Week of April 19

Vallarta Adventures Welcomes Two New Dolphins
Two female dolphins were born in captivity this month at Vallarta Adventures’ Dolphin Center. Weighing approximately 15 kilos (33 pounds), the yet-to-be-named babies are presently at an observation tank along with their mothers. “Their diet consists of milk, but they will switch to fish in about three months,” commented Alex Gomez Rubio, who manages the Dolphin Center. Vallarta Adventures is presently expanding their programs with the construction of a new maternity pool. In addition to their popular “swim with dolphins” activity, they offer a volunteer program through which folks interested in learning more about these amazing animals can get their feet wet—literally! For more information, please contact 297-0707 or visit www.vallarta-adventures.com

The Palm Lounge Presents New Sunday Night Film Series
Nothing beats Vallarta’s hot and humid summers like a nice cold drink in a comfortable air-conditioned room. To that effect, The Palm Lounge, Olas Altas’ trendy bar and live music venue, has decided to put its large video screen and sound system to good use. Beginning this month and continuing through the entire summer season, The Palm will introduce its new “Sunday Night Movies at The Palm” film series. The weekly screenings begin promptly at 9 pm with an episode of the outrageous British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous, followed by a full-length feature. “We want to give folks enough time to finish dinner, get settled and enjoy a classic film in the company of good friends,” commented Mark Rome, one of the co-owners of The Palm. “Whenever possible, we will screen the films with Spanish subtitles, hoping to appeal to a broader audience,” he added. Look for the weekly film schedule on the billboard outside The Palm at Olas Altas 508 or call 223-4818 for more information.

Vallarta to Develop Boca de Tomates Beach
Boca de Tomates Beach is scheduled for a beauty makeover. Located at the mouth of the Ameca River, north of Vallarta, this beach has been a popular destination among locals looking for a nice beach without all the hustle and bustle of Los Muertos and other municipal beaches. This will all change, as Vallarta Mayor Gustavo González Villaseñor has announced plans to overhaul Boca de Tomates and turn it into “the best beach in Puerto Vallarta,” particularly during high tourist influx periods.

Week of April 1

Make-A-Wish Foundation Receives Donation
The cast and crew of "Sylvia," a hilarious comedy performed at Santa Barbara last month, have something to be proud about. Director Beverly Rose had pledged earnings from the show to Make-A-Wish Foundation Mexico. In a touching ceremony that took place on closing night, she presented Make-A-Wish Foundation Mexico director Bob Mandel a check for $45,800 pesos and received an acknowledgement plaque. "My cast and crew worked their hearts out to do a great job for a great cause," she glowed. A successful theater director and an invaluable contribution to Vallarta’s cultural scene, Ms. Rose celebrated her 74th birthday recently. With plenty of energy to spare, she is planning a "tuxedo" version of "The King & I" as her next production, to take place next fall.

Vallarta’s Department of Culture Prepares May Music Festival
Vallarta's perennial May Music Festival will have a new twist, recently announced Manuel Santana, Department of Culture director. A component of the month-long May Festival, the Music Festival will now feature an international focus with jazz and classical music performances, two genres that had been omitted in recent years. Specific information about performers, venues and schedules about the Festival, which will take place May 17 ­ 22, will be made available next week.

Vallarta New Sailing School for Women Begins Operations
Coming About, Vallarta's new sailing school for women, opened its doors after months of careful planning. The brainchild of celebrated author, sailor and painter Pat Henry, the school will offer flexible week- and weekend-long programs to cater to different schedules. Ms. Henry began sailing in 1976 at the age of 35, when a friend with a 50-foot trimaran invited her on a Christmas voyage from San Francisco Bay to Mexico. She subsequently crewed for 40,000 miles on various boats, eventually becoming the first American woman to sail solo around the world. Her book, “By the Grace of Sea: A Woman’s Solo Odyssey Around the World,” published in 2002 by McGraw Hill, became a best seller. For more information, visit www.comingabout.com.

Semana Santa Comes and Goes
Semana Santa, Mexico's religious holiday and Spring Break equivalent, came and went and, as usual, gave everybody something to talk about. The hotel and transportation industries reported increased revenue, as tourists flocked to Vallarta by plane and bus. Not so happy were local restaurant owners, who, as in years past, reported below-average sales. The car-free Malecón program was extended through the entire week, creating bumper-to-bumper southbound traffic jams extending at times all the way to Marina Vallarta. Having witnessed a vehicular influx to Vallarta that by far exceeded everyone's expectations, City Hall officials acknowledged the need for better infrastructure and more parking lots. Despite City Hall's much-publicized “the Malecón is not an open bar” campaign, visitors paid no mind and partied until dawn. As in years past, many improvements to avoid Semana Santa chaos next year have already been announced by City Hall. As in years past, we roll our eyes and wonder if they will be implemented.