested in this building.
This event is a momentous occasion in the history of Puerto Peñasco. It marks the beginning of a new road towards realizing a dream that will without a doubt brighten the lives of many children who suffer abuse and abandonment by their families, remarked Mayor Heriberto Rentería Sánchez. Read more…

John and Kathy Witt
John & Kathy have been enjoying Rocky Point for 10 years. As Licensed Sonora MX agents, they have worked at Las Palomas Sales and in January joined ERA. John has been a licensed AZ agent for 5 years, and has experience in WI as a Licensed Broker and Office manager with Century 21, and worked for Las Palomas Resales for 3 years. John loves construction and has built several homes and businesses, as well as many remodels. One of John’s projects is their full service hair salon in Phoenix that they have owned for the last 10 years. Kathy has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology, and a Master’s degree in Training and Develoment, with a background in teaching for the technical college system in Wisconsin. Read more…

Celebrating 82 years since the establishment of Puerto Peñasco
The “Agua y Sol” community festivities recently wrapped up successfully, marking the 82nd anniversary of this city. The event had been organized by city hall through the Office of Civic Action, reported a press release.
The celebration began on Friday, July 10th with the presentation of Manuel Ballesteros’ dance show Assando, which captivated spectators gathered at the Governors’ Plaza in the Founders’ Malecón in the old port.
On behalf of Mayor Heriberto Rentería Sánchez, City Trustee Francela López Castro carried out the official opening of the celebration set up at the malecón, so that the entire town could come together for such an important event.
López Castro, accompanied by the director of Civic and Cultural Action Ángela Rojo Ruiz, recognized the important presence of the invited artists who gathered to commemorate another anniversary of the establishment of Puerto Peñasco, remembering the pioneers and driving forces of this prosperous community which today has become such an important tourist destination. Read more…

Average hotel occupation of 70% meets expectations.
Puerto Peñasco welcomed at least 6,500 visitors over the recent July 4th weekend, marking the celebration of U.S. Independence Day. Accommodation providers reported an average occupancy rate of 70%, meeting general expectations for the holiday, reported Rafael González Valenzuela, Director of the city’s Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV).
The OCV Director acknowledged the “Dry Law” (prohibited sale of alcohol) over the weekend due to the electoral process had a negative impact, resulting in a reduction of economic intake particularly for restaurants, as well as convenience and liquor stores.
Nevertheless, he remarked, with respect to the number of visitors, all in all it was a good weekend. On Friday, occupation rates came in at 1,036 rooms, or 63%; on Saturday this reached 1,136 rooms, 70%; and on Sunday 770 rooms, 43%. Read more…

On June 10th, the Pinacate and Desert of Altar Biosphere Reserve celebrated turning 16.
It was truly an honor to be able to take part in the commemoration. Happy birthday to the Pinacate Reserve and heartfelt appreciation to all the individuals, offices, organizations, ejidos and other friends that have worked to assure the conservation of this area in the heart of the Altar Desert, which is an important part of the Sonoran Desert.

THE PINACATE AND GRAND ALTAR DESERT RESERVE

16 YEARS AFTER ITS DECREE…

· Agreements have been signed with academic institutions including the UABC and ITSPP, with government offices for the State of Sonora, including COFETUR and CEDES, with federal bodies such as SECTUR, and with non-governmental organizations including ENDESU, A.C. and CEDO, A.C. Read more…

Following the victory of Mayor elect Alejandro Zepeda Munro in the city’s elections held July 5th, Puerto Peñasco, as well as the State of Sonora, during the 2009-2012 period will be governed by the National Action Party (PAN).
The Mayor elect obtained the triumphant victory with a 2,000 difference in votes over his closest opponent. Zepeda celebrated into the early hours of July 6th, along with his supporters, upon winning the mayoral race.
In general, the electoral process took place in an atmosphere of calm and civility. The principal problem reported was due to the late opening of practically all of the voting sites, which finally opened up around 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. There was even one center that didn’t open until 11:00 a.m. due to a lack of ballots.
The only notable incident reported by police authorities was the detention of a group of 25 youth armed with baseball bats, brass knuckles and knives, whose faces were covered with bandanas, picked up around 5 p.m. in the Nuevo Peñasco neighborhood and then taken to the Examining Judge on charges of alleged gang activity. Read more…

While exceeding expectations, and with the participation of 70 entrants, some 55% more than last year, the city’s second deep sea sportfishing tournament recently took place.
In spite of the weather, which hindered the Saturday activities, the tournament was finally able to take place and concluded the following evening with prizes awarded to the different categories.
Oscar Palacio Soto, president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV), affirmed that thanks to the collaboration of the organizers and the panel of judges, as well as the help of the State and Municipal governments, despite the adversities of weather the event met successful expectations.
The president of the OCV said this serves to advance the objective of having the deep sea sportfishing tournament become a traditional and symbolic event, and yet another attraction for tourists.
Ana Laura Sáenz Arvizu, regional representative of Tourism, highlighted the participation and enthusiasm of all involved in the competition and called for preparations for the next edition, which is tentatively scheduled for May, 2010, with hopes for better weather conditions. Read more…

Dialog begins again with sights set on agreements.
With the expectation to resolve fishing problems in the area of the Upper Gulf of California Reserve within a period of 3 months, dialog has finally begun again to establish definitive decisions concerning the natural protected area.
Local deep sea ship owners and authorities from the three levels of government recently met once again, with sights set on reaching positive agreements on behalf of all involved. They seek to define a final solution to the recurring problem affecting the fishing sector of Puerto Peñasco, given restrictions on shrimping within the area of the Upper Gulf of California.
The ship owners, represented by consultant Ricardo Juárez, expressed they are writing up a statement of environmental impact in which 109 vessels from the city are registered and which should be ready by the end of the month. With this in mind, he added, the request was made that procedures be streamlined to assist with the review of the report. Read more…

Summer tourism brings in important economic flow.
Following an intense economic crisis that has affected everyone in Puerto Peñasco, fortunately it appears a slight positive recovery is beginning to be felt among local businesses and throughout the economy, stated Marco Aurelio Carrillo Suástegui, local president of the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO).
The CANACO President indicated that summer tourism, along with high expectations, has generated a tremendous influx of funds to the area that has reflected both directly and indirectly in organized commerce.
He stressed as they look at the various sectors in the city they can see evidence of positive recovery, which little by little is beginning to occur. There is hope the Peñasco economy will continue growing bit by bit until it once again achieves the levels attained just over two years ago. Read more…

With a total yield of 3,895 tons, production of fish from Puerto Peñasco grew by at least 14% during the first half of 2009, compared with the same period last year, reported César Alejandro Villaescusa Fontes, local Head of the Federal Fishing Office.
Villaescusa Fontes specified that this volume is 490 tons greater than the 3,405 tons of fish caught in January through June of 2008.
He said that of the 13 principal fisheries at work in Peñasco, seven experienced an increase in production and six registered a decrease.
He highlighted that among the resources with the greatest increase were crabs, at 223%, more than double previous production. At the same time the catch of clams, sea slug and hake increased in volume between 40 and 60 percent. Read more…

He expects it to be brief and distinct from previous two.
Just one month away from wrapping up the present three-year administration, there is an important advance in the preparation of the third and final governmental address of outgoing Mayor Heriberto Rentería Sánchez.
The Mayor detailed the document to be presented at the final session of the current City Council under him will concentrate on the principal actions carried out during the last year and throughout his administration.
He remarked it will be done in a different format from his first two addresses, seeking to summarize all of the content in as much as possible. Fortunately, he added, there is a tremendous amount to report on to the Peñasco community, yet they will look to shorten the duration of the address. Read more…

Producers present 73 projects totaling 67 million pesos
Seventy-three productive projects, that would top an investment amount of over 67 million pesos, were recently presented by local ship owners within the program of Productive Assets for fishing and aquaculture for 2009, informed César Alejandro Villaescusa Fontes, local Federal Fishing Office Director.
Villaescusa Fontes indicated the number of projects is practically 20% more than those of last year, which demonstrates that fishermen of the region have noted the reality of resources earmarked to promote this primary sector.
He detailed of the 73 projects presented, 60 are aimed at deep sea fishing, 12 for coastal fishing and one to promote a processing plant of sea products. Read more…

156 pairs of glasses distributed through an investment of nearly 130,000 pesos .
Many people of limited resources in this city have much better vision following receipt of a donation of eyeglasses, made possible through the Habitat program and a mix of local and federal government resources totaling nearly 130,000 pesos.
In total, 156 beneficiaries received eyeglasses, which were distributed in the saturated and hot auditorium of the National Chamber of Commerce (CANACO).
City mayor, Heriberto Rentería Sánchez, headed the distribution of the eye glasses, representing a total investment of 124,800 pesos, of which 50% was donated by the local government and the other 50% by the federal government. Read more…

50% fewer registered than last year.
In the first half of 2009, a marked decrease was registered in the submission of formal complaints against members of the local police, less than half from the same period last year, stated Gilberto López Espinoza, the director of the local comptroller’s office.
López Espinoza estimated that from January to June of this year, a little more than 30 citizen’s reports have been processed for alleged poor performance of public servants, mainly police officers. He noted this number is much less than the almost 70 that were registered by this time last year.
The Municipal Comptroller said that of the total complaints presented by citizens, 20 have already resolved by the Public Safety’s Board of Conduct, Promotion and Recruitment and approximately ten are left pending, which are currently under consideration and in the resolution process. Read more…

Second edition of “Year-round” school program is implemented
With double the number of participating school, while addressing the needs of at least 800 elementary education students, the “Year-round” school program was once again implemented for the summer period, stated Francela López Castro, regional director of the 28th section of the National Educational Workers Union (SNTE).
López Castro pointed out this summer eight educational institutions worked with students during the traditional vacation period, versus the four involved in the program in its first edition last year.
She detailed that participating schools included the Juan Enrique Pestalozzi kindergarten for preschool, while elementary students met at Vicente Guerrero, Jaime Nunó, Miguel Hidalgo, Club Activo 20-30, and Primero de Junio Schools. Similarly, technical secondary schools 20 and 37 were opened with the capacity for each educational center to attend to 100 students. Read more…

Decision comes from assembly of traditional authorities of the Tohono O’odham nation.
Gerardo Pasos Valdez will serve as the ethnic representative during the Puerto Peñasco city legislation for the 2009-2012 period, per an agreement reached by the traditional authorities of the Tohono O’odham nation.
According to the minutes of the assembly, copy of which is part of this release, Pasos Valdez was selected as municipal representative with Sandra Luz León León serving as alternate, and who together will represent the variety of ethnic backgrounds residing within this municipality.
In the act of the assembly, signed by representatives of the eleven Papago communities of the region, it is established that the decision concerning the ethnic representative was made based on the sixth guideline in the Act of the Assembly regulating elections of ethnic representatives, dated June 5, 2009.
The document reports the agreement was reached at 24:00 hours on June 20th during an assembly held at the Traditional Ramada of the Cultural Committee of the Tohono O’odham ethnic group. Read more…

Permits for promotional fishing.
Four more permits for the regional development of the geoduck, or siphon, clam were recently authorized to benefit coastal producers of Puerto Peñasco, stated César Alejandro Villaescusa Fontes, head of the local Fishing Office.
Villaescusa Fontes specified the new approvals are initially for promotional fishing, with the intent of releasing commercial fishing licenses in the future depending on the situation and response of the resource.
He explained that up until June there was only one authorization for the capture of this mollusk; therefore, now there are five coastal cooperatives that will be able to seek out the geoduck.
He expressed this will benefit at least 15 coastal vessels of Puerto Peñasco that will now have an additional fishing production alternative. Read more…

Puerto Peñasco is already beginning to overcome the crisis that has impacted it for two years and it is forecast that investments will begin reacting shortly with the circulation of capital from Europe and Canada, said Lisandro de la Garza Villarreal, Federation President of the Architects Association of the Mexican Republic.
De la Garza Villarreal stated that at a national level there is a good impression of Puerto Peñasco, since it is a very important tourist center that is following in the footsteps of Playa del Carmen.
He expressed that because of the contacts he has had in Europe, Canada, and the United States, the construction industry is already renewing its growth and it is hoped, therefore, that Puerto Peñasco will begin to experience a new flow of important investments. Read more…

Advancement in construction process of new landfill.
Although there are already important advancements in the construction of a new landfill, as well as a standing agreement by City Council for the partial or full privatization of the city’s sanitation services, it will be up to the incoming administration to decide whether to continue with the concession process for a private company to address concerns of trash disposal, affirmed Héctor Israel García Rojas, director of the Operating Body for the Comprehensive Management of Municipal Sanitation Services (OOMISLIM).
García Rojas indicated an executive project for the new trash disposal center is already in place and they are currently doing studies concerning environmental impact and use of soil in order to proceed with the tendering process. Read more…

A plan to cover water at the Oxidation Lagoon aimed at preventing bad odors and the reproduction of flies is presently in the making with the collaboration of a company specializing in the area, reported Everardo Hernández Sánchez, veterinary doctor responsible for the local health organization.
Hernández Sánchez stated that this system, which is already used in other cities to prevent contamination from sewage, consists of covering the contents of the Oxidation Lagoon with a special plastic material, along with the installation of burners to burn off methane gas produced.
In this way, he said, the reproduction of flies would be prevented as the surface of the water would not be exposed to the open air and, in addition, bad odors would be eliminated, since the gas generated would be controlled with the burners. Read more…