Eclipse and Related Activities
Talk about the upcoming solar eclipse continues to buzz around town as businesses create packages and tours for the public. One of the offerings is a trip on the Princesa Yelapa with snacks and an open bar, which will depart at 4 pm and return about 11 pm. Hugo and Isabel of Expediciones Cielo Abierto are selling the trip at $400 pesos per person and can be reached at 222-3310. Closer to town, the Beach Bar Café at Hotel Molino de Agua is offering their a la carte menu of specialties for a maximum of 50 people. An astronomer will speak about the event and special viewing glasses will be provided, according to manager Daniel Romero. Call 222-1907 for reservations for dinner, which will begin seating at 5 pm. The eclipse is expected between 7:35 and 7:46 p.m., depending on which expert is to be believed. If you have other information of specials related to the eclipse, please contact us at events@mexmags.com with details.

The Third National Congress on Tourism
The theme for the Third National Congress on Tourism, sponsored by CUC (the Centro Universitario de la Costa) is ecotourism. The term has become a buzzword, and the goal is to go beyond the word to the actual methods or principles in making tourism self-sustaining while being supportive to the local population and without damaging the environment. Several of the speakers, among them Drs. Juan Luis Cifuentes and Carlos Virgen Aguilar, were invited to the international conference that took place in Quebec City recently. Other speakers will cover topics such as the perspective of women on alternative tourism, the legal framework of ecotourism and five mistaken ideas on planning and sustaining ecotourism. There will be an event at La Petite France one evening, as well as simultaneous workshops and discussion groups for students and the public. The conference will take place at the Marriott Hotel June 5 to June 8. Call 01-322-226-2271/ /01-322-728-0431 or check CUC.udg.mx/conaturpv2002 for more information.

A New Advisor of Culture for CUC
Speaking of CUC (the Centro Universitario de la Costa, University of Guadalajara), a new advisor of culture has been appointed. Nacho Cadena, or Don Nacho, proprietor of La Petite France among other things, has agreed to coordinate activities of cultural interest especially for the students of CUC. This is not just a passing fancy on the part of Don Nacho. He has long been involved in hosting cultural activities, artists and writers in his restaurant. The second floor gallery is a convenient place for such events, separate from the dining area. On Wednesday, June 5, there will be an homage to Gustavo Ruelas, an aviator related to the history of Puerto Vallarta, and on Thursday, June 6, the program, yet to be confirmed, will be held in conjunction with the conference on tourism that CUC students of tourism are coordinating. For further details, call 293-0900 and ask for Monica, or check the website at www.lapetitefrance.com.mx. Other involved citizens are included on the new culture board, and recently Mayor Pedro Ruiz Higuera requested that they nominate the recipients of Premio Vallarta 2002, to be awarded on May 31 for the anniversary celebrations.

June First is Coming
The Ayuntamiento didn’t have much information, as the Director of Transit as well as the Director of Public Security were both at the APEC conference in Marina Vallarta, but this much seems to be confirmed for the changes in downtown traffic: an agreement was reached among the Director of Transit and the three major local bus companies regarding reducing traffic through downtown by 50%. How this was done, how it was decided, was not information that could be obtained due to the absence of the players. In any case, the situation in relation to the taxis seems to be unresolved as of yet. The decision of the city was to limit taxis to specific stands to be called into the downtown area by radio. The long-range plan is to eventually cut down all traffic, making the downtown a ‘walking mall’, but the city is allowing for reconsideration in its six-month test period.

New Pedestrian Bridge to Connect Malecón with Olas Altas Area
City Hall has approved and signed the allocation of almost 5 million pesos, half to be provided by the city, for the construction of two issues related to tourism. The first is the completion of the malecón with a pedestrian bridge that will ultimately lead to the walkway along Los Muertos beach. The design has not yet been unveiled, nor the developer named, but completion is scheduled for December 31. The other project, possibly more urgent, is to construct the road leading to the golf courses, presumably the new ones both in Nuevo Vallarta and in Ixtapa. The state has agreed to put up the other half of said amount to complete the funding. Both entities have 15 days from the signing of the agreement to deposit the funds into the proper account.

“Come to the Cabaret”
The Santa Barbara Playhouse is heading into the summer season with Spotlight Productions’ performance of “Come to the Cabaret”. Directed by Kathleen Hennen, the variety show will feature five performers: Mikki Prost, Billy Bachus, Kathy Overly, Álvaro Castillo and Ann Marie Danimus. There will be song and dance, there will be solos and duets. You’ll recognize the songs, such as “Money makes the World go ‘Round”, “The Lady is a Tramp”, and of course, “Come to the Cabaret”. As a dinner theater with limited cabaret seating, the tickets must be reserved in advance at $250 pesos per person. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm downstairs in the newly air-conditioned theater. “Come to the Cabaret” will run Friday, Sunday and Monday from opening night on May 31 through the end of June. Call 222-4477 or 223-2048 for reservations. Santa Barbara is located at 351 Olas Altas.

International Carrier Pigeon Competition in Vallarta
You may ask what carrier pigeons have to do with the modern day and age. The truth is that raising and training the pigeons is a sport, even a competitive one. But did you know that even in these advanced times, there are specific events wherein carrier pigeons have been used? Most recently, in both World Wars, pigeons were used extensively for across-battle-line communication. During the early 1950s, they were used for ship-to-shore communications in Sasebo, Japan. And until as late as 1988, they were the unique and only method of communication in the east Indian state of Orissa between 400 isolated police battalions, where they still keep them fed and trained, despite having switched to two-way radios. Here in the state of Jalisco, there have been previous competitions, but this is the first one to which international entrants were invited. So far, competitors have been accepted in the USA and Germany, and have sent their pigeons ahead to be trained. Yes, the pigeons, at the age of two to three months, scions of champions, are sent ahead to be trained to recognize a dove-cot as their own. The dates of the convention are July 5 to 12, and include a number of family events and tours in addition to the three-tier competition of pigeons. “It’s important to us that this be a family event,” said Peter Marchesín, President of the local chapter of Colombophiles. “In the past, the events were attended only by the men, and the families, our wives and children, were left at home. We decided to break the mold and make it totally a family affair.” The pigeons are housed in dove-cots at the Hotel Molino de Agua, one of the major sponsors of the event. In the photo, Raimundo Ávila carefully puts the pigeons into crates for transportation. On Tuesday, May 28, the first local release was done in the neighborhood of the central bus station. Within half an hour, the first four pigeons had returned. It took the larger group of about 40 pigeons another 15 minutes to catch up, while the stragglers came in just long of an hour. “Each week we add about 30 kilometers, as a part of their strength and orientation training,” explained Peter.

APEC in Puerto Vallarta
High-level economic meetings took place this week at the Marriott Hotel with the highest level of security. In fact, security was one of the issues being discussed at the summit. At least it was discussed as it relates to international commerce, much of which has been affected by the increased security post Sep 11. The two other major issues were related to removing obstacles within the free market and liberalization of merchandise and investments. The APEC, or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, finds itself the busiest economic region in the world at this time, and Mexico, as such, is in a position to effect change and create new relationships with the other countries within the summit. Small business in relation to international commerce was the first major issue to be discussed, in view of the fact that 30% of exports flow from them. The major problems have to do with high tariffs and further elimination of trade barriers. Briefly, President Vicente Fox joined the group meeting on Wednesday.

Happy Birthday, University Radio
Celebrating its first birthday this Saturday, June 1, the Red Radio Universidad, FM104.3, through director Angelica Carmona, invites the public to the campus at CUC for an all-day celebration to begin at 1 pm. The event will open with a conference featuring journalist Carmen Aristegui. At 4 pm, the music of Tito Rodríguez with his jazz band begin in the new auditiorium. Free admission to the public. Also featured are PV All Star “Rock y Blues”. The party will continue at Christine, but by special invitation only. Happy Birthday, Red Universidad!

Fundraiser at Velas Vallarta for the Church of Guadalupe
On Friday, May 24, at Velas Vallarta Grand Suites a gala fundraiser was held by the Vallartan Friends of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Over 400 people were in attendance at the dinner in the grand ballroom, with everything decorated in white and gold. The event was the kickoff for the first stage of fundraising for the protective roof of copper plates. A model of the roof was available for viewing, and can be viewed currently at the cyber café operated by the Friends president, Miguel Angel Valdez Mora at Independencia 231, just in front of the cathedral. Beautifully minted silver commemorative coins are sold at 220 pesos each to raise the money for the new roof, which cost 1,200 pesos each for the required 750 plates. Don Miguel Angel mentioned that receipts are available for tax-deduction purposes for those businesses who wish to help the cause. The next phase, raising money for the actual crown, will begin once this phase is complete. “The Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe is the symbol of our city,” he mentioned, “and it’s important we take pride in its restoration and maintenance.” Call 223-0322 for more information.

Review: Sports Classic
One of the most inclusive sports events of the year in Puerto Vallarta is the Sports Classic. It encompasses a wide variety of sports, from tennis to volleyball to basketball to football(soccer) to spin bike to aerobics. Originally also scheduled was softball, but the international participating teams were not ready in time. This year there were over 2000 participants, the majority of them local or from other cities or regions in Mexico. The sponsors were myriad, from major international corporations to newspapers to small local restaurants and hotels. Quoting Howard Kelsey, President as well as former Canadian Olympic Basketball team member, the most important thing was to “just have fun”. There were stars, like the Olympic basketball players and the pro-beach volleyball male teams from Spain and Mexico, but the real stars of the events were the participants. Families were involved together, some participating, some keeping score, or maybe backup support needed so heavily in an event such as running.

Review: Cultural Festival
The Cultural Festival continues through the end of the month, May 31, when on Friday at the malecón classical mariachi topped off with fireworks will celebrate the anniversary of the city. Last year was the big celebration, for 150 years, but this year you can still expect the event to be a big splash. This year the Cultural Festival included a number of alternative events such as the Theater Group of Nahualpilli, several high school groups such as the Rondalla from the regional high school and the ‘live chess’ event sponsored by the alumni. Music events ranged from the ‘folk’ songs of Eugenia León to mariachi to classical piano to trova. Several evenings of dance were performed by the Xiutla Ballet folk dancers in addition to samba Brasileña by Bosa Boa. The variety of events proved that Maria Jose Zorrilla, the Director of Culture, truly attempts to provide something for everyone.

Review: Triathlon
The annual International Triathlon, held several weeks ago, was one of the most organized sports events that Puerto Vallarta has had recently. It seems each year it gets better. To many, it may seem an inconvenience as traffic is rerouted, backing up on major routes. The airport and central bus station become essentially inaccessible and the uninformed suffer. But to the Vallartense that can take part in or enjoy the triathlon, the experience is a very different one. This year, after last year’s changes, was coordinated and choreographed to be one of the year’s best sports events. First, the swimming event was just off the malecón, beginning in front of Las Palomas restaurant, with a clear view for all the public of their two laps around very clearly visible buoys. When the swimmers stumbled out of the surf, they ran up the sandy slope to run to a transition area that served them throughout the triathlon. Each participant had her own space for equipment, bike, changes of clothing. From that transition area, each ‘tri-athlete’ took his bike down the ramp to head into the course which brought him through the tunnel to the stadium and back again. Once again in the transition area, the athlete could change his clothes for the final running event, from the malecón to Nicaragua and back again. In this way, the malecón became a central viewing point for all the activities. The only complaints, at least vocally, were from taxi drivers, who complained about lack of access during one of their lucrative days.

TODAY
The long-awaited Sports Classic is finally in full-swing. The event, running from May 24 to May 26, comprises an interesting combination of volleyball, basketball, spin bike, tennis, soccer, aerobics, softball and 5K and 10K runs. Individual competitions take place at the Sheraton Buganvilias, the municipal stadium and the malecón. There are over 2000 participants, the majority of these in soccer, or futbol, where 70 teams are competing in several divisions. Watch for the aerobics, led by Nora Covarrubias, on the malecón, as well as the spin-bike competition, at the entrance to the stadium. For pro-beach volleyball, the street between the Sheraton Buganvilias and the Blue Bay will be open for public access. A surprise arrival was the volleyball team from Spain, which will play an exhibition match with the men’s team from Mexico at 2 pm on Saturday. Tennis will be played at the tennis courts at both the Sheraton and the Continental Plaza. The runs, 5K and 10K, will take place on Sunday at 8 am from the Sheraton to the Holiday Inn and back. Evening entertainment will be at Carlos O’Brian’s, Christine and the Hotel Bar at the Sheraton.

Fiestas Culturales Continue
Working toward the climax of fireworks with classical mariachi at Los Arcos for the annual birthday celebration of Puerto Vallarta, every night is a celebration of music, dancing, art and theater. The venues vary, from Los Arcos downtown to the public library to the regional high school to various plazas and parks throughout the city. Some events are repeated several times in different locations, others are unique. Check the program as the variety is quite notable. The final celebration will take place at Los Arcos on May 31 at 9 pm. It promises to be a colorful experience of sound and sight. If you haven’t experienced mariachi with fireworks off the malecón before, don’t miss it.

Our Lady of Guadelupe Fundraiser

The fundraiser for the crown of Our Lady of Guadelupe Cathedral is taking place Friday, May 24, at Velas Vallarta Grand Suites Resort in Puerto Vallarta. The Vallartan Friends of the Cathedral are selling silver coins, specially minted for the 150th anniversary of Puerto Vallarta, at a price of $220 pesos with a tax-deductible receipt. To view the model of the proposed repairs, stop in to see it at 411 Hidalgo. Included in the design are 750 copper plates, each costing $1200 pesos. Those interested in funding this important symbol of Vallarta are encouraged to attend the event or call 223-0322 for more information.

Sigrid Appearing
Our annual May resident, Sigrid Sunstedt, is singing her heart out at El Rincón del Pirulí each week. Sigrid opened May 18 with her homage to cabaret from Berlin to Paris to New York. In Berlin, Sigrid says, “Everything was for sale and anything was possible.” In ‘Love for Sale’, she continues, “Who is willing to pay the price for a trip to paradise?…I’ll give you for your ration my passion…and boy, these goods are HOT!” Sigrid sings her translations as well as the German and French lyrics. “Sometimes I prefer the original, it depends on how I feel.” Come to hear her at El Rincón del Pirulí, in the Plaza Genovesa as she continues her show Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday May 27-29 at 10 p.m.

“Come to the Cabaret”
Never resting on laurels, Santa Barbara Restaurant is heading into the summer season with Spotlight Productions' performance of “Come to the Cabaret”. Directed by Kathleen Hennan, the variety show will feature five performers: Mikki Prost, Billy Bachus, Kathy Overly, Álvaro Castillo and Anne Marie Danimus. There will be song and dance, solos and duets and quintets. As a dinner theater, the tickets must be reserved in advance at $250 pesos per person. Dinner begins at 7:30 pm downstairs in the newly air-conditioned theater. “Come to the Cabaret” will run Friday, Sunday and Monday from May 31 through the end of June. The Santa Barbara is located at 351 Olas Altas.

Coming Up
With all the action downtown these days, it would be difficult to miss out on the news of the coming changes. In recent talks involving the Hotel and Motel Association, the union of taxis, the three major city bus lines, City Hall and downtown merchants, an accord was reached to change downtown traffic. Due to problems of pollution as well as safety, as of June 1 downtown traffic is pledged to be reduced by 50 percent. How this will be done is still under discussion, as the taxis have not given their affirmative vote to stick to one taxi stand on 31 de Octubre and be on call by radio. The conclusion is that a six-month transition will give time to find a way to make all of downtown a walking mall. There are obvious problems to be worked out, such as parking, crossing to each side of downtown, transportation of materials and supplies, and access for handicapped. The positives, those that have to do with tourism and preservation of the character of a typical small town in Mexico, are presumed to outweigh the negatives. A trial period as planned will give the residents as well as the tourists the opportunity to review the results.

Eclipse News
It seems that Puerto Vallarta is the ideal spot for viewing the eclipse this year, the first in many years. Not everyone is in agreement as to whether the event will be seen, weather and sky conditions will determine that. With El Niño back this year, the chances are the late afternoon sky will be overcast. Lectures that day held at CUC, the University of Guadalajara campus in Ixtapa, will address the function and place of the eclipse in time and history as well as in science. All speakers are arranged by the Astrological Society of Guadalajara. An astrological event hasn’t raised as much excitement since the meteor showers seen last year.

Honor Thy Mother
Mothers Day, May 10, is probably the most important secular family holiday in Mexico. In the north, it’s the nearest Sunday, May 12. Whichever day you prefer, remember your mother on Mothers Day. Remember the one who changed your diapers, if you wore any. Remember the one who wiped your nose when you came in from the cold without that jacket she reminded you to wear. Remember the one who told you that you were beautiful when your classmates made fun of you. Remember the one person who will never forget you. Happy Mothers Day!

Grand Openings
This week finds us waiting at the doors of several new establishments. First among these is the Wal-Mart Superstore. Tuesday, May 14, is the date for that long-awaited opening. Promising to offer merchandise at reasonable prices, manager Enrique Barrios said, “All our prices are already so special that we see no reason to offer promotions for our opening.” Located right next to Sam’s Club with a view of the marina, the parking will be the envy of the city. Come on Tuesday, or come any day, to see why residents of Puerto Vallarta are so ready for this store to open.

The grand new hotel in Nuevo Vallarta, Hotel Riu Jalisco, part of a Spanish national chain, opens on Wednesday, May 15. Actually a ‘soft’ opening, the hotel is in the final throes of finishing what has been a big project of over 600 rooms. If this weren’t enough, they will begin the continuation, another 880 rooms, this summer. It is an all-inclusive property, located beyond Hotel Marival. The rooms all have ocean views, with an interior court garden in a Mediterranean style.

The University del Valle de Atemajac, or UNIVA, broke ground this week on their proposed new site, with the presence of the governor of Jalisco, Francisco Ramírez Acuña, as well as the present rector, Santiago Méndez Bravo. The rector quoted Jesús Reyes Heroles, “To educate costs, but not to educate costs more”. More than 32 million pesos are necessary for the first phase, to be completed within seven months. There will be 23 halls, laboratories, workshops, cafeterias, a library, administrative offices, parking for 340 cars, and gardens. The governor applauded this important step to guarantee the rights of every citizen for an education and better opportunities for all.

Charity Begins in Pajamas

Lori Paul, in her last night at The Palm (508 Olas Altas) this Saturday, May 11, at 10:30 p.m., offers all proceeds of the evening to two local charities, the orphanage in Mismaloya and the Animal Protection Association. In fun, she suggested coming in pajamas. “I have a killer negligee that I’m dying to wear,” she said. “Come in pajamas. Or if you don’t wear any, come in a sheet. But come!” Lori Paul, from Vancouver, has been enchanting audiences with the blues and offerings from her soul. She has hit her stride. In her own song, “I’m Bleeding”, she sings, “You who know me well know there are things I’m dying to tell; in a voice that’s softly pleading, all I can say is I am bleeding.” Farewell, Lori, and come back soon!

Charity in Running Shoes
The Terry Fox Run is coming up Sunday, May 19. Chaired by Lynn Benoit, Honorary Canadian Consul, the marathon is to raise funds for fighting cancer. Friday, May 10, is the final day to sign up, so if you haven’t done so, get going to the Canadian Consulate located at the main Plaza downtown. You receive your instruction form as you register. Too far to go? Try by Internet at Vallarta@canada.org.mx. Run!

Running Still
Speaking of running, watch out for the triathlon participants this Sunday, May 12. Already the downtown area is set up for viewing the swimming events right off the malecón. The second event, cycling, leaves the Presidencia Municipal along Libramiento through the tunnel to finish at the Agustín Flores Contreras stadium. The final event, running, will follow last year’s route to finish up again at city hall downtown. If you have plans to leave the city toward the airport any time that morning, you will find that the routes are restricted or closed. This includes a triangle from the downtown area, the Libramiento through the tunnels, and the route back to downtown from there. The suggestion is to leave at least an hour earlier than usual. Or, stick around as a spectator.

Classic Running
If you’re not tired of sports yet, stick around for the next event, the Sports Classic, back for the ninth year the last weekend in May. Howard Kelsey, president, welcomed back the main event, the Dos Equis Lager Pro-Beach Women’s Volleyball. Included in the 24 teams will be four Olympic teams from Australia and the Americas. Other events are basketball, with NBA and Olympics team players from the US and Brazil; Spin Bike, tennis, soccer, softball, aerobics and a 5K run.

Put on Your Chef Hat
Chefs, get ready! On May 17 and 18, as part of Exprotur, the Vatel Cup of Culinary Arts will take place at Hotel Velas Vallarta. The Puerto Vallarta Chapter of the Vatel Club of Mexico is presided by Thierry Blouet, chef at Café des Artistes. The objective is to choose the best chef in this culinary-rich city. Eight pairs will be selected, based on recipes previously submitted. In the final test, the chef and assistant will be required to prepare a two-course meal, an appetizer and main course, based on surprise ingredients from a basket. Two vying entrants are Victor Hugo Ávalos Rizo and César Pelayo Garcia, both chefs at The River Café. Good luck, gentlemen. On your marks! GO!

Festival Fun
Please don’t be confused by the headlines in all the papers about the cancellation of the Fiestas de Mayo. There are two festivals, one named as mentioned, which was cancelled, and then there are the Fiestas Culturales de Mayo, which are quite different. Fiestas Culturales is a pleasurable cultural event of music and dancing. Organized by the Department of Culture’s Maria José Zorrilla, the opening number, at Los Arcos at 8:30 pm on May 17, is a singer famous throughout the country, Eugenia León. A variety of events follow, with music ranging from mariachi to classical to band to jazz and rock. A schedule is available at city hall, or you can access the events on our event calendar.

Sigrid Revisited
You may remember Sigrid Sunstedt from her performance “Marlene Revisited” at The Palm this winter. She is back and will appear at the Rincón de Pirulí, a club in Plaza Genovesa on Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio. Opening on Friday, May 24, Sigrid surveys cabaret in an award-winning program she performed on Broadway, called “Toujours Cabaret”. Known as a chanteuse and winner of awards as a performer since she began her one-woman shows of song in the early nineties, Sigrid comes to us from New York. She was born in Germany and in her university years found herself captivated by jazz and the blues. Following her star, we are fortunate to welcome her back to Puerto Vallarta!

Mosquito Watch
As we head toward the rainy season, possibly earlier this year due to the ubiquitous El Niño, the warnings of the mosquito carrying dengue have begun appearing. Some things you should know: water should not be left to stand uncovered, such as in an outdoor pond or the basins of potted plants. It should be changed at least every eight days to prevent hatching of any of the larvae. There is no known vaccine to prevent dengue fever. The best cure is prevention.

Ambulance Service
If you should get sick, if there should be a health emergency, who can you call? Pamela Thompson of Global Life Flight and Ground Ambulance has placards for the door of your home, apartment or hotel. On this placard, you fill in your address and phone number, in order to better repeat them in case of emergency. The card has the phone number of Global, an ambulance service based out of San Javier Hospital, is on duty 24/7 and always has a doctor on board who speaks English. Pictured are Dr. Jaime Zayas on the right with his ambulance crew. With two fully equipped vehicles staffed by licensed and certified paramedics as well, one ambulance is at San Javier while the other is at the Mayan Palace in Nuevo Vallarta. With an office in the airport, Global operates several Learjets for international flights to anywhere the patient needs. Locally, Pam coordinates first-aid and CPR training for local businesses and other groups. She can be contacted at global@sanjaviermarina.com for further information. Be prepared.

L'opera Announces May Schedule
After a successful first month, Puerto Vallarta’s new art cinema has announced their schedule of upcoming films. These have been organized as cycles and include a gay/lesbian film series on Wednesdays, an arts series on Thursdays and Fridays, films by director David Lynch on Saturdays, and favorite films on Sundays and Tuesdays. Aside from a comfortable (and air-conditioned) theater, L’opera is a perfect place for afternoon or evening coffee, or even a light meal. Other upcoming events include poetry readings, dance performances, art workshops, lectures and more. L’opera is located at Encino 287, second floor, next to the Isla Cuale on the Mercado Municipal side. Check out their complete schedule in our Online Calendar of Events or telephone them at 222-7378.

Upcoming Hawaiian Fundraiser for Puerto Vallarta Children
El Dorado restaurant (Olas Altas St. at Los Muertos beach) will host the annual Hawaiian Dinner Dance to benefit the children of the Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza (RISE Orphanage). The fundraising event will take place May 18 at 8 PM. Ticket price is $225. Drinks are not included; however, there will be door prizes and other amenities, such as a silent auction. RISE has given children in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, hope for a better life. RISE is a non-profit organization, which is a shelter for babies and children under the age of 13 who have been turned over by DIF, a Mexican government organization that protects the rights of children. The center opened its doors in March 2001. Today, RISE already is a shelter for 34 children, although the original capacity is for 22 children. For more information, please contact Sudy Coy at 222-5765.

Fundraiser to Preserve Guadalupe Cathedral
In addition to selling silver mint-condition coins celebrating the 150th anniversary of Puerto Vallarta for 220 pesos each with a tax deductible receipt, Vallartan Friends of the Cathedral will hold a gala dinner at the Velas Vallarta Grand Suites in Marina Vallarta May 24 to benefit Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral in downtown Puerto Vallarta. Required repairs to this internationally recognized symbol of Vallarta include 750 copper plates costing 1,200 pesos each. Call 223-0322 or 221-0091 and ask for Sr. Angarita’s secretary for more information.

San Javier Hospital Comes to the Rescue
The International Friendship Club's long-running Cleft Palate Program, which performs as many as 14 surgeries every three months, ran into a bump in the road, so to speak, this past surgery session. The Regional Hospital, where the surgeries normally are preformed, has had some structural problems in the area of their operating rooms and the surgeries were going to be canceled. Patricia Mendez, director of the program, put the word out around town that operating rooms were needed and received a phone call from Pamela Thompson at Global Ambulance Service that San Javier Hospital, under the direction of Dr. Fernando Flores, would be willing to donate their operating rooms. Everything needed for the surgeries was moved from Regional to San Javier via Global ambulances and the surgical staff moved into action on new ground. Many thanks to Dr. Fuentes and the entire hard-working medical team who make these surgeries possible and thanks to Hospital San Javier Marina for their generous donation.