strong>President Felipe Calderón inaugurates airdrome

On the morning of November 5 the new International Sea of Cortez airport of Puerto Peñasco was officially inaugurated. The project, representing an investment of 450 million pesos, is aimed at initiating aerial tourism to this destination,
Surrounded by strong security, Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa presided over the inaugural ceremony of the airport located 30 kilometers from the city, and which will begin by receiving national flights and then expand to international flights.
Governors, developers, business owners, officials from the three levels of government and invited guests participated in the 45 minute event, which opens a new cycle of development for Puerto Peñasco.
During his second visit to Puerto Peñasco, which as the first lasted less than two hours, Felipe Calderón Hinojosa assured the federal government will support the entire community of Sonora.
The Mexican President stated that infrastructure is the key word in boosting the country, and they will work jointly with the state government for the benefit of Sonora towards this end. Read more…

Investment of 30 million dollars to be applied

Through an investment of nearly 30 million dollars, and a vision set on including Metropoli Architects within the comprehensive development of Puerto Peñasco, the project entitled “Puerto Mío, Rocky Point Marina, Resort, and Spa” was recently presented to representatives from different sectors of the city.
The ambitious project, currently under construction, seeks to contribute to improving the urban image of this port, in keeping with the fishing industry, which is also the essence of Peñasco. The project plan was recently presented to business chambers of commerce, tourist developers, state authorities and invited guests.
The entire project will include 28 commercial rental spaces, seven offices for rent, a building that will house 95 apartments for sale, a 180 room hotel, six movie theaters and parking for up to 600 cars, all on an area measuring 46,000 square meters. Read more…

State highway to be expanded to four lanes
During his recent tour to the city, President Felipe Calderón stated there are resources totaling nearly 5.5 billion pesos for the development of infrastructure in Sonora, underscoring the need to expand a four-lane highway from the Don Station to Nogales.
President Calderón ratified his desire to work for the entire Sonoran community, stressing the importance of investing in infrastructure in order to further competition and the welfare of all Mexicans.
In the case of Sonora, he noted that in the current year they will put 1.3 billion pesos towards projects of water, sewage, irrigation, sanitation, and the modernizing of highways and rural roads.
“I know a sensitive issue is the modernization of the highway from Don Station to Nogales, which is the spinal column of the state and has tremendous importance for the economy of the region,” he stated. Read more…

Highlighting musical presentations, paint expositions and other attractions, the 2009 Jazz and Art Festival was inaugurated on Friday, November 13th, as another contribution to the new look of Puerto Peñasco in the area of cultural promotion.
Through the joint efforts of the municipal administration, the Convention and Visitors Bureau and the hotel Peñaso del Sol, the event took place in an endeavor to further the two year initiative of presenting jazz festivals as an attraction for tourism and residents.
During the inaugural ceremony, Mrs. Marcela Albelays de Zepeda, president of the Municipal DIF (Office of Integral Family Development), stressed that festivals such as this and the International Cervantino festival, as well as others they are promoting, are revealing a new look of Puerto Peñasco.
She remarked in the two months of the new municipal administration, and along with the Peñasco community, they have made steps in making Peñasco a better destination and one with an improved image. Read more…

One crew member rescued, five lost at sea

Following just over 12 hours of a search and rescue operation to locate the shrimp boat Carranza II, unfortunately confirmation was given that the ship was lost at sea, apparently due to strong winds and swells on the evening of October 27th.
Members from Civil Protection and rescue, with support from the private initiative, were able to recover one member of the crew, while five others remained missing.
The rescued fisherman, who endured more than 40 hours in critical condition, is Juan Francisco Gallegos Trejo, and was found around 4 p.m. the Thursday after the wreck, floating at sea about 25 miles to the southeast of Puerto Peñasco.
Among the missing crew were ship captain Jesús Alberto Medina García, 55, engine man Jesús Gallegos Adame, 56, and crew men Concepción Canizales Estrada, 56, José de Jesús Montes Ruelas, 53, and Francisco Javier Chacón Zúñiga, 54.
A seventh crew member recorded in the fishing office, Daniel Espinoza Blanco, 29, apparently did not board the boat when it left port. Read more…

With the arrival of approximately 50% fewer bikers over last year, the 2009 Rocky Point Rally still brought in generally positive satisfactory results for Puerto Peñasco, given that a decrease in participants had been expected, reported Oscar Palacio Soto, president of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (OCV).
During a press conference, Palacio Soto indicated according to data they have, from November 5 – 8 there were approximately 2500 to 3000 bikers rolling through town, compared to nearly 6,000 from 2008.
He stressed the important aspect is to acknowledge they were able to salvage the event, with a good turn-out, as the rally had been in risk of not being held this year due to various circumstances.
“For us, the event was a success, given that for approximately five months, the event had been cancelled in the United States; in addition we were able to generate a good flow of tourism and important economic benefits,” he explained. Read more…

Yet, city’s third cemetery is practically forgotten

On November 2nd, thousands of Puerto Peñasco residents and outside visitors flocked to the city’s cemeteries, marking the traditional Day of the Dead in a calm family atmosphere.
The high turn out was very similar at city cemeteries one and two, which contain the most burials, while the third and newest site, located in the Nuevo Peñasco district, received few visitors to the just over 60 graves found there. The city’s third cemetery appears to be practically forgotten by the authorities, lacking a perimeter fence and offering no services.
Beginning Sunday, November 1st, and throughout practically all of Monday, the 2nd, children, adults and the elderly made their way to the cemeteries with flowers, wreaths, food and even music in memory of their loved ones.
Once again the bringing together of families was the principal goal of the Day of the Dead celebrations, which were replete, as they are each November 2nd, with life and color. Read more…

Call to join efforts to provide health for everyone
Met with positive participation from the Puerto Peñasco community, a Tri-national Health Fair was recently held to help close out the preventive work marking the Third National Health Week.
Representatives from Arizona, the Tohono O’odham Nation and Sonora held this event at the Plaza a la Madre, in an effort to once again take up and strengthen cooperative efforts in the area of health.
Nearly 10 informational booths concerning the flu, early detection, and personal health care, among others, were set up around the Plaza and received a welcome response particularly from older adults, the opportunities program and the community in general.
Andrew Lorentine, member from the Tohono O’odham nation, highlighted the positive response to this effort of tri-national cooperation supporting communities along the border. He noted this is key to truly progress in solving health problems that affect the zone shared by Sonora, Arizona, and the indigenous nation equally. Read more…

After their boat had encountered engine problems, leaving them adrift on the high seas, three fishermen were recently rescued safe and sound.
The timely intervention of the Naval Sector and the Municipal Police allowed for the rescue of the fishermen, identified as brothers Raúl Valdez Ortega, José Alberto Valdez Ortega and another individual known solely as Juan “El Buzo” (the diver).
Official information indicates that around 8:10 p.m. on October 19th, Mrs. Clara Ortega Javalera went to local police office No. 5 to report that her two nephews, both fishermen, were missing.
She reported that Raúl and José Alberto Valdez Ortega had gone fishing, accompanied by Juan “El Buzo,” aboard the vessel “Carmelita” in the area of the Pinta estuary around 3:00 a.m. that Monday, and had not returned.
Given the situation, the Municipal Police called in the Naval Sector, whose members launched a search and rescue operation in adherence with their objective of protecting lives at sea. Read more…

Ramón Corral urges diversification of markets

Given the severe drop in the commercialization of shrimp from Mexico, methods are being sought to promote the reactivation of prices in a positive manner for local producers, reported Ramón Corral Avila, local director for the National Fishing Commission (CONAPESCA).
After indicating the diversification of markets is urgent to assure the problem with commercialization is not cyclical, he expressed this may be possible through the Rural Financing and Trust Instituted in Relation to Agriculture (FIRA), in order to strengthen suppliers.
He stated, even though they expect a slight recovery towards the end of the year, within the federal government there is tremendous concern because the shrimp market situation is very difficult.
Until this recovery happens, he added, they are looking for financial support so that in one way or another they can regulate the market, through steps of freezing and conserving the shrimp for a period, in order to prevent market saturation. Read more…

Rodger and Jeanette Clifton to continue supporting project

An agreement to promote the ongoing efforts to open the Municipal DIF (office of Integral Family Development) children’s shelter was recently established between Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro and Rodger and Jeanette Clifton, following a meeting at city hall.
After meeting with the supporters, who have adopted Peñasco as their home, the city leader once again reiterated the interest of the municipal administration to begin operation of the children’s shelter as soon as possible.
The Mayor remarked that this couple has been one of the principal benefactors for the construction of the children’s shelter, which will be run by the Municipal DIF.
He stated that during the meeting with the Cliftons, they agreed to continue promoting this very important project, which will help resolve problems of children who have been abandoned or neglected to assure they receive comprehensive care and subsequently are able to reintegrate with their families.
Zepeda Munro stated that precisely with respect to the situation of the shelter, his wife Marcela Albelays de Zepeda is set to meet with John Swanson Moreno, State DIF director, in order to discuss the existing needs regarding the opening of the home located next to the Basic Rehabilitation Center.
The Mayor added that although the construction of the building is complete, more components are required to finish equipping the space, as well as resources to contract and train administrative and operation personnel who will work with the children as needed.

The facilities of the home for the elderly José Dávalos Valdivia will be modified to broaden capacity to care for and house more individuals, remarked Rubén Rodríguez Rico, board president.
Rodríguez Rico stated they have programmed to invest nearly 120,000 pesos in order to improve the home in order to open up eight more spaces, thereby increasing care capacity by 30%.
The idea, he explained, is instead of being able to house 18 individuals, which is the current capacity, it will be possible to care for a total of 24 elderly adults.
He explained in order to extend the capacity of the home for the elderly, they are currently in the process of raffling off a Jeep, donated by Rodger and Jeanette Clifton, with which they hope to raise nearly 150,000 pesos for the programmed investment. Read more…

In fulfillment of an offer made by municipal authorities, and to directly benefit children with disabilities at the Montaña Center for Multiple Care, a horse was recently presented to the school to assist with equine therapy.
Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro presented the mare, which will be used for support therapies for children with cerebral paralysis, Down syndrome, visual disabilities and intellectual incapacities.
Accompanied by his wife, Marcela Albelays de Zepeda, and Municipal Secretary Ramón Campos Santos, the Mayor visited the Montaña school for children with disabilities where he presented the mare to Arminda Saint Clair de Infante, school director.
The Mayor was overjoyed with the happiness of the children and their parents upon receipt of the horse, as from now on the young children will be able to receive equine therapy and strengthen their routines and specialized care. Read more…

Planned elimination of post

Fifty days following the beginning of the new administration, the first official was let go after César García González presented his resignation as deputy director of Municipal Public Safety.
The removal of the now former municipal official was confirmed by police director, Erick Landagaray Macías, who reported that García González presented his resignation on the afternoon of November 4th.
He clarified that this does not represent a change, as they are not replacing one person with another. Rather, the decision to leave the position held since September 16 was reached by César García due to personal reasons.
The police chief indicated that currently, the Police department will not be appointing a deputy director as the intent is that this position be eliminated from the department.
Landagaray Macías assured the resignation of César García would not effect the operation of the Municipal Police, as there are those who will take care of this role.

Office to remain without deputy director
The office of Public Safety will remain without a deputy director through the end of the year in order to determine how well the department can function without this role, remarked Mayor Alejandro Zepeda Munro.
The Mayor made this statement with respect to the resignation of César García González from his role as deputy police director, stressing that for the moment they are ruling out other changes within his team.
With respect to the resignation of the now former municipal official, the Mayor explained this decision was due to personal reasons of Mr. García González and he is unaware of any differences between García and Police Director Erick Landagaray Macías.
Zepeda Munro acknowledged there has been a lot of speculation concerning the first resignation from his cabinet, but this should not impact the work and service of the entire municipal administration.
The Mayor stated that, for the time being, they have not considered making other modifications within the Public Safety department or among others of his administration, and he is also not aware of any other officials’ plan to resign.
Nevertheless, he stressed, his commitment with the people of Puerto Peñasco is firm to remove any officials that are not performing their work appropriately, when this is merited.

Five police units to be assigned before end of year

Before the end of the year, at least five patrol units will be assigned to the City of Puerto Peñasco in order to strengthen the Municipal Transit Police; among these one equipped with cutting edge technology, reported Ernesto Munro Palacio, Executive Secretary of Sonora Public Safety.
Munro Palacio remarked there would be support for the Mayor and the director of Public Safety, though this will not taking away from the principal goal of combating insecurity.
He specified the support for 2009 would not be very much, as they are using the rest of the budget for the present cycle. Nevertheless, this will include at least five patrol units, one equipped with cutting edge technology.
The State Public Safety official detailed the technologically equipped patrol unit will contain a data base for Sonora as well for the 31 states of Mexico and the federal district, which will be able to identify any person as well as their background. Read more…

Periodic training announced
The first of a series of intensive training courses aimed at improving the treatment given my municipal police towards tourists, was begun by the State Commission for the Promotion of Tourism, in coordination with the municipal administration.
A group of nearly 40 people from the police department participated in the first phase of training that encompassed awareness in dealing with tourists, and which was held in the police department auditorium.
Arturo Romero Romero Malpica, general deputy coordinator of operations of the State Commission for the Promotion of Tourism, affirmed that this training course is the first in working with the local police. He noted there would be follow-up with more profound themes concerning care for and the detainment of tourists.
He remarked they will seek to have periodic training in Puerto Peñasco, every three to six months at the least. Read more…

Gathering of Sonora media held in Peñasco
During a recent press conference, Eduardo Lemmen Meyer González, President of the Mexican Association of Hotels and Motels for Sonora, remarked there is a lack of more governmental resources aimed at promoting tourism for the most important spots in the state. He explained that so far this year there has been a 22% drop in hotel occupancy throughout Sonora.
Meyer González made this statement at the end of the FAM Tourism Trip, which brought together at least 30 representatives from different media providers from throughout the state.
The leader of the Sonora hotel association stressed that precisely because more resources are needed for promotion, the Federal Secretary of Tourism should not disappear but rather be strengthened as tourism during the next ten years will be the principal income generator in the country.
He indicated they have not fully taken advantage of the 600 kilometers of border with the richest country in the world, and which represents the most travelers, which is the United States. Read more…

Promoting a culture of healthy adults
With the objective of promoting illness prevention among older adults, the Eighth Seniors Week was recently held and included the participation of just over 30 senior individuals.
Local health and social assistance institutions joined efforts in activities held from November 3rd thru the 6th, under the motto of “each day is a new adventure that indicates the road towards a better way to live.”
During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Sara González indicated that this week for seniors is held to honor older adults of Puerto Peñasco, while learning new things along with this important segment of the population.
She remarked that once one reaches a certain age, one is not old because youth is not reflected in the skin but in the heart; this is evident given the number of people who even though they may have some wrinkles on their skin, their hearts are those of adolescents. Read more…